Page 28 of Christmas in Quincy (The Edens 0.50)

“Okay, Mom. Enjoy. I’ll give you a call when I get home.” He paused. “Yeah. Dinner sounds great. Love you.”

I’d stopped shopping when he ended the call and slid his phone into his pocket. I was staring.

Austin’s gaze came to mine, holding it for just a moment before looking away. The cheese grater seemed to pull his focus.

I sighed and went to the register, letting Sandy package my things now that the other man had his gifts and was headed out the door. When she had everything bagged, I thanked her again for the cider.

Austin appeared at my side with a cutting board in his hand.

“That’s nice,” I said.

“Yeah.” He took out his credit card and paid before I waved goodbye and led the way outside.

“Mind if we walk some more?” I asked, already knowing his answer. But I asked anyway. Because despite what he thought of me, I was considerate of his feelings. At least, normally.

“Fine by me.” He shortened his strides and let me set the pace.

“Who did you buy the cutting board for?” I asked as we walked down the block.

“My mom.”

“Why don’t you go home? Give it to her tomorrow.”

“She works tomorrow. We celebrate Christmas Eve together.”

“Austin.” I stopped, shaking my head. “Go home. Please. Be with your family.”

“By the time I get there tonight, she’ll be asleep. She works early.”

“Oh.”

He waited for me to continue walking. He always did that. I wasn’t sure if that was part of the bodyguard handbook or if he was simply being respectful, but I liked that he always had my back.

“What does your mom do?” I asked but didn’t expect an answer. Austin rarely spoke of himself or his personal life.

“She’s a nurse. She likes to work on holidays because they pay her time and a half. And since my brother and I are grown, we don’t care if we celebrate on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day or whenever.”

“Ah.” I nodded. “And your father?”

“He died.”

“I’m sorry.” Way to be nosy, Cleo.

“Don’t be. It was a long time ago when I was young. He was a fireman and was killed in the line of duty.”

“I still shouldn’t pry. I’m—”

“It’s okay, Cleo.”

Cleo. How I loved my name in his voice when he wasn’t angry with me. It was like a deep, resonating note. Musical and sultry.

We passed another open shop and the window display lured me inside. It was a jewelry store that specialized in silver. I found a beautiful cuff with an oval turquoise stone in the center. I bought it for Brynne, then a pair of silver earrings for myself. All the while, Austin stood by the exit, waiting for me to finish.

Traffic on Main Street had picked up by the time we made it to the edge of downtown. The sun had warmed the road and as vehicles passed, their tires slushed through the snow.

“I like Quincy,” I said as we crossed the street, strolling toward the hotel. “It’s charming.”

“Their airport leaves a lot to be desired,” Austin grumbled.