Only a few seconds later, Bella pushed one hand against my chest. Not angrily. Certainly not because she was repulsed at my actions. Just because she was hurting from something that had nothing to do with me.

  My gut told me that.

  I didn’t apologize although I took a step away. Her incredible scent lingered and would for some time.

  The warm glow of the firelight highlighted a slight blush on her cheeks and that was the moment I felt like a shit. “I should go.”

  “Yes, you should.”

  Sighing, I headed for the door, stopping the moment I wrapped my fingers around the handle. “I think you’re in some kind of trouble. I’m no hero, but if I can help with anything, just let me know.”

  “I’m in no trouble, Jagger. If you don’t mind, stop butting in. I can take care of myself. I have for a very long time.”

  That was a kiss-off if I ever heard one. “Fine, lady. No problem. I’ll try not to bother you. Enjoy your stay.” Maybe my male ego was crushed or maybe I was just in a pissy mood, but I closed the door on my way out a little too hard.

  CHAPTER 5

  Bella

  The hard slam of the door made me wince.

  Jagger was angry with me.

  What should I care? Okay, so he’d provided me with a fabulous place to stay at least for a couple of nights. He hadn’t hassled me about who I was and why I was here. I pressed my fingers across my lips, even laughing a little. I hadn’t done that in so long and it felt good.

  Just like his touch.

  My mind shifted to a few additional naughtier visions, images that shouldn’t be entering my mind.

  However, the thought of seeing his body devoid of clothing left a slight flutter in my heart and a wave of heat in my pussy. I had to be exhausted. There was no other excuse for my thoughts.

  But whew.

  Rugged.

  Chiseled.

  Buff body.

  What more could a girl ask for?

  “What are you doing here, girl?” I’d been impetuous in my decision, emailing my resignation to my boss like some coward. I’d felt I’d had no other choice. Yet I kept asking myself: What now? I didn’t have any answers. At least we were safe.

  For now.

  With Cally sound asleep, I headed into the kitchen, opening every cabinet and the pantry door. When I noticed a couple of bottles of red wine, I almost jumped for joy. Maybe the last thing I needed was alcohol, but my nerves were still on edge. Using my maiden name wouldn’t mean anything to a man like Joel Brockford.

  Maybe Susie would keep his sorry ass busy and he’d forget about me.

  At least I could hope for miracles.

  I tugged my phone from my purse, grateful to see I had internet service. Checking in with my bestie was at least a hold onto my past. The furnishings inside the A-frame cottage were incredible, comfortable with a flair of color. One wall was painted a bright turquoise, which complemented the artwork adorning the walls. The leather furniture wasn’t something you usually saw in a rented facility unless it was a posh hotel in the penthouse suite.

  I’d stayed in a couple during my marriage, the vacations we’d shared meant for a king and queen.

  But all of it had been a lie.

  I eased down on the couch and the sadness of my ordeal almost overwhelmed me all over again. No matter how many promises I made to myself I wouldn’t allow Joel to hurt me any longer, I’d resorted to extreme sadness almost every night.

  The feeling of Jagger’s kiss lingered as I dialed Esme’s number. Even the heat of his body when he’d been so close to me had been a welcome change in the iciness I’d felt for months. Just to imagine for a few seconds what it would be like to have a man embrace me with passion in his heart instead of anger was an excellent reminder of why I’d left.

  I closed my eyes, envisioning the kiss in front of the fire.

  If only things had been different and I’d been able to let go.

  That wasn’t going to happen for a long time if ever. I’d learned my lesson about trusting a man with sexy dimples and a killer smile.

  “Well, hello, sunshine,” Esme said as she answered. “I was beginning to wonder about you. What took you so long?”

  “You don’t even know where I landed.”

  “So why don’t you tell me?”

  What was the harm in letting my best friend know where I was? She’d been a good friend for years, my maid of honor at my wedding. I obviously had trust issues because I didn’t answer her right away. It was silly. No, my hesitation was ridiculous. Esme would never betray me.

  “Some small town called Danger Falls.”

  She burst into laughter. “You ended up at a place called Danger Falls? You’re pushing karma. Aren’t you? You are one gutsy lady though.”

  I hadn’t thought of it that way. “Maybe, but karma made my choice for me.”

  “At least you still have a sense of adventure. So, where are you staying?”

  “A sinfully gorgeous cabin in the mountains.”

  “Wow. You spared no expense. Good for you. Now, you just need to find a hot man and everything will be better.”

  I almost choked. She almost always caused that reaction in me. The woman had no filter, which I adored about her. I’d learned a long time ago to keep my mouth shut, never making waves. Being noticed wasn’t always a good thing, which was one reason I’d been shocked Joel had sought me out at a bar. I wasn’t flashy and hated sexy dresses. It was better to remain in the background.

  “You know what they say about getting under a man to get over one?” My bestie added insult to injury, which prompted a few sexy and totally inappropriate images about Jagger.

  “Not in this lifetime.”

  “Then you’ll die old and lonely.”

  “Why, thank you very much,” I told her.

  “I’m serious. There must be a hot dude where you’re staying?”

