Colton's Christmas Cop

by Karen Whiddon

  Though she wanted to ask him why not, something in his closed-off expression told her the question wouldn’t be welcome.

  “All right then,” he said, a bit brusquely. “I’m going to leave a spare toothbrush on the counter in the bathroom, as well as guest towels and a new bar of soap. I’ll leave you my number in case you need anything else.”

  “I have it. You gave me your card.”

  Clearly distracted, he nodded. “Perfect. I’ll see you later, then.”

  She followed him down the hall, watching as he let himself out the front door, locking the dead bolt from outside. Goose heaved a sigh and then padded back to the living room. She jumped up on the sofa and gave Layla a look, as if inviting her to join in on the fun.

  Actually, it looked pretty darn tempting. Layla went to the refrigerator and grabbed a bottled water. The small kitchen looked clean and lived in, just like the rest of the house. None of her father’s high-end designer furnishings, which in her opinion made his house feel staged and uncomfortable.

  In the den were several more of the framed photographs. Studying them one at a time, she wondered why anyone this talented would quit. Surely he must have had his reasons, though she couldn’t think of any at the moment. Telling herself it was none of her business, she sat on the edge of the couch and kicked off her boots before grabbing the remote and turning on the large TV.

  Once she’d gotten settled, Goose moved closer, tucking her long body into Layla’s side. Clicking through the on-screen guide, Layla found a movie she’d been wanting to see and settled in with her new companion to watch it. Goose heaved a sigh and began snoring softly, which Layla found adorable and comforting.

  She must have fallen asleep. She woke to the sound of the front door opening. Disoriented, she sat up, heart pounding. It took Goose’s happy woof to make her realize where she was. Goose jumped down to greet Hunter enthusiastically, while Layla dragged her hand through her hair and wondered how awful she looked.

  “You’re still up?” Again, that flash of a smile. Then, as he moved closer, he must have noticed her disheveled appearance, because his expression changed.

  “I fell asleep.” Giving up on trying to smooth out her hair, Layla covered her mouth with her hand as she yawned. “As a matter of fact, I’m going to head off to bed.”

  She could swear he looked disappointed. Heart pounding for whatever reason, she pushed up from the couch and hurried to the guest room.

  As soon as she closed the door, she realized she’d made a mistake. She needed to use the restroom as well as brush her teeth and wash her face.

  One deep breath, and then another. Why his late arrival home had suddenly felt unbearably intimate, she couldn’t say. Hunter was merely being kind, doing a favor for a woman who’d clearly been panicked and afraid after almost being intentionally run down. Nothing more. He’d given her no reason to read anything else into it. No reason at all.

  After giving herself this stern internal talking-to, Layla opened the door and crossed the hall to the small bathroom. Once inside, she felt better. Hopefully as soon as she’d had a good night’s rest, everything could return to normal and she’d gain a fresh perspective on all of this.

  Instead she found herself standing in front of the mirror crying. Loud, brokenhearted sobs came up out of her chest on their own. She tried to cover her mouth with her hand, but that only made her want to wail louder.

  * * *

  Oh, hell. Hunter might have bitten off a little more trouble than he could chew. He’d certainly not expected to have such a visceral reaction at seeing Layla Colton barely awake on his couch, with her sexy, drowsy eyes and mussed hair. She’d looked, he thought, exactly as if she’d just gotten out of bed after a long night of lovemaking.

  And judging from the huge jolt of lust and his body’s swift reaction, he needed to get himself under control, pronto. The last thing either of them needed would be that kind of complication.

  Secretly relieved when she’d made a beeline for her bedroom, he’d headed for the kitchen to grab a beer and try to unwind after a long day at work. Goose followed right on his heels, of course.

  Then he heard it. Gut-wrenching sobs and a low sound of keening. Goose whined before trotting off to the hall bathroom. She sat in front of the closed door, head cocked, before pawing at it.

