Protect Me

by Alexis Winter

  It doesn’t take long before we’re both falling apart together. When he rests at my side, he pulls me against him. The room is filled with our loud, erratic breathing. My heart is pounding away in my chest, and when I place my palm on his, it’s beating right along with mine, hard and fast, fueled by our love.

  “You know I meant every word I said, right? It wasn’t just something that slipped out in the throes of passion,” he chuckles.

  “I know,” I whisper, curling into his side even more, resting my thigh over his hip. “You don’t have to say those words. I can feel it every time you look at me and touch me.”

  He presses a kiss to my forehead. “I don’t know how you did this to me, but I’ll never be the same.”

  “Neither will I,” I admit.

  He places his finger beneath my chin, directing my eyes to his. “I know I put on a show to make people think I don’t care, but that’s just to keep myself from getting my heart ripped out again. I haven’t said those words to anyone in such a long time, I didn’t think I could form the words anymore.” He takes a deep breath. “I guess what I’m trying to say here is…please don’t hurt me, Amy. I don’t think I’d ever be able to recover from losing you.”

  I roll on top of him, placing my hands on his chest to support my weight. “I know I’d never recover from losing you, Tyler. I love you, and I promise, I’ll never hurt you.” With one rock of my hips, he’s sliding back inside me, and he lets out a low growl at the overwhelming sensation—a sound that makes every muscle in my body tighten.

  The sun is just starting to come up as we’re pulling away from one another. He walks me to the door, but neither of us wants to part. He’s wearing just a pair of loose jeans. He’s still shirtless and barefoot, but that doesn’t stop him from chasing me out the door. He catches my hand in his and pulls me back against him. Pressing my back to his truck, his lips find mine and his tongue slides into my mouth. We’re both laughing through the kiss, but neither of us wants to stop. Last night was different from every other night we’ve spent together. Last night, he finally let me in, completely in. He admitted things he never would have before, and it only made me fall that much more in love with him.

  I place my hands against his chest, pushing him away. “I have to go. I have work.”

  He nods, but his lips land right back on mine.

  I giggle. “I’m serious. I have to go.”

  He dips his head low, resting his forehead against mine while his hands land on my ass, pulling me against him. “Come on. Just call in sick.”

  More giggles and laughs as I swat him away. “I can’t. I missed yesterday. Seriously, I have to go.” I press one more quick kiss to his lips, and dash away.

  Finally, he lets me go.

  When I look back over my shoulder, he’s still standing in place, watching me walk down the dirt road, back to my truck. His dark eyes are bloodshot from lack of sleep, but they’re still hooded and filled with desire. His sexy lips are turned up into a teasing smile, and his abs and chest are hard, calling me back to him.

  I force myself to turn and watch where I’m going. I know if I keep looking at him, he will eventually win out and I’ll go running back—back to a place where I feel warm, safe, and loved. Back to his arms.

  A sigh leaves my lips when I think about how much control he has over me, how much love and passion he causes me to feel. I know I’ll be thinking about last night all day. The daydreams of what we did won’t stop until I’m right back in his bed with him moving on top of me, claiming me, loving me, pushing me to feel the explosive love between us.

  Walking into my apartment, I find Ethan already up and moving around the kitchen. He gives me a grin when I walk in. “Late night?”

  I playfully smack his arm. “Shut up. It’s bad enough I’m doing the walk of shame.”

  He hands me a cup of coffee. “I’m just teasing you.”

  I take a sip. “What are you doing up so early?”

  He leans against the counter, bringing his cup to his lips, and gently blowing across the top to cool it off. “I’m going to take a test.”

  “A test?” My brows furrow together in confusion. “For what?”

  He smiles. “I don’t know if you know this, little sister, but I’ve served years in the military. That kind of background is exactly what local law enforcement needs.”

  My mouth drops open. “You’re going to be a cop?”

  He nods, smile still in place. “If I pass the test…and you know I will.”

  “That’s great! Where will you be working? Here?”

  He scoffs. “In this town where nothing ever happens? No, I’ll be in the city.”

  “Ethan,” I groan, “you’re going to make me worry about you every day, aren’t you? And here I was thinking you were finally safe.”

  He lets out a deep laugh. “You know me. I’m not happy until I’m looking danger in the eye,” he jokes.

  I shake my head and turn to leave the kitchen. “I swear, if you die, I’ll kill you.” I begin making my way into the living room to get cleaned up for work.

  “What kind of sense does that make?” he shouts at me.

  “I’ll bring you back to life, then kill you. Better?”

  “You need to work on your threats, Amy.”

  I look over my shoulder just in time to see him step into my view. I hold up my middle finger and keep walking.

  I make it to the clinic with ten minutes to spare. Automatically, I get to work by starting up the computers, turning on the lights, and fixing coffee. Vesper walks in and doesn’t say a word. She just heads back to her office.

  I know Vesper, and she’s always chipper in the morning. It makes me wonder if something is going on. So I head back to her office. I lean against the open door and watch as she walks around like a zombie, taking off her jacket and pulling on her white coat. She places her purse behind her desk then takes a seat. Finally, her eyes meet mine and she jumps.

