Protecting Alabama (SEAL of Protection Book 2) (6 page)

Alabama knew he’d waited outside her door until he’d heard her locking the door and putting the security chain on. Then he’d walked away down the hall.

She slid down the door holding her knees. Whoa. This morning had been surreal. She smiled to herself. Good surreal. No,
great
surreal.

Alabama had made it through the day on auto pilot. She hadn’t contacted the Wolfe’s yet about her job, but it was first thing on her to-do list for the next day. She’d been putting it off, but couldn’t any longer.

She piddled around all day doing nothing important in her apartment. She cleaned it from top to bottom, did all of her laundry, including her bed sheets and towels, she’d even scrubbed the toilet. She’d tried to read for a while, but the romances she usually read just weren’t holding her attention.

Would Christopher call? He
said
he’d call, but she still didn’t really believe he would. Even with everything he’d told her that morning, it was hard for her to believe. At one point she put in the movie
Drop Dead Gorgeous
to try to keep her anticipation down. She’d bought a bunch of movies at a garage sale once, and had never regretted it. She’d gotten some great oldies including
The Princess Bride
,
Ever After,
and even some of the
Little House on the Prairie
seasons.

Alabama thought about the supposed-impending call. While it was true she had an issue talking with people, speaking on the phone was easier…as long as she could close herself off in a small room. She felt safe that way. If she was in her own house, locked away where Mama couldn’t possibly find her, she was okay with talking. Alabama knew she probably needed therapy of some kind, but it just wasn’t a priority at this time for her.

Just as the movie got to the point where the first pageant was starting, her phone rang. It scared the crap out of her, even though she was half expecting it. It had to be Christopher, no one else called her. Ever.

Alabama stopped the movie, grabbed her cordless phone and climbed into her small bed. She looked around the apartment one last time making sure she was alone. Of course she was. She was always alone.

She snuggled down under the covers and lay on her side and huddled into herself before finally pushing the talk button on the phone.

“Hello?”

“Hey, sweet. It’s Abe.”

Alabama giggled. “I know. I recognized your voice.”

“You should do that more often,” Abe told her.

“What?”

“Laugh. You have a beautiful laugh.”

Alabama blushed; even when he wasn’t in front of her he could embarrass her. “Thanks, I think. How was your day?”

Abe was thrilled she was talking to him. He wasn’t sure she would after getting to know her a bit that morning. She wasn’t a talker, that was obvious. He was half afraid he’d be talking to himself when he called. He was pleasantly surprised. “It was good. I worked out with my team, sat in on a few meetings, then had dinner with my friend Wolf and his woman, Ice.”

“Wolf? Ice?” Alabama asked.

“Yeah, remember how I told you I was called Abe? Well, Matthew’s nickname is Wolf. His girlfriend’s name is Caroline, but she earned the moniker ‘Ice.’ Everyone on the team has a nickname. Most of the time it has to do with something about that person. Matthew earned the name Wolf because of the way he ate while training to become a SEAL. He’d scarf down all his food and come back for more. He was always wolfing down his food. The name stuck.”

Alabama loved hearing Christopher talk about his friends. He had such passion in his voice. It was obvious he loved what he did and really liked the people he worked with. “Why Ice? Is she on your team too?”

“Not exactly. We met her a little bit ago when we were flying to Virginia. She saved all the lives on the plane we were on. Terrorists had drugged the ice they used to make the drinks with and were planning on hijacking the plane. She’s a chemist and realized what was going on. Wolf happened to be sitting next to her and was able to let us know what was going down and we were able to foil the plan. They went through some other shit too, but all’s well that ends well. They’re blissfully happy and I’m proud to call both of them my friends.”

Alabama smiled. She was scared to death to hear that he’d almost died, but happy he had such great friends. “I remember seeing that on the news. I’m so glad you guys are all okay. Why are you called Abe?”

Abe laughed. “The guys started calling me that because I can’t stand it when people lie. I’d much rather people be honest with me. Even if it’s crap I don’t want to hear, I want the truth.”

Alabama hesitated. She wasn’t sure she wanted to be one hundred percent honest with him. She was ashamed with her history. On one hand she knew it wasn’t her fault, but if her own mama didn’t want her, how and why would anyone else?

“Sweet? You still there?”

“I’m here.”

“You okay?”

“Yeah.”

“You’re freaked aren’t you?” When she didn’t say anything Abe went on. “Please don’t be. I don’t expect you to spill your guts with me right off. I do want to know everything about you, but I don’t want you to lie to me. When you feel comfortable enough, you can talk to me.”

