Page 39 of Mistletoe and Malice
“I actually have a double major. Criminal justice and psychology.”
“And your law degree? Boy, Trevor was right. You really should step it up. Slacker.”
“Stop.” She threw the pillow at him, and he grabbed it with one hand. “I always loved school, so it was okay with me to put in a little extra effort. And my psych degree has helped a great deal with my work, at the office and the shelter.”
“I enjoyed the tour of the shelter on Thursday and wanted to talk to you about some of the opportunities down there. Ways I might be able to help, besides giving them my money.”
She couldn’t help the huge smile that came over her face. “You want to get involved at the shelter? Honestly? You’re not just saying that?”
He chuckled. “No, I’m not just saying that. It got to me, seeing all those people who would be on the streets if not for the shelter. But those kids. Man. No kid should have to deal with the harsh realities of life like that. I lost a lot of sleep that night thinking about it.”
“That’s why I conduct the tours, so people will understand there’s a whole other world out there, and it’s up to us to make it go away. Those of us who have so much need to make sure no child goes without a meal or an education. No family should have to be on the streets.”
He nodded, his expression sober. “I’m looking forward to being down there on Thanksgiving with you. I’ll be on the job, but since I have to stick so close, there’s no reason why I can’t put on an apron and help out.”
She sprang forward without thinking and enveloped him in a tight hug around the neck. “Thank you! Thank you so much!” She planted a kiss on his cheek and pulled back, her handssplayed on his shoulders. “You don’t know how much that means to me.”
“Yeah. I think I do.”
Realizing what she’d done, she let him go and sat back in her place on the sofa. “Oh, wow, I’m sorry. I get so excited. Our relationship is a business one, and that was over the line.”
“For business, maybe.”
Her heart sank, but she understood it. Understood he was there for a job, not to be her buddy.
“When I’m on the clock.” The corners of his mouth tipped up. “But for next-door neighbors, not so much.”
She couldn’t hold back her laugh. “Neighbors. I’m glad you’re my neighbor, Colton Blankenship. Even if that means just down the hall.”
For now. Until she was deemed safe, and he would leave.
“Back atcha. Now, I’d love to sit here and talk, but I need to get home to do some packing.”
She inclined her head toward her study windows. “Sounds like it might be dying down a bit. I was going to ask if we could go by my place sometime so I can get some things, as well. If you’re going out anyway, maybe we can do it now.”
“Not without the other guys.”
“Daddy only has his driver whenever he’s out. Granted, he’s also a Petersen bodyguard, but what’s the difference? I’d be with you, and as long as we’re in another vehicle, nobody would expect it to be me, since every time I’ve left in the past week it’s been in the Navigator. And as twisted as this guy is, I still doubt he’s waiting around in the freezing rain on the off-chance I might go somewhere without my detail.”
He studied her for a moment. “We might be able to do that. I’d have to run it by Mack first, but if he gives us the go-ahead, I wouldn’t want to take my Jeep. And your car’s out of the question.”
“We could take one of Dad’s.”
He pondered it for another moment, then stood. “All right. I’ll check with Mack. If he gives the green light, I’ll see about getting a car from your dad’s driver. But at the first sign of anything, and I meananything, that looks hinky, you do exactly as I say.”
Popping up to her feet, she pulled her shoulders back and gave him her best salute. “Aye, aye, sir.”
Chuckling, he shook his head and started for the door. “I’m regretting this decision already.”
Chapter Eighteen
The garage door closed behind the Range Rover borrowed from Drew Hudson, and Colton’s shoulders relaxed for the first time since leaving the estate.
Seeing Riley reach for her door handle, he put his hand on her arm. “I got it.”
Her grin matched the teasing glint in her eyes. “Is this Colton the bodyguard talking or the gentleman in you?”
He shrugged as he stepped out of the car. “Both?”
