“You’re clean. If you want, I can check your hair,” he offered.
“Maybe in the back. I can check the front.”
He gingerly pulled her hair aside, humming under his breath as he worked his way around her neck. “All clear.”
“Thank you.” Underestimating his proximity, Harlow spun around and found his face only inches from hers. So close, he could kiss her.
She stumbled back, flustered by the fleeting thought she wouldn’t be the least bit upset if he did just that.
As if sensing her uneasiness, he inched closer. “I don’t mind checking the front of your hair.”
“Th-that would save me from having to use your truck mirror,” she stammered, immediately regretting the decision.
Caleb leaned in even closer.
Harlow held her breath, certain he could hear her heart hammering in her chest. She gritted her teeth, willing herself not to focus on Caleb’s closeness, his smell, how he made her feel.
His finger ran along her hairline, sending a shiver down her spine. “Are you almost finished?” she whispered. “I can’t breathe.”
“Maybe because you’re holding your breath,” he joked.
Harlow pulled away and began smoothing her hair. “I can finish checking at home. Thank you for rescuing me from the nasty tick.”
“My pleasure. I was enjoying myself. Not the tick part but being close to you.” Caleb pinched his thumb and index fingers together. “I was this close to turning a tick removal into a romantic moment.”
“And I torpedoed your plans.” Harlow heaved a heavy sigh. “Maybe next time try flowers or a candlelight dinner.”
“Seriously?” His eyes lit. “When? Tonight? Tomorrow night? In case you’ve forgotten, I can turn on the charm when I need to.”
“I was kidding. I have a lot of baggage—like a ton. Being in a relationship with me would be a nightmare.” Harlow, noting the twinkle of amusement in Caleb’s eye, hurried on. “You might think it’s hilarious now, but believe me, there’s nothing humorous about being stalked by cameramen, having lunatics show up at your house at all hours trying to break in. Don’t even get me started on how Hollywood is full of backstabbing people who are nice to your face but wouldn’t hesitate to throw you under the bus in the blink of an eye.”
“I’m sure all of this is true but, to be honest, you’re not giving me much credit. It wouldn’t faze me, not a single iota. Having said that, I think the real reason is you’re scared.”
“Scared?” Harlow put her hands on her hips, mustering up her best indignant expression.
“Of becoming involved after your marriage failed,” Caleb said.
“In case you’ve forgotten, you broke my heart,” Harlow blurted out.
“Not intentionally.”
“Regardless, it happened. I’m not batting very well in the relationship arena.” She lifted her finger. “One. The love of my life broke my heart. Two. My ex-husband cheated on me, not to mention he’s a first class jerk.”
“Third time is the charm.”
She made a fist and shook it at him.
The smile that melted her heart returned. He tipped his head back and laughed out loud. “All right. All right. I’ll accept rejection for now but not forever.” Caleb’s cell phone chimed. He glanced at the screen. “I gotta get going. As far as the complaint is concerned, consider it a non-issue. However, I highly recommend.”
Harlow finished his sentence. “Installing additional motion detectors, cameras, surveillance. I’ll put it at the top of my to-do list.”
“Thank you.”
She followed him out of the house and locked the door behind her. Checking to make sure she had her key, Harlow steered her bike onto the driveway.
Another biker pedaled past, moving at a snail’s pace. For a second, she thought he would stop, but kept going. As he passed by, Harlow noticed a black stand sitting on his shoulder, similar to the hands-free camera mounts she’d seen resourceful paparazzi use while trying to get a clear shot of their intended target.
“Your house has already become a tourist attraction,” Caleb said.