  About to set his beer down, Hunter took a deep drink first. “Layla?” he asked, tapping on the door. “Are you all right?”

  “Go away.” Her muffled response managed to sound both sad and angry. “I’m sorry I disturbed you.”

  “You didn’t,” he replied. “You’ve had a rough couple of days. I know how it feels. I’ll be in the living room if you want some company. No judgment.”

  With that, he retreated to the sofa and his beer. Goose, however, after giving him what he considered a disparaging look, remained planted in front of the closed door. She’d never been able to turn away from a human in distress. Hunter often thought if she hadn’t been such a great police dog, she would have been a wonderful emotional support animal.

  “Goose wants to help you,” he called out. “She’s right outside your door.”

  “Oh.” Making a sound the was part sob, part hiccup, she appeared to be working on getting herself together. “I’ll be out in just a moment.”

  Sipping his beer, he clicked on the TV to give her a bit more cover while she blew her nose or whatever. When she opened the door a few minutes later, he pretended not to notice while Goose did her happy dance.

  Clutching a box of tissues, Layla made her way to the couch and sat down at the opposite end. Her red nose and puffy, bloodshot eyes attested to the fact that she’d been crying, but oddly enough, he thought she managed to somehow look cute even then.

  “I’m sorry,” she began.

  “No need to apologize. Like I said, you’ve had a hell of a time of it lately.” He took another drink of his beer and noticed the way her gaze followed the movement. “Do you want one?”

  To his surprise, she nodded, so he pushed to his feet to retrieve another can and a glass for her. “Here you go.”

  “Thanks.” She popped the top and tilted the glass slightly as she poured. Fascinated despite himself, he watched as she lifted the glass to her lips and drank deeply. He ached to trace the graceful line of her throat with his mouth.

  When she met his gaze, a sheen of tears clouded her eyes. “I needed that.” She sighed. “I don’t know what happened to me. I’m so used to being strong—nothing bothers me—but this... In the space of a few days, I’ve been accused of sexually harassing an employee I can’t even stand, learned my own father is the reason our company is failing, realized I agreed to a loveless marriage for false reasons and had someone try to kill me.”

  “Which would be enough to send someone stronger than you down to their knees,” he said.

  “Thank you.” She took another drink, and he watched her again, wondering how she could make something so common, so simple, into something so sensual.

  What the hell was wrong with him? Layla needed comfort, someone to listen and offer support, not some guy who only wanted to jump her bones.

  Goose, instinctively understanding this, jumped up to sit next to Layla. Turning in a circle, the dog sighed before settling down with her head on Layla’s leg. This coaxed a tiny smile from Layla. “Such a good dog,” she crooned, scratching Goose behind her ears. “You’re a good girl.”

  Goose, of course, went into spasms of doggy-heaven pleasure. Tongue lolling, she actually appeared to be grinning.

  “Your dog is making me feel better,” Layla said, making a half humorous, half pitiful face. “I’m really having to take a close look at my life and my priorities. I’ve given up so much time—years of my life—to my father’s company, and he won’t even stand behind me when I’m facing a bogus harassment charge? Though he did hire an attorney to deal with
Mark’s attorney. So there’s that.”

  “That’s good.”

  “It is. Though I would have hired someone myself if he hadn’t. I’m hoping that once the lawyers hash things out, this thing will go away.

  “And,” she continued, “I find out that Colton Energy would be doing amazing if he hadn’t been spending all the profits. And on what? Living the high life. Fast cars, women he refers to as arm candy, and jet-setting around the globe.”

  He nodded, knowing better than to comment. Right now she just needed someone to listen.

  “I actually agreed to marry Hamlin Harrington so the company could get an infusion of cash. Even though the man sort of makes my skin crawl.” The disbelief and disgust in her voice made Hunter want to scoot over next to her and hold her.

  Luckily, he had enough sense to know not to do anything as stupid as that. Instead, he gripped his beer can with both hands, almost as if it was a lifeline.

