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Chapter

Two

Chase wasn’t certain what to think about his ‘perfect match’ according to Madelyne. Eliza Birmingham, Lizzy, was his adventure companion for the next two weeks.

She was naturally beautiful. Madelyne hadn’t been wrong there. There was an innocence and joy about her that drew him in as well. He was captivated by her doe-like brown eyes, unique heart-shaped face, and soft-looking pink lips.

She’d been friendly and funny when he met her, but there was something reticent about her as well.

Especially after he’d said he agreed about the scenery being incredible while he stared at her pretty face.

She’d asked if he was a player like Brandon.

Had she been burned by flirtatious men? He’d been semi-proud of his flirting since he wasn’t any kind of expert, but maybe that had pushed her away.

How was he supposed to draw in a beautiful lady?

Even in this situation of her being thrust into a pseudo-relationship with him, he lacked the confidence to gain her interest. He had no idea how to flirt and was already doubting the wisdom of giving in so easily to Brandon’s last request. Even if Brandon didn’t have some trick up his sleeve to surprise Chase with during the next two weeks, it might be awkward around this beautiful and conflicted woman.

He didn’t want to think about trying to make her fall in love with him for a million dollars.

It felt wrong, especially after seeing how kind and innocent Lizzy seemed.

He’d push that away as an unrealistic and crazy Brandon idea and focus on trying to help himself and Lizzy feel comfortable and have a good experience over the next two weeks.

They walked side by side up the steps to the wraparound front porch.

The house had huge windows with colorful flowers in window boxes.

The weather was ideal, probably around seventy, and everywhere he looked was lush and green.

The Austrian Alps were as beautiful as they’d been touted in books and online.

He’d traveled the world with the Rangers and had seen the likes of Vietnam, New Zealand, Thailand, the Philippines, and Fiji.

This scenery was every bit as appealing.

One of the security guards held the door for them.

“Chase Tenley,” Chase said, sticking out his hand. “Pleasure to meet ya.”

“Elijah Herman.” The man shook his hand. “It’s an honor, sir. I work for Aiden Porter and have been on jobs with Robbie Perrine. He speaks very highly of you.”

“Appreciate it.”

He’d conversed with retired Army Captain Peter Macon before he met Lizzy.

The captain had explained that they’d all escorted Lizzy here from Kansas.

Though Chase felt like he should make introductions for her, she’d already met these impressive men.

He wondered if one of them was more appealing to her than he was, then was annoyed at his own lack of confidence.

With the guards watching out for them, he could relax and focus on getting to know Lizzy.

It was odd not to be armed or be the one protecting and serving.

Brandon flew him straight to Europe from Dallas, there had been no time to get the proper permits and bring his weapons.

He had a knife in his pocket and that was it.

He felt naked, but these experienced guards, and his own proficiency at hand-to-hand combat, reassured him.

They walked inside and both stopped in their tracks.

“Wow,” Lizzy breathed. “Can I just move in? I never want to leave this spot.”

He chuckled. “It is impressive.”

“I love it here.” Lizzy clapped her hands and beamed, looking as enticing as any woman he’d ever met. She seemed genuinely happy and approachable. Maybe Brandon and Madelyne had found his dream woman.

Chase glanced around at the spacious living area. The main level was one open room, the living room flowing into the dining room and kitchen. Any wall space was a light wood similar to the exterior finish, but the walls were mostly composed of glass to take in the stunning view.

The green fields outside looked manicured. Maybe all those cows with bells chewed the grass to the perfect height. More likely the farmers were hard-working.

The crystal clear and peaceful blue lake with the scenic town of Hallstatt on one side and the epic mountains framing them in from all directions completed the gorgeous picture.

The only separator in the room was a glass fireplace between the living room and the dining area.

The furniture was all tan leather and looked comfortable and like it fit with the mountain home.

It was obviously high quality but felt as if a real family could live here, make a mess, and not do any permanent damage to the home.

Captain Macon had followed them into the main area. “Elijah has taken both of your suitcases to your respective rooms. There are four identical suites upstairs and he simply chose the two with the best views. You can trade rooms if you like.”

“I’m sure it’ll be great,” Chase said.

