I joined the military when I turned eighteen, and ever since then, I’ve been focused on making it so that any kids I might have one day will never have to struggle like I did. Women for me have been a fun distraction from time to time, but never more than that. With Cybil, things are different. There’s no denying the chemistry between us, but it’s more than that for me. I crave her presence, and how at peace she makes me feel when I’m around her, and there’s no denying the urge I have to protect and take care of her. Something she seems to need from me, and something easy for me to give her because I’ve never had someone who needed that from me before.
I let out a deep breath and hold her a little tighter. Fuck, but I’m really looking forward to having her all to myself for the next week.
Chapter 14
CYBIL
“Told you he was into you,” Parker whispers in my ear as his arms tighten around me, and I laugh. “I’m happy for you two.”
“Thanks.” I smile as he passes me to Jacob, who hugs me just as tightly. Then I step back into Tanner, who wraps his arm around my waist. “I’ll call you guys and let you know when I’m driving home, so we can meet up for lunch or something.”
“We’d like that,” Jacob says softly, watching stupid tears fill my eyes. “Do not cry.”
“I’m not going to cry,” I deny, even though I’ve been a weepy mess all morning. “I think I might be allergic to the pain meds.”
“Sure.” He smiles as Parker and Tanner both laugh. The truth is I had no idea it would be so hard to say goodbye to everyone. Oliver and Lauren were the first to leave this morning. I wasn’t too broken up about them going, but I still got emotional. Then Avery and Grant took off, anxious to see their son, and I cried like a baby. Now I feel the tears coming on again, and I’m not sure I’ll be able to hold them back.
“We’ll see you in a few days.” Parker closes the distance between us, dropping a kiss to my cheek before looking at Tanner and patting his shoulder. “Take care of her.”
Tanner doesn’t respond, but he does lift his chin, which I’m guessing is his badass way of agreeing.
“Drive safe, guys.” I wave at the two of them as they get into their Jeep, then watch as they back out and drive off with a honk.
“Are you okay?” Tanner asks, turning me to face him, and I nod, then drop my forehead against his chest. “Tired or pain?” His arms slide around me.
“A little of both.” Even after going to sleep early, I still feel like I could sleep for a year. The pain in my hand was relentless all night and kept waking me up. “I’ll take a pain pill after we get to your house.”
“I got some water for you in my truck. You can take one on the way.”
“I’m driving, so I don’t think that would be smart.”
“You’re not driving.” He gives me a squeeze.
“Yes, I am.” I tip my head back to look at him and frown at the look he’s giving me.
“You’re not.”
“I am.”
“Cybil, you can barely use your hand, and your ankle is fucked up. You don’t need to be driving. You can ride with me, and I’ll sort out someone to drive your Bronco up to my place later.”
“I’m fine.” I cross my arms over my chest and match his glare with one of my own. “I can drive myself to your place; then you won’t have to worry about getting someone else to take time out of their day to deliver my car to me.”
“You’re not driving.” He glares, and I press my lips together, because it would be rude to laugh in his face.
“You are not the boss of me, Tanner. I want my car with me,” I say, and he studies me for a long moment. He must see I’m not going to give in, because he lets out a loud disgruntled sigh.
“Fine, I’ll drive your car. My bike is at home. I’ll ride it down and pick up my truck later.”
“Really?” I roll my eyes. “Tanner, that is not necessary. I can just follow you.”
“No, either you ride with me, or I drive your Bronco. You choose.”
Letting out a frustrated huff, I give in and toss him my keys. “Fine, but if you hurt Sammy, you and I are going to have problems.”
“I don’t think Sammy would notice even if she was rolled off a cliff,” he says, looking at her rusty and dented exterior with his lip curled.
“She was my mom’s, so I would notice,” I inform him.