Free Deadly Intentions (Hardy Brothers Security Book 1) by Lily Harper Hart

been having a few problems.”
    The deputy raised his eyebrow. “Problems?”
    “Yeah, like people trying to run her down in the courthouse parking lot,” James said. “It’s happened twice now.”
    “And you are?”
    James managed to swallow the growl threatening to erupt from his throat. He pulled his identification out of his pocket and shoved it in the cop’s direction. He wanted to punch him in the face – but he was fighting that urge. The deputy looked at the badge, frowning. “Hardy Brothers Security? I’m still trying to understand why you’re here. Is there some foreign dignitary that needs protection?”
    James furrowed his brow. Mandy could feel the anger wafting off of him. She put a hand on his arm to still him, worried he was about to do something stupid. “I know Mr. Hardy from when I was a kid,” she answered. “After the incident in the parking lot last week, his sister suggested I contact him. I was worried, so I did.”
    James sucked in a deep breath, although Mandy’s hand on his arm was causing another emotion to bubble to the surface.
    “So, you went to a security company because your imagination is running wild?”
    That did it. James was teetering close to the edge of a cliff. “She’s obviously not imagining everything.”
    The deputy didn’t look convinced. “And what do you think is going on here?” His question was pointed in James’ direction.
    “I think someone wants to hurt her.”
    “And you’re sure she’s not just faking it for attention?”
    “I’m sure.”
    The cop sighed. “Well then, I guess it’s good that she has a security expert to protect her.”
    A vision of his fist connecting with the deputy’s face flooded James’ mind. He fought the urge. “I guess so.”
    Mandy glanced between the two men. She wasn’t particularly worried about the deputy’s safety. She was more worried about James going to jail. “I’m tired,” she announced.
    James slipped an arm over her shoulders protectively. “I’ll take you home.”
    “I can drive,” she countered.
    “I’ll take you.”
    Mandy considered arguing with him, but it didn’t seem like a good idea. “Fine.”
    “Great.”
    “Good.”
    “Get in the car.”
    Mandy trudged to the passenger side of the Explorer while James remained where he was standing, practically daring the deputy to try and stop them. She pulled on the handle, but the door didn’t open. “The door is locked.”
    James didn’t want to be the first one to break eye contact but, finally, he did. He moved in the direction of his Explorer, pulling his keys out of his pocket as he did. Mandy climbed into the vehicle when the door unlocked, resting her head against the back of the seat as she waited for James. Once he climbed into the vehicle, she couldn’t help but be worried about his obvious anger.
    “Thanks for checking on me,” she said finally, meaning every terse word.
    James glanced in her direction, his brown eyes softening when they met her blue ones. “It’s my job.”
    “It seems to me, you’re going above and beyond the call of duty,” she replied. “Especially since we haven’t talked about a price.”
    James swallowed hard. “You’re getting the friends and family discount.”
    “And that is?”
    “That is nothing,” James said. “You’re a friend. I’m not going to let anything happen to you.”
    Mandy’s heart warmed at his proclamation, but she could stop the niggling disappointment in the back of her brain. Friends. They were friends, nothing more.
    James shoved the key in the ignition and the engine roared to life. “Let’s get you home.”
 
    THE RIDE back to Mandy’s apartment was uncomfortable – to say the least. James was stewing about the deputy’s lack of interest, and Mandy was conflicted by a bevy of emotions she couldn’t put a name to. So, silence enveloped the Explorer and both parties were happy to embrace it.
    When he pulled into the slot in front of Mandy’s apartment,