Her Mistletoe Protector by Laura Scott Read Free Book Online Page A

can’t help wondering if God isn’t trying to tell us something the way these obstacles keep getting thrown in our way.”
    She was a little uncomfortable by his reference to God, but just the thought of calling in the police made her sick. “Your boss is willing to give us some time, so why are you still pushing the authorities on me?” When he opened his mouth to protest, she held up her hand. “I trust you, Nick, and I don’t have much choice but to trust your boss, too. But I can’t take the chance of trusting the wrong person. It could end up costing my little boy his life.”
    Truthfully, it was hard enough to trust Nick. But the fact that he’d been so angry with her for not giving him details about Anthony’s involvement with the Mafia a year ago had gone a long way in convincing her that he was one of the good guys.
    However, that didn’t mean she wanted to open the circle of trust to include anyone else. Not unless there was no other choice.
    Nick pulled into a mall parking lot, and she wasn’t surprised when he positioned the car in a way that they’d be able to escape in a hurry if need be. She shivered a little, burying her face in the collar of the dark sweatshirt beneath her jacket. Her jean-clad legs were cold, and she rubbed her hands on her thighs to try and warm up.
    “I have a blanket in the trunk,” Nick said gruffly, before sliding out of the driver’s seat. He returned a few minutes later with a wool blanket. “Why don’t you stretch out in the backseat?”
    “I won’t be able to sleep,” she protested. “Besides, we should take turns keeping watch.”
    “I’ll keep watch first while you try to get some rest.” His tone indicated there was no point in arguing.
    Resigned, she opened the passenger door, pausing for a moment as she realized there was a bullet hole near the bottom of the window. The reminder of being used for target practice made her shiver again. Clutching the blanket, she climbed into the backseat and huddled down, grateful for the added warmth from Nick’s blanket. She vowed to give him the blanket when it was her turn to keep watch.
    The backseat was hardly comfortable, but that wasn’t the reason she couldn’t sleep. Images of Joey kept flashing through her mind, haunting her to the point where she almost couldn’t stand it another moment.
    “Nick?” she said softly, breaking the silence. “You don’t think the kidnappers will hurt Joey, do you?”
    “Try not to torture yourself thinking the worst, Rachel.”
    “I’m not trying to torture myself, but every time I close my eyes I picture that man grabbing Joey and slinging him over his shoulder. Don’t you see? I’m the one who told Joey to get out of the car and run. It’s my fault he was kidnapped.”
    There was a long pause, then Nick said, “Rachel, it’s not your fault. I’m sure he would have gotten Joey even if you hadn’t told him to run.”
    “Stop trying to placate me,” she said sharply.
    There was another brief silence. “Look, Rachel, I don’t know if you believe in God, but if you do, praying can help you get through this.”
    She remembered how Nick had prayed before eating their fast-food dinner. Maybe he believed but she wasn’t sure she did. “My parents weren’t very religious. When I was growing up the only time we went to church was at Christmas and Easter.” She hadn’t thought about church or God in a long time. “I’m not sure I believe there really is a God, or that He cares anything about me or Joey.”
    “There is.” Nick’s voice exuded confidence. “And He does care about you and Joey. If you keep an open mind and an open heart, you’ll be rewarded.”
    “Rewarded?” She couldn’t hide the sarcasm in her tone. “I hardly think having my son kidnapped is anything close to rewarding.”
    “You’re twisting my words, Rachel,” he said quietly. “I meant that God can help you through difficult times.”
    “There’s nothing more difficult than