A CHRISTMAS COLLECTION

by Wilton, Patrice

  Satisfied that everything around her cabin looked safe, Ally left her car and went inside. She changed clothes quickly, putting on a heavy pair of pants and a camouflage hunting jacket, then loaded up her rifle, packing extra ammo in one deep pocket, her camera in the other.

  She put on her boots and headed outside to take advantage of the shining sun in a brilliant blue sky. After living here for a year and a half, Ally knew the area well. The little brooks, the hills and valleys. She had wandered miles in these woods—alone with nature, capturing the seasons with the lens of her camera. That was one way she released stress—she also had her own shooting range.

  During the busier summer months, there were too many people about, and she couldn’t have target practice without causing a stink with her neighbors. Kids played outdoors, in her woods. But today the woods belonged to her.

  She strode over to the practice area—a hundred foot square she’d marked off with railings she’d made herself last year. Because the snow drifts reached to her knees in this heavily wooded area, it was not easy work, but it kept her fit, and built her confidence in target shooting. She opened the burlap sack she kept tied to a tree branch and pulled out a dozen soup cans, placing them on the far rail. The cans were replaced often as she rarely missed.

  The first round went quickly—the sound of gunshots sent birds flying into the air, followed by the rustling noises of critters burrowing deeper into the woods. The cans went flying too as she hadn’t missed a one, so she trudged back and replaced them again, then marked off a hundred and fifty yards.

  Ally loved the heavy feel of the rifle in her hands, the kickback as each explosion hit its mark. To many women this would be an unthinkable sport, but for her it was empowering. Not only had she become proficient at both martial arts and weaponry, she enjoyed them. Plus, if anyone was out there, she wanted to make damn sure that they knew she had a rifle and knew how to use it.

  Figuring it must be getting late, Ally picked up her empty shells and the sack of cans, then headed back toward her cabin. She was halfway there when a cracking noise made her freeze. Bear? Deer? No…a person was rushing toward her from her left. Not stealthily either.

  She whipped around, rifle raised.

  “Whoa!” Ian Brown shouted, his hands in the air. “I brought you something.”

  Heart pounding, Ally lowered her weapon. “What are you doing rushing me like that? You could have been shot.”

  “I figured you were too smart for a rookie move like that. You don’t shoot what you can’t see.”

  “Yeah.” She sucked in a breath and released it slowly. “Luckily for you.” She eyed the growling German Shepherd straining against the leash Ian used to restrain him. Police dog? Ian’s personal pet? “What’s this?”

  “Your protection.”

  She lifted her gun. “As you can see, I have my own.”

  Ian smiled with what could have been appreciation. “That much is obvious. So is your determination to do this alone. But I’m afraid as Police Chief, I can’t allow that to happen. You can take Fido here—or me—to keep you safe day and night. Especially the night. You’ve got no neighbors nearby. No one within miles. Hell,” he said, his cheeks red with cold, “if something happened, even with you in the system, I couldn’t reach you in time.”

  “Jeez! How have I managed to live without you?” She gave a derisive snort.

  “Not sure,” he answered, refusing to back down. “But you won’t stay that way if you’re too stubborn to accept help.”

  “You are really something, aren’t you?” She trudged right past him and the panting dog toward her cabin, adjusting the rifle on her shoulder. Who was this nobody cop to tell her that she couldn’t take care of herself?

  Did he think she was incompetent? She’d hoped to have his respect, but for him to bring her a dog? It was darn right insulting! She wasn’t stupid. First thing she’d done when she’d rented the cabin was change all the locks and get twenty-four hour protection. If anything happened, whether she was home or away, once the alarm sounded, the monitoring service would notify the police and fire department and help would arrive. It was top of the line security, even for a hick town like this.

  Hick town and hick cop who thought she needed a man to save her! Hell! It was a man who’d gotten her into this in the first place! And no man was ever going to intimidate her or tell her what she could and could not do again. No way in hell. Seething, she dragged her burlap bag over the snow, the shredded cans clacking together.

