Protecting Alabama (SEAL of Protection Book 2) Read online

  “You love me?” Alabama couldn’t wrap her mind around what he was saying.

  Abe smiled. He’d say it over and over again until she got it. “Yes, sweet. I love you.”

  Alabama felt like she’d lost all her brain cells. The orgasm she’d just experienced must’ve sucked them all out of her head, because she’d never have said what she did next if she’d been thinking properly. “I’ve never been loved before.”

  Abe groaned and eased down beside her. He shifted so he was lying on his back and Alabama was cuddled up against his side. He slipped out of her and they both moaned at the loss. “I love you, Alabama Ford Smith. You might never have been loved before, but you are now. Get used to it.”

  “Bossy,” Alabama murmured, half asleep. She’d never felt this good, this safe, this protected, this…loved in all her life.

  Abe squeezed her. This is where she was meant to be. In his arms.

  Just before he slipped off to sleep he heard her murmur softly, “I love you, too.”

  He smiled, and slept better than he had in weeks.

  Chapter Eleven

  Alabama smiled as she cleaned. It’d been three weeks since Christopher had told her he loved her and Alabama could still hardly believe it. Her life had changed so much in the short time she’d been dating Christopher. She’d come out of her shell more and more, and she actually enjoyed spending time with his teammates.

  Of course it seemed like each time they’d gone out, Faulkner, Kason, Hunter, and Sam had a new girlfriend, but she’d loved getting to know Caroline. She was funny and so smart. Alabama felt awkward around her at first. Caroline was a freakin’ chemist, for God’s sake, and Alabama was merely a janitor, but Caroline never made her feel less because of it.

  Alabama hadn’t wanted to tell Christopher what she did for a living, but it seemed absurd not to. She’d stressed about it for a week before finally just blurting it out after they’d made love one night. He’d only laughed and asked her how long she’d been trying to gain the courage to tell him. She’d blushed. He knew her too well.

  All he’d said was, “I love you, sweet. I don’t care what you do, just that you enjoy it. I bet you’re the best damn janitor the Wolfe’s have ever had.” She’d laughed and admitted that Greg and Stacy Wolfe had begged her to stay with them after the fire. They’d even paid her for a week’s worth of work when there’d been nothing to clean.

  Caroline had been the same way. She’d not even cared what Alabama did for a living. She brushed over it like it wasn’t a big deal and proceeded to ask what she thought of Hunter’s new girlfriend. After he’d dumped Michele, he’d seemed even more restless than before. Not one to gossip, Alabama had just shrugged and listened as Caroline proceeded to tell her all the gossip about the guys on the team.

  Alabama hadn’t seen Adelaide much after their run-in in the offices a few weeks ago. It wasn’t unusual, after all Alabama did clean after regular work hours were over, but she did run into some of the other agents and they were pleasant. Overall the job wasn’t hard. It wasn’t what Alabama wanted to do for the rest of her life, but for now it suited her. And Christopher was right. She was good at it. She took pride in her work and made sure the offices were spotless each evening before she’d left.

  Alabama left the offices with a spring in her step. Her nights were better now that she had Christopher in her life. She thanked her lucky stars every day she’d found him.

  Christopher made her life easier in many ways. He’d changed the locks on her door and made sure she felt safe when he couldn’t be there. He was always bringing her flowers and other small gifts. When she’d protested, he just kissed her until she stopped complaining.

  Alabama took care of him in return too. She’d become more comfortable on base and he’d gotten her a guest pass. She was able to come and go as she wanted and she took advantage of that by stocking up his refrigerator with his favorite foods and drinks when he was out.

  The night he’d asked her to hold out her hand and he’d placed a key in it, was one of the most amazing in her life. Christopher explained it was a key to his place and that he wanted Alabama to feel as comfortable coming and going there as she did in her own place. It meant a lot to her. She’d promptly made him a copy of the key to her place as well. Alabama had no idea Abe already had one since he’d changed the locks, and he wasn’t going to tell her.

