Page 45 of Forever Fickle

“I start back to school in three weeks, so it should work out just fine. I wanted to check because I heard from the district today and got the calendar.”

“Ahhh, I see. Yep. I understand. We always knew this was until you went back to school, and it’s been a blessing having you here. Anytime you want to fill in, take classes, or just swing by – you always have a place here, Karen.”

“I appreciate that,” she smiled. “I might take you up on that someday.”

“I hope you do.”

* * *

Three hours later,she was pretending to stay busy as suddenly Alpo was working late, rearranging the desk chairs in the office. She caught Jace walking past the office, giving her a deadpan stare of frustration that had her chuckling in amusement.

They both knew they were waiting to escape Alpo’s watchful eyes and to her absolute horror… Valkyrie’s truck pulled up.

Thumper and Valkyrie got out, looking distinctly unhappy. Before she could say a thing, question why the two men who were out on maternity leave with their wives were here, she heard Alpo holler.

“Hot Cakes! Front and center…” Alpo bit out and then slid open the frosted glass to Harley’s office. “You stay put,” he ordered, pointing at her and shut the glass.

She heard Jace’s heavy sigh and his steps as he walked out of the front door.

Glancing outside, she saw the three men were standing there – talking to Jace… and all four had their arms crossed over their chests. She couldn’t hear what they were saying – but their frowns, angry expressions, and looks spoke volumes.

Getting her purse – just so she had something to clock them upside the head with, Karen started out of the building, feeling her temper rise.

“… Look, she’s the best thing that has ever…” Jace was speaking the moment she exploded onto the front steps of the office.

“I think I have a right to be here if you are discussing our relationship,” Karen snapped hotly, walking right up to Jace’s side and taking his hand in hers. She could feel his eyes on her – as she glared at the three men staring at her in shock.

“Now, I appreciate how much you guys look out for me – how you’ve taken me right under your wing – but this is one area of my life that is completely off limits to you… unless you are my father,” she said bluntly, looking at each of them as she spoke.

“Karen…” Jace began quietly, tugging on her hand that was clenching at his as she stared down Valkyrie – who looked almost frozen in ice as he looked at her for getting snippy with him.

The man was nearly a foot taller than her… but by golly, she’d kick him in the shin if she had to! No one was too big to be taken down!

“No, Jace. Everyone has a past and that doesn’t determine the future. Besides, whatever happens between us doesn’t involve any of them…”

“Karen…” Thumper interrupted.

The flyboy was trying to get her attention – but only succeeded in drawing her ire as she continued her tirade, pointing at Thumper’s chest angrily because he’d been absent this whole week and to suddenly show up now?

That really irked her because that meant Alpo sicced him on Jace.

“It doesn’t involve any of them, nor is it their business if we are dating.”

“Karen…” Alpo snapped, interrupting her. “Are you finished?”

“NO!” she bit out, turning to the other man angrily. “How dare you call these two goons to do your dirty work. I know you don’t want me falling for Jace… but it’s none of your business.”

“I’m talking to them about a job, Karen…” Jace interrupted, drawing her up short as silence descended in the group. “My re-enlistment is up in a little over two years and I’m talking to them about a position here – if there is an opening, at the time.”

“Do go on, Karen…” Valkyrie said glibly, actually cracking a smirk on his cold expression.

“I wish I had popped popcorn for this,” Alpo grinned, putting his hands on his hips and looking at her reddening face. “Best interview ever!”

“I think her temper is worse than Harley’s,” Thumper smiled and then hesitated. “Don’t tell my wife I said that.”

“Oh, she’ll definitely know…” Alpo laughed. “Being a twin trumps just being my wingman any day… or at least it’s supposed to.”

“A… job?” she whispered in horror, looking at Jace. “I’m sorry. I’ll go wait inside – actually let’s just cancel tonight.”

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