For the love of Grace

My Hero

My Hero

Dean POV

I had to turn back at least once to see if she was still standing there. When I did, I noticed she was staring at her hand smiling. I had to chuckle. Such a small gesture really could drive a lady wild. I wondered what this girl was all about. I hoped she would come to the fair this weekend. I think her and I needed to get to know each other better.

 I got back to my truck, hopped in and headed off into town. I had to run some errands for my uncle before nightfall. As I pulled up to the hardware store I groaned out loud when I saw Patty standing outside. Her daddy owned the only hardware store in town. I was really hoping she wouldn’t be here. I hopped out of my truck and tried to walk past her unnoticed but she caught me.

 She slid her flat chested body in front of me sticking it out like she had anything to work with. “Can I help you handsome?” She looked up at me saying as she blew a bubble and popped it in my face. I guess she thought that was sexy. She thought wrong. "No, I’m here for some screws and I’ll be on my way." I replied. “Oh really? Screws huh? I can show you where they are if you’d like?”she said. "No, thank you. I can find my way." I side stepped her and quickly walked into the store. 

Within three minutes I had what I needed and was checked out and on my way back to my truck. “Come back anytime handsome!” she yelled out as I started my truck. I backed out and  headed back to my uncle’s. That girl is crazy, I thought to myself. Immediately after that thought, I found myself thinking of Grace. Now that was a woman. Beautiful face, amazing body. I think I’ll have my uncle reach out to her mama and see if  she can convince Grace to accompany me on a date. 

Grace POV

It was eight O’clock when the last customer finally left. I started counting out the money in the register and when I finished I turned out the lights and locked the doors. As I was walking to my car I started thinking about Dean. He was so sweet and unlike most of the guys around here, he actually had manners. Maybe I will go to the carnival. Maybe I will take a ride on the ferris wheel. I thought. 

I must not have been paying attention because I didn’t hear anyone come from behind me until a heavy hand came around and grabbed my face covering my mouth. The other hand grabbed both of  my hands and held them behind my back. I couldn’t cry out. I couldn’t breathe. I started to squirm but it was no use. I just kept praying someone would come and help me. 

It seems my prayers were answered because all of a sudden I heard what sounded like a fist hitting bone. The hands that were on me were now gone. I spun around and put my hands on my chest as I bent down to try and catch my breath. When I looked up I saw Dean. He was standing over a man holding him by the shirt and hitting him in the face over and over. It didn’t seem like he planned on stopping.  I ran over to him and pleaded with him. 

"Dean! Look at me! I’m fine. Please stop hitting him. Let’s call the police and let them handle it." Dean hit the man one more time and then let go of his shirt causing the man to fall the rest of the way to the ground. He was out cold. I pulled my phone out of my pocket and called 911. Fifteen minutes later the police arrived and took the man into custody. After they questioned Dean and I about what happened they let us go. 

I asked Dean if he would like to come back to my house for a cup of coffee. Truth is I didn’t want to be alone. From what Dean told the cops, there were two men but the other got away and neither of us saw his face. “Darlin you don’t have to do that. A thank you is plenty.” He said with a small smile as he rubbed the back of his neck. "Hey are you OK?" I said as I walked around to get a look at his neck. 

"Oh my God Dean! You are bleeding!" I ripped a piece of my shirt and put it onto his neck. “I’m OK darlin, really. Nothing I haven’t dealt with before.” He said with a small laugh. It was then that I noticed the dog tags hanging around his neck. "Were you military?" “Corporal Dean Pritchett ma’am at your service.” "Well thank you for your service Dean, now would you mind having that cup of coffee with me back at my place? I can fix you up, and to be honest I’d rather not be alone right now." “If you think that’s best, I’d be happy to,” he said. We got in my car and headed for my place. 

Dean POV

    I was heading back to my truck from the laundromat. The washer and dryer at my uncle’s was broken and I really needed my clothes washed. I was driving down main street and saw Grace being attacked. I threw my truck in park and hopped out. I ripped the scumbag off of Grace and threw him to the ground. I got on top of him and hit him over and over again. My mind was racing. Who was this sick f**k? I was losing control and I couldn’t stop hitting this piece of s**t. That’s when I heard Grace, “Dean please stop.” I hit the asshole one more time and then I let his shirt go and he fell to the ground. 

    I turned around to check on Grace. She was shaking. I pulled her into a hug to calm her down. When her breathing had slowed, she called the police. After a few questions they let us go. Grace offered me a cup of coffee at her place. I didn’t want to make her feel obligated just because I helped her. “That’s OK, you don’t have to darlin.” I told her. She insisted. She didn’t want to be alone. Truthfully I didn’t want her to be alone either. 

    I just met this woman earlier today and yet I find myself so protective of her. I agreed to go back and have coffee at Grace’s house. When we got there, Grace  didn’t seem relieved to be home. 

I looked at her face and I saw her staring at the door. Her expression showed fear. I instantly felt that I needed to protect her again. What’s happening to me? I thought to myself.