Page 11 of Hot Winter Nights (Bear Mountain Rescue 1)

“You know, most men don’t call themselves ‘swell’ anymore.”

“What can I say, I’m a throwback.” Hunter put his hand on the small of her back, and the warmth of his palm was comforting. It made her feel safe and cared for, a feeling she could definitely get used to.

God knew none of the boyfriends she’d left behind had ever shown her such consideration. And as he took her keys and unlocked her door, she didn’t feel the need to remind him she was more than capable of doing so herself.

When she pulled in front of the cabin fifteen minutes later, she glanced over at Dex’s house and saw that the lights were still on inside.

Tomorrow morning I can talk to him. Tonight I have a date with my new flannel sheets.

Plus, Allie wanted to get a few more boxes unpacked before bed. She climbed the porch steps and unlocked the front door. She flipped on the light and took one step inside when something big stood up on her counter, staring at her with black, beady eyes.

And she let out a bloodcurdling scream.

Chapter 7

Dex had just put Bluebell and the puppy into crates when he heard Allie’s scream. Grabbing his rifle off the rack abov

e the fireplace, he ran the hundred yards to the cabin, only to find Allie standing on the porch, holding the front doorknob, and shaking visibly.

“Are you all right?”

“There…there’s an animal in the cabin!”

Dex brushed past her, opened the door and stepped inside. On top of the counter with a mangled box of crackers in its hands was a big, fat raccoon. The animal dropped down onto all fours and arched its back, letting out a high growl.

The door squeaked open behind him, and Allie hissed, “Shoot it!”

“I’m not going to shoot it.”

“Then why the hell did you bring a gun?”

“In case.” Dex glanced around, looking for any of the coon’s buddies, but he seemed to be alone.

“Okay, seriously, there is a wild animal eating my brand-new box of Ritz crackers and you are standing there staring at it! Aren’t you supposed to be a big, tough mountain man?”

Dex saw the tufts of fur at the edge of the hole in the ceiling. “Looks like he came in through the attic.”

“Well, hallelujah, Sherlock, looks like you solved the mystery of how it got in. Now how about you get it the hell out?”

Dex sighed and pulled out his phone. Looking over his shoulder at her, he said mildly, “Just a little friendly advice, but the next time someone comes to your rescue, you might want to be a little more grateful.”

“I would be grateful if you were actually helping!”

Dex dialed his buddy, Deputy Luke Teller, who picked up on the second ring. “Teller.”

“Hey, it’s Dex.”

“What’s up, man? I was getting ready to knock off.”

“Before you do, I’ve got a raccoon situation in the cabin.”

Luke sighed heavily into the phone. “Give me ten minutes.”

Dex ended the call and guided Allie back out the door. “A deputy will be out in a few minutes to take care of your buddy there.”

“You called the sheriff for a raccoon?”

Dex gritted his teeth. “I’m getting a little tired of you treating me like I’m an idiot.”

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