Page 25 of Challenging Her Protector

“Of course. We’ll go to my office first so we can find the perfect spot for this.” He closed his palm around the shell, warm from both of their hands, and grasped the door handle with the other. He held the door for Vee and aimed a pointed look at his employees over her head. He was pleased when they quickly looked away. The shop was something he’d built from the ground up. To him, it was more than just a business, but a symbol of clarity and hope from the future as he fought his addiction steadily having more wins than loses. For years, pouring himself into making the collision center successful had helped to center him. If he woke up at night with phantom pains in his legs, he’d get up, come to the shop, and work. Even in the dead of night, he could often be found here.

Once again, he found himself seeking her approval, something he didn’t love the feel of. He’d been confident, edging on cocky, before he let his friend walk to this death. A blow like that though, knowing you could’ve stopped a tragedy, but instead watched it happen, was soul-stealing and humbling at the same time. He’d made sure the waiting room was always comfortable and clean, remembering the night when his mother was driving him and Eli home from a birthday party and their car died. The man who helped tow their car was nice enough to give them a ride back to the shop, but the paint-peeling walls, and the scent of stale menthol cigarettes wasn’t exactly welcoming. Neither was the chipped linoleum floor and lack of chairs. They’d had to wait there, either standing or sitting up against the wall for their dad to come pick them up.

He studied Vee as she surveyed the space, first landing on the stacked stone reception desk. Two of his employees waved and smiled, then picked up what they’d been doing. Wide, soft-cushioned armchairs in gray and warm red faced a wood-planked feature wall with a flat-screen television beneath recessed lighting. Large potted plants, a throw rug, and a central coffee table gave the space a living room feel. At least that’s what he’d been hoping for. He rubbed his thumb back and forth over the shell.

“Iron, this waiting room is amazing. All your colors and furniture choices are so warm and relaxing. I love how you made space for kids too.” She wandered over to the other side of the room. Gaming chairs were sitting on the floor in front of an Xbox system. There was also an ice hockey table and a pinball machine.

“I’ve never played a video game before, but this looks like so much fun.”

“Got a system at home we can play on.”Home.Shit, he was playing house with Vee and liking it far too much.

“Really?” Her eyes widened again, something she did when she was bursting with anticipation over something others might take for granted. He didn’t think he’d ever get enough of her enthusiastic grins.

“It’s a beautiful day and I bet the water is warm.” The thought popped out of his mouth without warning. “We could grab you a bathing suit on the way home and spend the rest of the afternoon on the beach. Later we can order pizza at home, and I’ll show you how to play?”

“The girls brought me a bathing suit in what they called my emergency supplies. That sounds like so much fun.” As soon as she said the words, her smile died. “I shouldn’t be so happy when Thalia is still missing.” Her look of distress pulled at him, and he offered her his hand, leading her toward his office. He closed the door behind them and pulled her against his chest. The gesture of physical comfort was for her, but he felt himself melting into her embrace. The muscles and shoulders in his neck loosened, and drawing a breath seemed more fluid.

“We’re going to find her, but it might take some time. I know it’s not easy, but Thalia doesn’t seem like the type of person who would want you to be suffering. We have some of the best helping with the search.” Her chest rose and fell, and he did his best to focus on her breathing and not the way her body felt against him. A few minutes later, they left his office, and he showed her to the main garage where several cars were in the process of being repaired. Instead of her eyes glazing with boredom, they lit inquisitively as she asked questions all about the process of collision repairs. His front desk team was once again polite as they said their goodbyes and headed out to his vehicle. She’d no sooner buckled her seat belt when his cell phone rang, lighting up the vehicle’s display screen with the incoming call. A wide grin lit her face. “It’s Hannah!”

“Go ahead. You can answer it.” He backed his SUV out of the parking space as Vee took the call.

“Hanni, how are you feeling?”

“Surprisingly good. I wanted to check to see how you were feeling. Are you with Iron?”

“Yes, he’s sitting right next to me. You’re on speaker. We’re driving back to his place now.”

“Hey Iron. Thanks for letting Vivi crash at your place. We should be home the day after tomorrow.”

He was relieved to hear how steady Hannah sounded after surgery. “Send me the flight info and we’ll come pick you up at the airport.”

“That would be great. Thanks. Viv, why don’t you bring your things with you to the airport and then Iron can drop us all off at my place.”

His stomach plunged. Logically, he knew once Hannah returned home, Vee would go back to her sister’s place. Their living arrangement was only temporary. Still, the grinding in his gut told him he’d already gotten way too emotionally involved.

He stole a glance at Vee when she said nothing in response to Hannah’s suggestion. She’d tugged her bottom lip in between her teeth and was holding her breath. He reached over the console and gave her leg a squeeze.

“Right. Of course,” she said on a rush of breath.

“Awesome. Collin wants to make you his famous pizza the first chance he gets.”

In the background, Collin’s voice was audible. “Aunt Vivi for pizza.” His excited laughter echoed through the car and Vee smiled.

“I’m looking forward to it, Collin!” She angled her chin, glancing over at him and offered what was probably meant to be a reassuring grin. It struck him that despite everything that had gone on in her life, she cared about his well-being too. He certainly didn’t want her feeling sorry or responsible for him, but what was reflected in her expression wasn’t pity. It was simply an unspoken connection. One they’d had from the start.

“I’ll have Branch send over the flight information and thanks again Iron.”

“My pleasure. Rest up.”

Hannah and Vee exchanged goodbyes before she leaned forward to hit the red button on the display to end the call. They were both silent for a moment or two, then he cleared his throat and spoke.

“How do you feel about going to your sister’s house?” Part of him wanted to tell her she could stay with him as long as she wanted. The other, more sensible part of him, understood that Vee was eager to please those around her. Had probably been doing so her whole life seeking the love and acceptance of a family who just didn’t give a shit. He didn’t want to lead her answer in any way or worse, set off some internal battle between being with him or Hannah.

“I…” She trailed off and looked out the window before taking a breath. “What do you think?”

He should just tell her going to Hannah’s would be best, but he couldn’t make himself say the words. “I think you’ve taken a huge leap toward independence in a very short amount of time. It’s okay not to have all the answers right now.”

“I wish I could be decisive and confident like Hannah. She always knew what was right for her and fought for it.”

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