Under His Protection - 18+ Mature ***Undergoing Editing***

Chapter 7

As he reversed out of my assigned parking space and headed towards the garage door he hit the button on my visor to open the gate into the parking lot, giving him directions I watched him maneuver my SUV through the light traffic to our local grocery store parking it easily in the smaller spaces.

As I turned to grab my bag I heard my door open, turning I see Gray with his hand out waiting to help me down from my SUV,

"Thank you." I said as I took his hand getting down from the SUV, immediately feeling the jolt pass from him to me.

Making our way into the store I grabbed a cart, I hated grocery shopping so tended to do enough to last several weeks with the exception of produce and fresh meats. To my surprise I didn't mind shopping with Gray, we took turns telling funny memories from our childhoods as we walked up and down the isles easily filling the cart. I learned his likes and dislikes, as far as food was concerned anyway and to my amazement the time quickly flew by and we were at the checkout loading our purchases.

As the cashier rattled off the total Gray started to reach of his wallet, putting my hand out to stop him I turned to the cashier, "please put it on my account, Fleck Keller, Thank you!"

Turning back to Gray I see a frown on his face and rather than deal with his attitude about my paying for the groceries I simply started pushing the cart out the door, and over to the rear of the SUV. Calming waiting for him to hit the button to unlock it so I could open the hatch and load the groceries into the back.

He quickly takes over the loading of the groceries as I hand him the bags from the cart, until it's emptied. He gave me the keys, "get in and I will put the cart away." he directed heading towards the cart corral.

I got in the passenger side, hoping he is over his irritation at me as I watch him walk back towards the SUV. Damn even his walk is sexy! I sighed, knowing this train of thought was going to result in me having to have another cold shower tonight. He climbs into the driver's seat as I hand over the keys.

"So what do you want to make for supper tonight? I was thinking about grilling up those steaks and a baked potato with all the fixings" I asked as we started for home.

"Umm, that sounds great but I am going out tonight, so Mikey will be coming up to stay with you until I am back."

"Oh." I responded, I know real great with the un-fazed replies, as I already felt something close to dread building in my gut as he avoided making eye contact with me, pulling the SUV out into traffic.

"Ahhh yeah, I have a date tonight." He softly said, keeping his eyes focused on the road.

I caught my breath, I'm not sure why it hurt so bad to know he had a date. Of course he would date, or have dates... look at him, it is a miracle that he doesn't have several girlfriends all vying for his time.

"Oh okay, I will check with Mikey then and see if he wants supper." I managed to choke out.

Thank god it is a short distance to the apartment and as we enter the garage he pulls up close to the elevator so we can load the groceries into it before parking in my assigned spot. As we finish unloading the groceries, Gray hops back into the SUV to park it calling for me to wait to go up. I pretend I don't hear him, I need a few minutes Gray free to compose myself so I press the button to close the doors and then the button for my floor. Leaning my head back for the few seconds it would take to get there I take a deep breath trying to steady myself.

At the ding of the doors opening I open my eyes and holding the door start to unload the groceries quickly to the hall. At the smack of the stair door opening my eyes dart to it, meeting the eyes of one very irritated Gray.