  I glanced around the living room, more impressed by my surroundings than before. I could only imagine what the views looked like in the daylight. One wall was entirely made of windows and wood beams. With the huge stone fireplace and raised hearth, I could seriously learn to relax.

  “A few of them, but it doesn’t matter.”

  The moment I made the statement, I knew I’d made a mistake. “You met a hot guy. I can tell!”

  She was way too excited.

  “He just helped me get the cabin. Nothing more. He’s a grumpy bastard anyway.” Why was I providing any ammunition to the woman?

  “Uh-huh. I know you better than you think I do. Is he a dreamboat?”

  The answer was a profound yes, but I refused to get carried away on her slow boat to China. “He’s okay. But a total ass.”

  “You know what they say…”

  “Don’t you dare. I didn’t leave town to hook up with some grumpy asshole.”

  “Me thinks you doth protest too heartedly.”

  “Stop it. I’m going to sleep now.” After I consumed at least one glass of wine.

  “Fine, but think about what I said.”

  “Never,” I told her.

  “You will die so lonely. So very lonely.” We both laughed and I could tell she had more on her mind.

  “Just say it.”

  “It’s really nothing, but…”

  “But what?”

  “Just be careful, Bella. I don’t want to see you get hurt again.”

  “I have no intention of allowing that to happen, girlie. I’ll call you in a couple days.”

  “You better. Look, do you need some money? I know the bastard froze your accounts. I’ll wire you some if you need it.”

  She had a trust fund she tried not to use so money wouldn’t be an issue, but I just couldn’t stand the thought of borrowing from her. “I’m okay for now.”

  “Are you sure I can’t get my cousin to convince Joel he needs to unfreeze those accounts?”

  A nervous laugh popped from my lips. “Just hold onto that thought.”

  “I will. Good night, girl. I’m going to remain worried. Call me.”

  “Yes, Mother.”

  I tossed the phone onto the couch, leaning back and trying to absorb what I’d actually done. My actions had taken courage and a little of the chutzpa that had been robbed from me. Just surviving wasn’t an option. Neither was just building a new life. I’d done so a dozen times before. It was old hat.

  Although with Cally in tow, whatever decisions I made would have her best interest at heart. Plus, I had to make money. Everything was so complicated: name, my credentials, everything.

  Hopefully, time would allow me to figure out how to handle the huge mess.

  As I closed my eyes, my mind played tricks on me as usual and I almost jerked up from the couch, certain he was in the room. As usual, the bastard won a small battle once again. A single tear slipped down my cheek.

  What bothered me even more than being here alone in an unknown location was the sick feeling that something was coming, something dark and scary. Maybe I was certain Joel would make good on his threats.

  But what if it was something else, something equally as terrifying?

  CHAPTER 6

  Jagger

  “What do you mean you can’t deliver?” I barked into the phone. I was furious I’d counted on a service that I’d considered sketchy in the first place.

  “Have you looked outside, buddy?” Bronco asked. With a name like Bronco, one would expect him to be a linebacker or a hired gun. Maybe a bouncer. He had the deep, cigarette-laden voice, but standing at just five foot seven and weighing barely one hundred and ten pounds, he’d never win a fight.

  He certainly didn’t want to enter a boxing ring with me.

  The thought had always made me smile. Today, I was pissed at the dude. “It’s snowing. It does that in the mountains. So the fuck what?”

  “So, it’s called the storm of the century for a damn reason. I have two drivers out due to the weather, the wife of another going into premature labor. I got no one to bring your shit to the resort.”

  “I pay you top dollar.” Somehow, I’d allowed myself to become involved with ensuring our deliveries were made on time. Hunter had managed to rope me into that duty two months before.

  The asshole.

  “Maybe, if I’m damn lucky, I can get that to you late today. But I ain’t makin’ no promises.”

  “Late today? Not good enough. After this storm, you and I are talking about your current contract.” My signature was hanging up on people. I couldn’t stand excuses or bullshit, which I was forced to experience more often outside of my former regiment. The world of hospitality was entirely different than what I was used to.

  I stormed toward the window, throwing back the curtains. I’d managed to get the cabin that had obviously been decorated by a woman. Frilly curtains. Bold colors on the walls. I’d been in Danger Falls for months and all I’d managed to do was toss out the corny pillows and artwork of cows on the walls.

  The goddamn curtains were next.

  Yes, it was snowing. More than I’d seen since the mission I’d accepted in upper Alaska. I’d nearly frozen my nuts off as I’d waited for sign of the target. At least four inches were on the ground already, the fall rate about an inch an hour and expected to rise. It was nothing my Range Rover couldn’t withstand.

  I’d purchase the goddamn groceries myself. It was only a few miles into town.

  My second cup of coffee left untouched, I grabbed my parka and keys, heading for the door. It wasn’t in anyone’s best interest to infuriate me this early in the day. I didn’t make it to my damn vehicle before Hunter pulled up, barely getting the gear into park before jumping out.

  “You headed to the resort?” he asked. My younger brother had adapted more than Shep or I had done, enjoying his work handling the restaurant and winery.

  “After I run an errand. I wouldn’t expect the produce delivery any time soon. Fuckin’ Bronco and his shitty staff.”

