9. Chapter Nine
Chapter Nine
S ometimes duty required sacrifice.
Parker had spent the afternoon installing surveillance cameras around Belle’s house. She had been resistant to the idea, but she agreed as long as he was willing to take them back down once Odie was found and the dognapper was arrested.
It was time to go to the Christmas party at the Kringles’ house.
It was an annual event and one that Parker did his best to avoid at all costs.
Usually, he opted to work the weekend of the party, but this year the scheduling hadn’t worked out for him.
Although, with Belle in a spot, he supposed the scheduling worked out for the best.
And so, now it was his duty as the sheriff of Kringle Falls to protect the town’s citizens.
And though he’d normally assign one of his deputies to handle this task, this was the woman who he’d had a crush on in high school.
He didn’t want to examine too closely his motivations for providing round-the-clock protection.
For better or worse, he was escorting her to the party.
He had a bad feeling that the suspect hadn’t found whatever it was that they had been searching for, and they were moving on to Plan B.
And that had him on alert. For all he knew, it could be an ex of Belle’s.
Although, his deputies had interviewed the men from Belle’s recent past, and they all had alibis.
He had been surprised that in the past couple of years, none of her romantic relationships had worked out. He had no doubts that Belle had been the one to end those relationships. Any man who was fortunate to date her, wouldn’t let her go.
The thought stopped him in his tracks. Did he really think Belle was such a catch?
If he let himself look beyond her habit of breaking the law, he had to admit she was the most beautiful woman he’d ever known.
She baked a tasty cookie. And she wasn’t so bad to talk to.
In fact, he enjoyed talking to her. There were a lot of other great qualities about her, but he refused to go there.
He was there on a job, nothing more. When it was over, they’d go back to ignoring each other.
He’d do well to keep his focus on the case. Everything they’d uncovered led him to believe the suspect hadn’t broken into her house for the dog. There was something more afoot, and until he figured that out, he was keeping a close eye on Belle.
That morning, after he’d bought the security cameras, he’d had Belle stop by his apartment. He’d picked up a few things, including some clothes for the party. He didn’t want to go to the party, but he didn’t trust anyone else to watch over Belle.
He didn’t know what to expect after she’d received that note. They hadn’t hinted if they’d be at the party, which he doubted. He hated that they were always one step ahead of him. He didn’t like any part of this dognapping.
Footsteps sounded on the staircase, drawing his attention. He glanced up from where he’d been sitting on the couch. The first thing he saw were silver heels and then long bare legs. He swallowed hard.
And then there was a red satin skirt that ended a couple of inches above her knees. The top portion of the dress was white with a fitted waist and cap sleeves. There was a red gemstone wreath pin on her chest.
She looked… Wow! She is stunning. If this was a real date, he would be tripping all over himself, trying to impress her. But this was work. It was absolutely nothing else.
He got to his feet as he continued to bask in her beauty.
Belle had worn her hair down. The reddish-brown silky strands fell below her shoulders.
In fact, he’d be willing to bet that her hair was down to the middle of her back.
His hands tingled to reach out and run his finger through those silky strands. He resisted the urge.
She wore some makeup, but it didn’t overpower her natural beauty. There was some mascara that accentuated her long lashes, which acted like a frame around her azure-blue eyes. And her plump lips were red and glossy, just perfect for kissing.
“Do you like it?” Her voice drew him from his wayward thoughts.
He wasn’t sure how to answer her. Like which part in particular? Because he liked the full package. She was absolutely stunning. And the admission, even to just himself, was profound.
He swallowed hard again, hoping when he spoke, his voice sounded normal. He meant to tell her that she looked fine, but what came out was something a bit different. “You are so beautiful. You’re going to have all of the men at the party staring at you.”
Now what had he gone and said that for? It wasn’t like this was a real date or anything. He was going to be on the job all evening, waiting for this dognapper to make contact.
Still, he noticed how his words caused her cheeks to take on a pink hue. How was it possible that her blushing made her even prettier?
