Page 21 of Love Under Protection

I can’t help but shake my head. I came here looking to forget about Sawyer and find myself. I wasn’t expecting to stumble across Harley.

In a few short days, he’s shown me more compassion than any other man in my life, when he never had any reason to.

Just a fling.The words ring in my head.

A knot forms in my chest, and I rub at the ache. Saying goodbye to him is not going to be easy.

Just a fling.

Right. Flings don't spend hours in the ER with you, bring you medicine and keep you hydrated. Flings don't hold you in their arms all night, keeping you safe.

But Harley does.

I do my best to push the thoughts out of my mind while I quickly freshen up and change my clothes. The nausea has subsided, but it's clear I'm still not 100%. In fact, I'm already exhausted from the simple task of getting dressed.

My stomach grumbles again, reminding me of why I'm going through all this effort.Should have let Harley call for room service.

I slip my feet into my flip flops and take the room key from the table. Taking one more deep breath, I walk out of the room and head to the lobby.

Harley is already waiting when I step off the elevator.

"You're early."

"Anything less than ten minutes early is late," he replies.

"We'll have to agree to disagree on that one." I smile.

"Listen, if you're up for it, why don't we go somewhere else for breakfast. No resort food. Especially if that's what made you sick," Harley offers.

I wonder if there is ever a time when he isn't thinking one step ahead.

"I appreciate the offer. I'm pretty sure it was the poke bowl I ate from a street cart after the wedding. I went out after you watched me go into my room." I shrug and add, "Otherwise, we'd all probably be sick."

His bellowing laugh catches me off guard. "I sure as hell hope it's not the same place that Jameson got lunch from yesterday. I tried to tell him raw seafood is dangerous, but no one listens to me."

"I doubt it. I'm sure his came from some fancy reputable place that I could never afford on a budget."

"Then let's get you some toast before the breakfast buffet closes." He offers his elbow and I lace my arm through his.

The hostess kindly escorts us to a small table. Before I can move, Harley pulls a chair out for me to sit down.

"Can I make a plate for you? Some toast, a little butter. Maybe a yogurt or some fruit?" he asks, not even bothering to sit down across from me.

Part of me is willing to let him handle it as I feel like my energy is fading fast. The stubborn part of me refuses.

"That's sweet of you." I stand up. "But I'll do it. You need to eat too. Grab what you want."

He eyes me for a split second, likely considering how hard he wants to push the issue. I'm surprised when he relents. "Okay."

Lucky for me, the smell of food doesn't turn my stomach. I fill my plate with exactly what Harley offered, pick up a bottle of water, and a ginger ale for good measure. Hands now full, I head back to the table.

Harley joins me few minutes later with a typical manly breakfast. Biscuit, bacon, a side of gravy and eggs. He's got a large cup of coffee and orange juice to finish it off.

"You good?" he asks, handing me an extra napkin and a set of utensils.

"I am now that I have something to eat with. Totally overlooked a fork and butter knife."

"Always prepared," he says with a killer smile.

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