Page 73 of Until It Was Real

I shoo Sammy toward the side of the road. “Move, Sammy boy. This car is going to hit you and make you into seal meat. Which I’m pretty sure is illegal to sell and doesn’t taste good anyway.”

He trills at me.

“Okay, fine. I admit seal fat is different and could be considered a delicacy. Will you please move now?”

I swear he snorts at me before scooting to the side of the road and disappearing.

Rhett tackles me and we tumble to the ground as the car flies by us.

“It didn’t even slow down,” I say as I watch its taillights disappear.

Rhett rolls over until he’s kneeling above me. “Are you okay? Did you get hurt?”

“Me? Get hurt? You’re the one who landed on the bottom of our near miss sandwich.”

“Do not joke now. It’s not funny. Are you hurt?”

He pats my arms and legs.

“I’m not hurt, but go ahead and pat me down as much as you want. You won’t hear me complain.”

“You’re crazy.”

“Not crazy but I do want to point out that I’m not the reason we ended up on the ground this time.”

He shakes his head before getting to his feet. He offers me his hand. “Are you ready for the second portion of our date, or do you prefer to relax?”

I brush the dirt from my jeans. “It takes more than an asshole driver to traumatize me. I can’t wait to find out what you have planned for the second portion of our date.”

He herds me toward his SUV and helps me inside. I push him away. “Stop trying to make sure I’m not injured. I’m fine.”

He grunts before rounding the vehicle and climbing into the driver’s side.

“Where are we going now?”

“Swimming in the ocean.”

Excitement and fear battle for top billing in my emotions. I’m excited to swim in the ocean for the first time, but I’m a bit afraid.

“I’m not the best swimmer.”

He squeezes my thigh. “Don’t worry, Havoc. I’ll be by your side the entire time.”

“You won’t let me drown?”

“I won’t let any harm come to you ever if I can help it.”

It’s official. Excitement is the winner of the battle for my emotions. You can’t help but love a man who claims he’ll protect you forever.

Not that I love Rhett. Not yet, at least. I admit I’m falling for him. But love? I’m not certain I know how love feels. I haven’t had the best experience in the love and devotion department.

“I can protect you. I was a lifeguard in high school.”

“You were a lifeguard in high school?”

He snorts. “I didn’t have much choice.”

“Let me guess. You were watching out for your brothers.”

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