Page 34 of Safeguard

I BARELY SLEPT last night, knowing she was in the next room. I wanted nothing more than to crawl into bed with her, and it took every ounce of restraint I had, not to tear her clothes off and climb inside of her. After I’d settled in the guest room, I called Jason and laid it all on the line. I confessed my true feelings for her and came clean about sleeping together. He wasn’t surprised, but he was concerned about my ability to protect her, being I’m in love with her.

I am in love with her.

He only reiterated my own anxieties. How can I keep her safe when my head is all mixed up with my heart, and I can’t even see straight? She’s not going to be happy when I tell her he’s sending me away for two weeks on another security detail for one of his political friends. He thinks it’s for the best I take a step back until we catch the crazy motherfucker stalking her.

I’ll be leaving tomorrow for Atlanta, and even though it’s only three hours away, it’ll feel like the other side of the world. I’m pissed as hell, but I know he’s doing the right thing.

I warned him though. I want Melanie protected at all times while I’m gone. I’m worried about her, and I’m not going to feel comfortable until we catch this psycho.

“Good morning, princess,” I say without looking up from where I’m standing at the stove, flipping pancakes. I turn and find her in the doorway clutching her duffle bag.

She’s so beautiful and sexy in a pair of cut off shorts and a white off-the-shoulder jersey top. She gives me a forced smile when I lure her over to the counter with a cup of coffee.

“Going somewhere?”

She drops her bag on the floor and pours some vanilla creamer in her joe. “I think it’s for the best,” she murmurs, staring down at her pink flip-flops before taking a sip of her coffee.

“Sit.” I point to the stool. “First we are going to eat and then we need to talk.” She lets out a harsh breath, before finally taking a seat.

“You cook?”

I place a large plate of chocolate chip pancakes on the bar and take a seat across from her.

“You’d be surprised the skills you learn in the Marines.”

She smirks, her eyes wandering to the flapjacks. “They do look delicious.” I watch her, amused as she pours a ton of syrup on her plate.

“What?” She chuckles. “It’s the only way to eat pancakes.”

“Finish your breakfast, sweetheart, and then we need to talk.”

“Look, Chase, I think I should go.” She swirls her fork around in the pool of syrup. “If you could just drive me to my house.” She moves off the stool abruptly, and mine scrapes across the floor as I stand and gently clutch her wrist. Her ocean eyes twinkling, her chest swells as I stand in front of her with my gaze locked on hers.

“Not until we talk.”

“Chase,” she pleads, and I waste no time picking her up and depositing her in front of the couch.

“Sit.”

“Jesus, what the hell is wrong with you? I’m not some puppy you can command.”

“Fine. Please sit so we can talk. Then if you want to leave, I’ll take you home.”

Her fine ass falls to the couch with a huff, and I take a seat next to her. The uncomfortable silence grows for a few minutes, as I contemplate where to begin.

Do I confess my love?

Then what? What happens when she decides to leave just as Erin did?

“Why do you call me Captain America?”

She snorts out a laugh. “That’s what you want to talk about?” She shakes her head and scoffs. “I can’t believe I said it out loud.” A beautiful flush paints her face. She runs her hand through her hair, and lets out a sigh, as I wait patiently for a response. “Fine. Gabby and I watched the movie one night, and I told her you looked like him. The next day she demanded we go to Deja Brew so she could judge for herself. It’s our running joke. Savannah has its very own Captain America.” She shifts in her seat, resting her hand on my arm.

“In all seriousness, I really do appreciate everything you’ve done for me. I don’t think I could get through this without you.” I stare down to where her hand caresses my arm.

“Listen, I spoke to Jason last night. He’s taking me off your detail. He has another job, and he’s sending me to Atlanta for two weeks.”

“Oh.”

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