Page 47 of Dating After the End of the World
“There’s more to it than just walking around,” he says, rocking back on his heels. I swear he just likes to challenge me. If I said the sky was blue, Blake would argue that it depends on the day—which is true, but still.
“I literally disarmed JJ while he was on night patrol, so I’m sure I’ll be fine.”
Blake looks to my dad, who reacts by raising his brows and shrugging with one shoulder. His way of saying,She has a point.
“Fine,” he says. “I’ll show you what you need to do.”
I cross my arms over my chest. “I don’t need you to show me how to walk my own property.”
“Dale.”
I grumble. I still don’t understand how they can possibly be friends. Blake has nothing in common with anyone, except maybe Satan.
“Casey, just let him show you.”
I stand corrected. What they have in common is they’re always in agreement regarding what’s best for me. Which is incredibly annoying.
“I don’t need a chaperone.”
“Then no night watch for you,” Dad says, taking his side once again. He looks to Blake. “Is there anyone else that wants to volunteer?”
Blake taps a finger on his chin like he’s mulling it over. “Everyone else is asleep. It was a rough day, what with clearing the bodies, repairing the fence, and obviously, the funeral. But I’m sure Greg would if weasked. He’s always trying to prove himself, so I’ll go see if he’s up for it,” he says, turning.
“Fine.” I stand from my chair dramatically and start marching toward the house. “Let’s go, Blake.”
I pause and glance back, noticing he’s not following me. Instead, he stands there with a tickled look on his face.
“Blake, are you coming, or do you need to ask my dad for permission?”
My father belly laughs.
“Oh, I’m coming.” He jogs to catch up with me.
“You two have fun.”
“We won’t,” I yell back, shooting a glare at Blake.
Chapter 20
I haven’t gotten used to the added weight of the armaments on my body. A gun on one hip, another on my ankle, a pouch of throwing stars around my waist, and a combat knife holstered on my thigh. It still causes me to waddle a bit, as I have to swing my arms out wider to avoid hitting the pistol. I probably look like a rookie cop on her beat.
Blake follows every step I take as he watches over me like a driving instructor with a teen behind the wheel. “Make sure you are looking out past the fence for approaching danger, not just in front of you.”
“Kind of would defeat the purpose of going out on night watch if I didn’twatch,” I say, not looking back at him.
“What was that?”
“I said,Good idea, sir.” I flash a jeering smile back at him.
It’s been like this the entire time: Blake giving me instructions that even a grade-schooler could have figured out on their own, and me smiling and politely accepting his wisdom, hoping that the faster he thinks he has taught me everything, the faster he’ll leave. But he continues along with me, never relenting in his instruction.
“Okay, now turn right up here at the fence line.”
I stop dead in my tracks so abruptly that he runs into me. “Do you see something!?” he asks in an excited whisper.
“Are you kidding me?” I turn around to face him, hands on my hips as I raise my brows.
“Kidding about what?”
