Danger in a Red Dress

Table of Contents

 

 

“An extraordinarily good read . . . gripping, with a no-holds-barred lovemaking that definitely brings the heat level high. . . . The most engaging thing about
Thigh High
is its characters. . . . By the end of the story I felt as if I knew them all—and I hated saying goodbye!” —Romance Readers at Heart

 

“Dodd has penned another terrific story with a hero and heroine you’ll fall in love with and littered with wonderful secondary characters and enough fast-moving twists and turns and sizzling hot sensuality to keep you turning pages until the final word.”

—Romance Novel TV

 

“Christina Dodd is a master. . . .
Thigh High
is a winner I highly recommend.”—Romance Reviews Today

 

“Charming and likable characters . . . make this an enjoyable read.”—Fresh Fiction

 

“Graced with an endearingly quirky cast of secondary characters and a wonderfully matched pair of protagonists, whose sexual chemistry is as hot and steamy as summer in New Orleans, Dodd’s latest is funny, sexy, and entertaining.”—
Booklist

 

“I can’t wait to see what Ms. Dodd has in store because if
Thigh High
is any indication, we’ll be in for a treat.”

—Romance Junkies

 

“Dodd’s latest hero is like a heat-seeking missile: Once he’s set on a course, he’s hard to shake. Making this damaged and obsessive hero likable despite his arrogance demonstrates Dodd’s wonderful gift for characterization. The offbeat characters and undeniable charm of New Orleans make this romp a joy to experience!” —
Romantic Times
(top pick, 4½ stars)

 

“A humorous over-the-top wild spin of the Big Easy starring two likable protagonists. . . . Fans will enjoy Christina Dodd’s amusing romantic dance around New Orleans.”—
Midwest Book Review

 

 

“Dodd delivers a high-octane, blowout finale. . . . This romantic suspense novel is a delicious concoction that readers will be hard-pressed not to consume in one gulp.”—
Publishers Weekly

 

“Dodd’s latest sparkling romantic suspense novel is another of her superbly sexy literary confections expertly spiced with sassy wit and featuring a beguiling cast of wonderfully entertaining characters.”—
Booklist

 

“Sure to heat up the night.”—Romance Junkies

 

“Dodd brings her unique sense of plotting, character, humor, and surprise to this wonderful tale. You’ll relish every word, cherish each poignant moment and ingenious plot twist, sigh deeply and eagerly await the sequel. Dodd is clever, witty, and sexy.”

—
Romantic Times

 

“Dodd adds humor, sizzling sensuality, and a cast of truly delightful secondary characters to produce a story that will not disappoint.”—
Library Journal

 

“Strong and likable characters make this an enjoyable read. Ms. Dodd peppers the story with interesting secondary personalities, which adds to the reading pleasure.”—The Best Reviews

 

“Sexy and witty, daring and delightful.”

—
New York Times
bestselling author Teresa Medeiros

 

“A master romantic storyteller.”

—
New York Times
bestselling author Kristin Hannah

 

“Christina Dodd keeps getting better and better.”

—
New York Times
bestselling author Debbie Macomber

 

“Treat yourself to a fabulous book—anything by Christina Dodd!”

—
New York Times
bestselling author Jill Barnett

Christina Dodd’s
Contemporary Romantic Suspense

 

 

 

 

Christina Dodd’s Paranormal
Darkness Chosen
Series

 

 

SIGNET
Published by New American Library, a division of
Penguin Group (USA) Inc., 375 Hudson Street,
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First published by Signet, an imprint of New American Library,
a division of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.
First Printing, March 2009

Copyright © Christina Dodd, 2009

All rights reserved

REGISTERED TRADEMARK—MARCA REGISTRADA

Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise), without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

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eISBN : 978-1-101-01958-0

For Monty McAllister, for no particular reason.
Nope. None. No reason. Not one.

 

And for Donna McAllister,
for being so welcoming and generous
with your time, help and friendship.

Danger in a Red Dress
winds up not one but two series for me: the Fortune Hunters, with the wonderful Manly brothers, and the Lost Texas Hearts, with the heartbreaking and heartwarming Prescott family. As I look back on so many years and so many stories, I’m thankful for the inspiration and the help I’ve received. I want to offer my appreciation to everyone at NAL: Leslie Gelbman for her creative guidance; the editorial department, especially the astute Kara Cesare; the art department led by Anthony Ramondo; publicity with Craig Burke and Michele Langley, and of course, the spectacular Penguin sales department. Thank you all.

I especially want to thank my fans, who have patiently waited to read Gabriel’s story, and nagged ever so politely. Sarah and Santa, this one’s for you.

ONE

Hannah Grey couldn’t remember when she’d enjoyed a funeral more.

She sat in the back pew of the Methodist church; the service had been lovely, the elderly man in the coffin was content to be there, and best of all, Mr. Donald Dresser’s neglectful family had been discomfited by the praise lavished on him. His offspring, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren had looked uncomfortable, bored, or pious, depending on their ages and personalities, and Hannah hoped they hated every squirming minute of listening to the minister praise Mr. Dresser for his bravery in combat, his innate business sense, and his devotion to his community—qualities that none of them had inherited.

Now, while the Dresser family shuffled past the coffin, then into the vestibule to accept condolences, Hannah stood, shrugged into her long black coat, and walked up the aisle. She looked down at Mr. Dresser, dressed in his World War II uniform, his arthritis-twisted fingers crossed over his chest. He looked good. Stern. He had been a cantankerous old son of a bitch, but he had had his reasons. As he had told Hannah on a daily basis,
I’m sick and tired of being alive when all my friends are dead, my kids are worthless, and the only use I have for a pretty young nurse like you is to help me piss.

She was fiercely glad he was at peace, but she wiped a tear away as she whispered, “Godspeed, old man. Godspeed.”

She turned away, fumbling with her gloves, and walked to the vestibule. The mourners were gone, but Jeff Dresser stood alone, waiting for her.

He was fifty, handsome, well-dressed, and attractive—at least, he thought he was attractive. Big difference.

“On behalf of the family, we’d like to thank you for your care of our father. You’re the first home-care nurse who could stick it out for more than two weeks, and we’ve sent your final wages to the agency.” He handed her a plain white envelope. “But here’s a bonus for you, with our gratitude.”