A Hero Grinch for Christmas Read online

  ***

  Hunter woke in a cold sweat. He checked for blood on his shaking hands. Explosions still rang in his ears. The screams seemed so real, making him think he was back in Afghanistan. His heart pounded, he’d been dodging gunfire again. He raked his fingers through his hair and counted to ten.

  His feet hit the cold floor as he still counted, reminding him where he was. He padded to the en-suite bathroom and filled a glass with water. He downed it in one long gulp, then braced his arms on the sides of the sink.

  Nightmares plagued him, dark memories of the warfront he’d served on. Would he ever have a normal night’s sleep again? He’d never forget, but he prayed for the pain and images of violence and death to stop. It was too much to hope they would completely disappear. He relived the terror of the battlefield every day. No one knew what killing someone felt like. No one could understand the terror of losing a buddy in combat, the moment when enemy fire struck a fellow soldier and he stopped breathing in your arms. Hunter lived with the guilt that his entire unit had been slaughtered. Analyzing every move, every decision. Wondering what he could have done differently, if he could have saved his comrade’s life.

  He lifted his head and stared in the mirror hanging over the sink.

  They’d given him a medal for Christ’s sake. A damned decoration for doing his job. For doing his duty. For living and leaving his brothers behind.

  He closed his eyes. There weren’t enough drugs in the world that could shake the memories or dull that pain. Not that he would take pills. He’d never filled the prescriptions the doctors gave him. He did try to numb his mind with alcohol, yet all he managed to do was get drunk on his ass, memories intact. When he learned of his uncle’s death, it shattered his heart, leaving a hole the size of the Milky Way. Darkness filled the void where hope had once been.

  He’d missed his chance to move in with his uncle. To share the man’s dream, to give him the only thing he’d asked for. Time. Hunter had seen too many deaths. Too much mourning. So he finished his enlistment, separated from the military, and then headed for Colorado.

  And what did he end up with? An empty house and a broken heart.

  He decided to go downstairs and look for a bottle of liquor. Denny had always kept the house well stocked, aside from the wine in his cellar.

  A few embers glowed in the stone fireplace, so he threw on more logs and watched them catch fire. Staring into the flames relaxed him. Slowly, his tense muscles eased.

  Calmer now, he went to the kitchen and checked the upper cabinets. He chose a bottle of Jack Daniels, opened it, and took a swig. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, relishing the burn. Grabbing the bottle by the neck, he padded to the fireside where he settled back in his uncle’s favorite recliner.

  Screw the holidays; all Hunter needed was the comfort whiskey offered.

  Chapter Three

  A strong gust of wind rushed through the door as Clarice Shadwell hurried into the shop.

  “Oh, my heavens!”

  Dani rushed to help her close the door. The wind whirled snow in a circle, and half of what she’d shoveled this morning just blew inside.

  “Thank you, Dani. The wind is really kicking up.”

  “Are you all right, Mrs. Shadwell? I didn’t realize the gusts were so strong.”

  She pulled her scarf from her head and patted her teased up hair-do. Dani hid a smile. Talk about a bird’s nest.

  “Let me take your coat.” Dani helped her slip it off and then hung it on the brass rack near the door. “I’ll make you a cappuccino from our new machine.”

  “A what?”

  “It’s a special coffee. Come on and sit down.”

  “Wait a moment.” She stepped to the big bay window and leaned forward. “There. Who is that young man?”

  Dani looked outside. “Where?”

  “There.” Clarice pointed in earnest.

  A tall man with his coat collar pulled up stepped into view across the street. Dani would recognize him anywhere.

  Hunter.

  “Oh, he just stepped into Calvin’s. Now I’ll have to wait to find out who he is.”

  Clarice Shadwell was one of the long-standing residents of Wyattsville. The woman knew everyone, and if she didn’t, she made it her business to find out.

  “You don’t have to wait,” Dani said. “That’s Denny’s nephew.”

  “What? Why . . .” Her beady eyes narrowed with suspicion. “How do you know?”

  “He came in the shop last night.”

  “Then Fay already knows.” Clarice looked out the window again. “Poor boy. Lost his uncle and all. The man loved that boy something fierce.”

  If Dani knew how to read people, she’d say the feeling was mutual. The grief she saw in Hunter’s eyes made her want to put her arms around him and take away his sorrow.

  “I wonder if he’ll move into the cabin or put it up for sale.”

  “He said he was staying there,” Dani said.

  “Makes sense. He is the next of kin, I suppose. I never heard Denny mention anyone else.”

  “Clarice,” Fay called from the doorway leading to the back. “I knew I heard your voice.”

  “Hello, Fay. Your niece has been filling me in on some interesting news.”

  “Has she now?”

  The two women headed to a table by the fireplace. With her back to the ladies, Dani started up the espresso machine and the sweet smell of vanilla filled the air. She prepared two coffees, then placed them on the table.

  “Thank you, Dear,” her aunt said with a warm smile.

  “Thank you, Dani. What’s this? There’s foam in my cup.” Clarice sounded surprised.

  “That’s a cappuccino,” Dani answered. “It’s coffee with a nice vanilla flavor. The machine makes the milk foam.”

  “Milk? In the machine?” She turned in her chair to glance at the espresso machine.

  “Taste it.” Dani beamed with pride.

