Total pages in book: 39
Estimated words: 36118 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 181(@200wpm)___ 144(@250wpm)___ 120(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 36118 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 181(@200wpm)___ 144(@250wpm)___ 120(@300wpm)
“Pardon.” The man didn’t even slow.
“No problem.” Tugging his phone free, he answered even as his gaze swept the room once more to linger on the woman chatting with a few others who’d already changed into their Christmas outfits. Rayla hadn’t yet but he couldn’t wait. “Talk to me.”
No reason for pleasantries. He knew who was on the other end of the line and wanted answers, not polite conversation. A woman he’d worked with while active in the military. She was amazing at what she did. Geri Britton and she’d married another ex-military man, Simon Frederick and they currently lived in The Ozarks.
“Wow, how am I? I’m great, thanks for asking Ryker.” A low muttering. “You’re good too? Great to hear.”
“Geri,” he growled.
A child cried in the background before a door closed in the background, muffling the noise. “It’s called pleasantries, Ryker. You used to have them.”
He ground his jaw, eyes locked on the woman across the room from him. If she knew he watched her, she didn’t show it. No, she joked and laughed with the three around her, complete polar opposite of when he had been around her.
A frown tugged his lips down when another man joined the ground and gave her a one-armed hug.
“You’re not even listening to me,” Geri snapped.
Stepping back so the wall supported him, he flattened his lips. “Apologies. I’m surrounded by,” a shudder, “Christmas cheer.”
“Christmas in July. It’s a big thing.”
“And this place goes all out. I have to put on a Santa suit in a little bit.”
He counted in his head while she laughed. Ryker got a good way with the numbers before she finally cleared her throat.
“Where are you?”
“A small town in Tennessee called—”
“Hallelujah Crossing?”
He blinked, glanced around then took a deep breath. “You tracking me?”
“No. Rip and Caitlyn took their son there last Christmas. Figured they weren’t going anywhere this year with having the new baby. Said it was a great place.”
Ryker nodded, he knew Rip fairly well. The ex-solider turned K-9 cop had fallen in love and married a teacher at his son’s school. Plus, it didn’t hurt that Rip and Geri’s husband, Simon, were cousins.
“We both know I’m not here for the ambiance.”
“I know.” Her tone was serious. “I’ve been keeping an eye out, Ryker. No hits on anything. He’s still all in with cash for whatever he’s doing.”
“Or he’s a captive.”
Neither of them said what they were both thinking that his brother was dead.
Chapter 2
Krissy Mae had been right. Santa was hot as fuck. Rayla did her best to keep focused on the job before her. not overly difficult because she was running hard. Honestly, she’d not thought the turnout would have been such. But when Hallelujah Crossing did something, they went all out. It was like Leavenworth but in Tennessee instead of Washington. They knew how to do this right.
Thankfully, her Christmas costume was comfortable, and they had used lightweight material, so despite all the hustle she was doing, she hadn’t yet turned into a sweaty mess. As if pulled by him, her gaze returned to Ryker who had an endearing little boy on his lap, with olive skin, pencil straight black hair and eyes that turned up a tiny bit at the corners.
Adorable.
Cue exploding ovaries.
She’d always had a thing for dad’s and kids. Even though the boy on his lap wasn’t his, her ovaries still were reminding her how freaking sexy it was. Not that Ryker looked the same as when he’d first come in the door. No, he looked like Santa.
And here I am, having dirty thoughts about what I would love to do to Santa. And have him do to me. There’s going to be coal in my stocking this year. Probably, a few to come.
Going through the motions helped to keep her centered as she did her best not to think about the hot man on the chair. Even when there were moments that she was up by him, it was strictly professional.
However, by the end of the day, she was exhausted. When the last family left, she hung her head and rubbed the nape of her neck.
“That was a long day.” Her friend popped up at her side.
“Krissy Mae, I may not make it all month.”
Her friend nudged her. “I know who I want to give me a massage.”
She didn’t even bother either looking up or in his direction, well aware she would find numerous women surrounding him. “Go for it then.” Rayla stretched. “I’m going to finish cleaning up and head out.”
Not waiting for a reply, she went back to the list of closing tasks needed to be done before they could officially head out. Moments later, she smiled as The Grass Roots pumped through speakers which previously had just been releasing holiday music. Nicholas was well known through the town, so she’d been told, of his love for throwback music.