Read Online Her Christmas Hero by Linda Warren - Free Book Online Page A

lot to do. I’m calling my sup er visor as soon as I get off the phone with you, and I’ll probably fly to New York tomorrow to turn in my ID and manuals. I’m sure I’ll have papers to sign.”
    â€œIt just breaks my heart what that man has done to you.”
    Britt bit her lip. “He fooled me, but another man will never get that chance. If anything, I’m tougher and wiser.”
    â€œOh, sweetie, would you like for me to come over?” Britt could hear the worry in her mother’s voice. It hurt that she’d caused her so much anguish. Carin had wanted her to stay in college and get her degree, but Britt had had a friend who was leaving college to attend an airline attendant program. Seeing the world was a dream come true, and when the semester ended, Britt had joined her friend. She’d never regretted her decision. Until now.
    That’s how she’d met Phil—on a flight to London with a lady friend. He’d flirted shamelessly in front of the woman, and had called Britt when they were back in the States. He’d never told her how he got her number. By devious means, she was sure. She was so gullible. She’d never seen the warning signs, and she should have.
    â€œBritt, are you there?”
    It took her a moment to gather her thoughts. “Mom, I’m fine. I’ll call you later.”
    â€œOkay. Oh, have you heard from Mama today?”
    â€œNo, why?”
    â€œShe wasn’t here this morning when I got up. I thought she was working in that ridiculous winter garden, but when I checked she wasn’t. She was on the phone with Enzo a long time last night, and I have a suspicion that she caught a bus to go see him.”
    â€œDidn’t y’all stop by yesterday?”
    â€œNo, I was too upset.”
    â€œJust call Uncle Enzo.”
    â€œI did, but he doesn’t answer. Sometimes he doesn’t hear the phone. I better start looking. I swear she’s worse than a child.”
    â€œIf she shows up, I’ll call you.”
    â€œPhone me anyway. I want to hear from you.”
    Britt’s doorbell rang. “Gotta go. Someone’s here.”
    â€œCall if it’s Mama.”
    Britt walked to the door, hoping it was Onnie. Her grand mother being out on her own could not be good for anyone.
    â€œBritt, I’d like to talk to you,” a voice said loudly.
    She stopped in her tracks. Quinn.
    â€œI have nothing to say to you—ever.”
    â€œJust five minutes.”
    â€œIf you don’t leave, I’m calling the police.”
    She pressed her ear against the door. Silence. He was gone.
    Resting her head against the wood, she allowed herself to think about him. She had really liked him—his humor, his bravery—and had felt an attraction, a connection she’d never experienced before. She’d trusted him.
    But her hero was one of the bad guys.
    When would she ever learn?
    Curling her hands into fists, she marched back to thephone to call her lawyer. Mona needed to hear her decision, and then Britt would call her supervisor. She had a full day ahead of her.
    And maybe somewhere in the busyness she wouldn’t hear Dillon crying.
    Or see Quinn’s face. Or hear his voice.
    Â 
    Q UINN HURRIED INTO HIS office, his stomach tied into a tight reef knot. He had only wanted to talk, but Britt wasn’t willing to listen to any explanations. He had crossed a line by going back without his client. But he’d crossed lines before.
    He just wanted to make sure she was okay, even though he knew she wasn’t. There was nothing left to say and he had to accept that.
    His secretary, Denise, handed him some messages and walked out. Levi Coyote, his P.I., lounged in a chair, his long legs stretched out, his cowboy boots crossed at the ankles. A Stetson, pulled low, hid his expression, but Quinn knew he wasn’t asleep. Levi was part Indian and he didn’t know what else, but the man had