Her Protector

by Rianna Campbell

  The rest of her day went by in a blur, as usual. She had meetings back to back all morning and then all afternoon was spent in trial prep. They hadn’t received a settlement offer after Friday’s slam dunk deposition, and until they did and everything was ironed out, she was preparing as if they were still going to trial. Maybe if they settled it, she could take a couple extra days off since she’d left most of next week open for court.

  She was in the middle of gathering her things at the end of the day when there was a knock on her door. Before she could answer, the door opened and her father stepped inside, shutting the door behind him.

  “Hi.” Alexandra raised her eyebrows. Her father hardly ever deigned to visit the fourth floor, none of the senior partners did. “What’s up?”

  “Just wanted to see how you were.” He shrugged. She narrowed her eyes and he shook his head.

  “None of that. It’s after six which means you’re technically off the clock.”

  “Alright, then.” She smiled.

  “Does that mean I can get a hug, too?” He asked, his eyes, so much like her own, twinkling with amusement.

  She walked into his open arms and hugged him back, not even commenting when he squeezed her tightly before letting her go.

  “So, how are you?” He asked, shoving his hands in his pockets and looking all of forty. She could only hope to age as gracefully as her parents had so far.

  “I’m okay.” She shrugged her shoulders. “It’s… strange, certainly, but not as unpleasant or uncomfortable as I thought it would be.”

  Especially when Connor is kissing me, his big strong hands running over my body...

  “They’re taking good care of you then?” He asked and she turned to resume collecting her things to hide the blush that crept over her face.

  “Very. I’ve only met three of them so far, but they’ve been very nice. Professional.” She left “gorgeous” and “charming” unsaid.

  “Good. I don’t want you to have to worry about this overmuch.”

  “I’ll be fine, Dad. I’m a big girl. I’ve been taking those classes and I’m sure I’m in very good hands with MacLachlan Security Group.”

  “No matter how big you get, I’m still going to worry about you, DD.” He frowned. “You and your sister are my heart and soul. I can’t imagine how I’d go on without the two of you.”

  She could hear what he left unsaid. He’d lost his wife when they divorced, and he’d devoted himself to her and Amanda ever since and it had helped him get through it all.

  And, he’d almost lost Alexandra one horrible night nine years ago. She couldn’t bear to think about what he’d been through, the anguish he’d felt on her behalf. That more than anything had nearly killed her.

  “I know, Dad. Connor and his guys have it under control, though, so try not to worry too much.”

  “I will,” He smiled at her but it was tinged with mischief. “If you let me take you to lunch this week.”

  She rolled her eyes and shook her head.

  “Talk to Janie tomorrow and she’ll pencil you in.”

  “This is what I’m reduced to?” He said, appalled. “Having to pencil in time with my own daughter?”

  “When your daughter has a medical malpractice suit to win, yes.”

  Her father walked her to the lobby, where Jackson was already waiting. They exchanged

  a few words and he kissed Alexandra on the cheek before turning around and heading back up. She worried about him at times. He was still working too much and he seemed… lonely. She and Amanda were busy with their own lives and careers and all three could rarely find time to spend together as a family. The same was true with their mom.

  She wasn’t one of those people to fantasize about her parents getting back together and becoming one big happy family again. She was an adult and she understood that sometimes things just didn’t work out. She just wished that both of her parents could find a way to be happy. Really happy, not just… not sad.

  Jackson took her briefcase and laptop bag from her and walked her to the car.

  “Your dad seems nice.”

  “He is.”

  “You alright?” He asked as they pulled into traffic.

  “Long day.” She shrugged. He nodded and they drove in silence for a while. Alexandra shook herself out of her funk and tried to distract herself with conversation.

  “Is the suit uniform or something?” She asked. Jackson shrugged.

  “Sort of. Most clients expect it, but it’s not strictly required. Sometimes it’s better to blend in a little, in which case we just wear casual clothes.”

