Page 274 of Secrets Hidden In The Glass

“We’ll dig out the files on Friday and go over everything together—come back to the whole thing with fresh eyes,” Dad suggested.

Nate liked the idea of showing Dad everything—getting his take—especially since Sanchez wouldn’t be around until next Monday. “Sure.” Focusing on his chore, he picked up the ax and slammed the blade through the last log.

Dad reached down and grabbed some of the wood from the new pile. “I’ll give you a hand with these.”

“I appreciate it.” Lifting an armload, Nate met Callie’s gaze through the glass and winked, determined to take Dad’s advice. The last few weeks had been hell, but the next twenty-four hours could be theirs if they both let it. Bob Tillerson and Samantha Fletcher weren’t going to be any less dead whether Nate tried to enjoy the holiday or drove himself crazy trying to find the answers.

~~~~

Callie set her book on the nightstand and turned her head on the pillow, smiling as Nate stared at her. “What are you thinking about over there?”

“You.” He returned her smile and rolled to his side. “Are you tired?”

She rolled too, shaking her head as she draped her arm around his waist and stared into his gorgeous blue eyes. “But I’m getting there.”

He took her hand, kissing her knuckles, and pressed her palm to his heart. “Did you have fun tonight?”

She nodded, loving the simple dinner the whole Carter Clan had shared at the mansion—grilled seafood despite the cold temperatures outside, delicious vegetables, and Molly’s sinful brownie sundaes. But the best part had been the company—finally feeling that she’d found her place and that she belonged somewhere. “Your family’s the best. I love them all so much.”

“I know the feeling’s mutual.” He inched his way closer, kissing her. “And rumor has it I’m sort of crazy about you too.”

She grinned, stroking her fingers through his hair. “I guess we have something in common.”

He blinked. “You’re crazy about you too?”

She laughed. “No, silly, I’m bonkers about you.”

“Ohhhh.”

She laughed again.

Chuckling, he tucked her hair behind her ear. “That’s the best sound. I can’t think of many that are better.”

“I like nights like this when everything feels normal—the way it did before I found the picture in the library.”

Nate sighed. “My dad shared an idea with me today that I really liked.”

She traced his pecs, always loving the smooth, firm feel of his skin beneath her fingers. “What did he say?”

“He was thinking that since things have pretty much sucked around here for the last little while that we should take a break—sort of hit pause on our problems and just enjoy each other and our first holiday together.”

“Mmm. I like that idea too.”

“Yeah?”

She nodded, suddenly desperately wishing she could rewind to the day she walked into the Carter Island Public Library and changed all of their lives. If she’d just told Leah she couldn’t help Jillian all those weeks ago…

He kissed her again, drawing out their meeting of lips. “You’re going to be okay tonight?”

She was terrified to fall asleep, but she nodded anyway. “I am.”

“I’m not on call. I’ll be right here with you if you need anything.”

Once again he’d been her rock—supporting her yet giving her a little space to breathe. “I love you, Nate. So much.”

“I love you too. So much.” He reached up and shut off the light then adjusted the way they lay so she rested her head on his chest and he wrapped his arm tightly around her waist.

She turned into the soapy scent on his skin, concentrating on the way his hard body felt pressed against hers—the way she was safe right here with him—and closed her eyes, determined that tonight she wasn’t going to dream of terrible things. She and Nate were going to have their twenty-four-hour pause.