  “You scared the shit out of me. How long have you been standing there?”

  I laugh as I move deeper into the office and sit in the chair across from her. “Just a few minutes. What’s going on with you today? You walk in and don’t say a word, then you basically sleepwalk, not noticing anything. You didn’t even try to steal my coffee.”

  She shakes her head and takes a deep breath as she leans forward, resting her elbows on the desk in front of her. “I didn’t get any sleep last night. Liam and I were up fighting most of the night.”

  “Fighting? Over what?”

  “He left for California today.”

  “Okay…”

  “He wanted me to go with him.”

  “Why didn’t you?” I cross my legs and wait to find out what’s really going on.

  “Because my life is here. I have two clinics to run. I can’t just go jet-setting around the world on a whim. We’re just so different, you know?”

  “Vesper, what’s really going on?”

  She runs her hands through her strawberry blonde hair. “I don’t know if this can work between us, Amy. I mean, he lives in California. He’s only been staying here for me. And my whole life is here. I can’t move to California.” Her eyes are wide with fear and panic.

  “He asked you to move to California?”

  “Yes! Well, not full time. Live there with him part time and live here part time. But I can’t do that. What would I do in California? The only reason I was even able to take a vacation was because I had him there with me, distracting me. But if I move to California, he’ll be working, and I’ll be…what? Going crazy wondering what’s going on here.” She tears her eyes from mine and hangs her head, massaging her temples.

  “Do you love Liam?”

  “You know I do. I’m just worried that this can’t work, you know? How can it? He’s gone so much. And he just gets a wild hair and decides to fly halfway across the world. I can’t do that.”

  “Why can’t you?”

  She gives me a sidelong look.


  I lean forward. “Vesper, all I’m saying is that you love Liam, and Liam loves you. You’re about to get married. And yes, I know you want to work and provide for yourself, but Liam has enough money that you’ll never have to worry or stress about money again. He’ll be a great husband and father one day. I just…I don’t see how you can let that slip between your fingers.” Without another word, I stand and leave the office, hopefully giving her something to think about.

  Several hours later, Vesper comes up front and sits down beside me. “You’re right, Amy. I’m just panicking.”

  I place my hand on her knee and rub it up and down for some comfort. “I know you are. And you have every reason to be. Your life is about to be changed forever. But change isn’t something to fear. It’s something to embrace. I know you had your life all planned out, but this life will be even better. You’ll have someone to share it with. You’ll have someone who will do anything for you. You’ll have something that some people only dream about.”

  She smiles and pulls me in for a hug. “Thank you.”

  “Anytime.”

  She pulls away. “Want to order in some lunch?”

  “Duh!” I reply, grabbing the phone to order from our favorite pizza place.

  “How’s your mom?” Vesper asks when I place the order and hang up.

  I shrug. “I don’t know. She isn’t allowed to have any contact with anyone for the first thirty days. But I haven’t gotten a call yet that says she’s escaped. So that’s something, I guess.” I laugh.

  Vesper places her hand on my shoulder. “If you need anything, please ask. I know how hard this must be on you.”

  “Thanks, but I’m okay actually. I mean, it’s a lot easier than wondering if she’s drunk herself to death yet. Plus, having Ethan home is great—someone to cheer me up, and someone to take half the hits she throws.”

  When our food comes, things drift into easier conversation. We talk about the new clinic and my coffee shop that is now under construction, and I tell her about Ethan taking his test. She mentions that her sister will be coming home soon, and she wants to try to set them up, but I dismiss the thought completely. Aria is a wild child. Ethan is strait-laced. I couldn’t think of two other people who are so completely different.

  Chapter 14

  Three Months Later…

  * * *

  “Can you believe how hot it is out there?” Vesper asks, fanning herself with her hand as she steps into the nearly-done coffee shop.

  I turn around laughing. “No, this heat is crazy. I mean, look at me.” I motion toward myself: cut-off jean shorts, flip-flops, tank top, and dark hair piled high on my head with loose strands clinging to my sweaty neck.

  Liam walks in, causing the bell above the door to ring. “This place looks great.” He wraps his arm around Vesper’s shoulders while looking over everything.

  “Who wants an iced coffee?” I ask, moving behind the counter.

  “Me, please!” Vesper bounces up to the other side, ready and willing for any way to cool down.

  “I’m glad we got everything up and running before we take off.” He looks quickly at Vesper. “I’m sorry we’re going to have to miss the grand opening though,” he says, looking back at me as I hand them both iced coffees.

  I wave my hand through the air. “No worries. I’m just so happy that it’s nearly done. All that’s left is to add the finishing touches.” I gaze around the room, nearly drooling over the expensive coffee machines, rows and rows of books, and the beauty the construction company managed to restore to this antique building.

  The door opens and Tyler walks in. “Hey, did someone forget to invite me to the party?” he asks, walking up behind the counter and pulling me against him, landing a soft, quick kiss on my lips.

  “We just stopped by to check the place out,” Liam says, turning once again to look around.

  “It looks great, right?” Tyler pulls away, doing the same as Liam.

