“You need to get out of here, while you still can.” His words were harsh, his breathing uneven.
She let go of him, but instead of leaving she dipped under the shower, found the right handle and turned the water to warm.
Then she slid up next to him, her sleek wet skin rubbed enticingly against his. Her nipples were small and tight, the size of her breasts just right. She had a narrow waist and boyish hips, a small dark patch of hair that needed to be stroked. As she was a foot shorter than him, she wrapped a leg around his. He had to hold her against him or she’d fall in a heap at his feet.
She kissed his chest. “We talked last night. We did everything you said. Now, I’m through with talking. My house. My rules.”
“No.” His voice was gruff. He was fighting with himself, more than with her. “This isn’t right.”
She stroked his cock, up and down, up and down. She had a dreamy smile on her face, and her eyes were dark and drowsy. He wondered if she was still half asleep.
“Do you know what you’re doing?”
She rubbed her breasts against him and he groaned. Police chief, yes. Man, yes. The one outweighed the other. His hand cupped one breast, his fingers toying with the pert nipple. “You might be sleep walking,” he mumbled, his lips against her throat.
She continued to stroke him, and he shifted his legs wider to steady himself. It also shortened the distance between them.
“I’m awake, and I know exactly what I’m doing.”
He bent to suck on her nipple. “This is crazy,” he said between his teeth. “We should stop. Now.”
She didn’t answer. Soon she had him moaning with pleasure. Ally might be young and sweet and not terribly experienced, but she seemed to have a natural instinct when it came to this. His knees buckled, but she didn’t let go. Her mouth captured his, and she gave him hot, wet kisses, using her tongue to explore and to thrust.
“I want you, Ian Brown.”
He shuddered, afraid that another minute of this and he’d come.
“Do we have to do it here? Can’t I have you in bed?”
“Here first. Bed next.” She wrapped her leg higher around his thigh, and took his cock and guided him home.
The explosion came swift, but he wasn’t nearly done. He cupped her bottom and pounded her against the shower wall, driving himself into her over and over and over again.
Another thing he discovered about Ally was that she was true to her word. After the shower, she dragged him into the bedroom, straddled him, and took him deep. He cupped her breasts, and took them in his mouth, licking the hard little nipples into acorns. She moaned with ecstasy, and grinded against him. He slipped a finger between them, finding her sweet spot, and kept the mounting pressure up until she cried his name, and collapsed like a wet naked nymph on top of him.
He kissed and cradled her for about an hour, and they both slept some. Then he dragged his clothes on and took Speed out for a quick walk around the property—checking to see if there were any footprints that didn’t belong—while she got herself together.
When he returned the coffee was made, and she was frying bacon and eggs in a pan on the stove. Dressed once more in her flannel nightie, he smiled. Knowing what was underneath, he knew he’d never hate it again. He strode over to her, kissed the back of her neck and gave her a warm hug.
She twisted her neck so he could drop another kiss there. “So, Officer, am I under arrest?”
“Arrest?” He grabbed a cup and filled his coffee. “For what?”
“Rape.” She shrugged and flipped the eggs. “You made your intentions clear. And you did say no. A few times if I remember correctly.”
“I think I was saying, oh, oh, oh. Not no.” He put his mug down and turned her around. His hands cupped her sweet bottom and he looked into her eyes. “I don’t think it was the smartest move we could have made, but I don’t regret it for a second. Do you?”
“Not likely. I don’t get the whole guilt trip like you. We had fun. I’d like to do it again some time.”
She would? He was half-elated, half-deflated. Feeling confused and like an over anxious kid on a first date. What had this love making meant to her? Anything at all?
“Let’s see how we feel about this in a day or two,” he said, taking a seat at the table. “We both have business to take care of first.”
Ally smiled and loaded up two plates with crisp bacon and scrambled eggs. She put them on the table then sat down across from him. “Eat up. Maybe you’ll have enough energy for another round before you leave.”
