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Her brother-in-law Chad would’ve said something charming about how beautiful they were. Captain Levi only studied her as she sidled in and slid her hand through the crook of his arm. She didn’t know if he loved it, but she savored every moment.
Positives—her hand grasping his arm, the bump of his bicep pronounced, his sandalwood and cedar scent. He smelled like autumn in these incredible mountains. She didn’t need charming lines. She only needed him. This stoic man was heroic and the perfect fit for her. He could protect, love, and ground her. She could inspire him and make him smile.
She hoped.
Their gazes locked. Faith was so close to him she could see the pulse point in his neck. Was it racing for her? She swallowed and prayed she wasn’t the only one affected by this simple touch.
He focused forward and escorted them down the hall. His bicep tightened under her hand, and he kept himself military straight as they walked. Faith feared this entire idea had backfired. What if he held himself aloof from her because he had relegated her to Kiera’s age in his mind? What if she was simply too inexperienced to date a real man and a captain in the military as well? She’d never had the time or inclination to date. She’d never known men like him existed.
“Are you excited for Christmas?” Kiera asked, breaking the silence that only their footsteps filled.
There was a pause as he seemed to search for an answer. “I like the Christmas Market on the Traverse River Walk,” he said carefully, as if choosing his words. “What about you, little princess? Are you excited for Christmas?”
“Of course I am!”
They reached the stairs and descended slowly, arms linked. Faith wasn’t about to pull away.
“My dad is going to marry Chad’s mum—my mum now too,” she sang out. “And the Rindlesbachers are finallydeadso we can play and host parties without worrying they’ll try to explode us.”
“Kiera,” Faith whispered, stunned by her words.
“Sorry.” Kiera shrugged, unrepentant. “I’ve heard lots of people say that.”
“She’s not wrong.” Levi smiled down at Faith.
Positives—that smile, his touch. Her knees went weak, and she leaned into him. He held her arm more securely.
“And the best news of all is Faith is going to stay with me for one entire month!”
“All month?” Levi’s brow squiggled, and his muscles stiffened against her.
“Yes, sir,” Kiera sang out. “By the end of the month, I’ll teach her to climb up the side of the castle better than Spiderman and race me down the poles.”
Faith refused to slide down the brass pipes that ran the length of the exterior walls of the twelve-story castle. Kiera refused to give up on trying to coerce her into it.
“I’m not in favor of that plan,” Levi said to Kiera, a stern note in his deliciously accented voice.
“Favor?” Kiera giggled. “Because you’re Captain Favor?”
They reached the lowest level and walked toward the garages.
“Wait,” Kiera protested. “You’re not in favor of Faith staying with us all month? Why not? Faith’s the best.”
Faith’s heart raced. He didn’t want her here? Her hopes were more far-fetched than she’d believed.
“I’m not in favor of Faith risking her life climbing the castle or sliding down those tubes of death.” Levi expertly skirted the question of wanting her here.
“I would never kill my favorite friend,” Kiera insisted.
“I’m in the business of protecting all of you,” Levi said. “I am telling you it’s a no on climbing up or sliding down the exterior of the castle. Especially when everything is covered in ice.”
Faith appreciated him protecting her, and was impressed he could stand up to even Princess Kiera.
“Ah, you’re no fun,” Kiera moaned.
“Thank you,” Faith whispered to Levi. “You’ve saved my life.”
He grinned down at her. His smile was perfect. The grin took it to the next level. The effect was beautifully inspiring and devastating to her peace of mind. She would sketch that grin as soon as possible.
