Addison Fox - Colton K-9 Cop

A cop confronts a deadly killer and explosive secrets in the latest chapter of The Coltons of Shadow Creek!

For bomb squad K-9 officer Donovan Colton, nothing about a failed car bombing in his Texas hometown makes sense. Why would anyone target quiet, secretive accountant Bellamy Reeves, and why does his canine partner instantly trust her? Donovan is searching for his own mysterious past, but he can’t resist solving the riddle that is beautiful Bellamy.

After experiencing a tragic loss, Bellamy knows how hard it can be to trust. Threatened by her former employer, she is reluctant to open up to dangerously sexy Donovan—or his adorable dog! But the harder Donovan works to keep her safe, the more Bellamy longs to let what’s between them turn into something more—even as their lives are poised to be blown apart…

The Coltons of Shadow Creek

“How close were you to the car?”

“I’d gotten in and realized I hadn’t closed the trunk. I was behind the car when it just—” Bellamy broke off, the disbelief still clear in her eyes. “When it just exploded.”

“We’re going to take a look at it but first I need Alex to sniff the rest of the cars that are still here so we can get these people out of here. Can you wait for me?”

“Where else am I going to go?”

For reasons Donovan couldn’t explain, he sensed there was something more in her comment. Something that went well beyond a car bomb or the shaky aftereffects of surviving a crime.

Something terrible had taken the light out of her beautiful gray eyes.

And he was determined to find out why.

* * *

The Coltons of Shadow Creek:

Only family can keep you safe…

Colton K-9 Cop

Addison Fox

www.millsandboon.co.uk

ADDISON FOX is a lifelong romance reader, addicted to happy-ever-afters. After discovering she found as much joy writing about romance as she did reading it, she’s never looked back. Addison lives in New York with an apartment full of books, a laptop that’s rarely out of sight and a wily beagle who keeps her running. You can find her at her home on the web at www.addisonfox.comor on Facebook ( Facebook.com/addisonfoxauthor) and Twitter ( @addisonfox).

For Max

You came into my life when I least expected it and have colored my world with puppy cuddles, cookie (mis)adventures and joy.

Always joy.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text A cop confronts a deadly killer and explosive secrets in the latest chapter of The Coltons of Shadow Creek! For bomb squad K-9 officer Donovan Colton, nothing about a failed car bombing in his Texas hometown makes sense. Why would anyone target quiet, secretive accountant Bellamy Reeves, and why does his canine partner instantly trust her? Donovan is searching for his own mysterious past, but he can’t resist solving the riddle that is beautiful Bellamy. After experiencing a tragic loss, Bellamy knows how hard it can be to trust. Threatened by her former employer, she is reluctant to open up to dangerously sexy Donovan—or his adorable dog! But the harder Donovan works to keep her safe, the more Bellamy longs to let what’s between them turn into something more—even as their lives are poised to be blown apart… The Coltons of Shadow Creek

Introduction “How close were you to the car?” “I’d gotten in and realized I hadn’t closed the trunk. I was behind the car when it just—” Bellamy broke off, the disbelief still clear in her eyes. “When it just exploded.” “We’re going to take a look at it but first I need Alex to sniff the rest of the cars that are still here so we can get these people out of here. Can you wait for me?” “Where else am I going to go?” For reasons Donovan couldn’t explain, he sensed there was something more in her comment. Something that went well beyond a car bomb or the shaky aftereffects of surviving a crime. Something terrible had taken the light out of her beautiful gray eyes. And he was determined to find out why. * * * The Coltons of Shadow Creek: Only family can keep you safe…

Title Page Colton K-9 Cop Addison Fox www.millsandboon.co.uk

About the Author ADDISON FOX is a lifelong romance reader, addicted to happy-ever-afters. After discovering she found as much joy writing about romance as she did reading it, she’s never looked back. Addison lives in New York with an apartment full of books, a laptop that’s rarely out of sight and a wily beagle who keeps her running. You can find her at her home on the web at www.addisonfox.com or on Facebook ( Facebook.com/addisonfoxauthor ) and Twitter ( @addisonfox ).

Dedication For Max You came into my life when I least expected it and have colored my world with puppy cuddles, cookie (mis)adventures and joy. Always joy.

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Epilogue

Extract

Copyright

Prologue

Five years ago

She held the garland loosely in her hand as she slowly unwound the bright gold in steady, even rows. Turn by turn, the empty green branches filled with the shiny, vivid color as Bellamy Reeves enjoyed watching her handiwork come to life.

Her parents had asked her to work the store this evening, their annual holiday event with the local men’s club a highlight of their year. She’d been happy to do it, the familiar work of managing the counter and ringing up purchases at Whisperwood’s only corner store something she’d been doing since childhood. It was a far cry from her work in finance at Lone Star Pharmaceutical but it kept her in touch with her roots and she enjoyed it.

Add on that it gave her a shot at stringing up the decorations just to her personal specifications, and it was a job she was happy to take on.

Maggie had teased her about risking spinsterhood if she were willing to work the family store on a holiday Saturday night and Bellamy had ignored her. Her sister was fond of quoting all the pithy reasons Bellamy was doomed to a lonely existence and she’d learned to ignore it.

Or, if not ignore it, at least stop caring about it so much.

Her sister was the resident beauty queen of Whisperwood, Texas. She’d had men wrapped around her finger basically since she’d crawled out of the womb and had learned to drape herself over their arms not much longer after that.

Bellamy was different.

She wasn’t afraid of men. Nor was she afraid of dating or putting herself out there. She dated regularly but just hadn’t found anyone who interested her. Or made her feel special.

She’d spent her life observing her parents’ marriage and knew that was the type of love and companionship she sought. A deep, abiding commitment that bonded the two of them together.

Tonight was a perfect example.

Although it was the men’s club event, both her parents enjoyed the evening in equal measure. It was nice, she mused as she dug in a large plastic container for another string of garland. And while the event might seem simple or unimportant—a dinner dance at the Whisperwood Lodge—it was something they looked forward to and talked about all year long.

The bell over the front door of the store jingled and Bellamy eyed the entrance as a well-built man pushed his way in, a puppy cradled in his arms. Her father was fairly laid-back about the store, but since they sold food, animals were forbidden unless in service. “I’m sorry, sir, but the dog needs to stay outside.”