Page 3 of Holiday Loss

“We can call her,” he added. “She’ll corroborate everything I just said.”

Before the woman could respond, a car screeched into the parking lot. Not a cop car, his stepfather’s car. And that right there was why he approved of the man for his mom, because he’d insisted on driving her despite the late hour. The cops had probably called his mom to let her know someone was trying to break into her restaurant, and she’d come roaring down there to make sure he was okay. She wouldn't have been able to call him because he’d purposefully left his phone at her place, not wanting to be bothered if he got another call from his stalker.

“Actually, we can do better than call. I think that’s her there,” Donovan said, nodding to the car that two people were hurrying out of.

“Mrs. Grayson?” the cop asked.

“Yes. What's going on? Why is my son in the back of a police car?” Mom demanded. Despite her tiny size, she could be an intimidating figure when she had to be. Usually, she was soft-spoken and jovial, likea tiny little Santa Claus. But mess with one of her kids and her mama bear came out in full force.

“A misunderstanding, ma’am,” the cop replied. “There was a report of someone trying to break into your restaurant. When I got here he was picking the lock.”

“I left my keys inside, he was just trying to get them,” Mom explained.

“Yes, I'm aware of that now,” the cop said with a weary sigh. “Turn around, sir, and I’ll remove the cuffs.”

“Handcuffs?” Mom squeaked in that tone that said she was close to letting loose and giving the cop a piece of her mind. Undeserved. The woman hadn't known who he was and was just doing her job.

Luckily, his stepfather agreed. “Procedure I'm sure, darling,” he said, wrapping an arm around his wife’s shoulders and tucking her against his side.

“She could have let him explain before treating him like a common criminal,” Mom huffed.

“You're right, I should have let him explain,” the woman said as she unsnapped the handcuffs and stepped back to let him out. “I'm sorry for the misunderstanding, of course you are free to go. Do you need help getting into the building to retrieve your keys, ma’am?”

“Actually, we were able to find the spare set,” Mom replied. “Let’s get you home, baby boy,” she fussed, looping an arm around his and trying to guide him toward where she must have spotted his car. Not fazed by her babying him, it was just her way, he gently tugged his arm free.

“Something I have to do before I go,” he told her. “I’ll see you at your place in a bit.”

Hurrying over to the pretty cop’s car, he caught her just as she was climbing into the driver’s seat. There was something about this woman that called out to him. Even as hard as the first eight years of his life had been, Donovan believed in fate, fairytales, true love, and soul mates. He had to. He’d seen it firsthand.

“No hard feelings about tonight,” he said, grabbing the door before she could close it.

“Thank you. I’m sorry I didn't listen.” Again, there was weariness inher voice, and again he felt a powerful need to help in some way. To fix things for her even though he wasn't sure what exactly it was that needed fixing.

“It’s fine, I'm sure you’ve heard it all before,” he assured, shooting her what he thought was his most charming smile.

“I have actually,” she said, huffing a small chuckle. “You wouldn't believe some of the excuses I get told.”

“I'm sure some of them are really creative. Can I take you out to dinner tomorrow night?” No point in beating around the bush. He was attracted to her and wanted to get to know her.

Surprise had her mouth dropping open. “I just put you in handcuffs. You don’t even know my name.”

“There’s an easy fix for that.”

A small smile transformed her face from pretty to breathtakingly stunning. “It’s Jessica.” The smile fell from her face. “But I'm sorry, Mr. Davidson, I don’t have time for dating.”

With that, she closed her door and started up her car.

Donovan stood there, watching as the taillights disappeared down the street. He’d been raised to respect women and knew no meant no. Only Jessica hadn't said she didn't want to go on a date with him, she’d said she didn't have time for dating.

A big difference.

One thing she was going to learn about him was that when he set his eyes on something, he worked hard until he got it.

Chapter

Three

December 2nd

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