Page 52 of Wild Hearts

"That's right," Christopher said, his eyes darting nervously from my daughter to me.

"I appreciate you looking after her. I wouldn't want her to lose a finger."

Christopher blanched. "Oh, we're very careful. There's school safety procedures, and Mrs. Fran is very thorough."

Addison gave me a look. "Relax, Christopher. Walker was just kidding."

Before I could protest, Addison led the way toward the trail with the lights. The wooden sign was wrapped in a string of white bulbs.

"This is so cute," Dakota said as she glided past it onto the trail. Lights hung from the trees. Occasionally, we'd spot a present in the woods or a small Santa Clause. Those were new additions, and I wondered who'd added them.

Eventually, Addison motioned for me to slow down so the kids could go ahead of us. "Why are we going slow?"

"I want to show you something, and I figured they wanted some time alone. I'm positive they can feel your gaze burning a hole through their jackets."

"I'm not that bad," I argued as she motioned for me to follow her through a clearing in the woods.

"Why are we going off the trail?" I asked, looking ahead to where Christoper and Dakota had disappeared.

The woods were quiet, and soft flurries fell around us. "Come on."

Curious, I followed her deeper into the woods until we came to a small clearing. Addison stepped out of her skis, and I did the same. She stood behind a boulder, gazing down at the resort and the town.

"This is a great view. I haven't been here since we were teens."

Addison smiled softly. "I thought you might remember it. We spent a lot of time on this rock."

"You don't think Christopher will try to kiss Dakota tonight, do you?" I remembered why I brought Addison to this spot. It was usually to make out.

Addison shook her head. "I think he's scared of you. They're young, you know?"

"I know what teenage boys are thinking about."

"You forget that Christopher works for your family. I'm sure he doesn't want to upset you or any of your cousins by taking advantage of Dakota."

I lowered my shoulders. "That wouldn't stop every kid."

"Christopher seems like a conscientious kid. Besides, I know his family needs the money."

"You're involved with his family?"

"I'm friends with his older sister, Noelle. I think they could take advantage of services the county and local churches offer, but their mother is too proud to ask for assistance.”

"I didn't realize that." I made a mental note to inquire about his pay, and to ensure he was getting enough hours.

"The thing with teenagers is that you should trust them until they give you a reason not to. In the meantime, you might want to talk to her about using protection."

I stiffened. "I'm not sure I'm ready for a discussion about condoms."

"Maybe just ask gently if her mother talked to her and if she has any questions. If she wants to go to a doctor, you'll be happy to set that up for her, or I can go with her. But I think you should ask the questions. If you're concerned of course."

"She's not thinking about that yet, is she?" I asked, panic bubbling in my chest.

"Dakota doesn't seem interested in boys, but that doesn't mean she isn't. Some kids are more private about that kind of thing."

That eased my anxiety somewhat. "She is more focused on school and sports."

A smile curved over her lips. "You can trust her."

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