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“The Schultz family hired me to be your personal protection while you’re here.”
Her mouth fell open, and then she laughed. “You’re joking, right? This is just a follow-up to the fingerprints on the pictures or something. Tell me that’s what this is.”
“I’m afraid not.”
Her expression turned serious. “Oh my gosh. I had no idea they would take it this far. I love them, but this is too much. I don’t need a bodyguard.”
“Well, this isn’t exactly how I was expecting to end my day either, but it is what it is.”
She stood still in the doorway.
“Can I come in?”
“I don’t know,” Adelia replied.
“You don’t know?”
“I mean, I feel like I should have words with Gus about this. I’m sure it was all him.”
“The request came from Ephraim himself.”
Her eyes widened. “It did?”
“They’re all concerned for your safety.”
She got a sweet smile on her face. “Man, I love them so much.”
“So, do I need to plan to sleep in my vehicle then, or are you going to let me in?”
She tilted her head to the side and pressed her lips together as if she was considering her options. When she stepped aside and pushed the door open wider, he knew she’d made her choice.
“Thank you.” He walked past her, accidentally brushing his arm against hers, and the feeling of that light contact with her skin against his stayed with him long after he’d entered the house and made his way into an empty bedroom across the hall from Adelia’s.
He dropped his things on the bed then joined her in the kitchen, standing on the opposite side of the counter from where she sat on a stool.
“I’m going to talk to the Schultzes. You don’t need to have your whole life taken over by babysitting me right now. I feel awful.”
“It’s my job. Don’t feel bad. I just want to make sure you’re safe out here.”
“I still think it’s unnecessary.”
“You feel free to take it up with them then, but Gus is pretty stubborn.”
Adelia laughed. “I’m familiar with that side of Gus.”
They exchanged smiles.
“We weren’t able to get any prints other than yours and Skylar’s off the photos, by the way. I didn’t have high hopes that we would, but like I said, worth a try.”
“Darn. I hoped that would solve all of this so I wouldn’t have to worry about some creeper.”
“I’m sorry. But the good news is I’ll be here if they show up again.”
“I can’t believe this. In all the years my family has had paparazzi following us around, this has never happened to me. I mean, I remember my mom once had a stalker when I was younger. He tried getting into the house, but he didn’t make it that far. The cops came, and he went to jail, but I think he’s out now.” She shivered. “Gosh, I forgot all about that guy until just now.”
“We’re going to get this person, Adelia.” He reached over and rested his hand atop hers without thinking. “Trust me.”
Her eyes locked with his. “If the Schultzes trust you, then I do too.”