Chapter 6

CHAPTER 6

J agger

“What do you mean you can’t deliver?” I barked into the phone. I was furious I’d counted on a service that I’d considered sketchy in the first place.

“Have you looked outside, buddy?” Bronco asked. With a name like Bronco, one would expect him to be a linebacker or a hired gun. Maybe a bouncer. He had the deep, cigarette-laden voice, but standing at just five foot seven and weighing barely one hundred and ten pounds, he’d never win a fight.

He certainly didn’t want to enter a boxing ring with me.

The thought had always made me smile. Today, I was pissed at the dude. “It’s snowing. It does that in the mountains. So the fuck what?”

“So, it’s called the storm of the century for a damn reason. I have two drivers out due to the weather, the wife of another going into premature labor. I got no one to bring your shit to the resort.”

“I pay you top dollar.” Somehow, I’d allowed myself to become involved with ensuring our deliveries were made on time. Hunter had managed to rope me into that duty two months before.

The asshole.

“Maybe, if I’m damn lucky, I can get that to you late today. But I ain’t makin’ no promises.”

“Late today? Not good enough. After this storm, you and I are talking about your current contract.” My signature was hanging up on people. I couldn’t stand excuses or bullshit, which I was forced to experience more often outside of my former regiment. The world of hospitality was entirely different than what I was used to.

I stormed toward the window, throwing back the curtains. I’d managed to get the cabin that had obviously been decorated by a woman. Frilly curtains. Bold colors on the walls. I’d been in Danger Falls for months and all I’d managed to do was toss out the corny pillows and artwork of cows on the walls.

The goddamn curtains were next.

Yes, it was snowing. More than I’d seen since the mission I’d accepted in upper Alaska. I’d nearly frozen my nuts off as I’d waited for sign of the target. At least four inches were on the ground already, the fall rate about an inch an hour and expected to rise. It was nothing my Range Rover couldn’t withstand.

I’d purchase the goddamn groceries myself. It was only a few miles into town.

My second cup of coffee left untouched, I grabbed my parka and keys, heading for the door. It wasn’t in anyone’s best interest to infuriate me this early in the day. I didn’t make it to my damn vehicle before Hunter pulled up, barely getting the gear into park before jumping out.

“You headed to the resort?” he asked. My younger brother had adapted more than Shep or I had done, enjoying his work handling the restaurant and winery.

“After I run an errand. I wouldn’t expect the produce delivery any time soon. Fuckin’ Bronco and his shitty staff.”

“Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Does it have anything to do with that unexpected guest dropping in last night?”

How many times had I wanted to punch the smug look off the man’s face? He chided me about everything. Sure, I’d done that to him when I was younger, but that was two plus freaking decades before. “I have shit to do. Are you here for a reason?”

His damn smile remained. “Shep mentioned the park rangers are real concerned about the storm with the wind speed and amount of snow we’re expecting.”

“And that matters to us why?”

“We need to keep the weather alert systems on. That’s your baby. Plus, the resort is considered a safe haven in storms.”

“Why the hell is that?” Yeah, it had been my idea to install a sophisticated weather system instead of the shit I’d found when we’d arrived. I hoped I wouldn’t regret it.

“Because we have fully operational generators and the power goes out to half the town way too often.”

I glanced toward the sky, the light pelting I felt indicating the snow was laced with ice crystals. “I’ll be there in an hour or so.”

“Good deal. I’ll let Shep know.”

Shephard wasn’t our boss. We were equal partners, but he’d acted like papa dog since we’d arrived. Fuck him. I didn’t need anyone looking over my shoulder telling me how to do my job. Hunter continued studying me, searching for answers I didn’t have. He’d wanted to talk about our respective pasts and I’d shot him down every time. If he needed a shrink, he should hire one.

He knew I wasn’t the comforting type. Plus, our secret missions were required to be kept private. Forever.

“Well,” he said. “I’ll get out of your hair.”

“You do that.” I didn’t wait for him before hopping into my vehicle, starting and revving the engine. I followed closely behind his truck as he headed down the driveway, only turning the opposite way toward town. It was an exercise I didn’t take very often. I went into town once a month to get supplies and no more.

I handled repairs at the cabin myself, spending my days off chopping wood or hiding in the mountains. I preferred being very much alone, only putting on a fake plastic smile when required. Being the controller allowed me to work in an office instead of walking the resort, but I still had been forced to deal with the staff.

They’d learned quickly that I wasn’t a people person, choosing to stay out of my way whenever possible.

The ride into town would be treacherous for anyone without a four-wheel drive. The roads were slick and it wouldn’t be long until they became impassible. As I made the last turn, heading into town, I realized just how important the Christmas holidays were to the townies. They went all out with decorations, a damn parade and Santa being a huge deal for the kiddies.

The resort was bad enough with huge Christmas trees and wreaths on every door. Seeing the huge fake Santas and reindeer everywhere, the main square lit up with thousands of twinkling lights was enough to make me sick. Danger Falls looked like a Hallmark movie on steroids.

I passed by the bakery, the old fountain store still serving ice cream cones in the winter, a quaint bookstore that was always busy, the farmer’s market, which was still open even on a day like today, and the fish and bait tackle store run by two old-timer brothers. There was a smattering of small clothing stores, a decent hardware place, and plenty of delicious eateries where I’d never eaten a single bite.

Hell, other than going to Rutherford’s General Store for groceries, I could count on one hand the number of times I’d been in any of the other locations.

I knew where I was going, the grocery store the only one I shopped at. The manager usually gave me a quick wave before turning away. My gruff reputation preceded me, but the locals had become insistent on making me a part of the community. You couldn’t walk anywhere without a few of them waving. Even if they didn’t know who you were, they nodded in recognition, most offering a small-town smile.

