Chapter 9
Caleb lifted Harlow’s hair, his finger caressing the back of her neck.
A warm flush rushed through her body, from the top of her head to the tips of her toes. She instinctively jerked away. “What are you doing?” she hissed.
“Hold still.” He lifted her hair again, leaning in so close Harlow could smell his cologne, a mixture of sage and the outdoors, causing her heated flush to deepen. She could feel her cheeks redden, her pulse ticking up a notch.
“Caleb,” she said in a low voice. “You’re making me nervous.”
“In a good way, I hope.” He gave her hand a gentle tug. “I need better light.”
Harlow reluctantly let him lead her to the window, this time ready for his touch that turned her into a puddle of mush. “What is it?”
“A tick.”
“Seriously? I must’ve picked it up tromping around in the woods.”
“No doubt. They’re a nuisance and potentially dangerous.” He reached into his pocket, pulled out a pocketknife, and flipped open the blade.
Harlow’s eyes widened. “You’re going to cut him out of my neck?”
Caleb grinned at the look of horror on her face. “Would you rather I leave him there and have you risk contracting Lyme disease?”
“No.”
“My knife is clean. I clean it each time I use it. I promise you won’t feel a thing.”
Harlow clenched her fists, waiting for the pain from the tip of his sharp knife. Instead, she felt a tiny pinch.
“He’s out.”
She turned to find a tick on the tip of the blade. “Gross.” Harlow curled her lip. “This could have been bad.”
“Not all ticks carry disease. In fact, few do. However, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Plus, who wants a hitchhiker living under their skin?”
Harlow made a gagging sound. “Yuck. I wonder if I have more.”
“Seeing how you’ve been a city slicker for several years now, this is a good reminder you should check daily, especially if you’re wandering around in the woods.
Spring is when ticks are most active, which increases your chances of encountering one.
Let me get rid of this fella.” Caleb carried his pocketknife outside and returned moments later.
“I’m a little freaked out,” she said. “Would you mind checking to see if I have any more?”
“I would love to.” Caleb made googly eyes. “Where would you like me to start?”
“Stop.” She slugged him in the arm. “I was wearing a jacket, boots, and long pants so maybe around my neckline.”
While he lifted her hair and slid the top of her blouse down, Harlow did a thorough inspection of her arms, hands and fingers.
“You’re clean. If you want, I can check your hair,” he offered.
“Maybe in the back. I can check the front.”
He gingerly pulled her hair aside, humming under his breath as he worked his way around her neck. “All clear.”
“Thank you.” Underestimating his proximity, Harlow spun around and found his face only inches from hers. So close, he could kiss her.
She stumbled back, flustered by the fleeting thought she wouldn’t be the least bit upset if he did just that.
As if sensing her uneasiness, he inched closer. “I don’t mind checking the front of your hair.”
“Th-that would save me from having to use your truck mirror,” she stammered, immediately regretting the decision.
Caleb leaned in even closer.
Harlow held her breath, certain he could hear her heart hammering in her chest. She gritted her teeth, willing herself not to focus on Caleb’s closeness, his smell, how he made her feel.
His finger ran along her hairline, sending a shiver down her spine. “Are you almost finished?” she whispered. “I can’t breathe.”
“Maybe because you’re holding your breath,” he joked.
Harlow pulled away and began smoothing her hair. “I can finish checking at home. Thank you for rescuing me from the nasty tick.”
“My pleasure. I was enjoying myself. Not the tick part but being close to you.” Caleb pinched his thumb and index fingers together. “I was this close to turning a tick removal into a romantic moment.”
“And I torpedoed your plans.” Harlow heaved a heavy sigh. “Maybe next time try flowers or a candlelight dinner.”
“Seriously?” His eyes lit. “When? Tonight? Tomorrow night? In case you’ve forgotten, I can turn on the charm when I need to.”
“I was kidding. I have a lot of baggage—like a ton. Being in a relationship with me would be a nightmare.” Harlow, noting the twinkle of amusement in Caleb’s eye, hurried on.
“You might think it’s hilarious now, but believe me, there’s nothing humorous about being stalked by cameramen, having lunatics show up at your house at all hours trying to break in.
Don’t even get me started on how Hollywood is full of backstabbing people who are nice to your face but wouldn’t hesitate to throw you under the bus in the blink of an eye. ”
“I’m sure all of this is true but, to be honest, you’re not giving me much credit. It wouldn’t faze me, not a single iota. Having said that, I think the real reason is you’re scared.”
“Scared?” Harlow put her hands on her hips, mustering up her best indignant expression.
“Of becoming involved after your marriage failed,” Caleb said.
“In case you’ve forgotten, you broke my heart,” Harlow blurted out.
“Not intentionally.”
“Regardless, it happened. I’m not batting very well in the relationship arena.” She lifted her finger. “One. The love of my life broke my heart. Two. My ex-husband cheated on me, not to mention he’s a first class jerk.”
“Third time is the charm.”
She made a fist and shook it at him.
The smile that melted her heart returned.
He tipped his head back and laughed out loud.
“All right. All right. I’ll accept rejection for now but not forever.
” Caleb’s cell phone chimed. He glanced at the screen.
“I gotta get going. As far as the complaint is concerned, consider it a non-issue. However, I highly recommend.”
Harlow finished his sentence. “Installing additional motion detectors, cameras, surveillance. I’ll put it at the top of my to-do list.”
“Thank you.”
She followed him out of the house and locked the door behind her. Checking to make sure she had her key, Harlow steered her bike onto the driveway.
Another biker pedaled past, moving at a snail’s pace.
For a second, she thought he would stop, but kept going.
As he passed by, Harlow noticed a black stand sitting on his shoulder, similar to the hands-free camera mounts she’d seen resourceful paparazzi use while trying to get a clear shot of their intended target.
“Your house has already become a tourist attraction,” Caleb said.
“And a magnet for sneaky camera people.” Harlow pointed out the contraption sitting on the man’s shoulder. “I guess the news people plan to hang around.”
“Seems like you’re a popular subject.”
“Always,” she sighed. “Thanks again for removing the tick.”
“The pleasure was all mine.” He motioned to his work truck. “You want to toss your bike in the back and let me give you a lift home?”
“I appreciate the offer, but I could use the exercise and fresh air.”
“Suit yourself.”
Harlow walked her bike to the end of the driveway and watched him climb in. “So, the complaint is history.”
“As good as gone.” He gave her a thumbs up. “When are you leaving again?”
“In about a month. Hopefully, the renovations will be partially done. If everything goes as planned, by the time I come back, I can pack my bags and move in.”
“I’m sure your dad will be sad to see you leave.” Caleb shut the door and rolled down the window. “Did he show you the pin we found in the fireplace?”
“Yeah. It’s a weird spot for someone to throw it away.”
“I’m sorry we’re not having much luck figuring out what happened the night of the fire.”
“I’m not ready to give up.”
“Neither am I.” He started the truck and shifted into drive, still keeping his foot on the brake. “About our future date.”
“Go.” She jabbed her finger toward the road.
“I’m outta here.” Caleb hit the gas. With his window down, he hollered something as he drove off.
Harlow couldn’t be certain, but it sounded a lot like, I’m not giving up on you either.