  “It does. And I’m sure it’s going to make a killing. Driving forty-five minutes to the city every time I want a gourmet coffee is a little ridiculous."

  Vesper laughs and shakes her head. “He’s a bit spoiled by city life, if you can’t tell,” she teases.

  I shrug. “Hey, there’s nothing wrong with a man who likes a good cup of coffee.”

  “Thank you, Amy,” Liam says with a nod, holding his head high like he’s glad someone finally agrees with his views.

  “Hey, Sis.” Ethan walks in, wearing his brand-new black police uniform.

  “Ow ow!” Vesper catcalls, causing Liam to shoot her a dirty look and nudge her with his elbow.

  “I’m just teasing him. Aren’t I, Ethan?” She looks over at him as he comes to a stop at her side.

  Ethan’s face is now red, and he can’t contain his grin. “Are you ready to go get Mom?”

  “She comes home today?” Vesper asks.

  I take a deep breath. “She does. Fingers crossed that she can stick to her sobriety.” I grab my purse from beneath the counter and place it on my shoulder while turning to face Tyler.

  “Good luck,” he says, pulling me against his chest.

  “Thank you. I have a feeling we’ll need it.” I squeeze him as close as I can get him, needing to feel his comfort.

  Tyler and I have only gotten in deeper in our relationship. If I’m not staying with him, he’s staying with me. He’s been my shoulder to lean on, and cry on, every day since Ethan and I took our mom to rehab. He’s listened to me worry about her, complain about this or that not working out with the coffee shop, and even given me advice. He’s always there keeping my spirits high, letting me know that I can trust him and that he’ll always be there for me.

  “Call me if you need anything, okay?” he says, pulling away but keeping me at arm’s length.

  I take a deep breath and nod. “Okay. I can do this.”

  He offers up his boyish grin. “I love you.” He places his hand on my chin and directs my lips to his.

  “I love you too,” I breathe out.

  When I pull away, I turn to face everyone. “Okay, time to get out. I have to lock up.”

  They all start heading in the direction of the door while chatting among themselves.

  “Oh, Vesper, what time are you leaving tomorrow?”

  She rolls her eyes. “Six a.m.”

  “And you’re going to be gone a whole month?” I ask, pulling out the keys to lock up behind us.

  “Yep, that’s the plan. Unless you need me back sooner. I’ll completely understand if you don’t want to stay at the ranch all that time.”

  I laugh and playfully smack her arm, not at all surprised she’s trying to get out of this. “Not at all. My mom will stay in my apartment and I’ll stay at your place.”

  Her eyes stretch wide with alarm. “Is it a good idea to leave her unattended as soon as she gets released?”

  “Ethan will pop in and out throughout the evenings, and I’ll be in and out during the day. We can’t babysit her every second of every day. Let’s just hope she’s serious and wants to stay sober.”

  Vesper pulls me in for a hug. “I’ll see you in a month. I can’t believe I’m moving to California.”

  I smile, happy that she decided to stick it out with Liam instead of running away. “The next time I see you, I probably won’t recognize you with your beach tan.”

  She rolls her eyes. “Me, relaxing on the beach all day? I’d go insane.” She forces a smile onto her face. “But let’s not talk about it. I’m going into this with an open mind.”

  “Good for you.” I hug her one last time, and wave as she and Liam walk down the road to his fancy sports car.

  “I’m serious, call me if you need anything at all,” Tyler says, pulling me against his chest.

  “I know, and I will. I promise.” I press my mouth to his.

  “Enough, you two. Get a room,” Ethan says, climbing behind the wheel of his new black Ford pickup truck.

  Tyler doesn’t pull awa
y though—he keeps kissing me while holding up his middle finger in Ethan’s direction. Over the last few months, Tyler and Ethan have grown close. The three of us have poker night at Ethan’s new apartment every Friday night, and Tyler even helped us get him moved. Everything seems to be heading in the right direction, but only time will tell when it comes to Mom.

  “Call me when you get home. I’d love to finally meet your mom,” Tyler says, backing away.

  I smile. “I will.” I stand back and watch him jog across the street and into his waiting truck.

  I climb into the passenger seat and pull the seatbelt around me. “Well, how do you think this is going to go?” I ask.

  Ethan shrugs as he pulls out onto the road. “I’m hoping everything goes well. I mean, I’d love to see Mom looking like her old self. I’d love for her to come home and start picking up the pieces of her life, working toward something, and staying sober. But I guess we won’t know until we know.”

  I press my lips together and nod, opting to brace myself for the worst while hoping for the best.

  Ethan and I walk into the rehab facility a little while later, and I feel like I’m waiting on pins and needles. In the three months she’s been here, I haven’t seen or talked to her once. Ethan made all the medical decisions that needed to be made, and he came to visit her and talked to her on the phone.

  I, however, was afraid to. Everything in my life finally felt like it was going right. And in the past, she was always the one who took that away from me. When I graduated high school and was preparing to leave for college, she informed me that I didn’t have any college money because she drank it all away, leaving me with mountains of debt from student loans. When I graduated college, she showed up drunk and fell down the ten steps to the auditorium. When I managed to find a job and my own place to live, she made it so I had to come take care of her every day.