A Hero Grinch for Christmas (3 page)

“There’s more to a man than providing stability and security. A girl’s got to have a little sizzle.” Fay propped a hand on her hip. “What your Uncle Al and I had would set a house on fire.”

“Aunt Fay. I’m surprised at you.”

“No you’re not. You think I’m too old to show interest in a man. I’m proud of my age, but I’m a young sixty.” She gave a sassy wink. “Denny’s nephew is a looker.”

Yeah.
Dani sure agreed with her. Hunter was hot. She’d thought of nothing but him since he wandered into the shop days ago. Of the idea of him alone in that big cabin.

“You never mention your dates. You don’t have a special man. For a New York girl, your life sounds boring.”

“Coming from a woman who lives in a village in the mountains,” Dani muttered.

Just living in New York made it impossible for her life to be boring. There were times when the fast pace of the city didn’t give her time to catch her breath. She worked for a prominent lawyer, put in long hours, and had little time for dating life. Although, she loved the excitement of the big city, there were times when she really missed Wyattsville.

“I like it here,” Fay said. “I take trips. When I was married to Al, I told him I was going to England while I dragged my suitcase down the steps.” A dreamy look came to her aunt’s eyes—something that happened whenever she reminisced over her late husband.

“You need a special man in your life like my Al. So don’t settle, Dani. Make sure you have the right man.” Fay shook her finger at her. “But first, you’ve got to live a little.”

“I’m doing just fine, Aunt Fay.”

“Sure, honey. If you don’t look a man in the eyes, he won’t know you’re interested.”

“I have no problem looking a man in the eye.”

Most men took a direct look as an invitation. She didn’t need a man for her life to be worthwhile. She had an independent streak and was known to avoid guys most of the time. The ones she encountered in the city were arrogant, self-serving, and preoccupied with money.

She wanted more.

Hunter.

Now there was a man who captured more than her interest. When he’d captivated her with his baby blues, she couldn’t even think, let alone control any expression. His blue eyes haunted her, though. He held deep secrets and she wanted to sooth his pain.

Fay patted her hand. “I better go get ready for my girl’s night out. With Barbara Jean’s son home, we’ve got a lot to talk about.” She chuckled. “Some of his Navy friends came with him.”

The whole town had been buzzing about Barbara Jean’s son, home on leave for Christmas. There were a lot of lonely soldiers with no family to visit over the holidays. Fay and her cronies would give the guys some laughs.

“You’re naughty. Flirting with boys half your age.”

“Maybe you should come with me. Barbara Jean is putting out a big spread for dinner.”

Again, Hunter sprang to mind. After only a brief conversation, the memory of his deep voice still had her quivering on the inside. She rubbed her palm thinking of the current when she’d touched his hand.

All alone in his uncle’s cabin, it had to be hard for him. How would he react to a visit? A friendly visit to let him know the town was thinking about him. A big macho military man like him would detest sympathy. But the town loved Denny. And maybe Hunter needed to know that. True everyone needed time to morn in their own way, but what man wouldn’t appreciate a home cooked meal.

“You go have your fun,” Dani said. “Besides, I might take you up on your advice. I could always cook for a certain nephew.”

“That’s my girl.” Fay buttoned up her coat and dug through her purse.

“Why don’t I drop you off and take the Jeep? The roads are still icy, but I don’t think they’re dangerous,” Dani said.

“That sounds like a good idea. One of the
boys
can bring me home.”

***

Ten miles into the drive to Hunter’s cabin, fresh snow flakes hit the windshield. Dani flipped on the high beams, trying to get a better view of the roadway ahead. After another few miles, the snow came down heavy. As the storm intensified, visibility decreased. The windshield wipers swept double-time over the icy windshield. She gripped the steering wheel and strained to see through the blinding snow. Suddenly an animal ran out in front of her vehicle. Everything happened in slow motion.

She knew not to over correct. But, damn it, she over corrected. The vehicle spun out of control. Fir trees rushed by in a blur and all she could do was hold on to the steering wheel. A loud thump and a jolt slammed her head back against the seat. When she opened her eyes, she realized the Jeep was at an awkward angle, stuck in a snow pile on the side of the road.

Shit.

