Page 103 of Mine to Protect

A look of pure shock or confusion must’ve been written across my face, because John explained, “We’ve worked side by side for a while, Birdie. It’s one of those things guys just kind of pick up on.”

Grabbing a throw pillow, I slammed it over my face and screamed into the dusty fabric. “Go away,” I yelled into the pillow, making my words muffled, but unfortunately not my hearing.

“Just go, man. She’s fine,” John urged.

“I don’t want to leave her like this.”

“Like what?”

Cas sighed. “Frustrated.”

“Man, she’s a woman. She’s going to be frustrated with you more often than not. Better get used to it.”

“Should I get her anything while I’m out?”

The long pause in their conversation had me holding my breath, very interested to hear John’s response.

“Dove chocolate. She loves dark Dove chocolate.”

Beneath the pillow, my eyes filled with tears. John was a good man. Not the one for me, but his heart was big and intentions pure.

“Thanks, man. I owe you one.”

“No problem.”

Even after the door shut and the resounding click of the locks slid into place, I stayed where I was, the pillow protecting me from the outside world.

35

Alta

A burstof cold air wafting through the cabin and then the slamming of the door jarred me awake. For a split second, I panicked at the thing pressing against my face, blocking my air. I swatted at it with both hands, and the felonious pillow dropped to the ground, freeing me from its suffocating hold. Hands wrapped around my pounding head, I swung both legs over the couch’s edge and leaned back.

“Good morning.” Sadie’s cheerful voice grated on my already frayed nerves. “Wakey, wakey, sleepyhead.”

“How long was I out?” I asked without looking up. John had to be in the room somewhere.

“Ten minutes, maybe. Good morning, Sadie.”

The sound of sucking lips made my stomach roll. What in the heck did he see in her?

Peeking through my lashes, I found them in each other's arms smiling like fools in love. Her hair was still kind of blonde, kind of orange, which did nothing for her fair skin.

Ugh, I was mean. Maybe John was right and I was about to start. Not that I’d seen a calendar lately. Ever since the jackwagon in there suspended me, I couldn’t keep the days straight.

“I brought everyone some coffee. Where’s Cas?”

“Out,” I grumbled and pushed off the couch. I eyed the three cups of coffee sitting on the table as I walked to the kitchen.

“And I’ve been watching you.” Creepy. “And know you don’t like coffee.” Because it's terrible. “So I brought you an orange juice.”

My narrowed eyes flicked from the open fridge to find her staring expectantly. The sweet, doe-eyed look made me hate myself a little more than I already did.

“Thanks, Sadie,” I said and slammed the fridge door shut. “That was nice of you.”

“I know,” she said in response before turning her full attention back to John. Picking up a to-go coffee cup, she thrust it into his hands. “I made it just the way you like it too. I love watching people, seeing what makes them tick. Two sugars and three teaspoons of creamer. Am I right?”

John’s eyes widened as he nodded.

---