hands formed into fists. “We’re done here. Get off my land, Bennett. If you have any other questions, call my personal attorney.”
Eight
The conversation with Malcolm plagued Bennett all the way home, while eating dinner with his family, and even during decorating the Christmas tree. A headache crept across his temples and his back muscles were tight with tension. The more he thought about the case, the more questions he had.
“Stop scowling.” Emilia elbowed him. “You look like the Grinch.”
Βennett blinked, jerked from his thoughts, and took in the scene unfolding in the living room. His father detangled lights while his mother unwrapped ornaments. Sage and her family were adding tinsel to the Christmas tree. Liz, pigtails bobbing, wriggled with excitement. Her grin couldn’t get any wider.
Bennett shook his head and turned back to Emilia. “Sorry. My mind is working overtime.”
“I know. Mine too. But I don’t want to ruin this for your family. They’re having a great time.”
She’d been through an ordeal over the last few days, and yet Emilia still thought of Bennett’s family. The woman was downright amazing. Brave, smart, caring. Not to mention drop-dead gorgeous. Emilia’s dark hair flowed loose over her shoulders, and she was wearing a red sweater, which highlighted the natural color in her cheeks. Bennett was tempted to touch the creamy skin along her collarbone.
Lord, I’m going to fall in love with her at this rate. Help me get through this with my heart intact.
Bennett tore his gaze from Emilia and eyed the popcorn strand they were making for the tree. It wasn’t even half done. He reached into the bowl and retrieved a kernel of popcorn before carefully threading it.
Emilia attempted to do the same on her side, but the popcorn broke in half. She smiled ruefully. “I’m not very good at this.”
“There’s a trick to it.” Bennett grabbed another kernel and handed it to her. “Thread it through the center.”
She made a second attempt and again the popcorn broke. Emilia blew out a frustrated breath.
Bennett’s mouth curved up. “You’re trying too hard. This isn’t war, Emilia. You don’t have to force the popcorn onto the strand.”
He took another kernel and then her hand. Her palm was warm, the bones delicate and feminine. Bennett’s heart skipped a beat. Together, they threaded a kernel onto the strand. It stayed in one piece, slipping on the dental floss easily.
“Better watch out, Bennett. Now I know your secret.” Emilia’s eyes sparkled with mischievousness. “Apparently, everyone in the family is upset that you always string the most popcorn garland. Your mom promised me extra apple cider if I beat you this time.”
Bennett burst out laughing. “It’ll never happen, Em.”
“Uncle B, Uncle B.” Liz appeared at his side. “Can you help me put the star on the tree? You’re the tallest person in the family.”
Bennett smiled at his niece. “Sure thing, kiddo.”
For the next hour, they continued with the tree. Lights, popcorn garland, and ornaments. Holiday music filtered from the speakers and a fire blazed in the hearth. It was homey, and by the time the tree was finished, Bennett’s headache had faded.
The living room emptied little by little. Sage and her crew went home. Zeke was suffering from a head cold and, after saying goodnight, went to bed. Bennett helped his mom carry the last of the dessert dishes into the kitchen.
“There’s more apple cider for you and Emilia to share.” Joanna set plates into the sink. “Oh, and a box came for you today. I set it on the bookshelf next to the door.”
“Thanks.” He smiled at his mom. “Go to bed. I’ll handle the dishes. You look tired.”
She patted his cheek. “You’re a good son. Love you.”
“Love you too.”
He made quick work of the dishes before pouring the apple cider into two mugs and carrying them back into the living room.
Emilia was standing next to the window, watching the lights on the tree flicker. She smiled at him. “We did a good job, didn’t we?”
“Yes. It looks great.” He handed her a mug. “Here, apple cider.”
She took the cup and thanked him. Bennett set his down on the coffee table before retrieving the delivery box from the bookshelf. He opened it, removing a bracelet. It had a simple round charm with a cross etched on it. “I have something for you.”
Emilia’s brows arched at the sight of the jewelry in his hand. “You bought me a bracelet?”
“It’s a safety device. The charm has a GPS tracker inside.”
He undid the clasp and wrapped it around