Her Rock (Rocky Start)

Taking a deep breath, I challenge, “What are you going to do about it?”

“Get your ass here and we’ll see.” He tosses the gauntlet right back at me. Fair enough.

“Good. We will see, because we’re on our way. I want to see my sister and to kick you in the balls.” I end the call, breathing heavy because I’m worked up, but I’m not sure if I’m mad or turned on.

“He’s got an attitude problem,” I tell Georgie.

“Damn right. I’d kick his ass if he wasn’t a law enforcement officer,” she says, but I don’t believe her because she’s the most levelheaded person I know.

“I’ll kick him in the balls for us James girls.” Maybe it’s just a fluke; adrenaline’s high, making me feel something I really don’t. Damn it—I hate the fact that he’s got me worked up and I know nothing about him. “He did sound sexy, though,” I concede.

“True. Still, we need to find out what’s up with Darcy. If he’s telling us the truth, then Darcy’s okay.”

I stare at Georgie, wondering why she isn’t more concerned. She’s the most sensible and skeptical of us three.

“Maybe, or maybe she’s being held against her will and she lied to the cops,” I toss out.

“I just need to make sure she’s okay. Damn it, that woman needs to answer her phone.” I rub her arm and rest my head on her shoulder as we sit on the train. We’re about two stops from the airport, so we’ll make it there in time for our flight. Thank goodness. I was hoping we weren’t gonna have one of those airport-running movie montages. I’m so grateful for online purchasing. Georgie managed to get us two tickets to Denver. We should be there by three and in Lakeland by four.

Taking our seats on the plane, I get the aisle seat and take in my neighbors. It’s a full flight, but at least we’re closer to the front of the plane. I’m not a patient person at all.

I tap my sister, who’s just sitting there with her eyes closed. “Relax and read. We’ll be there soon, and then we’ll deal with that sheriff.”

She opens her eyes and stares at me like I’m crazy. “I’m not the one on edge, Lydia. You’re bouncing your knee like you’re powering the plane. What’s going on with you? You’re the playful one.”

“And you’re the one who should be freaking out, calling the FBI and everything.”

With a simple shrug and a sigh, she adds, “I’ve considered it, but since Darcy’s an adult there’s got to be proof that she’s gone somewhere unwillingly, and so far the sheriff and her message are telling us otherwise.”

“Why do you have to be so sensible?” I huff, crossing my arms.

“I’m not sensible. Hardly. I’m just running through all the possibilities in my head. Hell—strangely, I have a gut feeling that everything is just fine with Darcy.”

“Okay. So I’ll calm my ass down and chill.” I lean back in my seat and attempt to relax, but I start huffing a second later. “What is wrong with me? I can’t settle down.”

She nudges my shoulder with hers, smirking playfully. “Maybe it has to do with that sheriff guy with the deep voice and surly attitude. I wonder if he’s single, young and hot, and not, like, fifty and married.”

“Hey, single is a good start. Maybe if he is fifty, then he could teach me something.” I wag my brows and suddenly feel the ache between my thighs, reflexively slamming them shut.

“Girl, see? Your panties are in a bunch over a guy you’ve never met.” Georgie shakes her head with a bit of a laugh.

“I know. Tell me about it. It’s freaking ridiculous. I’m attributing it to my stress about Darcy that has me all worked up.” I throw my hands up and the guy across from us stares with his eyes wide open. I glare at him and then cross my arms and look at my sister.

“Well, no sense in dwelling over it. We’re hours away from even meeting the man, let alone judging his character,” she says, checking her phone.

“Good point. Any news from Darcy?” I need to change the subject before I rip through my skin with nervous energy. Maybe it’s all because of my missing sister and not the sexy voice on the other end.

“Nothing. I’ll power it down to save the battery.” I shut mine off as soon as we boarded the plane because I was tempted to call the sheriff back. It’s silly, childish, but what can I say? I’m barely legal and impetuous. Most days I’m too busy working to think about a man that way. Today is not the case.

The flight attendant makes her rounds throughout the trip, plying me with snacks that thankfully take the edge off. Maybe I just need a damn Snickers. I’m about to get one as soon as we land so I don’t turn into a crazy bitch ready to bite someone like a rabid dog.