Sure she wasn’t hurt, she undid her seatbelt, then opened the door. She stepped into the snow, dreading the twenty mile hike back to town. The only choice was Hunter’s cabin. The turn off should be close, and she’d just have to walk the rest of the way.

Dani puffed out a cloud of vapor and pulled her scarf tighter around her neck. Then she tugged the hood of her ski coat down to her eyes. Once she was sure every inch of exposed skin was covered, she retrieved the box of food from the floor board.

It was going to be a long, slow haul.

The door flew open and Hunter’s blond hair hung in his face, as if maybe he just got out of bed. Her fingers itched to smooth the wild strands from his brow.

When he recognized her, he simply hooked his thumb in his pocket and leaned against the doorjamb. Rugged in a pair of faded blue jeans, his too tight t-shirt stretched across six-pack abs. His stunning blue eyes peered at her, causing a slow kindling in her belly. She took in a ragged breath.

“Hi.”

His gaze glided from her face down to her shaking knees and his body tensed.

“Can I . . . come in—” She stuttered.

His arms shot out to her shoulders. Then he swooped her up and cradled her against his hard chest.

“My God, you’re freezing. What the hell happened?” Kicking the door shut, he carried her to the fireplace and lowered her to the ottoman.

“I had to walk from the main road.” Her voice came out shaky. She’d kept her mouth covered with her scarf, but her lungs burned from breathing the cold air.

“I didn’t see your car? How long have you been out there?”

“In a ditch.” Now that she was inside, the heat made her aware of the tingling in her toes. Her teeth started to chatter. “I . . . slid off the road . . .”

“Why didn’t you say something?”

He worked the buttons on the front of her jacket, then removed the gloves from her frozen fingers. He helped her remove her coat, then he tossed it aside. “Are you all right?” He gripped her arms, sliding his hands along her elbows descending to her wrists.

“Are you injured? Do you have any pain?” His warm fingers caressed her neck, then smoothed over her shoulders, almost massaging. Warmth flowed through her.

“Should I be alarmed . . . Or excited?” she teased. His touch felt good. Very good.

He gave a long steady stare. “Did you hit your head?”

“No. I don’t think so. I’m just really cold.”

“Whatever possessed you to walk in this weather? Do you realize you could have frozen out there and no one would have known? You could get frost bite.”

He squatted and tugged her boots off, dropping them to the floor. Then his wonderful fingers warmed her toes through her cold socks. “Where’s your car?”

“About a mile back, at the big curve, right before the turnoff to the cabin.”

He grunted and shook his head which she’d come to believe was his usual habit. She could ignore his surly disposition, but her body temperature rose several degrees from his strong hands rubbing up and down her legs.

“What the hell are you doing out here?” he asked.

The fire was welcoming, him not so much.

“Bringing gifts. Uh, there’s a box outside your door. I thought you might like a home cooked meal.”

“Are you serious? You decided to drive up this mountain in this weather to feed me?”

“It wasn’t snowing when I left. For some stupid reason I had this wild idea I was performing an act of kindness,” she said sarcastically.

Hunter strode back to the entryway and found the box of food. She studied his tall form, as his long powerful legs ate up the distance to the door. He had a confident swagger a girl couldn’t help but admire. When he retrieved the box and passed her heading to the kitchen, she wished he’d hurry back and continue his ministrations, share some more of his warmth.

He placed the box of food on the counter. And in no time, he was back at her side, pulling her to her feet. While one hand gripped her arm, he pressed the other to her forehead.

Oh, his hands were warm, almost hot against her cold skin. Still, she couldn’t help teasing him. “Can’t keep your hands off me?”

“Don’t know when to shut up, do you? You’re clothes are wet. Want to catch your death? I’ll not have another . . .”

“Another what?”

Pain crossed his features, but he quickly covered it up. “Forget it,” he said. “You need a hot bath.”

“That sounds tempting.”

“And necessary. How are your feet?”

“They’re fine now. Insulated boots.”

He nodded. “Come on.”

“Where?”

“There’s a second master suite you can use.” Hunter climbed the first few stairs. “We may be secluded in the mountains, but my uncle believed in the finer things of life. You’ll find every comfort you need.”

A hot bath. She imagined a large tub full of bubbles, emerged up to her neck. Heaven. She shivered with expectation. The only thing that would make relaxing in a nice steamy bath more enjoyable, would be a fine glass of champagne—and maybe this hot guy to share it with her.

