A Hero Grinch for Christmas Read online

  All he could think about was Dani and how soon he could get his hands on her again. Keeping busy seemed to work, but when the object of his fantasies shared the same space, self-control took a flying leap out the window. He scrubbed a hand over his face.

  “Henry said it’s the same in town.”

  Dani’s sweet voice crawled down his spine. He gulped his beer before glancing in her direction.

  “Got another one of those?” She stood with her hands braced on her curvy hips. In two shakes he could have her pressed against him, greedily tasting what he wanted so badly.

  “I’ll crack open a bottle of wine, if you like.”

  “Sure.” She followed him into the kitchen. “What are we having this evening?”

  He grabbed a bottle from the island and read the label. “Merlot.” He met her gaze. “A soft, supple wine with nice fruit flavors of plums and blackberries, and occasionally mint. You mentioned you like chocolate. You may find a hint of it in this one.”

  “Sounds good.”

  “Or,” he said as he plucked another bottle from the counter. “Cabernet Sauvignon, which is more assertive than Merlot.”

  “I like assertive.” Her husky voice sent tremors up his back.

  What was happening?

  He didn’t even recognize himself. And he didn’t like it. Not one bit. He needed to start thinking with his big head, not the one in his pants. But he couldn’t regret their passionate joining. He gazed at the woman who threatened his solitude. What would happen once the weather cleared?

  Dani was impossible to resist. And if he was being perfectly honest, he didn’t want to.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Hunter smelled of soap, smoke, and man. A big-hot-pulsing man. They were lounging on the floor together near the fireplace on the pillows he’d pulled from the couch. Pleasurable heat surrounded them. Avoiding the growing need to feel him again did little good. The impulse to jump his bones grew stronger by the minute.

  “The place looks nice,” he rumbled.

  “Thank you. I couldn’t have done it without your help.”

  “Um hmm. You have a spirit bug up your . . . cute hind end.”

  “Up my . . .” She smiled. At least he was loosening up. “I’ll have you know, Grinch, lots of people celebrate Christmas with as much enthusiasm as I do.”

  “Somehow, I doubt that.” He took a drink of his wine drawing her attention to his large fingers.

  She needed to think of something else.

  “Admit it,” she blurted out.

  “Admit what?”

  “You’re not such a Grinch.”

  “A Grinch, huh?” He faced her. A grin tugged at his lips.

  “Yes. When I first met you, I thought you were the angriest man I’d ever seen.”

  The light went out of his eyes. “I was.”

  Dani was determined to bring it back. “You loved your uncle very much. He loved you, too. I think he was a wonderful man. Everyone adored him.”

  “As far back as I can remember, Denny was always there for me. I only saw him get mad once. I swear smoke came out of his nose.”

  Unwilling to break his newly found peace, she listened to Hunter talk. She suspected that’s what he needed the most, someone willing to listen. And Dani was prepared to do it all night if that’s what it took to prove to Hunter she cared.

  “If Denny had lost control, he would have been unstoppable. His first wife came home drunk with a boyfriend one night. Instead of blowing up like most men would, Denny just threw them both out.”

  “That’s horrible.”

  Hunter shrugged and looked at her. “She deserved it.”

  “Of course she deserved it. I meant how awful for Denny.”

  “His second wife attacked him with a knife while he was sleeping.”

  Dani stared at him in shock.

  “Yep. Tough son-of-a-bitch.”

  “I can’t believe he tried marriage a third time.”

  “That woman’s lucky he took the chain saw to the house and not her.”

  Now Dani understood a little more about Denny’s gruff behavior. But underneath, he was a sweetheart. “He liked my aunt.”

  Hunter’s intense gaze held hers. Mere inches separated his lips form hers. Then the magical moment was gone, he turned back to the fire.

  “Denny got that certain gleam in his eye every time Fay’s name was mentioned.” Hunter’s voice lowered while he reminisced.

  “He meant a lot to her.”

  “Fay would have been a keeper.”

