Alexander Ranch

Chapter 17

I woke the next morning to the sounds of birds chirping, horses neighing in the distance, and other farm noises. I felt in sore need of a bath. I looked around and noticed the room I was in for the first time. I was in a large, very comfortable, four poster bed. The room was decidedly masculine. There was a door partially opened on one side where I could see a mirror. That must be a bathroom, which was something else I was sorely in need of. I gingerly climbed out of bed and was surprised to find I didn't have any more soreness than a hard workout at the gym would have produced. A little ache here, a little pain there. I walked into the bathroom and found a set of towels sitting on the pristine counter along with a set of what looked like my clothing. I looked closer and realized they were my clothes. Daisy must have gone to my house and picked out some clothes for me. Part of me wasn't sure how I felt about that, but another part of me was grateful to have my own clothes to change into after a shower. She'd even brought me underwear. Embarrassing but appreciated.

Looking around the bathroom, I noticed it was also very male. A few masculine looking bottles near the sink and dark towels on the rack. There was no fluff here. Just male utilitarianism. The walls were cream colored with forest green trim.

After taking care of my morning bladder, I stepped into the shower and bathed. There had been a feminine body wash and lotion provided, but I'd smelled the body wash in the shower and opted to use it instead. It had a simple, clean and subtle scent.

I found myself thinking of Jordan. He was so confusing. And, while it seemed he didn't strongly dislike me, as I had thought, he clearly had some internal struggle in regards to me. Considering all that I'd learned about him, however, it made sense. I wasn't sure if he just didn't like regular old humans like me, or if he had some other reason I didn't yet know. Maybe drainers had a natural aversion to regular humans unless they were after their mysterious life force. It all sounded so unreal, so unbelievable. But, I'd seen enough yesterday to know that something was real, something other than the reality I was used to. And maybe part of that reality was a natural distaste of what he was for what I was.

I couldn't deny the anguish I saw in his face after he'd left me alone and I'd been attacked. However, that could feasibly be explained as guilt. I'd technically been attacked on his watch. Still, in the days prior to that he'd made a great effort to be nicer and cordial to me. But, he'd still seemed uncertain or uncomfortable.

What was more alarming was how aware I was of him. I told myself it was because I knew he was uncomfortable around me, so I was naturally uncomfortable around him. Of course, I'd be constantly aware of my source of discomfort. But, if I were truly being honest, I found myself constantly trying not to look at his handsome face and delectable body.

Becoming even more concerned about the direction of my thoughts, I turned them to Daisy. I hadn't seen much of her lately. She'd obviously gone to my house and picked out clothes. At least, I sure hoped it was Daisy.

Finished with the shower I stepped out, dried myself, put my clothes on, and finger combed my unruly curls. I didn't have a comb, so I ran my fingers through it until it was somewhat tamed and braided it in one braid at my back. When I stepped out of the bathroom I was met by Jordan, entering the room.

"Oh," I said, in surprise. He'd stopped the moment he saw me, just as I'd stopped.

"I'm sorry," he said looking calm, cool and collected, "I was just going to leave the tray for you. I knocked, but it sounded like you were still in the bathroom and hadn't heard me."

"I didn't hear you. But, it's ok. Come in," I waved him in. "I'm starving."

He hesitated for only a moment. He looked around as if he wasn't sure where to put the tray.

"On the bed is fine. I'm not going to get back into it, but I'll sit there and eat."

He sat the tray down and stepped back. He looked at the chair I'd found him sitting in when I awoke before, but walked past it to the window and leaned on the sill. Clearly he wasn't planning to exit.

"Have you heard from Ethan? Is he alright?"

He frowned that same slight frown he'd given me yesterday when I asked about Ethan. "He's fine."

"Oh, well, that's good to hear," I sighed with relief then noticed he seemed to be waiting on me to eat. "You don't have to wait on me to eat. Will Daisy be coming up to babysit me?"

"Why? Are you trying to get rid of me?" his eyes narrowed.

"No, I – I , no," I said flustered. He wasn't kidding this time. He was practically glowering at me. Jeeze, grumpy much? "I just know you have work to do."

"My work can wait. I'm here to protect you, and protect you I will."

I thought to apologize, but what would I be apologizing for? So, I looked down into my tray, forked up a strawberry and stuck it in my mouth. There were strawberries with whipped cream, eggs and sausage. I chewed in silence studying the food on my plate.

"Look, I know you'd rather have Ethan, or Daisy, or anyone but me protecting you," Jordan blurted out. I looked up to see him running his hands through his hair. I could swear I heard a harder note in his voice when he said Ethan's name. He continued, "But, for now, is it ok if I do it?"

"That's not true," I said softly.

"What's not true?"

"That I prefer Ethan or Daisy. It's just that they are the ones who have been working with me until recently," I stated unperturbed. I wasn't going to let him get me riled up. "So, I'm sorry for asking."

"Ok, well, can you just accept that I don't mind guarding you in the least?"

I didn't have much choice did I? But, that didn't mean there wasn't some issue with it. I changed the subject. "It wasn't your fault you know."

He stiffened, "What wasn't my fault?"

"Me being attacked."

His irritated face changed into a face of regret, "It was my fault, and I am the one who is sorry."

"There was no way you could have known – "

"Yes, I should have known," he said cutting me off. "He wasn't a trusted member of our staff. And as long as anyone was around who was not, you should not have been left unguarded. There was no excuse."

He'd paced over to me and was standing before me.

"Please don't beat yourself up," I said reaching out and touching his arm. He looked at me sharply with such surprise, I snatched my hand back. I didn't know whether it was the words or the touch that caused his reaction, but his face softened and stiffened all at the same time. I sensed some inner struggle again and closed off the sense I didn't realize I was leaving slightly open.

"Anyway," he said gathering himself, "I will be with you today and not out of obligation. I want to make sure you're safe. And, we are going to have fun today. Agreed?"

I nodded.