He raised a brow and picked up his fork. “At my age, I’ll be lucky to have enough stamina to walk out of here.”
“How old are you?”
“Forty-one.”
“That’s a perfect age.” She picked up a slice of bacon and nibbled on it. “Experienced, but not over-the-hill.”
“Well, thanks. I think.” He didn’t want to look at her, knowing he might be blushing.
“I like your flannel nightie,” he told her, around a mouthful of egg. “I also like what you wore underneath.”
“Thought you might.”
He swallowed the egg and washed it down with a sip of his hot coffee. For a young woman, she seemed old beyond her years. Worldly. Sexy. Mischievous.
“Yeah, well, I’ve got a thing for sheep.”
“I heard that about you.”
He winked at her, then got down to the serious business of eating. He didn’t want to be tempted by her anymore today. Protecting her now had become personal, and there were a lot of empty cabins to inspect.
“I’ve got to head back to the station, but I’ll check in with you later. Make sure you lock your doors when I leave. Even with Speed and your rifle, I don’t feel safe leaving you alone.”
“You worry too much. I’m used to taking care of myself.”
He finished his breakfast, wiped his mouth, then stood up, collecting the plates from the table. He rinsed them and put them in the dishwasher, then dropped a kiss on the top of her head.
“I don’t want you taking care of yourself. Go stay with Jennie and Nick for a few days. Let Finn and I have a look around. If we agree it’s safe, you can move back.”
“Gee, thanks.”
“Ally…”
“Okay, okay. I’ll think about it. Today at work.”
“Do that. If you don’t want to take Speed, I can keep him for a few days.”
“That’s a thought.” She walked him to the door. “Good luck hunting.”
“Good luck packing.” With that, he chucked her chin, and strode off.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Ally was antsy after Ian left. She had no intention of leaving her cabin and making a nuisance of herself with Nick and his new family. They were good friends and she wanted to keep it that way. Freeloading and hanging around the newlyweds was not a viable plan. They needed their space and she needed hers.
Deciding to burn off some steam she dressed in her hunting clothes, put on her boots, and slung the rifle over her shoulder. At the last minute she decided to bring Speed along for company. She didn’t bother to put him on a leash. If the dog was dumb enough to run off and not return, his loss, not hers.
Together they traipsed through the woods to where she had left her soup cans the day before. One by one, she found the cans in the snow and placed them on the railing, pleased to see the shot had been centered dead in the middle. When she had them sitting all in a row, she recounted, and knew she was short by one.
Where was the twelfth can? She dug around, and Speed nosed his way around the area too, but after several minutes she knew it was gone. Someone had taken it. And she had a bad feeling that she knew who.
Well, if he was near and watching her, she’d give him a damn good show. She strode two hundred paces, farther than the day before, and watched each can fly off the railing as she nailed it. Then she saw a black crow up in a tree and fired a shot. The limb cracked and the black bird squawked and flew away. She hadn’t
missed. Killing the crow was not her plan—she was sending a message to anyone messing with her.
She would kill if she had to.
Using the scope of the rifle, she swung around, searching the woods. Seeing nothing, she lowered the weapon.
Speed had run off, but when she called him he came loping toward her and followed her home. Once inside, she locked the door securely behind her. She wouldn’t cower and weep, but the thought that someone might be out there wishing her harm gave her the willies.
She didn’t want to be dead. She had a lot of living and loving to do. The night with Ian had proven that. She wanted what others had. Her freedom to walk the earth without fear, and to hold the people she held dear.
And by God, she would have it.
Ian didn’t show up for lunch, but she hadn’t expected him to. She’d fed him a good size breakfast, and he had work to do. She actually prayed that Jimmy was here, holed up in one of the cabins, watching her. She wanted it bad. But if he hurt one hair on Ian’s head, she’d go after him, and he’d be the hunted.