  “Like Connor did on the weekend.” Alexandra nodded.

  “Connor?” He asked, raising an eyebrow.

  “Yeah. He was on my detail Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Is that right? ‘On my detail?’” She said. She wasn’t familiar with the terminology.

  “Yeah, that’s right.” Jackson said absently.

  “What?”

  “Nothing. It’s just odd, that’s all. Conor doesn’t usually do detail work.”

  “What do you mean?” She asked.

  “Well, he owns the company. He’s great with security systems and logistics for detail and things like that. Don’t get me wrong, he’s more qualified than most of us to do the job, it just usually isn’t something he gets personally involved in. He’s the big picture guy.”

  “He said everyone else was already assigned for the weekend.” She said, more to remind herself than anything else.

  “Makes sense.” Jackson replied, nodding. He didn’t seem quite convinced. “Still shopping?” He asked.

  “Yup.” She directed him to her usual grocery and then went back to watching the city slip by.

  Alexandra was quick and efficient. Grocery shopping was one of her least favorite chores. The constant transferring just irritated her. You put things in the shopping cart to take them out and put them back in, and then to take them back out and put them in your car so you could take them out again once you got home. It just seemed slightly absurd to her. There had to be a better system, didn’t there?

  She picked up enough food to cook at least three meals this week, plus a few staples for breakfast, and Jackson kindly loaded everything into the Range Rover for her. And he even insisted that she let him carry everything in for her once they got back to the brownstone.

  “Jackson you really didn’t have to do that.” She said as he brought the last load into the kitchen. Then, to her surprise, he actually began unpacking bags and putting things away with her.

  “Were you a boy scout by any chance?” She asked, laughing.

  “Yes, ma’am.” He grinned.

  “Boy scout, Marine, and handsome to boot. Your mom must be proud.” She said.

  “I hope so.” His smile was more sheepish this time, and a little sad.

  “Does she live close?”

  “No. Texas.” Another cowboy.

  “That must be hard, being so far away.”

  “It is. But I have two younger brothers who take good care of her. I talk to her at least once a week and I try to visit twice a year.”

  “That’s sweet. How old are you brothers?” She asked, stocking the fridge with yogurt.

  “Twenty-six and Twenty-three.” He smiled. He clearly loved his family. “Trent is an architect and a volunteer fire fighter, and Justin just finished college with a degree in criminal justice.” He sounded so proud. “They’re good boys.”

  “Sounds like your mother has a knack for raising heros.”

  He stilled, and his face became pensive. “I’m not a hero.” He said quietly. She blinked at him, not sure how to respond to that.

  “You were a Marine?” She said, ignoring the groceries and taking a stool so she could give him her attention.

  “Yes, ma’am. Eight years, three tours.”

  “Lex, remember?” She said, putting her hand over his. “That’s a long time to serve.”

  “Yeah.”

  “Why di
d you join?” She asked, genuinely curious. She admired soldiers, but she had to admit she couldn’t fully understand what motivated them.

  “The boys.” He shrugged. “Pop died just before I enlisted. Mom was working and had some savings, but I knew things would be tight. And Mom wanted us all to get an education. I wasn’t a great student. Didn’t get any scholarships. But Trent and Justin were smart boys. I knew they’d do well if I could give them a shot.”

  “So you enlisted so that you could help your mom and your brothers?”

  “Yeah. Seemed like the best way. I sent my pay home and figured if I still wanted to go to school when I was done, I could.”

  “That’s incredibly selfless of you.” Alexandra said, feeling close to tears. He looked uncomfortable. “I know I don’t know you… at all, really. I don’t know what you’ve seen or done, and I don’t need to know. Just knowing why you did it, I know you must be a good man. I’m sure your Mother is proud of you.”

  “Aw, hell. Please don’t cry.” He said, looking positively horrified.

  “I’m not crying.” She said, wiping at her eyes.

