Protected?

Here we go

     "So what do you think? " Jess asked bringing me out of my daze. 

" Of?"

" The view?"

" I like it. But why would this place be condemned? It's beautiful."

     " Well, when I found this place I thought so too. But the town reluctantly signed a contract to sell the lad to a business man. I knew they didn't want to do it. But the money was necessary. So I was making my usual rounds, and decided to condemn this place. Told the man to still pay the money and the rest is history."

     " So you saved this place? You're sweet."

" Nah. Right now I'm talking to the mayor to see if he can turn it into a reserve. To protect the wildlife. "

" Don't you need money to do that? "

" Yeah but, I don't think I can do it. So it'll be condemned until that happens. "

I stayed quite for a minute to think.

     This place must mean something to him. Why else would he condemn it?

" Jess?"

"Yeah? "

" Why this place? Why is it so special?"

Then he was quiet for a minute. I wondered if I hit a sore spot.

"It's. ..where my parents met, got engaged, and died."

     Now I did it. I had to ruin a special moments like this.

" Jess...I'm sorry.  I didn't mean to open old wounds. I shouldn't have asked."

" No its okay you didn't know. .."

" That's just it... I didn't know and I ruined this perfect moment and now you probably hate me..."

" Amber."

     I realized I was rambling.  But the sound of my name in his voice made me come back to earth.

" You didn't ruin anything, and I don't hate you. "

He cupped my cheek in his hand.

"But.."

"Amber it's okay.  Don't feel bad about it. It's not a sore subject anymore. "

     He kissed my forehead.

" Okay."

" Good.  Now come on we have to get ready for work."

" Jess?"

"Hmm?"

I kissed him quickly, got up, and walked away.

     "Oh no you don't. Get back here."

He wrapped his arms around my waist and lifted me off the ground.

" Ahh...Jess! Put me down!"

" Oh no. I think I'll keep you like this for a while."

He started spinning around making my legs fly every where, and me dizzy.

     " This isn't funny! Put me down!"

I couldn't stop laughing. 

" Alright I think that was long enough. You sorry?"

" Sorry for what?"

" For teasing. "

Then he spun faster.

" Okay okay.  I'm sorry."

     He put me down,  and I turned to face him. Only I lost my balance and almost fell over. Good thing Jess caught me. Otherwise I'd be on the ground again.  Then out of nowhere Jess picked me up bridal style.

"You better let me carry you back to the car.  Don't want you getting hurt. "

     " My knight in shining armor." I said sarcastically.

                                     ...
     Jess dropped me off at my place and drove back to his.  I changed into my uniform, put my name tag on, and waited for Jess to pick me up. While I was waiting my phone rang.  It was the officer that assigned me here.

" Hello? "

" Ms.  Reynolds we have an update on your case. We have suspects and leads but so far nothing but dead ends. We're trying to find the guy but so far nothing. "

     "I'm still safe though right? "

" Of course. It's just a precaution. We have to keep you updated. "

" Okay. Is that all? "

" Yes miss. Good day. "

" Good day. "

     That made me panic. They haven't found the guy yet, Toni could be in danger, my parents don't know where I am...

I was taken from my panic by a knock on the door. Jess was here to take me to work.

     "Hey you read...Amber what's wrong?"

I still had a panicked look on my face. And I didn't notice it, but I was shaking.

" Wha...yeah I'm fine."

" Are you sure? I can tell you're not. "

"I'm fine Jess.  Honest. " I smiled to prove my point.

"You're smiling but it didn't move to your eyes. You're not okay."

     " Jess, I'm fine. Trust me. "

" Alright.  But after work I'm staying with you for the night."

" Jess that's sweet but you don't have to."

"I want to. I wanna make sure that you're safe."

Here we go. I just melted.