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Growing up with a single parent, my mom had drilled into me how important it was to be aware of my surroundings. I didn’t have a father or a brother to protect me, so I’d had to learn how to protect myself.

“It’s nice to meet you, Hank.”

“How long are y-you staying h-here?” he asked, glancing around the cabin and looking nervous.

“Whenever the job is done. I’m a photographer for FitFlex. You’ll be seeing our team around. We’re photographing some athletic wear.”

Shaking his head, Hank jerked a chin to the lake. “This isn’t p-paradise. Y-you don’t want your p-pictures taken h-here.” His lips trembled either from nervousness or the stuttering.

“Not my call. I just work for the company who likes the view.”

He slid his trembling hands into his pockets. “Well, I hope y-you folks keep this area c-clean. The previous v-visitors left a bunch of t-trash. Took me d-days to clean. It’s n-not even my j-job.”

“Is this your vacation home?”

“My permanent h-home.”

I could understand his annoyance. “Sorry to hear about the trash. I’ll let everyone know to clean up after themselves.” I gave him a thumbs up, which earned a small smile from him.

“Don’t w-wander out too f-far. W-Wild animals are everywhere. Can g-get dangerous.”

“Thanks for the heads up.”

“I’ll be w-watching over y-you.” He saluted me.

Uh, no thanks.

“That’s unnecessary, Hank.”

“I d-do that for all the y-young ladies. You be c-careful.” He narrowed his eyes, looking over at the lake.

The last thing I needed was a weirdo freaking me out.

“I’ll be careful. Okayseeyoulaterbye.” I rushed into the cabin, shut the door, locked it, and pressed my back against it. My heart thudded loudly in my ears as I waited for him to leave my porch.

When footsteps descended the stairs, I blew out a breath I didn’t know I was holding, then went to the window to ensure he was gone.

Retrieving the phone from my purse, I punched in a reminder to stop by the hardware store to get a can of pepper spray. Part of being aware was preparation. A girl had to arm herself for emergencies.

I took a few moments to gather myself and checked the interior of the cabin. Polished wood beams supporting the ceiling, and rustic hardwood floors extended through the entire space. Floral curtains and casual furniture added a dash of charm. I didn’t see any other racy carvings while I walked through the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and living room. There was a big screen TV attached to the wall with a fireplace. A ceiling fan and an air conditioner would keep the living room and bedroom cool. Satisfied with my temporary home, I dropped onto the floral print couch, closed my eyes, and tried to relax.

This vacancy would’ve been perfect if I didn’t have a creepy neighbor. But life was like that. It tossed you unexpected lemons, as though testing your patience. I wasn’t going to let one guy ruin my trip. I was going to make pink lemonade and a lemon cake from any goddamn lemons flying toward me.

I opened my eyes and glanced at my phone. It was only four in the afternoon, but I was exhausted. I didn’t have to work until tomorrow when the rest of the crew arrived.

After checking on my mom and pleased that she was doing fine, I unpacked my clothes and toiletries, preparing for a quick shower, but a knock sounded at my door.

I walked over to the window by the front door and pushed the curtains aside to see who it was.

An attractive man stood on my porch. This had to be the “hunky” man Nora had talked about.

I opened the door to an attractive man that should have stirred me up, but he didnothing. He was tall, built, with a strong-boned face, short dark hair, and olive skin that made the aqua polo shirt stand out. The khaki shorts showed off toned legs. Was he a new model for FitFlex?

“Hi. I’m Bruno Barbosa. You must be Kiera.” He offered a sexy smile that would make most women weak in the knees.

No effect on me, though. What was wrong with me?

“I am. Are you with FitFlex?” I asked, trying to figure out why I wasn’t the least bit attracted to him. Perhaps my sexuality was shut off like a button on my phone.