Page 30 of Christmas With The Broken Mountain Man
When we finally break apart, we're both breathing hard. "Dinner's going to burn," she whispers against my lips.
"I don't care." I lift her onto the counter, stepping between her thighs.
"Me neither." She pulls me back for another kiss, hunger evident in her touch.
We don't make it to the bedroom. Instead, I take her right there in the kitchen, her back against the refrigerator,legs wrapped around my waist. It's frantic and primal, both of us needing this connection, this affirmation of what's growing between us.
Later, after salvaging dinner and eating by candlelight, we decorate the smaller tree for her bedroom. Destiny insists on making it themed, all silver and blue ornaments, with tiny snowflakes she cut by hand.
"My mom and I used to make these," she explains, showing me how to fold the paper just so. "Different pattern every year."
"You miss them? Your family?"
She considers the question, hanging a delicate blue ball on a branch. "Yes and no. I love them, but they never really saw me. Not all of me." She glances at me. "Not like you do."
The simple admission fills me with a fierce protectiveness. I want to be the one who always sees her, who notices when she's tired or sad or needs space. Who celebrates her victories and helps shoulder her burdens.
"Riley sent a message," I mention as we finish the tree. "Invited us to the community Christmas party tomorrow night at the school."
"A party?" Destiny's eyes light up. "With dancing?"
"Usually. It's the big event of the season. Whole town turns out."
"Then we definitely need to go." She claps her hands together. "I'll need to find something to wear. Something festive."
Her excitement is infectious. "I might know a place. There's a boutique in town, Sylvie's. She carries holiday dresses this time of year."
"Perfect! We can go tomorrow." She wraps her arms around my waist, looking up at me with sparkling eyes. "I haven't been to a proper Christmas party in years."
I'm struck again by how little it takes to make her happy. After everything she's been through, she still finds joy in simple pleasures, Christmas decorations, a community party, a new dress.
"It's a date," I promise, dropping a kiss on her forehead.
That night, I hold her close as she sleeps, mind racing with everything I want to tell her. That I've never felt this way about anyone. That the thought of her leaving after Christmas makes my chest ache. That I'm falling in love with her, no, that I've already fallen, hard and completely.
But the words stay locked behind my teeth, caution keeping them captive. It's too soon. She's still healing. Still figuring out who she is outside of Greg's influence. The last thing she needs is pressure from me, no matter how well-intentioned.
So I settle for showing her instead, through gentle touches and passionate nights, through Christmas trees and candy canes, through unwavering support and steadfast protection.
And I hope, with everything in me, that it's enough. That when the danger passes and she has real choices again, she'll choose to stay.
The next morning brings an unexpected call from Tom. "We've got a problem," he says without preamble.
I step onto the porch to take the call, not wanting to alarm Destiny. "What kind of problem?"
"Got a guy at the station asking questions about new residents. Says he's from the California Department of Education, doing a follow-up on a teacher who left her position without proper notice."
My blood runs cold. "Description?"
"Mid-forties, clean-cut, expensive suit. Not our SUV driver but definitely connected. He's got official-looking paperwork, knows Destiny's full name and former employer."
"Shit." I run a hand through my hair. "What did you tell him?"
"Standard response, no record of anyone by that name in our jurisdiction. But he didn't buy it. Said he'll be staying at the Mountain View Inn for a few days, continuing his 'investigation.'"
"He's escalating. Sending in someone who looks legitimate to ask questions."
"That's my read too." Tom's voice is grim. "I've put Martinez on alert, but we need to be careful. This guy's smart, not making direct threats, just asking questions in an official capacity."
