Holly Garland on Santa's Lap [COMPLETE]

Chapter 29 ~Time for action~

"And don't open the door for anyone! Let Tony handle that, like always," Nick says, standing at the door, rattling off a list of safety reminders instead of just leaving.

"Yes, Dad!" I mock, rolling my eyes like a bored teenager.

"Oh, and one more thing," he adds, pulling out his card. "Here's my credit card. Use my Mac to order your smartphone. I assume you don't need my password? Honestly, I'm surprised you even bothered asking permission to spend my money. You could probably hack into my account if you wanted."

"Yeah, I could. But I'm already accused of embezzlement. Probably not the best time to flex my hacking skills."

"Fair point." He plants a quick kiss on me. "Order whatever phone you want—don't skimp. And if there's an emergency, call me on my cell using the landline. It's pre-programmed. Or just borrow Tony's phone."

Ugh. He's worse than a helicopter parent. Actually, worse than my mom, dad, and four brothers combined.

"Got it," I say, exhaling loudly. "Now, go, or you'll be late!" I give him a little shove toward the hallway.

"Fine, I'm going. Oh, and get yourself a handbag while you're at it. Maybe a matching wallet. Or whatever else you want."

Seriously? It's like he's trying to bribe me into staying put.

"Sure thing, Dad. I'll have a blast emptying your bank account. Now, scoot!"

"Why do I get the feeling you're trying to get rid of me? I liked you better when you were all starry-eyed over my—"

I slap my hand over his mouth before he can finish that thought.

This is becoming a habit.

"Pretty sure Tony doesn't need to hear the end of that sentence," I say firmly. "And for the record, I'm saying this because I don't want to keep those detectives waiting any longer than necessary. The sooner you go, the sooner we'll know what's up. I'm counting on you here."

I switch to a more serious tone, and it seems to do the trick. Nick nods, looking all determined.

Great. Now I feel bad for tugging on his alpha male instincts. Kind of a cheap shot.

Nick turns to Tony, who's standing a few feet away, looking mildly bored.

"Make sure nothing happens to her, Tony. Call me if there's any trouble, got it?"

"Got it, boss. You can count on me."

Nick pulls me in for a kiss that lingers just a little too long, and guilt gnaws at me again. We share one last, intense look before he finally leaves.

Alright, no more stalling. Time for phase two.

I have a plan to ditch Tony, but I can't act on it yet. Nick just left, and from the way he gave Tony that heavy, meaningful look before handing me off, my babysitter's probably on high alert. I need to wait for him to chill out a bit.

I plop down on the couch next to Tony with Nick's laptop on my lap. While he's glued to some football game, I actually go ahead and order the phone. And, you know what? I'm getting that handbag and wallet combo too. If it makes Nick feel less guilty, why not?

"Tony, you want me to order you something? It's on the princess's tab!"

"I don't know if that's a good idea, kid."

"Sure it is! Nick said I could. He's loaded, trust me. Did you see the tacky junk he bought to decorate this place? Consider it a work perk. He can write it off on his taxes. Hey, how about a new game for your Switch?"