Page 74 of Trapped
“When you guys helped Em, you rotated shifts outside the house.”
“And we failed her.”
“But she didn’t have cameras; we will,” I argued.
“Ashley, I know you’re upset, but this is the best way. And it’s happening.” AJ crossed his arms.
“Ashley, I think it’s best if we follow their advice. They wouldn’t suggest this without a good reason,” Gran added.
My resignation escaped with a sigh. “Why does it have to be Nathan?”
He raised an eyebrow. “Don’t play stupid, Ashley. It doesn’t suit you.”
Leave it to AJ to call me out.
“Jamie or Jack could assign him a different job.”
“Why would they do that, dear? It’s clear that boy is crazy about you,” Gran said.
That was the problem. I wanted to give us a second chance but couldn’t. Nathan hovering, being nice and charming while protecting us twenty-four-seven was more than I could handle.
“He volunteered for the job. Well, volunteered isn’t quite the right word.” He winked at Gran. “He pretty much told us he was staying.”
My heart skipped a beat.He told them?I dropped my head in my hands. Nathan was doing all the romantic things I fawned over in romance books, which made resisting him harder with each passing minute.
How will I survive with my heart intact?
“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said anything.” He rubbed my back.
“No, it’s okay. This is just a lot, you know?”
Prince chose that time to jump onto my lap. Instead of shooing him off, I stroked his silky-soft fur. His loud purr rumbled against my lap.
“He’s a good boy, giving you comfort when you need it,” Gran’s pride showed in her eyes. I wasn’t sure why she was so proud; she didn’t find the cat-he found her.Found us.
“If you want, I’ll talk to Jamie and Jack and see if I can get them to schedule me to share shifts with Nathan,” AJ offered.
“No, I don’t want to cause trouble.” If Nathan was determined to stay, if SSI let him assign himself, and Gran supported their decisions, who was I to argue?
AJ scoffed, not believing me for a nanosecond.
A part of me, the part I wanted to ignore but couldn’t, wanted Nathan here.
“Are you good with Doug installing cameras?” AJ asked.
“Yes, we’ll do whatever you suggest if it’ll keep Ashley safe.”
It’s not just about me. My eyes blurred as tears filled my eyes.
“Okay. I’ll tell Jamie. Anything you want me to add?” His question offered me a chance to change my mind about Nathan.
“No.” I shook my head in defeat. I’d deal with seeing Nathan twenty-four-seven to protect my grandmother. “Gran?”
She shook her head no.
AJ’s knowing grin made his dimples pop.
“He’s a good man,” Gran said after the door slid shut. “I’m happy he’s found someone who makes him happy.”
