Page 44 of A Moon Lake Christmas Hero

Another thing Bob’s attack had shown me.

Time was precious.

I had been so scared—felt so helpless. I knew Jessie and the kids were in the house, and all I wanted was to get him as far away from them as I could.

I would’ve gone with him just to get him out of the house. But I didn’t expect what happened next. Didn’t expect James to sweep in like some kind of furious mystical creature and act in the blink of an eye.

I would never forget the anger and determination in his eyes that made me fear for his life. And mine.

And then it was all over in a matter of seconds.

I shook my head.

“Tell me, sweetie. Do you have plans for Christmas?”

Mrs. Brooks was a nice older woman. I’d met her daughter Julie at the impromptu barbecue, though she and her husband, Kevin, had left town since. Mrs. Brooks was nosey, but usually, she only asked one or two questions before she went into talking about Paul, her professional-hockey-playing son, and his newest adventures.

“No plans as of yet, Mrs. Brooks.”

“It’s Janet. How often do I have to tell you?”

I smiled and nodded. Almost everyone in Moon Lake was on a first-name basis, which took some getting used to.

“If you’ve got no plans, why don’t you join me and my husband? Christmas is not the same without the kids back home.”

I smiled at her, grateful for the invitation, but before I could say anything Alan entered the exam room.

“Erin, James is here. I’m taking over,” Alan said, and I stepped aside.

Alan and I had seamlessly fallen into an easy routine. We both saw patients, consulted with each other, and he seemed to enjoy having an extra pair of hands, and a second opinion.

No turf wars or start-up difficulties at all. Not your typical doctor-nurse dynamic either. He treated me like his equal, and it gave my confidence a much-needed boost.

My mind wandered back to our conversation this morning. We’d become friends—friends who looked out for each other. Friends who gave each other a kick in the butt if needed.

Because that’s what he gave me. A pep talk to tell me I needed to go after what I really wanted.

I exited the examination room and grabbed my thick winter coat from the hanger in the small office. Through the frosted window panes, I could see the sun reflecting on the fresh snow that had fallen overnight, adding to the already impressive blanket covering the ground.

The scent of pine from the wreath on the office door mixed with peppermint from the candy cane jar on the reception desk created a cozy and Christmas-ey atmosphere.

I moved towards the front door, and there he was, breathtakingly sexy, leaning against his parked SUV, sunlight caught in his dark hair. His black wool coat and leather gloves made him look like he'd stepped out of a luxury winter fashion catalog, oozing confidence and money. His breath created small clouds in the frigid air as he smiled at me.

"Hey, you."

"Hey." I pulled my scarf tighter against the biting cold.

He brushed some lint off my shoulder before he helped me into the warm SUV.

The heated seats were a welcome relief from the December chill.

He expertly maneuvered onto the main road, and we toward town only to take the next exit.

Untouched snow sparkled like diamonds in the winter sun.

I looked at him, but he was focused on the snow-covered road, carefully navigating the icy patches.

"Where are you taking me?"

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