Devastate Me novel Chapter 5

"No guess. I like to know who I live next to. I do a background check on everyone who moves to this neighborhood."

"Well, that doesn't sound suspicious or paranoid at all."

"It's not what you think. I work in security, remember? I'm sort of the neighborhood watch in these parts. We don't get a lot of crime, but there have been some nasty break-ins, and the police haven't caught whoever's been doing it. A couple of the homeowners were home, and one ended up in the hospital. So I try to keep tabs on those who are most vulnerable, to help make sure they stay safe."

"Oh, that makes sense."

"So, why Havensport?" he asked.

"I just wanted to get away," she replied. "There's nothing wrong with that." She ate another piece of steak.

"Well... Whatever reason you ran away, don't let life force you to hide."

"I'm not running," she protested.

Colt acted like he didn't hear her. "And for God's sake, don't make friends with the housewives in the neighborhood. Miranda and her husband are nice, but the rest..." He scowled as he trailed off.

"I heard you have quite the fan club."

"Fan club." He grimaced. "They need a goddamn hobby or better yet, jobs."

Ophelia smirked. "I think you're it."

"I wish they would just leave me the hell alone."

"Sorry. You're too handsome for that, so you might as well get used to it. Or maybe work it to your advantage."

Colt's brow furrowed. He obviously was not following her.

"You know, offer gardening services? Strip club rules, look but don't touch? You could make a mint."

She couldn't resist teasing him. She wanted to see him smile.

"Or maybe I'll mow my damn yard naked and charge admission for the show." He grinned darkly, as though the idea brought him a little too much joy.

Ophelia shook her head. "The logistics wouldn't work. Too many people could watch from their windows for free. Maybe if you did it as a fundraiser. If they raise X amount of money, you do the yard work naked."

"I'm sure the HOA would have something to say about that."