Page 110 of Nate

“I will never intentionally hurt you inanyway.” He pulled his jeans up, picked up her clothes and handed them to her. “I’ll get you a T-shirt.”

Markie laughed. “You owe me a blouse, cowboy.”

Nate pulled her into his arms. “I will give you anything you want.” He quickly kissed her lips, then walked toward his bedroom.

Markie pulled her jeans on, held her torn blouse in front of her bare breasts and waited for him to bring her a shirt. When he appeared, he walked toward her, took the blouse from her hands, tugged the T-shirt over her head, and she put her arms through the sleeves. It hung like a dress on her.

“I need to use the bathroom.”

“Alright.”

“Can I stay with you tonight?” she asked.

“You never have to ask, Markie. What about your cat?”

“I should go home and make sure she has fresh water. How about you just come home with me?”

“Alright. I’ll grab some things, then I’ll follow you.”

“I’ll be right back after I use the bathroom.”

Nate grinned, then walked down the hallway. Markie sighed as she entered the bathroom, then returned to the living room. She loved Nate so much and had no clue of his feelings. Sure, they’d said they were crazy about each other but that’s not the same as saying, I love you.

Her phone buzzed from her jeans pocket. She removed it to see her aunt’s number.

“Hi, Aunt Lola. How are you?”

“I have finally convinced your mother to move to Clifton.”

Markie nibbled on her lip. She wanted them here, but she also knew that Jarrett would be back. The thought of putting them in danger terrified her.

“Have you looked for a place yet?”

“No, but we thought we’d look online then travel to see it.”

“Oh, okay.”

“Markie, what is wrong?”

“Nothing.” She had never told them about Jarrett. She didn’t want to scare them.

“Are you sure?” Her aunt was way too astute.

“Yes, Aunt Lola. You know, it might be better if you wait until springtime. It’s almost September, you know, and we don’t know what the weather will be like.”

“Well, it probably would be better to do it in the spring. This house is just too big for the two of us.”

“Have you or Mom heard from Jarrett?”

“Not a peep, but I don’t trust that son of a bitch. He’s around, I can almost guarantee it.”

Markie saw Nate heading back toward her, carrying his duffle bag. He set it down and raised his eyebrow at her. She mouthed ‘Aunt Lola’. He nodded, then walked toward the kitchen.

“Well, keep an eye out and make sure you keep all the doors locked and the alarm on.”

“Markie, do you know something we don’t?”

“No, Aunt Lola. I just want you to be cautious.”

---