Page 35 of Protecting What Is Mine

“It’s not like I disagree, but where would we go? And for how long?”

“You can all come stay with me,” I volunteer. “I’ve got two extra bedrooms. We could totally make it work.”

Sam turns to me, her demeanor softening as she speaks. “That’s sweet of you, Hank. Really. But for how long? Do we just call our landlord and break the lease and move all our stuff in tonight?”

The hair on the back of my neck stands straight. “Uhh…”

Sam smiles. “Exactly. And besides, for reasons we may never understand, Clint’s issue seems to be with you and Mollie. I highly doubt us staying with you would do anything to help the situation in the long term.”

Shocked by the admission, I interrupt, “Wait, what? I think you must’ve forgotten to mention the part where his being here had anything to do with me?”

Mollie and Sam exchange a look. “Well,” Mollie begins. “We don’t really know what he’s doing, but it does appear that he is…” She pauses. “…uncomfortable with the idea of us dating.”

Confused, I sit at the table. “I’ve spoken to the man one time in my life. What the hell kind of problem could he have with me?”

Sam sits across from me and slides her hand to mine. “No offense big guy, but I think it’s got a lot more to do with Mollie than it does with you.”

“None taken, but you’ll understand that it doesn’t do much to make me feel any better.”

Sam nods.

“What if I stay here?” My cheeks flush as regret for my word choice washes over me. “Wait. What I mean is, what if I park down the street, and just keep an eye on things? And if something happens, I’m only a phone call away and can be here in a flash.”

“If Clint comes here again, our first call will be to nine-one-one. Right, Sam?” Mollie glares at her cousin.

Sam hesitates for a moment before she replies. “Right, if he comes back, it’ll be obvious that he’s a threat, and not just the overbearing asshole he’s always been.”

“I don’t like it,” I confess. “But you ladies made your point clear, and this doesn’t appear to be up for a vote.”

Sam pats my hand. “We’ll be fine. Whatever else he may be, he’s still my brother. I’m sure that was the end of it.” She glances at her phone and abruptly stands. “Shoot, now I’m back to being late. Thank you again for your help, and your offer, but I’ve got to get a move on. My little girl’s waiting.”

I take the hint and get up to leave. “I get it. Offer still stands though, if you change your mind.”

“I’ll walk you out,” Mollie says, as she twines her fingers with mine.

With my truck blocking the driveway, there’s no time for long a goodbye. I pull Mollie to me and hug her. “Please text me when you can—as often as you can. I’ll feel a lot better knowing you’re okay.”

She pulls away, just enough to look me in the eyes and kiss me. “I will. But don’t worry, this will all blow over. Thanks again—for everything.”

I climb up into the cab and start the engine.

Mollie waves as I pull away.

---