“Very well said,” he agreed, but she could see the twinkle in his eyes. They’d talk more once they were in private.
“I’m proud of what a strong woman you’ve become, Bree. I won’t ever stop worrying about you, but rest assured that I worry just as much about your insufferable brothers. I’m a father, and that’s what we do. You’ll soon understand how I feel,” George said as he pointedly glanced at her stomach. He was visibly upset – but trying to hide it.
Bree hated knowing she’d upset her father, but she couldn’t back down or she’d never regain the ground she’d managed to forge for herself. She had to stay firm – but that didn’t mean she had to be cruel.
“You all trusted Chad enough to appoint him as my personal babysitter, so you should trust him enough to continue the job,” Bree said, glaring at Trenton, who squirmed in his seat.
“You’re pregnant?” Charlie asked in stunned disbelief, causing all eyes to turn to him.
“I can’t believe I didn’t tell you,” Trenton said. “With everything else going on, I forgot. Sorry, man.”
“And you’re the father,” Charlie practically spit at Chad. “Maybe if you were more concerned about her safety, instead of getting her into bed, she might not have been shot.”
Chad’s eyes widened at Charlie’s words, and Bree felt him tense next to her. She knew he was about ready to jump up and pound the guy.
“Listen, you son of a…” Chad started to say.
“Come on guys. Let’s not let this get out of hand,” Trenton interrupted, standing up so he could play referee if things escalated.
“Are you seriously going to let this piece of work be alone with her?” Charlie practically yelled.
“Are you kidding me? I don’t know you, but you’re way out of line. I’d back down if I were you.” Chad spoke with so much authority, Bree expected Charlie to back off, but the man was either an idiot or had a death wish.
“Bree, this guy’s taking advantage of you. He obviously can’t keep you safe. He seems more concerned with taking your innocence than doing his job,” Charlie said and made a move to take her hand.
Chad jumped between Charlie and Bree so quickly Trenton didn’t have time to blink, let alone stop him. Chad slammed his fist into Charlie’s chest, sending him flying back and pinned him against the wall.
“I don’t care if you are Trenton’s best friend. If you try to touch her again, you won’t walk for a month. Do I make myself clear?”
“Okay, this is ridiculous. Chad, let him go. He’s just worried about Bree. He’s known her since she was a toddler,” Trenton said, tugging on Chad’s immovable shoulder.
“Can we please leave now,” Bree whispered, wanting them to leave before the situation got worse than it already was. Chad immediately responded to her and dropped Charlie as if he were nothing more than a sack of potatoes.
“I’m sorry,” he said, sincerely regretting the loss of his temper.
“Bree, I’m sorry, I’m just so worried about you,” Charlie called out as she headed to the front door.
She turned around and looked at the man, who was close to weeping. She felt bad for him. He must care about her a lot, and she had no clue who he was.
“I know, Charlie, but I need to get out of here,” she said, then walked from the room with Chad’s arm around her. Her father followed her out the door, but her brothers gave her space.
“Whether you get your memory back or not, my dear, you’ll soon discover our family is passionate. Emotions always run high, but if someone we love is in danger, they shoot through the roof. Just know we love you and you can count on us for anything,” George said, giving her a hug goodbye.
“I know, Dad. Being here isn’t doing me any good, though. I’d rather just get out of here, let everyone cool off. I promise I’ll call you later tonight, okay?” she said, hoping he’d understand.
“Okay. I’ll feel better if you do,” he answered.
“I will, I promise.”
George let them walk away and Bree felt instantly calmer the moment she sat down in Chad’s familiar truck. She didn’t want to go back to the ranch, but she may have hyperventilated if she’d stayed in that place for one moment longer.
“How about we go to a movie?” Chad asked. She could kiss him, she was so happy with his suggestion. A calm movie was just what the doctor ordered.
“That sounds wonderful, but only if it’s a romantic comedy,” Bree replied. Chad groaned but navigated the truck toward the Cinemark complex. They studied the selections, and Bree nearly jumped up and down when she spotted, The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks.
Chad groaned but he reluctantly purchased the tickets and took her to see the movie. He enjoyed watching it through her eyes. She cried, laughed, and snuggled in close to him. It was a nice break from the stress that seemed to always consume their lives.
“Thanks again, Chad. That was just what I needed,” Bree said as they walked to his truck.
“There’s nothing I won’t do for you,” he told her, realizing he meant the words. She could ask for the moon, and he’d do his best to get it for her. She looked in his eyes and something shifted.
Bree didn’t know which of them moved first, but suddenly she was melting in his arms as his mouth gently caressed her lips. The moment stretched, filling her with a sense of rightness and love. He could be passionate and aggressive, or gentle and loving. He seemed to know what she needed exactly when she needed it.
His cell phone rang and Chad seriously considered throwing it against the building across the street. He didn’t care who was calling, he wasn’t getting interrupted again.
“Woo hoo, ride that cowboy,” someone called out, and Chad groaned against her mouth. It looked like he couldn’t catch a break.
He reluctantly pulled away, nearly changing his mind when he saw Bree’s flushed cheeks and swollen lips. Her eyes slowly opened, full of confusion – probably wondering why he stopped. He was going to take her to a deserted island – no phones, no teenagers and no stalkers.
His phone went off again and he pulled the annoying device from his pocket. Bree just buried her head against his shoulder, seemingly as frustrated as him.
“What?” he snapped into his phone. After a pause, he spoke again.