Page 122 of Nice Guys Don't Kiss Like That At Christmas
"I love you, too."
My phone buzzes in my pocket.Then again.I pause under the town square gazebo, decorated within an inch of its architectural life with lights and garland, to check.
The first message is from Claire:
Claire
Eve!Chuck is on Second Chance app AGAIN.Different name but same profile pic.He's targeting nursing students with that 'I can mentor your career' line he used on you.Someone needs to stop him.
The second makes my blood freeze:
LC Hospital
[LP1]This way if he’s referring to time ??
Tick tock...podcast recording tomorrow.Final chance, Eve.
Adam notices my expression instantly.“What is it?”
I show him both messages, watching his face darken.The muscle in his jaw ticks—a tell I’ve come to recognize, cataloging it clinically alongside “pupils dilating” and “nostrils flaring slightly” in my mental file ofAdam Harrison Restraining Himself from Violence.
“That manipulative piece of—”
“Wait.”I cut him off, an idea forming as I stare at Chuck’s text.“What if...”
Adam quiets, head tilting slightly, the same way he listens to frightened animals, with complete attention.Dorothy abandons her snow excavation and press against my leg, like she senses something’s wrong.
“What if I change my profile location to Chicago?”The plan crystallizes as I speak.“Make him think I’m considering moving back, giving in.”
Adam’s eyebrows lift.“You think he’d fall for that?”
“Chuck can never resist gloating when he thinks he’s winning.”I’m already unlocking my phone, updating my profile while Blanche watches with what I swear is approval.“If I make him think I’m wavering...”
“He’ll show his hand,” Adam finishes, a slow smile spreading across his face.
“Exactly.”I look up at the Christmas decorations surrounding us, at the small-town holiday cheer that feels so different from the sterile hospital corridors where Chuck tried to diminish me.“I need to give him a taste of victory.And Sally mentioned Lady Grey’s future daughter-in-law, Maddie, has a podcast she’d love to have us on.I’m contacting her and we can see with Mike about the lawyer who could help.”
“And I’ll chat with Landon about the funding.”Adam’s eyes find me as he tucks a strand of hair behind my ear, his touch lingering.“You’re brilliant, you know that?”
“Thanks.”And I raise on my toes to give him a soft kiss. Being the Ice Queen doesn’t mean I can’t feel.It means I choose who gets my warmth.
And Chuck?He’s getting nothing but frostbite.
By the time we reach the B&B again, our plan is fully formed.Adam releases the dogs in the room while I settle on the desk and start typing.
Chapter forty
EVE
GROUP CHAT: CHUCK'S PICKLE IS UP.
Harper
Really?That makes it sound like he has a hard on.
Changes group name to: CHUCK DOESN'T HAVE A PICKLE LEFT.
Julie
