AllFreeNovel
Share Us
"Because you're not staying way out here by yourself, that's why." A lone defender was a dead defender.
She scowled. "Ryan, I can take care of myself. I grew up here, learned to shoot as a kid, got better in the military, and I've never been a shrinking violet."
"Never said you were." She wasn't—not by a long shot. "But you're only one person. How many windows and doors do you have?"
She sighed. "Lots. Maybe I'd better get a dog."
Ryan nodded. "Not a bad idea, but not one that's going to happen today. I'll grab a bag after we unload this stuff."
Erin sighed again, a long, gusty sigh. "If you insist. But I'll be fine."
"Most likely. But no sense taking chances."
"Okay. Thanks." She looked at him again, but he couldn't read her expression.
"That's what friends are for."
Erin smiled, a real smile, which made the possibility of a sleepless night worthwhile. Wonder what she wears to bed? Whoa, boy. Guard duty, that's all. She's not offering anything more. No one ever would, not with his damage. He wouldn’t ask, either.
They got everything upstairs in an hour, even his lightweight but awkwardly long dresser, which was pretty amazing considering the steep, narrow stairs and his lack of a real arm. Good thing Erin was really strong and could pick up his slack.
At home, he showered and packed a bag for the night, including his weapon. Mom wasn't home, so he left her a note that he was staying at a friend’s and drove to Erin's. Leaving his car running, he dropped his stuff off in the apartment, then drove past the shop. He rolled through a thicket of pines and pulled up in front of a house with a three-car garage that looked bigger than the rest of the house. The perfect mechanic's home. Two stories, light brown wood-look siding, dark green trim, and a matching green metal roof blended into the scenery. The front porch was small but had a solid timber-frame and a deck; real classy. He parked in front of the garage, walked up to the door, and knocked. From the rapping, it was a good solid door.
The forest green door swung wide, revealing Erin. "Come on in."
Wow. Ryan choked, "Thanks."
He was in trouble. Big trouble.
Chapter 10
A Different Kind of Trouble
Erin wore a thin, tight, low-cut, light blue top with tiny little straps. If there was a bra under it, it wasn't much of one—the top hugged her like a second skin. Below that, she wore snug gray shorts painted on her amazing thighs. Smoking hot.
She turned, sweeping her arm in invitation. He motioned for her to go first. Erin smiled, turning away. Her feet were bare too, the toenails painted sparkly pink. From her feet, he scanned up long, muscular legs to a firm backside, just as good as the front. His fingers itched to touch, caress, even the fingers he didn't have anymore.
That reminder knocked back some of his desire. Erin wasn't for him. He toed off his shoes, kicking them next to hers and pulling off his socks. Hopefully, his feet didn't stink too bad. The stone was nice and cool, a relief after sweating up and down the apartment stairs.
Erin waved her arm. "Here it is. Kitchen and living area here, my bedroom over there, and the guest room is upstairs."
He forced his eyes away from her and examined the room. He was in her house to provide security, not dream about things he didn’t deserve. In the kitchen, black and gray streaked granite countertops topped stainless steel appliances, with an island separating the cooking from the living area. Natural dark blue and rust red slate tile covered the floor, with a black fireplace set into the far wall, and floor to ceiling windows at the back, with a sliding door leading to a covered patio.
Knotty pine covered the ceilings inside and out. Most of the living/kitchen area had off-white walls, and the furniture was slightly worn, comfortable-looking leather with a couple of light wood coffee tables. "Wow. This is prime." He had to keep his mind on her house and the need to protect her. Like that huge wall of windows. But that's why he was sleeping on the couch.
Erin glanced around the room, smiling warmly. "It really is. It's not big, but it's just right for me. Want a beer?" Her pretty eyes focused on his.
"Yes, please." He nodded, a little too frantically. He needed something to cool him off.
"You can put your bag upstairs." She tossed her head toward the stairway beyond the kitchen.
Ryan shrugged. "I can, but I'll be sleeping down here."
She tilted her head, wrinkling her nose. "Why? The guest bed isn't great, but it's better than the couch."
"Because if there's an issue, it will be down here, not up there." He was there to protect her, not have a sleep-over. And he'd better keep reminding himself.
Erin rolled her eyes. "Fine. Suit yourself. It's your back. Still, you might want to put your bag upstairs, since the only other bathroom is up there. Then come out to the patio; I've got pizza ready to go into the oven out there."
