Christmas In Pine Ridge (Pine Ridge Romance Book 4) by Holly Stevenson

Author:Holly Stevenson [Stevenson, Holly]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction, Forever Love, Christian Stories, Faith Based, Inspirational Reads, Love Inspired, Bachelor, Single Woman, Hearts Desire, Clean & Wholesome, Life-Changes, Second Chance Reunion, Honesty & Trust, Home & Family, Lifetime Love, Romantic Schemes, Love-Family & Forever, Action & Adventure, Small Town & Rural Area, Beautiful & Feisty, Pine Ridge Romance Series, Military Service, Former Marine, Christmas Holidays & Celebration, Christmas Time, Holiday Whimsy, Festive Season, Winter Weather
Publisher: Olive Leaf Press
Published: 2019-11-26T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 18

“I cannot believe you didn’t call me last night,” Emily said, her face pinched.

Hope had waited until after her morning class to fill Emily in on the details of the night before. She, Owen, and Emily stood in the empty exercise room, and Emily’s eyes had grown bigger with every detail.

Hope shifted her weight. “I’m sorry, Em. I just couldn’t bring myself to talk about it last night. But I’m fine now.”

“Thanks to Owen,” Emily said, turning to face him. “I’m so grateful you came when you did.” She shook her head. “I guess that explains Kurt’s absence this morning.” She turned and squinted at Hope. “Does this affect the way you feel about doing live events?”

Hope bit her lip. She’d been having those same thoughts all morning. “Yes. I have to admit, it spooked me. I love doing live events, but if we decide to continue doing them, we’ll have to ramp up security.”

Emily nodded and nudged Owen. “Any chance you’re in interested in hiring on as Hope’s security staff when we travel?”

“Like a real bodyguard, not just pretend?” he said, giving Hope a sideways smile.

She swallowed. The look in his eyes warmed her clear down to her toes before she blinked and turned to Emily. “He has a cattle ranch to take care of. He doesn’t have time to babysit me.”

“It would only be a few times a year,” Emily persisted, facing Owen. “The cows could spare you, couldn’t they?”

“Emily!” Hope gave her a look, embarrassed she was pressing Owen like this. “He’s done enough for us already. Leave the poor guy alone.”

Owen turned to her, his blue eyes offering a playful challenge. “Are you saying you don’t want me to take the job?”

“W-what?” She shook her head. “That’s not what I meant.” He grinned and she covered her face with her hands, trying to collect her thoughts. She did want him to take it. That was the problem. She lowered her hands and cleared her throat, fighting a blush. She knew Emily and Owen were teasing, but her feelings for him were all too real.

She turned to Emily. “We can talk about it later, okay? I don’t want to think about security right now. What I want to do is enjoy the day and have some fun.” She looked at both of them. “Who wants to go sledding?”

Owen bobbed his head, his eyes still smiling. “Sounds great.”

“I think I’ll pass.” Emily pointed at her stomach, and Hope made the connection, instantly feeling bad.

“Of course, I’m sorry. We can find something that’s better suited for pregnancy.”

Emily shook her head. “Max and I were curious about exploring more of the town, so you two should go have fun.”

“Are you sure? Maybe we could join you instead,” Hope offered.

“It’s fine. You’ll have more fun sledding.” Emily put a hand on her arm. “Just stay with Owen, okay? I don’t want you to be alone.”

“I’ll watch out for her,” Owen said.

Emily lifted her hands. “See? That’s why you’d make the perfect bodyguard.

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