From her position, she was close enough to see the small curly blonde hairs on his chest and legs. There seemed to be a pattern to the way it curled. Her heart began to speed up, as did her breathing. She blushed again, wondering where that was coming from. This was Johnnie for goodness sakes! He had been like a big brother to her for years.
“Um, thanks, Johnnie. I’m okay now. Maybe I should just try to go back to sleep now.”
“Sure thing. Do you want me to sit here beside you until you drift off? I know that in the past it worked for you.”
“No! I mean, no thanks, it is not necessary. I, um, I am fine now. But, thank you.”
Johnnie leaned over and kissed her on the forehead. “Angel, get some rest. I am here and nothing will happen to you as long as I am around. I promised your dad a long time ago that I would take care of you and I will.” He walked out of her room, pulling the door to behind him.
She sighed. “Oh Lord, but who will protect me from you?” she asked quietly. Why on earth did she have to pick now to notice him as a guy, not as just Johnnie? He had always been involved with her since she was about 15 and tagging along behind her dad. He had been 21 then, just joined the force and she tagged along after him as often as she could. He looked at her like a little sister and their friendship had grown from there.