Page 81 of Mistletoe and Malice
Her question pulled him back before he could go too far down that road he had no business traveling. “Yes, ma’am. Hilda takes good care of us.”
“It’s her gift. We’re blessed to have her.”
They entered the door of the elegantly decorated ballroom, where dozens had already gathered amongst the greenery, red and green ribbons, white lights, and at least ten Christmas trees he’d counted so far for the country club’s Christmas extravaganza. A pianist situated in a corner played holiday favorites while guests milled around in groups, conversing while enjoying pre-dinner cocktails andhors d’oeuvres.
“There’s John, Avery, and Barbara. Frances and Kade are probably on their way.” She peered up at him. “I wish you could be at our table with us.”
Suddenly, he did too. He’d never once had any desire to take part in high society shindigs until Riley had pulled him intoher circle of friends. These ladies didn’t hold themselves above others but eked out every bit of joy and laughter they could whenever they were together.
He leaned in and caught a hint of her soft jasmine-ginger fragrance. “Don’t worry about me. You have fun. I’ll stay as close as I can without getting in your way.”
“You’re never in my way.”
Smiling, he nudged the small of her back and followed behind as she made her way to her table. Several people greeted her along the way, and she responded with a bright smile and listening ear.
The week had been a busy one, what with Everett’s case, her charity events, and the unexpected trip to the hospital on Thursday. Unfortunately, the creep had also been busy. Riley received two more letters that week, all with photos of her with her detail right next to her.
It was driving him nuts that they hadn’t been able to identify this guy when he had apparently been right in front of them. Granted, any of those photos could’ve been taken with a long-range lens from a car, a window. Anywhere. Yet it still galled him the creep could see them, but they had no idea he was even there.
Riley’s nerves had to be frayed, but so far, she hadn’t let it stop her, still going about her life as usual. She had to be the bravest person he’d ever met, and he’d worked with men and women who put their lives on the line for others his entire career.
His gaze panned the large room. Trevor and Paul had taken up the posts they’d been designated last night when they went over the detailed information provided by Tech Ops. All entrances into the ballroom, restrooms, doors to the kitchen area, backgrounds and IDs on all male catering staff. Even the musicians.
Paul and Trevor would stay, for the most part, within their assigned areas, leaving their posts only if they saw something suspicious. Colton would stay as close to Riley as he could without, as he’d told her, getting in her way.
Two hours into the evening, after cocktail hour and dinner, Barbara showed up at his side. “I see you’re as diligent as always. Can I bring you anything?”
He glanced at her but returned to perusing the area. “No. But thank you. Company policy.”
“I see.”
His brow furrowed when Riley walked out onto the floor on the arm of a man who appeared altogether too besotted.
“Grant Bellows.”
“Pardon?”
“The guy Riley’s with. Grant Bellows. Very successful obstetrician. They’ve known each other forever, and I think he’s been in love with her about as long. He’s just never had the guts to make it known.”
“I’d say he’s making it known right now.”
“Ah, yes. The look. I’m quite familiar with that look, knowing Riley for as long as I have. But she’s completely ignorant of it.” She paused. “Kind of like you the day you saw her in that wedding gown.”
He whipped his head around. “I’m sorry?”
She chuckled. “She is a stunner, that’s a fact. And as beautiful in spirit. We’ve all noticed there’s … something … between the two of you. You should let her know how you feel, Colton. Before somebody else sweeps her off her feet.”
He followed her gaze back to the couple gliding around the floor. “He can ballroom dance.”
“Say again?”
“Uh, nothing. Listen, Barbara, I can’t talk. Need to stay on my toes here. I hope you understand.”
“Oh, absolutely. I just wanted to thank you for watching out for her. It means a lot to all of us. I don’t know what we’d do if we lost her. You know?”
He nodded. “I know. We’ll keep her safe.”
“I know you will. Nice talking to you, Colton. I’m looking forward to working with you on your foundation board.”