* * *
Finn was more than happy to go on a hunting expedition. Kid didn’t think about the danger or risk of bodily harm, he just wanted something more exciting to do than leafing through girly magazines, or passing out speeding tickets. He also liked Ally and if anyone intended to harm her, Ian knew that Finn would put himself in the way.
Ian drove the cruiser and Finn must have checked his gun a half dozen times during the fifteen minute drive to the lake. The roads leading to the cabins were empty of traffic, and in general there was nothing going on. Perhaps a few of the owners would arrive and celebrate Christmas with their families. He hoped so anyway. The more cabins occupied, the safer for Ally.
They parked the car in a small lot next to a boat ramp, as close to Ally’s as they could get from a public road. They’d begin their search from there. A dirt bicycle path separated the cottages from the beach and allowed for the summer residents to walk from one end of the lake to the other. The homes were well set apart, but this path connected them in a non-invasive way.
Finn and Ian set down the path, figuring they’d start with the nearest homes to Ally’s then fan out. They started with a visit to the first three homes on the far side of hers. Checked around the property, looked in the windows, tried the doors. They didn’t see any footprints but their own, and nothing seemed amiss.
They thoroughly searched the woods, while Ian told Finn about hearing something when he took the dog out the previous evening.
“You’ve been hanging around her a lot,” Finn said with a sly smile. “You and Ally got something going on?”
Ian chuckled, and shook his head. “Not likely. She’s got better sense than to get mixed up with an old guy like me.”
“Yeah? Yet you were here late last night. Sleep over?”
“That’s really none of your business, now is it, son?” Ian put on his serious face, and the old man act, hoping to redirect this line of questioning. “I did follow her home from the restaurant. Don’t like the idea of her coming back here in the dark all alone. Tried to convince her to stay with Nick and Jennie for a few days, until we know for sure that no one means her any harm.”
“What did she say about that?” Finn grinned. “Can’t imagine her going along with that idea. Woman’s stubborn as they come, and likes her independence. Far as I know she doesn’t even date.”
“That right?” Ian kept up a good pace. The frigid air drifting off the lake was like a slap in the face. His cheeks felt raw and chaffed, and tears stung his eyes.
“Yeah.” Finn pulled his wool cap down to cover his ears. “Maybe she’s a lesbian or something. Not like any girl I’ve ever known, that’s for sure.”
Ian hid his smile. “No telling where the girl’s interests lie. But I sure wish I could talk some sense into her. It’s not safe out here during the winter months. Even without a stalker. What if she was out snapping her damn pictures and a bear happened by? They’re getting awfully brave nowadays. Coming into neighborhoods.”
“You’re right. Anything could happen. Just walking through the woods she could trip in the snow, break something, and nobody would be around to help. Hope she has enough sense to carry her cell at all times.”
They did a cursory walk around the cabin, then headed toward the next house on the right. They were about a quarter of a mile from their car and it was blistery cold.
“Let’s get moving before we freeze to death,” Ian said, rubbing his gloved hands together. “How about I take this place, and you see to the next? Meet back at the car, say thirty minutes?”
“Good idea.” Finn had his head down, protecting his head from the bitter wind. Ian stepped off the path, heading for the neighbor’s house, when Finn called out. “What are we supposed to do if we see something?”
“Call for backup. Don’t engage. Just wait.”
“Roger that.”
Ian smiled and shoved his hands into his parka’s pockets. He strode purposely to the front of the cabin and tried to see through the windows. Couldn’t see much at all, not with the ice and the snow and the grime, so he went to the side door and tried the latch. It gave way.
He glanced at Finn who was halfway to the next home, and hesitated. Would the kid be any help if someone was inside? More likely he’d get himself killed.
Mind made up, Ian withdrew his revolver and inched the door open. He didn’t see it coming. But the blunt force on the back of his head laid him flat. He heard heavy footsteps running away. Raising his gun, he blinked to clear his blurred vision. The shot rang out but his target didn’t go down.
