Free Protecting Summer by Susan Stoker Page A

bought what I thought would last without being refrigerated. Except for the salad and the cheese and turkey, everything will keep in that damn hut you’re living in. You need more protein. I don’t like that you get dizzy when you stand up, and I certainly don’t like that your only bed is a broken cot with a sleeping bag in a building that has holes in it. And I really don’t like the fact that your only source of heat is a scary looking heater that’s this far from burning down the entire structure.” Mozart held his thumb and index finger about an inch apart in order to punctuate his last thought, then leaned forward again. “I don’t know why I care so much, but I do. I can’t explain it any more than I think you can, Sunshine. I made a mistake in not coming for you sooner, but I’m here now, and you can bet I see you now. I don’t mean to freak you out, but I’m not going anywhere.”
    Summer could only watch with wide eyes. She should’ve been freaking out at his words. She was an independent woman who could take care of herself, but she wasn’t doing a very good job of it lately, and she was tired. She wanted nothing more than to let this man take care of her. If that meant she was weak, so be it. Summer was hungry, tired, and cold. At the moment, Mozart was offering to lighten all three of those burdens. She’d take what she could get and hope for the best. Summer said the only thing she could at the moment. The only thing she was thinking. “Okay.”
    “Okay?” Mozart looked confused.
    “Okay.”
    A smile slowly came over Mozart’s face and he shook his head as he leaned back, allowing her some space. “You’re gonna keep me on my toes aren’t you, Sunshine?” He didn’t give her time to answer. “Now, what do you want to eat?”
    Summer sat up looked down at all the food surrounding them. “The salad.” She’d eaten so much crap over the last few months and her body was craving the vegetables. “And a can of green beans. Then an orange for dessert.”
    “You got it. Sit still, I’ll get it ready for you.” Mozart moved off the bed, but not before running his large hand over her head and pushing a strand of her blonde hair behind her ear. He then turned his attention to the food and used some tool he’d pulled from his belt to open the can of green beans. He handed it to Summer with a plastic fork, before opening the bag of lettuce. Mozart watched out of the corner of his eye as Summer dug into the can. Once again, he saw how she tried to control herself and not inhale the food, but she had a little less control tonight than she’d had when they’d gone out to eat.
    Mozart dumped the lettuce in a big plastic bowl he’d also picked up at the store and opened the cheese and turkey as well. He tore off pieces of the meat and cheese and included it in with the lettuce. He stirred in more dressing than she’d probably normally use, but she needed the calories.
    Mozart handed her the doctored lettuce and another plastic fork and sat down on the bed next to her, peeling an orange as she ate. They didn’t say anything, just enjoyed each other’s company in silence. Mozart couldn’t help but feel a little cavemanish. He’d gone out and gotten food for his woman. He was providing her with food, warmth, and a safe place to sleep, everything psychologists said was vital for a person’s wellbeing.
    Summer put aside the bowl of salad she’d practically inhaled and sighed. She was full, but she still craved the sweetness of the orange, its smell now permeating the air around them. She reached for the fruit only to have Mozart hold it out of her reach.
    “Open,” he demanded in a low harsh voice.
    Summer looked up only to see a look of determination and desire on his face. “I can do it, Mozart.”
    “I know you can, but I want to. Now open.”
    Summer looked in Mozart’s eyes and saw he wasn’t going to budge on this. She opened her mouth and moaned as she bit into the first slice of