Page 124 of The Bodyguard's Fall

I huffed out a laugh. That had been my exact plan.

“I could feel you coming a mile away. Your bull-crap element of surprise needs some work.”

We both stilled. I beamed.

“Did you just say bull crap?” I asked incredulously.

An embarrassed grin crossed his face. “I meant bull⁠—”

I pressed my hand against his mouth. “This is a lovely moment. And I think we need to stand here for just a minute and really appreciate⁠—”

I squealed as he picked me up and threw me over his shoulder, walking us back to the tractor.

Yes.

There was still so much I didn’t know. So much I couldn’t say. So much I hoped for. I wasn’t sure how much of this and us was Tate’s job. I didn’t know if I’d still be a married woman in a week. But I wasn’t going to live in fear anymore. I wasn’t going to hide.

I had a lot to fight for.

A lot to be angry about.

And the potential of losing Tate Walker topped the list.

Will: Anything yet?

Tate: No.

Will: I feel like something’s coming. Do you?

Tate: Yeah. He’s here somewhere.

Will: Take care of her.

The library was completely decked out for an evening of witches and fun. There were witch statues and black crepe paper draped everywhere. I wore a red sweater and a witches hat that Ann found in an old costume box. I wouldn’t win any costume contests, but I didn’t care. I was here for girls’ night and to prove a point to Leroy that I was done hiding.

There was a costume contest, music, food, and lots of laughing and catching up with old friends. I also received a pink “I voted” sticker after I finally put in my vote for the mayor’s love life. I voted for the mayor’s secretary, whom I’d seen him laughing with at the fall festival. If I ended up being right, I’d have bragging rights for life.

I chatted with the girls—Ari, Sadie, and Emma. And there were only a few times when my eyes scanned the room looking for Leroy. The rest, I left to Tate, who was sitting at a table in the corner of the library, definitely not reading the book he’d placed as a prop in front of him. I made my way closer, and he glanced down and pretended to read, his lips twitching slightly.

“How’s your book?” I asked, sliding over a plate of Halloween-themed snacks I’d brought for him.

“Boring. I keep getting distracted,” he murmured, turning a page.

“Distracted? Maybe you should choose a better book.”

“Maybe you should wear a different outfit.”

I looked down, taking in my red sweater and jeans. My heart began pounding in my ears. I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks, so I just smiled at him before turning to go.

“Olivia.”

His voice stopped me. I turned back around. He was watching me, waiting until he had my full attention.

Newsflash: he’s had it for weeks.

“Yeah?” I answered, a little breathless.

“Red is definitely your color.”