Page 14 of Christmas With The Broken Mountain Man
I sink onto a stool, legs suddenly weak. "Should we cancel tonight? The tree lighting?"
"Absolutely not." Mason's voice is firm. "We stick to the plan. Be seen together, reinforce our engagement story. If your ex is watching, he needs to believe you've started a new life here."
"But what if he tries something?"
"Tom's got patrol cars watching for the Escalade. And I'll be with you the entire time." Mason comes to stand before me, taking my trembling hands in his. "I won't let anything happen to you, Destiny. I promise."
I look up into his steady blue eyes and can’t help but believe him. "Okay."
He squeezes my hands. "Now, let's figure out what you're wearing tonight. This is your big debut as my fiancée, after all."
His attempt to lighten the mood works. I laugh, tension draining from my shoulders. "Is the great Mason Walsh actually concerned about fashion?"
"I'm concerned about authenticity." He releases my hands. "If we're selling this engagement, we need to look the part."
I cock my head, studying him. "What exactly does 'the part' look like in your mind?"
"Coordinated, but not matching. Like a couple that shops together but maintains individual style." He shrugs at my surprised expression. "I have a sister, remember? I've absorbed more about women's fashion than I care to admit."
"Alright then, future husband." I stand, planting my hands on my hips. "What should I wear to impress Whisper Vale and throw my stalker ex off the scent?"
Mason considers for a moment. "That green sweater you wore yesterday. It brings out your eyes. So any top in a similar color on you would be perfect. And those jeans you came in that..." He trails off, color rising in his cheeks.
"That what?" I press, enjoying his discomfort.
He clears his throat. "That fit you well."
"You mean the ones that make my ass look fantastic?" I tease.
"Those would be the ones, yes." His frank admission surprises a laugh out of me.
"Noted. And what will you be wearing?"
"Blue button-down, dark jeans. My leather jacket." He raises an eyebrow. "Will that meet with your approval, future wife?"
The title sends a strange thrill through me. "I suppose it'll do," I say with mock seriousness. "Though you could wear a trash bag and still look ridiculously handsome."
The compliment slips out before I can stop it. Mason's eyes widen slightly, but he recovers quickly. "Careful, Brooks. Talk like that might make me think you're not entirely faking this engagement."
He says it lightly, but there's a question in his eyes that makes my heart flutter.
"Maybe I'm just a very good actress," I counter, though the wobble in my voice betrays me.
"Maybe." He takes a step closer. "Or maybe there's more truth to this charade than either of us wants to admit."
My breath catches as he tucks a stray curl behind my ear, his fingers lingering against my cheek. For a moment, I think he might finish that interrupted kiss from last night.
Instead, he steps back, mask of control firmly in place. "We should get ready. Tree lighting starts at five."
As I watch him head upstairs, I exhale slowly, trying to calm my racing pulse. This is getting complicated with feelings developing where they shouldn't. I came to Whisper Vale looking for safety. I didn't expect to find temptation in the form of a brooding mountain man therapist with gentle hands and watchful eyes.
And I definitely didn't expect to want him this badly after just a few days.
CHAPTER FIVE
MASON
The town square glows with Christmas lights as I park near the massive pine tree waiting to be illuminated. Destiny practically vibrates with excitement beside me, her enthusiasm for small-town holiday traditions both baffling and endearing.
