“Maybe it was the trees blowing in the wind?” she offers.
Yeah. Maybe.
We’re just finishing lunch when she announces we’ll be heading to the Winter Festival in town and going dancing later.
I nearly choke on my eggs. “Say what?”
“You heard me. There’s a festival and a ball, and I want to go.” She smiles, and my eyes gravitate to that cute little birthmark over her cheekbone. But her plan’s not sensible.
“No way.” I spear a pepper with my fork. “It’s one thing to do a little shopping in a department store. It’s another thing entirely to throw yourself into the middle of a crowd at some big, showy event.”
“Hmm. Guess that’s your problem, seeing as you’re my bodyguard.” She grins, and I blink.
“No. That’syourproblem. You’re the one who needs to stay alive and fly under the radar.”
“Gosh. Too bad I’m the customer and what I say goes.” She gives me a wide smile, and I frown back at her.
“Harper, I can’t guarantee your safety at an open event like that.”
She pauses as if she’s considering the reality of the situation for the first time, but then she nods. “I understand, and I still want to go.”
I turn my hands out in disbelief, my eyes wide. “It’s too dangerous.”
She rests a hand on her hip. “You don’t get to tell me what to do. Besides, this is the whole reason I came here. To dolife, right? To live like other people for a while, and other people don’t hide away in houses all day trying not to be seen.”
Fair point.
“Fine. I’ll make Cassian aware of the situation in case he wants to send in backup.”
“Good,” she chirps, her green eyes sparkling with excitement, and my pulse picks up like I’m feeding off of her energy.
Even if her adventurous spirit goes against my professional judgement in this case, I like that she’s a little wild—that she’s willing to push for the things she cares about. That she stands her ground.
Actually, I like a lot of things about her. Maybe I even like everything about her. But she’s only here for one more day. I don’t need to go imagining this is something it’s not, and I definitely don’t need any distractions when I’m working to protect her in a chaotic, public environment.
Stick to the plan.
I’m here to do one thing: keep her safe. And that’s all I’m going to do.
Chapter 7
Harper
Chase drives me into town, and we spend the afternoon walking around and checking out the various sights. I’m wearing the baggy sweatshirt under the puffy jacket, plus the jeans and tennies. It feels less conspicuous than the blue dress, but I keep the wig and the eye patch for good measure. A few people stare as we walk by, but not as many as before. I’m starting to feel more comfortable being out and about.
Many places around town feel familiar. The little bank on the corner with its brick drive-through window. I remember Mom taking me there, and afterward we’d stop at the bakery next door. I’d get a powdered-sugar doughnut and she’d get one with chocolate frosting.
The bakery’s still there, although it’s updated, with new signage and a new name. There’s a new café next door, but I decide to forgo my usual coffee today. Who knows? Maybe Chase was right about it revving me up too much. Besides, I don’t need to beontoday. I just need to be here. In the present.
I get the feeling Chase might be right about a lot of things in life. Not that he’s a know-it-all. He’s just…practical. Direct and honest. He’s got this calm, steady demeanor that makes me feel grounded whenever he’s around.
I appreciate that he’s following my lead too. Sure, he gave me his two cents about the security situation today, but he’s not trying to control me or tell me what to do. He’s treating me with respect. But I can tell he’s on edge. Scanning the crowds, looking for signs of danger. Maybe because he’s seen bad things happen in his life, like whatever gave him that deep scar across his shoulder.
With Tony’s team, it sometimes feels like the security guys are putting on their own show. Throwing their weight around and trying to appear important. But Chase is nothing like that. He takes his responsibility of protecting another person seriously. He’s not in it for appearances.
Today, he’s looking out for me, and that feels like a privilege. I feel honored having him by my side, and I think he likes being with me too.
He’s quiet as we walk the scenic path along the river, and the old iron bridge comes into view as we round the bend.
