Page 15 of Not the Bodyguard's Widow
“She still does that?”
“Every time someone is here.”
“Then I won’t answer the door.”
Alex shifted in his seat. “I had planned to stay out at the old caretaker’s house at the Crawford mansion, but that doesn’t put me close enough if there is an emergency.”
Kimberly’s lips thinned.
“Normally, I wouldn’t suggest this, but would it bother you if I stayed here?”
Her mouth opened, but no sound came out. She shook her head. “You are asking my opinion?”
“Given we are both single and there is no one else in the house...” If he was going to break his own rules of conduct, he needed her permission. Alex ran down the list of employees again. No one could be here by tonight without pulling them from another detail.
“Oh.” She squirmed in the seat. “I didn’t expect a choice.”
No wonder she didn’t like bodyguards. “Sometimes you won’t have one. But for now, you do. Another option is we both go to the caretaker’s house.”
“I am fine if we both stay here. The mattresses are amazing.” She reddened. “That wasn’t an invitation. I mean they’re so comfortable—I’m making this worse, aren’t I?”
“Don’t worry. I know what you mean. The Ogilvies put some prototypes in the house, and they are amazing.”
“I have one rule, then. Stay out of my bedroom unless it’s life or death.”
“Okay. My one rule: stay out of sight, blinds closed at all times.”
“Even the studio?”
“Sorry, yes. But you can leave the loft window unshuttered.’’ Not much of a concession, but the chances of even the nosiest of old ladies flying a drone over the house were minimal.
“But I can stay here?”
“For now. What is your opinion on Mrs. Capps? Is it better to tell her you are here or let her wonder?”
“I’m not sure. I haven’t seen her in years. Candace would know better.”
Alex nodded. “I think—”
His phone interrupted them, Candace’s ringtone playing. Perfect timing.
“Hello?”
“Hey, Alex. It is after midnight here, but I figured it was only seven thirty there. May I talk to Kimberly?”
“Don’t hang up before you talk to me, please.”
“What do you need?”
“The situation has escalated, and I wanted your opinion on Mrs. Capps knowing Kimberly is here.”
“Mrs. Capps? She snoops with the best of them but keeps a secret like Fort Knox. At least, she kept mine. And she is a midwife, which might be useful.”
“Thanks. Here’s Kimberly.”
Alex left the library to move his truck into the garage.
* * *
