Page 32 of Under His Protection
Me – Good morning.
Philip – hey babe. how are u
Me – Good.
Philip – can I call you
Me – Sure
A moment later, my phone rings.
“Hey, you,” I say to Philip. Just talking to him puts a smile on my face.
“Hi, yourself.” His deep voice resonates through me. “So, what do you want to do today?”
“I was thinking we could go to Millner Beach, if you don’t mind. It’s almost the end of August already, and I’ve hardly had a chance to swim all summer. Time’s running out.”
“Sure. And afterward, we can have dinner somewhere on the Riverwalk. What time should I pick you up?”
“I have some homework I need to do this morning so how about one?”
“I’ll be there.” He pauses. “Will you be wearing a one piece or a bikini?”
“A one piece.” I laugh. “Sorry to disappoint you.”
He mock-groans. “Seriously, babe, it doesn’t matter what you wear. You could wear a burlap sack to the beach, and I’ll still think you’re gorgeous.”
* * *
After Melissa heads out for her track practice, I have the room to myself. I get comfy on my bed and crack open my US history textbook. We have our first quiz on Monday.
Philip texts me at a quarter ’til one.
Philip – just arrived coming up
Five minutes later, there’s a knock on my door.
I hop up to let Philip in, and when I open the door, he’s standing there holding a bouquet of flowers in a glass vase—lavender, baby’s breath, and pale purple roses. “I thought these might brighten up your room.”
First the books, and now flowers? What did I do to deserve such attention?
I take the vase from him, stick my nose in the flowers, and inhale deeply. The lavender smells heavenly. “They’re beautiful.” I go up on my tippy toes to kiss him, and he meets me halfway. “Thank you.”
I notice Philip is wearing navy blue board shorts, a sleeveless gray tank, and a pair of old leather loafers. He’s carrying a bag over his shoulder, which I presume includes a change of clothes and a swim towel.
“Shoot!” I say. “I lost track of time. Just let me get my swimsuit on underneath my clothes, and we can go.”
I set the vase of flowers on my desk and then slip into my closet to change. I come out with my swimsuit beneath my shorts and T-shirt and sandals on my feet.
“I’ll take that,” he says as he reaches for my beach bag.
We head downstairs to the lobby, and as we’re crossing the open space, heading toward the door, I notice Mark Hoffman seated in the community room with some of the students in our chemistry lab. They’re probably studying for our first chem test next week.
Mark’s dark gaze follows me as I cross the lobby.
Philip opens the front door for me, and we walk outside.
“Did you see the way that guy was watching you?” Philip asks.
