by Nikki Mays
Table of Contents
Protected by You
About The Author
Nikki Mays
Published by Nikki Mays
Cover Design: Tracie Douglas @ Dark Water Covers
Cover Model: Chris “Kable” Martinez
Photographer: Ronald Philostin
Editing: Golden Life Publishing
Formatting: T.L. Mason
Text Copyright © 2019 Nikki Mays
All Rights Reserved
This book contains material protected under International and Federal Laws and Treaties. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without express written permission from the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain noncommercial uses permitted by copyright laws. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblances to actual persons, living or dead, events or locations is purely coincidental.
Disclaimer: This book is intended for mature audiences only. It contains adult language and explicit scenes. Not intended for readers under the age of 18. Reader discretion is advised.
As always, I want to thank my wonderfully supportive husband, even though he refuses to read any of my books. Your unwavering support means the world to me. I love you more each and every time that you tell me that you’ll always be my biggest fan. I adore the fact that you don’t understand why I enjoy doing this so much but tell me to never give up. Thank you – My Forever Annoyance – for giving me the courage daily to reach for dreams that I didn’t even realize that I had. (And yes, he knows that’s his contact name in my phone and he’s repeatedly called me an asshole for it...hence why it stays. It’s the little wins in marriage that make it so much fun.)
Thank you so much to Kable for making JJ truly come to life. Thank you so much for agreeing to be on the cover and making sure that I had pictures that are amazing. You really helped me bring JJ to life with telling me about your own life as a LEO and a Ranger. I appreciate all of the valuable information that you bestowed upon me. Fate was truly hard at work the day that you answered my message. Thank you for being so sweet and humble throughout this cover journey!
Thank you to all of my readers! I absolutely adore you all from the bottom of my black and overly caffeinated heart. Whether I’m new to you, or you’ve been with me from the very beginning -I’m talking to you Kayla M. - I appreciate you reading my books so much. The reviews that some of you leave fill my soul with so much joy, especially for those of you who get my not always appropriate humor. If this is the first book of mine that you’re reading...you’ve been warned.
I also wanted to give a big thanks to a few special ladies that I have met through this journey. These three ladies – who are also incredible authors – have helped me so much with just their wonderful friendships alone. It’s awesome to have someone to bounce ideas off of and help you write a blurb that you can no longer stare at without wanting to throw something at your screen. It’s fun to have someone to have late night chats with and realize that you have a lot in common. Too bad some many damn states are in the way. It’s incredible when you have someone who understands your sense of humor completely and doesn’t hold what you say against you...or call CPS...just kidding, I’m a great mom...I swear all three are just fine. Julia Blake, MA Foster and J.M. Buckler, thank you all more than words truly express.
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“Isn’t that the cop that you went on a date with who never called you again?” My annoying ex and the father of my beautiful daughters asked.
I look over in the direction that Danny is none too subtly pointing and see that it is indeed JJ standing over by the light fixtures.
“Shhhh.” I whisper before giving him a shove that doesn’t move his big ass body in the slightest. “Don’t point at him!”
Smirking Danny looks down at me. At 5’5 I’m not exactly short but standing next to his 6’2 muscular frame makes me seem tiny.
Quirking a bushy eyebrow at me he folds his massive arms across his well sculpted chest.
If only I didn’t see him as just a friend these days. He really is a nice-looking specimen of alpha male. Dark hair, blue eyes, perma scruff and a well-muscled body covered in tattoos. Yeah, he’s very nice to look at. Too bad he has to open up his damn mouth so much.
“Wouldn’t you like to go ask him why he never called you after your date? A date that you didn’t even tell Kay about?”
The Kay he is referring to is my bestie Kayla. And I had a very good reason for not telling her about our date. Her husband, well sorta fiancée at the time, had just been shot a day or so after the date and was recovering. Not the best time to bitch about the guy who helped keep him alive.
I narrow my eyes at the jackass in front of me. “I had my reasons for not telling her. And I’m glad that I didn’t since we never went out again. What’s the point in getting her hopes up? And to answer your original question, no, I do not care to know why he never called. He obviously didn’t have a good time. No big deal.” I shrug.
Even as the words leave my mouth I know that they’re lies. Seeing him around and having him act as if we never existed put a dent in my already fragile confidence.
I glance up and notice Danny is scowling down at me. “Well I would like to know why the hell he never called you. You’re awesome. There is no one better.” Why...why couldn’t I have more than platonic feelings for this man? I question myself for the thousandth time.
I pat him on the arm and try to get him to look at the paint samples. “It’s okay Dan. I’m just not everyone’s cup of tea.”
“He’s a man and you’re hot. You’re definitely his type. He’s just fucking stupid.”
I roll my eyes.
“You’re a bit biased.”
