Chapter 3

The man had to be out of his freaking mind. There was no way she was going to have someone following her around twenty-four hours a day. Emily rolled her eyes when her father practically begged her to be civil to the security guy he was sending to her salon, and of course, this would be the week that Kim had taken time off to babysit her sister’s daughter and step-daughters so Sandy could go on a honeymoon.

So now she would be stuck dealing with the two hair stylists and receptionist. It also meant that she had to cut down on her appointments so she could deal with the business part of the salon. Emily didn’t really mind the paperwork, but she would rather be out in the salon with the clients.

“Dad, my salon is practically across the street from the police station. I’ll be okay. I don’t need security.” Emily tried once more to convince her father to call off the guard dog.

“Emily, please don’t fight me on this anymore. You refuse to come here so I can make sure you’re safe. I wouldn’t be able to handle anything happening to you.” Great, now he was pulling at her heartstrings. Her mother’s disappearance was slowly aging her dad. He’d turned all his responsibilities in his company over to two of the vice-presidents and made finding her mom his life.

“Fine, Dad, but this guy better be able to be inconspicuous. The last thing I need is my clients feeling like they’re in danger.” Emily unlocked the door to her salon and turned off the alarm.

“Keith has been doing this a long time, and he knows how to blend in. Trust me and please do everything he tells you. For once in your life listen to what you’re being told.” She could hear the warning in his voice. She also knew he was clenching his fists because he was aware that Emily didn’t like being ordered around.

“Yes, Dad. I’ll listen. Don’t worry, and please get some rest. Elaine said you’ve been up all hours of the night.” Her sister called several times to say she was worried about his health.

“I’ll try. I love you. If you need anything, please call, and be good.” There was that warning again.

“I love you, too, Dad. I’ll talk to you soon, and I’ll try to come to see you over the weekend.” Emily dropped her phone on her desk as she flopped down in the chair.

She was no sooner sat in the chair when she heard the chime of the front door opening. Usually, she’d be there by herself for the first hour.

“Great, must be the watchdog.” She muttered as she made her way to the front of the salon.

Before stepping out into the front, she took a deep breath. She could be civil to this man. After all, it wasn’t his fault her father was pushing this on her. She walked through the curtain and looked around. The place was empty. Goosebumps popped up on her arms, and a chill ran up her spine as she scanned the length of the room.

She slowly walked towards the front door hoping that the wind possibly pulled the door open. It sometimes happened during the winter. Emily stepped in front of the reception desk to get a better look at the front door. As she crept slowly towards the door, a pink head popped up from behind the reception desk.

“Jesus, Aurora.” Emily slapped her hand against her chest as if it would slow her now pounding heart.

“Sorry, Em. I was turning on my computer.” It was hard to be mad at the young girl. She was so full of energy and always had a bright smile.

Aurora Hanlon was the daughter of one of the stylists that worked for Emily and Kim. Ada was in her mid-forties and a single mother, so when her only daughter needed a job, she asked Emily and Kim about hiring a receptionist.

“It’s okay, but for heaven’s sake call out to let me know you’re here.” Emily chuckled.

“I thought that’s what that annoying chime was for.” Aurora placed her elbows on the desk and rested her chin on her fists.

“Smart ass.” Emily gave her a little push.

“I do actually have a smart ass. At least that’s what the guy at the club said last night.” Aurora wiggled her eyebrows sending Emily into a fit of laughter.

“Should I tell your mother about this guy?” Emily teased.

“Have I told you I’ve started taking Karate lessons with Jess O’Connor?” Aurora raised a perfectly arched eyebrow.

“Duly noted.” Emily headed towards her office to get some accounts entered before her first appointment. “By the way, there’s supposed to be a guy coming here sometime this morning. Nothing to worry about, but my dad wants me to have some security for a few days.”

“Woohoo, is it one of those hot guys from Jess’s cousin's company?”

“Behave yourself. I have no idea. I just know someone will be by today.” She didn’t really care at this point. The whole thing was going to make it hard to get her mind off of her mother.

Emily was doing her best to be strong for everyone. Her father was ready to fall apart, her brother was doing his best to keep himself from going over the edge, and Elaine spent most of her time in her room crying. Every day it got harder to believe her mother would be found, and if she was, it probably wasn’t going to be alive.

The thought of never seeing her mom again caused a huge lump to form in her throat, and her vision blurred. She lowered herself into the desk chair and covered her face with her hands. The tears were hard to contain, but like every day for the last two weeks, Emily swallowed the lump and took several deep breaths.

A few minutes after she’d managed to make herself presentable, she heard the voice of Penny Alyward. Emily loved the woman because she was like the comic relief in an otherwise dark drama. Penny was one of those people that always had a funny story or joke. She was loud but sweet.

“I swear to Jesus it’s enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey out there today. Isn’t it supposed to be spring?” Penny walked into the back and shook off her bright orange coat. That was another thing about Penny. She had a fashion that was one of a kind.

“It’s supposed to warm up tomorrow.” Emily sat back in the chair and glanced at Penny.

“So this is how it is? You with that face and we’re gonna chat about the weather.” Penny rested her fists on her slim hips and met Emily’s gaze.

“What else is there to talk about?” Emily turned towards the computer as if she was about to check something, but the truth was she was just avoiding any conversation about her mother.

“Oh, let me see, the fact I got a call from your father at five this morning, and might I say he did here a few words that I’m sure he didn’t think were lady like. I mean who calls someone at that hour? Anyway, he told me what’s going on, and I told him not to worry because nobody’s gonna get near my girl.” Penny continued as she sat in the chair across from the desk. “So, between me and the security, you’ll be safer than the Prime Minister.”

