Page 82 of Things I Read About
We walk to the back into a hall where the restrooms are. “Look,” he says looking up and down the hall. “No people.”
“Oh,” I get out before his lips are on mine and he’s pushed me up against the wall.
His kisses are different, intense. He moves his lips to my neck.
“Joe, Nate is—”
“Not in here. My buddy is watching the doorway, we’re alone for a minute. C’mon babe, Joe needs to touch you.”
Third person?Gross, gross, gross.
Ass grab. But under my skirt.
Adrenaline and bile compete to fill my whole body.
“Joe, I don’t want to.”
“C’mon, just give Joe a taste. To tide me over.”
"Joe, don't—"
Nate bursts through a side door and pulls Joe off by his collar.
Joe actually falls down, onto the floor.
A third guy rushes toward us from the hallway. “Joe? Joe!” He looks at Nate and asks, “Who the hell are you?”
Nate stands in front of me with his hands out and back a bit, just like he did with the bear.
“I..." He inches forward, "am the fucking bodyguard.” Nate's voice is deeper, bigger and scarier than ever. “And you two tried to keep her from me. Big mistake.”
“Hey man, we’re not the threat,” the new guy says.
“I’mthe threat. Get back.”
Joe brushes himself off as he stands. “Chill out, asshole, I’m her boyfriend.”
“Not anymore.”
Joe moves forward in a rush. “Says who? You?”
Nate pulls his gun.His gun! What!“Says her shaking hands and crying eyes, you idiot piece of shit. Now, back up.”
“Whoa, whoa, whoa, man. Calm down,” Joe says, backing up a few steps. “Sally? Sally!” he calls to me, but I don’t answer. I don’t know what to say.
Nate looks at me, and his intensity is like the eye of the storm. A calm center in the midst of all the chaos. “You’re done with him, right?”
I think I manage to nod.
“Either of you so much as text her and I will personally end your careers.” Joe scoffs, but Nate adds, “Can’t play ball without legs, asshole.”
“Are you threatening me?”
“I’m protecting my client. And before you spout off about pressing your pussy-ass charges, remember who her brother-in-law is. He could shove so many lawyers down your throat, they’ll end you before I have to. So do what I tell you and Get. Lost. Now.”
“C’mon Joe,” Joe’s teammate says, pulling Joe away.
Only after they’re out of sight does Nate tuck his gun away behind his back. In one step he has me scooped up in his arms. I dissolve into him, crying, the drops on his shirt highlighting the fact.
