Page 91 of Noel Secrets
“It appears she already knows everything,” Price murmured in her ear.
She startled at his nearness. “Like how handsome you are?”
He grinned.
“I like her,” she whispered back, liking this moment of camaraderie with Price.
“It’s obvious she likes you. Not that anybody could blame her.”
Addie found herself smiling. “It’s obvious she thinks you’re handsome. Not that anybody could blame her.”
He grinned at her, and she was swept back to how easy it had been to fall for him.
No. He’d betrayed her and broken her heart. What was she thinking? Camaraderie? With a liar who’d broken her? Just as she was staring into those alluring brown eyes now, she’d looked into them and he’d lied straight out to her. She couldn’t trust him or let down her walls.
Addie stiffened and strode toward the kitchen. She’d have to use the Colevilles as a buffer between her and Price. That might be hard with Millie and Easton teasing them, but she would stay strong. Price might be handsome as Millie said, and his dark eyes could make her stomach flip flop, but it hurt too much. Soon another bodyguard would be sent to replace him and that would be a relief.
Why, then, as she caught his searing gaze on her, did she feel devastated at the thought of not seeing Price again?
Chapter Fourteen
Price savored each bite of the delicious homemade breakfast that just fit this family, home, and location and made him miss his own mom and family. The bacon, eggs, hash browns, and homemade bread complete with raspberry jam all had the distinctive taste of being made with loads of butter and love. Millie and Easton tried to draw Price and Addie out, but mostly Addie succeeded in keeping them talking about their family, specifically the ‘most adorable little girl on earth Presley’ as referred to by her grandmother.
Millie gave them each hugs goodbye after breakfast, telling them, “Come eat or hang out with us anytime, but I know how you need a little bit of privacy.” She lowered her voice and said to Price, “You take care of our beautiful sweetheart Addie now. All right, handsome?”
Price nodded his agreement.
Easton drove them to their cabin. Addie looked unsteady on her feet as Price trailed behind her and Easton on the shoveled walkway and up to a picture-perfect looking, two-story Montana cabin. Was she tired or overwhelmed or scared of her attacker or scared of being alone with Price?
Focusing on the house, he renewed his promise to himself that he would take care of her and keep her safe. If she’d let him.
At least until Aiden replaced him.
The cabin was a quarter the size of the main house. Two stories, a dark wood finish, with a wide front porch and lots of windows. Easton escorted them in, and Price took stock of an open living area with a loft above the kitchen. The kitchen looked to have top of the line appliances, and the living area had leather sofas and a big screen.
“The fridge and pantry are stocked, and you can see Mama left baked goods for you on the counter,” Easton explained. “She was upset about not having time to get the Christmas decorations out.”
“Oh my, she’s too sweet,” Addie said. “We’re … okay.” She looked at Price and away. They were far from it, but he knew she meant okay without a Christmas tree.
“Well, you’re welcome to go chop a tree down and pull out the decorations in the closet under the stairs if you want, but Mama’s got plenty of Christmas decorations and holiday food, and she always cooks every meal like she’s feeding the football team.” Easton grinned. “You’re welcome for any meal or any time at the main house, but if you all want to hunker down and be together, we understand.” He gave Price a not-so-secretive wink.
If only the man’s misperceptions of them being a couple were correct.
“We’ll eat all our meals in the main cabin,” Addie said, not glancing at Price.
His stomach dropped. He’d thought a few times this morning she’d started to soften to him, but he’d probably been making it up in his head. If he could get her alone, could he explain and would she listen? He’d had her alone the entire plane ride and hadn’t gotten brave enough to force the subject. Not thatthey’d talked much. Mostly they both attempted to sleep, but he suspected Addie hadn’t gotten any more rest than he had.
“All right.” Easton shrugged and gave Price a helpless look. He had tried to play wingman, but it clearly wasn’t working.
Price smiled despite his own helplessness at fixing this mess with Addie. Easton felt a lot like some of his brothers in the Navy. He liked the guy and his overconfidence.
“We also have a fabulous gym and sparring ring in the barn if you need to fit a workout in,” Easton continued. “When we have a break between snowstorms like today, we try to clear the trails so we can get outside on a run or we have the horses tramp the trails down if it’s not too thick of snowfall. Anywhere within the ranch’s fence line is safe. Please let us know when you want to get outside. One of us or our impressive ranch hands, all of whom are former military and continue their training with Papa Jared, can accompany you if you do want to ride horses or go for a run.”
“Thanks,” Price said, appreciating their diligence at keeping Addie safe. It felt like overkill but they were the experts and he was grateful for the support. What was his role supposed to be? Boyfriend to Addie or bodyguard? Could he do both?
“Sure thing. Now, upstairs there’s three bedrooms and a couple baths. I’ll let you two work out where you sleep, but Eva has a bunch of girlie clothes and products in the bathroom and closet of the master. Of course she doesn’t know who you are, but she said to tell you to please use anything and everything you need.” He nodded to Addie. “We’ve dealt with this situation before, so there are new toothbrushes, beauty products, underwear, clothes, and shoes for you as well.”
“Thank you,” Addie said. “I can’t believe I didn’t put it together. Mama talked about her daughter-in-law being the top actress, but my mind is slow today. Eva Chevron Coleville, the actress? You said they’re in Australia filming a movie? Yourbrother is the Navy SEAL hunk Captain Miles Coleville who rescued and married Eva Chevron?”
