Page 8 of Protecting my Zinnia

My phone rings on my desk, and I rush to grab it, then hurry to my bedroom. "Hello?"

"I miss you already." Evan's voice is a low rumble in my ear. "Tell me I can see you today, gorgeous."

A shiver runs through me at the way he both asks and commands at the same time. "Sure."

"We were talking about a private archery lesson. The range is free for an hour this afternoon. Can I pick you up at three?"

"Yes." I hesitate, looking at the boxes of clothing stacked in the corner of my room. "What does someone wear for archery?"

The few seconds of hesitation make me hope that he's picturing me in all kinds of different outfits. "Jeans and a t-shirt would be fine. Nothing that will restrict your shoulder and arm movement."

"Okay. See you at three."

As I walk back into the main room, Rose is off the phone and shaking her head. "I'm sorry, Zinnia. I didn't mean for him to hear that."

"It's my fault." Lily looks worried. "I thought Rose was still talking to Aunt Doug."

"It's okay. Dad's far enough away that he can't exactly breathe down my neck, right?"

Rose sighs. "Maybe. I have a feeling he's going to ask Doug to keep tabs on you."

Ugh. Although I really love my Aunt Doug and her wild, free spirit energy, I have no idea how she might be when it comes to something like me dating.

"I have an appointment at three," I announce. "Shall we have lunch at The Tiny Goat on the last functional credit card day?" I grab the card from the table on the way out the door. I have to hurry so that I have time to eat, find an outfit, and read up a bit on archery before three so I don't sound like a complete newb.

One thing nobody told me about dating is what a huge chunk of your mind it consumes at all times. Just a few days ago I didn't think I'd want anything distracting me from getting settled and starting my business.

Now all I can think about is Evan, and how much I want him. Crave him.

And the way he seems to want me.

4

EVAN

I'm always a fast worker, but this morning I'm on fire. Not because it's one of the rare days where I'm working with Marty. I have to finish up in time to get Zinnia to Sandersville Open Range before anyone else arrives.

I don't want to share her. Don't want her to be distracted by others. Most of all, I need her to be in a calm environment as I explain the safety protocols.

Even though I arrive five minutes early, Zinnia is already waiting out front on the sidewalk. I automatically wrap an arm around her when I get to her side. "If it's ever dark out when I come to get you, you wait inside behind both locked doors. Okay?"

Zinnia looks at me like I'm nuts. "It's broad daylight." She gestures to a mother walking by with a stroller. "I'm pretty sure I'm safe."

"Now, yes. At night, please wait inside. Is that reasonable?"

Even though I'm completely serious, she looks adorable trying to pull a stern face while at the same time trying not to laugh. "Sure."

I help her into my truck, using the opportunity to caress her hips. Then I lean over, buckling her in.

"I'm perfectly capable of fastening my own seatbelt, thank you."

I grin. "But this way I get to fuss over you and do…this." Adjusting the strap across her hips, I run my hands around the curve of her jeans, then tilt her head back, nuzzling her throat. "Safe and sound?" I whisper.

"Yeah," she breathes. Then she smiles. "I'm not sure about my lips, though. Are they safe, do you think?"

"And here I was trying to control myself." Kissing her gently, I don't even care that her sisters might be peeking out the windows. I hope that everyone on the street sees us together.

I need everyone to know that Zinnia is my girl.