***

Dani soaked in the large bathtub with water up to her neck. The aftereffects of the accident were beginning to creep in. Even though the hot water eased the chill from her bones, a shaky trembling coursed through her limbs. It could have been so much worse.

What if she had been knocked out? She could have frozen to death before anyone found her. Aunt Fay would not have missed her for hours.

Fay. She would have been devastated.

A tear trickled down Dani’s cheek to fall into the swelling water. It was an accident. It wasn’t like she’d planned running her Jeep off the road. And it was not snowing when she left.

Thank God she wasn’t hurt. And thanks to her membership at the gym, the hike to the cabin wasn’t too stressful. She was glad the trek through the cold and snow was only a mile. Although Hunters hands had warmed her up quick enough.

Thinking about her gruff host, she remembered the night Hunter came into Fay’s shop. He seemed like a lost soul, but she’d felt a strong pull toward him. Tall, blond, muscular, all the things that attracted a woman. But she’d seen something else in his eyes. A surge she couldn’t explain, and she’d felt herself drowning.

She’d taken a risk by touching him. Covering his hand in compassion. But she was glad she’d initiated the move. He hadn’t pulled away. At least not right away.

He sure hadn’t been too happy when he found her on his doorstep. She supposed, his brusque demeanor stemmed from his uncle’s death. But, she’d been in an accident. To be fair, once he realized that, he went into action. He’d taken one good look at her, saw the danger from being exposed to the cold, and acted with real concern and caring.

Yes. There was more to the man than his gruff exterior.

Dani leaned her head on the rim of the tub and closed her eyes. She gave thanks that she was safe. Rolling her shoulders, she relaxed and basked in the warm water soothing her muscles. She nearly drifted off, but knew that would be a huge mistake. The repercussion of exposure didn’t worry her as much as Hunter. She could just imagine what would happen if her host found her asleep in his bathtub.

She wouldn’t think of his imminent reaction to having an overnight house guest.

No doubt about it, she would be spending the night. It was a sure bet with the storm, and her transportation in a ditch.

Dani stepped out of the tub and wrapped a towel around her body, tucking the end between her breasts. She glanced in the mirror over the sink. Leaning to the side, she finger-combed her hair. When she freed the tangles in some sort of order, she opened the door and padded into the bedroom.

What a place. A year ago when she visited here with her aunt, she hadn’t seen the upstairs. Denny had expected Hunter to move in, that’s probably why he added the second master bedroom. With two assertive men, each one needed their space. And the suite had everything one needed.

She frowned at her wet clothes. What was she supposed to put on? She opened the closet and found men’s overalls and some button down flannel shirts, probably Denny’s judging by the size. Everything would swallow her up. Maybe she should make a toga out of the bedspread. It would serve Hunter right if she paraded around the cabin half naked.

The idea wouldn’t go any further than her thoughts. She didn’t have that kind of courage, even though her reluctant host needed inspiration to get the corn cob out of his ass. But then, she supposed he was used to women throwing themselves at him.

She chewed on the end of her fingernail trying to decide what to do. It was a large towel. Nope. Not happening. She paced back to the closet and grabbed a button down shirt, and tore it off the hanger. When she shoved her arms into the sleeves, they hung almost to her knees. So she took it off, rolled the sleeves several times, then put the shirt back on. The flannel felt warm against her skin. Before she could change her mind, she headed downstairs. When she reached the bottom step, the smell of fresh bread assaulted her senses. Her tummy growled. She couldn’t deny she was hungry. She padded to the kitchen and stood next to the island.

“Something smells good.”

“Everything was cold. I warmed it up.” He pulled a pan from the oven, then set it on a black metal rack on the stove top and pulled off his oven mitts. When he turned around to talk to her, he froze. His jaw clenched so tight it was a wonder it didn’t crack from the pressure. But when his gaze drifted slowly down her body to her bare legs, Dani knew he liked what he saw. With a confidence she didn’t really feel, she cocked her hip and acted like she dressed half naked every day.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

She gave an innocent shrug trying to tamp down the nerves searing her stomach. “I found this in the closet. I don’t have anything else to put on. ”

“Well you can’t parade around here like that. You need warm clothes.”

“If you remember, mine are wet.”

