Page 37 of Protecting Clove
Since Bud wasn’t back yet, they were meeting Caroline at the library so she could suggest some books for Neo. She liked that Neo was into learning, and she hoped the new school would give her all the education she craved and also a lot of fun. Then again, Neo thought learning was fun.
Leaving the house felt weird. There was fear, not knowing where Keith was. If he found them again, she feared they would never get Neo back. If Keith only could hurt her, she wouldn’t worry so much. But the horrible things he could do to Neo scared her.
Caroline was already inside the library when they arrived. She greeted them and then led Neo over to the section with science books. They picked out five books Caroline thought were okay.
“That’s a big stack,” Clove said when they came to the table where she was sitting. She’d positioned herself so she could see the door and most of the library. It was weird having to watch for Keith. It wasn’t how she was used to dealing with life. He’d never been this close, and now she knew he was here.
“They look like great books. I want to read them all.”
“How about we take down the names of three of them and check out two?”
“No. We take down the names of two and check out three. I need to have enough to really read. I don’t want to get bored and have to come back in a week.”
Clove frowned. “Okay, we’ll check out three and take down the names of two.”
“Then we can come back and get them next time?” Neo asked.
“Yes.”
Caroline knelt next to Neo. “I have some biologist friends who can make book recommendations for biology. And we can find other science disciplines for you to study.”
“That’s great. Thank you,” Neo said.
Neo gave Caroline a quick hug, then skipped off to the puzzle board and started playing. Caroline moved to sit next to Clove. She bumped Clove’s shoulder.
“Neo seems resilient.”
“I hate that she had to go through it all. He found me because I called my aunt to see how my cousin was after a wreck. She told Keith where I was. I was just being nice, and boom, Keith knows where we are. I didn’t even tell them exactly where we were, but I guess she figured it out based on the phone number. I should have blocked my number from showing up, but I wasn’t thinking.”
“The guys are looking for him. They’ll find him, and when they do, he won’t ever hurt you again.”
Another child came into the library, and Neo was talking to them. It made her feel better seeing Neo being able to get along with children around her age. It also gave her time to talk with Caroline.
“How long have you known these guys? Like, have you known Wolf and Bud long enough to know they aren’t jerks?”
Caroline chuckled. “I’ve known Wolf for many years. Bud is newer, but I’ve seen him around from time to time. Wolf respects him, which means a lot. If you’re this close to Bud, you’re in.”
Clove took her eyes off Neo and focused on Caroline. “What does that mean?”
“These guys can get any woman they want. It is obvious. I mean, just look at them. And there are plenty of military men and women who don’t want long-term relationships and gothrough partners like napkins at a taco place. But if you’re this close, if I’m meeting you, it’s because Bud thinks the world of you.”
“He told me he loved me before he left. I’m being an idiot trying to second-guess him. I think it’s because of this Keith situation. He has me tied up in knots. I don’t want to be wrong about Bud, but I’ve picked bad in the past.”
“You’re not wrong about Bud. He’s a good guy.”
“That’s a relief because I’ve fallen for him, and I just don’t trust myself right now, not with all this other stuff going on. I hope you don’t think badly about me. I’m not doubting him. I’m doubting myself.”
Caroline placed her hand on Clove’s and squeezed. “I get it. I don’t think badly of you for questioning. Just know Bud isn’t playing with you. If he told you he loved you, then it’s real.”
Clove dabbed at the tears forming in her eyes. She needed this, needed confirmation from someone like Caroline. Keith had put her through so much, and she needed a win. Maybe life really would start getting better from here on out.
29
Bud was ready to head home, but they ended up staying on the aircraft carrier for a few days. Sometimes the slow movement of the military drove him crazy. He wanted to press forward and get things moving, but the military took its own sweet time.
When they were finally headed home, he felt relief. He just wanted to get home and see Clove and Neo. He was ready for more with Clove. Maybe he was moving too fast, but he felt great about her being in his life.
They were midway over the USA when they were diverted by a storm. A freak hurricane had developed off the coast and was set to hit San Diego when they would be landing.
