Page 115 of Mistletoe and Malice
Her jaw fell slack. “At night? You’re putting too much time into this, Colton. You need to take some time for yourself.”
“I will after he’s caught. I’ll take a month or so off. Go to Arizona to play some golf.”
Her heart clutched. He might not be working her detail, but he was putting even more time into working her case—Shane’s case—instead of starting his golf holiday the day after he’d left her sitting in her study. Such a man of integrity.
She cleared her throat. “I wish John could take some time away too. I know Avery would love to see more of him but doesn’t want me to feel guilty about him putting in so much time on this.”
“And we all know it’s not your fault. You know that, don’t you? You know it’s not your fault?”
“In my head I do. But it’s hard knowing how stressed everybody is. It scares me to have people I love around me when I’m out. I couldn’t handle it if anybody got hurt. I’m always wondering if I should go away for a while or if it’s better to stay put so we can get him that much sooner. How long will I need protection? How long before I can look for a new home of my own? It all just spins around in my head.”
“You’re doing terrific, Riley. I’m glad you haven’t left and are still getting out some. The shelter event went well, record number, they told me. I’m happy you got to be there.”
Her brow crinkled. The shelter event? “Who’d you talk to?”
“I was there. Working in the kitchen. You know I love to cook.”
So, he had been there but kept himself in the back and not out front with everybody else. Even walking through the buffet line, she’d had no idea he was in the back helping to prepare their roasted chicken dinner.
She swallowed her disappointment that she’d missed him. “I’m glad you could come out for it. And the food was amazing.”
“Thanks.” He yawned. “So, how was your Christmas?”
She should let him go, but wasn’t ready quite yet to break this tenuous connection. “Very nice. Did our usual gather-around-the-tree-in-our-PJs-and-tear-into-our-gifts thing. It’s utter chaos and as much fun as Christmas Eve at the shelter. We drink hot chocolate and make a huge mess and watch the kids play with their toys. It’s a great time.”
“Sounds a lot like what we do. Only we get dressed first. Then we always do Mexican food—enchiladas, tamales, the whole nine yards.”
She closed her eyes, imagining Christmas morning with Colton and his family. Exchanging gifts and enjoying an enchilada dinner around the table. A dream.
Her eyes popped open. And a dream it would stay.
“I’m just glad you didn’t spend the day worrying about me. Or I guess I should say my case.”
“Hmm. So, what did Santa bring you?”
“A book I’ve been wanting to read, a beautiful locket from Grandpa Kevin that was my grandmother’s. Very special. And they always make a charitable donation to the Lend a Hand shelter and Save the Children. Oh, and I got a new set of golf clubs.”
“You play golf?”
“Have since high school.”
“Why didn’t you ever say anything?”
“Why? You wanna take me to Arizona to golf with you?” When no response came, she wanted to bite her tongue. “That was a joke, Colton. I told you I wouldn’t propose.”
He laughed, and she relaxed. “I know. I just didn’t know you golfed. And your family also made a donation to the Foundation. Very generous.”
“Mom said she got your thank-you note. She thinks you’re quite eloquent.”
“Boy, she’s easy.”
She picked up a lock of hair and twisted it around her finger. “You underestimate yourself. Isn’t that a little unusual for you?”
“You’re never going to let up on me about that, are you?”
“Are you kidding? One of the first things you ever said to me was that nobody would have come near me if you’d been with me. You weren’t wrong. Just a little cocky.”
“Like I said, I’m confident in my work. It’s some of these other things I’m not so sure of.”