  Abe loved the little things Alabama did for him. He didn’t think Alabama even realized how much they meant to him. He’d tried to tell her once, but she’d blushed so hard and had gotten so flustered, Abe just let it go.

  One day he’d come out of his office at the base to see his car had been detailed. She’d taken his spare set of keys and spent the morning cleaning it from top to bottom for him. When he went to Alabama’s apartment from work, most of the time she’d have something made for them to eat. She hadn’t lied when he’d first met her when she’d said she didn’t really know how to cook, but that made the simple meals she’d made for him all the more special.

  Alabama did countless other things that the other women he’d dated hadn’t bothered to do as well. Abe hadn’t missed them at the time, but he noticed everything Alabama did for him. She picked up his dry cleaning, she’d learned how to polish his boots for him, once she’d even borrowed Caroline’s bike and rode behind him while he ran one morning. She’d been sore as hell for the next couple of days and they’d had to get creative in the bedroom, but it’d been worth it. She’d told him she just wanted to be with him and if that meant she had to exercise with him, so be it.

  Abe made it clear Alabama was his, but she’d turned around and made sure Abe knew he was hers as well. He loved it. He loved her.

  Abe was waiting in her apartment when she’d gotten home from work. He’d made her a big dinner, complete with steak and mashed potatoes. She’d once told him that she had no idea how to grill steak or cook meat and that she never bought it anyway because of the price.

  Alabama was thrilled to see Christopher when she got home. They tried to get together each night, but sometimes it wasn’t possible with his work schedule.

  She went right up to him as he stood in front of her stove and put her arms around him. “Hi. Did you have a good day?”

  Abe was so proud of the way she’d opened up. Very rarely did she look around the room for her evil mother before she’d speak. With him, in their homes, she never hesitated and talked all the time. Abe loved he could give Alabama that feeling of safety.

  “Yeah, sweet. You? Have a good night?”

  “Yeah. The offices were all empty. No issues.”

  “Good, I made steak for us tonight. Have a seat and I’ll dish it up.”

  “You spoil me, Christopher.”

  “Good, it’s about time someone did.”

  God, Alabama loved this man.

  They ate dinner making small talk. When Alabama took the dishes to the sink to wash them, Christopher took her hand. “Those can wait; I need to talk to you.”

  Alabama immediately tensed. That didn’t sound good. No wonder men hated it when women would tell them, “We have to talk.”

  “It’s not as bad as I’m sure you’re thinking. Come on, come sit with me.”

  Abe led her to the couch and sat down in his usual corner, pulling her into his arms at the same time.

  “I want you to meet my family.”

  Alabama flinched. Whoa, that hadn’t been close to what she’d thought he was going to say. “Your family?”

  “Yeah, my mom and my sisters. I’ve told them all about you and they’re dying to meet you and get to know you. I want you to meet them, too. You didn’t have a good mom, and I’m sorrier than you’ll ever know about that. So, I want to share mine with you.”

  At his words, Alabama immediately started tearing up. As far as romantic words went, it wasn’t much, but they meant the world to her. He knew what she’d gone through growing up and in his own way, Christopher wanted to try to make up for it.

  “What if they don’t like me?” Alabama couldn’t help but ask.

  “Oh, sweet. They’ll love you. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me. They’ll see that and love you because of it.”

  Alabama laid her head on Christopher’s chest and curled into him, tucking her hands against her cheek. She could feel his arm tighten around her. He didn’t pressure her; just let her work through his request on her own.

  She did want to meet them. She’d heard so much about his sisters, Susie and Alicia, and of course his mom. She’d never had a family and would do almost anything to be a part of one.

  “Okay.”

  “Okay?”

  “Yeah, okay.”

  Abe smiled and squeezed Alabama harder. “I’m proud of you sweet. You’ve made me so happy. I hope you know that.”

  When she didn’t answer, he just smiled. “I’ll call them and see what I can set up.”

  Alabama nodded.

  “Come on. Time for bed. I need you.”