He shoved past her taking the stairs two at a time. With a smile, she followed him. When she reached the top of the stairs, Hunter had a bundle in his hands.

“Here.” He shoved the clothes at her. “Some sweats and a shirt. You can make do with those.” He snapped his fingers, suggesting he’d thought of something else. He whirled around before she could say thanks.

Just as she stepped inside the bedroom to get dressed, he was back.

“Socks to keep your feet warm.”

“That’s great. Thanks.”

He gave her a hard look, then walked away.

Wow.
Her heart pounded a little faster. His penetrating stare heated her all over.

She quickly pulled the t-shirt over her head and then stepped into the sweatpants, drawing the string tight. Since she had no bra, she thought she needed to add something for a bit more modesty. She rummaged through the chest of drawers and found a sweatshirt. The two together would just have to do.

***

Hunter took several breaths to slow his breathing. Had the woman made him a moron? He should have thought about the clothes. She should have found something to put on those long legs. He scrubbed a hand over his face, trying to wipe her sensual image from his mind.

Had she done it deliberately? What was she up to? Whatever it was, it wouldn’t work. Plenty of women had tried to seduce him, and he’d resisted. Years ago he might have played along and slept with her, but things were different now. He’d changed. And women weren’t part of his new plans.

Although, Dani looked pretty damn hot in that flannel. Hell, he’d been tempted to throw her over his shoulder and haul her ass right back up those stairs, to his bed.

He slammed a pan on the back burner and leaned on the counter.

The more he tried to focus on warming dinner, the sharper her image grew in his mind. The flannel shirt hid her curves, but not those shapely legs. Long, long legs, muscled calves, trim sexy ankles, polished toe nails . . .

Shit!

It surprised him he’d responded so strongly. He had to do something, think of something other than those trim legs wrapped around him, before Dani came back into the kitchen. Which was damn hard to do.

Admittedly Dani tempted him. There’d been something right from the moment they met. Her quick smile and fathomless eyes stirred something he didn’t want to be stirred. He had enough on his mind without adding a female into the mix.

The one thing he took away from the Army was discipline. Sure, when he grabbed his discharge papers he’d needed to get his head on straight, but self-control had been drilled into him. He could withstand anything, even a beautiful woman. He’d lived through his share of relationships. Nothing lasted. And he refused to burden someone with his pain.

But she was such a tempting morsel. And she’d brought him dinner in the middle of a snow storm.
Why?

“Does this meet your approval?”

Lost in his thoughts, he’d not heard her approach. He slowly unclenched his hands and turned. The vision of her in only a shirt already had him on edge. But the sight of her in his sweats and knowing she had nothing on underneath, made him want to wrap his arms around her and devour her mouth.

“That’s better,” he grated.

“Better than what?”

He ignored her provocation. “Look outside.”

As she walked past him heading for the window, a soapy scent wafted in the air. Even soap smelled sexy on her.

“Looks like a blizzard out there,” she said.

“You say your Jeep is off the road?”

“Yeah. It’s not going anywhere.”

“And neither are you. You’re obviously staying the night.” Damn his jeans were getting tighter by the second.

“My aunt will be worried.”

“You should have thought about that before you came traipsing up the mountain.”

Her eyes hardened and her body tensed.

Damn.
He raked a hand through his hair. “I don’t have a phone, but there’s a short wave radio in the back. Is there someone you can call?”

“Henry.” Her eyes lit up with a different kind of glow, making him wonder who the hell was Henry.

“He’s a retired fireman, friend of the family.”

Could the woman read minds?
She crossed her arms over her chest and leaned against the counter.

“Henry plays with shortwave radios all the time. If the volume is high enough, he’ll hear us.”

“The transmitter is in the room in the back.” He strode down the hall, expecting her to follow. He opened the door and flipped the light switch.

“Wow,” she said as she slid in behind him. “A man cave.”

He stared at the seven-foot stuffed grizzly his uncle shot years ago standing in the corner next to the gun safe. Deer and elk heads, and other hunting trophies hung on the walls, a stuffed bobcat . . . Yep. A man cave.

“What’s that?” she asked.

Hunter looked where she pointed. “A Jack-a-lope.”

“A what?”

“A Jack-a-lope.”

“Looks like a rabbit with horns,” she said innocently.

“It is.” He motioned to the desk. “Here’s the radio. Do you know how to use it?”

