created a path for visitors to follow. Local residents were selling everything from handmade quilts to peach preserves.
Addison made sure no one was watching and lowered the collar of her turtleneck shirt. Rachel Harrison, her friend and paralegal, winced. “Oh, Addy. That’s awful.”
“It looks worse than it feels. The doctor said the bruising should disappear in a week. Truth is, I’m thankful. Things could’ve been so much worse.”
“It was fortunate Jason and Connor intervened.” Rachel tugged on the end of her french braid before tossing it over her shoulder. “I’ve spoken with everyone else at the office. None of them have been followed, and no one recognized the SUV in the video you sent.”
“That’s a relief.” Addison had forwarded the surveillance video of the SUV to her coworkers. She worked at a nonprofit that aided domestic abuse survivors. If the attack was connected to her job—a client’s spouse bent on revenge—anyone at the office could be a target. “Still, everyone should be extra cautious until the police catch my attacker.”
“I’ve made that clear. Have the police spoken to Michael McCormick?”
“I don’t know. I’m heading over to the station for an update after the event is over. Trevor should be there.”
Rachel blew out a breath and picked up a donated suit jacket. “To be honest, I’m hoping Michael is your attacker. Is that awful?”
“If it is, you and I are in the same boat.”
Addison didn’t want to consider the alternative. Last night’s attack was horrible, but it was the hacked security system and the surveillance video of the SUV passing by her house that truly spooked her. Did she have a stalker? If so, was he here now? Watching her?
A shiver raced down her spine.
The crowd parted. Jason strolled toward their booth. His thermal shirt molded to the muscles in his biceps and stretched across his broad chest. Connor marched at his side. Jason had offered to attend the Winter Fair with Addison to protect her. It was a thoughtful gesture, and she had to admit, having him close eased her anxiety. Maybe it was wrong, but she felt safe with him in a way that defied logic.
He’d saved her life, which instantly bonded them, but it was deeper than that. Telling Jason about her ex-husband had been difficult. Addison rarely shared the information with others. Too often people were judgmental or pitying. Both reactions were hard to take. But Jason had been understanding. Kind.
His response had brought the entire evening’s emotional toll to a boil, and Addison hadn’t been able to stop herself from weeping. Jason’s embrace had been tender and comforting. The memory heated her cheeks. Addison hid the color in her face by greeting Connor with enthusiasm. She scratched the dog behind the ears. His tongue lolled out.
Jason tucked his hands in the pockets of his cargo pants, his gaze skipping over the booth. “Y’all got a lot of donations.”
Addison nodded. “I know. Isn’t it great? These dresses and suits are going to make a big difference to the women at the shelter. Having the right clothes for an interview seems like a minor thing, but it matters. The church said they’re planning to host the Dress Drive every year.”
A woman drove up. Rachel bustled over to collect the donated garments, waving off Addison’s offer to assist. From the way she hugged the driver, Rachel was friends with her. The two women started talking.
Addison offered Jason a bottle of cold water from a cooler under the table and then opened one for herself. It didn’t escape her notice that Jason’s body was positioned outward, his gaze constantly scanning the crowd. She kept her voice low. “Do you think he’s here?”
“I haven’t noticed anything strange.”
The tension in Addison’s spine relaxed. Maybe their suspicions were wrong, and the attack was a one-off. She took a sip of her water. The cool liquid soothed her sore throat. “Thanks again for arranging the new security system. It was nice to meet Kyle. Were you guys in the military together?”
He shook his head. “Different branches. We met in the VA hospital, shared the same room. Then Kyle’s cousin, Nathan, was injured while on a mission overseas. The three of us grew tight, helping each other through physical therapy and stuff.”
She smiled. “That’s nice.”
“It is. They’re great guys. I’d trust them with my life.”
High praise coming from Jason. He was selective about his friendships. It was a trait Addison could appreciate. After her divorce, she’d also been slow to develop new relationships. It was