  Chief Brown didn’t make any more comments, giving her lots of leeway as he followed her trail. Smart of him. He didn’t even step in to help when she tripped over a small log that was buried in the drifting snow. She went down on one knee, then recovered her footing just fine, thank you.

  Fido loped through the snow as if trying to catch up with her. Ally guessed him to be an overgrown pup, all gangly legs and exuberance as he hopped through the snow, then raced back to run circles in front of the police chief.

  She was not letting that dog in her house, no matter what he said.

  The cabin came within view as did Ian’s marked police car in her driveway. That alone should warn away anyone stupid enough to try and frighten her.

  She hurried ahead, but turned back when she heard Ian shout. The dog had spotted a rabbit in the underbrush and was giving chase, dragging the police officer behind.

  Ian was a big strong man, but his feet couldn’t get traction in the snow and he was being pulled along by the rabbit-crazed dog, barreling madly through the spindly rows of trees.

  Seeing the predicament, and knowing he could get hurt, Ally fired a shot in the air. The dog came to an abrupt stop, and the chief tripped over his big feet, landing on his belly, his face in the snow. The peppy pup ran back and licked the chief’s face.

  Ian sat up, wiped the snow from his ruddy cheeks, and angrily pushed the mutt away from him. “You little shit…” he sputtered, as the shepherd tried to bury his wet nose in his neck. “Get away from me.”

  Ally put her fingers to her mouth to stifle a giggle, then walked over and offered him a hand.

  He glanced up at her, his dignity gone. For a second she thought he wouldn’t accept her help, but then he thought better of it. Grabbing hold of her wrist, he gave it a wicked tug, toppling her down too. She landed half on top of him. Her chest was flattened against his, and she could feel him shaking. His tummy rumbled, and she knew he was laughing.

  She raised herself over him, swatting at him like he was a fly. “How dare you! That’s the thanks I get for offering my assistance?”

  He tugged her down against him again. “Thank you.”

  “Let me go.” She slid off his chest, but his arm had her shoulder pinned down. She couldn’t squirm away.

  “Not yet.” His deep brown eyes were teasing when he wiped some snow off her nose. “First I want you to admit that you can’t possibly stay here this winter alone.”

  “I won’t admit that. I’m just fine. Always have been. Always will.” Couldn’t he see that?

  The dog turned his attention to her and his rough tongue slurped at her face. “Euww!” She pushed his head away. “Yuck.”

  The chief laughed and stood up, bringing her along too. “You’re not fine.” He shifted his weight and steadied her. “You see how easy it would be to overpower you?”

  “That wasn’t fair.” Ally gritted her teeth, and jutted her chin forward. “I trusted you. I wouldn’t do that with just anyone.” She smacked his arm again. “I had a weapon. You would never have gotten close.”

  “What if you trusted the person who came up to you? Someone in uniform? An ambulance driver looking for an address? A gas company who needed to check your meter?”

  “Wouldn’t happen. I’d ask for credentials.”

  “You would not. An ambulance? Flashing lights? If he handed you a piece of paper with something written on it, you’d glance down. He’d have you. Easier than I just did.”

  “You didn�
��t have me. You took advantage of the moment to prove something, but it doesn’t.” She raised her eyes to his. He was standing only a few inches away, and she could feel her heart pounding. His, too. “It was a trick, and you know it.”

  He nodded, his eyes solemn. “I admit it wasn’t fair, but I needed to prove a point.”

  “The point you proved is that no man can be trusted.” She tossed her head back, glaring at him.

  “That’s not true.” He shifted closer to her and his entire body exuded danger. Yes, he could overpower her. He could pick her up and take her to bed, do unimaginable things to do. And what could she do about it? Enjoy.

  “I can be trusted,” he said, his eyes on hers. “To keep you safe.”

  Her cheeks flamed, and a burning heat scorched her inside and out.

  “Are you okay?” He placed his hands on her elbows, and the dog sniffed around the two of them, scenting something that Ally didn’t want to think about.

