“I’m not letting you stay. You’re leaving.” He scooped up her jacket and offered it to her. “And now.”

“But think about it: do you really want to be alone in this big house on Christmas?”

“Yes!”

It came out as more of an emotionally charged, beastly roar than he anticipated, but if his own shaking voice shocked him, it was nothing compared to the surprise he felt as Kate’s defensive charm softened into sweet sacrifice. Her smile morphed from practiced composition into something altogether more compassionate, tender.

She no longer armed herself or wielded her warmth as a weapon. She held it up as a peace offering. Peace with this woman scared Clark even more than the thought of battling with her.

“I’m not letting you. No one should be alone during the holidays.”

He reached for his cell.

“I’m calling the police.”

“Great idea. You can tell Chief Stan and Officer Harris I said Merry Christmas. I think they’re on duty until midnight, then the Fitts siblings take over.”

This woman was just crazy enough about Christmas to wish anyone a happy day, even the men he called to arrest her, but this wasn’t a genuine request. She was reminding him where the loyalties of this town actually lay, and it certainly wasn’t with the man who was going to end the town’s most important festival. The police probably weren’t going to be on his side, especially not if they saw Kate as their champion.

Besides, his uncle had signed that contract.

“You’re not going to leave, are you?”

“I’m not a monster. I’m not trying to steal your house or anything. I’ll leave after I have my perfect Christmas.” Kate pointed to the kitchen, which was connected to the living room by a swinging servant’s door. Clark was sure now he smelled fresh gingerbread cookies. “Can I get you some eggnog?”

“I don’t want eggnog. I want you to put everything back to normal.”

Clark examined his options—the few he had. The decorations and the woman were fixtures here, at least for another few days. So, he saw only two courses of action. He could leave. Or he could stay.

“You’re in Miller’s Point for Christmas, Clark,” she said, not unkindly. “This is normal.”

He’d have to stay. He didn’t have to stay in this room, but he would have to stay. Cutting his losses, Clark walked for the door. He’d just go upstairs and find an office to work in. Normal in Miller’s Point… What, all smiles and well-wishes and cartoon red-nosed reindeer?

“Yeah. That’s what I’m afraid of.”

Chapter Five

Chapter Five

Yeah, that’s what I’m afraid of. He left her with that declaration, and all she could think was: Well, at least I know you can feel something.