Love for Her (Nashville Security #4)

Chapter 1

Audrey

Icannot believe I went to medical school just to end up crawling through goddamn bushes.

“Fuck,” I hiss out as a branch scratches over my skin.

I wouldn’t have to creep around if this asshole weren’t such a pretentious dick, thinking he needs complete privacy because people want to look into his windows. Newsflash—no one gives a shit about him.

Well, except for me.

But alas, here I am. I just need to get a little closer.

Voices float through the air, and I freeze in my crawling to peer through the shrubbery.

“Goddamn,” I mutter as I watch a tall, muscular man step outside, pointing at the eaves of the house, talking to the bane of my existence. I narrow my eyes. Even from a distance, it’s clear that the man speaking is insanely handsome, despite looking young.

Too young for me.

At thirty-six, I certainly don’t consider myself old, but I recognize I’m not what most would consider young, since I’m closer to being middle-aged and boring.

Well, boring except for the stalking.

I wish I could hear what they’re saying. The man’s voice is deep and smooth, and I hate that I don’t hate it. Anyone who spends time with or talks to that awful excuse of a human being is someone I shouldn’t even remotely find attractive in any way.

Gritting my teeth, I shuffle forward, cursing the stinky mulch clinging to my clothes.

“Yes, sir. We can do that,” the good-looking man says to the man I hate with every fiber of my being.

“Who is this guy?” I mumble under my breath.

They’re far enough away that, unless either of them has supersonic hearing, they can’t hear me. Especially with the advanced age of one of them; I’m pretty sure he isn’t hearing much these days.

Which is why I was able to break in last week.

Unfortunately, it was unsuccessful, since I was completely unprepared to do what I needed to.

But since the opportunity presented itself in the form of a wide-open back door, it was like an open invitation for little ol’ me that I simply couldn’t turn down.

The two men walk around the perimeter of the house, and I lose sight of them as they round the corner. My mind races about what I should do next. The door is open, but it would be foolish to go inside now. They’ll more than likely be back in no time.

I start to crawl forward until the all-too-appealing deep voice hits my ears once again.

“Yes, sir. We can get the new security system installed within the next couple of days. The round-the-clock personal security can start tonight. We’ll work in twelve-hour shifts, so someone will be here at all times.”

“And when I’m out?” the older man asks.

“You’ll just need to provide us with the schedule so that we can have an additional security to escort you.”

I internally groan. Having security in the house, along with what sounds like an upgraded security system, is going to severely impact my somewhat impulsive plan.

Not that it’s going to stop me, but it’ll make it riskier than I hoped. The one thing I can’t do is let this take longer. I need to stay on schedule. That is nonnegotiable.

My phone vibrates against my butt in the back pocket of my jeans. I shift my weight to reach behind me and pull it out. Unlocking my screen, my resolve is solidified even more than ever.

Mom: Hi, honey. I know you said you were really busy today, but do you think you can make it over for dinner tonight?

I suck a calming breath into my lungs as my eyes flutter closed. A fresh wave of pain roils through my system.

Me: Absolutely! I’ll be there around six. Does that work?

Mom: Of course. I’ll see you then. Love you.

Me: Love you too.

I pocket my phone and let my gaze travel back to the men.

Only the younger man remains outside. Since I’m currently stuck in the bush until he moves farther away, I take a few moments to admire him.

His shoulders are broad, and his thick arms are testing the limits of his long sleeves.

I’ve always found arms sexy, and what I wouldn’t give to see those arms uncovered.

Unfortunately, it’s early spring in Tennessee, so it’s still cool enough to require more clothing.

Mentally shaking myself, I force my eyes to another part of him.

His hair is short on the sides, but fluffy and neatly styled on top.

He’s clean-shaven, which is good because it would be a shame to hide that jawline.

He could cut glass with that thing. I hold my breath as he slowly pivots in my direction.

“Oh my god,” slips from my lips when I get my first good look at his face.

He’s stunningly handsome in the most masculine way, but with just enough hint of pretty that makes him seem approachable and not like someone who’d be an asshole.

Panic rises in my throat as his eyes narrow in my direction, and he takes a slow step forward.

Fuck.

“Tyler, come inside so we can finish this. I have a meeting that I need to leave for soon.”

Never in my life have I felt gratitude toward the man who owns this house, but right now, I could kiss him. Tyler hesitates as his eyes scan over the area where I’m crouching.

I say a silent prayer to the universe that he doesn’t spot me, and when he turns and disappears inside the house, I exhale a loud breath.

Seizing the chance to get back to my car, I scramble the way I came and speed-walk down the street until I’m slamming the car door and slouching back into the seat. Sweat beads along my hairline despite the cool air as I catch my breath.

The image of the man, whom I now know as Tyler, pops into my mind. It’s odd to be so immediately attracted to someone, especially someone who could’ve gotten me arrested if he’d seen me. Even if I hadn’t gotten arrested, the attention would make what I need to do infinitely more difficult.

But being closer to Tyler wouldn’t have been a bad thing. I wouldn’t have minded seeing those piercing eyes up close.

My body is still buzzing from almost getting caught, but more specifically, from nearly getting caught by him.

I blow out a slow exhale and start my engine. Today wasn’t entirely a bust. At least I know I need to be a little more careful with the added security.

Pulling away from the curb, my car rolls down the street, my eyes scanning until they freeze on a set of recognizable broad shoulders.

I ease off the gas and coast over to the sidewalk, stopping a few car lengths down.

Tyler walks down the sidewalk and pulls open the door to a large blacked-out SUV.

My jaw drops open as an idea slithers through my mind.

No, that would be stupid. Right?

I chew on my bottom lip as Tyler’s brake lights come on. The SUV pulls away from the curb, and I follow suit. He slows to a stop at the corner, and with my heart pounding in my ears, I question my decision-making skills.

My mom’s smiling face flashes in my mind.

I swallow roughly as an onslaught of emotion settles heavily in my stomach. With the decision made, I turn left.

Just like Tyler did.

This will be the man who helps me blackmail my father, even if he doesn’t know it yet.