Emily couldn’t help the fit of laughter. Penny was probably no more than one hundred pounds. Being that the woman was five feet seven inches, she was what her mother called the Olive Oil type. Although, she had a massive chest, and Emily wondered how the woman didn’t topple over sometimes.

“Don’t laugh, Em. Ask my ex how dangerous I can be.” Penny stood up and sauntered out of the room leaving Emily shaking her head.

Her phone rang as she was heading out to the front of the salon for her first client. She glanced at the screen and smiled.

“God, I can’t even get rid of you when you take a week off.” Emily laughed.

“Have you been told to fuck off today?” Kim said.

“Nope but I’m sure you’ll love to be the first.” Emily chuckled.

“Consider yourself told twice.” Kim laughed. “Listen, I got one of Ian’s brothers dropping by to grab my case. Me and the three girls are having a beauty weekend, and of course, the two older ones want their gorgeous curls straightened.”

“Those little girls are lucky to have such a great aunt,” Emily said.

“I know. Anyway, he should be dropping by sometime today.” Kim said.

“Okay, you have fun,” Emily said.

“You know this is great birth control. Looking after the two older girls is easy, but the little one makes me want to pull out my hair. She’s not even two yet, and she got a major attitude.” Kim sighed.

“And your sister is having another one any day. Good luck to her.” Emily laughed. “I still don’t know why they went away for a honeymoon when she is ready to pop any day.”

“I think she’s hoping the honeymoon helps pop it faster.” Kim giggled.

“Way too much information. I’ve got a client coming any minute. I’ll call you later to see how you’re doing.” Emily glanced at her watch.

“Talk to you later,” the last thing Emily heard was Kim telling Grace not to touch the garbage.

Emily entered the store front and froze. At the counter stood a man lazily leaning on the reception desk. He was what Penny would call, sweet meat. At that moment he seemed to be blatantly flirting with Aurora, but Emily was shocked to see the young girl didn’t seem the least bit charmed.

“Mr. O’Connor could you please get a freaking life.” Aurora rolled her eyes and laughed.

Holy shit this was the security guy her father was telling her about. How the hell was he going to fade into the background when he looked like a movie star and seemed to be a huge flirt.

“I’ve got a life, beautiful. You say yes to a date, and I’ll show you.” He leaned in over the counter and Emily didn’t miss Penny checking out his ass.

“I know what your dates consist of, buddy and I’m not gonna be another notch on your belt. Besides you’re too old.” Aurora laughed.

“What’s eight years?” He smiled, and Emily had to admit the guy was good, but there was no way she could have someone like this in her salon flirting with everyone.

“Oh, Em. Thank God. This ass is looking for you.” Aurora pointed her thumb to the guy.

“There must be something in the water in this salon. Lots of hot women around.” He winked at Emily, and she raised her eyebrow.

“For the love of God, A.J, do you ever stop.” That voice was Ada.

“Not when I see a beautiful woman.” He wrapped his arm around Ada’s shoulder. “Of course age doesn’t matter to me.”

“You’re so gross.” Aurora gagged.

“A.J, honey. You’d never be able to keep up with a woman like me, and as for my daughter, I suggest you look elsewhere if you don’t want to end up castrated at your age.” Ada glared, but Emily could see the faint grin.

“You ladies are a rough crowd. Besides I’m here to see Ms. Bradshaw and….” Emily held up her hand to stop him before someone did hurt him.

“Look, I know my dad thinks I need the security, but you aren’t exactly going to blend into the background. I’ll call my dad and find alternate arrangements.” Emily said.

“What are you talking about?” He looked confused, but when he glanced out through the front window, it was if something clicked. “I’m afraid I’m not the O’Connor you’ve been expecting. That would be my older brother, and I’m pretty sure it will be even harder for him to blend in.” A.J. and Aurora laughed. “I’m here to pick up something for Kim.”

Before Emily had a chance to ask what they were laughing at, the chime on the door rang, and in sauntered a walking wall of muscle dressed in black from head to toe. The only other color was the ginger color of his hair, but there was no doubting the family resemblance between A.J. and the large man.

“What are you doing here?” His deep voice echoed through the salon and Emily was sure she felt it right to the tips of her toes.

“Nice to see you too, dick.” A.J. snorted.

“That didn’t answer my question.” The looks were the only thing similar about the two men. This guy was stone-faced and way too dangerous looking.

“Had to pick up something for Kim if you must know.” A.J. turned away from his brother and back to Aurora. “Last chance, honey.”

“Out, A.J.” the huge mountain grumbled.

“Okay, Mr. Happy.” He left, but not before he winked at Emily.

“Aurora, nice to see you. I’m here to see Ms. Bradshaw.” He stood next to the reception desk, and it barely came to his hips. The man had to be well over six feet tall.

“Nice to see you too, Keith, and you know you could really smile a little more. Might get rid of the frown lines you have.” Aurora held up her finger and pointed towards Emily.

“She would be Ms. Bradshaw, but if you don’t want to be bitch slapped I’d start calling her Emily.” Aurora turned away from him to answer the ringing phone.

Up to that point, Emily hadn’t really got a full view of his face, and when he turned towards her, she couldn’t breathe. He had the most piercing blue eyes she’d ever seen, and it was as if he was looking right into her soul. For a moment she thought she saw his expression falter, but he cleared his throat and stalked towards her.

Sweet Jesus, he’s beautiful. And Huge.