  Clarice took a sip and smiled. “It’s good. Very good.”

  “Thank you.” Dani gave her aunt an I-told-you-so look, then she happily returned to the counter and made one for herself.

  “So you knew Denny’s nephew was back in town?” Clarice seemed a bit put out over the idea.

  “Clarice,” Fay started. “The poor man just arrived last night. I was at home, and Dani was in the shop alone.”

  Clarice shifted her gaze to Dani, waiting for her confirmation. She nodded.

  “You see,” Fay added. “I had no time to tell you.”

  “So, he’s living at the cabin?”

  It amazed Dani that everyone called Denny’s home a cabin. The thing was huge and beautiful. How he managed to build it by himself, she didn’t know. She joined the ladies at the table.

  “Denny strutted around here like a peacock waiting for the boy to come home.” Fay dabbed the corners of her eyes with a napkin. “He was so proud of Hunter. He’s a decorated war hero, you know.”

  “Of course, I know.” Clarice bristled. “Calvin had all the details for the newspaper. Purple Heart. Bronze Star. He was even recommended for a Medal of Honor. The boy served three tours in Afghanistan.”

  “Denny was afraid he would be killed over there.” Fay sniffed again.

  “And now his uncle is gone,” Clarice said sadly.

  If the two women continued, Dani would need to bring out a box of tissues.

  The bell above the door jingled and once again the wind blew snow into the store. All heads turned toward the door.

  “Good. You’re both here.” Sarah Brumby straightened her hat. “It’s colder than a witch’s tit out there.”

  “Come warm yourself by the fire,” Fay called.

  “Why are you glad we’re both here?” Clarice asked.

  “You’ll never guess who I just saw. Denny Armstrong’s nephew is in town.”

  “I knew before you did,” Clarice puffed up. “He got here last night.”

  Dani smiled as the women competed over who
knew the latest gossip first. “You must be frozen. Why don’t you sit by the fire and I’ll bring you a hot cappuccino to take away the chill.” Dani offered to take Sarah’s coat.

  “What’s that?” Sarah screwed up her face.

  “It’s coffee.” Clarice said, then lifted her cup and sipped as though the drink was nothing new to her. “Now sit down. You’re dripping snow on me.”

  Dani chuckled and hung Sarah’s coat on the brass rack. She crossed the room and turned on the machine. Looks like her early Christmas gift would be well broken in by the time the big day arrived.

  She served Sarah her drink, smiling as the woman oohed and ahhed over the flavor. Dani took her own cup and stood gazing out of the store window, the chatter of the elderly women echoed in the background. The snow had tapered off, but the wind still blew swirls of misty white along the sidewalk.

  She was glad to be away from New York. Fifty million visitors rotated through the city every year. And at Christmas time—total chaos. She shivered. People were nuts during the holidays. Thousands of crazies congregated in Time’s Square on New Year’s Eve just to watch the Waterford crystal ball drop down a pole. All Dani wanted was to get out of there. Every December she came home to her favorite person in the world—Aunt Fay. And she loved spending time in Wyattsville.

  She glanced down the street watching the blinking lights on the buildings when she saw someone coming up the sidewalk, his head tilted against the wind.

  Hunter.

  Dani’s pulse leaped with excitement. Damn. She’d seen her share of hotties in New York. But none compared to Hunter, not even the Calvin Klein models on the billboards in Times Square.

  She hoped she was on Santa’s good girl list, because she knew what she wanted.

  Christmas, her favorite time of year.

  ***

  Christmas. God, he hated this time of year.

  Hunter didn’t like the festive music, twinkling lights, and cheery people. He’d come to Wyattsville to escape reality. But he still needed supplies, which meant coming to town. Did everyone have to be so damned pleasant? Even the newspaper office had music blaring from their storefront while the secretary sprayed fake snow on the large window. Like they didn’t have enough outside.

  Maybe life did go on, but right now, he didn’t give a shit.

  Freezing cold suited him just fine. He hunched his shoulders against the howling wind, tucked his chin into his coat collar and glanced across the street at Fay’s novelty shop. His throat tightened as he thought about the girl he’d met last night. A real beauty. The sudden stir below his belt meant his body agreed. He’d heard plenty about Dani from his uncle. And Fay couldn’t help but brag about her niece living in New York.

  So the big city girl was visiting Wyattsville for the holiday? Although she didn’t seem the snobbish type, one normally expected attitude from New Yorkers. He knew the type—models, Broadway stars, and unscrupulous women who only wanted men with loads of money. He’d met his share of opportunistic women, and a select few had given him one hell of a ride in bed. But it never went beyond the bedroom.

  Besides, he didn’t have time to play games. As a Ranger, he didn’t open himself up to serious relationships. That here today, gone tomorrow philosophy held strong in his mind.

  Jerking the door open on the pickup, he jumped inside, grateful to be out of the wind, and blew hot air into his palms. A vision of green eyes and plush lips flashed in his mind.

  Dani.

  He took another glance at the shop window. No matter how tempting, she was out of reach. He didn’t want a woman in his life right now. Even if he did, Dani was Fay’s niece. Out of respect for his uncle, Hunter wouldn’t mess with a close acquaintance.

  He started the engine, gripped the steering wheel, and drove back to the cabin.

  Chapter Four

  “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 inten
sified, 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.

  Chapter Five

  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.