Page 8 of Hidden Shadows
“Thank you. Not only for staying, but for being there at this time of year. I know it’s hard for you.”
Understatement of the fucking century. “You’d do the same for me.”
His friend didn’t have an aversion to the holiday, but Nixon was sure if he called in a favor, Nate would be there in a second.
They’d been on the same SEAL team for years, covering each other’s backs, saving each other more times than he could count. That forged a bond that could never be broken.
“I would,” Nate said quietly. “Thank you. I’ll let you know once they’ve spoken.”
When Nixon hung up, he watched a couple of kids play in the snow in front of the hotel. A young boy and girl, probably siblings. Most people would smile at the sight. He didn’t. It made him think of his own sister. A reminder he didn’t need.
* * *
“It’s notwhat you did, Andi, it’s that you didn’t tell me.” Finley ran her fingers over the soft white duvet, frustration thrumming through her veins.
Nixon knew. The entire flight, the man had known exactly who she was and had said nothing. And more than that, Andi had gone behind her back, told Nate about this follower of hers, then she and Nate had decided she needed protection without her consultation.
“I know, Finley. I’m really sorry. It just all happened really quickly. You only told me about the mistletoe that was left on your doorstep a day before you left. I was worried because mistletoe is synonymous with Christmas, and you’d just announced to your followers that you’re attending this Christmas fair. I told Nate, and he organized protection. By the time I knew what was going on, you were a few hours from boarding your flight and I knew you got anxious on planes, so…I don’t know…I guess I figured it would be easier for everyone to ask for your forgiveness after it was done.”
“Easier for who, Andi?”
Her friend groaned. “I know. I hate myself for it. But I love you. And Nate loves you. It’s why we did this.”
God, how could she be mad at her best friend after that?
“I didn’t know Nate would go the extra mile and make sure the guy would be sitting right next to you,” Andi added.
She drew a circle on the bed, sighing. “I just feel embarrassed that I didn’t know.”
“I’m sorry, Fin. I really am. But please don’t send him away. You’ve had weird followers before, but this guy feels different. God, he found youraddress.”
It was true. The mistletoe showing up at her home had scared her. “Was he just hired for this trip?”
“At the moment.”
She sucked in a long breath and blew it out before asking, “What do you know about Nixon?”
“Not much. Just that he was a SEAL and served with Nate. He now works as a bodyguard. And he’s the best.”
She nibbled her bottom lip, eyeing the connecting door, still hating that it was there. “I could have told you that just by looking at him. He’s a million feet tall and all muscle.”
“So he’s cute?” Andi whispered, even though no one else would be able to hear.
Finley rolled her eyes. “He’s a former SEAL…cuteis not a word I would use to describe the man.”
Big. Rugged. Intense. They all felt a lot more fitting.
“I fell asleep on his shoulder,” Finley whispered.
“Oh my gosh, you didn’t…”
Her friend sounded far too excited. And despite everything, she laughed. “I did. Again, it was embarrassing.”
A knock at the door had her gaze shooting up. “I have to go.”
“Does this mean you’re accepting the protection?”
“For this trip. Then, together, we discuss what we do after.” She swallowed. “And I do appreciate you and Nate looking out for me. But next time, you talk to me first. Even if I’m five minutes from stepping on a plane.”
