Tuesday Tales: Just Watch Me - Part 7

I have to say a quick thank you for those who take the time out of their busy schedule to stop by and be amused by my scribbling.  Please make sure you stop back here to read the rest of contributors.  This week's prompt was the word "FUTURE".  With that being said, we'll continue where our tale left off...with Thea handing a pissy Zeke... 

Just Watch Me: Part Seven

Picking her way back across the crowded dining room, Thea tried to calm her racing heart. She was so pissed it wasn’t even funny. After jerking free of him with a foot stomp he’d taught her himself, she’d left him swearing and hopping on one foot.  If she'd been truly vindictive she'd have pushed him into the pool. What was it about Zeke St. John that tripped her trigger? Half the time she didn’t know if she wanted to smack him or kiss him senseless.

A tentative smile crossed Adam's face when she approached the table. “Is everything okay?” His dark eyes expressed genuine concern.

She let out a low sigh before returning to her seat. “Yes. I’m sorry. Ezekial St. John has been a pain in my butt for the past five years - and probably for the foreseeable future.”

“Well, perhaps it’s time he realizes you’re a grown woman. Who is he, if you don’t mind me asking? I doubt he’s a brother.”

She frowned before reaching for her glass of ice water. “Why would you say that?”

He leaned forward and placed his hand over hers. “Because of the way he’s watching every move each of us makes.”

She turned to glance over her shoulder when he stopped her. “Don’t give him the satisfaction, Thea. What better way to get his goat than to ignore him?”

Nibbling on her lip, she nodded. “As long as getting his goat doesn’t end up with you getting clocked.”

A chuckle broke free of him. “Don’t worry about me. If Mr. Tall, Dark and Handsome wants to cause problems, I’ll be more than happy to handle him. Doesn’t he know there are laws even in Rio about stalking?”

A giggle flew out of her mouth before she could stop it. “I wouldn’t doubt it. I’m sure before he left Iowa, he researched your country’s laws to see if there was one which would force me home. He’s a deputy sheriff back home and has an extreme overprotective streak where I’m concerned.” When it seemed Adam wanted to protest once more about Zeke’s treatment of her, she was quick to continue. “He rescued me from a bad situation when I was seventeen and then he and his mother took me in until I graduated from high school. He’s been looking after me since.”

Leaning even closer to her, he winked. “Then someone ought to reinforce the idea that you’re a grown woman now and no longer need his protection.”

Thea couldn’t help herself. A bubble of laughter passed her lips before she could stop it. “Good luck with that. I’ve tried several times.”

“Well, perhaps before you return home you’ll be able to convince him.” Straightening, he grimaced. “Or maybe not? Here comes trouble.”

Frustration welled up inside her as she spotted Zeke approaching their table. Well, I guess he isn’t happy watching any longer. Within moments, she felt the familiar zing of awareness coupled with déjà vu when his hands landed on her shoulders before his voice came out hoarse and low against her ear. He was pissed - way beyond unhappy - with her.

“Either you get up and come with me now, Sprite, or I’ll make a scene the good patrons of this restaurant won’t soon forget.”

“Like?” She could hardly believe her own audacity. In the past whenever she’d heard the low, menacing tone come from him, she’d immediately done as he’d asked, but not this time. She was tired of his constant orders. He treated her like she was a child. No more!

"This.” This time there was a hint of surprise intertwined with his obvious frustration. The very unladylike squeal she emitted did nothing to stop him, nor did her slapping hands when she found herself in an ungracious heap over his solid shoulder. As he spun around and headed out of the dining room, she saw Adam standing up, staring in disbelief before he disappeared from her sight. Her last thought of her dinner companion was if Adam didn’t close his mouth, he was sure to catch a few flies.

Mortification filled her as she heard the ding of the elevator then a young girl asked her mommy why the tall man was carrying the pretty lady in the red dress over his shoulder. She thanked the gods above Zeke’s restraining arm on the back of her thighs kept the short flirty edge of her skirt down so she wasn’t exposing herself to everyone.

TO BE CONTINUED....

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