Knowing he was headed down a dangerous path, he moved toward the door. He shrugged on his coat. Then he automatically grabbed hers. He’d meant to put on his coat and head out the door to warm up his pickup. Instead, he approached her at the foot of the steps and held her coat out for her to put on.
When she gave him a quick once-over, a frown creased her face. “Why are you dressed like that?”
He looked down at his navy-blue T-shirt paired with a navy-blue blazer and a pair of jeans. “What’s wrong with it?” His gaze lowered to his footwear. “Don’t you like the boots? I wasn’t sure about those.”
“No. I mean, yes, I like what you’re wearing. And the boots go well. What I want to know is why you’re dressed like you’re going to the party?”
“Because I am.” He sent her a smile. “I’m your escort.”
Her eyes widened in surprise. “You think you’re going on a date with me?” She pressed a hand to her chest. “What gave you that idea?”
Okay. So maybe he hadn’t phrased his words correctly. But why did she have to act like a date with him was the worst idea she’d ever heard? His pride took a direct hit.
As she put on her coat, he tried again. “It’s not a date. I’m going to protect you in case the dognapper tries to pull something tonight.”
“So, you’re going to be my bodyguard?” She arched a brow.
He wasn’t sure how he felt being called a bodyguard—especially her bodyguard. Still, she didn’t seem as opposed to a bodyguard versus a date. “Fine. I’ll be your bodyguard.”
She looked as though she was considering it. “But what about the house? Aren’t you supposed to be guarding it.”
He pulled his phone from his back pocket. He brought up the app that controlled the cameras he’d just installed. He turned his phone around so she could see the control panel with the various views of the house.
“You have my house on your phone?” She pressed her hands to her rounded hips as she leveled him with a disapproving gaze.
He averted his gaze. “Only until we catch this guy.”
“And what if it’s a girl?”
He closed the app. “What?”
“You keep calling the dognapper a guy, but what if it’s a woman? You know crime is an equal opportunity profession.”
Was she serious? He struggled not to roll his eyes. “Fine. It could be a man or woman. There. Are you happy?”
She smiled at him. “Yes, I am.”
He had a feeling she was being difficult just to annoy him. Well, if that was her goal, then she’d succeeded. “Are you ready to go?”
“Are you still insisting on accompanying me? Even though the place is going to be filled with people we both know and trust.”
“Yes, I am. And don’t try to talk me out of it. You’ll only be wasting your time.”
“Fine. I have to get the tray of cookies in the kitchen and then we can go.”
“I’ll go start the pickup.” He headed outside.
He could tell this was going to be a long evening, especially if Belle decided to argue every move with him.
But if she thought anything she said would stop him from doing his job, she was wrong.
He was going to keep her safe. And with a little bit of luck, he would bring her dog home to her in time for Christmas.
The party was in full-swing.
Belle didn’t know how so many people fit into the Kringles’ home. It was a large red Victorian house with white trim and a candle in every window. There were guests at every turn. It felt as though the whole town were there, but she knew that wasn’t possible.
She really wished she could relax and enjoy herself, but between Parker dogging her every step and the anxiety of anticipating contact with the dognapper, she was wound tight. Nevertheless, Belle did her best to paste a smile on her face and speak the appropriate greetings.
Everyone had heard about Odie’s abduction. There were hugs and words of comfort. She knew they all meant well, but it was a lot for her. She eventually excused herself and went to get a drink.
With a glass of punch in hand, Belle looked over the crowd of festively dressed friends and acquaintances. Christmas songs played in the background. And… She inhaled deeply. In the air was the scent of holiday potpourri with hints of cloves, allspice, citrus and evergreen.
She wondered if the dognapper was among them. The thought of Odie being stuck in some cage in a dark corner caused her smile to falter. Was he afraid? Was he wondering why she hadn’t come for him?
She moved to a quiet corner while attempting to keep the tears at bay. There were a few curious looks here and there, but no one said anything to her. She did not want to fall apart at a party and ruin everyone else’s evening. And yet she couldn’t leave yet. The dognapper hadn’t made contact yet.
