Page 73 of Noel Secrets

“Your sister?”

“Daphne. Did my sister go behind my back and hire you? Daphne Belle.” She studied him, praying he wasn’t skilled at hiding the truth. Price wouldn’t hide the truth from her. Not Price.

“Daphne Belle did not hire me,” he said, holding her gaze.

Relief filled her. It still felt far too convenient that he was right here on an assignment, but at least Daphne hadn’t hired him when Addie had told her no repeatedly. “You can’t share what assignment you’re on?”

“I can’t.” He shook his head, his dark eyes pleading with her to understand. “Do you understand … why I can’t share?”

“I don’t like it,” she admitted. “But I understand and don’t want you to betray your client’s trust.”

“Thank you, Addie.”

She studied him, overwhelmed by the blessing of him being at the right place at the right time to rescue her. “Detective Thayne says you’re trustworthy. Do you think I should agree with him about that?”

He gave her a slight smile. “I do. Addie …” He looked her over. “I’m glad I was here. I’m sorry Travis was so pushy.”

She nodded. “I don’t know what I would’ve done if you hadn’t come. Thank you.”

“Anytime.” The word felt like a promise. Price would be here … for her. It was some kind of miracle that his assignment had him living four doors down.

“Did you know I lived here?” she asked.

“When I got my assignment, I figured out that was where you lived.”

It bothered her that he couldn’t share what his assignment was, but she respected him for it as well. It only showed how trustworthy and loyal he was that he wasn’t bragging about whatever job he was on. A lot of wealthy people lived on The Cape. She wondered if he was protecting one of them or if he could be watching for drug runners or traffickers using The Cape to smuggle.

“Why didn’t you … come say hello?” she asked.

He studied her, his dark eyes even more conflicted. “After our last conversation, I didn’t want to show up on your doorstep and make you stressed if you still had suspicions about me.”

She swallowed, feeling horrible that she and the detectives had accused him. If only she could change that night. Price rescuing her was a second chance she hadn’t known she’d be gifted.

When she didn’t respond, he drew in a breath, backed up a step, and gestured to her. “You should go inside. Get warm. I’m worried about your fingers.”

He was worried about her. That melted her heart even more.

“Hopefully Travis is the perp and you won’t have to worry anymore.”

“I hope so too.” She tugged open the screen door and backed into the house.

Price gave her a small smile and turned to go.

Her heart and stomach dropped. He was leaving. No chance to properly thank him.

But he turned back, and her heart soared.

“Make sure to deadbolt the door and keep the cameras on,” he said. “If it wasn’t Travis, you’re still in danger. I’m close by if you need help.”

“Oh,” she said. That wasn’t what she’d wanted him to say. “Okay.”

“Okay.” He studied her and didn’t move for a beat. She moistened her lips. Could she summon the courage to ask a superhero type of man like Price to come inside and let her give him a kiss of gratitude? Too bold? Too juvenile? Too fast? She was second guessing everything. Except for him. He was every bit as heroic and incredible as she hoped he would be.

He turned away again.

“Price.”

He glanced over his shoulder, those dark eyes full of hope. “Yes?”