Page 55 of Christmas in the Shadows

Was someone who knew their secrets targeting them?

He stared at the house again.

And was that person Gilbert?

As Tex ended the call, he felt more unsettled than ever.

As Chelsea changed clothes, her hands still shook.

Today had been a lot, to say the least.

And it wasn’t over yet.

She slipped into a burgundy sweaterdress and black boots, adding some gold earrings and a necklace. The look was dressy enough while still being casual. Truthfully, she really wasn’t sure how she was supposed to dress tonight, but this outfit seemed like a good option.

Thinking about going to Gilbert’s made a ripple of nerves sweep through her. Partly it was because of Gilbert and her uncertainty about trusting him. But it was also in part because of Tex.

Being around him left her feeling unnerved. Her feelings for the man were still there as if they’d been tucked away just beneath the surface all these years. But she had to protect herself, to keep up her walls and not give in to her impulse to pick up where they’d left off.

With one last glance in the mirror, Chelsea decided that this was as good as it was going to get. She slipped on her gray wool coat and a deep green scarf. Before leaving, she tucked her cell phone into her pocket along with her keys.

As she stepped outside, a brisk wind greeted her.

Was it tonight they were supposed to get that snow? She thought it might be. But her days were running together right now.

Pushing aside her hesitation, she started across the crisp grass and cut through the hedges. The scent of evergreen filled her nostrils, reminding her of Christmas—which was usually her favorite holiday. This year would definitely be different.

She hadn’t wanted to tell her parents how much she wanted to be with them for the holidays. She feared they might not enjoy their trip if they knew just how sad it made her to be celebrating alone. But she could do this. She was used to being single and independent.

This would be the test of those strengths.

She paused as she passed through the shrubs, the skin on her neck rising.

She glanced around.

Why did she feel as if she were being watched?

Suddenly, all her nerves tightened.

She scanned her surroundings—Gilbert’s house. His shed. The street on one side and the woods on the other.

She didn’t see anyone out of the ordinary.

But the feeling remained. Maybe she should have had Tex walk her over after all.

Moving more quickly, she scrambled up the steps to the front door of Gilbert’s place. She drew in a deep breath then started to knock. Before she could, the door opened, and Tex stood there.

She sucked in a breath at the sight of him. Instead of his well-worn jeans and sweatshirt from earlier, he’d changed into some black slacks and a forest green sweater. His dark hair had been combed, and his face looked fresh, clean.

He flashed a smile. “You’re right on time.”

His deep voice sent a shiver of delight through her.

He ushered her inside and, as he did, the scent of roast beef and potatoes hit her.

Maybe Gilbert wasn’t a one-hit wonder in the kitchen.

“Everything good?” Tex whispered as he stood entirely too close.

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