Page 24 of Damaged Protector
“Can I give you a hug?”
Smiling, I opened my arms, and she stepped into them.
“Thank you for making me feel so welcome. I know it’s a huge imposition to have a stranger in your house.”
She felt sweet and warm against me, and I gave her a squeeze. “It’s no problem at all. I had fun with you tonight.”
“Me too,” she replied, and then I felt her body shake with laughter.
“What’s so funny?”
“You’re just really big. I feel like a bumblebee being hugged by a bear.”
I gave her long ponytail a little tug as I chuckled at that. “Go to bed, Little Bee.”
Mal stepped away and grinned mischievously. As she pivoted away and headed to the living room, she called over her shoulder, “Have a good sleep, Tater Tot.”
Massaging the spot between my eyes with two fingers, I couldn’t help the smile that took over my face.
Why is she so fucking adorable?
Chapter 7
I awoke on a soft bed to the scent of bacon frying. The growl of my stomach forced my reluctant eyelids to creep open, and I was temporarily disoriented.
This isn’t my room.
The walls were an eggshell white, and the cushy duvet that was slung down around my waist was sky blue. Yesterday’s events flooded my brain, and I rolled onto my back and smiled at the ceiling.
I was in Texas, and that made me happier than I could even explain. Not that I’d ever had any desire to move to the Lone Star State; I’d been perfectly happy in Pennsylvania. Until I wasn’t.
No, my excitement had less to do with my specific location and everything to do with the fact that I was finally exerting my independence.
Checking my phone, I saw that it was after nine. A yawn pulled my mouth open wide, and I sat up and clicked on my text messages. My father had messaged an hour ago and asked me to call him when I woke up. I’d texted him last night to let him know I arrived safely, but I guessed he wanted to hear my voice.
After using the restroom and brushing my teeth, I sat cross-legged on the bed and called him.
“Mal! How’s your first morning as a Texan going? Have you learned to say y’all yet?”
I laughed at his silliness. “Everything is fine. I just woke up a few minutes ago. How are y’all?” I asked, emphasizing the last word for his benefit.
“I’m good. Your mother is refusing to get out of bed.”
The guilt crept in, despite my feelings toward her, and the apology slipped from my lips before I could think twice. “I’m sorry. I just—”
“Don’t apologize, honey. You’re not doing anything wrong. You’re grown and pursuing your dreams. Nothing to feel sorry about.”
“Thanks, Daddy,” I said softly.
“I spoke with Cam. He said there was an issue at his house, and you’re having to stay with a friend of his? Is everything okay there, or do I need to send you money for a hotel?”
I thought about it before replying. Hawk had startled me at first with his imposing size and dark demeanor, but when he smiled, he looked completely different. That’s why I went into teasing mode to make him smile even more.
“Yes, Bella decided to flush her stuffed animal down the toilet, and no, I’m fine here. Cam and Shiloh’s friend is nice. We watched Lone Wolf McQuade.”
“Ah! A Chuck Norris fan. I like the guy already. Did you tell him any of your jokes?”
“I did, and I’m pretty sure he was thoroughly entertained.”