Page 31 of Under His Protection
“I’m so happy for them,” she says. “They’re so perfect for each other.” She leans back in her seat. “You should see the way he takes care of her at school. It’s like he can read her mind. It’s like he knows what she needs before she does.”
She reaches for my hand, still smiling as she gazes out her passenger window.
We arrive at Haley’s dormitory a few minutes before curfew. I park my truck out front and walk her inside and up to her room. The hallways are quiet now, and there’s a general hush in the air as students are settling down for the night.
She’s back at her room with ten minutes to spare.
We’re both reluctant to part, so we stand outside her door quietly talking.
Ryan, the dorm police, walks past us, smiling. “Cutting it a bit close, aren’t we?” He chuckles to himself as he continues down the corridor.
“I guess that’s my cue,” I say. I lean down to kiss Haley. “I had a wonderful evening.”
“Me, too.” She smiles and kisses me back.
Tomorrow’s Saturday, and she doesn’t have class. I’m tempted to ask her if she wants to do something tomorrow, but I don’t want to be a clingy boyfriend. I give her one last kiss. “Sweet dreams.”
As I head for the stairs, she calls softly, “Philip?”
I turn back. “Yes?”
“I don’t know if you have plans tomorrow—”
“I don’t.”
“Oh. Well, then, I was just wondering if you’d like to—”
“I would.”
She chuckles. “I didn’t even say what yet.”
“It doesn’t matter. If you ask me, I’ll always say yes.”
Chapter 10 – Haley
Saturday morning, I go with Melissa to the cafeteria for breakfast. We sit together next to a window that overlooks a wildflower garden filled with birds and squirrels. We sit in silence, both of us content to eat and watch the entertainment outside.
“So what are you plans for today?” Melissa asks when we’re done with our meals.
“I’m not sure. I’m getting together with Philip this afternoon, but we haven’t made any specific plans yet.”
“How are your courses going?”
“Good. I’m especially enjoying my Brit lit course, as it gives me an excuse to read my favorite books all over again.”
She grins. “Don’t tell me. You’re in love with Mr. Darcy, too.”
“True. And Mr. Rochester.”
She nods. “Jane Eyre. I’ve read it a million times, and I’ve seen several movie adaptations. The best version, hands down, is the one with Toby Stephens and Ruth Wilson.”
“Oh, my God, yes! He makes a fantastic Mr. Rochester. We must be soul sisters.”
Melissa smiles. “Sisters from different misters.”
We head back to our room, and Melissa changes into workout clothes because she has track practice in half an hour.
I text Philip.
