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“I’o home”

Olivia’s brow furrowed in irritation “You can’t tell me”

“I’lowered at her and folded his arms over his broad chest She’d felt thosehe could be “Your lock is ridiculous and you’re not safe there alone”

She agreed but she didn’t have any alternatives “Then what do you suggest I do? I can hardly afford a state of the art security system and that wouldn’t keep him out anyway I’ll be fine” She started to limp away and Paul fell in step beside her

“Stay with me I’ll keep you safe”

Olivia glared at hiestion! She certainly wouldn’t ers; ould he want her in his house? This was nuts “We live next door I’ll be plenty safe alone”

“I don’t like this one bit,” hehis head “I don’t have a clue what I’ainst here There’s no reason for you to keep all these secrets if you want , Liv”

She shook her head vehemently as she stomped away froainst anything, Paul This is my problem and I’ll deal with it Please, just stay out of my business”

“Too late, honey I’et used to the idea”

Olivia clenched her jaw in irritation as she marched back to her condo She didn’t bother to answer because she knew arguing with hi she’d learned about Paul Justice during their brief acquaintance was how stubborn he could be While hein way over his head and he didn’t even know it

She had her keys out and was praying the dumb lock would cooperate on the first try when Paul eased in next to her She didn’t even glance in his direction She bit her lip in concentration It took all her effort to remain composed when all she wanted was the chance to fall apart in private Get inside, lock the door, and stop thinking Her hip was on fire froo her daily workout and grab soled the key in the lock when it didn’t catch the first tirowled in frustration

Paul swiped his hand through his hair,it stick up in little spiky peaks He let out his breath in a long sigh and Olivia wondered if he was gearing up for another argument She didn’t need to hear it He wasn’t her keeper

“Look, I know I caest fault When I see someone in need, I want to help even when the person doesn’t want me to So I’m sorry, Liv”

Finally she aze and read the sincerity in his eyes For some reason his look made tears rush to the surface and she quickly blinked them away

“Can we be friends?” He stuck out his hand to shake on it and she hesitantly accepted his offer