  “My priorities are screwed up,” she declared. “Maybe it’s time to make some changes. Big changes.”

  He definitely agreed with her on that, though wasn’t sure he should say so. He settled on telling her the truth, though not all of it. “You’re an intelligent, successful woman. You’d be an asset to any company you choose to work for.”

  A flash of pleasure lit up her face. “Thank you. Enough about me. What about you? I was always curious why you choose police work over the corporate world. Even though you made it clear how you felt about Colton Energy, you were good at your job and I thought you had a real future.”

  For a few seconds, he hesitated, and then decided what the hell. Why not. Surely he wouldn’t be telling her anything she already didn’t know. “It started feeling like selling my soul,” he admitted. “I worked closely with your father. There were too many deals that skirted the edge of legality, so many times he asked me to turn a blind eye.”

  Watching him intently, she nodded. “I get it, I really do. But you could always have said no. I do, all the time. I told him early on that I wouldn’t do anything illegal or morally wrong.”

  “Yet you agreed to marry a virtual stranger for money,” he pointed out.

  Instead of reacting with anger or a retort, she simply nodded, a thoughtful expression on her face. “You have a point. But tell me, what made you choose police work?”

  Again, he had nothing but the truth. “I wanted to help people,” he said simply. “My parents were killed in a car crash when I was fifteen. My neighbor, Mae Larson, was kind enough to take me in.”

  “The Larson twins’ grandmother?”

  “Yep.” He nodded. “She saw a brokenhearted kid in need and stepped up to help. I owe her more than I can say. She helped me work through my grief and never turned her back on me, even when I was a rebellious little snot. She’s the reason I always look forward to Thanksgiving. She puts on the most amazing meal. Roasted turkey, corn bread dressing, sweet potato casserole, green beans...just thinking about it make my mouth water.”

  “What about the Larsons?” She eyed him, her gaze considering. “Are you close to them as well?”

  “No. It used to bother me to admit that, but Noel and Evan treated me like garbage. They tried like hell to make my life miserable. I can’t tell you how many times Mae Larson got in between us.”

  “That must be hard, then, with the police trying to build a case against them. I mean, everyone knows they’re involved in drugs and stuff, even if no proof has been found.”

  By proof, she meant evidence. RRPD had been trying to catch either of the Larson brothers with drugs. So far, even though numerous witnesses had come forward claiming to have seen one or the other selling or buying, no proof of that had thus far been found. Video cameras conveniently went on the fritz when those two were around. The Larsons’ drug dealing might have been common knowledge, but it had begun to take on the status of an urban legend. Not one single shred of evidence had yet to be found.

  That didn’t mean it wouldn’t be. Criminals who used drugs always made a mistake. The Larson brothers would, too, given enough time. When they did, Hunter knew one of his fellow officers would bring them in. Unfortunately, it wouldn’t be him.

  “That’s why I asked to be taken off their case. Sure, the police department is working it, but Goose isn’t a drug-detection dog, so I’m not actively involved.” He thought about it for another moment, then decided to throw caution to the wind. “Though I—along with every law enforcement officer in the county—am working the Groom Killer case, I’ve also been assigned to your case, as you know.”

  He nearly lost the words he’d wanted to say, but didn’t. He pushed himself because he figured if he didn’t tell her now, he might never.

  “And if you’ll allow me to, I’d like to help protect you.”

  Mic drop. She froze, staring at him as if he’d just admitted to being the Groom Killer, or something equally heinous. “Protect me?” she finally managed. “By that, am I to assume you mean you think this will happen again?”

  Crud. He hadn’t meant to frighten her. But from what he knew of Layla Colton, she definitely appreciated the facts.

  “It’s possible,” he said. “More than that. Highly probable. Someone wants you out of the way. It might be whoever framed you for something you didn’t do. If they tried to kill you once and didn’t succeed, I think they’ll definitely try again.”

