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As Olivia’s hand slid into his, a spark coursed straight through him. Cole was annoyed that he hadn’t managed to avoid the reaction. Lock it down, Donnelly. This stupid attraction had to stop. He’d been around beautiful women before and it’d never been a problem. This time wouldn’t be any different.
He’d make sure of it.
EIGHT
Olivia snuck a glance at Cole from behind her sunglasses. They’d spent the morning with Eli and Sienna, strategizing the best way to handle any new leads that came from his role as her assistant. Whatever objections Cole had to the plan prior to his talk with Eli seemed to have dissipated. He’d spoken to his boss. Chief Sims had also been informed and given his approval. Everything was set to go. So why did she feel so nervous? Probably because lying didn’t come easily to her.
As Cole’s truck turned onto Main Street, and Olivia’s office came into view, her pulse jumped. “My secretary, Susan, is a real sweetheart, but she’s also a gossip. Make sure you stick to the story we came up with. And don’t get offended if she grills you about your family and other personal stuff.”
“Relax, Olivia. I know how to handle myself.”
She flicked another glance in his direction and snorted. “You know how to handle murderers and homegrown terrorists. I seriously doubt you know how to manage a seating chart or an interfering mother-in-law.”
His lips curved up. “You got me there. But I’m not an ogre you’ve let out of his cage. I can be charming when the need arises. Besides, being new to the event-planning business is part of my cover story. No one will expect me to know how to handle those things.”
“True, but…” She drummed her nails on the door, considering her options. Cole was a strong-willed lawman used to calling the shots. While Olivia understood his role was to flush out her stalker, she didn’t want him forcefully questioning her clients and causing issues in the process. “I’m worried.”
She needed to tell him. To explain just why Blessed Events meant so much to her.
Olivia stopped drumming her nails abruptly. “I’ve poured everything I have into the business. And not just because it’s mine. It’s…” A lump formed in her throat. “Aaron gifted Blessed Events to me.”
Cole pulled into a parking spot near her office and shoved the truck into gear before turning to face her. “I don’t understand. I thought Aaron was a firefighter.”
“He was.” She took a breath to steady her emotions, her attention drifting to the small shop with her company logo in the window. “Blessed Events was my dream, one I discussed with him the entire time we were dating. After we got engaged, and unknown to me, Aaron hired a lawyer to draw up the business paperwork. I was the owner, but he poured most of his life savings into the business bank account.”
A tear made its way down her cheek and Olivia swiped at it. She’d cried so much in the months after Aaron died. But grief was a strange thing. It lay hidden inside until a memory unleashed it. And then suddenly the pain was as fierce and as fresh as ever. “It was my wedding present. Aaron intended to gift it early, but he never got the chance to.”
“Because he died?”
She nodded. “The day after he passed, the lawyer called me into his office and explained everything. I was shocked. But after the heartbreak wore off, I became determined to make Blessed Events a success.” Olivia swiped at another tear. “Aaron believed in me. I didn’t want to let him down.”
Thinking about those days brought back a wave of memories. Aaron’s funeral had been attended by the entire town. And then, in the parking lot after the event, Olivia had an encounter with Aaron’s younger brother, Justin. He’d found out about the money Aaron left to her and was furious. Despite her attempts to explain, Justin had reacted with violence.
He’d assaulted her in the parking lot. Officers arrested him and uncovered a large amount of opioids—enough for a drug distribution charge. Justin was currently serving out a fifteen year sentence.
Cole sat back in his seat and blew out a breath. “Aaron sounds like a wonderful guy. It must’ve been very difficult to lose him.”
“It was. I wanted to hide away from the world, but couldn’t, so I kept putting one foot in front of the other until things weren’t so bleak.” Olivia turned to face him. “I need you to understand. I’m protective of my business because it’s my livelihood, yes, but it’s more than that. It’s the last gift Aaron ever gave me. I know you believe my stalker is someone I know, and you have a job to do, but discretion is important.”
He was silent, his gaze fixed on the happenings beyond the windshield. Foot traffic was light. A mother pushed a stroller toward the park. An elderly couple, bundled in jackets, walked hand in hand toward the general store.
Olivia tried to read Cole’s expression, but it was a blank slate. Whatever he was thinking was a mystery. “I hope that doesn’t come across as ungrateful. I appreciate everything you’re doing?—”
“It’s not ungrateful at all.” He fell back into silence for several heartbeats. Then he turned to face her. “In fact, I owe you an apology. I wasn’t thrilled about the undercover bodyguard idea. But I was wrong.”
His gaze met hers and the understanding in them stole her breath. “This encounter feels divinely guided. What are the chances I would be the one to save you last night? Now you need a bodyguard and I happen to be going on vacation at just the right time. Lots of people would see those events as coincidental, but my Nana taught me that God works through opportunities. He pushes us in the right direction.” His mouth quirked. “I’m not very good at listening sometimes.”
She was touched by his vulnerability. Olivia had wrestled with her own faith from time to time. Following God’s guidance didn’t always come easily. “Well, to be fair, you’re giving up time with your grandmother. And much needed rest. I’d probably have a few words with God about that too.”
He laughed. The sound was a deep rumble, and his broad smile was endearing. She liked it.
Cole’s expression grew serious again. “Keeping you safe is my top priority—that won’t change—but I promise to use as much discretion as I can. However, a situation may occur that requires immediate action. You have to listen and do as I say without question.”
It wasn’t an unreasonable request. Cole’s job was to protect her and flush out the stalker. If he thought there was danger, she needed to rely on his training. Olivia nodded. “That’s fair.”
“Good. Then it’s a deal.”
“Thank you.” She placed a hand on his forearm, the hard muscles firm against her palm. Heat from his skin seeped through his shirtsleeve. “I truly appreciate everything you’re doing to protect me. Especially since you gave up vacation time with your grandmother.”