He gives me a look that says I’m dumb. I wonder if I could shove him into something? Probably not, but it’s a nice thought.
“Of course, I’m biased. You’re the mother of my children and my best friend/business partner. I obviously think that you’re the greatest woman in the world.” He tugs on his ear. “Well, besides my momma.”
I don’t disagree, his mother is the sweetest woman alive. Both of our parents were very supportive of us when we ended up pregnant at sixteen. Without the four of them, I don’t think that we would’ve made it through those first few years.
I give him a smile. “Well, as much as I appreciate you being offended on my behalf, there’s no use getting upset about it. We’re here for a reason and need to stick to it.”
The here is Lowe’s on a Saturday. I swear it looks like every weekend warrior is in here thinking that they’re an amazing contractor. The people who work in an office all week long and then get a wild hair up their ass on the weekends and decide to redo some part of their house.
They’re the same ones who have to rent a pickup truck just to be able to get the materials home and ultimately end up calling a contractor after they screw up so bad.
Today they’re out in swarms. Granted, it is a nice spring day and unusually warm, but still. Luckily, Danny’s expression screams “stay the fuck away” so I don’t get bumped into nearly as much as I would’ve if I had come alone
.
We’re here for paint. After Danny’s MMA career started taking off, to make up for the times in the past when he couldn’t help out a lot with the girls, he decided to pay off my house when he got his first big endorsement. Not buy himself a house, but pay off my cute three bedroom ranch with a fenced in backyard
It wasn’t much and needed a ton of work, but it was all mine. Work that I did mainly on my own, with the help of the Ross brothers...only the three nice ones...helping me out when they had free time. They were able to teach me a ton.
I look over and actually see a man in his idea of work clothes. Designer jeans with one stain, a faded t-shirt and brand new work boots. The things don’t have one scuff on them.
Lord and he’s holding up a multimeter.
I can almost guarantee that the moron is going to electrocute himself at some point this weekend. He’s staring at those black and red wires like they’re part of a bomb.
The tool that he is holding is used to check the voltage.
“Why are you staring at that guy with a disgusted look on your face?” I hear from above.
I look up at Danny before answering. “I’m just imagining that idiot who’s going to more than likely electrocute himself if he doesn’t make sure the circuit is off before he attaches the wires.” I pause. “And I’m wondering if I should go help him.”
Danny shakes his head no. “You know damn well that he won’t take your advice just because you’re a woman. How many times have you tried to be helpful in the past, only to have it come back to bite you in the ass?”
I give him a small frown. “I know.” I mutter. “But he looks clueless.”
My intimidating ex shrugs his shoulders. “No better way to learn than by doing.” The glee is evident in his voice.
“Whatever.” I say bumping my shoulder into his arm. “Let’s finish up picking out these paint samples and get out of here. I’m hungry and could use a drink after being in here.”
“It’s not even noon.” He deadpans.
I give him a bright smile. “It’s five o’clock somewhere.”
He picks up a light gray swatch and he turns it over in his hand. “I feel like I should be looking into putting you in the Betty Ford clinic.”
I narrow my eyes at the idiot. “If I do drink, it’s only because of you and your daughters.” I pick up a light blue and light gray swatch and hold them side by side.
I hear him scoff. “Oh, they’re just my daughters now?” He mocks.
“Yes. When they cause me problems, they’re all yours.” I sniff.
In truth they are two of the best daughters a mother could ever ask for. But let’s be real here. They are two teenage girls. No matter how awesome they are, their hormones still play a major roll. Some days, wine is the only thing that saves their lives.
“Don’t even act like they aren’t more of adults than we are most days.” He chuckles.
I shrug because he has me there. They’re fifteen going on fifty most days. I swear, I’m a squirrel in traffic, while they’re cool as a cucumber. Those two even organize their organizational tools.
I do a full body shudder and Danny tilts his head in question at me.
“I’m just remembering the time that we accidentally knocked over their alphabetized craft table when we were redecorating their room.”
I hear a loud groan. “Don’t remind me. I still have nightmares about their never-ending lecture about being careful with others belongings. I get a migraine every time I think about how long it took us to put everything back with them hovering over us.”
I nod my head in agreement. “I feel sorry for the men that they marry.”
“You don’t have to.”
I give Danny a quizzical look. “Why not?”
His tone is serious when he speaks “Because they’re never dating, therefore, they will never be getting married.”
I just stand here in the paint aisle of Lowe’s and look at this delusional idiot. “Right. I’m sure that’s exactly what’s going to happen. In the meantime, why don’t you tell me which of these colors you like the best?” I hold up a few different swatches for him to look at.
Ignoring my sarcasm he looks over the paint colors.
He rubs his hand across his scruffy face and I cringe at the awful sound it makes. “Must you do that?”
His look is nothing short of mischievous. “What? This?” He runs his hand even harder across his face.