  It warmed Dani’s heart that he thought so. “Thank you.”

  “How did you end up in Wyattsville with your aunt?”

  “My parents divorced when I was eight. Both wanted to pursue their own dreams—which didn’t include me.”

  “That’s tough.”

  “It’s okay. I couldn’t have been luckier.”

  “When did you move in with Fay?”

  “Soon after Mom and Dad split. My parents were too preoccupied with their new lives, and having me around meant they couldn’t entertain their new friends, so I moved in with Fay. She loved me like I was her own daughter. Sent me to college.”

  “No kids of her own?” Dani shook her head. “Did she ever get married?”

  “My uncle died when I was little. I often wondered why she never married again.” She grinned up into Hunter’s face. “I think she had her eye on Denny.”

  “Yeah. I noticed that, too. I thought maybe she’d be number four.” Hunter took a drink. “Do you see your parents?”

  “No. I was bitter for a while. But Fay reminded me how much I was loved, and gave me a good life.” She shrugged as if it didn’t matter. She hadn’t really thought about her parents in a long time. Fay was her only family. She never needed anyone else in her life. Until she met Hunter. Now here was a guy she could definitely imagine making room in her life for—without any effort at all.

  Hunter nodded like he understood. “My dad was military. That’s why I enlisted. When he was killed in the Gulf War, Denny took it pretty hard. Mom remarried a few years later, and Denny and I got closer.”

  Hunter closed his eyes and his jaw tightened.

  “He was like a second father to me. And I let him down.”

  Dani touched his thigh. “No you didn’t.” The muscle in his leg tensed under her hand.

  “I made a vow, Dani. I promised. All he wanted was for me to come home.”

  “You couldn’t go AWOL. You had to finish your tour.” She cupped his face, liking the feel of his stubble grazing her palm. She tilted his chin so he had to look her directly in the eyes. “Hunter. You kept your promise. You’re here now.”

  “He’s gone.”

  “Shhh. I know.”

  Their gazes locked. “Do you have any idea how beautiful you are?”

  Suddenly he hauled her close, his mouth crushing hers. She’d never had a man kiss her so raw and hot, so full of need. She kissed him back with equal fervor.

  “God, Dani, I want you.”

  His warm breath was laced with wine. She couldn’t breathe or think for she wanted him just as much. She slipped her hands around his back, feeling every inch of tensed muscle. Tightening her hold, she lost herself in his slow, deep kiss. He groaned with pleasure.

  He tore his shirt off, and she did the same. His big hands sought her breasts and his hungry lips kissed a trail from her neck to her mouth. The ache deep inside her grew.

  She slid her mouth up his jaw and caught his ear lobe between her teeth. With a moan, he dipped his head and kissed her breast, then suckled her nipple. Liquid heat pooled between her thighs, her need building to a fever pitch. She dug her fingers into his shoulders, while he held her immobile so he could continue his torture. He worshipped her breasts, his gentle kisses and licks devouring her. Then he lowered her to the floor and unbuttoned her jeans, sliding them down her thighs.

  She watched his face as he caressed every inch of her skin, his gaze following the path
of his hand. The look of adoration on his face made her want to sob. Then his eyes held hers. Every so slowly he brought his lips closer, and closer to hers.

  Anticipation knifed her last shred of patience.

  Finally, his mouth covered hers, unleashing the passion she knew he tried to control.

  His hands continued to caress and she quivered when he sought the heat between her legs. Then, his mouth caught her gasp as his finger slid inside. She arched against him, desperate for completion. He moved with urgency, teasing and rendering her senseless.

  “Fly, sweetheart,” he whispered. “I want to hear you call my name.”

  Within seconds, she did. “Hunter…”

  When she opened her eyes, a soft smile lit his face. An emotion beyond words, melted her heart. He shifted and settled between her legs.

  “I need to hear you say it, Dani. Say you want this. You want me.”

  “Hunter, I’ve never wanted anyone more,” she choked out.

  He angled his mouth over hers, taking her in a kiss that consumed.