  He reached over and put an arm around her shoulder, giving her a slightly awkward side hug. It was adorable.

  She gave him a reassuring smile and he smiled back. It was slightly shy and his eyes still held shadows, but it was a start. Her heart broke for him a little and she decided she wanted to do something nice for him.

  “Are you hungry?”

  An hour later they were finishing up the simple dinner of grilled salmon with dill sauce, caprese salad and roasted potatoes. He’d eaten seconds of everything and then thanked her profusely before helping her with the dishes.

  Dinner had been an enlightening experience. Jackson had a wonderful sense of humor. He seemed genuinely decent and even sweet. He was a smart ass, which she appreciated, but he seemed generally easy going and fun to be with. That and the Texas twang had given her an idea that, once begun, had grown and taken complete hold of her until she found herself abruptly asking, “Are you single?” The look of panic on his face had her laughing almost instantly.

  “Oh, God. I’m sorry. That wasn’t what I meant.” She gasped between fits of laughter. He immediately looked relieved and then slightly embarrassed.

  “No offense, Lex. I don’t want you thinking it’s you. You’re beautiful and a killer cook. I’d snatch you up in a heartbeat, but I value my job.” Jackson said. “And my balls.” He muttered.

  “What?” She asked, confused.

  Jackson hesitated. He clearly hadn’t meant for her to hear that last part. She raised an eyebrow and waited.

  “Connor would skin me alive and castrate me if I put a finger on you, and that is a direct quote.” He finally replied.

  What the hell?

  Apparently he’d marked his territory with Jackson... Or was it all of them?

  “Jacks,” Alexandra said, forcing calm into her voice. “Was this a private conversation, by any chance?”

  Jackson shook his head slowly, having the good sense to look contrite.

  She could feel her face turn bright red and she begged to be struck down, swallowed up, made invisible- anything to escape the humiliation of knowing that he’d made some sort of big declaration in front of all of his employees. Or worse, maybe he’d issued a memo.

  “I’m going to kill him.” She whispered, squeezing her eyes shut. Jackson chuckled and her eyes popped open and she fixed him with her most lethal glare. Which made him chuckle harder.

  “Keep it up and you’re next.”

  And then the seed of a plan was planted, and by the time she said goodnight to Jackson, it was fully formed.

  Oh, yes. You will pay for this, Connor.

  She checked her phone as she plugged it in for the night and saw a message from Connor. Even as angry as she was, she couldn’t help the flutter in her gut when she saw his name on the screen.

  CM:How was your day?

  He’d sent it about half an hour ago. She supposed she could answer.

  AH:Wonderful. Jackson just left.

  He responded almost immediately.

  CM:Busy night?

  AH:Just a quiet dinner at home.

  CM:??

  CM:With Jackson?

  AH:Yes. He’s lovely. I like him.

  There was several seconds of silence and she grinned to herself.

  CM:Lovely?

  AH:Yes. Goodnight, Connor. :)

  CM:Lex…

  CM:Alexandra?

  CM:You there?

  She snickered and turned off the ringer before getting ready for bed.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  Alexandra awoke on Wednesday to two missed calls, a new voicemail and several text messages, all from Connor.

  CM:Parker will be on your detail tomorrow.

  CM:Jackson is now unemployed. And if Parker is ‘lovely,’ he will be too.

  Alexandra giggled. She didn’t believe him for a second but she found it adorable how jealous he sounded. She almost felt bad, but he had brought this on himself.

  He included a photo of Parker, just like he had for Sam and Jackson, and he was as gorgeous as they had been. He had blonde hair that hung to his collar and hazel eyes that were more green than brown. The thick stubble that covered his jaw and the tattoo on his neck gave him that yummy bad-boy vibe.

  She put the phone on speaker and entered her pin for the voicemail. She set in on the counter while she did her makeup.

  “Alexandra,” Connor said. His voice was deep and sexy and he practically growled her name. “Your last text was only five minutes ago. I know you’re still awake. Call me back.”

