A Hero Grinch for Christmas Read Online Free PDF Page B

knew he sounded too callous. But for her protection, and his, she needed to leave—the attraction between them was growing.
    “I told him I was safe.”
    Safe from who? He might sound like he didn’t like her, but she pushed his buttons, and he badly wanted to taste her. His frustration made him irritable.
    “A little presumptuous on your part. Does Henry know how long this snowstorm will last? Can they get a tow truck up here?”
    “All right. You’ve made it very plain you don’t want me here.” Her voice rose with annoyance. “The very minute it stops snowing, I’ll get out of your hair.”
    He’d made her angry. Wasn’t that his intention? No. His intention was to get her the hell out of this house. Which wouldn’t be anytime soon. He scrubbed a hand over his face and tried to settle down.
    “Your car is in a ditch.” He stated the obvious.
    “Jeep.”
    Did she honestly just correct him? He frowned at her.
    “Give me a shovel and I’ll be on my way,” she said.
    God, she was beautiful when she got upset. He admired her spunk, standing up to him the way she did, which reminded him he was acting like an ass. He took a deep breath. “I didn’t say I didn’t want you here.”
    “Do you?” she fired back.
    So much for calm . “No.”
    “There you have it.” She waved her hands in the air. “I should put on my coat and boots, and leave.”
    “Don’t be ridiculous. You’ll freeze.”
    “I think it’s colder in here.”
    The girl had a mouth.
    A kissable mouth. He closed his eyes and groaned.
    “Is it me, or maybe you don’t like women in general?”
    He opened his eyes to find her studying his face. “I don’t even know you.” But one thing was for sure, she made him completely uncomfortable in his own skin. He grabbed a bowl and strode to the dining table.
    She followed, carrying a plate of chicken.
    “Sit.” He pointed to a chair, then walked back to the kitchen. He breathed easier without her dogging his heels. Opening a cabinet, he retrieved two cups.
    When he returned to the dining room, he found Dani admiring the table, her fingers fondly tracing the woodwork. Tender memories of his uncle resurfaced.
    “Denny made every piece of furniture in this house,” he offered.
    “I thought so. This quality is hard to find.”
    “He loved working in his shop.”
    “It’s beautiful. I noticed several pieces in my aunt’s store. And the comfy corner, he built that for her, didn’t he?”
    “Yes, he did.” Hunter placed a steaming mug in front of Dani, then he dropped into his chair.
    “This looks good.” She eyed the food hungrily.
    This woman had walked a couple miles in the cold and was probably starving. His own stomach growled as he looked at the food she’d brought.
    “Fay is a good cook,” he said.
    “I’ll have you know I fried this chicken.”
    His arm stopped midway to his mouth. “You cooked this?”
    “Don’t be so surprised. I learned from the best.”
    “You cooked all of this?” He made a sweep with his hand.
    “Fried chicken, homemade bread, and mashed potatoes with cream and real butter. The green beans came from the market, but I snapped and cooked them.”
    “Quite the little Susie Homemaker.”
    She beamed with pride.
    He took a bite and groaned. Very good. Damned if he’d tell her.
    “Thank you comes to mind.” Green eyes twinkled at him.
    “What?”
    “Didn’t your mother teach you manners?”
    “Fishing for compliments? Yes, I appreciate the food.”
    “What will it take for you to smile?” She twirled her fork between her fingers. “Are you afraid your face will crack?”
    It took everything in him not to smile. “Do you ever shut up?”
    “So, you think I talk too much?” She shrugged and stabbed a bite of lettuce. “I just thought I’d try some conversation.”
    “With sarcastic comments?”
    “You asked for it.” She stuffed the food into her mouth and chewed.
    Chewing never looked so sexy. “Hmm.”
    “Is that a good hmm, or a