by D. K. Hood
“Hallelujah.” Carter opened the door for her and waved her through. “Tomorrow night we’ll celebrate.”
Epilogue
Over the next day or so, and after saying goodbye to Jo and Carter, it seemed life had returned to normal, apart from the awkwardness between Jenna and Kane. They worked together as smoothly as ever, but being so busy tying up the case, their breakup hadn’t been a priority. But now that the dust had settled, Jenna really hoped they could talk. One thing, Kane hadn’t moved his belongings back to the cottage, made her a little optimistic, but although they’d eat together, like civilized people, the topic of their relationship never came up. Kane would do the chores as usual, but after dinner would go to his room. He’d set up a TV in there and virtually ignored her. They didn’t work out together since she’d broken her arm, and he spent his time pummeling the punching bag, lifting weights, and skipping. They didn’t talk much and, without another case, she had no excuse to disturb him. He always had his head in a book, reading. This worried her as they were becoming like strangers. She’d had a chat with Jo and bared her soul. From what Jo said, some men didn’t like confrontation with women about such things. Her telling him she didn’t want to wait would be enough for Kane to back off—some men just didn’t feel comfortable about being where they weren’t wanted. She considered Kane to be just that type of man. If Jenna wanted to make things right, then she’d have to make the first move.
As the organizers of the crime writers’ convention had invited her, Kane, and Wolfe’s team to the ball at the ski lodge on the weekend, she’d spent a wonderful time the previous afternoon in Helena with Emily and Julie shopping for ballgowns. Jenna smiled to herself. She’d gained a deep respect for crime writers. Not one of them had left the convention, even after they’d been informed about the murders. It seemed the fact the killer had been arrested had made the experience more exciting for them. Many wanted to know the gory details she couldn’t provide, but she had encouraged them to follow the trial for more information.
Jenna worked around Kane, trying to help as he cooked dinner. He’d elected to do just about everything since her injury, but he’d always preferred to prepare the meals and did so with efficiency. She took a deep breath and looked at him as he grilled the steaks. “I thought you would’ve moved back into the cottage when we returned home.”
“I would have, but moving twice is a pain in the middle of winter.” Kane stared at the steaks. “I’m planning on getting a place of my own in town after the melt, but if being here is a problem, I’ll move out tonight. I can get a room at The Cattleman’s Hotel and then come by for my stuff later.”
Heartbroken, Jenna stared at him. “I don’t want you to move, Dave. I like having you here in the house with me. I had to ask. You’ve hardly said two words to me outside of work.”
“I think in the circumstances it’s for the best, but as you’ll need help around the ranch, I’ll still drop by each day and do the chores until you’re better. I won’t leave you to fend for yourself.” Kane served the food and, after cutting up her steak for her, placed the plates on the table. “If you’re looking for a husband, no guy will set foot in the place with me living here, and I’m not sure I could cope seeing you bringing men home either.”
Heart thundering, Jenna stared at him. “I’m not husband hunting.”
“Really?” Kane sat down and cut into his steak. “Your words are kinda burned into my head, Jenna. What did you say? Ah yeah: ‘From now on, with or without you, I’m going to enjoy every single day.’ That might as well have been a declaration of war to me.”
Swallowing hard, Jenna bit her bottom lip. “What do you mean by that? You know I care for you, Dave. We argued, so what? All couples argue.”
“I’m an old-fashioned guy and I take threats personal.” Kane stared into her eyes. “When I commit, I commit. If by that comment you meant you’re planning on stepping out with other men while I’m in the picture, I’m moving out. Unless you want a bloodbath, because if you’re my woman—which you seemed to imply—then I’ll defend what’s mine.” He chewed his steak, his eyes never leaving her face. “You know what kind of man I am, Jenna. If we married, I’d be possessive. It’s in my genetic makeup, and if another guy touched you, I’d want to kill him. I’m not saying I would, but I’d want to.” He sighed.
Surprised by his candidness, Jenna blinked. “I think I’d be disappointed if you didn’t defend me… I just don’t like to be treated like I’m incapable of looking after myself. You must admit that when you first arrived you tried to smother me. If I’d known about Annie at the time, I’d have understood you better.”
“This is who I am, Jenna. I’ve become the man you wanted me to be, kept my overprotectiveness in check and respected your position at work. If you still want me in your life, I’ll continue to be that man… but you’re so not ready for the real Dave Kane. I already lost one wife and our baby. What about when you’re pregnant? In here”—he poked at his chest—“I’ll want to wrap you in cotton, but in here”—he tapped his head—“I know I’ll be pushing you away. But it will happen. I’ll be concerned something might happen to you. We live in murder central. It’s not really conducive to happy families, is it? Could you cope with me in combat mode twenty-four/seven? This is what you need to think about—all of the above. It’s what’s been doing my head in for weeks.” He sighed. “I should’ve explained better at the ski resort, but you didn’t give me the chance.”
