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“Right, that didn’t hurt anything. It helped to calm me down. That and coffee, and company.”
“Okay, we have to work this out. I’m going to be gone the weekend, and so I need to know you are going to stay right where I put you.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. Of course, I’m going to stay at Jac’s. Look, Monroe, I didn’t intend on leaving from the offices, but I couldn’t imagine it would have caused so much concern.”
“Sorry, you’re right. I’m just so pissed that we didn’t realize someone was outside our doors. Our last office was in a high rise, and no one could get to us without being allowed on our floor. The elevator skipped our floor unless we unlocked it.”
“You don’t know they were there to watch anyone, really. You’re just hyper-sensitive to my possible vulnerability.”
“Damn right I am. I’m not about to let you risk harm just because you’re not as concerned with your welfare as I am. And come to think of it, why is that?”
“Because you are worried enough for both of us, and I trust you to keep me safe. It’s when you aren’t around that I can get spooked, like earlier today. Besides, I’m tired of being a victim already. I’m not like those who play it up. I don’t want it at all.”
“Yeah, sorry about that, and you should have known, but I’m telling you now that you break into a meeting if there is any possible menace to your protection and safety. Got me? You are more important than anything in my life. Anything.”
“Okay. Thank you.” There was a pause, then Mallory asked, “When do you leave?”
“Tomorrow morning. I have to check my gear, and you have to pack for your slumber party at Sharlee’s.” Monroe softened his intensity, and his face relaxed. He kissed her joined hand. “The ladies are coming over tomorrow night and staying the weekend with you since we are all going to be gone.”
“Jac is going to wish he’d gone too,” said Mallory with a laugh.
Monroe laughed. “No doubt.”
***
Monroe and Garrett dropped Mallory off the next morning before heading out. Mallory, watching them drive off, knowing she wouldn’t be able to contact either of them, gave her the worst kind of empty feeling. She had grown to love Monroe and build a strong fondness for Garrett. Mallory hoped for a love interest for Garrett again. He needed it. She stood in the doorway and watched long after their car topped the far hill and was on its way to their next assignment.
Monroe had told her she was safe and promised he would be cautious as always. He had stopped reassuring her with any facts when she stopped hearing them. Instead, Garrett drove, and Monroe sat in the back, holding Mallory in his arms. She wouldn’t admit it, but Mallory had shed a few tears, and it took some herculean effort to stop them before they became their own sprinkler system.
Leaning against his impressive body, smelling his shower gel that always had that hint of pine, she relaxed and try to pretend Monroe was going to work. It worked until she had to get out of the vehicle that the reason she was at Jac’s again came crashing back. Monroe was skilled, field experienced, and was the team’s tactical strategist, so, along with Carter, Garrett, Levi, Kaden, and Mark, they were unbeatable, or so they all said. It was an easy gig, they said. No worries, they said.
That knowledge didn’t comfort her erratic thoughts enough nor slow her quickly beating heart. It didn’t calm her imagination nor stop the frantic, chaotic thoughts of her misreading Monroe’s intentions toward her. Yes, he said he was committed, and yes, he had shown it, but watching him leave made her irrational brain crazy.
An arm wrapped around her shoulders, and she could smell Becky’s coconut, lime, and lily perfume from a soft, womanly body and Mallory tried harder to relax as Becky brought her in for a hug.
“I remember the first time Carter had made his intentions known and then left. I conjured up all kinds of hair-brained scenarios, but you know what? They aren’t true. They weren’t then, and they aren’t now.”
Mallory side-hugged Becky back and stepped away. “That obvious, huh?”
“No more than when Sharlee did it, or Ivy, or Jessie. Ivy moped and went riding, Sharlee spent her time trying to triangulate their position, and Jessie drank Pepsi and kept checking her phone. That girl nearly vibrated with the amount of caffeine she put away. But this weekend, you aren’t going to do any of that.”
“Because I likely can’t find them on the computer. Monroe told me he would not call me while working, but possibly in the evenings when he wasn’t on watchdog duty. I can’t ride a horse well, and I only drink Dr. Pepper.”
“And because we won’t let you, smarty pants. I bet you get Monroe’s paddle often, girl,” declared Sharlee, walking into the room.
“Not often enough. Monroe says I like it too much.” Mallory shrugged when she saw Becky and then Sharlee stare at her in disbelief. “What can I tell you? A girl likes what a girl likes.”
Jessie walked in the room with her Pepsi, “And evidently, this girl likes Monroe’s paddle.”
Becky, obviously the more matronly of the group, groaned and shook her head, but she couldn’t hide her grin. “Monroe was looking for a woman like you. I’m glad he found you.”
“We found each other.”
“Yes, you did. Now, can we have brunch yet?” Jessie asked, rubbing her enlarging belly.
Sharlee smiled in understanding camaraderie. “We’re waiting on Ivy. She’s driving herself.”
At just that moment, a sporty black car that looked like it cost a fortune pulled into the circle and parked hurriedly. The women watched their last participant rush up the steps and didn’t bother knocking.
