Page 23 of Mistletoe and Malice
The elegant woman in a flowing yellow gown smiled warmly as she shook his hand. “Yes, hello, Mr. Blankenship, Mr. Paxton. It’s nice to meet the men taking such good care of our Riley. She’s a treasure worth guarding, that’s certain.”
“So I’m told,” he replied, returning her smile.
The Senator’s wife beamed at the blushing young woman beside him. “I did as you requested, and the caterer was happy to provide two more plates for Mr. Paxton and … Mr. Jamison, was it?”
“Yes,” Riley answered. “Paul Jamison.”
“They’ll both be well-fed tonight.” She returned her smile to Colton. “And you will join us at our table, Mr. Blankenship.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Cantrell,” he responded, surprised by her invitation.
“Now, I know you’re on the job, but Riley is safe as the President in this house.”
“Yes, ma’am. I spoke to your head of security this morning.”
“Then you should enjoy the evening.”
“Thank you again.”
Colton led Riley away from the Senator and his gregarious wife as Trevor moved into position at the French doors leading to the veranda. “That wasn’t necessary.” Leaning toward her, he caught a whiff of her subtle fragrance. It reminded him of a garden he’d walked through in Japan a couple of years ago. “We’re not here to eat and have a good time.”
“But you’re here. You may as well enjoy a nice dinner. I hated the idea of you standing around while I partook of some of the best food in Houston.”
“Is their security staff eating?”
“They’ll eat in shifts in the kitchen. But you are now my plus-one, Mr. Blankenship. I hope you don’t mind.”
He gave her a reluctant grin. “You’ve finally given in to your fate, huh? That we’re your shadows for the time being?”
“Shadows.” She chuckled. “That’s funny.”
“How’s that?”
“Oh. Nothing. Are you ready to mingle? I have a lot of money to raise tonight.”
Mingling was the last thing he wanted to do. But as her plus-one, now he had the perfect cover for sticking close.
Chapter Eleven
“Finally, thank you to Senator and Mrs. Cantrell for their gracious hospitality and for welcoming us into their beautiful home.”
Riley stood on the stairs in the Cantrells’ grand living room, extending her heartfelt appreciation not only to her hosts but to the sixty guests gathered before her. The evening so far had been a smashing success.
Her eyes met her bodyguard’s and lingered, surprised to find those baby blues of his watching her with … respect? Whatever it was, it was a complete departure from yesterday’s icy glare during church.
She pulled her attention back to the guests and smiled as her face heated. “Please, enjoy the rest of your evening. And thank you again for your abundant generosity.”
The room erupted in applause as she took the three steps down to the floor, where Shadow Num—Mr. Blankenship met her and extended his arm.
“May I escort you to dinner, Miss Hudson?”
She tucked her hand into the crook of his elbow. “It would be an honor, Mr. Blankenship.”
Every time he’d held the door of the SUV open for her today, he’d taken her hand to help her out. A gentlemanly gesture.
But this, walking through this opulent home on his arm, felt friendly. Almost … date-like. Saturday, his arrogance had perturbed her. Yesterday, his hard work on her behalf had touched her. Today, his powerful presence had comforted her.
But tonight … tonight his closeness discombobulated her. The man was handsome, no doubt. Confident, good at his job, and—a surprise to her—a man of faith. Being so close to him made her feel safe in a way he wasn’t being paid for.
