Page 4 of Line of Resistance

And apparently that was what it took to push Matt over the edge.

She barely caught the flash of a flying fist as he swung at Nate, managing to get one punch in before Nate lunged, releasing her to collect the front of Matt’s shirt in his hands, lifting him off the floor and hauling him across the lobby and out the front doors. She watched through the glass as Nate dropped him to the soggy grass, one hand still fisted in his front as he said something that made Matt’s eyes go wide.

Then he turned and came back in, wiping at the tiny patch of blood tinting the corner of his mouth. He gave her an easy smile in spite of the bruise already collecting under his skin. “Ready to go in?”

Eloise glanced back to the doors where Matt was picking himself up.

“Don’t look at him.” Nate stepped in front of her. “Look at me.”

She lifted her eyes to his face and the hint of swelling pushing out his lower lip. “You need ice.”

He moved a little closer. “What I need is that Christmas kiss you promised me.” He lifted one finger and ran it along the line of her jaw. “But I’m still not willing to kiss you for the first time in front of an audience.”

CHAPTER ONE

ELOISE

BIRTHDAY PARTIES WERE supposed to be fun.

An opportunity to hang out with Naomi and their recently expanded friend group. An afternoon that would offer a peek into the new hierarchy and the chance to figure out where she might belong within it.

Ifshe might belong within it.

Instead, she was about two bad breaths away from puking on her snow boots while trying to appear friendly and easygoing and approachable. In her experience, that was the way people liked their friends, and she did everything she could to fit that mold.

Normally.

But right now, no matter how much she tried to focus on the conversations happening all around, her attention kept drifting around the common area in the rooming house at Alaskan Security’s headquarters. Nate had to be there somewhere. Lurking. Waiting until she was comfortable to spring from the shadows and pee all over her parade. To remind her of the words he said the last time their paths crossed.

What I need is that Christmas kiss you promised me.

Obviously he didn’t need it that badly. She hadn’t seen him since he made the claim, proving yet again she simply wasn’t the kind of woman men had any sort of lasting interest in. Apparently it was easier to fake your way into friendships than romantic couplings.

“How’s the school year been going?” Harlow, one of the women she met through Naomi’s connection to Alaskan Security, glanced across the roomful of kids racing around tables covered with party favors, pizza boxes, and cake remnants. “I’m sure you couldn’t wait to spend one of your days off with these things.”

Eloise took a long gulp from the juice pouch she’d been nursing for the past hour, swallowing down the overly sweet and completely artificial strawberry kiwi flavoring. “It’s been good.” She stepped back as one of the second graders she saw in her office no fewer than three times a week zoomed between them. “And I don’t mind seeing them on my days off.” Her eyes followed Bryson’s shaggy head as he wove between adults, playing a game of tag only he was participating in. “They’re all really good kids, and I like getting to spend time with them outside of school.”

Bryson continued tearing a path around the space, nearly colliding with Tyson’s mother before overcorrecting, losing his balance and falling right into the kitchen island. Catching his head on the corner of the counter, he went down hard, screaming like a banshee before he even hit the floor.

“Gosh darn it.” Eloise scanned the faces of the party goers, hoping against all odds Bryson’s dad stuck around, but unsurprisingly there was no sign of him. She gritted her teeth, fighting frustration as she cut through the crowd to where the eight-year-old was crumpled on the floor, one small hand plastered against the spot he hit as giant tears fell from his eyes.

“Hey, buddy.” She reached for him then paused, remembering not every kid liked to be coddled when they were hurt. “Is it okay if I help you?”

Bryson’s watery eyes fixed on her face as his lower lip wobbled. “Miss Rivers, I hurt my head.”

“I know.” Eloise gently rested one hand on his back, helping him sit up. “Can I—”

“Hey there, soldier.” A deep, despairingly familiar voice cut her off. “That was one heck of a collision you just survived.”

Bryson’s eyes widened as Nate slowly crouched down beside them, looking all kinds of problematic in his black tactical gear and easy smile. “Who—” A shuddering breath stalled his words, wracking his little body as he fought to catch his breath, “—are you?”

“I’m Miss Rivers’ friend.” Nate pointed to where Bryson’s hand still held his head. “Can I see your battle wound?”

Bryson’s chin stopped quivering, but tears continued to rim his red eyes. “I hurt my head.”

“That’s not good.” Nate lifted his brows. “Should we head on over to first aid? Check it out and get you an ice pack and a popsicle?”

The little boy blinked away the last of his lingering tears, perking right up at the mention of his favorite treat. “You have popsicles?”

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