“No.”

He sat down and fumbled with a few knobs, then tested the microphone. Henry answered right away. Hunter offered her the chair as he stood up, and handed her the mic. After a brief explanation and Henry’s assurance he’d contact Fay, she looked more relaxed knowing her aunt wouldn’t worry.

Satisfied he’d done everything to make her comfortable, he opted to give her privacy. Besides, the longer he stayed around Dani, the weaker his resolve.

“Do you need anything else?” he asked.

“No. Thank you.”

He nodded, then quietly left the room.

***

“At least that’s done.”

Even her voice hit him below the belt. He closed the oven door and made sure the dial was turned off. “Did you reach your aunt?”

“Henry said he’d give her the message.”

“Is he sending someone to get you?” He glanced up to find her staring at him. He tried to imagine what was going through her mind.

“No. I told him I was here with you.”

“He doesn’t know me. He should send someone to pick you up.” He knew he sounded too callous. But for her protection, and his, she needed to leave—the attraction between them was growing.

“I told him I was safe.”

Safe from who?
He might sound like he didn’t like her, but she pushed his buttons, and he badly wanted to taste her. His frustration made him irritable.

“A little presumptuous on your part. Does Henry know how long this snowstorm will last? Can they get a tow truck up here?”

“All right. You’ve made it very plain you don’t want me here.” Her voice rose with annoyance. “The very minute it stops snowing, I’ll get out of your hair.”

He’d made her angry. Wasn’t that his intention?
No.
His intention was to get her the hell out of this house. Which wouldn’t be anytime soon. He scrubbed a hand over his face and tried to settle down.

“Your car is in a ditch.” He stated the obvious.

“Jeep.”

Did she honestly just correct him? He frowned at her.

“Give me a shovel and I’ll be on my way,” she said.

God, she was beautiful when she got upset. He admired her spunk, standing up to him the way she did, which reminded him he was acting like an ass. He took a deep breath. “I didn’t say I didn’t want you here.”

“Do you?” she fired back.

So much for calm
. “No.”

“There you have it.” She waved her hands in the air. “I should put on my coat and boots, and leave.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. You’ll freeze.”

“I think it’s colder in here.”

The girl had a mouth.

A kissable mouth. He closed his eyes and groaned.

“Is it me, or maybe you don’t like women in general?”

He opened his eyes to find her studying his face. “I don’t even know you.” But one thing was for sure, she made him completely uncomfortable in his own skin. He grabbed a bowl and strode to the dining table.

She followed, carrying a plate of chicken.

“Sit.” He pointed to a chair, then walked back to the kitchen. He breathed easier without her dogging his heels. Opening a cabinet, he retrieved two cups.

When he returned to the dining room, he found Dani admiring the table, her fingers fondly tracing the woodwork. Tender memories of his uncle resurfaced.

“Denny made every piece of furniture in this house,” he offered.

“I thought so. This quality is hard to find.”

“He loved working in his shop.”

“It’s beautiful. I noticed several pieces in my aunt’s store. And the comfy corner, he built that for her, didn’t he?”

“Yes, he did.” Hunter placed a steaming mug in front of Dani, then he dropped into his chair.

“This looks good.” She eyed the food hungrily.

This woman had walked a couple miles in the cold and was probably starving. His own stomach growled as he looked at the food she’d brought.

“Fay is a good cook,” he said.

“I’ll have you know I fried this chicken.”

His arm stopped midway to his mouth. “You cooked this?”

“Don’t be so surprised. I learned from the best.”

“You cooked
all
of this?” He made a sweep with his hand.

“Fried chicken, homemade bread,
and
mashed potatoes with cream and real butter. The green beans came from the market, but I snapped and cooked them.”

“Quite the little Susie Homemaker.”

She beamed with pride.

He took a bite and groaned.
Very
good. Damned if he’d tell her.

“Thank you comes to mind.” Green eyes twinkled at him.

“What?”

“Didn’t your mother teach you manners?”

“Fishing for compliments? Yes, I appreciate the food.”

“What will it take for you to smile?” She twirled her fork between her fingers. “Are you afraid your face will crack?”

It took everything in him not to smile. “Do you ever shut up?”

“So, you think I talk too much?” She shrugged and stabbed a bite of lettuce. “I just thought I’d try some conversation.”