Page 40 of Luke

Luke stood. “Sure, but I can get it. I know you’re anxious to get started.”

“I am. Thank you.”

Once his coffee was finished, he took a sip and sighed, then walked to the window and gazed out. “The temperature on the bank sign reads nineteen.”

“Brrr.” Bryce shivered, then picked up a bag of decorations, reached in and pulled out a string of green lights.

“Are you Irish?” she asked.

“I’m sure there’s some in there. I’ve never checked. One of the agents I work with, his parents were born in Ireland.” Luke grinned. “His name is Killian Doyle.”

Bryce laughed. “Now, that is an Irish name.”

“He’s a great guy. He moved here from Helena, I think. He helped solve the case I told you about. The one where Mac was shot and killed.”

“Did he like it here that much to transfer?”

“Yeah, my boss asked him if he wanted to transfer and Killian was all for it.”

“That’s nice.” Bryce smiled.

“Get busy, woman. I can’t wait to see what you come up with.”

Bryce laughed. “I can’t either.”

She started stringing up lights, glancing over her shoulder at Luke. When he winked, she winked back, making him laugh.

Chapter Six

Bryce finished with the lights around the window, then put a big green window sticker of a leprechaun in the center. She was having a good time, but Mick popped into her head, then she jumped when Luke touched her shoulder.

“Are you alright?”

“Yes. No. I’m so scared what will happen when he finds us.” She faced him. “And he will, Luke. He will not give up.”

“I won’t let him take her. I’ll protect you both.” He touched her hair. “I promise.”

He pulled her into his arms, and she wrapped her arms around his waist and sobbed.

“This is the only time I’ve prayed for bad weather,” she said with a smile.

“I get that.” Luke put his hands on her cheeks and raised her head to look into her eyes. “As long as I’m around, he won’t get to you or Leah.”

“I hate putting you in the middle of this, Luke.”

“You’re not. I’m more than willing to help you, Bryce.” He kissed her lips. “I am so attracted to you.”

“I feel the same about you.”

He lowered his lips to hers and kissed her. When she moaned, he pulled her tight against him.

“I want you so much, Bryce, but I know we have to wait.”

“Why?”

“Because you just had a baby.”

“Yes, a little over eight weeks ago.”

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