Page 3 of Havoc's Fox

“You’re sure?” Analise asked.

“Very. Go on and Merry Christmas,” Bailey said.

“I guess I should be on my way, then,” Analise said. “Thank you so much for the coffee.”

“You’re very welcome. It’s great to see you again. Maybe we’ll get a chance to chat before you’re off on your next adventure. Tempest is my bestie, so I’m out that way a lot.”

“Tempest…”

“Brandt’s mate,” Bailey said.

“Oh! I’m sorry, I’ve been out of touch for a while,” Analise said.

“Malta,” Bailey said, chuckling. “And the bugs and the heat.”

“Lord, yes,” Analise said.

“Well, hopefully, I’ll get to visit a little with you before you go. What you do is fascinating.”

“I’d like that, Bailey.” Analise hugged the girl then gave Havoc and Harley a little wave before she hurried out of the coffee shop. “Merry Christmas!” she called over her shoulder. When she glanced back to wish Bailey a Merry Christmas, her eyes caught those of Havoc’s daughter, Harley. Analise smiled at her, and winked. The little girl winked back and smiled brightly at Analise.

Havoc turned to watch Analise go, and caught her and Harley sharing a little grin. He smiled, too. Until he realized that the moment Analise noticed he was looking at her, her smile disappeared and her features morphed into a cold, emotionless mask. His smile faded quickly. “We’ll be right behind you,” he said, partially for something to say, and partially to let her know that he’d be going to the family Christmas, just like she was.

“Of course, you are. Why wouldn’t you?” Analise asked. She made a pish-posh kind of expression, then walked out of the door. “See you guys there,” she said, as she let the door close behind herself. She got into her rental car, turned the heater on full blast, took a deep breath and sat there with her hands on the steering wheel for a few seconds, trying to calm her racing heart. “Bad idea, Analise,” she said to herself. “Coming home for Christmas was such a bad idea.”

Putting her rental car in gear, she backed out and headed toward the compound. “Such a bad idea,” she muttered again.

Havoc watched her back out, then turned back to Bailey. “Sorry about all the trouble. Do I owe you anything?”

“For what? You didn’t do anything.”

“Want me to help you clean this mess up?”

“Like I told Analise, I got it.”

“Alright, just trying to help.”

“I know. You back in town for long?”

“Just Christmas break. I’ll be going back in a few days.”

“Your little girl is precious.”

Harley lifted her head from her daddy’s shoulder again and smiled at Bailey. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. You look just like your Aunt Hellen.”

“You know my Aunt Hellen?” Harley asked.

“I do. I know all your aunts and uncles. We all went to school together.”

Havoc’s brows furrowed a bit, trying to remember her.

“Don’t worry. You wouldn’t remember me. I didn’t run in your crowd,” Bailey said when she realized he didn’t know who she was.

He nodded and pursed his lips. “Smart girl. You do look familiar, though.”

Bailey smiled at him again.

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