Christmas Bodyguard Read Online Free

on herown two feet, and she hadn’t depended on another person since then.
    â€œI heard from Kyra you’re working for Slade Caulder, too.” After setting Bosco on the tile floor, Elizabeth poured some coffee in her mug and cradled it between her palms.
    â€œYeah, I just got off the phone with him about half an hour ago. I’ve agreed to be his bodyguard and do a security assessment. I’m due out at the ranch in an hour. He said his daughter might be in danger, too. Are you going to be her bodyguard?”
    Elizabeth plopped into the chair across from her uncle and took a long sip of the hot drink while Bosco leaped into her lap and curled into a ball. “Yes. It looks like we’ll be working together for the first time.”
    â€œIs that gonna bother you?” Her uncle’s hazel eyes bore into her over the rim of his mug.
    â€œNo, why should it?”
    He shrugged. “I thought my presence might make you nervous. If that’s the case, I’ll bow out and refer Mr. Caulder to someone else. It’s not like I’m wanting for work.”
    Chuckling, she scratched her dog behind his ears. “You’re busier now that you’re retired than when you were a police captain.”
    He grinned. “Must be my charm.”
    â€œMore like your connections and skills. If you can make Slade’s house a fortress, it’ll sure make my job easier. I’ll feel like I’m on vacation.”
    â€œAlready on first name basis with the man?” A gleam appeared in his eyes.
    â€œThe man asked me to call him Slade. That’s all.”
    Her uncle held up his hand. “Hold on there, little one. You’re mighty touchy this morning.”
    â€œOne cup of coffee this morning wasn’t enough.”
    â€œOh, then that explains it, since it’s almost noon. Drink up and I’ll fix you a sandwich. I imagine you have to be at the ranch today, too.”
    â€œAt two.” She swallowed several more sips of the best coffee in Texas.
    Joshua withdrew some turkey, Swiss cheese and lettuce from his refrigerator. “I think this will be a hard case. A ranch isn’t the easiest place to secure, especially with people coming and going. That’ll keep us on our toes. Might be a 24/7 job.”
    She grinned, giving him a wink. “I’m tough. I can take it.”
    Joshua studied her for a long moment. “Yes, you can now. You’ve come a long way.”
    â€œThanks to you.”
    â€œThat’s what family is for, to help.” Her uncle slapped together two turkey sandwiches.
    â€œIt is?”
    His long strides covered the distance to the table quickly. He sat his large frame in the chair opposite hers and slid her plate across to her, then bowed his head and blessed the food.
    His mouth twisted in a frown as he stared at her. “I should have realized Walt would mess up being a father. I should have been there for you.” Elizabeth knew Joshua still felt guilty for the years of estrangement from his brother that had kept him from building a relationship with his niece sooner.
    â€œYou were when it meant the most to me.” Elizabeth pinched off a small bite of turkey and gave it to Bosco before putting him on the floor.
    â€œI have a lot to make up for.”
    â€œNo, you don’t. My dad was a lousy father, but I made it. I’m fine now. That’s what counts.” After another swallow ofthe caffeine-laden brew, she added, “I thought we decided long ago not to talk about the past. It’s over with, and there’s nothing we can do about it.”
    Joshua picked up his sandwich. “When you were in Phoenix, did you see him?”
    â€œNo. That’s the way he wants it.” So did she. Her father’s dominance all through her childhood had smothered her. She’d never been able to please him, and he’d made it clear she was a disappointment to him. He’d put her down so much that