Chapter Four
Elena
Everymorning,Ireadthe newspaper on my porch. Every morning, I watched Lachlan, dressed in work clothes, walk out of his house, climb into his beat-up truck, and drive away.
This morning started the normal way. I had my paper. My feet were kicked up and resting on the porch railing. Lachlan emerged from his house, his booted footsteps heavy. But he didn’t head to his truck. Instead, he rounded it to the sidewalk and strode to my porch and up the stairs.
I’d dropped my paper by then and had gotten to my feet. He looked me up and down, his eyes flaring as he took in my pajamas. I didn’t give two thoughts about sitting outside in my silky slip. All the important parts were covered. But when he raked his gaze over me, I’d never felt more exposed.
“What?” I forced impatience into my tone.
“You call him Phantom. AfterPhantom of the Opera.”
I crossed my arms over my chest to hide my pebbled nipples. “I’m aware.”
“He thinks it’s ‘funny as hell.’ That’s a direct quote.”
“I’m aware of that too.”
Lachlan rubbed the back of his neck, scowling. “You brought him cherries to help with inflammation.”
“Why are you telling me things I already know?”
“I yelled at you.”
“Again, with the things I know.”
“I made a mistake.”
I sighed. “Yeah, you did. I hope you feel like a big asshole.”
“I do.”
“Good. Now, can I read my newspaper in peace?”
His hand shot out to loop a finger in the spaghetti strap of my slip. “You can’t sit outside wearing this.”
“I can’t? It seems like I am. I do every morning.”
“Dammit, Ellie. I can’t deal with this. I have to go to work.” He gave my shoulder a shove, directing me toward the front door. “Get inside.”
“Are you kidding me? No.”
“Fine.” He turned and stomped down the stairs, eschewing the sidewalk to flatten the grass with his big feet. Ignoring his truck again, he disappeared into his house. When he didn’t reemerge after a minute or two, I took my seat and picked up my newspaper.
Of course, that was when the asshole decided to show up again. Only, this time, he wasn’t alone. Poor Julien had gotten roped into Lachlan’s insanity. They both came to a stop at the base of my steps.
“I’m here to guard you,” Julien announced, rubbing his heavy-lidded eyes.
A puff of air expelled from my lungs. “You woke him up?”
Lachlan’s lips tipped into a smirk. “You want him to go back to bed? Go inside. Otherwise, Julien’s going to stand guard until you do.”
I tossed my newspaper aside, my morning ritual thoroughly spoiled. “You know what, Phantom? I thought you were better than this.”
He looked at my pajamas and then at Lachlan. “I see your point. She can’t wear that outside.”
I jabbed my finger at them both. “You’re both idiots. I wear much,muchless clothing to the beach, and neither of you chase me around with a towel to cover up.”