His last thought was Finn. His cellphone was in his pocket, but before he could dislodge it, he was out cold. When he awoke, his head throbbed like a son-of-a-bitch. He opened his eyes to see Finn kneeling by his side.
“Don’t move,” the kid said. “The ambulance is on its way.”
“I’m fine. Help me up.”
“No way. You probably have a concussion.”
“My shot missed. We can’t let him get away.”
“The minute I heard the shot, I hurried back. I called for an ambulance, then took a good look around outside. Didn’t see hide nor hair of anyone.” He glowered at Ian. “What happened? You were supposed to call me for backup, not be some damn John Wayne.”
Ian shrugged, causing his head more pain. “The door was unlocked. I didn’t expect anyone to be lying in wait. I made a mistake.” Which could have cost him his life. A rookie mistake and he was supposed to be the decorated New York Vice detective. “I wasn’t trying to be heroic.”
“Good thing,” Finn griped. “Because you weren’t.” He stood up and went to the door, looking out. “Could have been killed. Me too, for that matter. What were you thinking?”
Ian grimaced and felt his head. Blood covered his fingertips. “Not clearly, obviously.” His eyes met the younger man’s. “Call up the West Chester station and have them set up roadblocks. He can’t have gotten far.”
“I called already. It’s done, Chief.”
“Good job.” Ian sat up, and the quick movement sent off an explosion inside his head. He sucked in a few deep breaths to steady himself. He’d underestimated the kid, and he wouldn’t do that again.
They both heard the sound of the siren as it drew close. “About time,” Finn muttered, and went out to greet it. Two paramedics came inside carrying a stretcher.
“I don’t need that,” Ian said, attempting to get to his feet.
“Afraid you do,” the young woman said crisply. “Head injury. Now lay down.”
Feeling woozy, he did what he was told.
When they were carrying him out, he called to Finn. “Stop by and see Ally. Let her know what’s up.”
“Will do. If she won’t leave here tonight, I might have to baby-sit.” Finn grinned. “I’m sure you won’t mind.”
What the hell was he grinning about? Ian’s temper flashed. The thought of Finn hanging around Ally thi
s evening, made his gut churn. “Tell her I said to go to Nick’s.”
“Why would she listen to you?” Finn shot him a look. “You nearly got us both killed.”
“Just do it. And don’t give me any lip.”
“I’m heading back to the station.” He gave Ian a mocking salute. “I’ll let you know if we apprehend the suspect.”
If Ian could get up and off this stretcher, he’d teach the kid a little respect. He was the senior officer here, and he’d cuffed more criminals than the kid had zits.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Finn didn’t have time to make a personal appearance at Nick’s restaurant, but he called and asked for Ally.
“Hi, Finn,” she spoke with a questioning look at Nick. He’d taken the call, and told her that Officer Reilley wanted to speak with her.
Nick busied himself with cleaning the top burners and clearings pots, but she knew he was listening to her end of the conversation.
“Ally, Ian asked me to give you a call. We were down at the lake, checking out the vacant cabins. We started with the ones nearest you. We’d already been to three others.”
Ally gritted her teeth. “Get on with it, Finn.”
“I am. As I was saying, it was getting real cold, so he told me to move on to the next cabin, and he went to search the one on the right of you. Said if we saw anything suspicious we were not to engage, but call for back-up. Figured that meant each other.”
“Finn,” her voice rose in panic. “Tell me what happened. Where’s Ian?”
“On his way to the hospital. Can’t believe he didn’t call me like he was supposed to.”
“Is he all right?” She glanced at Nick, and made a frustrated face. “Finn. Tell me!” The palms of her hands were damp and she wiped them on her apron. Her stomach was doing back flips.
“I suppose. But I’m mad as hell.” He swore. “The side door in the cottage next to you was open, and he marched right in. Got a bleeding head and a possible concussion. Your stalker, or whoever it was, ran off. He could have gotten us both killed.”
A CHRISTMAS COLLECTION Page 26