Protect Me(70)

And if there’s one thing I know as certain as my own date of birth, I will eventually have to leave.





Chapter Eleven


Nate




I throw my tuxedo jacket over the passenger seat backrest to keep it from wrinkling and head to pick up Lia. I’ve imagined her wearing that sexy red dress all day which is why I’m still sporting a hard on the size of a hammer that won’t seem to subside, no matter how many times I think about my grandmother.

I worked Thursday night and had local fire calls on Friday night so I haven’t had much time to talk with her since Wednesday night at the creek. Listening to her share her past is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. I want to kill. Kill. No woman - especially my woman - should ever have to endure what Lia has been through.

I park the Mustang next to Lia’s Honda and head up the stairs. When I reach the top of the stairs, I see a small box sitting in front of the door. There’s no postage markings, just her name. Lia Walker. Only I know now that it isn’t her real name. But I don’t give a shit. I will never call her Amelia. I will do everything I can to not remind her of her past.

I scoop up the small package and knock on the door. It only takes a few moments and Lia opens the door. My heart stops beating. I try to suck air into my lungs, but my entire body stops functioning. Lia stands before me wearing the stunning red gown with the very high slit. Her breasts are plump and barely contained by the dress. I want to rip it off of her instantly. Her hair is down - the way I like it - and her makeup is subtle and soft.

God, I fucking love this woman.

“You are breathtaking,” I tell her.

Lia gives me the most perfect smile through soft, red lips. I want to kiss the shit out of them, smearing that red lipstick all over her face and mine.

“You look pretty amazing yourself,” she says as she steps back to allow me room to enter.

I lean down and inhale her sweet scent. I run my nose along the long column of her neck, causing her to shiver, but I know it’s not from the temperature. Its ninety fucking degrees outside right now.

“Oh, this was on your porch,” I say as I hand her the package. That gives me free hands to adjust my package. Yep, still a hammer.

Lia takes the package and looks at it. “That’s funny. I didn’t order anything,” she says as she walks back towards the room. “I’m going to grab my clutch, and I’ll be right out,” she says over her shoulder as she talks towards the bedroom.

“Hey, I want you to stay with me tonight, so why don’t you grab a quick bag,” I say as she exits the living room.

“Okay,” she says from the confines of her little bedroom.

I hear drawers open and close and it makes me smile, knowing that she’s packing up to come home with me for the night. I’ve been thinking for days now about her being there every night. Every morning. Every time I come home, I want Lia there. Every morning I leave for work, I want to place a kiss on Lia’s sweet lips. I want her with me, living with me, and that doesn’t scare me as much as it used to.

I hear Lia gasp from her bedroom, and I take off. I’m in the doorway in a handful of steps, surveying the room.

“What?” I ask, concerned and ready to fight.

“Oh, nothing,” she says. I can tell something is very wrong. Her face is flush and her smile is fake. The box is open and sitting on her bed so I walk over to it. It’s empty inside.

“What was in it?” I ask.

Lia looks at me with wide eyes and hesitates. “Oh, these,” she says. She’s going for casual, but I know better. Lia hands me a pair of white lace thongs. Nice.

“Okay. I don’t get it,” I tell her. “Someone left you underwear?”

“I bet they are from Avery,” she says without looking at me. “We went to the mall yesterday and she was teasing me about them.”

I look at her face, her eyes still averting mine, and contemplate whether I believe her or not. She’s not a liar, but something just isn’t sitting right. My gut is telling me this is all wrong.

“So, Avery bought you underwear?” I ask, eyebrows arched sky high.

“Yeah, as a joke,” she adds with a smile.

“Are you sure?” I ask, taking her hand in my own. I feel the slight tremor.

“Yes, I’m sure,” she says adamantly. Her beautiful eyes meet mine for the first time since I entered her room. Her chin is raised slightly and she’s standing her ground. I don’t believe her, but I don’t want to push her.

“Okay,” I say. “You ready to go?” I ask, gathering her bag up off the bed.

“Yes,” she replies, giving the room one last look over. “I have everything I need,” she adds. Something in her tone makes me wonder if she’s talking about spending the night at my place or something more.