“Better than great. This is epic.” Lizzy beamed at him. Her enthusiasm was contagious. Had she traveled often?

“Mr. Richards wants you to have your privacy, ma’am.” Peter nodded to Lizzy. “We will monitor the video cameras that are set up in the main areas and the exterior but keep our distance.”

“Wait a minute. How are you going to keep your distance? Aren’t you staying here with us?” Lizzy rushed out the words.

Brandon and Madelyne wanted Lizzy alone with Chase, but it was obvious she was uncomfortable.

Chase wanted to reassure her that he would keep her safe and not make her uncomfortable.

Whatever she needed, he would do. But he wasn’t one to brag about himself, and how could he know what a beautiful woman needed? He stayed silent.

“We will be in the home next door, Miss Birmingham.” Peter pointed.

There was another home that looked identical to this one a few hundred yards away.

“We’ll be close by if you need us, and two of us will escort you on each of the day adventures Miss Presley has planned for you.

If you decide to go on a hike or bike ride from the property, please let us know and we’ll have guards stay in front of and behind you. Any questions?”

Lizzy looked panicked, but she didn’t say anything.

Peter nodded to each of them. “Have a nice afternoon and evening. A delivery service will drop off dinner tonight. The fridge is stocked if you want to cook anything.” He looked to Chase.

“You’ve seen the schedule from Miss Presley.

If the two of you don’t have dinner scheduled out, it will be delivered.

There are a variety of breakfast and lunch options in the fridge and pantry, though most days your lunch will be at a restaurant as part of your schedule, or your tour will offer lunch. ”

“Appreciate ya,” Chase said, stepping forward and shaking his hand again.

Peter shook his hand, raised a hand to Lizzy, and then strode out the front door.

Chase heard it beep behind the man, armed.

What danger were they in at this idyllic spot, or had the danger of a man who’d taken a knife to this beautiful woman’s chest followed her?

He wanted to get to know her and ask her so many questions, but Lizzy was looking more panicked than ever.

“Shall we finish the tour of the house?” he asked.

“Um … sure.”

“Or are you hungry? We can see how well-stocked the fridge is.”

“I ate too much on the plane. I eat when I get bored or nervous.” She gave a nervous laugh.

“Do I make you nervous?” he asked. Might as well address the subject head on.

“Well now, look at the time. Shall we head downstairs first?” she asked, not looking at him.

His eyes widened. That was an obvious yes. Dang. He wanted her to be comfortable around him. He’d been instantly drawn to her, but she must not feel the same.

“Sounds good,” he managed to reply, embarrassed he’d been too bold.

Madelyne and Brandon’s hopes of these two weeks bringing him Lizzy’s interest—he couldn’t even think the word love —were taking a nosedive.

It wasn’t surprising. He’d tried dating a few different women on breaks from his Ranger unit but had never made a lasting connection.

More recently, he’d gone on dates with Clara Gem and then later Melody Gem.

Neither of those impressive sisters had been interested in anything beyond a few fun dates.

Why had he let himself think being stuck alone with a beautiful woman for two weeks would make him more appealing? There wasn’t even a lack of options with the four extraordinary security guards staying next door. Any of them could draw her interest.

Chase followed her through the main area and to the open-slatted staircase that led up and down. They proceeded down the circular staircase. She clung to the railing, the sleek muscles in her trim arms noticeable. The floral dress was flattering on her, but he noticed a red stain on her back.

He instinctively touched the stain.

She stopped on the steps and glanced over her shoulder at him.

“I think you might have leaned up against something,” he said. “You’ve got something on your back.”

Her brown eyes widened, and her cheeks flushed. “It’s great.” She waved a hand, smiling brightly, but her eyes were more bright. “I should’ve changed on the plane, but I figured I’d wait until we knew what we were doing this afternoon.”

“Oh. Gotcha.” Had he embarrassed her by pointing out the stain? She hadn’t even asked what color the stain was. That meant she already knew about it. Chase had sisters at some of his foster homes, but he hadn’t grown close to any of them and learned how women ticked.

Lizzy turned away and kept walking down the steps, slower now and holding more firmly to the railing. She stepped away from the bottom step and he stopped next to her. He wanted to focus on her beautiful face, but he forced himself to look around.