  “Yes.” They stood toe to toe, his breath quickening. What the hell was going on between them? It was about thirty degrees outside and they were both flushed and breathless. She took a step back. “What about you? Did the exertion wear you out? Your face is red.”

  “I’m not as fit as I used to be.” He scowled.

  She remembered the small cup of chili he’d had for lunch. “Well, you’re used to chasing bad guys on a city street. It’s a different ball game out here.” Ally grabbed the dog’s leash. “Come on. We’ve got to get moving. I still have work at the bistro.”

  “Would you please keep him, just for a few days until we locate your intruder? Someone got inside your home, Ally, and that scares me even if it doesn’t scare you.” He brushed the snow off his backside. “Besides, looks like you and Fido have hit it off.”

  “I wouldn’t go that far.” She glanced at the shepherd who was lunging ahead to jump through the snow. “Does he have a real name?”

  “He’s a rescue dog. They called him Speed.” He grinned. “Think I know why.”

  “Okay. Speed it is.” She ran off with the dog and allowed Ian to gather up her bag and follow at his own pace. What should she do? He cared, and that was sweet—but a dog? She’d never had one. Not even as a child.

  She wasn’t sure if she liked them or not. They needed attention. Food. Water. Walks. She didn’t have time for a pet. If she did, she’d probably choose a cat. Or goldfish. Still, the pup was looking up at her, a pleading expression in his dark chocolate eyes. Take me, keep me, he seemed to silently ask.

  She sighed and her shoulders slumped. She rested her rifle against the cruiser and bent to pet the mutt as she waited for Ian to arrive.

  Ian smiled when he saw the two of them bonding. He unlocked his door and pulled out a ten-pound bag of dog food, and a plaid pet bed. “I came prepared. Figured you might choose the dog over me.”

  She looked him over, and heat returned to her cheeks. “Not sure that you gave me much choice.” It wouldn’t take too much pressure for her to have said yes to him on her couch again, and they both knew it.

  “Well, you might be safer at night with the dog.”

  The words hung in the air as the chief locked eyes with her.

  “You think?” she heard the squeak in her voice, and coughed. “I never met a man I couldn’t handle. Even that asshole I told you about. He got a restraining order. You think you might need one?”

  Ian took two steps toward her, and she could feel his chest pounding inches away from hers. He glanced down and lifted her chin. “You could try, but you see, I’m the one you’d have to make the complaint to, and I’m not sure that I would comply.”

  “Why’s that?” Her libido soared. “You want to model for me after all?”

  A sexy grin lit up his face. “Something like that.”

  She turned and ran off to her cabin, unlocking the side door. “Bring the stuff in. I don’t have time to flirt with you. I have to get back to work.”

  He laughed, and did as he was told—bringing the dog’s belongings inside. He waited until the two of them seemed settled. “I’ll drop by the bistro later. You need anything before I leave?”

  “Uh. No. Just need to take my shower. You wash backs?” she said with a teasing wink. She got rid of her coat and pulled the knit sweater over her head, baring the black sports bra underneath. What would she do if he decided to join her?

  Her heart thundered in anticipation. It had been a long, long time since she’d been laid, and the glimpse of all that manhood had reawakened her senses.

  His eyes roamed over her, heating her blood—and yet he was moving toward the door. “Don’t be starting something you can’t finish,” he said. “I’m leaving now. Lock up behind me.”

  “Okay, Chief.” She wasn’t sure what she felt inside. Disappointment? Relief? A bit of both? Whatever. She gave him a big smile and a gentle push, and closed the door, then locked it. She raced off to shower and change. Nick wouldn’t care if she was a few minutes late. Charlie would be there to cover for her. Besides, in the past year and a half, Ally had put in plenty of extra hours without being asked.

  After her shower, she dressed in her best fitted jeans and a clingy black top. It was the Christmas season and people were dressing up more than usual. As a nod to the season, she added hooped earrings that were red and green balls. She even used green eye shadow and liner, and painted her lips red.

