Total pages in book: 20
Estimated words: 18620 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 93(@200wpm)___ 74(@250wpm)___ 62(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 18620 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 93(@200wpm)___ 74(@250wpm)___ 62(@300wpm)
I lean back in my chair and cross my arms. “Okay. Can we finish this up so I can get home?” I’m so over this day. Hopefully, a glass of wine and a long bath will help me forget the biggest mistake of my life.
He just stares at me for a moment. “No, Willow. Going home tonight isn’t an option for you. You’re going to be staying with me until we’re sure that Oscar’s operation has been dismantled.”
“What do you mean I’m staying with you?” I ask, incredulous. “I’m a grown woman, not some damsel in distress in need of saving. I can take care of myself. I don't need a babysitter.”
“The way Oscar operates, it’s not safe for you to be alone,” he insists, his tone brooking no argument. “I have a very secure home right outside of town where I know you’ll be safe.”
“But…” I automatically begin to argue.
“I don’t trust anyone else to keep you safe.” When did my safety become his job? Okay, I’m not going to lie; I’m not as opposed to the idea as I should be.
“This sounds like a very bad idea,” I mutter under my breath as all my rational arguments fly right out the window. “I don’t even know your name.”
“We can fix that. I’m Lennox Crawford.” He meets my gaze, and for a moment, it feels like the weight of his determination presses against me. “We’ll discuss everything else later,” he adds, turning to lead the way out.
“Can I have my purse back?” I ask as we walk through the busy office.
“Unfortunately, it’s been placed in evidence.” Well, isn’t that just perfect. He holds the door open for me to walk through. “Once they go through and get the memory stick, you should get it back.”
“How long does that take?” Freaking hell. What a pain in my rear.
“At least a few days.” He leads me to a massive black truck and opens the passenger door for me.
I stop and cross my arms across my chest as I stare into his eyes. “There are things in my purse I need tonight.”
“We’ll come back tomorrow and see if we can get your stuff.” The conciliatory sound of his voice really raises my hackles.
“I can’t get into my house without my keys.” I barely resist the urge to stomp my foot. “And I need to get in there for some of my things if I’m going to stay at your house.” Besides, Chewy is home alone.
“Fucking hell,” he grumbles under his breath. “Come back inside with me.”
He leaves me standing in the lobby and rushes off, muttering about difficult women. He hasn’t seen difficult yet. A little while later, he returns with my keys and wallet. “Thank you.” I smile sweetly at him.
“Don’t mention it.” He places his hand at the small of my back and leads me back out to the parking lot.
The drive to my apartment is laced with tension as a charged silence hangs heavy in the air between us. My mind races. The thought of being thrust into close quarters with this handsome stranger is both thrilling and terrifying.
He drives straight to my apartment without asking for directions, which tells me the FBI agent probably investigated me. When we arrive at my place, I lead him up the front steps and hear my neighbor’s door open.
“Is everything okay, Willow?” Mrs. Procter, the retired schoolteacher next door, sticks her head out her door.
“It’s great. This is my friend, uh…” My muddled mind can’t even come up with his name.
“Lennox Crawford, ma’am.” He holds out his hand to my nosy neighbor without skipping a beat. “Nice to meet you.”
“Uh-huh.” She looks back and forth between us a few times before turning to me. “Just yell if you need anything.”
“I will.” I give her a bright smile, hoping it convinces her everything is fine.
After unlocking my door, I push it open to find my spoiled pup, Chewy, dashing straight for me, his tiny paws clicking against the floor. I lift the little brown Shih Tzu up against my chest. “Chewy, I’m so sorry I missed your dinner time!” I say as he turns his head away in protest. There’s something grounding about holding him, a reminder of the life I’m trying to protect.
Lennox watches as I rush to the kitchen to pour a bowl of food for my disgruntled pet. “It’s the perfect name for him. He really looks like a miniature Chewbacca.”
“That’s what I thought the first time I saw him.” I can’t help but notice how his lips quirk up at the corners. “There’s something we need to get out in the open right now. He’s my little sidekick, and I’m not going anywhere without him.”
“Let’s get you guys packed up.”
Chapter 3
Lennox
Stepping into my home, it’s hard for me to ignore the way Willow’s presence lights up the place, turning the atmosphere into something charged with potential. My ranch-style house isn’t anything extraordinary on the outside, but inside, it's surprisingly well put-together with dark wood floors, leather furniture, and walls adorned with bits of my Texan heritage.