A Hero Grinch for Christmas by Samanthya Wyatt Read Free Book Online Page B

this cabin. She opened the cabinet doors on the entertainment hutch looking for a stereo. She found a stack of CDs and quickly shuffled through them. Finding one with Christmas carols, she slipped it into the player.
    Dani sang along with Burl Ives to Holly Jolly Christmas while she spread a green cloth on the floor near one of the front windows—the perfect spot for the tree. Since she hadn’t found a tree stand, she organized the Christmas ornaments and danced to the music drifting through the room. The utility door opened, Hunter was back. Turning, she saw him carrying a large pail partially filled with dirt.
    “It’s not letting up out there.”
    “Perfect!” At his confused expression, she pointed. “The bucket.”
    He removed his coat, hung it on a peg, and then lifted the big silver pail and strode toward her.
    She was glad for his help, but also worried about the continuing storm. “Sorry to disappoint you, but I might be stuck here for a few more days.”
    “Better get used to it.” He placed the pail in front of the window. “It’s going to be longer than that.”
    Get used to it? She didn’t think she was the one with the problem. “You think so?”
    “With this wind, the drifts could be over ten feet. The roads could be closed for a week or more.”
    Although she’d miss spending the holiday with her aunt, she knew Fay would be beyond happy that she was stranded with Hunter. The old match-maker would be singing hallelujahs, thinking Dani had snared a man.
    And the idea of spending quiet time in front of the fire, curled in Hunter’s arms would make this the best Christmas Dani could remember. Too bad it was just a fantasy.
    Because in reality, the two of them belonged in a boxing ring.
    “Well?”
    She’d been caught daydreaming. “Well what?”
    “Is this where you want the tree?” he asked.
    “Um, yes.”
    Centering the bucket on the towel, he made a space in the dirt. Then, he hefted the tree like it weighed nothing and stood it up, arranging the dirt and some rocks around the trunk. Grasping the center branches, he checked to be sure it wouldn’t fall over.
    “That should do it.”
    “Wow. It’s straight.”
    He slanted her a look. One that reminded her she’d said ‘wow’ again.
    “You are going to help me string the lights, aren’t you?” she asked. When he didn’t answer right away, she rushed on. “With a tree this tall, you have to help.”
    He seemed to consider it. Then, without a word, he turned, marched to a panel by the door, and threw a switch. “Power to the outlet,” he explained. He returned to her side, squatted in the floor and began untangling another strand of lights.
    Her mouth curved up in a smile and her heart lifted.
    The Grinch was willing to help.

Chapter Ten
    No matter how hard he tried to stay angry, one look at those sexy green eyes and Hunter was a goner. She touched something inside. Warm and soft and curved in all the right places, Dani was a stunning woman. While he had visions of sliding between the sheets with her, she quickly made him smile by putting decorations on her head and crossing her eyes like a kid. He chuckled.
    How long had it been since he’d laughed? It felt good.
    “Oh my God.” She placed a hand over her heart and her mouth fell open in shock.
    “What?”
    “You can laugh.”
    He frowned. Smartass.
    “Well you have to admit you haven’t been a happy camper.”
    She plopped on the floor beside him, her fresh scent teasing his senses. She gave him another dazzling smile, and lust tightened his gut. Damn if he didn’t want her. He simmered, fighting the urge to haul her upstairs.
    Did she know how much she affected his body? Could she see the lust in his eyes? All this time she teased and taunted not expecting him to react. What would she do if he actually did?
    “I’m hungry.” He heard the sensual roughness in his own voice. He cleared his throat. Pushing the light string aside, he climbed to his feet. “How about