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Not since his life fell apart.
Michael faked a smile he didn't feel. “We’re going to have fun like we always do when we hang out.” He and Samara worked together and spent a lot of time together. They were the only ones of their group of friends who weren't married, so by default, they usually ended up together when they all hung out. He knew that Samara didn't like Christmas, and he was certainly no longer a fan of the holiday that was all about love and happiness and family, so it would be nice not to spend it alone. Hopefully, they could commiserate together and help each other through the trauma that was Christmas and all its happy families.
“Yeah, we are. I'm glad it’s you staying with me.” Her smilelingered for a moment longer before fading away, her usual serious blue gaze returned, and she pulled her hand out of his. “So, we’re hoping that he’s going to come after me there?” she asked, all business now.
As much as he hated it, that was indeed the plan.
They were assuming that the stalker knew where Samara lived. If he knew where her brother lived then it made sense he also knew where her house was. Since he had been so close to getting her, only to lose her, they didn't think he would be able to wait long before making a second attempt.
Essentially, Samara was going to be the bait to draw him out.
And Michael hated that.
He wanted to lock Samara away in a safe house and keep her there until this was over.
The only reason he wasn't pushing for that was because they still didn't really have anything on the stalker. Unless they could draw him out, the chances they would figure out his identity were slim. For all they knew, this guy was patient and could wait them out until they eventually let their guards down, left Samara unprotected, and then pounce on her.
Michael was not going to let that happen.
He might not be ready to admit it, but he had already fallen for Samara, even if he wasn't sure he should ever take the risk and do something about it. The thought of her being abducted and eventually killed by her stalker almost stopped his heart.
“Mike?” Samara said, and he realized he hadn't answered her yet.
“Yes. As much as I don’t like it. I think it’s too dangerous, but I was outvoted.”
“With you there, he won't be able to get to me. I’ll be safe with you, you won't let him hurt me,” Samara said, looking up at him trustingly.
Her simple faith in him touched him in ways it probablyshouldn’t. Pretending he didn't love her was stupid, he was already in deep. Possibly too deep. But he couldn’t let things go any further, he didn't want to hurt her, and he had a bad habit of hurting the people he loved.
“I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe,” he said softly. Before he had even processed what he was doing, he had reached out and brushed his knuckles across her cheek.
Samara’s eyes widened in surprise, and she chewed on her lip uncertainly.
Michael dropped his hand letting it hang awkwardly at his side.
This wasn't a good idea.
He was in no place to be dating anyone, and Samara wasn't either. Even aside from the oversized baggage she carried around, she was dealing with an abduction and a stalker.
This was a mistake.
Once they crossed the line from friends to … more than friends, there was no going back.
Was he ready for that?
Was she?
Could he take that chance?
Would she?
This had to be the worst timing ever.
He was surprised she hadn't gone running and asked for another bodyguard.
But she hadn't.
She was still standing there, watching him with an inscrutable expression on her face.
