Hometown Hero (Hometown Alaska Men Book 2) by Joleen James

Author:Joleen James [James, Joleen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Joleen James
Published: 2015-11-03T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWELVE

"Calm down," Rick said. He took the keys from Tawney. Her hands were shaking. He opened her door. "After you." She brushed past him and he saw the defeat in her eyes. Defeat that made him want to hop a plane to Vegas and take care of Fox himself.

Rick set the box on the kitchen table and turned up the heat. Tawney stood, frozen—and not from the cold. The woman was totally afraid.

"Tawney." He removed his gloves and put his hands on her arms, rubbing them through the bulk of her jacket. He wasn't trying to warm her but trying to comfort her, strike the fear from her features. "You're not alone. I'm here."

She nodded. "I’m a mess."

"We don't even know if the package is from him." Rick continued to rub her arms.

"No one knows I'm here."

"No one?" Rick asked. "Not even a girlfriend?"

"No," she confirmed. "I told no one."

"Look at me," Rick said. He stared into her beautiful blue eyes. "It doesn't matter what's in the box. I won't let him hurt you."

She nodded. "Okay, I'm better now. You open it."

Rick used the knife on his keychain to slice the box open. First, Rick lifted out an envelope. Under the envelope was a beautiful, soft blue scarf and matching hat and gloves.

"You open the card," Tawney said.

Rick slid the card out of the envelope. He scanned the print, then smiled.

"What?" she asked.

He passed her the card.

"Hey, Sis, thought these might keep you warm. Love, Ruby." She glanced at Rick. "They're from Ruby, not Fox."

"Not Fox," Rick repeated. "See someone does know you're here."

"I didn't tell her," Tawney said. "Maybe Star or Brandi did. It's just the last twenty-four hours. Between your drama and mine, I'm on edge."

"I know, I get it. It's so easy to get lost in a world where rules don't apply to some people. A place where bad behavior is the norm."

"Yeah." She nodded. "That's it exactly. That's why I love Alaska. I'm not seeing the corruption here, are you?"

"Oh, I'm sure it's here," he said, smiling. "But maybe not at the same level?"

"Maybe." She smiled, removing the winter wear from the box. "Well, I'll say this for Ruby, she has good taste. And she must read minds. I just bought a new blue jacket. These are perfect."

Rick didn't know much about the absent sister. "Is Ruby coming for the wedding?"

"No, she says she has to work, but I'm not sure that's the reason. She's not a fan of Seward. She came back for Thanksgiving but only stayed one day."

"I'm sure she'd be here for Star if she could."

Tawney shrugged. "I understand her. We all have our demons."

"I guess we do." The color was back in Tawney's cheeks. She was okay now. "I'm going to go."

"Thank you, Rick," she said. "You are my hero once again."

"My pleasure." He let himself out the door, lingering a moment until he heard the lock click into place. Grabbing his shovel, he made the walk to his place, digging out a path to his door.

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