Page 78 of The Clause in Christmas
Derek surveyed the empty bag of popcorn and the blanket puddled on the couch. “Movie night?”
Cassie sighed, slipping on her coat so Derek would get the hint. “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
“Classic.” Derek nodded, smiling slightly as Cassie struggled into the sleeves. “Wait. Your hair is caught on your—” He reached for a strand of hair tangled in her necklace and froze. The blood drained from his face as his fingers coiled around the charm.
“I’ll get it.” Cassie hastily tried to brush his hand aside, but he wouldn’t let go.
Color rushed to Derek’s previously pale face. “Why do you…” His words faltered as if he couldn’t bring himself to say them aloud.
Cassie opened her mouth to explain, but hesitated, realizing her feelings had completely changed. The necklace had lost all ties to her heart. It was merely a thing. A meaningless bauble. And one she no longer wanted. “Derek, let go.”
“Tell me why you’re wearing this.” His tone was sharp, accusatory. And his flush deepened, a mixture of shame and confusion.
“If you would let go…” Cassie took a step back, eager to break Derek’s hold and remove the necklace once and for all.
But as Derek followed, his toe caught on the edge of the rug.
He fell forward, ripping the necklace from around her throat.
Startled, Cassie released a clipped scream.
* * *
Luke’s heart pounded in his chest as the elevator rose to the seventh floor of Cassie’s apartment building. The entire car ride he’d gone over what he planned to say, but when the metal doors slid open, his mind went blank.
All he wanted was to tell Cassie he loved her, kiss her deeply, and never let her go.
The hall light flickered as he approached Cassie’s front door, and Luke was surprised to find it wide open.
Then he heard her scream.
Barreling into the apartment, Luke spotted a man lying on the floor. Cassie stood over him, shock etched across her face.
“Are you okay?” Luke asked.
Cassie nodded, her eyes widening even further at the sight of him.
That’s all Luke needed before yanking the intruder to his feet.
“Easy!” the man grunted, cradling his nose. “Something might be broken.”
“If it’s not, it will be,” Luke growled.
The man narrowed his eyes over his knuckles as if assessing his competition. “Andyouare?”
“You first,” Luke demanded, one hand still around his collar.
“Derek Price. Cassie’s business partner.”
“That’s a lie.” It took all of Luke’s self-control not to punch him right then and there.
“Ask her.” Derek tilted his head in Cassie’s direction.
Confused, Luke glanced at Cassie. “Cass?”
Cassie dragged her gaze from the floor. It appeared to take great effort for her to look him in the eye. “I can explain.”
Stunned, Luke’s grip slipped from the man’s collar.