  Even the sound of his voice made her shiver everywhere. Heat bloomed all over, her face, in her belly, and most certainly between her legs. But, she would not be swayed. He deserved a little comeuppance and she was going to make sure he got it. And if he tries to hunt me down after all, I might just let him.

  She made it a point to smile sweetly at Parker and ask him all about himself on the drive to work. She told him she would call when she was done for the day, then she went to work. She pulled Janie into her office as soon as she had a spare minute and told her what she was planning, if not why she was planning it, and what she needed. By 6:00, everything was ready. No turning back now.

  She met Parker in the lobby and he gave her a tight professional smile. No doubt Connor had reinforced his “hands-off” policy after their exchanged messages last night, but she refused to feel bad. She wasn’t getting them in trouble, Connor’s stupid rule was and she was in no way responsible for his possessive macho bullshit.

  “Good evening, Parker.” She beamed. She had been half afraid that Connor would drop everything to pick her up himself, but apparently he had better things to do.

  “Evening, ma’am.”

  “Please, call me Alexandra. Or Lex, or anything other than ma’am.” She gave him her most disarming smile, and he kept his face carefully neutral.

  “Yes, ma’am.” He said flatly.

  “I don’t bite. I promise.” She said sweetly.

  “No, ma’am.”

  He led her to the car and ushered her in, without touching her, and got in. He pulled into traffic and she let him focus a moment before launching her assault.

  “So, is Parker your first name or last?” She asked.

  “First.” He said. He kept his eyes on the road.

  “Is that what you prefer to be called?”

  “Yes.”

  “Do you like working for Connor?”

  “Yes.”

  “He must be very demanding.”

  He didn’t even respond verbally this time, he merely shrugged. This one was a tough nut to crack. She’d have to try a different approach.

  “You look familiar, have we met somewhere before?”

  “I don’t think so.” He said confidently.

  “Are you sure? Are you from New York?”

  “No.”

  “Where are you from?”
/>
  “I was born in Montana, then I lived in Texas for a while.”

  “Really? Wow, I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone from Montana before. I hear it’s beautiful there. I’ve always wanted to visit. What part are you from?”

  “Great Falls.” He spared a sideways glance this time.

  “Do you miss it?”

  “Sometimes.”

  “What do you miss about it?”

  He seemed to struggle with himself. He clearly wanted to answer but he was wary. As you should be.

  “The sky, and the quiet.”

  “Must be a lot different from New York.” Alexandra laughed. “I’ve heard you can see the aurora borealis from there sometimes, is that true? I bet it’s spectacular.”

  “You can. And it is.” His mouth twitched as if he’d wanted to smile but shut it down almost instantly.

  “Sounds amazing.” She beamed. “Oh shoot, I told Connor I would call him. Is he in the office now?” She asked

  “No.” Was all he said. Good.

  “Can you take me there, please?”

  “Ma’am?” He was confused and very skeptical.

  “Just for a minute. I just need to drop something off. That’s okay, isn’t it? I mean you have a regular office, right? Where people go for meetings?”

  “Yes.”

  “Okay. Thank you.”

  Parker looked at her, unsure what to make of her or what was going on, but he clearly didn’t want to risk more conversation that necessary so they rode in silence.

  They pulled up outside a large modern office building and he opened the door for her. He herded her into the elevator and pressed the button for the sixth floor. They rose without a word and he led her down the hall to a large reception area which was empty at this time of day. And he stopped.

  “Is Jackson here? Or Sam? I just want to say hello.”

  Again, he looked as if he very much wanted to ask her what the hell was going on, but he didn’t. He picked up the phone at the reception desk and punched in a number. He glanced nervously at Alexandra as he spoke into the phone.

  “Someone to see you.”

  A moment later Jackson appeared from behind a glass door. He stared at her, startled, and then after a moment he gave her a tense smile.

  “What brings you here? Connor’s not-”