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Jensen stared in awe at the incredible Livvy Moser. She was glorious. He’d happily let her bang her small fists against his chest over and over again. If only they were alone and he could pull her in tight and convince her he wasn’t trying to undermine her bravery or make her into a victim; he only wanted to protect and love her.
Would that convincing all be done with words, or could mouth to mouth contact improve their communication?
He schooled that thought or he’d lose all professionalism. And with her dad and one of his top sergeants looking on. They’d been suspiciously quiet during his and Livvy’s interaction.
Would he ever have a chance to date Livvy properly? Show her exactly how interested and invested he was in her? And not because she was in danger, but because she was independent, brave, and accomplished despite the danger that surrounded her.
A normal yet thrilling date with Livvy seemed next to impossible with Treven Rindlesbacher intent on terrorizing her. Jensen needed to keep his distance and not let his emotions get entangled with a target on a case.
But Livvy was so much more than a target.
He forced himself to release her hands. It was worse than a toddler giving up their favorite toy and being forced to go to sleep. Had he really just compared himself to a toddler? He wanted to throw a toddler-worthy tantrum about being denied Livvy in his life.
He stepped back, catching an interested glance from her dad. He looked to Sergeant Laramie. “Check our file of Treven Rindlesbacher’s known associates and find out where they were tonight. Include the list of friends from school and from prison, and pay special attention to any who’ve recently been released. I want you to add Ramone Pitcher to that list and then go deeper. Double check the lists of William and Naomi Rindlesbachers’ associates, friends, neighbors, and extended family as well.”
“Yes, sir.”
“If you’ll wrap up with the officers here, Livvy and I will talk with Mr. Moser to form a plan to ensure her safety. Leave two officers watching over her house and two more doing rounds of the surrounding area.”
Laramie nodded and then walked out of the living area and to the garage.
Jensen focused back on Livvy. Would she allow him to protect her? How out of line would it be to suggest she stay with him at all times for protection? What if he admitted he simply wanted to be near her? Would that take down her defenses, or did she not feel the same? He definitely couldn’t ask her with her dad sitting right here, and he was letting his desires run rampant once again.
“Can we talk about how to proceed from here?” he asked, gesturing back to the couch.
She nodded and sat next to her dad. Jensen sat in the stiff upholstered chair.
Her dad’s gaze swiveled between the two of them. “Livvy, why don’t you come stay with us while Chief Jensen and his men figure out who’s bothering you?”
“You don’t have a security system or cameras,” she said.
“I could install them.”
“I’m not putting you, Mom, or David in danger.”
Livvy’s older brother was a nice guy who seemed a little socially awkward. He was a computer genius who had never moved out of his parents’ home.
“I’m not letting you be in danger,” her dad insisted.
“I can protect myself,” she told him, just as she’d told Jensen.
Elijah met Jensen’s gaze, his own dark eyes frustrated. How to reassure the man that Jensen would protect his daughter without angering the beautiful daughter he longed to date when this mess was finally behind them? It often felt as if Treven was the source of every frustration in Jensen’s life, starting with the mess with Hattie Ballard and culminating with Treven refusing to leave Livvy alone.
“Livvy,” Jensen began. “Who taught you how to fight and shoot?”
He suspected she’d say her dad and then maybe he could lead into them having two lines of defense if she stayed with her parents. He could easily get security and cameras set up there. He’d feel a lot better if she wasn’t alone. It would be amazing if he could assign himself as her personal bodyguard.
“Captain Zeke Hendrickson, a retired Navy SEAL from America and my cousin Mia’s husband.”
“Oh.” He didn’t quite know what to say to that. He remembered her uncle was a powerful duke in England.
She knew how to fight? He wanted to challenge her to a wrestling match and if he pinned her, she had to stay with him, but that entire idea was flawed and selfish. Her father wouldn’t likely appreciate it either. Jensen felt decidedly unsteady, and his thoughts raced to areas he never indulged in as Livvy’s presence and captivating dark eyes consumed him.
Her dad seemed to respect him and was looking to him to protect Livvy. Jensen needed to focus on her protection.
“Where is your gun?” he asked.
“In my safe.” She tilted her chin. “I’ll load it and put it next to my bed tonight. Will that make you feel better?”