  Nothing could describe the sensations firing inside her blood as he lunged and entered her in one desperate thrust. He released a deep sound of satisfaction. She clawed his arms, digging into hard muscle. They were as close as two people could get without being inside each other. And with everything in her, she wanted just that, to crawl inside him and never leave.

  There was no room for thinking, no room for reason, only passion controlled their every move. He pumped his hips relentlessly, and she soared closer and closer to another explosion.

  Hunter buried his face in her hair. In that moment, she finally realized just how much she needed and wanted this man.

  “Hunter,” she whispered. “Fly with me…"

  Chapter Fifteen

  Dani lay awake listening to Hunter’s even breathing. All snug in his arms, she could get used to this, but she needed to use the bathroom. She crawled from underneath his arms, careful not to wake him. The cold room tempted her to jump back in bed. She closed the bathroom door. Turning on the faucet, she splashed water on her face. Who was the person staring back at her in the mirror?

  A new woman, glowing with happiness. A woman who threw caution to the wind and had lucked out. She turned off the water, then stepped back from the sink, leaning against the door. She couldn’t let him get away. Impatient to see him again, she turned and cracked the door open. Hunter looked so good curled up on his side. She loved his body and face. And when he opened up to her emotionally, it felt right, like she’d known him forever.

  What was she standing there for?

  She crawled under the covers, seeking the pleasure of his body heat.

  After spending a week together, Dani wasn’t surprised she’d fallen into bed with Hunter. Yes it went against everything she believed in, but sometimes a girl had to take risks to get what she wanted. He mumbled in his sleep and reached for her, pulling her into his chest. She never wanted to move. Emotion swept through her, waking up every morning in Hunter’s arms would be easy to do.

  But this was just sex, right?

  Not for her. And if she guessed correctly, not for Hunter either. She buried her face in her pillow. For the first time in her life, Dani felt like a man cared and put her pleasure first.

  This went way beyond physical desire.

  In their short time together, he’d worked his way into her lonely heart. Whether Hunter knew it or not, he’d given himself to her completely. Even though he fought his attraction like a grizzly bear, she could see it in his eyes, feel it in the way he made love to her.

  But Hunter never said he was here to stay. And if he did move into the cabin permanently, that didn’t mean he wanted her. Everything she had was back in New York.

  But she’d give it up for the right man. And she was beginning to think Hunter was the one.

  No one fell in love that fast, did they?

  She slammed the door on her thoughts. No point in going there if—.”

  Hunter flipped onto his back, kicking his feet. His arms came over his head as if he were protecting himself. Then she noticed sweat covered his neck and face. He flailed again, whispering something in his troubled sleep.

  Dear God. Should she wake him?

  ***

  “He’s not here.”

  “What do you mean he’s not here?”

  “Bad intel. He left yesterday.”

  “Smells like a trap.”

  “Set up. Get the fuck out of here!” Hunter gave hand signals while his unit maneuvered the stairs and headed down the tunnel they’d just entered. Rick scanned outside the entrance. Calm. The others followed. Then all hell broke loose.

  “Hunt! Ambush!”

  Small arms fire from all directions.

  “Kip!”

  Gunfire. Jesus Christ. Where was all this firepower coming from?

  Machine gun fire lit up the dark, the only sign of their targets. “Right flank!” he yelled.

  Kip darted to the right. Rick to the left.

  “Taking heavy fire! Request immediate support and extraction!”

  Two men dead. Radio busted.

  The black night suddenly turned into the bright light of day. A young boy in balloon pants and a long robe appeared. Kip. Mike. Bomb!

  No!

  Hunter grabbed the fucker’s throat.

  “Hunter!”

  Explosions still rang in his ears. A slap to the side of his head caused a loud popping in his ear. The man lurched sideways and they fell to the floor.

  Floor?

  The man suddenly materialized into a woman. Hunter narrowed his eyes until her face came into focus.

  “Dani?”

  “Thank God,” she wheezed.

  “Oh my God, Dani. Are you all right?”