Jenna ate and allowed his words to filter through her mind. She sipped her water and lifted her chin. “I never knew you thought of me as your woman.”
“Really? I’m living in your house and I thought we were building a relationship.” Kane shook his head as if in disbelief. “Being this size, I can be intimidating, so I was waiting for you to make the first move. Until you told me how you felt, I figured we were moving along just fine, one day at a time.”
Jenna shook her head. “And I figured if you’d wanted me, you’d go all Neanderthal on me and throw me over one shoulder and carry me off into the sunset.”
“Maybe I should have, but you’re an independent woman, Jenna. Doing something like that might have had the opposite effect. See my point? I’m damned if I do and damned if I don’t.” Kane finished his meal, stood, cleaned his plate, and dropped it into the dishwasher.
Wanting to sort things out between them, Jenna touched his arm. “Can we talk some more? I don’t want you to move out. I like being us. Maybe we can set ground rules that makes it easier for both of us?”
“Ground rules, huh?” Kane scratched his cheek. “That might take some time and you’re going to a ball tonight. Don’t forget, Wolfe said he’d be dropping by to collect you at eight. I’ve got things to do. We’ll talk later.” He stood and went to his room.
Jenna stared after him and then gasped when she checked her watch. She had to be ready for the ball in forty minutes. She had no idea if Kane was going. He hadn’t offered to drive her and although the roads were clear now, snow could come again anytime. She hadn’t wanted to risk driving up the mountain with a broken wrist, and when Wolfe offered to drive her, she’d jumped at the chance. It didn’t take her too long to dress, although wearing a ball gown under her thick coat, seemed a little surreal. She pulled on her boots and picked up her purse and shoes. She’d change them when she arrived, rather than freezing her feet.
The sky was surprisingly clear and when she climbed out of Wolfe’s truck she could see every star in the sky. The snow reflected the flashing yellow lights around the ski lodge entrance and the wind made the icicles on the trees jangle together. It was a beautiful but freezing night. Inside, the lodge was warm and the smell of woodsmoke and perfume filled the air. Women and men moved around dressed in their finest and music drifted out from the ballroom. Beside her, Julie was bouncing with excitement as they removed their coats and stowed away their boots.
“I can’t believe Em is on a date with Zac.” Julie giggled. “She likes him. Yo
u know, Dad didn’t say a word. Yet when she mentioned liking Ty Carter, he kinda growled, like an old teddy bear.”
Jenna smiled. “Don’t place too much into it. It’s just a ball and I doubt either of them wanted to come alone. I came with your dad and we certainly aren’t romantically inclined.”
“I guess.” Julie led the way into the ballroom. “Oh, look at Uncle Dave over there dancing. Doesn’t he look handsome? I thought he’d be bringing you to the ball. Didn’t you want to go with him? Em mentioned you’d had an argument.”
Jenna sighed. “He didn’t ask me.” She noticed Wolfe standing next to the buffet and headed in his direction. “Look there’s your dad. Let’s go and keep him company.”
She nodded to the people who smiled at her and made her way to Wolfe and stood on the edge of the dancefloor watching. Her gaze kept moving to Kane. He danced so well and seemed to have a ton of admirers. When Wolfe suddenly asked her to dance, she smiled at him. “I’ll ruin your boots. I’ve never been able to dance to country music. I’m very much a jiggle-to-the-music type of dancer.”
“Well, this Texan has three daughters and is used to having his boots stepped over.” Wolfe bent his head and lowered his voice. “You’ll have to save me. Crime writers seem to find a medical examiner fascinating. I don’t get many invitations to balls and I really don’t want to talk shop all night.” He held out his hand.
Jenna went into his arms and they moved around the floor, Wolfe expertly avoiding her feet. When he danced her to where Kane was twirling Emily around, Wolfe stopped and smiled at her. She gave him a puzzled look. “Is this a set up?”
“Maybe, but one thing’s for sure, you won’t fight in front of all these people.” Wolfe smiled at her. “He’s a stubborn man. You’ll have to make the first move, Jenna.” He tapped Kane on the shoulder. “I want to dance with my daughter.”
“Sure.” Kane turned and looked down at Jenna. “I haven’t had my boots trampled on all night and I kinda miss it.” He took the hand in the cast and laid it gently on his chest. “Come on Jenna, live a little.”
They danced in silence and for once in her life, Jenna didn’t step all over his boots. When the song finished and a slow number came on, Kane didn’t stop dancing. She rested her cheek on his chest and looked up at him. It was now or never. “It just so happens that I love your combat face. It’s what makes you special and I like feeling safe with you around all the time watching out for me. I love you, Dave. You must know that by now, right?”
They danced right out of the ballroom and Jenna found herself in the hallway. She’d said the L-word and it was out there, waiting for a reply and she’d never felt so vulnerable. She swallowed hard and waited, not sure if Kane gave second chances. “Did you hear me?”