  Alabama sat up quickly and pulled out of his arms and headed for the bed. She needed him too. She ignored his chuckle and pulled off her shirt on the way to the bed. That stopped his laughing quickly. She giggled as he scooped her up and dropped her on her back on the bed.

  Her fears of meeting his family were forgotten as Christopher showed her just how much he loved her.

  Chapter Twelve

  Abe watched Alabama try to control the shaking of her hands as they walked up to his mom’s little house. Abe had helped his mother buy the house after he’d been in the Navy for a while. She hadn’t been able to afford anything very big when he and his sisters were growing up, and Christopher wanted to make sure she was comfortable. He wanted to return the love she’d shown to him and his sisters their entire lives.

  Abe didn’t ring the doorbell, but instead simply opened the door and walked in. Alabama trailed behind him, nervously clutching the bouquet of flowers she’d insisted on stopping to get before they’d arrived.

  She heard feminine voices as they made their way into the house.

  “Mom? We’re here!” Abe called out, not stopping.

  Alabama couldn’t help but think back to her own childhood. If she ever had yelled out anything like that she’d have gotten beaten. She shuddered and tried to bring herself back to the present.

  Two women came rushing from the back of the house toward them. One was short but slender. She had brown hair that swung freely around her shoulders. She was wearing a pair of shorts and a henley T-shirt. She wore tennis shoes on her feet. The other woman was a bit taller and was wearing jeans and a light sweater. She had a short pixie haircut that was extremely flattering.

  The shorter woman leaped at Abe and he caught her up and swung her around.

  “It’s so good to see you!”

  “You too squirt!”

  Abe put her town and turned to greet the other woman. “Hey Leesh, it’s great to see you too!”

  The taller woman hugged Abe hard and said, “You too bro.”

  “It’s about time you got here!” They heard from behind them. Everyone turned to see Christopher’s mom. Alabama thought she looked exactly like what a “mom” should look like. She was average height and was carrying more weight than was socially acceptable. She looked healthy and happy.

  “Mom!” Abe took a step and folded his mother into his arms. He kissed her on the cheek and pulled back, still holding her. “You look great, as usual.”

  “Oh, you. Introduce us to your woman.” She didn’t waste time on pleasantries. It was obvious she’d been waiting on them.

  Abe stepped away from his mom and turned toward Alabama who’d been waiting a few steps away. He reached out, grabbed her free hand and pulled her toward them.

  Alabama stumbled, not expecting his move, but Abe steadied her and brought her against his side.

  “Mom, Suse, Leesh, this is Alabama.”

  “We’re so glad to finally meet you!” Susie, the shorter woman exclaimed.

  “Yeah, it’s about time Chris brought you out from the rock he’s been hiding you under.” Alicia joked smiling.

  Alabama smiled back shyly. Both his sisters were funny. She loved the ease in which they joked with Christopher.

  Mrs. Powers came forward and held out her hands to Alabama.

  Alabama looked up at Christopher who nodded encouragedly to her. She turned toward Bev Powers and held out her free hand.

  Christopher’s mom grasped her hand with both of hers and squeezed. “You have no idea how happy I am to meet you, Alabama.”

  Alabama blushed, not knowing what to say. She couldn’t help but look around before answering. She was uncomfortable enough to fall back into her old habits. “Thanks, Mrs. Powers. I’m happy to meet you too.”

  “It’s Bev. You call me Bev.”

  “Okay. Bev.”

  She beamed.

  Alabama didn’t know what to do. She felt awkward and Christopher’s mom was still holding her hand. Christopher came to her rescue, as usual, taking the flowers she’d still been clutching in her other hand and holding them out to his mom.

  “We brought these for you, Mom.”

  Finally letting go of Alabama’s hand, Bev took the flowers. “They’re beautiful. Thank you. Now, let’s not stand out here in the hall. Let’s go sit down so we can get to know each other better.”

  Abe claimed Alabama’s hand and held on tight as he let his sisters and mom precede them so he could have a bit of privacy before joining them.

