His Curvy Lady (Security Guards of Appleridge #1)

Chapter 1

CHAPTER ONE

Lacey

"I’m beyond proud of you, sweetheart. It’s hard for me to put into words how impressed I am.”

“Aw, thanks, Mom.” I held my phone close to my ear as I looked around at my spa. All the hard work and hours of dedication it took to bring this place to life were now on full display.

“You’ve had goals since high school, and you went out there and kicked ass. Now look, you’re living your dream. I only wish your father were here to see it.”

“I know, me too.” I paused for a moment as a wave of grief washed over me.

“He’s watching from above. I truly believe he is. Especially if my dreams have anything to do with it.”

“Have you had more lately?”

“Yes, but that’s because he’s so proud of you, Lacey.”

“When can you come here and see it? I can’t wait to show you the cute little cottage I’m renting too. I already have the second bedroom set up for you. Of course, I’ll set you up with all the services here too. There are massages, mud soaks, facials, a sauna, and a pool.”

“Wow. I can’t wait. I’m working on getting all of my shifts covered at the hospital and should be there in a couple of weeks.”

“Perfect. I gotta run. I have an appointment with an electrician to double-check some wiring. Talk soon, love you.”

“Love you, sweetheart. Be safe.”

I wasn’t afraid to admit I was a mama’s girl through and through. When I studied hospitality in college, I didn’t leave home. Instead, I chose a local community college with a great program. I did internships in hotels and spas, and every day, I became one step closer to the dream I’d always wanted—to run my own spa.

Ever since I was a little girl, I loved making others happy. Mostly, my constant good mood was contagious to everyone around me, but it went deeper than that. I genuinely enjoyed seeing others happy and relaxed. Plus, I knew I wanted to be my own boss, run my own company, and dominate the women running the small business scene.

There, the idea of my spa was born.

What better place than a small, quiet mountain town that didn’t have a place like mine for miles?

I scoured commercial real estate listings until finally, a new development was in the works. It was exactly what I’d been looking for.

The grand opening was in two days. I had hired most of my staff and nearly finished my mile-long to-do list. Today's appointment was the last hurdle, as there was an issue with the electrical wiring connected to the sauna. It kept tripping the breaker, and I wasn’t taking any chances with electrical problems around water.

I only hoped it wasn’t a massive redo.

The doorbell echoed throughout the space. Good, it must be the electrician.

Yet when I opened the door, I found a good-looking, muscular, beefy hunk standing in the doorway.

Heat crept up my neck and into my cheeks.

“Hey. Eric from Apple Electric, right?” I held out my hand. “Thanks for coming on such short notice.”

“Eric? Who’s Eric?”

“What?” Did I hear the wrong name earlier on the phone?

The sexy man lifted his arm and scratched the back of his head. “I’m not sure who Eric is, but I’m Crew. I’ve been checking out the space next door and couldn’t help but notice you.” His eyes darkened, and my knees wobbled. Who the hell was this guy, and what secret power was he using on me?

“A gorgeous woman such as yourself with the juiciest curves I ever did see. Damn.” Crew drank me in from head to toe, and my body burned beneath the weight of his stare.

No man has ever caused such a strong reaction within me, and I stood there frozen and breathless.

“I couldn’t hold off any longer. I needed to come over and meet you.” A deep growl came from somewhere inside his throat, and I wondered what the vibrations would feel like against my pussy.

Damn, Lacey, get a grip.

I couldn’t help myself. It was like he cast a spell over me.

“Cat got your tongue, sweetheart?”

I licked my lips and grasped at any trace of coherent thought. “I’m Lacey. Nice to meet you.”

“Nice place you’ve got here. Can I come in and check it out?”

“Sure, I guess. I mean, I’m waiting for an electrician to arrive. He should be here any time,” I said as Crew walked into the spa. He looked around and whistled long and low.

“This place is nice. Looks great. I doubt you’ll have problems getting business.”

“Thanks. I appreciate it.”

“So what’s the electrician for?” Crew walked over to me and stood directly in front of me. I realized then he had a lot of inches in height on me, and when I looked up, I found him staring at me intensely. So intense, I had to look away.

His presence intoxicated me. He made me feel dizzy and drunk.

I stepped back, needing the space, needing the air to think straight.

“You’re awfully nosy, you know.” A smile played on my lips.

Crew didn’t waste any time stepping back into my space, our bodies nearly touching. “Is there something wrong with wanting information?”

“No, unless it’s not your information to have.”

Crew chuckled, the sound low and deep in his throat, and fuck, it turned me on. Was it a damn mating call or some shit? “Sweet, with a bit of spice. I like it.” His eyes blazed with heat, and my whole body buzzed. Did he feel it? He must. From the look on his face, I’d say so, his sharp gaze hungry.

My mind short-circuited as he inched closer.

He’s gonna kiss me…he’s gonna kiss me…

The doorbell rang, and we stumbled apart.

What the hell was I thinking?

I quickly smoothed down my hair, blouse, and skirt. “I’m sorry, but I have to get this. It was nice meeting you, Crew.”

I hoped he’d take my gentle dismissal as just that—a dismissal. But he didn’t move. Instead, he crossed his arms and leaned against the front desk. “Let him in. I won’t get in the way.” He tipped his head toward the door.

This guy is something else. But I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t a turn-on.

I let the electrician in, and after the usual greetings, I explained the situation with the sauna to him. I was aware of every movement Crew made, from his unending stare to his casual stance with one elbow leaning on the desk. And his smirk…that deadly sexy smirk.

Focus!

I showed the electrician the way to the sauna and the control box, all while Crew stayed one step behind.

While the electrician checked out the situation, I led Crew back into the main lobby. “Don’t you want to watch what he’s doing?”

“Why don’t we have this conversation another time? I have a lot to do before I open in two days. I can’t be distracted.”

He moved closer once more. What was it with this guy and personal space?

“Are you saying I’m a distraction?” He bit his lip as his eyes dropped down my body.

Words caught in my throat. My mind went blank.

Crew dipped his head lower, and as he went in for a kiss, the electrician announced his arrival with a loud clearing of his throat.

Interrupted yet again. Maybe it was a sign. A loud one I should listen to.