Under His Protection (Protect and Defend 1)

“I would prefer if you didn’t follow so closely when I go into town,” Blake finally said, her voice soft, though he knew it was deceptive. The thin line of steel just beneath the petal softness of her words told him she was angry.

Perfect. He’d rather have her angry versus hot for him.

“I promise I’ll be more discreet.” Look, he was the poster child of politeness, how unusual. It was easy now, with relief looming on the horizon.

Twenty-four hours, maybe a little longer and he’d be out of here. Away from the exquisite torture that was Blake Hewitt.

“Yes, I’d prefer that.” She sounded genuinely surprised. “Thank you, Mason.”

They turned onto the gravelly drive that led to the cabins and Mason slowed his stride, observing her from behind. Like the pervert he was, his g

aze immediately zeroed in on her tight ass and he shook his head.

Maybe if he appreciated her for more than just her body, he might get over the lusty thoughts. Having an actual conversation with her versus merely listening to her go on about her troubles could help. At least get his mind off lusting after her for the next day or so.

Nah. He doubted it would help. No matter if he got to know her better—and he already thought he knew her pretty well—he would still have the same sex-filled thoughts. Really getting to know her, actually forming an emotional attachment would only make it worse.

“I need to make a couple of phone calls. Buzz me if you need me,” he said gruffly, veering toward the front door of the small cottage he stayed at.

Calling Jerry in there would ensure him the privacy he needed. No way could he have Blake hear this particular conversation.

“Fine. Whatever,” she said over her shoulder, not even bothering to look at him.

Shit. That kind of hurt. Maybe she was doling out a bit of his own medicine.

He went into the cottage and pulled his cell phone out of his pocket. Hitting Jerry’s number on speed dial, he paced the living room while the phone rang, anxiety eating him up inside. Jerry finally answered on the third ring. Mason had never been so happy to hear his partner and friend’s voice.

“I need a huge favor,” he started and Jerry laughed.

“That bad out there?”

“Hell, yes. Get me out of here, Jer. I’ll owe you big time if you could trade this shift out. Work the entire duration here on the island for me and I’ll do whatever you want.”

“Man, I’d love to bail you out bro. But hell, I can’t. I’m just as trapped as you are.”

Mason slumped into an overstuffed chair, rubbing the tips of his fingers across his eyebrows. “Why not?”

“My wife needs me here. She’s having surgery next week. Minor, it’s no big deal, but she won’t be able to take care of the kids and she needs me to help out around the house in the evening.” Jerry paused. “Sorry, man. Can anyone else cover?”

Crap. Byron had told him why Jerry couldn’t come with him to California but he’d gotten so wrapped up in his own problems, he forgot. “I doubt it. The election is just around the corner. I’m surprised they let you off the hook.” Mason couldn’t help the jealousy that tinged his voice.

“I asked for the time off months ago. They asked me to compromise, so we settled on part-time duty through the duration of the campaign.” Jerry paused. “It’s a normal stint, pretty low-key. You can cover that by yourself, no problem. Right boss?” Jerry sometimes liked to call him boss, had done so since they were first paired up.

He gritted his teeth, determined not to sound like a whiny ass. “I’ll be fine. It’s just…I don’t know.”

He’d never discussed his feelings for Blake, not with anyone.

“She flashed you her tits or something?” Jerry laughed, the jackass, and Mason knew he couldn’t admit how close Jerry was to what Blake had done last night.

“No, she’s just a—handful.”

“I’ll say. A pretty little handful who enjoys nothing more than trying to get your attention. You haven’t noticed that, boss?”

“Yeah, I’ve noticed,” he said grimly. “But there’s nothing I can do about it.” Frustration made him want to choke but he swallowed past it.

“Right, right. Well, she certainly is a passionate little thing. You better keep her under control while you’re out there on the west coast, missing all the action.”

“You’re missing the action too, my friend.”