Page 100 of Holiday Hostage
I nodded.
“I’d feel better if you let me hire security for you.” White rimmed his mouth, his lips pinched white.
I almost agreed, just to take the anxiety away from him and to make me more comfortable.
I shook my head. “I refuse to go through the rest of my life scared. If Mav, Reed, and Tarron taught me anything, it’s how to face life head-on. I want to hold onto that in memory of them. I won’t live in fear. I can’t.” My breathing hitched. “I’ll never forget Alaska, and I’m not moving on in my grief, but I have to do something to drag me out of this rut. We deserve that.”
I splayed a hand across my stomach.
Dad stood and crossed the room to stand in front of me. “I figured you’d say something like that. You’ve always been fearless. Worried me no end, but you’ve proven you can take care of yourself.”
He hugged me.
“I’ll be fine.” I laughed into his shoulder. “I booked a nice, easy beach vacation this time. Nothing but sun and sand, andlotsof people.” No more wilderness for me.
Maybe not ever.
While I still wanted to be alone, I craved the outdoors and the presence of others to help put a barrier between me and the reminder of my kidnapping.
“I could hire security that you’d never know was around.” Dad's arms tightened. “But I won’t do it against your wishes.”
“I’ll be fine.” The more I said it, the more I believed it.
Life was meant to be lived.
It wasn’t something I was willing to ride along in the backseat and not experience firsthand.
I had too many things I wanted to do, too many places to see, to give up and roll over.
Jack Wilson and his band of mercenaries wouldnottake away my dreams.
Grief and loss almost had, but that was different.
I had a new reason to live, and I planned on making the best of every moment.
Dad released me and took a step back.
“Call me if you need anything. No matter where you are, what time it is.”
“Of course.” I shrugged, trying to make it look nonchalant. “I’ll even text you pictures so you’ll know I’m okay.”
“That’s my girl.” He patted my shoulders. “Enjoy that basket before you go. I know you’ll be busy scheduling and packing, but I expect you to call me when you get there.”
I tapped my forehead in a mini salute. “Yes, sir.” The motion reminded me so much of Reed that my knees went weak.
Dad’s understanding half-smile pinched his cheeks. He ambled toward the door. “Love you, Payton.”
“Love you too, Dad.” I walked behind him to the door. “Hey, I need to go out and grab supplies. Want to go with me?”
He arched a brow. “What kind of supplies?”
“Oh, you know. New bathing suits. Sunscreen.” I laughed outright when he waved both hands through the air. “Okay, no bathing suits. You can help me pick out a new beach towel.”
“Done.” He jingled his keys. “I’ll drive.”
It took us hours.
I could have finished it myself in half the time, but being out with Dad lifted my mood, and his.
