He originally called me while Josie and I were relaxing on the couch. Shiloh and Hayes were asleep and we were enjoying the calm. There was a show on the tv but honestly we weren’t paying attention to what we were watching. Josie was laying on her back, her feet in my lap as I took turns rubbing both of them.
My phone began to ring beside me and I figured it was just Xavier calling to shoot the shit. Ever since Harper moved in he doesn’t know what to do when he’s by himself. It’s adorable, and he deserves it.
What I wasn’t expecting was him telling me he was on his way to get the girls because some puny excuse of a man decided to lay his hands on our fucking girl and throw drinks everywhere. I was about to hop into my SUV and go to the restaurant myself, but I was forty five minutes away. Whereas Xavier stayed in Westroth and did some errands while the girls had dinner.
So, here I am. Pacing back and forth waiting for Xavier to get here. Josie is worried and she’s been standing by the window in the foyer waiting for them too. She stayed inside in case either of the boys woke up.
I hear the crunch of tires start to come down our driveway and I stop. Headlights wash over me, but relief has yet to wash away. I won’t berelieved until I have Evie in front of me so I can check her out myself, and I know Josie feels the same way.
When the truck stops, I’m already on the move. Rounding the truck and I yank the door open, frantic eyes searching for the blonde haired woman who has taken over mine and my wife’s thoughts since the first time we met.
“Hi.” She whispers, she’s turned her body so her legs are facing out the open door.
A grunt leaves me as I step forward and run my hands up her thighs until they reach her hips. Gripping her I lift her down from the truck, eyes looking over every inch of her. When my hand glides over her right arm she flinches.
“What happened?” My voice is low, and quiet. I watch her face, and see her eyes shine with unshed tears.
She sniffles, “some asshat thought he could bring us drinks and that we would just fall at his feet.” Evie runs her hand under her eye before continuing. “Then he thought he’d have a great shot of getting in my pants if he talked down to Harper.”
A growl comes from the front of the truck, followed by soft words as Harper tries to calm Xavier down.
“I told him that he was fucking delusional if he thought I was going to sit there after he talked down to my bestie and I told him to get lost. He didn’t like my answer and then he slammed his hand down on the table, knocking over said drinks he brought over. I told him he insulted my friend and that doesn’t fly with me. Which, to him, was the wrong thing to say. He stood up and flung shit off the table. I stood up and told him he needed to leave.” She pauses, rubbing a hand softly over her elbow. “That’s when he grabbed me and told me I needed tothank himfor the drinks I wasted.” A sardonic laugh leaves her as she shakes her head.
“Anyway, the head chef and owner came over before things got worse. He had already called the cops and told the guy that he wasn’t welcome there anymore.”
I stand there stunned as I let what happened sink in. I have the urge to get the girls inside and get in the truck with Xavier and head back to Westroth to find the fucker. Although, from the sounds of it he’s currently sitting at the police station. He lucked out.
“Come on, let’s get you inside.” I go to direct her to the front door, but stop and look back at Xavier. “You guys don’t have to drive home if you don’t want to. You can stay in the loft.”
“But…” Evie starts, but I don’t let her finish.
“It’s okay, man.” Xavier starts, “We gotta get home to Winnie, he’ll want to get out. I’ll call you tomorrow though, okay?”
I nod my head and we say our goodbyes.
I feel uneasy, my mind’s running a million miles a minute, but at the same time I can’t seem to get myself to decide what I’m doing.
That is until Evie starts to head around the house to the loft.
“Where do you think you’re going?” I ask, a tightness begins to form in my chest as I think about her going to the loft and staying up there alone after everything. I don’t give her a chance to respond before I continue, “You’re coming into the house. Josie is going to want to see you for herself and I doubt she’s going to be okay with you going back up to the loft by yourself, because I’m not okay.”
“I just need to get out of these clothes.” She says, “I need to be in something comfy.”
We stand in silence for a minute before I sigh, “Fine, but I’m coming with you.”
She doesn’t argue, but comes to me and grabs my hand, leading me to the stairs alongside the garage that leads to the loft. Once we’re inside I sit on the couch while Evie heads off to the bedroom.
I admire the little touches Evie has put into this place. The area once bare and empty, only being used when mine, or Josie’s parents came into town. It was made for a place our loved ones could stay when they were visiting or it was too late to make it back to their place. Xavier has slept in here countless times over the years.
Twinkle lights line the ceiling over the living area, almost giving a night sky effect. Evie’s kindle rests on the coffee table, along with an empty coffee mug sitting on top of a coaster. I grab the cup to give it a quick wash while I wait. The small kitchen stays minimalistic but still has those tiny touches that make it cozier. There’s a canvas on the wall that saysgouda vibes only. The corner of my lips twitch as I read it.
Quickly washing the cup, I hear the sound of footsteps when I am placing the mug in the dish rack. Arms wrap around me from behind, my large hand covers hers. Giving it a quick squeeze before I turn around so I can face her.
“You didn’t have to do that.” She tells me softly. Hazel eyes looking up at me with affection, and I notice slight tones of vulnerability.
Shrugging my shoulders, I lean down and press my lips to hers softly.
“It’s not a big deal, I needed to do something.” My eyes give her a once over. She’s in a pair of plaid pajama pants and a white tank. The only sign that she isn’t wearing a bra is the peaks of her nipples poking against the fabric and I feel my dick twitch with the thought of them in my mouth.