“Uh-huh.” His lips curled into a slow smile.
The next moment he bent and tossed her over his shoulder and headed toward the foyer. Pressing her good hand into his back, Jenna gasped for air. “Dave, what are you doing?”
“I’m taking my woman home.”
* * *
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Hear More from D.K. Hood
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Books by D.K. Hood
Detectives Kane and Alton prequels
Lose Your Breath
Don’t Look Back
Detectives Kane and Alton Series
Don’t Tell a Soul
Bring Me Flowers
Follow Me Home
The Crying Season
Where Angels Fear
Whisper in the Night
Break the Silence
Her Broken Wings
Her Shallow Grave
Promises in the Dark
Be Mine Forever
Cross My Heart
Fallen Angel
AVAILABLE IN AUDIO
Detectives Kane and Alton prequel
Lose Your Breath (Available in the UK and the US)
Detectives Kane and Alton Series
Don’t Tell a Soul (Available in the UK and the US)
Bring Me Flowers (Available in the UK and the US)
Follow Me Home (Available in the UK and the US)
The Crying Season (Available in the UK and the US)
Where Angels Fear (Available in the UK and the US)
Whisper in the Night (Available in the UK and the US)
Break the Silence (Available in the UK and the US)
Her Broken Wings (Available in the UK and the US)
Her Shallow Grave (Available in the UK and the US)
Promises in the Dark (Available in the UK and the US)
Be Mine Forever (Available in the UK and the US)
Cross My Heart (Available in the UK and the US)
A Letter from D.K. Hood
Dear Reader,
Thank you so much for choosing my novel and coming with me on another exciting adventure with Kane and Alton in Fallen Angel.
If you’d like to keep up to date with all my latest releases, just sign up at the website link below. Your details will never be shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.
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Writing this story was great fun. I love writing about the different aspects of human nature and what drives them to murder. I hope I thrilled you with Jenna and Kane’s hair-raising week at the Glacial Heights Ski Resort.
If you enjoyed reading my story, I would be very grateful if you could leave a review and recommend my book to your friends and family. I really enjoy hearing from readers, so feel free to ask me questions at any time. You can get in touch on my Facebook page or Twitter or through my blog.
Thank you so much for your support.
D.K. Hood
http://www.dkhood.com
dkhood-author.blogspot.com.au
Lose Your Breath
A Detectives Kane and Alton prequel
Get it here!
David Kane’s completely gripping origin story. Find out how he went from Black Ops to Black Rock Falls in this short 120-page read you won’t be able to put down.
She pulls the door of her office closed and hurries over to her beaten-up old Toyota parked in a deserted alley. Slipping into the driver’s seat, she checks the rear-view mirror, and her heart stops. Staring back at her are the dark eyes of a stranger. She opens her mouth to scream, but it’s already too late…
When secretary Annie Parkes is snatched from the street outside of her workplace, David Kane is tasked with finding her. Strong, highly skilled, and secretive, he’s a loner and an outsider; the only man the military trust to find Annie before her kidnappers make good on their promise to kill her.
But as Kane pulls Annie from a derelict building, gunshots ringing through the deserted streets around them, he realizes rescuing her is just the beginning. He needs to keep her close to find out who is behind her capture, and to keep her safe.
Hiding out in a remote part of town, Kane feels the walls he put up around himself many years ago begin to slip in front of Annie. Could she be more than just a job? With an old enemy hot on his tail, showing any weakness could be fatal—but when Annie is dragged back into danger once again, could he already be too late?
Fans of the USA Today bestselling Detectives Kane and Alton series will finally find out the truth behind Deputy David Kane’s secret past. If you enjoy Lisa Regan, Melinda Leigh and Kendra Elliot you will love this gripping short read.
Get it here!
Don’t Look Back
A Detectives Kane and Alton prequel
Get it here!
Meet the brilliant, whip-smart Jenna Alton, Black Rock Falls’ newest resident. She’s fighting her own demons, but she’ll stop at nothing to put those who hurt the innocent behind bars. An a
ddictive short-read about how she went from an undercover police officer to the town’s most loved Sheriff.
He grabs at her hair, pulling hard. She doesn’t scream like he wants her to. She grits her teeth and waits for him to let go. Then she runs harder than she has ever run in her life. The sound of his footsteps behind her, and the certainty of what he will do if he catches her, is all she needs to keep going.
Undercover officer Jenna Alton has been with her criminal husband Michael Carlos for four years. Tonight, she brings him down. She sits in her car as the motorised gates slowly open, exposing the imposing mansion behind them. She taps on the steering wheel, faking impatience, taking in every detail of her surroundings: how many guards are on the door, who’s in the house, the exact location of the little girl she is here to save.
But as she tries to act normal, pulling the shopping from the trunk, something catches her eye… Her husband stands in the window of their large bedroom watching her every move.