“How do you know I have something to spill in the first place?”

“Sweet, I’ve been around enough people with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder to recognize it when I see it.” When she started to interrupt him to protest, he wouldn’t let her. “No, it’s okay. I don’t know what happened to you, but it doesn’t matter to me. I like you. I like that you’re soft-spoken and think about your words before you say them. I don’t like that you look around the room to see who’s there before you speak, and I hope you’ll tell me about that someday, but rest assured, I won’t hold it against you. Okay?”

“Are you for real?” Alabama couldn’t believe what she was hearing. How could this man know her, without really knowing her? It was eerie really.

“I’m for real, sweet.” Christopher knew Alabama was getting freaked out, and it was the last thing he wanted to do. “Tell me about your day,” he changed the subject, hoping to make her feel more comfortable.

Alabama talked to Christopher for two hours straight. They talked about nothing really, non-important stuff that most people spoke about when they were getting to know each other. She learned his favorite food was a thick juicy steak, and he learned that she loved to go the movies by herself on the weekends and get lost in a good thriller.

“I’ve really loved talking to you,” Abe told her quietly. “But I do need to get going. I’ve got training in the morning and you need to get some sleep.”

“Okay, Christopher. Thank you for calling. I’ve really enjoyed it.”

“It was my pleasure. The only way this would’ve been better is if we’d been face to face. I’ll get back with you soon about our date on Friday, all right?”

“All right.”

“Sleep well, sweet. I’ll be thinking about you.”

“Good night.”

“Bye.”

Alabama clicked off the phone and held it to her chest. She’d never felt like this in all her life. She felt as if she mattered. She’d never mattered to anyone before. It felt good.

Alabama had just spoken with Stacey Wolfe. She’d been glad to hear from her and had expressed her thanks for what she’d done to help save lives the night of the fire. She’d reassured Alabama that she still had a job. The Wolfe’s were working on renting a building near the one that had burned down until they could rebuild. Within a week they’d be ready and Alabama could go back to work.

The company was even going to pay her for the week of work she wouldn’t be doing. It was more than generous of them. Alabama almost didn’t know what to do with the surprising time off. She would’ve preferred to have stayed busy so she wouldn’t have to think about her upcoming date.

She hadn’t seen Christopher since their coffee date, but they’d talked on the phone two more times. The first time it was a short conversation. Christopher had called in between meetings just to say hello. Alabama had been so bamboozled, she hadn’t had much to say, but luckily Christopher didn’t seem to mind.

The second time was another late night phone call and they talked for another couple of hours. Alabama learned more about his sisters and mom and how much they meant to him. He’d even told her he wanted them to meet her. He knew he’d made her uncomfortable and had rushed to reassure her that they’d love her.

They’d talked for a bit more before ending the call. Alabama even admitted to him partly why she was able to talk to him on the phone, but wasn’t comfortable talking in public. She’d told him she didn’t have to worry about if anyone was around listening to her or judging her. Christopher had tried to tell her that it didn’t matter what others thought about her, but since that wasn’t the only reason she was more comfortable talking to him on the phone in the safety of her own house, Alabama didn’t argue with him.

Christopher had again told her that he’d be thinking about her before he let her hang up the phone.

Now it was Friday and time for their date. Christopher wouldn’t tell her much about where they were going, he’d only told her to be sure to wear comfortable clothes and to bring a sweatshirt of some sort.

Abe was feeling antsy. He hadn’t felt this way about a woman in a long time. His buddies, especially Wolf, had teased him unmercifully. They’d all wanted to meet Alabama, but he’d told them they’d have to wait. He knew Alabama was shy around others and didn’t want her to be overwhelmed with his friends before he could make sure she was his.

Abe planned an interesting day for them, knowing if she’d enjoyed the day, she really was the woman for him. He felt a little bad about testing Alabama the way he was planning, but he’d been snowed too many times by women who he’d thought liked him for him, but were only pretending interest in what he liked. Deep down he knew Alabama wasn’t like that, so this wasn’t so much a test as it was a way to spend some quality time with an amazing woman.

Abe shook his head as he pulled up to her apartment complex. It really was a piece of crap. He wouldn’t say anything her though, because he figured she didn’t make a lot of money. He hoped she’d open up to him today and tell him more about herself. He didn’t even know what she did for a living, except that it had something to do with Wolfe Realty.

