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Addison Lane frowned at her. “What in the hell?” She tightened the belt of her white, silk robe. “It’s ten o’clock on a Saturday morning, Noelle! Why are you banging on my door?” Her gaze shifted to Brady. Warmed considerably. “Though you can bang me anytime, handsome.”
“Save that crap.” Disgusted, Noelle shook her head. “I’m here because I know you sent Rowen after me.”
Addison’s eyes widened, but only for a moment. Quickly, she narrowed them as she shot a dismissive glance over Noelle. “Rowen? What on earth are you talking about?”
“Rowen has been stalking Noelle.” Brady’s voice was flat. “He was the one dressed in the Santa suit last night. He was the one waiting for her at the open house. And he tried to get her atmycabin just hours ago.”
Addison rocked back on her heels. “How utterly shocking. Rowen.” A shrug. “I guess there is just no understanding what drives some people.” Her hand curled around the doorknob. “Don’t know why you are coming to tellmeall of this, though.”
“Because you were the one who sent Rowen after me.” Noelle maintained her position. Within the pockets of her thick coat, her fingers curled and her nails bit into the palms of her hands. “You told him that if he could play hero, if I were scared and he had to rush in and be the white knight, I’d see him. I’d want to be with him. You told him everything to do.”
A brittle laugh escaped Addison. “I’m sure I have no idea what you’re rambling about.” She yawned. “I need more beauty sleep. Goodbye.” Addison swung the door shut.
Correction. Shetriedto swing it shut. Brady put his size fourteen shoe in the way. and the door flew back. “We aren’t done,” he told her.
Her jaw hardened. “Look, handsome, you’re losing your appeal with every moment that passes. How about you get off my porch and go away? Don’t you have a war or a mission or something in another country that you need to go handle? Can’t you leave again? Immediately?”
“Brady is home to stay,” Noelle informed her.
“Well, how wonderful for you.” Addison’s glare sharpened even more. “Now get the hell away from—”
A siren cut through her words.
Addison paled.
Noelle smiled. “We beat them here, but only by a few minutes. See, Rowen was extremely cooperative with the cops.” She pulled her left hand from the coat pocket and curled her fingers around Brady’s arm.
“I helped with that cooperation because I’m a good motivator,” he admitted modestly.
“Addison, you turned off the security cameras at the charity event.” Noelle heard the cars braking behind her, but she didn’t look back. “You encouraged Rowen’s attacks.”
More weak laughter from Addison. “I have no idea what you mean.” But her hand trembled when she brushed back a lock of her hair. “And there is certainly nothing wrong with talking to a man. I mean, yes, perhaps I did tell Rowen that he should pursue you.” Her gaze darted between Noelle and Brady. “But that was just because I felt sorry for you. You were so alone. Always looking all lost and lovesick. Your brother told me how he worried so much about you. How he could never be settled until you were, so, of course, being the loving person I am, I wanted you to be happy.”
A car door slammed.
Addison flinched. “They need to leave. I can’t have my neighbors seeing those patrol cars.” She craned to look around Brady and Noelle. “There will be so much gossip.”
“Oh, there will be plenty of gossip,” Noelle promised her. “Because they’re taking you in for questioning. See, Rowen didn’t just talk about how you encouraged him to terrorize me—”
“Pursue you, I said he should pursue—”
“But he also talked about how the two of you have been helping yourselves to some of the valuables in the houses that you’ve both listed for sale. You can’t steal from clients. You don’t get an all-access pass to their jewelry. Just how long have you been taking what you want?”
Addison’s mouth dropped open. “He told you? That sonofabitch!” Her voice rose to a shriek. “That was his idea! He said he’d done it before! That just taking a few things here or there wouldn’t be noticed! I only—only took a little!” Her words rang clearly for all to hear, and Noelle knew the cops were eager to take in every word. “I can give it back,” Addison rushed to say. “This is all a misunderstanding. Just take it!”
Noelle stepped back. So did Brady. After all, they needed to make sure the cops had room to go and grab their suspect. “I’m pretty sure they will take it,” she assured Addison. “After they take you in for questioning, it will just be a matter of time before they have a search warrant to go through your house.”
The cops closed in.
“Merry Christmas,” Noelle told Addison.
Addison screamed.
“And happy new year,” Brady added.
***
The minute he had Noelle back in the car—not his SUV, but a rental—Brady cranked up the heat. “Feel better now?” he asked her.