“Hey, are you all right?” Parker’s voice came from just behind her. It carried with it a caring tone that warmed a spot in her chest. He’d spoken so softly that no one around them appeared to have overheard.
When she turned to him, the concern shone in his brown eyes. She didn’t trust her voice in that moment, so she nodded in response.
“I’ve made the rounds,” Parker said. “I haven’t seen any strangers.”
“Are we sure they’re actually going to show up?” She so desperately wanted to get Odie back and move past this nightmare.
Parker’s gaze continued to surveil the room. “Your guess is as good as mine.”
Then she had a thought. “Maybe if you aren’t around, they’ll approach me. I know you’re out of uniform, but everyone here knows that you’re the sheriff.” When he didn’t respond, she said, “Go. Make yourself scarce.”
“I don’t like it.”
“And I don’t like having Odie dognapped. We all have things we have to deal with.” She wasn’t going to back down. She needed to do whatever it took to get her puppy back. “Go. I’ll be fine. I’m in a crowded room. What could possibly happen?”
“That’s what worries me.” He frowned at her. She leveled her shoulders and stared right back at him. “Fine.” He sighed. “I’ll go outside and check the perimeter. But if you need me, call me.”
“I don’t have your number.” The words were out of her mouth before she could stop them. She wasn’t going to need his number or him. She could take care of herself in a room full of friends.
He held his hand out to her. “Let’s have it.”
She knew he wanted her phone, and she only had herself to blame for this.
She withdrew it from her small beaded handbag.
When she went to hand it to him, their fingers touched.
It felt as though she’d just been zapped by a bolt of static electricity.
The sensation pulsed up her arm and settled in her chest, making her heart pound.
She yanked her hand back. What was that? She’d never felt anything like it before.
When he handed the phone back to her, she made sure their fingers didn’t touch. Although, she was certain it wouldn’t happen again. Still, she didn’t want to take any chances.
She meandered through the party until she bumped into Candi. “Hi. Are you getting to know everyone?”
“It’s taking me a little bit to put the names with faces.” Candi sent her a concerned look. “How are you?”
Belle shrugged and lowered her voice. “I still have no idea who took Odie.”
“I can’t believe they broke into your house and took him. Who does that?”
“It’s the question I keep asking myself.” Not wanting to focus on her own problems, she changed the subject. “How are you and Michael doing?”
A big smile came over Candi’s face. “We’re doing really well.” She leaned in closer and lowered her voice. “I didn’t know I could be this happy. You should try it.”
Distracted as she searched the partygoers for someone who stood out, she asked, “Try what? Being happy?”
“No. Falling in love.” Candi’s eyes twinkled with her bubbly happiness.
“Belle.” Parker called from across the room. One look at his handsome face and she knew something bad had happened. Had they found Odie? Was he… She refused to finish that thought. It didn’t stop her heart from sinking down to her high heels.
She turned to see the creases in his forehead and his brows drawn together. Oh, no. This isn’t going to be good.
She turned back to Candi. “Sorry. Looks like Parker needs me.” When Candi got a big grin on her face, Belle said, “Not that way.”
Candi sighed. “You can’t blame me for wishing.”
Belle resisted the urge to roll her eyes. “We have nothing in common.”
“Really?”
Before Belle could respond, Parker approached her. There was a distinct frown on his face as he handed over her coat. It was different from his usual scowl. The lines between his brows and bracketing his mouth were deeper.
“We have to go.” He reached out to her, gripping her upper arm.
When he started to walk away with her in tow, she planted her feet. “Parker, stop.”
When he turned back to her, she lowered her gaze to his hand on her arm. Immediately, he dropped his hand to his side. “Sorry. But we have to go.”
“I’m not going anywhere until you explain what’s going on.” She crossed her arms as though bracing herself for the worst news.
“There’s another break in at your place.”
“Oh. Why didn’t you say so?” Thank goodness it wasn’t bad news about Odie. She shrugged on her coat as they moved toward the door. “Let’s go.”
She couldn’t believe there was another break-in at her house. What did it mean? What did they want? The questions circled round and round in her mind. But the answer eluded her.