Ready For Love?

Chapter 28

Reid POV

I have to admit, the last time I was in a museum was when I was forced to go on a school trip as a kid. One of the only ones I ever went on.

Annie’s excitement and knowledge of history made it a good day out. I am the first to admit I was surprised I enjoyed myself. I also enjoyed getting to know her better. If I hadn’t already made up my mind that she was my mine, I would have today.

With her, its… easy and somehow familiar, when it can’t be.

I also liked how she's into conspiracy theories about how old humanity and things really are compared to 'main stream'. She doesn't just go by what she's told and went on and on about how 'fascinating' it all is.

The way she couldn’t think of the correct word occasionally or how she would get standard sayings wrong were also making me smile. My favorite was ‘that’s a pot calling the kettle burnt’.

She quickly corrected herself to black and said it again ‘I mean pot calling the kettle black’ and tried to hide her face as a beautiful pink took over her cheeks.

I danced around my past except for Granny, who I told her all about. It also reminded me that I had to call her. I try to call her at least once a week, even if it is only for a few minutes.

I also asked her about her late husband. She has to be able to trust me, be open to me if I'm to convince her to say yes. I could see her struggle with the idea of talking to the man she f****d last night about her late husband, but I did everything I could to make her comfortable.

It didn't bother me hearing about him and their life together. It gave me more of an insight into her past and her kids. She truly is a strong and amazing woman.

When Annie saw Hollywood and his son in the kitchen this morning, I thought the day would be canceled. Hunter had just been dumped at Hollywood’s feet twenty minutes prior and the uncertainty was written on both of their faces.

Annie went straight into her mama bear mode and I could see she just wanted to wrap Hunter up in her arms and tell him everything was going to be alright.

It didn’t help that Hollywood was standing there shell-shocked. Doc had it under control though and once Amy got there, they would sort it out… which I had to remind Annie of so she would get in the truck.

Annie still wanted to stop and get Hunter a present… a Lego set on the way back. She said it would help Hunter feel wanted and have something new and exciting for his new home with Hollywood.

“SWAT are on their way, but I got a bad feeling. I need you and a few others in the wings. People I trust to get the job f*****g done and make sure these fuckers don’t get away.” I did not need this f*****g call. “I know I already owe you more f*****g favors than I can count…”

“Yeah, yeah. Text me the details. I can grab a couple of people and will call back.”

I hung up and let out a breath.

Normally, this would be fine. Normally, I don’t have a woman I was trying to impress and honestly didn’t want to leave the side of… especially with Beast coming back tonight.

Fuck!

I quickly called two of the best I could think of that would be up for it. They're like me and can be on location within an hour.

The last call I made was to Viking. “I need to head out. Don’t let Beast go anywhere near Annie.”

He barked out a laugh before giving me a frustrating, “I’ll try my best.” Fucker was just riling me up before he laughed out, “We got Mama Bear covered. Don’t f**k up.” Double fucker.

I hung up and headed back into the kitchen where Annie and Fire were working together on the meat pies. The kitchen smelt delicious with so many different smells of cakes, soup, garlic…before Stacey appeared in front of me.

"There you are." She purred and went to touch my chest.

I raised an eyebrow and gave her a single shake of my head. She instantly stepped back when she saw the look on my face. "Ava put you up to this?"

She looked around nervously, confirming my suspicions. "Last warning before you're out." That had her eyes wide before she started begging and saying some other s**t.

"Get out of the f*****g kitchen slut. I already told you! And I got no problem stabbin' you to make you understand." Fire started storming towards her with a butcher knife in hand, making Stacey squeal and sprint back out to the common room.

I fist bumped Fire before grabbing Annie’s hips and pressing my body up against her. A calmness took over me for a moment except for my c**k, which was instantly paying attention.

“You right there?” Annie deadpanned.

She can pretend she doesn't like all she wants. I felt the small shiver that went through her and the way she slightly leaned back into me. It was all good progress after it took her a long time to get to sleep last night.

I leveled my breathing so she felt like she had some space to think about things while still being in my arms. Maybe I do need to go back to Australia for a little while. I'm not sure if I can wrap things up enough to go back with her straight away though.

“Yep…” I replied before licking up her neck.

She tasted so sweet. I don't think I could ever get enough.

“I’m working with food here.” She scolded me as everyone tried to keep their eyes to themselves and keep a straight face… except for Fire.

“You’ve turned into a dang horny teenager Rip. Never knew you had it in ya.”

She was right though, and I couldn’t help but chuckle before I tried to lick Annies’s neck again as she tried to dodge my tongue.

My phone vibrated with a message reminding me I needed to go.

“Babe, I got to head out. Stay away from Beast. Viking and Fire will make sure he doesn’t try anything…”

“Too f*****g right.” Fire nodded with attitude like only she can do.

“I won’t be able to make it to the ghost tour, so Viking is going to organize for a few others to go with you.”

“OK, first of all, I can handle Beast." I love her spirit. "Second, I don’t need anyone to go with me and I don’t want to put anyone out. I want to enjoy it and I know it's not everyone’s thing… especially here.” Everyone looked at her quizzically, making her roll her eyes. “Come on. My dad's a cop. You guys all think alike, meaning I would be surprised if even one of you believed in ghosts.” They all smirked and nodded except for Scruff and I knew why.

I was wondering if he would bring it up and the look he gave me meant no.

“See told you.” Annie sang before turning back to me. “So, you be safe, and we will see you when you get back.” And the look in her eye told me she meant it.

I don’t want to admit it, but I felt a physical reaction to it, like my heart clenched or some s**t. My arms went around her again as I made sure I took her breath away before I left.

She is mine and I kind of like knowing she's here when I get back. Someone here waiting for me. I will definitely enjoy that from now on.