Page 35 of Moose

I chugged the black coffee and put the cup back underneath for more. It was going to be one of those days.

Searching through the closet, I found black pants, a white flowy top, and my long beige sweater. It was comfy, yet still professional looking. I paired the outfit with some black flats and called it good.

I did a minimal amount of make-up; just enough to hide the bags under my eyes. Then I rushed the brush through my hair and threw it up in a messy bun.

My headache was slowly subsiding when there was a knock on my door. I walked over and looked through the peephole to see Moose standing on the other side.

I opened the door and crossed my arms. “Can I help you?”

He ran his hand through his long hair and gazed down at me.

“Are you okay? You look like shit.”

“Fuck you.”

Moose chuckled and leaned on the door frame.

“Can I come in?”

I moved away from the door and walked over to the coffee machine, making my second cup of coffee.

“Look, I just wanted to say sorry about last night. That’s not how I wanted that to come out.”

“You had no right, Moose.”

He sat on the edge of my bed. “I know. But you have to know why I did it. We really need to know everything. Just in case anything would ever pop up. We’ve had that happen before and it didn’t end well. Willow almost died.”

I sighed and took a sip of the coffee. “But I’m not running from any danger. That’s the thing. My past is in the past. And if this was such a big fucking deal, I could have told Striker privately. I keep things in the dark because I don’t want them out in the open. You have no idea what you just opened up…”

Moose stood up and walked toward me.

“Princess, I’m really sorry.”

I shook my head. “Fine, whatever.”

He moved closer to me and leaned against the counter.

“Can I take you out to breakfast to make up for it?”

I sighed and moved away from him, finding my coat and purse.

“No. I have an appointment to see that cottage this morning.”

“I’ll go with you.”

I put my hands up. “No.”

Moose crossed his arms. “Yes. For protection.”

Rolling my eyes, I turned the lights off. I moved to the door and Moose followed behind me. I locked up and turned. Moose was so close to me and I was back against the door.

“I don’t need protection. But I know you’re not going to take no for an answer, are you?”

He laughed and bent down to whisper in my ear, causing my body to react right away.

“Nope. I get to follow your pretty little ass around all day.”

Moose pulled back and walked toward his motorcycle. I took a few deep breaths before getting in my car.

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