Page 106 of Noel Secrets

Addie wasn’t sure what to say. It broke her heart that he felt like a failure with relationships. This strong, with-it, protective man. Yet he was right. He had messed it all up. Apparently Daphne could share that blame as well.

“It hurts,” she admitted quietly. “I let myself fall for Jamison and he hurt me, in a very different way than you did. You injured me by trying to protect me, but you both lied to me and ruined my trust.”

He acknowledged that with a tight nod. “I’m sorry. I wish I could change it, but I can’t. How can I earn your trust again?”

Addie hesitated. Probably for too long. Price shifted in his seat and looked sad and uncomfortable.

“Can I ask …” She bit her lip and then the words she’d been holding in for days rushed out. “How could you do that to me? Kiss me so passionately and hold me like I was all you wanted and pretend to be interested in me?”

“Pretend?” He shook his head. “Addie. You think anything that I feel for you is pretend? It all became muddled because of the job, but I’ve never fallen like this before.”

“Your ex-wife,” she reminded him.

“I loved her, but it was a young, immature, and selfish love. I’veneverfelt like this for anyone.”

His dark eyes were so intense she could hardly hold his gaze. Finally, she looked at her hands and admitted, “It’s a lot to process and with everything else that’s happening.”

Addie didn’t even know where she’d live when she went back to Boston. Insurance claims and testifying against Jamison and work and dealing with her sister and a hundred other things were stacking up. She wanted to process everything and see if she and Price had a chance, but she didn’t know how.

“I don’t want to rush you,” he said softly.

“Unfortunately, we don’t have a lot of time.”

Price shrugged, the movement nonchalant though the look in his eyes was anything but. “I’ll give you all the time you need, Addie. I just hope that someday you’ll give me another chance. I felt we had something special, and I know you’re a very special woman. I made a lot of mistakes, and I still am not confident in relationships, but if you’re willing to try, I swear I will never keep anything from you again. I’ll do everything in my power to make you happy and prove how much I care, gain your trust as slowly as you need.”

Addie loved his words. She loved that he wasn’t confident in relationships but would try. Still, she wasn’t ready to jump in with both feet. “Thank you, Price. Let me get through the wedding, the trial, and figuring out my life again. Maybe someday we can try some banana pudding together again.”

Price smiled. “Okay.” He reached for her hand and gave it a squeeze.

“Okay.” Addie leaned back into the seat, holding onto his hand and hoping they might be able to figure out a relationship. Someday.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Price felt the tenuous thread between him and Addie. He wished it could be more, but at least she was willing to give him a chance. That was more than he’d hoped for since she found out the truth.

They held hands and talked the rest of the flight about family, friends, work, the Colevilles, her rebuilding her bungalow and how she would put central heat in.

He appreciated the way they could talk about everything. Still, when the plane descended toward the small northwestern Arizona valley that Addie called home, his stomach was twisted. If only he could stay with her, get to know her family, go to Daphne’s wedding with her.

But it was clear she was far from ready for that.

Paul landed smoothly and taxied to a stop. Price’s dread increased. He didn’t want to say goodbye.

Addie released his hand and stood. Price stood with her. Should he go meet her family or would that be too much? He looked out the window and could see a couple vehicles and a group of people.

“Thank you, Price. I guess I’ll see you … sometime.”

“If you want to.”

“I do.” She nodded. “I promise I do. I just need some time.”

“Okay.” He didn’t know what else to say.

Paul came out of the cockpit and smiled at both of them. “How was the flight?”

“Terrific,” Addie said. “You are a master.”

“Well, thank you. Loads of practice.”