My Deadly Valentine - By Valerie Hansen & Lynette Eason Page 0,66
all of those emotions and more flooded him. “I’m the one who’s honored.”
She gave a little laugh without a bit of humor in it. “That is if you don’t mind dating someone who’s a trouble magnet.”
He tightened his fingers around hers. “I don’t mind a bit. We’re going to solve this together, all right?”
A small nod. He wasn’t sure if that meant she believed him or not, but as far as he was concerned, he was back on cop duty until he was a hundred percent sure she was safe.
Holly stared into the mirror. Leigh-Ann and her mother stood behind her. “Well?”
“You’re stunning.”
“Thanks for the loan of the dress, Leigh-Ann. I waited until the last minute to even say I’d go to dinner with him so shopping wasn’t even a possibility.”
Black and red, the shin-length velvet hugged her trim form. A high neck and long sleeves would ensure warmth. The matching black leggings and boots completed the ensemble.
“Not a problem.” Her brown-eyed friend leaned over and hugged her. “Thanks for calling, I’ve missed you.”
Holly smiled and stood. “I’ve missed you, too.”
“I’m sorry I can’t make the auction tonight. I forgot to ask for the night off and my supervisor put me on the schedule, so…” She shrugged. Leigh-Ann worked as a nurse in the Bryson City hospital.
“It’s all right. Joel has to work tonight, too, doesn’t he?”
“Yes, that’s why I don’t really mind going in. But I expect to hear all about it when we have lunch next week.”
Holly hugged her. “You bet.”
Thankfully, her mother seemed to be feeling better, although she said she didn’t feel up to the chaos of the auction.
“Are you sure you’ll be all right all by yourself?” Holly hated to leave her alone for too long. Mr. Ryan had volunteered to make a last minute pickup and deliver it to the auction so even he wouldn’t be around.
“I’ll be fine, Holly. I have a number of people I can call if I need to. Now get going.”
A knock on the door sounded from downstairs and Holly’s stomach did a nosedive. Then bounced back up. Rubbing her hands together, she said, “That’s Eli.”
The three women scurried from the room. Holly peeked out the window and gulped. He sent her blood pressure soaring and her heart into overdrive. However would she make it through dinner with him without babbling like an idiot?
“Holly, open the door.” Her mother giggled like a schoolgirl. Holly’s heart warmed at the sight.
She opened the door to see Eli decked out in dress pants and a collared shirt. A black wool blazer barely contained his shoulders. It was a good thing she’d taken a peek before opening the door. She wouldn’t have been able to find her tongue.
“Hi there.” He gave her a slow smile that set the butterflies in her stomach free.
She ignored them and grinned. “Hi.”
He greeted Leigh-Ann and her mother, but never took his eyes off her. “You look stunning.”
Giggles and laughter ruptured from behind her. She rolled her eyes then smiled. “Thanks, I’m glad everyone’s in agreement tonight.”
He offered his arm; her mother handed Holly her purse and practically shoved them out the door. The only thing that marred the leaving was the cop car sitting in her drive to keep an eye on her mother. A painful reminder that all was not right with her world.
But at least her mother would be safe.
Eli opened the door of his truck and helped her up and into the seat.
Once they were on the way, Holly said, “I hate to bring this up, but have you heard any more from your friend in New York?”
“Nothing yet. I’m sure he’ll get back to me soon.”
Twisting the strap of her purse, she watched the trees zip by. “I reported what happened last night on my way down the mountain.”
“Good, at least it’ll be on record.”
“That’s what I thought, too.”
The conversation was stilted, her nerves tight. But she reveled in his presence. Could she really believe he was home for good?
“Are you really…”
“Holly, I promise…”
They’d spoken simultaneously. And just like that the ice was broken. He reached over to grasp her hand as they both laughed. “I don’t want this to be awkward.”
She took a deep breath. “I don’t, either. We used to laugh so much, remember?”
“Yeah, I do. I want that back.”
“Then let’s get it back.”
He grinned. “Deal.”
The Steak House was located on the outskirts of town off a little road that looked like it went nowhere. However, the restaurant was well visited