  “You doing okay so far, sweet?”

  Alabama looked up at him and answered, “Surprisingly yes. I’m still nervous, but they’re really nice. You’re very lucky, Christopher.”

  Abe smiled back. He knew she’d learn to love his family as much as he did. She was tender hearted and he knew all it’d take was a bit of friendliness and she’d open up.

  They headed into the living room to join his sisters and his mom.

  Alabama sat on the couch next to Susie and laughed as she pointed to pictures of Christopher when he was young. They were pouring through the photo album his mom had unearthed after dinner.

  His sisters were hysterical. They had no problem laughing at themselves, as well as each other. They’d shown her naked pictures of both themselves and Christopher, but obviously took great pleasure in showing off embarrassing moments of their brother’s childhood.

  The stories they’d shared all night were also precious to Alabama. She had no such memories of her life, and she loved that Christopher had them.

  “Hey, Chris, remember that time you came home to visit when I had a date and you actually threatened him?” Alicia recalled.

  “Hey, I didn’t threaten him!” Abe returned laughing. “All I did was tell him if he didn’t get you home safe and sound by curfew, he’d regret it.”

  “Yeah, and you were sitting on the porch cleaning your gun when we got home. He didn’t even kiss me good-night. He actually shook my hand. Shook my hand! God, it was so humiliating!”

  Everyone laughed. Alabama could just imagine it. Christopher had obviously learned to be protective at a young age, but she loved it. She’d never had anything like that in her life and she would’ve done anything to have experienced it just once growing up. Before she thought about what she was saying she blurted out, “You guys were so lucky to have a protective older brother.”

  “Oh, they didn’t think so at the time,” Bev said laughing, “but you’re right, Alabama. We’re all very lucky. I don’t know how I managed it, but Chris turned out all right.”

  Alabama could feel Christopher’s eyes on her. She raised her head and saw the intense way he was looking at her. He knew what she was thinking. He knew how she grew up and how she would’ve done anything to have had a brother like him.

  “Mom, Suse, Leesh, we’re gonna have to get home.” He’d said it without looking away from Alabama.

  She blushed. She was embarrassed, but she was ready. The night had been stressful. Nice, but stressful. Alabama was ready to go. She wanted to come back though.

  They all stood up and Alabama watched as Christopher hugged each of “his girls,” then came back to her side.

  “It was great meeting you, Alabama. I hope you’ll come back soon. We’re thrilled you’re lowering yourself to date our brother.” Alicia said, laughing once again.

  Bev also put her two cents in. “Yes, please, come back soon. I was going to try to talk to you alone at some point tonight, but I see that Chris doesn’t want to leave your side. I hope you know how much my son likes you. He’s only brought one other woman home to meet us, and she wasn’t nice.”

  Alabama blinked. Huh?

  “You’re nice. We like you. He wouldn’t have risked bringing you here if you were only a passing fancy for him. I’m looking forward to many more dinners and lunches and get-togethers. If my son knows what’s good for him, he’ll put a ring on your finger sooner rather than later.”

  “Mom!” Abe admonished. Jesus. Now he was embarrassed.

  “What?” Bev said not-so-innocently. “I just wanted to make sure Alabama knew this wasn’t an everyday occurrence for you.”

  “Jeez, Mom, do you think I haven’t already told her that?”

  Alabama tried to smother a laugh. For once it was nice to see Christopher embarrassed instead of her. She squeezed his hand. “It’s okay, Christopher.” She tried to soothe him.

  Everyone laughed, breaking the tension.

  “Okay, we’re leaving. I’ll call you guys as soon as I can. Stay safe.”

  Everyone got hugs, including Alabama, which was a bit awkward for her, but she returned the embraces as if they were her due.

  Abe settled Alabama into the passenger seat of his car then walked around and climbed into the driver’s seat. Before starting the car, he turned toward Alabama and wrapped his hand around the back of her neck and pulled her toward him. He rested his forehead against hers and whispered, “Thank you, sweet.”

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