Page 93 of Noel Secrets

Finally at six thirty, Price opened the fridge to look through his options. The fridge was stocked, but cooking for himself held little appeal. If he made the most fragrant meal possible, would that bring her out of her room? Maybe if he banged the pots and pans really loudly?

There was a rap on the front door. He rushed to it, grateful for the distraction from being alone with his thoughts.

Easton Coleville stood on the other side with a little girl at his side.

“We gots you dinner,” the child proclaimed.

“Thank you.” Price stepped aside and they strode in, Easton carrying a large covered tray and his daughter a loaf of bread. As if Price didn’t have enough homemade bread already on the counter in this cabin.

“Captain Price Sanderson,” Easton said, setting the tray on the small dining room table. “This is my beautiful daughter Princess Presley.”

“A princess?” Price asked, bending low in a bow. “I’m honored to meet you, Princess Presley.”

“Thank you, Sir Captain.” Presley beamed at him. She was a beautiful child with a cloud of blonde hair and teal-blue eyes. She had on cowboy boots just like her dad’s, but hers were pink. “The honor is mine.” She gave him a cheeky grin as she set the bread down. “Where’s your lady fair?”

“Resting,” he managed, his neck feeling tight and hot. Sadly Addie wasn’t his ‘lady’ and had been ‘resting’ all day and might do so all evening too. More correct would be avoiding him.

Easton studied him as if he knew the truth. He’d seen the way Addie acted around him. “We’ve got to head back for gingerbread house decorating at Mama’s. You all are welcome to join us if Addie feels up to that, or just give me a call and Cassie, Presley, and I could come by and visit later. Hate to have you alone at Christmastime.”

Easton was a bragger but a really great guy. Price wasn’t longing for company; he was longing for Addie’s company.

“Thank you. I’ll let you know. Have fun decorating gingerbread houses, Princess Presley.”

“I will excel at it, I amcertain,” Presley said regally.

Price smiled and Easton gave his daughter a proud look.

“Okay, high and mighty princess. Let’s go.” Her dad swept her off the ground and turned her upside down. She squealed and laughed as Easton carried her out of the house.

“Thanks again,” Price called, shutting and deadbolting the door on their laughter, then setting the alarm. Would the noise bring Addie out of her room?

He lifted the covering off the platter and found smoked brisket, homemade macaroni and cheese, roasted vegetables, and an apple pie. It all looked and smelled delicious. His stomach rumbled. He covered it back up and paced for a few more minutes, giving Addie a chance to come down.

When there was no movement upstairs, he decided as her bodyguard he had to at least check on her. He pumped up the stairs and rapped on the door. He waited a bit. No response.

Knocking again, he called out, “Addie?”

Nothing.

His stomach turned uncomfortably, and his neck prickled. What if she wasn’t all right? The ranch was secure and he’d swept the house, but … whoever bombed her house was a step ahead. What if they’d come in when he was distracted?

He cautiously opened the door. The interior of the room was dark and quiet. He listened intently, but the heater was running and he couldn’t hear Addie breathing. His anxiety spiked. He crept closer to the bed, his eyes adjusting to the dark.

Addie was curled on her side under the covers, her hair spread out on the pillow. She looked all right, but something prompted him to lean closer and check her breathing. Her sweet caramel scent swirled around him, and he realized though his stomach was empty and grumbling, he was much more hungry for Addie in his arms.

He couldn’t think like that. Addie was angry at him, and he was here to protect her. If he would’ve stayed in control andnot returned her kisses with such hunger, she might not be so furious at him now.

Lifting his hand, he held his fingers underneath her nose. He could feel her soft breath on his skin. How long had she been sleeping? Would she sleep clear through the night? She must’ve been drained from everything that happened last night and not resting well on the plane.

His finger brushed the skin just above her lip. Addie’s eyes blinked open. In the dark he didn’t get the full power of their blue depths, but she was alluring lying there with her lids heavy, staring at him.

“Price?” she whispered. “Are we in danger?”

“No,” he reassured her. “All’s well. You slept through lunch. Millie sent dinner. I was … worried.” That was all right to admit to.

She stretched her hands up above her head and he had to concentrate on her face. For this moment, she didn’t seem angry at him.

“Hungry?” he managed, hiding the hunger for her that was gnawing at him, begging him to reach for her and hold her close. He eased back to give her some space.