Bodyguard Under the Mistletoe by Cassie Miles Read Free Book Online

coffee.”
    â€œAfter you’re finished with this,” she said.
    Being treated like an invalid wasn’t his thing. Even though he’d been injured. Even though he’d technically died for a couple of minutes.
    But Fiona stood firm. She was so determined to nurture him that she just might pick up the spoon and start feeding him herself.
    Reluctantly, he shoveled in a mouthful of oatmeal. Sweetened with brown sugar, it didn’t taste half bad. But it was heavy, thick. When he forced himself to swallow, it felt as if he could trace the lump through his digestive system.
    He looked up at Burke. “How about it? Can I look at your files?”
    â€œThis is official FBI business. Technically, I shouldn’t share.” He looked toward Carolyn. “But I’ve already broken too many rules to count, and I’d like your input.”
    â€œI appreciate your trust.” Jesse washed down another bite of oatmeal with a swig of milk.
    Fiona turned to Burke and asked, “When do you think the sheriff will be done with my house? I need to pick up my daughter from the babysitter.”
    â€œA couple more hours,” Burke said. “They’re looking for prints and other forensic evidence. And they have to process the body.”
    â€œHave dinner with us,” Carolyn said. “I know Abby loves to be around the horses.”
    â€œWonderful.” Fiona beamed. “Maybe we can get started with those Christmas decorations.”
    While the two women chatted about Christmas trees andfamily ornaments, Jesse worked on his food. His gut roiled, but he knew Fiona was right. He needed solid food. He needed to recover his full strength.
    When he looked up from the nearly empty bowl, he saw Dylan Carlisle standing in the dining-room entryway. A few days ago, when he’d first met Dylan, Jesse had the impression that he was dealing with a strong, reliable man who was capable of running a cattle ranching empire. The tall, lean cowboy who stood so silently was a pale reflection of his former self.
    Dylan’s shoulders were stooped. His clothes, rumpled. The circles around his green eyes made him look as though he’d been punched in the face. His cheeks were hollow. Losing his wife had nearly destroyed him.
    â€œI’m glad to see you’ve recovered, Jesse.” Dylan’s voice was as cold as a January blizzard. “As of now, your services are no longer required.”
    Apparently, Dylan didn’t share Carolyn’s opinion about Jesse being a hero. As he rose from the table to face the devastated man, Jesse felt the bitter ache of failure. There was truth in Dylan’s accusation. He’d been hired to protect the Carlisle family, and he had failed.
    â€œI want to see this through,” Jesse said.
    â€œThere’s nothing more to do.”
    â€œDon’t be ridiculous,” Carolyn snapped at her brother. “We still need security. They just found a dead body at Fiona’s place.”
    Dylan looked at Fiona as if seeing her for the first time. “Is Abby okay?”
    â€œShe wasn’t home, thank God.”
    â€œIt was one of the kidnappers,” Carolyn said. “Butch Thurgood.”
    Dylan’s eyes narrowed. “Thurgood? The horse whisperer?”
    â€œWe need to keep investigating,” she said. “That’s why Burke is here, and I want to keep Longbridge Security.”
    â€œDamn it, Carolyn. It’s over. Can’t you get it through your head? Nicole isn’t coming back. She doesn’t want to be with me anymore.”
    â€œI want to offer my services,” Jesse said. “No charge.”
    â€œHaven’t you done enough?” Dylan lurched forward and braced his hands on the table. “You were supposed to keep us safe.”
    â€œThat’s not fair,” Carolyn protested. “Nicole didn’t follow protocol. She went riding off by herself without telling