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Monroe was like that and more. He didn’t want her to pleasure him unless he had pleasured her. He’d said it was because once he had gotten off, all he wanted was to snuggle with her, maybe talk a little, and go to sleep with her in his arms. She felt selfish to want that order of events too, but since he offered, she accepted. Mallory loved giving him pleasure, and at first, he was reticent to allow that, but she convinced him it was something she needed as well.
She watched as Monroe went past the window in his last walk-through of the property. Monroe covered every base before coming inside. Her man had one fine ass, and when he was working either here or at Jac and Sharlee’s, he was intense, not letting anything get past him or go by the wayside. He was why Mallory felt the confidence to return to work, but she wouldn’t tell him that just yet. Not when her victory was so hard-won and so recently gained.
Monroe and Garrett took turns doing the security checks. As Mallory waited for Monroe, she thought about Garrett. She knew nothing about his life, really. No one had ever mentioned a wife or girlfriend and no children. He was an attractive man in arough around the edgeskind of way, like Monroe, but he also had a bit of sophistication about him that was hard to miss. He was always neat and clean, his beard well-trimmed like Monroe’s darker one.
Garrett reached for the remote. “You about to head upstairs?”
“Yes. I’m just waiting on Monroe to finish walking the grounds.” Garrett nodded, and Mallory decided not to wonder any longer. “Garrett, do you have a wife or girlfriend that no one has mentioned? Am I going to have to buy them chocolates or something to make up for you being away from home so much lately?”
Garrett laughed. “Monroe is right. You’re damn cute for a doctor. But to answer your question, no, no one is waiting for me at home.”
Mallory was instantly contrite. She knew what it was like to want something, and have it brought up that you didn’t have it like a love interest. She knew that feeling very well indeed.
“Oh. I’m sorry if that’s a touchy subject. That was inconsiderate of me. I try not to step into other’s personal space.”
Garrett chuckled. “Honey, you are with the wrong group of friends and certainly the wrong man if you are going to worry about everyone’s feelings all the time. We are sensitive to each other but always honest because trust demands it. That can hurt sometimes. So, no harm done, but I’m curious why you think it’s touchy?”
Mallory shrugged. “Just the way you seemed a little sad when you said it.”
“Monroe said you were intuitive. Yes, the last proper relationship has been a while. My last lady left without even a ‘goodbye, it's been nice knowing you’conversation.”
“You loved her.”
“I did indeed. Still do. Not sure if permanent relationships are for me.”
Mallory reached over and laid her hand on his, sitting on his thigh. “I thought that too until I met Monroe. I was positive that my life was too busy to spare anytime in a committed relationship because they are hard work. I mean, I wanted it, started to look for someone, but didn’t hold out much hope.”
“Yeah, I’m having trouble seeing women in a different light after Callie.”
“Callie, that’s her name? Well, I guess that makes sense, but don’t close yourself off like I did. If Monroe didn’t plow through my barriers, I wouldn’t be happy now. You’ll lock eyes with the woman of your dreams, and nothing else will matter. Not your plans, your protective wall, what others say, nothing. I hope you find her soon.”
Garrett patted Mallory’s hand, still resting on his. “I don’t know about that for me. I’m a tough old bird, set in my ways, but I’m damn glad Monroe found you.”
“Hush, you aren’t old, and promise me you will keep an open mind when it comes to finding a woman.”
“I will promise to do the best I can. Now can the touchy-feely shit be over?”
She laughed. “Yes, I’ll leave you alone, for now.”
“Monroe said you were a brat. I’ll tell him you need an extra few swats from me.”
“You will not,” she said as she stood up. “He needs no incentives. Speaking of which, what’s taking him so long?”
“Good question. Go into the bedroom and lock the door,” said Garrett, suddenly more alert as he stood and began long strides to the front door. He opened the heavy inner door and reached for the outer metal one when Monroe yanked it open.
“Everything as it should be?” asked Garrett.
“I don’t know, but I think so. There was rustling in the underbrush at the eastern corner of the yard, and then the security camera came on near the sound. It was likely a bear or something, but I couldn’t be sure without seeing it. All quiet now.”
“Sounds good. I sent Mallory to the bedroom.” Garrett turned around to see Mallory standing in the living room. “Which I see she didn’t do.”
“The door was open before I got there. You didn’t say run.”
Garrett shook his head. “Mallory, you need to remember what I said earlier about rules.” He nodded in Monroe’s direction. “Take your woman to bed. I’ll stay up a while longer.”
“Going now, but I’m keeping one ear to the ground. I’ll relieve you at six unless you need me soon.”
“Night,” Mallory said before leading the way to the bedroom, knowing she was well protected. She hoped Garrett would find someone soon. He deserved to be happy.
