Page 13 of Love Under Protection

Harley shakes his head. “Raylynn, please. At least let me walk you back.” There’s concern and authority laced in his tone. “No ulterior motives. Just want to make sure you make it back to your room safely.”

“I appreciate the concern. It’s literally twenty yards back to the resort. I’ll be fine. Thanks for a good time,” I slide in at the last minute, taking one final dig.

I don’t wait for a response either, instead I indignantly turn around and walk away.

I’m all too aware that Harley’s several paces behind me. Part of me didn’t expect anything less. It’s obvious to me that he’s protective by nature and I admire him for both his persistence and the fact that he’s still giving me space, in his own way.

Chapter 7

Harley

She asked for space. I did the best I could while still ensuring her safety. I couldn’t help myself and I’m convinced I would do the same for anyone else, notjusther.

I retreated to my room once I knew she was safely tucked in hers and spent the night figuring out exactly how I’m going to redeem myself. Which is exactly why I’m standing in the hallway with flowers, hoping she’s on the other side of the door getting ready for lunch with the newlyweds.

Not wanting to seem like any more of a creeper than I already feel like, I decide to knock on the door instead of waiting her out. I’m surprised when she opens up, still in her pajamas with her hair piled in a mess on top of her head. Her eyes are red and puffy and she’s pale.

“Whoa, Raylynn. Are you okay?”

Her voice comes out frail and scratchy, “I think I’ve got a stomach bug. You might want to say away. I’ve been puking my guts out most of the night.”

“Damn. Lucky for you, a little stomach bug doesn’t scare me.” I hand her the flowers. “Take these and I’ll be right back with some Gatorade, stomach meds and some chicken soup. We’ll get you all fixed up in no time.”

She gives me a weak smile and shakes her head. “You really don’t have to do that. We’re supposed to be at lunch with Liv and Jameson. You should go.”

“Raylynn, in case you don’t remember, I’m not very good at taking instructions. I tend to do what I want.”

“I remember.” She rolls her eyes. “I’m not responsible if you end up with the plague.”

Unable to resist, I lean in and kiss her forehead. “I’ll take my chances. You get in bed, and I’ll be back in a few.”

I consider it a victory when she doesn’t protest. The door slips closed, and I head for the front desk while sending off a text to Olivia and Jameson.

Me:Raincheck on lunch. Checked on Raylynn and seems she’s down with some kind of bug. I’m making a supply run for meds and fluids.

Jameson replies with a series of emojis, making me roll my eyes.

My little venture to find all the essentials takes longer than I hoped for but the four bags I’m carrying could potentially cure a small village. A little flirting and flashing of my badge—yes, I went there—gets me a spare key to Raylynn’s room.

Walking off the elevator on the fifth floor I head straight for her room and knock three times, then I swipe the key. Opening the door a crack, I’m actually quite pleased when I find that she’s got the secondary lock on the door and I can’t barge in.

“It’s only me,” I call out.

Raylynn’s already out of bed and giving me the evil eye as I let the door close so that she can undo the swinging lock. A second later she opens the door all the way and lets me inside.

“I’m not even going to ask how you got a room key. Only because I’m thankful for whatever you have in that bag.” She sighs a sad sigh. “Hold that thought,” she finishes, making a bee line for the bathroom.

While she deals with whatever it is she’s dealing with, I empty the bags onto the long dresser and refrigerate what's best kept chilled.

She reemerges with a sad look on her face. “Please tell me you have some sort of stomach meds.”

I hold up a bottle of Pepto and some anti-nausea/anti-diarrhea pills. “I wasn’t sure if you had a preference or what exactly was going on.”

Raylynn takes the pink liquid and makes quick work of taking the first dose.

“I also got pain reliever too, in case.” I point to the other boxes on the dresser. “There’s also chicken broth, some chicken noodle soup for later, crackers and plenty of fluids. And, a thermometer to check your temp.”

She shuffles back to the bed and sits on the edge before working on opening the thermometer. “Thank you. I think I’ll let the Pepto kick in before I try sipping some ginger ale. You’re my hero, Harley.”

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