Page 109 of Noel Secrets

“Is that smart with the trial tomorrow?” Gillian’s brow furrowed. “Shouldn’t you lie low?”

“I’ll text the detective over my case, but you’re right. Maybe I’ll take an Uber instead of the T.”

“Okay.”

Addie slid into her coat and grabbed her gloves. She thought of her fingers turning white and Price blowing on them to warm them up.

Detective Thayne asked her to wait and he and Detective Moshe would drive her downtown and follow her on foot at a distance. That was kind of him. When she got in the car, Detective Thayne was particularly chatty and ‘glazing’ Price, as Easton would say. She didn’t mind. Price was high in her book as well.

The detectives parked the car closer than she ever could have and trailed her. It was a cold evening, and she buried her gloved hands in her coat pockets to keep from losing circulation and having them go numb. It hurt when they got chilled and Price wasn’t around to warm them up.

Price wasn’t around. Where was he? She could ask and the detectives would probably give her his number. Should she?That was preferable to listening to Daphne crow, and she didn’t want to interrupt her sister on her honeymoon. Maybe when they got back to the car she’d ask for Price’s number.

Addie wandered aimlessly along the streets and almost ran into a booth out front of Quincy Market. She smiled at the memories here, grateful they were happy now, and wandered inside. The Christmas trees and decorations were still up. Should she buy a banana pudding? She wanted to wait until she was with Price before she ate one again.

Stepping up to the Magnolia Bakery counter, she decided a chocolate cupcake would be just the thing.

The scent of sea salt and cedar suddenly competed with the delicious scents of baked heaven.

“We’ll have two banana puddings and two waters,” a deep voice said from right behind her.

She whipped around and gasped. “Price!”

He grinned, his dark eyes searching hers as if asking if this was a good surprise.

Addie flung herself against his chest and wrapped him up tight. “I’ve missed you!”

Price lifted her off her feet and held her tight. He gave her a swift and passionate kiss. Setting her down, he said to the girl manning the counter, “Sorry. She likes me.”

The girl beamed. “I can see why. You’re hot.”

Addie laughed, realizing it was the same girl they’d ordered with a month ago.

Price paid for the treat and then ushered her over to a table. They placed their banana puddings and waters on the table but didn’t open the containers. They sat there staring at each other and grinning.

“How did you know where I was?” Addie asked.

“Thayne told me.”

“Can’t trust those detectives with any secrets.”

“Too true.” He took her hand. “How was the wedding? Did you and Daphne work things out?”

“Yes. I forgave my meddling sister for bringing you into my life.” She grinned. “The wedding and time with family was all beautiful. Except for missing you.”

“There’s a lot of me to miss.” His dark eyes looked longingly at her. “I’ve been praying for you and missing you too.”

“Thank you. Now tell me everything. Did you have a celebration with your family? When do you have to leave for a new assignment? How bad have you missed me?”

He laughed and they started talking. They talked and talked, eating bites of their treats occasionally.

Addie felt the rightness of being with him. Time could heal all wounds and time could build trust. Price seemed as patient as he was mesmerizing. She doubted they’d move fast, but she could grow in her trust for him and someday turn it into love.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Addie was floating when Price took her back to the apartment later that night. She wasn’t even concerned about the trial in the morning. Price’s appearance had taken away every worry. He gave her a tender kiss and said, “I have to leave on a job in the morning. I’m sorry I won’t be there for the trial.”

“It’s all right. I feel confident about it. Will I see you when you get back?”