Up in a Blaze by Alice Brown Page A

made you a sandwich. I know you must be hurting. I’m going to set your medicine down here in front of you on the table so you can take one after you eat.”
    She smiled up at him, grateful for the food and drink. She was a bit hungry, and knew she would have to break down soon and take the medicine as well. “Thank you. You all are being so nice to me. I’m sorry for any inconvenience I am causing you.”
    Sissy clucked her tongue, reminding Cassandra of a mother hen. “You’re being no inconvenience whatsoever. I know Betty is going to rest a lot easier now that you are away from that bastard of an ex of hers. Still wish I would have shot him a long time ago.”
    “Now, now,” Walter gently reprimanded his wife. “If he comes around, he will be dealt with through legal channels.” What Walter didn’t bother stating was that Gregory would be dealt with through legal channels only if he was smart enough to turn himself in. If he continued coming after Walter’s family, well, the man probably wouldn’t live long enough to make it to a jail cell.
    Walter looked down at his watch, then back to his mate. “It’s getting late. How about we go so these two can get settled for the evening, and you girls can have the whole day tomorrow together?”
    Sissy stood and walked over to her mate, linking hands with him when he stood. They both turned to Betty, who was still sitting on the couch next to Cassie. “Are you going to be okay? Is there anything else you need before we leave?” her friend inquired.
    Cassie shook her head as she swallowed a bite of her sandwich. “No, Betty. You’ve done more than enough, and I don’t know how I’ll repay you for all of this, but I’ll find a way.”
    Her friend was frowning and shaking her head. “You’ll do no such thing, Cassie.” She hesitated for a second before continuing, glancing over to Donte first. “You’re in good hands with Donte, honestly. He’s a really good guy.” She hesitated again, and Cassie wondered what was up with her friend. If she didn’t know better, she would swear her friend was trying to communicate to her that she should hook up with Donte. Like the man would ever want someone like her. No, she was just his responsibility. Part of his job. Nothing more. Her friend’s next words were spoken low, and confirmed what Cassie had been thinking. “You know, I think you two would be good together.”
    Cassandra reached over and placed her hand on top of her friend’s. “I’ll be fine, Betty. I promise. Now go, I’ll see you in the morning.” She maintained eye contact, but dropped her voice down low, so only Betty would hear. “He’s a nice guy, but he’s not interested in me. Now go, we’ll chat more tomorrow.”
    “You never know what the future holds, my friend. I think he is interested in you.” This was whispered in her ear as her friend reached over and gave her a hug before standing up to leave. What was with Betty in trying to set her up all of the sudden? Her friend had never done that before.
    Once the company had left, Donte closed the front door and turned to look in her direction. She was trying to get the lid off the damn medicine bottle, scowling down at the words, ‘child-proof’ lid. He grinned as he realized he was the one that had closed it up too tightly. He would need to watch his extra-ordinary strength around her, at least until she’d been brought up to speed as to exactly who and what she was staying with.
    “Here, let me help you,” he stated as he gently pried her fingers from around the bottle and opened it with ease. He dumped a pill out into his hand and reached his hand back over to her, offering the medicine.
    “Would you like to watch a movie?” he asked as she swallowed the pill. He knew she would more than likely fall asleep as soon as the painkillers started kicking in, and that was just what he was hoping for. With any kind of luck, she would fall asleep, and he would be close enough to touch