Page 2 of Protecting His Babygirl

Darlene pushes her way past me and walks to the kitchen. Mel looks around with wide eyes at all the boxes stacked up. I wince because it’s a lot.

“Alright, coffee and donuts, then we will tackle this mess!” Darlene says, sounding way too damn chipper.

“Coffee and sugar sound great.”

Mel giggles. “I could go for both myself. I’m exhausted today.”

“That’s because Coop kept you up all night,” Darlene teases.

By the way Mel’s cheeks heat, I know it’s not far from the truth. Mel and Coop are still in the honeymoon stage of their relationship. It’s cute. And I’m not in the least bit jealous. Nope. Okay, so a little jealous. I want what my two friends have more than anything, but it doesn’t seem to be in the cards for me. Maybe part of my new start will be a new relationship.

Here’s hoping.

We eat our treats, and I fill up on caffeine, then we start unpacking the kitchen. Hours pass as we laugh and talk and unpack box after box. I have to admit, having help is making the process a lot less daunting than it seemed to be yesterday.

Darlene stands and stretches. “I don’t know about you guys, but I’m starving. Those donuts only go so far.”

I’m breaking down the box we just finished unpacking when there’s a knock on the door then a masculine voice calling from the entryway.

“Hello! We brought food.”

Mel jumps up from her seat, a wide smile on her face, telling me the newcomer must be Cooper. Darlene lets out a little squeal and runs into the living room, jumping up onto her man kissing him crazy. Colt grips her tight in his arms, and my heart clenches with happiness… maybe a little jealousy too.

I hate that green-eyed monster. I should feel nothing but happiness for my friend. Jealousy is an ugly emotion.

“Hey, Charity. How’s it going?” Cooper asks as he sets bag after bag of what smells like Chinese food on the countertop.

“Good. Thanks again for letting me move in here. This place is fantastic. So much better than apartment living.”

He pulls Mel close and kisses the top of her head. “No worries. It’s my pleasure. The place was just going to sit empty.”

“Well, either way. I appreciate it.”

He gives me a friendly smile then starts unpacking the bags of food. My stomach rumbles, and Colt gives me a raised brow and a scolding look. He might not be my daddy dom, but he’s definitely adopted me over the months that he’s been with Darlene. I don’t mind. It’s kind of nice having a big brother in my life. As an only child, I grew up pretty lonely. Especially since my parents didn’t have time, what with my father being a politician and my mother running multiple charities… all of which made my father look good, of course.

“Let’s get you girls fed,” he says.

We dive into the best Chinese food I’ve ever had.

“It looks like you guys got a lot done,” Cooper says.

I shrug. “The kitchen is unpacked. Which was a big undertaking.”

“Next, we are going to work on the living room and office. Then the bathroom,” Darlene rattles off.

“Actually. Someone is going to go home and rest before she overdoes it,” Colt corrects.

Darlene pouts but doesn’t argue. Even I can tell she’s tired. Mel gives Colt a weird look like she doesn’t understand why he’s calling it quits on behalf of Darlene. That’s her secret to tell. My lips are sealed.

“Yeah. I think I’m done for the day. We made good progress,” I say. I’m exhausted from the move, and unpacking just this one room is enough for now. I don’t mind living out of boxes for a little while.

“We can come back tomorrow,” Darlene volunteers.

“Yeah, I don’t have anything going on until band camp starts up next week,” Mel adds.

I smile at my two friends, feeling an abundance of love for them both. “Thanks, guys. I appreciate it.”

* * *

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