Page 83 of Take Me Home for Christmas

Elle snapped to attention. “You know about that?”

“Helen likes to toy with people. I figured there had to be a reason she sent you to ride shotgun. A little bird told me she’d bribed you with a promotion.”

She was immediately defensive. “I proved myself for that promotion long before this ridiculous little field trip.”

“Yes, Elinor, you did. You are a fantastic writer, and you deserve the column. My point is that Helen shouldn’t have manipulated you that way.” He shrugged. “Now you know her game, and you’ll be able to see it coming next time. The knowledge will serve you well atVantage.”

His words shocked her. “You think I’m a good writer? Even though I only write ‘bits and pieces for social media’?”

He had the good grace to blush. “Touché. But I did my homework and read some of your early work. Don’t doubt yourself, Elinor. Youarea talented writer.”

She didn’t know what to say. “Thank you. Coming from you, that’s more than just a compliment. Your book is amazing, by the way. I think once veterans read it in its totality and get the whole story, they won’t be as negative toward you.”

“That’s what I’m counting on. I learned early on that you can’t please everyone, though. You’ve got to let some of that vitriol roll off your back.”

“Mr. Weeeesst!” Emily cried as she zoomed into the study. “It’s time to go to the auditorium for hair and makeup.”

“You weren’t kidding about appearing inThe Nutcracker,” Elle said with a chuckle. Not that she was surprised.

“He’s a party guest,” Emily explained as West gathered his garment bag from the back of the door. “And I get to dance with him at the end.”

“Do you now?” Elle tweaked her niece under the chin. “That sounds like fun.”

“It promises to be,” West said. “Life is always fun when you do the things you want to do.” The man winked at her. “See you after the show.”

Emily tugged at his hand. “Come on. Uncle Gavin is waiting in the car for us.” She blew a kiss to Elle. “Don’t forget to clap for me, Aunt Elle.”

“I wouldn’t dare.”

Hayden hesitatedon the front step of the inn. He really didn’t like having to hurt Livi, but his mother was allowing things to get out of hand. And that left him in an awkward position.

Livi had given him a taste of what his furniture-building business could be like if he pursued it, and he was grateful to her for that. He was also thankful for her friendship. Hopefully, they could maintain a friendly professional working relationship after he cleared the air.

The front door swung open, and Emily came flying out. West followed on the little girl’s heels.

“It’s almost showtime, Deputy Hayden.” Her excitement was palpable. “Are you coming?”

He ruffled her hair. “I’ll be there in spirit. Someone has to work tonight, or else the sheriff wouldn’t be able to see you dance.”

“He’s going to record it. You can watch it tomorrow,” she told him.

“I will look forward to it.”

She raced toward the car idling in the driveway. “Last one in the car is Santa’s stinky socks,” she cried.

West let her win, descending the steps at a more sedate pace. He had a garment bag slung over his shoulder.

“Making your big ballet debut tonight?” Hayden asked.

“Something like that,” West replied. “Life is too short, Deputy, not to experience new things.”

“Funny. My aunt said something similar yesterday.”

The man’s eyes actually twinkled as he walked past. His smile was probably like the one of Hayden’s that Simone described as shit-eating. Ironically, his aunt’s smile was just as vibrant these days.

“West,” Hayden called after him.

The reporter stopped and turned around. “Hmm?”

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