Page 105 of Noel Secrets

She clung to him. The veggies burned in the pan, but Price didn’t care. All he cared about was Addie. And she was going to walk out of his life in a few hours.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Pilot Paul was waiting for them. It had been rough saying goodbye to their Coleville friends. Presley had been especially upset that her ‘Sir Captain’ was leaving her. Addie had cried far too much this morning and really appreciated Price’s patience and tenderness with her. Him holding her when the combination of relief and belated horror knowing it was finally over hit her. She’d cried over all she’d lost, especially the hope of a relationship with Price. Her home and possessions could be replaced. He couldn’t.

Walker had driven them to the airport. It had been a quiet ride. She’d missed Easton’s teasing and bragging, but he was apparently in no condition to drive. Mama Millie did scold Price for that, and he apologized. She forgave him quickly, admitting Easton ‘egged everyone on’.

They greeted friendly Paul and loaded up into the plane.

“Only a few hours to Jade Valley,” Paul said. “There’s a small airstrip I can land on, and your family will be waiting there for you.”

“Thank you.” Tears threatened to surface again. She had felt displaced and lonely, but she’d had Price. Even though she’dbeen furious at him, he’d been there for her. If only she still wasn’t longing for a relationship with him.

They got settled in the luxurious recliners, side by side. Price was quiet as the plane ascended. Addie wasn’t sure what to say and wanted him to start. She didn’t even know how she’d respond. The anger was gone and even some of the hurt, but she still wasn’t sure how to rebuild the trust she’d so easily given him before the reveal that he was being paid to be there for her. It was a muddle in her mind. They’d pushed it to the side because she wasn’t ready and enjoyed Christmas with the Colevilles.

Was it finally time to face it all head on? Just like she was going to have to face going back to Cape Cod with no home or possessions in a week?

“There’s been a ticking time clock in my head today,” Price said quietly. He focused on her as the plane leveled off. “I guess now we know why.”

She nodded, realizing as Price held her that she had nothing—no clothes, no house, no life—but she wanted to let grudges go and listen to him.

He drew in a breath. “The last thing I want to do is upset you, Addie, but …” He swallowed. “I care deeply for you, and I’d appreciate being able to share some things with you. It will take some time for you to trust me, I know, but I’m praying it’s possible.”

Addie could only nod again. Time and some miracles. She was pretty damaged where men and trust were concerned, and Price had added to that.

“After you and the detectives talked to me outside of Quincy Market,” he began, “I got a call from Aiden. Your sister Daphne had requested me as a full-time bodyguard. I was leery because I knew you’d suspected me of sending the notes and photos and didn’t trust me.”

“I didn’t really suspect you,” she interrupted. “The captain was just checking every angle.”

“Makes sense. And I don’t blame you. All of this is on me.”

She cocked her head. He was so willing to take the blame. It made it hard towantto blame him.

“I signed the contract with Daphne’s fiancé and agreed to watch over you from a distance. Aiden’s people rented the bungalow four houses down from yours. I set up all my equipment, sensors, and cameras.”

She shivered at that. Price had been watching her. It was to protect her, but she still felt uneasy about it.

“When Travis came after you, I had to intervene. That night … I didn’t know what to say. Daphne’s instructions were not to tell you I was guarding you. I told you that Daphne didn’t hire me, but now you know that Vance did.”

She swallowed, not sure what to say right now. He had lied to her, and she’d believed him. It still hurt.

“Then you kissed me, and Addie … it was wrong of me to kiss you back, but I lose my head when we kiss. As you’ve probably noticed. It’s no excuse, but it’s true. Your kiss takes me to a different world, and I forget every pain and responsibility.”

Addie’s body filled with warmth. Their kisses were mind-altering and incredible; she could agree to that. She drew in a breath and bit her lip, still studying him and letting him talk.

“That night, Daphne called me.”

“That stinker,” Addie muttered.

“She loves you and was convinced she knew the best route to take.” Price lifted his hands, looking miserable. “She convinced me to not tell you yet. She promised me she would tell you when the time was right and that she would take the blame. Not that I wanted her to take the blame, but she was convincing, especially as …”

Pausing, he looked uncomfortable. He didn’t meet her gaze, which was rare for him.

“Especially as?” she prompted.

He drew in a breath. “I failed at my marriage, Addie. Jaydyne was young and immature too, but the blame was all on me. I don’t do well with relationships, especially with women.” He darted a gaze at her. “My gut instincts said I should tell you the truth, but I trusted Daphne as your sister and someone who has a lot more experience with relationships and women than I do. Again, it’s no excuse, but I’m embarrassed to admit that I’m a disaster with relationships and I obviously failed with you as well.”

There was a long pause.