Page 3 of His Curvy Flower

“You’re sweet. And you’re right, I am new. I’ve only been here for a few days. I moved here to take this job.”

“Where were you coming from?”

Sadie laughed softly. “So many questions, Mr.…” Her voice trailed off before she finished with, “Marshall.”

“Please, call me Arlo. No need for formalities.”

“Got it. What’s with all the questions, Arlo?” Sadie worked farther down my back and arms, her hands working magic on my sore muscles.

“Is it such a bad thing to be interested in someone?”

“No, of course not.” Her voice was hesitant.

“I don’t know how or why, but I feel the need to know you.”

“You do, hmm? I think maybe my fingers are causing some drunken thoughts.”

The massage wasn’t finished, but I didn’t care. I flipped myself over and sat up, and the sheet covering me fluttered to the floor, the large tent in my boxers no longer hidden. Again, I didn’t care.

“I don’t drink. Been sober ten years now. But if being around you makes me love drunk, then I want it. I want all of it. I wantyou.”

Sadie gasped and stepped away from the table, her hands slick and shining with oil. “What?”

I growled and stood from the table. “I want you, Sadie. I’ve known you for maybe ten minutes, but I’ve never been so sure of something before.”

Sadie shook her head. “This is crazy. You’re talking crazy. We don’t know each other. You’re here for a service. Maybe I should go get my boss and find you a new massage therapist or something?—”

“No. If kissing you means I’ll never be able to be a customer here again, then fine. I don’t care.”

“Listen, Arlo, you seem like a nice guy, but I’m not looking for anything. I want to focus on my job, make money, pay my bills, and stay hidden—” Sadie choked on the last word before she continued, her eyes going as wide as saucers. “I mean, live a life under the radar. My past has been hectic enough. I want peace and solitude now.”

“Hidden? Did you say hidden?” The possessive, overprotectiveness in me bubbled up to the surface and threatened to break free. “Is that why you came here? To escape something in the past?”

“No,” Sadie said, but her voice wavered. She turned and faced the wall so I could no longer see her face.

“You can trust me. I’ll go get Lacey right now, and she’ll tell you.”

Sadie whirled around, and tears ran down her cheeks.Shit, a crying woman tugs at my soul.

Without saying anything, I wrapped my arms around her, and like I expected, she cried harder. “It’s okay, love. Let it out.” I rubbed her back and kept her close against me. She felt so tiny wrapped in my big burly arms, like my body was swallowing hers, and fuck, it was perfect.She’s perfect.

“I was in the military for a long time. I joined when I was only eighteen and left it a couple of months ago at the age of thirty-five. I’ve seen some messed-up shit. Like really fucked-up shit. I struggled for a long time, tried to escape the oppressing thoughts and memories, but no matter how hard I ran from them, they always kept showing back up. The guys in my squad kept me going, and when my sergeant suggested therapy, I refused at first but eventually went. It changed my life. I came here with my best guys to settle down and run a security guard company. Believe me, I know all about running from the past. Appleridge is a good place to start the rest of your life.”

By the time I stopped talking, I realized Sadie was no longer crying, her breathing slower and more even.

“Shit, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to talk your ear off.”

“Don’t be sorry. It’s comforting to know others struggle too.”

“Nothing bad will happen while I’m around. I’ll protect you until my dying day, Sadie.” I tipped her chin up with one finger and locked eyes with her.

Her own eyes searched mine for answers. “Why?”

“Something in my gut tells me to. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned from all my time in the service, it’s to never ignore your gut.” I let go of her even though every part of me didn’t want to and began to dress. “I know my time is almost up, and I’m sure you have more appointments. But can I take you out to dinner tonight?”

Sadie looked everywhere but at me. “I’m sorry, but I don’t think that’s a good idea. I appreciate your support and kind words. I thank you for the understanding you showed me today, but I need to keep all relationships on a professional level only.”

It felt like a punch to the gut, but I ignored it and forged ahead. “Message clear. Have a good day, Sadie. I’ll see you around.”

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