Page 29 of Protecting Andie

“Yes. Then he turned into a stalker. I don’t know why, but he attacked me at the wedding. I shouldn’t tell you this. You’re going to think I’m drama and bad for Rider.”

“No, I promise you I won’t. How about we plan a dinner together next week? I’ll talk to Kevlar about what day is good.”

“What’s good?” Kevlar asked as he and Rider came around the side of the house.

“Let’s have them over for dinner.”

Kevlar nodded. “Sure. We’ll pick a date. Maybe have some of the other guys and their women over.”

“That would be great,” Rider said. “I need to plan a picnic for next weekend. I know my team wants to find out who got me to commit to a relationship.”

Andie’s heart swelled. Rider was openly telling his friends he was making a commitment to her. He knew how to make her feel good, and she could tell this wasn’t just for show. Rider was genuine and open about how he felt about her.

“I’m excited to meet your friends. I already feel welcome, and this is making me feel better.”

Remi put her arm around Kevlar’s waist. “I’m glad you’re here and living across the street from us. I can’t wait to get to know you better.”

They said goodbye and continued on their walk. The neighborhood was big and flat, and the weather was warm. Portland was cooler, and since it sat at the base of a mountain, there were some very hilly areas. This area outside San Diego was very flat.

“What are you thinking?” Rider asked.

“That this area is nice. Different from what I’m used to. Mount Hood is so tall.”

“Hey, Cuyamaca Peak isn’t small.”

She had to stop walking because she was laughing so much. “It’s half the size. I looked it up.”

Now he was laughing, and it felt so dang good to just laugh with Rider. He put his arm around her shoulder, looking proud to be with her.

“We are close to the beach here, so the area is flat.”

“Oh, the beach. I’ll have to get used to that. I bet it’s warmer than the beaches near Portland.”

“The weather is warm, but the ocean can be cold.”

They talked more about the beach and things they could do in the city. The lack of clouds was making her worry a little. She would have to invest in a good sunscreen. They made it back to the house without running into anyone else.

“I have to go to work in the morning. I want to make the most of today, but I don’t want to overdo it.”

“I have two classes to teach tomorrow. I do have a late in-person class on Wednesdays. It runs for about forty-five minutes and starts at five.”

“It will take time for us to get used to each other’s schedules. What time is your earliest class?”

“It’s Tuesday and Thursday at seven in the morning.”

“Ouch.”

“Yeah, it’s tough on me. I usually set four alarms to make sure I’m up.”

“And Californians wake up for that class?”

She shook her head. “No, most of the people in the class are Central or Mountain time. Grading papers is one of the most arduous tasks. I have to keep up with the papers. That’s the one thing I always get behind on. Not bad, but I have to set reminders.”

“I’m glad your work allows for you to be here.”

“So am I. I’ve had classes on weekends, but honestly, with you having most weekends off, I can’t see myself doing that again.”

“When I deploy, you’ll be alone.”

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