  “I think so.”

  “You think . . .”

  He held up his shaking hands. The hands that only a moment ago had been around Dani’s neck. Fuck. He rolled off her and lifted her into his arms.

  “Ow.”

  He froze.

  “Don’t look so panicked. I landed on my ass, but you were on top of me. You’re heavy.”

  “God, I’m sorry.” He lifted her to the bed. “Tell me I didn’t hurt you. Please.”

  “Give me a minute to catch my breath.”

  “Christ!” He shoved his hands through his hair, wishing he were anywhere but here. Dani. For Fuck’s sake. He could have killed her. He flinched at the light touch on his arm.

  “Hunter. Don’t you dare leave me.”

  “Oh, Baby. I . . . I—”

  “And stop apologizing.” She grabbed his hand. How could she be so supportive and gentle after what just happened?

  He folded his fingers over hers and closed his eyes, his own personal hell back with a vengeance. This is why he avoided women and relationships. When he felt her palm against his cheek, he opened his eyes.

  Her expression said everything, the longing and forgiveness blew his mind.

  “Jesus Christ. I’m an asshole.”

  “It’s not your fault,” she said. “You were having a nightmare.”

  “That’s why you shouldn’t be here, Dani. I never wanted you to see me that way.”

  She traced the arch of his eyebrow. “I’m okay. But that frown has to go.”

  “I could have—”

  She covered his lips with her fingers. “Shhh. Hold me.”

  She interlaced her fingers with his and drew him down. He pulled her into the curve of his body. His heartbeat slowly returned to normal.

  “Hunter?”

  “Hmm.”

  “Talk to me.”

  “No.”

  Cautiously, she turned in his arms. “I’m all right.” She smoothed her hand over his cheek. “Are you—?”

  “I’m fine.”

  “No you’re not. Your hands are still shaking.”

  “My God, Dani—”

  “Hold me. There’s nothing more important at this moment than you and me.�
�

  Hunter granted her request. Having Dani in his arms, making love to her beautiful body was just what he needed. She gave herself so freely that she made him feel alive. He needed her warmth to remind him he was safe. He needed to lose himself in her flesh and heat.

  He took her fast. And as he found his glorious release, her name was a harsh murmur from his lips.

  Dani.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Even though she had no intention of acting as if nothing happened, Dani saw no need of making a big deal out of last night. So she allowed Hunter his space. She wasn’t sure if he even went back to sleep. She tried to sooth him, tried to comfort him the only way he would allow—losing himself in their ecstasy. He’d been so remorseful, she wouldn’t let him to fall into a dark hole, where he’d more than likely been for the past several months.

  They would discuss his behavior when he was ready. She only prayed he would not shut her out.

  Hunter stood at the granite island in the kitchen, a mug in his hand.

  “Whoever invented coffee should receive the Nobel Prize,” she said.

  He looked so shell shocked and guilty. Stepping beside him, she kissed his cheek. At least he didn’t recoil from her touch. But she could sense his hesitation, see the way his jaw tightened.

  “Looks like it finally stopped snowing.” She looked toward the kitchen window.

  “I need to check the generator. If we run out of gas, we’ll have to rough it for a while.”

  “If this house is what you call roughing it, I don’t need anything else.” She smiled, letting him know things were fine with her.

  He didn’t smile back. “Without gas, there’s no electricity.”

  “So we light a few candles.” She shrugged. “We have a fireplace. How about the wood supply?”

  “I’ll check that, too.” He set his mug on the counter and headed for the back door.

  “How about some breakfast?”

  “Don’t want any.” With that, he grabbed his hat off a wall peg, put it on, and opened the door. Blistering wind rushed in.

  It seemed he couldn’t get away fast enough.

  But they were talking.

  She grabbed some bread and made some toast, making enough for them both, just in case he came back in. Hunter was suffering. Maybe she couldn’t fix him, but she could help reduce his pain. Everyone needed a little light, and like he’d said already, she’d gotten inside his head—and maybe, his heart.