Page 80 of Noel Secrets

He chuckled, but then he surprised her by taking her hand in his. She felt settled and yet like she was floating at the same time. He rested their joined hands on his muscled thigh and gently traced his thumb along the back of her hand. Addie thrilled at the touch and the connection to him.

“I haven’t found a flaw in you yet,” he said in a serious voice, his dark eyes lighting a fire inside her. Before Addie could fling herself at him, he focused on the Christmas tree lights and said quietly, “I dated Jaydyne throughout high school and we married when I was home on leave the summer after graduation. We were only nineteen.”

“Wow, that’s young.”

He nodded. “We were definitely too young and immature and selfish. Me more than her. My career, the Navy, and my ‘brothers’ meant everything to me. She hated me being gone all the time and complained nonstop about my messed-up priorities and how neglected she felt. I bought her a condo near my parents to try to help her have family around, since she didn’t have much family support. My parents and siblings tried to be there for her, but it wasn’t enough. Of course it wasn’t. She wanted a husband, not a surrogate family. When I wasdeployed, she divorced me.” He shrugged. “I didn’t fight it. She was married before I returned home.”

“That’s horrible. I’m so sorry.”

“It hurt,” he admitted, glancing at her. She could see in his eyes it still hurt. “But I made the choice to dedicate my life to the Navy and my men. Losing Jaydyne made me sink even deeper into those roles. Last year I started really second-guessing my life. The military is a young man’s playing field, and I was starting to feel beat down emotionally, spiritually, and physically.”

Addie studied his rugged and handsome face. He was so willing to be open and trust her. It meant a lot.

“My friend River talked me into retiring at our twenty-year mark and working for Aiden. The private sector has definitely been more lucrative, and I like it. I like having more time with my family, especially my nephew, though I miss being with my unit.” He smiled briefly. “A few months ago, me and my closest friend River and two of Aiden’s other men were able to do two separate security stints, two weeks each time in Europe, together. That was a lot of fun. For the most part just playing tourist and keeping an eye out.”

“That’s great. Which parts of Europe?”

“Venice and the surrounding areas. The Dolomites or Italian Alps were my favorite spot.”

“I’d give up my eyelashes to go there.”

He laughed, but then gave her a searching look. She hoped he’d say he’d love to take her there, but he continued, “The Swiss Alps was the second trip. Incredible.”

“I’ll bet.”

He leaned back against the cushion. “What about you? Serious relationships?”

She studied their clasped hands. “Not really. My sisters call me a serial dater.”

“You’ve never found anyone worth more than a few dates?”

She shrugged. “The times I’ve attempted a serious boyfriend of sorts, it didn’t go so well. A few of them got really upset when I broke up with them. One threw a vase of flowers at me.”

“Addie.” Price squeezed her hand tighter.

She drew in a breath and admitted, “The most disturbing one was this fall. Jamison is awaiting trial for assault and attempted rape. The trial date is on January fifth. I’m dreading it, but it’ll be good to have behind me.”

Price’s jaw worked but nothing came out. His dark eyes were stormy.

“Price?” She sat up straighter.

“Addie, I am terribly sorry.”

“Thank you,” was all she could think to say.

“Do you know where they’re holding this … Jamison? I’d love to pay the guy a visit and have a … chat.” The muscles in his neck tightened and his dark eyes looked stormy.

Addie smiled. Price couldn’t hurt Jamison in jail but he could, and probably would, terrify him. “Thank you,” she said again.

“I haven’t done anything to him. Yet.”

She laughed.Laughed.“Thank you again. I haven’t smiled or laughed thinking about Jamison. Not since the attack.” She hated thinking about the trial in January but couldn’t wait to put it behind her. If she could only put the awful notes behind her too.

Price released her hand, wrapped his arm around her shoulder, and cradled her against his side. “Is this okay?” he asked against her forehead.

“More than okay.” She smiled up at him. “Healing … and thrilling.”

“I didn’t realize those two words went together.”