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SEVEN
Seeing Adelia again had been a pleasant start to Oliver’s day. Not that he was happy for the reason she’d called. The thought of somebody spying on her and taking photographs sent chills up his spine. He could only imagine how she felt, and a protective instinct had kicked in. After work, he planned to stop by the house to check on her, hoping his presence would make her feel safe.
There seemed to be a connection between them. He’d noticed the way she was looking him over, and when their eyes met, it was as if they were lost in the moment. There was no way he’d imagined that. But it seemed far-fetched that someone like her would give someone like him a second glance. He’d never get involved with her anyway. She’d dated a lot of guys in Hollywood—according to the entertainment shows—and he wasn’t interested in being another fling.
At the end of the day, Oliver was called into the boss’s office.
“Hey, chief,” Oliver said as he entered the room.
“Close the door and have a seat.”
Oliver did as he was asked while the chief flipped through a few papers on his desk, rubbing a hand over his forehead before setting them to the side.
His eyes lifted to Oliver’s. “I’ve got a special assignment for you.”
“I’m all ears.”
“Ephraim Schultz contacted me this afternoon. He said you’ve been helping out with the special high-profile guest staying at their lake cottage, and they’ve asked for you specifically to serve as personal protection for her.”
“I see.” Oliver immediately wondered what that would entail. “So, guard her when she goes out, that sort of thing?”
“Actually, they would like you to be there full time. With the suspicious activity on the premises earlier this week, they’re concerned for her safety.”
His brow lifted. “Stay in the house with her?”
“Yes, is that a problem?”
“No, not at all. Just clarifying.” His heart was beating a little faster at the thought of staying with her. “How long will she be in town?”
“At least a couple weeks. Possibly longer.”
He swallowed hard and nodded. “Alright.”
“I’ll need you to report there for duty immediately.”
“Yes, sir.” Oliver stood to leave.
“Look, I know this isn’t exactly what you signed up for when you joined the force, but the Schultzes trust you.”
“It’s fine. I won’t let you or them down.”
“Good man.”
“I try, sir.”
The chief nodded. “And you always succeed.”
Oliver packed a bag and headed for the lake house. His stomach somersaulted as he got closer. He really needed to rein in his attraction to Adelia. He was there to do a job, and he needed to remain professional to avoid risking her safety.
When he arrived, the door opened, and Adelia’s smiling face greeted him.
“Back so soon?” Her brow furrowed when she saw the bag over his shoulder. “What’s going on?”
His steps slowed as he reached her. “They didn’t tell you?”
“Tell me what?”
Great. He figured they’d given her a heads up. Part of him thought maybe she’d requested that he stay with her because she was frightened, and he liked thinking she needed him. Obviously, that was a fantasy he’d conjured up in his mind.