He moved the package on the seat next to him to the backseat before exiting his car and walking up to her floor. He knocked once and the door was opened almost immediately. He smiled. She looked great. Alabama was wearing a pair of well-worn jeans and a fitted V-neck T-shirt, the kind she usually wore. It was a deep purple color and plunged deep into her chest. Holding a white sweatshirt over one arm, she’d dressed just like he’d asked. He loved it.

Alabama was nervous as all get out. She had no idea what they’d be doing today, but she trusted Christopher. She probably shouldn’t, but hell, if she couldn’t trust a Navy SEAL, who could she trust? Alabama tried on three different shirts before settling on the purple one. She thought it made her chest look “perkier,” and she’d always loved the color.

Christopher looked good. He was wearing a pair of khaki cargo pants and a long sleeved shirt. It wasn’t tight like he was trying to show off, but it was snug. Alabama could see the definition of his arms. He was built. God, was he built. He was wearing a pair of combat boots on his feet. He was leaning against the doorframe of her apartment when she opened the door. If he’d been selling something, she would’ve bought whatever it was on the spot.

Alabama stepped out of her apartment and wasn’t surprised when Christopher held out his hand for her keys. She remembered he’d done that the first time he’d picked her up too. She dropped her keys in his hand and watched as he locked her door. When he was finished, instead of putting the keychain in his pocket as he’d done the last time, Christopher turned and held it out to her. She smiled shyly at him as she took the keys and put them in her purse. He’d remembered how she wasn’t comfortable in letting him keep her keys and hadn’t pushed the issue. She liked that about him. Heck, so far she’d liked everything about Christopher.

Abe took Alabama’s elbow as they walked down the hall. He winked at the old lady who was peeking out her door at them as they walked by. She winked back and smiled, then closed her door after they’d passed.

As they settled into the car, Abe looked at Alabama. She hadn’t asked where they were going, although he could tell she was curious.

Before starting the car, he leaned behind them and picked up the package. He handed it to Alabama and leaned one arm on the steering wheel and watched her.

Alabama looked at Christopher in bewilderment. He’d gotten her a present?

“Go ahead, open it.” Abe urged gently.

Alabama carefully peeled back the paper on the package and looked into the box. It’d been a long time since she’d gotten a gift. Hell, she couldn’t remember when anyone had ever wrapped something up for her. She almost wanted to keep it wrapped and stare at it all day, but Alabama knew she’d look like a freak if she did that.

After lingering over opening the gift for as long as she could she stared down at what he’d given her. It was a phone. Not one of the crazy expensive smart phones, he must’ve known she wouldn’t accept one of those, but a flip phone that you paid for as you used the minutes.

Alabama bit her lip and tried not to cry. Mama hadn’t ever celebrated Christmas with her and certainly hadn’t bought Alabama anything for her birthday. Once Alabama entered into the foster care system, none of her foster-parents had cared enough to bother either.

“I’m not taking it back, Alabama. You need it.
I
need you to have it. I need to know you’ll be safe when I’m not around.”

Alabama looked around quickly, and seeing no one blurted, “I’ve never gotten a present before.” Tears sprang into her eyes and she tried to blink them back.

“Hey, look at me, sweet.” Abe couldn’t believe what he’d just heard. He knew Alabama must’ve had a tough upbringing, but it’d obviously been worse than he’d imagined. When she wouldn’t look up, he put his hand under her chin gently. “Please?”

Alabama finally looked up. She’d controlled her tears enough that they wouldn’t fall, but tears were still pooled in her eyes. “Thank you, Christopher,” she managed.

“You’re welcome. You’ll keep it?” Abe wanted to demand to know what had happened and how it was that she’d never been given a gift before, but he also didn’t want to make her cry. He could see she was holding on by a thread.

At her nod he told her, “Okay then. When we get home tonight you can plug it in and charge it up. Be sure you take it with you wherever you go just in case you need it. I’ve loaded it up with five hundred minutes to get you started.”

“That’s too much,” Alabama managed to get out.

“No, it’s not. It’s not enough for my peace of mind, but I knew you wouldn’t accept it if I’d put as many minutes on there as I wanted to. Besides, you’ll probably use all those up in the first week talking to me. At least I hope you might.”

Alabama smiled. Jeez, he was amazing. “Okay. Thank you, Christopher. Seriously.”

