Page 31 of Christmas With The Broken Mountain Man
"Thanks for the heads up. Keep me posted?"
"Will do. And Mason? You might want to reconsider the Christmas party tonight. Lot of people, easy for someone to blend in."
The suggestion makes practical sense, but I think of Destiny's excitement last night, her eagerness for a normal Christmas celebration. After everything she's been through, can I really take that away from her?
"We'll be careful," I promise. "Extra eyes on the crowd."
"Your call. I'll have officers present anyway. Just... watch yourselves."
I end the call, mind racing with implications. Greg is getting desperate, sending associates to do his dirty work. How long before he shows up himself? And when he does, what lengths will he go to?
"Everything okay?"
I turn to find Destiny in the doorway, concern written across her face. She's wearing one of my sweaters, the sleeves hanging past her fingertips. The sight of her in my clothes still does something primal to my insides.
"That was Tom," I admit, seeing no reason to lie. "Someone's in town asking about you. Claims to be from the California Department of Education."
Fear flashes across her face. "Greg sent him."
"Probably. Tom gave him nothing, but he's staying at the Mountain View Inn."
"We should leave." Panic edges into her voice. "If they know I'm here?—”
"Hey." I cross to her, taking her hands in mine. "We're not running. That's exactly what he wants, to scare you into the open."
"But what if?—”
"Tom knows. The sheriff's department is on alert. We have a plan." I squeeze her hands gently. "Trust me, okay?"
She takes a deep breath, visibly calming herself. "I trust you."
The simple statement hits me with unexpected force. After everything she's been through, trust doesn't come easily to her. The fact that she's placing hers in me feels monumental.
"Good." I press my forehead to hers. "Because I'm not about to let anyone hurt you. Not while I'm breathing."
She gives me a shaky smile. "My knight in flannel armor."
"Damn right." I kiss her briefly. "Now, I believe we have a dress to find for tonight."
"We're still going to the party?" Surprise colors her voice.
"Absolutely." I brush a curl from her face. "We can't hide in this cabin forever, and I refuse to let him steal your Christmas joy. We'll be careful, stick together, but we're going to that party."
Her smile is worth any risk. "In that case, I definitely need something to wear."
Sylvie's boutique is Christmas central when we arrive, racks of festive dresses, holiday music playing over the speakers, the owner herself wearing a Santa hat as she arranges a display.
"Mason Walsh!" she exclaims when we enter. "I heard rumors you'd finally been caught."
"News travels fast," I say dryly, keeping Destiny close to my side.
Sylvie winks. "And this must be the lucky lady. I'm Sylvie Chen, proud purveyor of fashion to the discerning women of Whisper Vale."
"Destiny Brooks." Destiny shakes her hand. "We're looking for something for the Christmas party tonight."
"Say no more." Sylvie circles Destiny, appraising her figure. "With those curves and that coloring, we've got plenty of options. What's your style, honey? Sexy? Classic? Whimsical?"
"Um..." Destiny looks to me uncertainly.
