Protective Arms (Completed)

25. To Late Now

Part of me is almost giddy inside, I will be getting to spend more time with Athena. Not the way I would have preferred it being, but I will gladly take it.

Tonight, I will have to have my guard up because it is also not just spending time with her but making sure she stays safe. The best way I know how is by being with her.

Right after Athena agrees, I told the girls I would be back within an hour. There is an Officer stationed right outside just to keep watch. Thanks to Gaperal calling one over so I can grab the items I needed for tonight.

The first thing I done once in my truck is called into speak with the Chief. Having him on speaker phone while I drove to my house. Part of me was relieved when he agreed not to put Athena straight in harms way if we can avoid it. The other side of me is beating myself up because if the kid can't tell us who the person looked like than we are at square one.

Never in my life have I packed my go bag up this quick. Doing a mental checklist I make sure to grab everything. Making a rush back out the door, I lock it and jump in my truck tossing the bag over to the passanger side.

The drive back to the salon is quick and I am out locking my truck door in no time.

There is nothing like walking into Athena's salon, the chemicals sometimes will be a hit to the face but they are pleasant.

"That was quick." Athena calls out from her station, having looked up from cutting a ladies hair.

"Didn't take any time at all." I smile and walk to a chair off to the side of her station.

"You two are so cute together. Nothing beats young love. Why I remember it like it was yesterday when I met my Wifford." The older woman smiles between us.

I chuckle some and in no time Athena has finished the ladies haircut.

"Give us a few minutes to clean and then we are closing up. It is the end of the day." Athena smiles and takes off.

I watch as Bethany and Chas are going about cleaning their stations and putting things in the doors. Athena comes out from the back and does the same, moving at an incredibly fast speed.

"Is there anything I can do to help?" I ask, hating to just be useless.

Athena shakes her head and says they are all done. It is amazing how fast they just moved in less than five minutes.

Chas and Bethany give Athena a hug and take off for the night. I take Athena's hand and we walk outside, turning for her to lock up the shop for the night.

"We can just take my truck to your apartment?"

"Sure. I got food there and I would really like to just cook something tonight."

"That sounds great to me. I can help around the kitchen."

"You can cook?"

"Oh yeah, Mom made sure I would know how to cook." I laugh.

We chit chat lightly to her apartment and pull in within fifteen minutes. I hold her hand after grabbing my bag and she opens the door for me. She walks in and I go right behind her, turning to shut and lock the door right away. I even done a small little sweep when we were walking in to make sure no one was watching.

"I hope it is okay with you, but I am thinking of whipping up some chicken tenders and some pasta salad."

"That sounds delicious. Tell me where to help." I smile at her.

"Just place your bag in the bedroom and then I will see where I need you."

I take my bag to the room and come back to Athena placing the chicken next to the pan.

"I just have to let this heat up and stick the chicken in and same boat for the noodles."

We sit by the counter and when the oil and water heat up she asked me to tend to the noodles while she does the chicken. The conversation comes so easy with her, there is not a way to really describe it. I watch as she moves around throwing spices on the meat while the noodles rest.

Athena hands me the things to put in the noodles and I am a little nervous about them. She handed me Italian dressing, black olives, bell peppers that are chopped just telling me to add it all in.

Gathering our plates we move to the living room, since she wants something comfortable to sit on while eating. Can't say I blame her.

"Just try it." Athena laughs, with how I am looking at the noodles.

I take a small nibble and it surprises me by how good they actually taste.

"You're a big baby." She teases.

"I am not. It just honestly didn't sound very good but it is better tasting than sounding." I laugh.

Cleaning up the dishes was easy and fast with the dishwasher going.

"Let's go lay down and watch a movie."

"It is a little early for sleeping."

"Who said I was going to sleep? The tv in here is not as good as the one in my bedroom, this one gets a funny picture with some movies." Athena laughs pulling my hand with her.

"What movie are you up for then?"

"I will let you choose. I doubt you're into chickflicks."

"I would watch them with you." I hug her around the waist right when we walk in the bedroom.

"Fine just for that. We can watch this one." Athena pulls out of my arms and fans a movie around.

I hold in my groan because seriously, the movie she choose is one Chas has had me watch a million times before.

"Is it to late to rethink this?" I laugh, tickling her sides.

There is nothing better than her laughter.

"Nope! To late now." Athena breathes between laughing.

My eyes can't help but follow Athena's butt the entire time she moves around. With the movie started Athena moves to her closet to get in some pajamas and I just strip down to my boxers, laying in the bed waiting on her to finish.

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

Does it seem so far so good?

What will they do now?

Thank you to everyone who has read this far. Hope your enjoying it and has you curious to see how this ends out!