Page 71 of Things I Read About

“All my accounts are private,” I start.

“Nothing is private. Nothing. You’re just making it a little harder for creepsto track you or make contact.”

“You’re freaking me out.”

He leans down slightly. “Good. You need to be freaked out. You think I’m here for fun? Fergus called me off another job for this. The threat is real, so stay out of my way and follow instructions, starting with changing your damn passwords.” On the last word he turns and stomps into the house and slams the door, shutting me out. Literally and figuratively.

I don’t know how long I stand there before Ringo shoves his wet nose into my butt crack. He also rubs his whole body against my leg, covering me in yellow fur while he licks my hand.

“Thanks a lot, dude,” I murmur. I was already feeling sweaty and gross from my farm chores, anyway. Walking into the house doesn’t help. Regina has filled the whole kitchen side of the house with spicy, savory smells. Bacon, eggs, sausage, onions, and maybe some chicken. She makes the meals in batches, so it’s more than just breakfast I’m smelling.

“Sally!” she greets me.

“Hi, Regina.” I smile.

“I made Shep's usuals, bacon and eggs. Turkey melts for lunch, meatloaf for tonight, marinated chicken, and steak. It’ll all be labeled in the fridge for you” she says, cheery.

I think she loves this job, and I know my sister loves her cooking.

“Great, thanks. I just need a shower right now, is there any fruit?”

“Hm,” she says. “I think apples and berries are in there. I'll order more for you.” She points to the double fridge that looks like built-in cabinetry.

I find the apples and grab one before heading upstairs.

I don’t know where Nate is, and I have to fight the urge to go looking for him. It’s pretty clear he doesn’t want to be around me. The thought hurts, but it also irritates.

He said he also thought we’d never see each other ever again. He claimed he was a consultant which feels like a fib to me. No one calls bodyguards consultants.

I wasn’t the only one putting on an act, so he should quit punishing me.

I should quit trying to talk to him.

Still, he’s got to eat.

“Nate,” I yell out to the house. “There’s eggs and bacon!”

No response. I don’t wait long for one before heading up to my room.Forget him and his giant muscles.

I shower, throw on workout clothes and stop by the pantry. Shep keeps gummy bears for me but it’s his chocolate stash I’m really interested in. I take two different full-size bars and head to the library. Then, I read, trying to distract myself. I also play piano, some gorgeous arrangements of movie soundtracks. I thought maybe Nate would be intrigued by that, impressed. But he doesn’t show.

I read more, but the fiction isn’t pulling me out of my mind. My mind that can’t forget. All I can think about is my own dream book boyfriend somewhere on the premises.

No more book boyfriends, then. I switch to a neuro nanotechnology textbook. It. Is. Fascinating.

What is that smell?

Holy crap, I’m starving.

I sit up. It’s almost dark out. Whoops.

During school I have set routines that I follow. I can’t think straight when I’m hungry. But here, I don’t need to think straight. Vacations are weird and unsettling that way. I’ve never been a huge fan of them. Well, except for the one. With him. I wonder what he’s done all day. Where he is. I look out the window at the property.

Shoot, the animals!

I almost run through the house to the garage. I pull on the big boots I left by the door, and open the side door to head out.

As soon as they see me, the huffing and fluffing starts, the sound of multiple hungry animals. I should’ve been out here about an hour ago. I make quick work of delivering feed to the different troughs, getting sweaty and smelly all over again.