Page 112 of I Don't Need Your Protection

“That’s because youarepriceless,” a voice says.

My cheeks warm when Caleb slowly sits up in bed. He keeps his eyes on me, a boyish grin on his face. He looks at me like I’m the most important person in the world. Like he wants to float over to my bed and kiss me senseless, showing me just how much I mean to him.

Sophie, Carly, and Raven exchange glances. “We’d better go,” they say. They wish me and Caleb a speedy recovery before leaving the room with bright smiles on their faces.

I feel Caleb’s eyes on me, and when I look at him, I find him climbing out of his bed and making his way to mine.

“What are you doing?” I hiss. “They’ll catch you!”

He grins in a way that makes my stomach twist and slips under the blanket, snuggling up to me. “You’re the granddaughter of the richest man in America. I’m sure you can get away with anything. And is it wrong for a boyfriend to want to be close to his amazing, beautiful girlfriend who he nearly lost only a few hours ago?”

I gape at him. “Did you say…?”

He nods, eyes intense as they stare into mine. “Boyfriend, yes. If that’s okay with you.”

I smile so widely my cheeks hurt. “Of course it’s okay with me!” I bend forward and we kiss softly and sweetly. “But whathappens now? Are you leaving?” The thought of him not being here anymore crushes me. “Will you get another job?”

He sighs heavily, plowing his hands through his hair. “I don’t want to leave. I want to stay with you. But it’s my job, Addie.”

I nod slowly, my insides tearing into pieces.

Lifting his hand, he strokes my cheek with his finger. “We’ll figure it out,” he says softly. “Let’s just get better first.”

“Okay. How are you feeling?”

“Better now that I’m with you.”

I bend close and kiss his cheek.

Someone clears their throat. Caleb and I quickly break away from each other and find my grandfather standing in the doorway.

Caleb jumps to his feet. “Mr. Bradshaw.”

My grandfather steps up to the bed and leans forward to close his arms around me. He’s stiff for a few seconds, but loosens up a bit. He mumbles under his breath how happy and grateful he is that I’m all right. I hug him back, actually feeling okay that this man who I barely know is hugging me. He’s my grandfather, the only family I have left.

Then he releases me and hugs Caleb, thanking him for protecting me and saving my life.

Caleb nods. “Of course, sir. About what you saw…” He looks like he’s trying to find words to explain why he was in my bed, but my grandfather lifts his hand.

“No need to explain, Caleb. I know exactly what this is.”

Caleb and I glance at one another.

My grandfather pulls a chair near my bed and sits down, motioning for Caleb to do the same. His eyebrows furrow as he lowers himself next to me.

“I was young once,” Grandfather says. “I know what it’s like to be in love.”

This is a little awkward. A lot awkward. I hardly know this man and he’s talking about love?

Wait…did he just say love?

“I understand you two have developed feelings for each other,” Grandfather continues, making me feel even more awkward than before. “And I’d like you to know you have my blessing.”

Caleb stares at him. “Sir…”

“You’re a fine young man, Caleb, and there’s no one else I’d want for my precious granddaughter.”

Okay, this is still weird.