Page 6 of Protective

“What’s it say?”

She shrugs and pulls an envelope from the small table beside the couch. “It was sealed up with your name on it, so I left it for you.”

“I’m not opening it.” I shake my head and stuff the note into my pocket. “This is insane. I’m definitely getting the restraining order Monday. This is out of control.”

“You have to read the letter. I’ve been dying to know what it says the whole time you were gone. If I’d known you were going to trash it, I’d have torn it open myself.” She waves her hand toward me as though she wants the note back.

“No. It doesn’t matter whathesays becausehedoesn’t matter. The end.”

She rolls her eyes and leans back on the couch, sipping a diet coke before digging into the crunchy bowl of buttered goodness again. “Look at you, finally moving on. It’s almost like you realized what else was out there. I’m happy for you. I hope this old man eventually makes you want to tear your clothes off.”

I shake my head and bite back laughter as I turn toward the bedroom. “You’re sick, and I’m going to bed.”

“At nine o’clock?Sleepless in Seattleis on.”

I do loveSleepless in Seattle,but right now my pillow is calling my name. I haven’t done this much socializing in months. “Sorry, I’m exhausted. You’ll have to cry extra for me.”

“Love you.” She crunches into more popcorn as I walk down the long hallway toward my room at the back of the house. As much as we like ribbing each other, I know how lucky I am to have Trish. When I came to her talking about how expensive staying in Colorado was versus my studio apartment in Kansas, she was right there with me, willing to split the rent. Without her help, I’d still be a Midwest girl, hoping someone new blew into town because I already knew and couldn’t stand all the local bachelors. Friends like that are irreplaceable.

When I’m finally closed into the bedroom, I strip off my clothes, throw on my night gown, and climb into bed, rethinking the conversations I had with Chevy today. He was so easy to talk to, and I could probably listen to all the stories about his grandparents all day long. I also didn’t hate how easily protecting me came. I haven’t dated much, but most guys aren’t like that anymore. They take care of themselves and expect their woman to as well.

It's not that I mind taking care of myself. Of course, I don’t expect anyone else to coddle me or put me on a pedestal or anything, but knowing there are men out there that still value women with high regard is sort of refreshing. Refreshing and a hell of a lot different than things were with Bryan. Bryan didn’t want to lead, he didn’t want to plan, and he didn’t want to put effort in because somehow asking for his effort was changing who he was.

I don’t know anymore, and I’m tired of trying to figure it out. Whatever letters he’s written, whatever calls he’s making, whatever distance he’s traveled to annoy me doesn’t matter anymore. He can go to hell. I’m moving on.

Part of me wants to go hug Trish for setting the mail order thing up. I didn’t properly thank her for the forced date. I should, because I’m really glad I went. It’s so nice to have a fresh outlook on love again… even if things don’t work out, though I’m already hoping they do. It’s not easy to have a back and forth with a stranger behind a wall, but I think we did pretty good, all things considered.

How old is he really? What if his hair is gray? Does he even have hair? I wonder how tall he is, what his shape is like, what color his eyes are. I wonder if he has deep wrinkles around his eyes, or if his hands are rough and calloused?

The whole thing is wild. I mean, I bet he’s wondering the same about me. He must be, right? He’s the one that asked for the second date. Clearly, he liked where things were going.

I close my eyes and try to envision a version of him that fits his deep voice. A big guy with gray hair, a long beard, broad shoulders, and rough hands.

Why is my clit throbbing to this imaginary version of a human I’ve never met?

I shake off the feeling and click through my apps, looking for something to distract myself as I drift off to sleep. I think I have one of those candy crushing games somewhere, but the second I see the weather app, I think of Chevy again.

I think of him, and suddenly, I’m imagining a life where we spend Sunday on the banks of the river fishing, eating snacks, and being warmed by the sun. Maybe I could sketch again. Maybe he kisses me as we fall onto the grass, and he fucks me right there on the edge of the riverbank. Maybe his big, rough hands can’t get enough and he’s insatiably fucking me over and over again until my pussy aches.

Or maybe… I should slow the hell down.

Chapter Four

Chevy

When I walk into the cabin on the second day, there is a plate of homemade cookies sitting on the table in front of me. Upon closer inspection, they’re my favorite. Oatmeal raisin.

I can’t help but smile at the effort she’s put into the date. No one has ever done anything like that for me before. “These are fantastic,” I say, biting into one as the green light shines. They’re soft and chewy, with a hint of cinnamon.

I can’t see her smile, but I thought about what it might look like all night long. “I hope it’s not creepy, but you mentioned you liked them in your profile, and I had some time this morning. So, I thought I’d grace you with my baking skills. Those won best-in-county at the fair back in Kansas, so you’re kind of eating cookie royalty.”

When I’m around her, I’m not sure I’ll ever stop smiling. “I believe it. They’re the best I’ve ever had. What’s the secret?”

“Can’t tell. That’s how secrets work, but… I see the flowers you left for me.” I hear her smiling again and I’m jealous of the walls on the other side of the room that get to see her glow. “I love wildflowers. Where’d you find them this time of year?”

“My greenhouse keeps the flowers sprouting all year long. It wasn’t intentional. I think a few seeds blew in last winter and a little burst of flowers took over the old pepper patch. Clearly, the universe was preparing me for something.”

She breathes in the aroma. “They’re amazing. Thank you.”

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