  “Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Does it have anything to do with that unexpected guest dropping in last night?”

  How many times had I wanted to punch the smug look off the man’s face? He chided me about everything. Sure, I’d done that to him when I was younger, but that was two plus freaking decades before. “I have shit to do. Are you here for a reason?”

  His damn smile remained. “Shep mentioned the park rangers are real concerned about the storm with the wind speed and amount of snow we’re expecting.”

  “And that matters to us why?”

  “We need to keep the weather alert systems on. That’s your baby. Plus, the resort is considered a safe haven in storms.”

  “Why the hell is that?” Yeah, it had been my idea to install a sophisticated weather system instead of the shit I’d found when we’d arrived. I hoped I wouldn’t regret it.

  “Because we have fully operational generators and the power goes out to half the town way too often.”

  I glanced toward the sky, the light pelting I felt indicating the snow was laced with ice crystals. “I’ll be there in an hour or so.”

  “Good deal. I’ll let Shep know.”

  Shephard wasn’t our boss. We were equal partners, but he’d acted like papa dog since we’d arrived. Fuck him. I didn’t need anyone looking over my shoulder telling me how to do my job. Hunter continued studying me, searching for answers I didn’t have. He’d wanted to talk about our respective pasts and I’d shot him down every time. If he needed a shrink, he should hire one.

  He knew I wasn’t the comforting type. Plus, our secret missions were required to be kept private. Forever.

  “Well,” he said. “I’ll get out of your hair.”

  “You do that.” I didn’t wait for him before hopping into my vehicle, starting and revving the engine. I followed closely behind his truck as he headed down the driveway, only turning the opposite way toward town. It was an exercise I didn’t take very often. I went into town once a month to get supplies and no more.

  I handled repairs at the cabin myself, spending my days off chopping wood or hiding in the mountains. I preferred being very much alone, only putting on a fake plastic smile when required. Being the controller allowed me to work in an office instead of walking the resort, but I still had been forced to deal with the staff.

  They’d learned quickly that I wasn’t a people person, choosing to stay out of my way whenever possible.

  The ride into town would be treacherous for anyone without a four-wheel drive. The roads were slick and it wouldn’t be long until they became impassible. As I made the last turn, heading into town, I realized just how important the Christmas holidays were to the townies. They went all out with decorations, a damn parade and Santa being a huge deal for the kiddies.

  The resort was bad enough with huge Christmas trees and wreaths on every door. Seeing the huge fake Santas and reindeer everywhere, the main square lit up with thousands of twinkling lights was enough to make me sick. Danger Falls looked like a Hallmark movie on steroids.

  I passed by the bakery, the old fountain store still serving ice cream cones in the winter, a quaint bookstore that was always busy, the farmer’s market, which was still open even on a day like today, and the fish and bait tackle store run by two old-timer brothers. There was a smattering of small clothing stores, a decent hardware place, and plenty of delicious eateries where I’d never eaten a single bite.

  Hell, other than going to Rutherford’s General Store for groceries, I could count on one hand the number of times I’d been in any of the other locations.

  I knew where I was going, the grocery store the only one I shopped at. The manager usually gave me a quick wave before turning away. My gruff reputation preceded me, but the locals had become insistent on making me a part of the community. You couldn’t walk anywhere without a few of them waving. Even if they didn’t know who you were, they nodded in recognition, most offering a small-town smile.

  Still, they liked to gossip about the dangerous Fox brothers, a notion stuck into their head after the local sheriff had called us enemies of the state in front of one too many people. The angry dude had been watching too many movies.

  This was the kind of place where manners still applied, kids taught to respect their elders. Hell, I’d learned it was disrespectful not to open a door for a lady, schooled by the owner of the popular diner. Poppy Danfield had been around since the beginning of time, friendly to a fault to everyone, myself included. But her sharp wit and sassy mouth had issued a clear warning that if I wanted to be liked in this town, I needed to relearn my manners.

  I tossed items into the grocery basket, already gritting my teeth from accepting the job myself. I had no clue what Bella or Cally liked. What the hell did a kid eat for breakfast or for a snack? I was standing in the cereal aisle when Denise Parker came over. She was the love of Shep’s life, a park ranger with an attitude. She was damn good at her job, not only because she loved what she did. She’d also been a former detective in a big city.

  I still had no clue what the hell she was doing here and what she saw in my brother.

  “Stocking up for the big storm?” she asked.

  I happened to notice her cart was filled with bottled water and dehydrated beef products. “I guess you’re preparing for the apocalypse.”

  “Something like that. It’s supposed to be a bad one.” She was studying me carefully. “What are you looking for?”

  I’d picked up eight boxes of kids’ type cereal, grimacing at the sugar content. “Something a damn kid would eat.”

  Her sarcastic laugh was one of the things Shephard adored about her. She reached over me, selecting a box of Cinnamon Chex. “Nutritious and sweet. Is there something you’re not telling me?”

  She knew I’d glare at her since she turned her evil grin away from me.

  “Just a guest who needs help.”

  “In this weather? Whew. I hope they know they’re going to be snowed in for a while.”