Page 16 of Everything Christmas

“What’s funny?”

Unable to resist, Reese wrapped an arm around her and pulled her into his side. “This room... Let’s just say I can feel my testosterone evaporating as we speak.”

That prompted a little giggle. “I think your testosterone is safe, big guy. But seriously, Reese. Thanks for everything, and for staying. I really didn’t want to be alone after...”

“Shh, I know. But let’s not dwell on that nasty business while you’re sipping wine and tucked safely into bed. Why don’t you tell me why you moved here from Florida if you don’t have friends or family in the area?”

She took a big gulp of wine before she answered. “My parents died six months apart two years ago, and I inherited their bookstore.”

“I’m so sorry, Merry. They must have been young. Were they sick?”

“My mother had a lengthy illness. Losing her killed my dad. The doctors said it was a massive heart attack, but I think it was broken and he grieved himself to death.” His arm tightened around her and she pressed closer. Lost in her memories, she didn’t speak for several moments. “I just couldn’t bear going to the store every day without them. So I sold it and moved here.”

“Why here?”

“The tourism mostly.”

“Tourists buy a lot of books?”

“No. I didn’t open another bookstore. I run Everything Christmas on the parkway.

That sounded familiar. “You mean the year-round Christmas store with the fifty-foot tree out front?”

“It’s not quite as tall as that, but yep. That’s me.”

“That place is always packed. Even during the summer.”

“Yeah, it really took off.”

“The irony is just too much.”

“What do you mean?”

“Come on, a petite little elf by the name of Merry Noelle running a Christmas store? It’s too cute for words.”

At his chuckle, the color in her cheeks intensified as a blush suffused her face, spreading across her cheeks and the creamy bit of smooth skin exposed by the deep vee of her robe. It could have been the wine or where his eyes had wandered. Reese dragged his gaze away with difficulty.

“Anyway...” she said after delicately clearing her throat. “As busy as I’ve been with the new business and moving into the condo, there has been very little time for a social life.”

“Aside from tonight. Sorry for bringing it up again, but what’s the story with the asshole? Were you dating long? Was it serious?”

“No. I just met him today. He’s the mechanic fixing my car. Or he was.”

He reached for her wineglass and set it on the bedside table. When he turned back to face her, he struggled for calm as he asked for clarification. “You’re telling me you met this guy today, went out with him for the first time tonight, and let him take you home? Have you no sense of caution or self-preservation, woman? What did you know about him other than where he worked?”

“I know he was a huge mistake.”

“A potentially fatal mistake! For all we know, he’s a serial rapist or murderer. What’s his name and what garage does he work at?”

As he spoke, he pulled out his phone and dialed. Then he relayed the information to Spence one of their detectives.

“What are you doing?”

“Running a check on the prick.” He paused as he listened to the rundown from the man on the other end. “Let me know as soon as you find out. No matter what time it is.”

When he ended the call, he twisted to face her. He didn’t want to scare her more than she already was, but she needed to know how badly she’d fucked up, as had he.

“I thought he was your boyfriend, or at least someone you knew and were dating, or I wouldn’t have let him walk. Damn! I never figured you’d go out with a complete stranger, and that’s why I let you make the call.” Reese stood by her bedside for a moment, allowing his anger and frustration to cool. “He’s got a rap sheet with a prior domestic assault conviction and multiple DUIs. He was also driving on a suspended license. Spence is going to check out-of-state priors as well, since he’s only lived in Tennessee for a year.”

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