Chapter 4
Chapter Four
T hat’s a lot of trees, boss,” Axel said as they sipped the surprisingly good coffee provided.
There was a sign listing the prices for drinks on the table, and Rhys dipped into his wallet again only to remember he’d given his cash to the beautiful raccoon .
“I got it, boss,” Axel said, stuffing some bills into the box before picking up his coffee again.
Rhys smirked at the curiosity evident in Axel’s tone, amused that he could still manage to surprise his bodyguard on occasion. “Earlier today, my mother pointed out that the entire resort should be decorated for the holidays by now. They won’t be wasted.”
“I’ve heard people donate real trees afterwards, to help with the dunes and erosion,” Axel offered.
Rhys tucked that bit of information into the back of his mind and made a mental note to have his PA look into it, since it would make for easy disposal while aiding the environment.
The woman—Sara—talked to the police and gave them what information she could. He blatantly eavesdropped, picking up whatever bits she revealed, all the while watching her in her ridiculous costume. Parents’ tree lot, eighty years of service to the island, father with mother at a hospital after a bad car accident. Mostly cash in the box that had been stolen.
A low sound left Rhys at her story, and the sound drew her attention to him momentarily. Even in the dim light of the many bulbs draped throughout the lot, he was able to make out the flush rising into her cheeks now that she’d removed her mask to speak to the police.
The officers left cards with contact information, and Sara offered them a free cup of hot coffee for the road. The two accepted it gratefully and approached the table.
Rhys dipped his head in greeting before sidling away, hoping they didn’t recognize him and call him out. He liked the fact Sara wasn’t able to identify him just yet.
“Sorry about that,” she said. “Did you need something else?”
Rhys took a look around and frowned. Carolina Cove was packed with people spending Christmas and New Years at the coast, but it was getting late, and this stretch of the island—while perfect for a pop-up tree lot—was isolated. He glanced at the tiny camper painted bright Christmas red and frowned. “Is that where you sleep?”
He didn’t like the thought of that. Not at all.
“Glamping all the way,” she said in a wry tone that fell short of a sarcastic version of the holiday song. “It’s the only way to keep an eye on inventory. Not that that’s worked out so well for me today.”
He frowned at her before sending a glance toward Axel and back again. “You should go home tonight. If the trees get stolen, I’ll take the hit.”
Her eyes widened a bit. “Uh, no, it’s fine.”
“You don’t live nearby? You mentioned Raleigh. Is that where you live?”
She had a smattering of freckles across her nose and cheeks, inky dark hair, and ridiculously bright green eyes that drew him like a siren to the depths of the sea. Rhys couldn’t remember the last time he’d been so drawn to someone—especially someone dressed as a raccoon.
“I used to but— You know, don’t worry about me. I’m fine here. And unfortunately we lose a few trees every year to theft. First time for the cashbox, though.”
He frowned at the camper. “I assume it locks from the inside? Do you have some form of personal protection?”
Without being asked, Axel moved behind the table to the camper and opened the door.
“Hey!”
Rhys and Sara watched as Axel took in the lock with a frowning look. “Not much of one. But it does lock,” the man grumbled with a shake of his head.
“Yeah, it does, and that’s none of your business.” Sara stomped over and slammed the camper door shut, raccoon tail swishing behind her as she glared up at the bodyguard. “Who are you again?”
Answering that question might lead to others, so Rhys waved a hand in a silent order for Axel to back off. Sara watched them both warily and Rhys lifted his hands, palms out in front of him, and flashed her a smile. “Apologies. It’s just after what happened, you can’t blame us for being concerned about your safety.”
“I can when I don’t even know you,” she shot back.
“There are gentlemen still left in the world.” He might not always claim to be one, but he’d always protect a woman’s safety.
“Look, I have stuff I need to do to close up, so if you don’t mind… It’s been a day.”
Leave, yeah, he got it. Dipping his head in acknowledgment, he took a step back. “I’ll return tomorrow morning with the rest of the payment. Stay safe, Sara.”
He felt Sara’s gaze boring a hole into his back as Axel followed him toward the parking area. Once they were out of earshot, he glanced at Axel. “Would it be weird to have someone watch over her tonight?”
“Given the theft, I’d say it’s reasonable. Though I can’t say that you’ve ever asked anyone to watch over a raccoon.”
He chuckled. “Maybe Quinley was right, and I am a creeper.” His ex had hated her personal security detail and the reports they’d give him at the end of the day. It truly wasn’t a matter of him invading her privacy as much as it was protecting her from the danger that came from being associated with him. Kidnapping and ransom, not to mention death threats, had to be considered when someone had as much money as his family.
He’d only ever placed protection on his loved ones, exes included, but knowing Sara was alone in that little camper…
Axel’s grin flashed in the darkness around them.
“Only when it comes to ladies of interest, sir.”
Rhys chuckled and resigned himself to the news he was a borderline stalker but then shrugged. “She shouldn’t be here by herself, and it sounds as though her family is in trouble. Call one of the guys. Make sure he keeps watch.” He admired the fact that Sara tried to help her family in their time of need. Not all families had that kind of relationship. It also didn’t hurt that while she was wearing a raccoon costume, he still found her intriguing.
“Consider it done, sir.”