Best Man Under the Mistletoe

“I don’t know how much you know about my time in Dallas, but I was an agent for the FBI.”

“I was aware of that,” she told him. “Listen, you don’t have to tell me anything—”

“I do.” He tipped his hea

d to the side, raking his hand over his scruffy jawline. “I consider you a friend, even though I’m not sure how much you trust me at this point. You need to know the reasons for my actions, for why I’m so adamant about putting strict limits on relationships.”

Again she remained silent and waited on him to continue.

He paced through the room in a random pattern before coming to stand by the fireplace. Resting his elbow on the mantel, he examined the photos she had on display.

There were older ones of her and Daniel and their parents, a couple of her and Brandee, and one Chelsea had taken of the most amazing sunset from the time she went on vacation in the Bahamas. She liked to keep the happy memories on display to showcase just how blessed she was in her life and how far she’d come since her darker days.

“I found myself attracted to a woman,” he finally went on. “That attraction grew into something more, something I’d never experienced before. But there was a case—I can’t get into specifics—and my loyalties were torn.”

A sliver of jealousy spiraled through Chelsea at the thought of another woman getting so close to Gabe. But why? It wasn’t like she was in love with him or anything. The night they’d shared meant nothing. Right?

Actually, no. That night meant something, more than it should have, and that was precisely the reason she’d had to scurry out and save herself the walk of shame the next morning. She’d left in the dark of night, praying he didn’t wake and question her. All he’d had to do was roll over and ask her to stay and she had a feeling she would’ve done just that.

Gabe was getting to her. Beneath that mysterious aura, the tattoos, the smoldering eyes, he was a man she couldn’t ignore. She hadn’t trusted him at first, had been convinced he’d had something to do with the leaked photos. She knew better now. Gabe had just been the obvious target for her rage. She’d needed someone to take her anger, her humiliation, out on. Considering they’d been working together and he was a Walsh, he’d been too convenient.

“My partner was killed over a woman who interfered with our investigation. I let it happen because, where she was concerned, I was naïve. And the result was fatal. I’d let my feelings for her cloud my judgment and she’d been playing me the entire time. She was working for the guys we were trying to take down.”

Gabe’s stunning declaration jerked her back to the moment. “Oh, Gabe. How awful.”

He turned from her mantel and crossed to her, taking a seat at the other end of the long cushion. Even though he was only a few feet away, the manner in which he stared off into the distance indicated he was back in the past and not here with her at all. Whatever scene played through his mind gave his face a pinched, tormented expression, as if the pain was still fresh.

“I vowed never to get tangled up with a woman again,” he said, glancing down at his hands resting on his knees. “I can control work. I can control how good I am at my job. But not when I get blindsided by someone I’m supposed to trust.”

The final brick in the wall of her defenses crumbled. This man hadn’t betrayed her with those photos. He was a man of worth and integrity and loyalty. Someone who had experienced such a tragic loss at the hands of someone he’d trusted couldn’t have done such horrific things to her—or anyone else in this town, for that matter. Gabe was definitely a man to be trusted. He had a big heart and was loyal to a fault.

Gabe sought justice. He was a man who valued his career and making sure the truth was revealed. No doubt this whole scenario involving Maverick disturbed him on a level she hadn’t even thought of.

“Is that really why you came here?” she asked. “Did you need me to know about that time so I’d see a different side of you?”

Gabe stared at her for a minute before shaking his head and glancing away. “No. Maybe. Hell, I don’t know. You deserve to know the real me.”

“The guy not many people see,” she muttered mostly to herself.

“I’m the same guy everyone sees,” he whispered, still not looking her way. “Maybe I just want you to view me differently.”

Why did he have to be so noble? It had almost been easier when she’d believed him to be the accomplice of her betrayer. Then she could keep him at a distance, protecting her heart in the process. But now that wasn’t an option. Not anymore.

Chelsea came to her feet. She took a couple steps and sank to her knees in front of him. Taking his hands in hers, she stared into those unique gray eyes that never failed to captivate her. Now, though, she had a glimpse into his soul and all the insecurities he kept so well hidden. Maybe they were alike in more ways than she’d ever considered.

“I do see you differently.”

His eyes widened, with surprise, with arousal. The muscle in his jaw clenched, as did his grip on her hands.

“You changed your mind about me over what I just told you?” he asked. “That fast?”

Chelsea offered a smile. “Let’s say my defenses have been crumbling before now.”

Gabe leaned forward, briefly touching his lips to hers. When she started to ease back, he released her hands and framed her face, taking the kiss even deeper.

In an instant, he had them both on their feet and had swept her up into his arms. Looping her arms around his neck, she threaded her fingers through his hair and opened to him. Feeling him touch her, knowing exactly what was to come, had anticipation pulsing through her.

“I’m staying the night,” he muttered against her lips.