Still, they liked to gossip about the dangerous Fox brothers, a notion stuck into their head after the local sheriff had called us enemies of the state in front of one too many people. The angry dude had been watching too many movies.

This was the kind of place where manners still applied, kids taught to respect their elders. Hell, I’d learned it was disrespectful not to open a door for a lady, schooled by the owner of the popular diner. Poppy Danfield had been around since the beginning of time, friendly to a fault to everyone, myself included. But her sharp wit and sassy mouth had issued a clear warning that if I wanted to be liked in this town, I needed to relearn my manners.

I tossed items into the grocery basket, already gritting my teeth from accepting the job myself. I had no clue what Bella or Cally liked. What the hell did a kid eat for breakfast or for a snack? I was standing in the cereal aisle when Denise Parker came over. She was the love of Shep’s life, a park ranger with an attitude. She was damn good at her job, not only because she loved what she did. She’d also been a former detective in a big city.

I still had no clue what the hell she was doing here and what she saw in my brother.

“Stocking up for the big storm?” she asked.

I happened to notice her cart was filled with bottled water and dehydrated beef products. “I guess you’re preparing for the apocalypse.”

“Something like that. It’s supposed to be a bad one.” She was studying me carefully. “What are you looking for?”

I’d picked up eight boxes of kids’ type cereal, grimacing at the sugar content. “Something a damn kid would eat.”

Her sarcastic laugh was one of the things Shephard adored about her. She reached over me, selecting a box of Cinnamon Chex. “Nutritious and sweet. Is there something you’re not telling me?”

She knew I’d glare at her since she turned her evil grin away from me.

“Just a guest who needs help.”

“In this weather? Whew. I hope they know they’re going to be snowed in for a while.”

I nodded and took her suggestion, trying to move around her. “Yeah. I’ll tell her.”

“Jagger. You know Shephard really wants you to be his best man.”

It had been a conversation I’d avoided. They were planning their wedding. I was happy for them, but I had no desire to be a part of the festivities. Sure, I’d buy them a present, but that was the extent of it. Being his best man seemed like the last thing my brother would want. “Tell him to pick Hunter.”

“He doesn’t want Hunter. He wants you.”

I didn’t turn around or say anything else. There was nothing to say, the subject between me and my brother. “Yeah, well, we can’t all have what we want, Denise. It doesn’t work that way.”

“When are you going to stop feeling sorry for yourself, Jagger? You have two brothers who give a damn about you. Why don’t you show them some love in return? At least some respect.”

I’d tried to be more of a friend, especially to Shep, but our bullheaded personalities continued to keep us at arm’s length.

I knew she continued to stare at me. She’d tried to become my friend, maybe because she’d be considered family soon enough. I had no interest and not because of her. She was a nice girl with enough balls to keep my brother on his toes.

I had my reasons and that was final.

She finally knew it was no use and walked away. I’d hear about it from my brother, but as with most things, I just didn’t care.

After finishing my shopping, including grabbing a few bottles of wine and a couple of bottles of booze for myself, I knew it was time to get going. At least Bella and the cute kid would have enough food for at least a week. The number of items I’d purchased was four times what I had in my house if not more. The money wasn’t the issue. Cooking for myself simply didn’t have appeal.

On the way out of town, I noticed the small toy store was still open. Slowing down, I stared at the storefront window, debating if I should go in. It was impetuous of me to think I had any better idea what kind of toys a little girl would like than a box of cereal. However, I felt compelled.

As I’d seen with so many quaint towns, there was on-street parking. I found a parking place a couple of blocks down. The tourists were out in droves, taking pictures and enjoying the constant holiday music being piped from unseen speakers. With the snow covering the ground, I cringed as I headed down the sidewalk.

As usual, I was waved to by just about everyone, some recognition in a few pairs of eyes, but mostly, it was all about being nice to a stranger. I did my best to keep my head down. A chill shifted down my spine the moment I walked in. I must have looked helpless since a young woman appeared from behind the counter.

“Can I help you?” she asked. “You look lost.” Her smile was genuine and she offered me an appreciative glance all the way to my boots. When I was younger, I would have toyed with a woman’s flirtatiousness, enjoying the banter. Not any longer. The thought of a relationship left a bad taste in my mouth.

“I need some toys for a little girl.” My voice sounded even rougher than before. Impatient.

She lost her smile. “How old?”

“I don’t know. She’s about this big.” I placed my open palm about three feet or so off the floor.

The woman narrowed her eyes. “Well, if you don’t know then I’m just guessing and could be totally wrong.”

“I won’t shoot you if you are.”

For the first time, her gaze held a hint of fear, but she managed to blow it off. Yeah, I was being an asshole. Being in this town around these people had forced me to retreat further into my shell. What I knew and few others did was being an asshole that was feared by some and loathed by others was a much better alternative for everyone involved.

No one would get me to change, including some woman with an intent on brightening the world after saving it.

Or even one so beautiful I’d remained awake all freaking night long thinking about her.

Truth be told, I’d fantasized about her. Bella was refreshing to a man who’d given up on life. Still, I’d do my good deed and walk the fuck away. That was best for everyone.

I was a fuckup and caring meant suffering, which in turn would mean I’d create agony for others. No, it was better to be this way.

“I’d say maybe three or four. Let me gather a few items for you to choose from.”

“I’ll take whatever you got.”

Her eyes opened wide and she blew out a heavy breath. “Well, okay then. Let me get your order together. It’ll take a few minutes.”

I had all the time in the world.

As I stood and waited, I couldn’t avoid thinking about Bella. However, I had to get her out of my mind.

Nothing could happen between us. If it did, I’d place her in harm’s way.

From me.