Abe didn’t think, he just tipped Alabama’s chin up higher with his finger, leaned in, and gave her a quick kiss on the corner of her mouth. He didn’t linger, although he wanted to. The quick taste he’d gotten of her was enough to drive him crazy. Alabama tasted like peppermint, and he wanted more. Abe forced himself to drop his hand, caressing her chin before letting go, and then turning toward the steering wheel. He started the engine and headed out of the parking lot.

Alabama couldn’t believe Christopher had just kissed her. It
did
count as a kiss right? It was short and sweet, but it was awesome. Much better than the sloppy French kisses she’d received in the past. She could still feel the touch of Christopher’s fingers against her jaw. Alabama leaned back into the seat, trusting Christopher to get them wherever they were going safely. She looked down at the phone in her lap. He made her feel safe. She’d never felt that way before.

* * *

The day had been awesome. Alabama didn’t think she’d ever smiled so much in her entire life. Christopher had first driven them to the beach. Riverton was a suburb of San Diego and Alabama hadn’t had a lot of time to spend at the beach. Alabama loved the water, but this was the first time she’d experienced a picnic in the sand. The beach wasn’t one of the touristy ones. In fact she’d only seen a handful of people the entire time they’d been there.

Christopher had brought a light blanket and a thermos of coffee and some fruit. They’d sat on the beach and watched the water. They’d talked a bit, but mostly they’d just enjoyed the morning air and being in each other’s company.

Next they’d gone to the San Diego zoo. Alabama generally didn’t like zoos. She’d always felt sorry for the animals. She didn’t think they were being abused in any way, but she just thought it was sad to see the majestic animals cooped up behind the bars of their cages. But Alabama wasn’t thinking too much about that while visiting with Christopher.

He’d taken hold of her hand as they walked around and hadn’t let go. When the crowds got bigger Christopher brought her to his side and protected her from being jostled by the other people rushing here and there. A man accidentally dropped his drink and it splashed onto her jeans and shoes. Alabama thought Christopher was going to lose it. When he looked like he was going to go after the man and beat the crap out of him, all Alabama had to do was put her hand on Christopher’s arm and he’d stopped. She watched as he visibly controlled himself. It was fascinating.

Christopher kissed her hand and tucked her deeper into his side. He’d glared at the man as they walked by, but otherwise let it drop.

After spending most of the day at the zoo, and eating way too much junk food, he’d driven them to the end of an air strip near his base. Of course Christopher was able to get onto the base with his credentials. He’d parked the car and helped Alabama get out. Christopher spread the blanket they’d used on the beach on the trunk of his car, and they’d settled on it. They leaned back against the back window and watched the planes take off and land.

Abe interlaced their fingers together on one hand and brought them to rest against his belly. They’d talked softly about nothing in particular.

When it began to get dark, Christopher helped her off the car and back into the passenger seat. They’d picked up Chinese food to go and gone back to her apartment.

After eating dinner, they’d settled on the couch and Alabama put in
The Princess Bride
for background noise. She’d seen it so many times she’d memorized all the lines.

They’d been watching for about twenty minutes before Christopher broke the silence. “Tell me more about you, Alabama. Tell me about why you look around before you talk to me when we’re in public, but at night, when you’re here, in your own space, you become much more talkative. Is it only because no one is here to overhear you and judge you? Or is there more?”

Alabama tried to pull her hand away from his instinctively. Abe wouldn’t let go, and instead pulled her toward him and into his side. He tucked her head into his chest and murmured “Shhhh sweet. You’re safe here. Talk to me. Let me in.”

It was crazy. She was seriously considering it. No one else had ever cared enough to notice or ask. Was she just feeling this way toward Christopher because she hadn’t ever felt this way before? Or was it real? Alabama had no idea, but she wanted to try. She
wanted
to trust him.

“I…” she paused. Jesus. She couldn’t do this.

Christopher didn’t say anything, just continued to rub her arm up and down and rub his thumb over the back of her hand as it rested against him.

His silent support, along with the fact she didn’t have to look at him while she told him her pathetic story, gave her the courage to continue.

“You’re right. While it’s true I’m not comfortable with others overhearing my thoughts when I talk to people…that’s not the only reason. My mama wasn’t…nice. She…she didn’t want me, but for some reason didn’t give me up for adoption. I wish she had.”

“Jesus,” Abe murmured. “Come here, sweet.”

He shifted on the small couch until he was prone and Alabama was lying against him. The back of the couch was behind her and Christopher was half under her and half beside her. One arm was around her waist holding her close. The other arm was wrapped around her shoulders and tangled into her hair. He pressed her head to his chest. “Close your eyes, feel me here with you. You’re safe. Tell me.”