Page 40 of The Desperate Warrior

“Enough,” Brock cut in. “I can’t handle this all night.”

“Me neither,” Jules agreed, and then she and Brock shared a look of understanding that caused her blood to pump faster. Yep, just as she feared. Things were about to get complicated.

“Do you think that the pizza restaurant will even deliver in this storm?” Nikki asked.

“Maybe if we hurry up and order,” Brock answered. “The rain has slacked off for now, but I have a feeling we’re seeing the calm before the storm.” He reached for the remote and clicked on the TV. He flipped through channels until he got to the local news. Aswirling radar image of North Texas pulsed red and orange over Fort Worth. The ominous wordsTornado Watchwere plastered over the bottom of the screen as the forecaster spoke in a grave tone and used a pointer to draw attention to the storm sitting just west of the city.

Brock turned up the volume. The forecaster’s voice radiated tension. “We’re monitoring this system just outside of Parker County. Conditions are ripe for tornadic development as this front pushes east. If you’re in Fort Worth, Arlington, or anywhere in Tarrant County, you need to be on alert.”

Jules’s cell phone rang. She reached for it and answered. It was her mom. “Hello.”

“Jules,” Mom breathed, “are you and Nikki watching the weather?”

“We just turned on the TV.”

“There’s a tornado watch in effect until eleven p.m. You need to keep abreast of this. If it gets worse, y’all make sure to get under the stairwell.”

“We will,” Jules assured her. “Did Dad get home okay?”

“He did.”

“Good,” Jules sighed.

There was a slight pause. “Your dad told me about Brock and his brother moving in across the street.” She hesitated. “I know you’re not happy about it, and I can understand how you feel. But as your mother, I’m grateful that you have someone who’s keeping watch over you.” Her voice trembled. “I just don’t want anything else to happen to you.”

Jules was unprepared for the sense of foreboding that slinked down her spine. “I’ll be fine,” she assured Mom, hoping it was true. Her heart began to pound. She swallowed, commanding herself to get a grip. Fear seized her with a cold, merciless grip. Then came the wave of dizziness. She forced herself to take in a calming breath through her nose. Holdingit for a couple of seconds, she exhaled. She knew what this was—the beginning of a panic attack. She’d seen patients have them before going into surgery, but this was the first time she’d experienced it.

It was terrifying.

Brock eyed her with concern. “You okay?”

She nodded, biting down on her lower lip. She was okay. Nothing bad was going to happen. She was just reeling from the trauma of everything that had already happened. A prayer went through her mind, asking for help as she clutched the phone. Mom was jabbering on the other end, but the sound was muffled.

Brock placed a hand on her arm. “Just breathe,” he urged.

Nodding, she did so.

“Are you okay?” Nikki lurched forward as if she might spring from her seat any second to offer assistance.

“She’s okay,” Brock assured Nikki as he rubbed a light trail up and down Jules’s arm.

Brock’s touch was immensely comforting. For the first time since she’d seen him across the street and realized what was happening, she was glad he was here. No, the two of them were not ever getting back together, but at least he could protect her. She trusted him implicitly to keep her safe. She just didn’t trust him with her heart.

“Jules,” Mom said with a hint of irritation. “Are you listening to a word I’ve said?”

“Uh, yeah. Sorry.” Thankfully, the wave of panic had passed. Her chest was more open, and she could breathe easier. She didn’t dare say any of this to Mom, or she’d go into a frenzy. Mom was worked up enough as it was about the tornado watch. Jules didn’t want to pile on more worries.

Mom continued. “Maybe you should reach out to Brock and let him know about the severity of the storm. Being from Utah,he and Luke might not grasp the seriousness of a tornado watch.”

“They’re here with Nikki and me.” Jules looked at Brock as she spoke. He was still stroking her arm with a feather-light touch that cascaded tingles down her spine.

“Oh, good,” Mom breathed. “That makes me feel so much better. Y’all be safe. I love you, honey. If you need anything, let me know.”

“I will. Love you too.” Jules ended the call. She turned to Brock and gave him a weak smile. “My mom’s worried about the tornado watch,” she explained.

He lowered his hand from her arm.

Feeling more in control of herself, she crooked a smile. “Mom was afraid that you Utah boys wouldn’t understand the gravity of tornadoes in Texas.”

---