Page 14 of Protective

“And yet you pine after her like she’s an option.” I don’t know much about feelings, but I know enough to be aware of the fact that I’m using his drama to ease the stress about my own.

He sighs. “Once you see the perfect piece, it’s hard to see anything else.”

That part is the truth. Heather and I have only had a couple of conversations, but I already know she’s the one.

How fucking dumb is that? I need to get a grip. Two conversations do not equal love, and this is proof that I’d suck at it.

I grumble under my breath and stay focused on the road. “This whole fuckin’ thing is stupid, anyway.”

“Damn, man. Sounds like you need a beer.”

“Truthfully,” I lean forward, as though changing my position will help me see through the snow more clearly, “I probably could. I don’t know what I’m doing right now. I should’ve told Heather who I was when I was trying to help her. She’s going to think I’m a fuckin’ cock if I show up now.”

“Yup,” he laughs, “but it’s gotta happen sooner or later. Might as well happen when she’s trapped and can’t get away.”

“Ha. Ha.” The wind howls and blows the falling snow into a frenzy of white, shaking the truck as I descend the mountain. If I go off the elevation alone, I’ve nearly reached the left turn toward the ranch, but that road is gonna be hard to find in this storm. Not only is the visibility low, but the snow has piled up, and my truck is the only vehicle that’s driven this way since it started accumulating. “I think I’m almost there. I gotta watch for this turn, but I’ll be sure and sign you up while I’m out here. No worries.”

He laughs. “Not sure that’s what I said, man, but good luck. I’ll be rooting for you.”

“Sure ya will,” I groan with laughter in my throat as the sign for the ranch comes into view. I’m gonna have to go past it and come back again, so I don’t spin out trying to turn, but at least I see the direction of the road. Thankfully I’m at a low enough elevation now that I can’t go careening off the edge of a cliff onto the valley floor, though, at this point, a ride over the edge doesn’t sound half as bad as the reality of my dumbass telling Heather that I was the guy stalking her all day.

Chapter Nine

Heather

The cabin at the ranch reminds me of an old-fashioned lodge with shiny log walls and pine floors. There’s even a stone fireplace with a split wood mantle that encapsulates a roaring fire. Thankfully, it’s electric, so starting it only required me to flip a switch. I’m also thankful for the fact that it’s only the vibe of this place that’s old-fashioned. The furnishings are modern and clean. Leathers and furs. Stainless steel and natural wood. Not to mention the whole place smells like Christmas on steroids. Pine and maybe cranberry. I’m terrible with scents, but I’m pretty sure that’s what it is. It reminds me of the airport in Denver. When I first flew in, the whole place smelled like a forest. I wonder if they pump it through the vents.

The wind is howling outside, snapping branches against the windowpane. I close the curtains and grab a snack from the basket that’s by the door. It’s a lot like the one that was in the cabin pod earlier, but this one is bigger and meant for two people. The woman at the front desk said this was to be Chevy’s and my cabin tomorrow, but considering the storm, I was welcome to check in early.

Apparently, there is some food in the pantry as well, but just a few things to get us started. The experiment requires us to do all the things a normal couple would do on a weeklybasis. Part of that is grocery shopping, planning, and staying on budget.

That last part, I’m not so good at. I wonder if Chevy is. We never really got to that conversation, though I bet it was on the list of questions we were supposed to be asking.

My phone rings and I pick it up on the first ring. It’s Trish and I’m sure she’s worried sick by now.

“Hey.”

“Where are you? Have you seen this snow? It’s the worst I’ve ever seen.”

“I’m still at the cabin.” I bite back a grin as I ready myself for her barrage of questioning.

“What? Like the dating place?”

“Yeah. Bryan slashed my tires, and I got stuck here. This guy came to help me, but I was scared, and I didn’t want to get out of the car. Then I remembered I could probably call the ranch house and ask for help, and they sent someone out. Oh, and the hot guy with the gun, took Bryan to the police station.”

Silence ensues for a full ten seconds.

“What?”

“What, what?” I bite into a ruffled chip, crunching as quietly as I can.

“There’s a hot guy with a gun?”

“Yeah.” I crunch another bite. My brain is immediately thankful for the salty carbs. “It’s got me rethinking this whole thing with Chevy. I mean, I like him a lot. We actually,” I puff my cheeks and stop myself from telling Trish every detail, “had a lot of fun in our date earlier, but then this guy shows up at my car today, and sure, I was afraid of him, but I definitely noticed how hot he was. Biceps, triceps, strong shoulders, tall, wide, and sexy as fuck. I don’t know… maybe I’m not ready for a relationship yet.”

“Because you looked at another guy?”

“Yeah. That and I don’t know… this guy peeled into the parking lot, gun drawn like a fucking superhero. He was incredible.”

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