  She swore. Her language made him grin. “Now that’s the Layla I know,” he said.

  Again, the flash of pleasure lit up her face, making him wonder when he’d become so adept at reading her.

  It didn’t matter, he decided. He could—and would—put this attraction aside and be the police officer she needed him to be.

  “Tell me,” she asked, leaning forward. “What can I do to help?”

  “Just don’t take any unnecessary chances. Do you have any vacation days available that you could take?”

  For some reason, his question amused her. She laughed, though her eyes shone with the brightness of unshed tears. “Oh, definitely. I haven’t taken a vacation in years.”

  “How many years?” he asked, curious.

  “Ever.” Grimacing, she shook her head. “While my father’s been traveling around the world with his trophy women, I’ve stayed here to do my job and take care of the company.”

  He wondered if she recognized the bitterness that came through in her voice. Apparently, she did, because her next comment reflected that.

  “In fact, I can’t think of a better time than right now to take a break. A few weeks, at least.” She grabbed her phone. “I’ll leave my father a voice mail right now. He can put that in his pipe and smoke it.”

  Chapter 6

  Layla’s bravado lasted about as long as it took her father’s voice mail to pick up. She quickly ended the call without leaving a message, her heart pounding. “Anxiety’s a pain,” she muttered, more to herself than anyone else. She looked up to find Hunter Black watching her, his calm expression somehow reassuring.

  He didn’t press her or question her. Instead, he got up and left the room, giving her the privacy she needed to do whatever she decided to do.

  Palms sweaty, she considered. She needed a break, she deserved some time off and Hunter had hinted that staying away from Colton Energy would help keep her safe. The company would survive without her for a few days—even a few weeks if it came to that.

  But what would she do? Sure, she could book a stay at an all-inclusive at a resort somewhere, but doing that sort of thing alone was no fun. Since she’d long ago let any friendships she’d had wither away from lack of attention, the only people she could ask to go with her were family. Patience might do it, but she’d spend the entire trip trying to dissuade Layla from her impending marriage. So, no.

  Hanging out in Hunter’s house held no appeal, and staying for more than one day would be too intrusive. In a
ll honesty, she felt safer at work than alone in her town house.

  Hunter returned, carrying a big bowl of popcorn and two paper plates. Surprised, she smiled. “I didn’t smell it popping.”

  “That’s because I didn’t pop it. I buy it already made, in big bags.” He winked. “It’s my secret weakness.”

  She froze. The effect of that wink hit her low in the belly. If she’d been standing, her knees would have gone weak. As it was, she couldn’t catch her breath for a moment.

  Instead of the lighthearted, teasing reply that he probably expected, she simply nodded.

  “What’s yours?” he asked.

  You. Of course she didn’t allow that response past her lips. “Chocolate,” she said instead. “But not just any chocolate. Dark chocolate covered cherries. I’m lucky they only sell them during the holidays. I buy four or five boxes and ration them out, one per day.”

  Heaven help her, he laughed. Unabashed, masculine laughter, one of the sexiest things she’d ever heard.

  Had she lost her mind? What was it about this guy? How had she possibly managed to work with him for a couple of years and never notice how sexy he was?

  Goose snorted, almost as if she’d read Layla’s thoughts. She nudged Layla’s hand with her snout and then rolled over onto her back, presenting her belly, all four legs waving in the air.

  This made Layla laugh. “I’m in love with your dog,” she said, rubbing Goose’s tummy.

  His gaze darkened. “That makes two of us.” He placed the bowl of popcorn on the coffee table, watching indulgently while Goose got her belly rub.

  Finally, Goose flopped back over, apparently satisfied. She got up, shook her entire body, which sent her ears flapping, and then moved to sit next to Hunter.

  “I didn’t call.” She lifted her cell phone again. “I’d like to take some time off, but I’m not sure what I’d do to occupy myself.”

  “Good point.” He grabbed a handful of popcorn and deposited it on his paper plate. “Help yourself.”