My Life

==== Chapter Two - Sheila ====

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Damn him! Who does he think he is throwing around orders like that?

Despite my pique, I put the chain on the lock after watching Nat walk to his car. No way was I about to be foolhardy with my safety. I rested my head briefly against the cool door before straightening. I still had a lot to do.

The spark of pride hit me again as I surveyed the cluttered apartment. It was small and disorganized and crammed with unopened boxes, but it was MINE. No one could understand why I was so determined to do this by myself. Mom wanted me in one of the apartment complexes my brothers lived in, Dad wanted me to buy a house in the old neighborhood, and my brothers – with the exception of Randy – couldn't understand why I wanted to move away from home in the first place.

Then there was Nat. Nat wasn't a part of the family strictly speaking. He'd just been there forever. He had been best friends with my brother Todd since they were in sixth grade and was as much a member of the family as I was. His one redeeming trait was that he never tried to impose his will on me. Well, not until today.

Damn him!

I ran my hands through my short hair and decided to let it go. After all, I had a lot of stuff to put away. And fuming over Nat's heavy handed technique wouldn't get it done.

Three hours and 7 phone calls from family later, I had started to make a dent in the pile. I was contemplating having my cell number changed as I dragged empty boxes to the dumpster. My preoccupation is probably why I never even saw the dog.

It was a pratfall worthy of Buster Keaton. I involuntarily started juggling boxes before executing a bellyflop onto the pavement while cardboard rained down around the startled dog and myself. The dog went nuts jumping around the boxes and barking for all he was worth while I lay on the ground and tried to remember how to breathe. I wasn't hurt – something I checked immediately – but I had had the wind knocked out of me and was still a little stunned. The dog jumping around me wasn't helping.

"Buster – heel! And be quiet!"

I didn't know where the masculine voice came from, but I could have kissed him as the dog quieted down at the man's commands. My head was already starting to throb and I knew that along with bruises, I was going to have a lulu of a headache. I also knew that I couldn't remain sprawled on the ground any longer. I was finally able to breathe again and decided to face the humiliating situation head on.

"Whoa there, honey. Easy now. Don't move until I check you for broken bones."

I would have jumped when I felt this stranger's hands moving over my body, except that he kept his voice low and melodic and his touch impersonal. It was soothing as hell. He continued to talk while gently poking and prodding my body.

"That was some fall you had there. I think you scared Buster to death."

"Buster should watch where I'm walking." I muttered it but I wasn't really angry at the dog. "Honestly, I wasn't paying attention to where I was going and tripped right over him. I never said I was a victim of circumstance. Is he okay?"

"Buster? He's fine. He's a tough old dog. Besides, what male doesn't like having a beautiful woman fall all over him?"

I had to laugh at that as I could just imagine what I looked like after slaving for hours cleaning and unpacking my things.

"Pretty laugh. Well, it appears that all your parts are still where they should be. Let's roll you over and see how you feel."

I was about to explain that I was okay when he gently turned me onto my back. I think I lost my breath again. Someone had been in a REALLY good mood the day he was created. Inky black hair and summer sky blue eyes. It was a combination to die for. Good thing I was already flat on my back.

"How do you feel, honey? Ready to sit up?"

I nodded my head and attempted to pull it together. I had seen plenty of good looking guys before. Heck, my brothers were all good looking – as my friends had always been quick to point out. Even Nat was drop dead handsome and I managed to ignore that. No need in drooling over a new neighbor.

Bracing my hands behind me, I started to push myself upright when I felt a hard arm come around my shoulders to brace my body. I have to admit that it felt nice even if it was unnecessary.

"I'm okay, I promise." I pushed my hair back from my face before continuing. "I've been taken down by bigger guys than Buster here and come out of it okay."

His eyes crinkled as he smiled. "So you're a professional wrestler? By the way, I'm Mark Jessup. D-2."

I had to laugh. "Sorry. I'm Sheila McInnes – your new neighbor. Just moved in to D-3. And when I'm not tripping over dogs, I'm a legal secretary. I have older brothers though, so I'm used to being punted around. I was 6 when Mom made my brothers start letting me play football instead of being the football. I've had my share of injuries."

I glanced down at my raw hands and sighed. "Although I must admit that it's been a while."

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