Chapter1 by Ribbon of Rain Page B

clear?”
    “As a bell,” Jude replied, keeping his cool.   “Kat’s a big girl who can take care of herself.   Don’t you agree?”
    “Depends.”   Cody leaned against one of the big birch trees on the lawn.   “She’s fearless when it comes to protecting other people.   Never gives a thought to her own safety.   She’s saved my sorry ass a few times…”
    “But?”   Jude prompted.  
    “When it comes to emotions, she’s vulnerable as a sixteen-year-old.”  
    Jude considered Cody’s words.   “Her self-esteem could use a boost.   I’ve wondered if it’s because of her sister.”
    Cody hesitated as if weighing his words.   Jude admired his reluctance to divulge information about Kat’s life.   “We spent a lot of hours talking in
Iraq
.   I don’t think anyone, including her family, ever accepted her for who she is.   Her parents tolerated her being a tomboy when she was a kid, but as she grew older, they expected her to change…to be more like her sister.”  
    Cody reached into his shirt pocket and pulled out a stick of gum, took off the wrapper and popped it in his mouth.   “Somewhere along the line, Kat decided men weren’t interested in her because she wasn’t feminine enough.   Had her grandmother lived longer, I think things would have been different.”  
    Cody’s eyes narrowed.   “Hurt her, and I’ll track you down.   Got it?”
    “I hear you.”   Jude straightened to his full height, feeling foolish, considering Cody’s size.   “For the record, I care about her.”
    “How long have you known her?   Where the hell did you two meet?”
    A trickle of sweat trickled between Jude’s shoulder blades and continued down his spine.   “Yesterday morning.”
    “What?”   The words exploded from Cody’s mouth.   “You’ve only known her for twenty-four hours, and you slept with her?   Why you…”   With expertise, Jude sidestepped Cody’s punch.
    “Hold on, now.”   Jude lifted his hands.   “It’s a long story.   Best told in Kat’s presence.   Let’s just say we’ve formed a strong bond in a short time.”  
    The aroma of bacon drifted from the kitchen, making Jude’s mouth water.   “Let’s go eat.   Kat can explain.”
     
    *****
     
    “Did you boys work out your differences?”   Kat asked as they came through the door.   Several times she’d beat down the temptation to eavesdrop on their conversation.   “You two set the table.”
    “Where are the plates?”   Cody moved into the kitchen.   Positioning himself behind Kat, he leaned down and whispered in her ear.   “You’ve only known this guy for a day?   What the hell is wrong with you, Half-Pint?”
    “Plates are in the second cupboard to the right of the sink.   And it’s none of your damn business,” she whispered back at him.
    “I’ll get the glasses,” Jude offered.   “Where’s the silverware?”
    “In the drawer to the right of me.”   Kat moved over.   A thrill jolted her when his hand brushed her hip.   One look at his face told her the touch hadn’t been accidental.   She’d never met anyone with eyes that changed color with their mood.   Right now they were dark amber.  
    “Is it a habit of yours not to wear underwear?”   His fingers gently pinched her left buttock.
    “What?” she squeaked.
    The twinkle in his eyes took her breath away.   “You heard me.”  
    “I thought breakfast was ready,” Cody growled from the table, breaking the electric connection between them.   “I’m hungry.   And I’m anxious to hear the story about how you two met.”
    Kat placed the food on the table and while they ate she filled Cody in on the recent happenings.
    “Holy shit!”   Cody was shocked.   “And I came here for some R&R.   Looks as if I should have stuck to my original plan to go to
New York City
.”
    “What changed your mind?”   Kat flashed him an inquiring look.
    Cody shook his head.   “Damned if I know.   Woke