Protective Arms (Completed)

17. On My Way

Athena is the most beautiful woman I have ever spoke with. Part of me doesn't have much of a filter around her and I really need to work on that.

After the talk with Chief, it seem to help me and maybe even made me more relaxed. Before I was still nervous about trying to proceed with my feelings for her until he spoke with me. I never knew that is how he met his wife, but it also felt like a small blessing from my boss.

We have not said much since getting the food. I would like to invite her back to my place to eat the food, but I get a feeling she would have said no. Athena is also extremely shy, so I don't want to push her either. Nor give the wrong idea on why I may have took her there.

I want to be able to enjoy the meal with Athena, but out away from prying eyes. Since we still don't know who the stalker is currently and I don't want to give anymore leverage to the perp and risk her pushing away from me.

"Where are we going? This food smells so good."

"Almost there." I smile, glancing over to her.

With the last turn I took, four miles back the road finally starts to narrow. Rounding one last corner, the clear cyrstal falls come into view.

Athena gasps and hold her mouth. I put the truck in park to where we have the front view of the falls.

"This is Eestes Springs. It is how the town got its name many years ago. No one comes out here anymore, as things got in the way of enjoyful living." I smile and place her box of food in her lap.

"The water is absoutely beautiful." Athena smiles over to me.

"I never knew it was even here. No where when I moved in mentioned this in the papers on attractions for tourists."

I nod my head some and finish my bite of food.

"Like I said people lost sight of the beauty here."

We eat in a peaceful silence, with the windows down to where we can listen to the water as it flows.

"So you grew up here?" Athena looks over to me, munching on a fry.

"Yeah, my parents still have the same house Chas and I grew up in, just outside of town."

"That is nice."

"Why don't you tell me what brought you here?" I ask curiously.

"Well I am from out East, both of my parents were always working growing up. I mainly was raised by nannies until I got old enough to be on my own close to teenage years. After that I spent most of my time at Bethany's with her parents and they shown me what a family can be."

"That sounds hard growing up."

"I am not going to lie, as a child I got all the fancy expensive toys. The only thing I wished for though was for my parents to be around more. If they was not working then there was always some type of party they had to attend."

"What do they do?" I keep the questions loving her voice.

"Dads in politics and Mom is a CEO of this huge electric company."

"What got you into hair things?"

"Comseotology." Athena laughs.

"I am not sure, maybe it was playing with my dolls all the time. Something about having hair between my fingers and styling it how people want is calming. I never have the same exact day everyday and I get to make my own hours. My parents gave me a huge amount after I graduated high school, so I went into beauty school."

"Still doesn't answer how you got here." I laugh.

"I wanted to start my own life, so I just packed up my things and drove until it felt right. Once I got settled and the salon open, Bethany came in right after. We have been here every since, so almost seven years ago."

I smile over at her, enjoying how she talks about her life.

"What about your parents?"

"Oh Dad is a teacher at the high school and Mom is a nurse. They ended up with a small winning on some games and retired."

"That sounds lovely."

"It was growing up, Dad was great to help tutor if need be in any subject." I laugh thinking over my life growing up.

The sun has already started to fade, making the sky light up with oranges and pinks.

"I can take you by your salon to get your car if you would like. Or do you want me to take you home?" I smile at her.

"My car would be great. That way I don't have anyone give me a ride to the shop," She laughs.

"I would in a heartbeat. I enjoy spending time with you." I whisper, but she hears as her cheeks flame again.

I start the truck and we make it back to town.

"Would you like to get lunch with me tomorrow?"

"Sure, I don't have a set time for lunch so just come in when it is yours." Athena smiles and gets out of the truck.

I watch until she is in her car and we part ways.

Right as I pull up to my house, my phone rings and I see it is Chas.

"Hey sis."

"How did the afternoon go with Athena?" Chas snickers over the phone.

"It was amazing. You were right and I won't be holding back my feelings anymore for Athena. It feels right with her."

"Awe, that is amazing bubby! You need someone in your life that you will love and love you back."

Before I can reply to Chas, my phone dings once. I pull it from my ear, and see it is Athena's number.

"Chas. I will call you back." I get out before hanging up.

It is strange Athena calling so soon. I answer and don't get the 'hello' out before Athena's voice rushes over the line.

"Zack! Someone broke into my apartment."

"Where are you now?" All the fun leaves me, as my heart sinks.

"I am in my car. When I walked up to my door I seen it was wide open and could tell everything is thrown around."

"Do you have any neighbors that may be home?" I look at the dash clock, as I step on the gas a little harder.

"I don't think so. I haven't ever really spoke to anyone."

"I am on my way. Give me five minutes." I hang up and put in calls to Brit and Gaperal.

It is a good thing I had just got home and never stepped out of my truck.

A/N---
Hey Hey Guys!!!

Seems as though the evening was going great but once more something came up.

Athena isn't getting breaks between events happening.