Protecting Ellis (Loved by the SEAL #1)

Chapter 12

CHAPTER TWELVE

Ellis left the doctor’s office with a skip in her step. Ginger was downstairs in the parking lot, waiting for her. When she hit the lobby, she texted Ginger telling her she was ready to come out. Ginger picked her up at the door so she didn’t have to walk across the lot and be vulnerable to another attack.

“How did it go?” Ginger asked.

“The doctor is happy. Said I could resume physical activities on Friday but to take it easy. I think I’m going to start packing up the store and studio this weekend.”

“You still need to take it easy.”

“I can do the little stuff. And I’ll have Trip to help.”

“He’s a good guy. I saw how he was with you. I like him.”

Shock pulsed through her. “Whoa, that’s a huge endorsement.”

Ginger snorted. “Well, he’s not a jerk.”

She nodded, glancing out the window as cars slid past. “It was weird with Bennet.”

“You’re telling me. He was always weird.”

“I know you never liked him. I should have paid better attention.”

“You didn’t know.” Ginger’s voice had softened, the blame gone.

“True. I didn’t know. Trip is so different from him.”

“That’s good.”

“I hope it works out. I’ve only known Trip for a little while. My dad knew Bennet. On paper, Bennet should be the one I stay with.”

“But he was a cheater. Plus, your dad isn’t your biggest fan.”

Ellis rolled her eyes. “You’re telling me. He certainly isn’t. I never really understood until I met you and saw how your parents are with you. I wish I’d known you when I was younger.”

Ginger chuckled. “My parents may be dorks, but they love me.”

“If I have kids, that’s what I want. A real relationship with them without the manipulation tactics.”

Ginger nodded as they turned onto the road with her apartment. A weird thought entered her mind. What if…she couldn’t go down that road. She didn’t want to believe it could even be true. Her father wouldn’t do something to purposely hurt her, would he? Sure, her dad wanted her to marry Bennet, but he wouldn’t hire someone to attack her.

Ginger leaned in and kissed her cheek. She appreciated her friend more than she could voice. “I’ll take off when you get inside safely.”

“Thank you. Call me when you get home.”

“I will. And I will be careful.”

Ellis was happy that her walk from Ginger’s car inside was mostly pain free. After drinking some water, she sat on the couch to relax and texted Trip, telling him that the doctor said she could resume activities on Friday. She hoped he understood what she meant. She didn’t think the text message was that cryptic.

A minute later, her phone rang. “I take it that was a good appointment.”

Ellis laughed. “So good. The doctor likes what she sees. Says we can do stuff on Friday.”

“We’ll still take it slow.”

“I’m fine with that.”

Trip was quiet, and she wondered if the call had been disconnected but then she heard him groan. “Just thinking about getting you naked. I’m excited.”

“You are at work, don’t get too excited.”

Laughter carried over the line, and her lips spread into a smile. “I’m about to go jump in the ocean to cool off. I’ll be home around four thirty today.”

“Cool. I’ll have dinner ready for then.”

“You don’t have to?—”

“I want to. I’ll see you in a bit.”

Being with Trip was more than she thought it could be. He was kind and sweet but also very intense in a good way. When she was his focus, she felt like they were the only two people in the world.

They hadn’t fooled around before he’d left for his mission. Now, they both seemed primed and ready to jump each other’s bones. Since meeting him, she’d actually lost weight, so she looked even more skinny, but Trip had told her more than once he found her sexy. She would just have to believe him.