Page 74 of Holiday Hostage
Tarron slid an arm behind Payton when she relaxed into the couch with her now-cold cocoa. “The plan was to get in and out without notice.”
“I ruined that. I didn’t know who they were, and I panicked.” She blushed when I winked at her.
“She knocked me and Tarron on our asses, is what she did.” They drew me into the storytelling, and I couldn’t help adding my perspective. “We deserved it.”
The memory of that moment would be seared in my mind forever.
I ran my thumb across my lip.
Even healed, I felt the reminder of her sharp defense.
We continued the story, talking Dad through every moment, even my getting shot, with careful detail.
He listened without interruption, his expressions shifting as the story progressed. “This Jack Wilson.” Anger charged his expression. “He’s the reason for your discharge?”
“Yes.” I nodded once, not trusting my voice to say more.
“Then I hope he’s attacked by a bear and eaten alive.” Dad grunted and stood. “And that’s better than he deserves.”
“Probably hurt the bear to eat something so horrible.” Payton settled deeper into the couch.
Dad’s laughter reminded me of all the years we’d spent hunting and fishing together.
“True. Shouldn’t wish that on a poor, innocent creature.” Dad took his time looking around the room. The grin he gave me was different from any I’d seen before. It said he saw and understood what was happening with us.
It didn’t help that the three of us hung onto Payton’s every word, or that we moved in sync with her.
“You’re lucky your father knew the right men to call. You’re in good hands with my Reed, and now that I’ve met Maverick and Tarron, I trust them too.” Dad meant every word.
He wasn’t the type to blow smoke to make people like him.
He spoke the truth, even when it made people dislike him.
That was Dad.
Honesty and integrity were so deep in his DNA that he couldn’t lie his way out of a paper bag.
Dad made his way to the kitchen, talking to us over his shoulder. “You’ll be home as soon as the snow clears.”
A flash of something darted over Payton’s expression.
It almost looked like regret, and the weight that had been winding around my heart eased.
I almost brought it up. Mav and Tarron might be ready to let Payton go, but not me.
Based on how they’d acted this week, they wanted to keep her around, too.
Now that I’d had a taste of her, I struggled with the idea that our time was drawing to a close.
Tarron and Payton engaged in a whispered conversation, their blonde heads bent together.
I massaged the back of my neck.
The pinch of healing muscles pulled at my arm, and I shifted out of the uncomfortable chair, joining Dad in the kitchen.
“I’m glad you’re here.” I handed him a cup when he reached for the coffee pot. “Sorry I haven’t been home to visit in a while.”
“Son, you do honorable work. I miss you, but I’m not the type to sit and wring my hands. It’s enough for me that you’re happy.” He blew out a sigh that caused steam to rise from the coffee held close to his mouth. “You’re part of something you love, and you’re helping people.” His grin did that thing where it made his eyes crinkle at the edges.
