Page 15 of Her Elusive Cowboy Billionaire
“Did I ask you to pay?Did I even ask if you approved?No, I didn’t, because this is something I’m doing formypeace of mind.If it makes you feel safer, that’s a plus.”
She couldn’t believe he said that with a straight face, but the longer she looked at him, the more determined he seemed to be.
He stared, one dark eyebrow lifted.
She could tell he was biting the inside of his cheek.She’d better agree before he bit his cheek too hard and started to bleed.Finally, she nodded.“All right.When I’m not working on the mural, I would appreciate the surveillance…for a while.Not indefinitely.”
“And when you’re with me, you won’t need other security.I’ll get someone over here now.”He took out his phone, punched in a number.“Yeah, it’s Chase.I want you and Avery to this address now.”He gave the address.“You’re providing security.No one in or out except the owner.”He listened for a moment.“Yeah, I’ll introduce you when you get here.How soon can you make it?”He listened again.“Okay, see you in twenty.”He pressed stop and put the phone back in his pocket.“They’ll be here in twenty minutes.His name is Eric Bader, she’s Avery Kitashima.They are two of my best and are used to working together.You’ll be safe.”
“Thank you.I’m hoping their service will be totally unnecessary.”
“It’s not unnecessary if it gives you peace of mind.I want them with you most of the time.When you buy paint or groceries or whatever you do, they will be with you, unless you’re with me.”
Her heart skipped a beat.“What do you mean when I’m with you?”
“Exactly what I said.I intend to spend a great deal more time with you, Meri.Alotmore time.”He winked.
She knew the butterflies in her stomach had nothing to do with the wine she was drinking and everything to do with the man sitting on her sofa.
“Well, I suppose since I’m painting your office, that makes sense.
Meri finally relaxed against Chase’s shoulder.“This is nice.Thank you.”
“It’s my pleasure.Are you feeling better now?”
She started to pull away and sit up.“I am.”
He squeezed her shoulders.“Stay where you are.I like you there.”
“Are you trying to seduce me?”Did she want him to?She closed her eyes a moment, thinking of all the reasons she shouldn’t.And only one why she should.
“Is it working?”
“No, and yes.I don’t know.But I know I like this…you holding me…it feels right, somehow.”
“I was about to say the same thing.”He squeezed her shoulders, pressing her closer.
She smiled.“Great minds?—”
“Think alike.”
They sat like that for a long time.Not speaking, just watching the lights of Denver heading west toward the mountains.Watching the traffic zip past going north and south on I-25 and the lights of the buildings beyond the highway.
The doorbell sounded.
Meri stood and walked to the door.She looked through the peephole and saw a man and a woman.She opened the door.“You must be Eric and Avery.”
“Yes, ma’am.Is Chase here?”
“Sure, come on in.”She stepped out of the way, holding the door.
Eric and Avery entered.
Meri shut the door and moved to the foyer in front of the duo.“Come on in.Chase, your people are here.”
Chase walked over to the group.“You made good time.”
“We wanted to get here as soon as possible.”Avery was Japanese, short, about five feet, two inches, and slender.Her long, black hair was in a braid down her back.
