Page 13 of I've Got You

There should be a happy medium but she’s a contrary woman of extremes.

My cell phone rings and I pick it up. “Hello?”

“Didn’t look at your caller i.d. again, did you?”

“Who the hell else would be calling me at this ungodly hour of the morning but you?”

My brother, Steele laughs. “You know, some of us have already been up for hours pounding the ice and taking care of our bodies, asshole! Maybe you should try a little conditioning.”

“I don’t need that. I work out plenty. I don’t feel the need to go all the way to my body is a temple.”

“Mine is, dude. It’s a fucking shrine to the years of hard work I’ve put in on it.”

“Wow. So much for humility. What exactly did you call me for so early in the morning?”

“Just wondering if you heard anything from Therese. She seems to be avoiding us.”

“No. But you know sometimes she likes to get away from all of us. It’s not that strange.”

“Okay. But it still seems strange. It’s been a couple of weeks. She doesn’t usually take that long.”

“Maybe something else is bothering her. Just let her be and she’ll be along soon.”

“You’re no help.”

“What did you want me to do? Kidnap her after tracking her down? I’m sorry but I’ve already got one woman that is keeping me on my toes. Two might kill me.”

“Ooh. Did you get a girlfriend?”he sing-songs. “How come I’m just hearing about this?”

“Because I just met her a day or so ago.”

“Okay. Why is she keeping you on your toes?”

“She’s a reporter and she’s kind of got herself in a jam. She was attacked on the job by some guys she was doing a story on.”

“Shit! Do you need me to come down there? Provide some muscle?”

“I think I’m good,” I answer dryly.

“Okay. But if you change your mind, don’t hesitate to call. The twisters are all on vacation right now. For a week. So I can come up there and take care of these assholes for my bro.”

“I’ll let you know.” I look up the stairs when I hear stirring. “I’ve got to go. I’ve got to get her some breakfast. We’ve got some guys to track down.”

“Wait! Is she there? How did you get her to come stay with you?”

“They broke into her place yesterday and trashed it. I wasn’t about to leave her there.”

“This girl sounds like trouble. Maybe you should just let her go. I’m sure you can find yourself another woman.”

“I don’t want another woman and if you don’t want me to kick your ass you’ll keep your comments to yourself, asshole. That’s my woman you’re talking about. She’s not a fucking paint chip. Or a car.”

“Fine. Just be careful. And call me if you need anything or you hear from Therese.

“Got it. Bye.”

I hang up the phone and dart into the kitchen to haul the toast and coffee that I made up to Missy. I’m no cook so I didn’t think she’d want my version of burnt breakfast. As it is, the toast is suspiciously dark.

I find Missy yawning and sitting up in bed.

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