“Marietta Georgia, just north of Atlanta.”
“And are you wealthy and a womanizer like your friend Brandon Richards?”
Maybe she shouldn’t have asked that.
Chase’s eyes widened. He released her hand and folded his thick arms across his chest. She felt the loss of his touch clear through. Her legs went weak again, and she wanted something to lean into. She stood, tightening her muscles as best she could. For most of her life, she’d been granted strength and conditioning coaches and a free gym that helped her manage her cerebral palsy. Today, her muscles were weary, and she feared she’d walk with her knees bowed in like she hated to do.
“No, ma’am,” Chase answered her. “I’m as humble as Brandon is wealthy, and I rarely date.”
Could she believe him? She looked him over, trying to ascertain if she could trust his words. She couldn’t contain the hope growing inside of her or her smile. “I love it! If you’re telling the truth, I think we can be great friends.”
He chuckled at that, not seeming offended by her comment. “I make it a habit to tell the truth, and I hope we can be great friends, seeing as we’re stuck together for the next two weeks.”
She gestured around. “I’m sorry you’re stuck with me, but the scenery is incredible.”
He didn’t look away from her face. “I agree about the scenery, and I don’t mind being stuck with you. Not at all.”
Lizzy’s face flared with warmth. He was flirting with her. He seemed like a genuinely nice guy, and he was definitely attractive.
These two weeks might be incredible.
But then again, all of her former boyfriends had been charming and kind when they first met.
You fall for the wrong guy every single time,her inner voice cried out.
Lizzy took a step back and broke eye contact. She’d be wise to take this slow. No matter what hidden agenda Brandon and Madelyne had for the two of them being paired these two weeks together, she had to be smart and aware.
She could enjoy this adventure, but she had to guard her heart.
Chapter
Two
Chase wasn’tcertain what to think about his ‘perfect match’ according to Madelyne. Eliza Birmingham, Lizzy, was his adventure companion for the next two weeks.
She was naturally beautiful. Madelyne hadn’t been wrong there. There was an innocence and joy about her that drew him in as well. He was captivated by her doe-like brown eyes, unique heart-shaped face, and soft-looking pink lips.
She’d been friendly and funny when he met her, but there was something reticent about her as well. Especially after he’d said he agreed about the scenery being incredible while he stared at her pretty face. She’d asked if he was a player like Brandon. Had she been burned by flirtatious men? He’d been semi-proud of his flirting since he wasn’t any kind of expert, but maybe that had pushed her away.
How was he supposed to draw in a beautiful lady? Even in this situation of her being thrust into a pseudo-relationship with him, he lacked the confidence to gain her interest. He had no idea how to flirt and was already doubting the wisdom of giving in so easily to Brandon’s last request. Even if Brandon didn’t have some trick up his sleeve to surprise Chase with during thenext two weeks, it might be awkward around this beautiful and conflicted woman.
He didn’t want to think about trying to make her fall in love with him for a million dollars. It felt wrong, especially after seeing how kind and innocent Lizzy seemed. He’d push that away as an unrealistic and crazy Brandon idea and focus on trying to help himself and Lizzy feel comfortable and have a good experience over the next two weeks.
They walked side by side up the steps to the wraparound front porch. The house had huge windows with colorful flowers in window boxes. The weather was ideal, probably around seventy, and everywhere he looked was lush and green. The Austrian Alps were as beautiful as they’d been touted in books and online. He’d traveled the world with the Rangers and had seen the likes of Vietnam, New Zealand, Thailand, the Philippines, and Fiji. This scenery was every bit as appealing.
One of the security guards held the door for them.
“Chase Tenley,” Chase said, sticking out his hand. “Pleasure to meet ya.”
“Elijah Herman.” The man shook his hand. “It’s an honor, sir. I work for Aiden Porter and have been on jobs with Robbie Perrine. He speaks very highly of you.”
“Appreciate it.”
He’d conversed with retired Army Captain Peter Macon before he met Lizzy. The captain had explained that they’d all escorted Lizzy here from Kansas. Though Chase felt like he should make introductions for her, she’d already met these impressive men. He wondered if one of them was more appealing to her than he was, then was annoyed at his own lack of confidence.
With the guards watching out for them, he could relax and focus on getting to know Lizzy. It was odd not to be armed or be the one protecting and serving. Brandon flew him straight toEurope from Dallas, there had been no time to get the proper permits and bring his weapons. He had a knife in his pocket and that was it. He felt naked, but these experienced guards, and his own proficiency at hand-to-hand combat, reassured him.
They walked inside and both stopped in their tracks.
