Her Christmas Protector. Terri Reed

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      No, she didn’t think so. She was ninety-nine percent sure she’d be safe.

      She’d worry about the other one percent later.

      TWO

      Hire her, Luke thought to himself immediately, and then heard himself say, “You’re hired.”

      Her eyes rounded in surprise. “Just like that?”

      Luke hesitated. He knew next to nothing about this woman and yet, when he looked into her eyes, the haunted expression that had bothered him earlier seemed to recede. “Just like that.”

      “I’ll…get my bags.”

      “Here, let me,” Luke offered as he opened the door. But she was already hurrying away.

      Luke drummed his fingers on the door. Okay, Lord. I trust You know what You’re doing. Whatever You have planned, I’m with You.

      Still, he couldn’t shake the unsettled knot in the pit of his stomach.

      As Faith approached, Luke climbed out from behind the wheel and took her bags. He put them in the back and then helped her into the rig. “You travel light for someone who’s been out touring the country.”

      “Easier to pack up and go.”

      Luke climbed back behind the wheel and wondered what made her need to “pack up and go.”

      He clamped his jaw tight. Why couldn’t God have provided some nice grandmotherly type, someone he could easily dismiss from his mind?

      Luke slanted Faith a glance as he pulled out onto the street. Something about the way she held herself spoke of a quiet strength he found appealing. He wasn’t immune to her physical charms, either.

      He liked the straight line of her nose and the stubbornness of her jaw. Her blond hair swung about her shoulders and he could almost imagine the feel of the silken strands gliding across his palm.

      Resolutely, he shook the sensation away. He really didn’t need this.

      Suddenly, Faith moved, throwing herself on the floor and he nearly careened into a building. He eased up on the gas pedal. “What are you doing?”

      Her hunted expression reappeared, making her look wide-eyed and scared. “I…think my…ear…earring fell out,” she stammered and patted the floorboards.

      For several seconds she continued to search the floor.

      There’d been no jewelry adorning her ears. Interesting. “Find it?”

      “Yes.” She attempted to sit up but her purse went flying to the floor, scattering paraphernalia at their feet. Diving down, she retrieved her goods.

      Luke could have sworn she’d nudged her purse off the seat on purpose. Curiosity burned in his gut. “Room and board.”

      He glanced down at her bent head. He noticed one hand held her purse while the other put air into the purse’s opening. His curiosity cranked up a notch and his brows drew together.

      She peeked at him through a veil of blond hair. “Excuse me?”

      She was acting so…odd. Luke forced his attention on the road ahead of them. “I said, room and board. Plus two-hundred dollars a week.”

      “That sounds perfect.” Her muffled voice held relief.

      They passed through town and he waved at several people. Then the realization hit him. She didn’t want anyone to see her leaving with him.

      Why?

      Luke turned the truck onto the road leading to his parents’ ranch. “We’re out of town. You’re safe now.”

      Faith started and sat up. Her face flushed a deep crimson. “What do you mean?”

      He nodded toward the floor. “You find everything?”

      “Huh? Oh, yes. Thanks.” She turned away from him, her hands clasped into a tight knot.

      Seeing her knuckles turn white, he felt the need to assure her and calm her fears. “Relax, Faith. It’s going to be okay.”

      The fearful expression in her eyes told him she wasn’t convinced.

      A little small talk might ease the situation. “Where are you from?”

      “Back east.”

      “Back east is a big place,” he stated with wry amusement.

      One corner of her mouth lifted. “New York.”

      He arched an eyebrow. “It’s a big state.”

      She slanted a glance his way. “Yes. It is.”

      He’d bet she came from money. The graceful table manners she’d displayed and her cultured speech oozed private school, which only left him more intrigued.

      “The countryside is so beautiful and peaceful,” she commented, then asked, “Have you lived here your whole life?”

      “Born and raised.” He didn’t mention he’d left at eighteen and only recently returned.

      “How long ago did your mother have her heart attack?”

      “Two weeks.” He’d wanted a nurse to care for his mother just in case she suffered another attack, but the doctor had assured him she would be back to normal soon. All she needed was rest and a little exercise. And someone constantly making sure she was doing just that. Someone besides Reva May Scott.

      “What does your family think of your see-America jaunt?” he asked.

      She pressed her lips together and shrugged. “Who’s Reva?”

      She was good at changing the subject. “That’s a complicated question.”

      He thought for a moment how best to answer. “Her father and my dad were good friends. When her mother took off after she was born, her dad started drinking. My dad tried to step in as much as possible for them.”

      “That was generous. So you two are like siblings then?”

      He let out a short laugh. Reva would disagree. “Yeah, something like that.”

      “I take it from what you told Ethel, Reva and your mother don’t get along.”

      “No, they don’t. Mom tried real hard with her when Reva was a little girl, but…” He shrugged. “Reva would never accept my mom.”

      “That’s too bad,” Faith commented, her expression thoughtful. “I hope your mom will be okay with me coming home with you.”

      Letting up on the gas, the Bronco slowed as he turned onto the gravel drive. “I wouldn’t be bringing you home if I didn’t think I was making the right decision.”

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