The Spy Who Came For Christmas(12)

“No driver was found at the scene. Got a crew out searching, but it doesn’t look like a body is down there.”

Grayson’s jaw clenched. “So someone sent that truck crashing down?” It certainly would have been easy enough to do. Hell, he’d even used a strategy like that a time or two in the field. When he needed to ditch a ride and he didn’t want anyone finding any evidence left behind—a fast crash. A fiery wreck to destroy evidence. And he’d walked away clean.

“Appears that way,” Brad said. “Wanted you two to know. And since I was already close by and I know that Jemma always gets up early for the chocolate shop…” He tipped his hat at them. “Figured I’d deliver the news in person.”

It wasn’t news that Grayson liked. In fact, it made him worry even more.

It’s not like you can stop being a spy.

No, he couldn’t.

Did you bring trouble with you to my town? Brad’s question whispered through Grayson’s mind. He’d thought he was safe before, but right then, Grayson wasn’t so sure.

***

Grayson Cole had spent the night with the woman. And when he’d answered the door to the local sheriff, the guy had been half-dressed.

He’s definitely involved with her. Was the woman the reason that Grayson rushed to Holly, North Carolina? If so, then she was a very, very powerful weapon to be used in his battle.

He stayed in the woods, watching his prey. The area was such a perfect hunting ground. So many trees. Thick bushes. Winding roads. It made things so much easier for him.

Grayson walked the sheriff back to his car. He slapped a hand on the guy’s shoulder. They talked some more, and then, when the sheriff drove away, Grayson hesitated. His stare swept over the area.

You can’t see me. I’m hidden too well.

You taught me all the tricks, Grayson.

Grayson strode back toward the house. He caught the woman’s hand. Brought it to his lips. Kissed her knuckles quickly.

Gently? Since when was Grayson Cole ever gentle with anyone?

That’s not the way you act with a one-night stand.

Grayson shut the door.

And the watcher smiled. Christmas was coming, and this year, he was going to get exactly what he wanted. Grayson’s pain. His suffering. His death.

My revenge.

And the woman—that pretty little chocolate shop owner—she was going to be the perfect instrument of his vengeance.

***

Grayson was waiting for her when she got off work. Actually, he came into her shop just before closing time. The bell jingled over her door and when she looked up, he was there.

Light snowflakes had fallen onto his dark hair, and they lined the top of his coat. As she stared at him, he smiled at her. A slow grin that warmed every single inch of her.

“I’m just finishing up.” Storing her items. Cleaning up. Getting things ready for tomorrow. “Give me just a second.” Because they had a date, didn’t they? She hoped so, because she’d been thinking about it all day. Planning.

Well, she’d been planning when she hadn’t been obsessing about Matthew’s truck and her strange late-night visitor. So perhaps she’d been a bit nervous. Who wouldn’t be?

Grayson stepped fully into her little shop. He inhaled. “This place smells so insanely good.” He kept walking, coming behind the counter and right up to her.

Her breath caught in her throat.

“Sweet chocolate,” he murmured. “The perfect sin.”

“Grayson—”

He kissed her. And she didn’t even pretend she wasn’t wildly excited about his kiss. Her hands locked around him and she kissed him back, opening her lips, enjoying the thrust of his tongue, enjoying the heck out of him.

He groaned, a low, ragged sound that she absolutely adored because she knew she was turning him on. Only fair really, his kiss had her breasts aching and her whole body tensing.

His hands had settled around her hips. She could feel his fingertips right over the curve of her ass. He’d pulled her close, and there was no missing his growing erection. His mouth pulled from hers, just an inch. “You taste like chocolate.”

Her lashes lifted. She stared up at him.

“Sweet and sexy, my perfect sin.” His eyes gleamed down at her.

Unable to help herself, Jemma pushed up on her toes and she lightly licked that delectable scar that sliced across his lips.

His hold tightened on her. “Jemma…”

“I have something I think you’ll like.” Since he kept talking about sin, there was a treat she wanted to give him. She eased out of his hold and hurried to the back. She found what she wanted—what she hoped he’d adore—and hurried back to him. “It’s from my…special reserve.” Very few people knew about her reserve. It was something fun she’d made for a few of her friends—an idea that had been created one drink-filled night. And she’d kept up the reserve ever since that fateful date because she liked the challenge of making new, sexy chocolates.

And all of these chocolates are sexy. Sexy enough to drive a person wild.

She held up her offering for Grayson. “Since you like chocolate…” This one was a special treat—milk chocolate, caramel, sea salt for kick…

Grayson bent and took a bite of the chocolate that she offered to him. His lips pressed to her fingers in a quick kiss.