"Perfect. Thanks for the quick turnaround." He ended the call and found Willow watching him expectantly.
"Is everything all right?" she asked.
"Better than all right. My people confirmed they had all the security equipment I specified, and it's already been air-shipped to the installers in Omaha. They should have everything within the hour and expect to be here around eleven this morning."
The ease of tension flickered across her features. "That's wonderful. It'll be such a relief to feel truly secure in my own home again."
He leaned forward, resting his forearms on the table as his expression grew serious. "Everyone should feel safe in their own home, Willow. It's not too much to ask."
She held his gaze steadily, and he could see her weighing whether to ask if there was a deeper meaning behind his words. There was. Memories of his own childhood, of nights spent listening for his stepfather's footsteps, of learning to make himself invisible when anger filled their small house. But there was no reason for her to know those details.
Her phone interrupted the charged moment between them, and she glanced down at the display. "Oh, I didn't realize how late it was getting. This is Aaliyah."
"Go ahead and take the call," he said, already beginning to clear their breakfast dishes. "I'll handle the cleanup."
She hesitated, clearly torn between politeness and necessity. He leaned closer, close enough to catch the subtle scent of her shampoo. "Willow, I know how to clean up after a meal. I promise not to break anything."
Her soft chuckle sent warmth through his chest. "I'm sure you do."
She moved into the living room to take the call, and while he wasn't deliberately eavesdropping, her voice carried easily through the open space. They were clearly planning her week as she mentioned a video conference with her editor and confirmed that her schedule was otherwise clear for writing. Then he heard her say, "Other than that, I'll be working, and then we'll fly to LA the day after tomorrow."
He couldn't make out Aaliyah's responses, but Willow's face suddenly flushed bright red. She glanced in his direction, then turned slightly away on the sofa, her voice dropping to an embarrassed mumble. "Yes... yes... no... Aaliyah, please. I have to go." She disconnected abruptly and stood, her cheeks still flaming.
"Everything okay?" he asked, though her obvious discomfort was rather endearing.
"Yes," she said quickly, then seemed to reconsider her response. She shook her head with a resigned sigh. "She asked if it was nice having you here. Then she wanted to know if you were good-looking. I was terrified of what questions might come next, so I ended the call before she really embarrassed me."
He threw his head back and laughed, genuinely delighted by her honesty. "You really do lay all your cards on the table, don't you? I like that about you."
"Well, my cards and I are going to retreat to my office and attempt to get some writing done before the installers arrive." Her face was still beautifully flushed as she gave him a polite nod, then turned and hurried down the hallway with obvious haste.
Unable to resist, he let his gaze follow her retreat, appreciating the graceful way she moved and the appealing picture she made in her casual clothes. She was stunning when she was in control and confident, but somehow even more captivating when she was flustered and genuine. At least he wasreassured to know he wasn't the only one feeling the undeniable chemistry building between them.
12
After a simple lunch of grilled cheese sandwiches and soup, Casper checked his watch repeatedly as noon approached. Willow had retreated to her office to work on her screenplay, and he could hear the soft tapping of computer keys, indicating she managed to focus despite the anticipation of significant changes to her home security.
Shortly after noon, the sound of tires on gravel announced the arrival of the installation team. Through the front window, Casper watched a white panel van with "Heartland Security Solutions" painted in professional blue lettering pull into the driveway. Logan had vetted this company personally, and they were one of a select network of installation firms across the country that LSI contracted with for jobs requiring more sophisticated systems than typical residential security.
Two men climbed out of the van, and Casper immediately began his assessment. The older man appeared to be in his fifties, his movements deliberate and economical as he surveyed the property with a professional eye. The younger man, clearly his son based on their similar build and facial structure, looked to be in his late twenties and handled the equipment with the confidence of someone who'd grown up around this technology.
Casper opened the front door before they could ring the bell. "Mark Hendricks?"
"That's me," the older man replied, extending a firm handshake. "This is my son Michael. You must be Caspani from LSI’s Montana group."
"Casper," he confirmed, noting the way both men maintained eye contact and carried themselves with quiet professionalism. "I appreciate you making the quick turnaround on this job."
"When Logan Bishop calls, we make it a priority," Mark stated. "We've worked with LSI before. Always quality jobs. Always interesting challenges."
Willow appeared in the hallway, having heard the conversation, and Casper made the introductions. She greeted both men with genuine warmth, offering coffee while expressing her appreciation for their willingness to work on short notice.
"What we'll install today isn't your typical residential system," Mark explained as they began unloading equipment from the van. "This is commercial-grade technology adapted for home use. Door and window sensors with tamper detection, motion detectors with pet immunity settings, glass break sensors, and panic buttons in key locations."
Michael wheeled in a cart loaded with sophisticated-looking devices. "The control panel uses military-grade encryption and can be monitored remotely by your security company. We're also installing backup cellular communication in case someone tries to cut phone or internet lines."
Casper watched both men carefully as they worked, noting their methodical approach and attention to detail. They began with the entry points… front door, back sliding door, garage entrance. They installed reinforced sensors that would detect not just opening but any attempt at forced entry or tampering.
Casper felt Willow slide closer to him. Turning, he noted her brow furrow just before she looked up, worry slashing throughher eyes. He gently held her arm and shifted around so that they could speak freely. “Willow? What’s wrong?”