I can’t take it and jump up and try to move his hand away from his face. “Yes that, you jerk! You know how much that irks me.”
Swatting my hand away he laughs with ease “Stop before you end up hurting yourself.”
“Just pick a color already. I want to get out of here while I’m still young.”
“We both know that all those gray hairs say that you’re not young anymore.”
I glare at the fool who won’t be making it to forty. “You know, you really shouldn’t insult the person who you have listed on your life insurance policy. Adding more reasons for me to off you, is just not a good idea.”
“You don’t get anything if you murder me.” He replies smugly. Looking around the overly crowded store like someone is just going to jump out and high-five his dumbass.
I look around and still can’t believe how many people are in here today. Every register is full and backed up with at least three people. God, we picked the wrong day to come here. Note to self: only weekdays from now on.
I nod while crossing my arms across my chest. “True. But a lot of things can look like an accident. And you know damn well that Kay is my ride or lie chick.”
He frowns. “Isn’t it supposed to be “Ride or Die”?”
“Yeah, unless you’re lying to the cops, then it’s “ride or lie”.”
“Why would you have already thought out an answer to that?” He questions.
I shrug innocently. “I told you to stop adding on reasons for me to off you.” I hold up mansion stone and French gray. “Which one do you think Danny boy?”
“I think you’re insane.” He mutters.
“Which color jackass?”
He points to the one in my left hand. “That blueish one.”
I raise an eyebrow. “Mansion stone?” I shake it in front of his face just to be annoying.
“Yeah.” He answers while looking less than amused with my antics. “I think it will look good in the main part of the gym. I don’t want it to look sterile like some places but I don’t want any bright and annoying colors either.”
“Sounds like a plan. Are we paying someone to paint or are we doing this ourselves?” I question, even though I already know the answer.
“We’ll do it.” He predictably answers. The only person more frugal in this world than I am, is him. Danny’s very conscientious of how he spends his money. And he’s very smart about his investments. Investing in me to be a business partner in the gym made me financially set for life.
“I figured that you would say that.”
He gives me a dubious look. “Why don’t you look as upset as you usually do when something requires you to paint?”
That’s a solid question. I hate painting a room. Don’t even get me started on trim work. “I bought something to help us out.” I say with a winning smile, that’s only slightly creepy.
His eyes narrow at me. “What did you buy?”
Bouncing on my heels I answer. “So, remember how we saw that painting commercial?” I ignore his blank look and just continue. “I decided to get that painting system that you pour into the paint brushes, ya know, the ones that say they won’t splatter everywhere.”
He gives me a quick nod. “Well, I bought a set for each of us. It even comes with an extension thingy and has a little triangle looking thing that does corners. We should be able to bang this out in like a day. Two tops.”
He’s pinching the bridge of his nose and from experience, I know that he is also asking for patience. He is such a buzzkill some days. “You know damn w
ell that, that informercial shit never works and breaks almost automatically.”
I shake my head. “Don’t worry. This one has amazing reviews.”
“Right, because companies don’t pay for those or anything.”
I huff. “Just try it out before passing judgement Debbie Downer.”
“Fine.” He grumbles.
“Okay, I’m going to go get this mixed up and call Noah, to ask him how much paint we’ll need.”
I turn quickly and run directly into a very solid man. Just as I’m teetering backwards, two strong arms reach out and grab ahold of my elbows to steady me.
“Shit, sorry. I didn’t see you there.” I say apologetically before looking up into a familiar set of eyes. It’s JJ.
“No problem.” JJ states with a smile full of dimples. I bite back a whimper at the sight. “Are you okay?”
Nodding my head. “Ah, yeah. Luckily you caught me before I could fall.” He looks down at where he is still grasping onto my elbows and automatically pulls away like I burned him.
“Sorry.” JJ says as he rubs his hands downs the sides of his pants. “So, I uh meant to call you and---.”
“You good Sage?” Danny asks interrupting while giving JJ a death glare.
And I for once have never been so thankful for his lack of tact.
The two alpha males are sizing each other up.
I chuckle to myself. “Yep, I’m good. Luckily JJ didn’t let me fall.” I say like he wasn’t watching the whole scene.
Danny gives JJ a side-eyed look. “Glad to know that his fingers work.” He drawls.
Immediately I regret my thoughts from earlier.
Coughing, I try to cover my embarrassment. “Right. So, uh, Danny this is JJ.” I say pointing like a moron. “He works with Kay’s husband Marc. And JJ this is Danny, my daughters’ father.”
Danny gives me an obnoxious grin.
What a shithead.
I know that grin. Nothing good ever comes from that grin. Lord just kill me now I think.
“That’s all I am to you these days, huh? Just, the father of your gorgeous daughters?” His voice is filled with fake indignation. His eyes are filled with glee.