  Ian would be coming for dinner later, and suddenly, the idea of having a man hanging around didn’t seem as unappealing as before.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  Driving back into town, Ian was aware that he was susceptible to a pretty girl in trouble. Recently divorced, and living like a monk, he was susceptible to a pretty woman period. Add the fact that her life might be in danger, well, naturally his gallant, protective instincts were fired up. Besides that, he was the Police Chief of this town, and as such it was his business, his job to ensure that no harm come to Ally Holmes.

  Even if this woman had no physical attributes to entice him with, he’d still be committed and concerned about her well-being. He almost wished it were so. Ally, unfortunately, was both youthful and beautiful in her wild-spirited way. She was just as fascinating in her natural habitat as the creatures she liked to photograph.

  He had to admit that he was intrigued by her. She amused him, and he found her witty, attractive, interesting. The most appealing woman he’d met in years. Standing there naked in her shower this morning, the thought of her lying in bed only a few feet away had got him hard. And then the curtain had been ripped aside, exposing his arousal.

  God, he’d wanted to drag her in there with him. He wanted to do her. Over and over.

  So, knowing this, acknowledging his desire, he had to fight against it. Exercise caution. He should not be finding excuses to drop into the restaurant, or to her home, or to her bed. He had a sinking feeling that she might be agreeable, and wanted a good toss in the hay. With him.

  So what was he to do? He couldn’t stay away, not if there were more threats or unexplained occurrences happening around her. If this wasn’t a quiet little town with no action to speak of, that stalker business would be considered old news and easily dismissed.

  He arrived at the station, his mind still uneasy. He was a black or white kind of guy, and didn’t like gray areas either at work, or at play.

  “How’s it going, Finn?” he asked. The younger officer got up from his chair and stretched the kinks from his back. He’d been on duty since six this morning. Ian floated around, but was still working from morning until night. Deputy Stuart Barnes took the night shift. He was sixty-six and had forty years in the force. At his age, he preferred the peace and quiet of working nights. The station existed with only three full time cops. The three of them worked five day weeks, and they had two part timers who came in on Sunday and Mondays. They had a backup force in West Chester, a good-sized town twenty minutes down the highway. Heaven was basically crime free. It worked well enough.

  “Quiet ni
ght. Whatever you said to the Jenkins boys is keeping them from acting up, at least for the day. Did you find anything?” Finn asked, wrapping a wool scarf around his neck, before putting on his down coat.

  “I got a rescue dog for Ally. German Shepherd crossbreed. Not full grown but full of pep.”

  “Did she want a dog?”

  She hadn’t actually. He shrugged. “This is on a trial basis.”

  “That’s good. Smart thinking.”

  “Not sure how safe it will keep her, but a dog can certainly give her a little warning, enough to save her life.” Ian stared out of the window to the winter dark streets. If it was Jimmy, when would he make his next move?

  “You think it’s her stalker, don’t you?” Finn asked, joining him to look out into the night.

  “We need proof. I have nothing to substantiate it with, just a gut feeling that he’s our man.”

  “Then let’s get him before he gets her.”

  “That’s the idea. We just have to be a lot smarter, and keep an eye on her.”

  “That’s not hard to do,” Finn said with a shy smile. “I wouldn’t mind dating her, but she’s turned me down twice.”

  Ian shoved back a spurt of jealousy, and kept his expression bland. “Well, now she might reconsider.” He unzipped his jacket and hung it up, then fixed himself a cup of coffee. He didn’t like the idea of Finn and Ally together, but she was more his age than Ian’s.

  “You think?” His eyes grew hopeful, then he ran a hand through his reddish-brown hair, making it stick on end. “No. I’m just kidding myself. Girls like that don’t date guys like me.”

  “And why not?” Ian demanded. “What’s wrong with you?”

  “Not sure. But I’ve never scored well with the ladies.”

  “Their mistake.” He shrugged, knowing in his younger day he’d never had any trouble picking up chicks. Now he felt like a duck out of water. Too old and too lazy to try. “The right one will come along.” He glanced over his coffee mug at the young man who still had adolescent pimples on his face. “Don’t be too hard on yourself. Not many single people living in Heaven.”