Page 57 of Hiding for the Holidays
“But you got away,” Grant says.
“A couple of people saw what was happening, and when they called out, he took off. They tried to help me, but I jumped on the bus, wanting to get away from that town as fast as possible.”
“So you went from town to town looking for a cash-paying job and cheap accommodations,” Grant surmises. She nods.
“And that’s how you ended up here, working on the holiday train and living at the crack house,” Leo concludes.
“Yep, now you know it all.” She pauses for a moment before asking, “You’re not going to fire me, or kick me out, are you? I mean, I’d understand if you did, but can you give me the night to?—”
“Baby,” I cut her off, using the crook of my finger to lift her chin so she’s looking me in the eyes. “You’re not going anywhere.” Seeing her blue eyes looking worried as she sits in my lap, I’m unable to control my impulses as I lean forward and press my lips to hers.
The kiss is quick, a mere peck, but it still makes my dick start to harden with eagerness.
She bites her lips as her eyes bounce between mine. “Why don’t you go get ready for bed? We’ll have a relaxed night in our pjs, watching Christmas movies,” I suggest, not really wanting her to get up but afraid if she stays she’ll feel my dick getting hard.
Her smile is filled with relief and gratitude as she nods her head. “Okay, thanks.” She jumps to her feet and glances at the other two as she adds. “For everything. I don’t know what I'ddo without the three of you.” She smiles again, somewhat more hesitant this time before she heads upstairs.
As soon as she’s out of sight, Leo states the obvious. “You kissed her.”
“So did you,” Grant says in defense.
“And you,” I say, turning my head to Grant.
He frowns. “How did you know?”
“You just told me.”
“Asshole.” He half-heartedly punches me in the shoulder.
“Besides, you took her on a god-damned magical sleigh ride in the forest. I’d almost be embarrassed for you if you hadn’t.”
He lets out a long breath, and we’re all silent for a minute before he asks, “What are we going to do?”
“About what?” Leo asks. “The ex, or us?”
“Both.”
“This ass has broken the law. We need to convince her to press charges, Leo. Does Callum still have that detective buddy?” I ask.
“I think so, I could ask him to come talk to her.”
“Let’s ask her first. I don’t think we should steamroll her completely, that’s what he did,” Grant adds, and we both nod in agreement.
“We don’t let her go anywhere on her own until this is taken care of,” I tell them, my hands clenching into fists at the memory of his hands on her.
“I’m not even going to let her out of my sight,” Grant mumbles in anger.
“About the other thing,” Leo says slowly. “Right now, I think she needs all three of us.”
“What are you saying?” I ask, turning to look at him.
“I think we need to back off a bit until everything with the ex is sorted out, and she’s not in danger anymore.”
I frown and slowly shake my head. “I don’t think I can do that.”
He studies my face as if trying to figure out what I’m really thinking.
“Leo, I don’t want to back down. Besides, if we do that now, she’ll think it’s because of what she told us.”
