Cougars Christmas: Cascade Cougars, #5

By Tia Didmon

Santa Claus and Shifters. This Christmas, she will believe in both.

Holly has a plan, and it doesn't include the sexy ex-marine who enters the bakery looking for a job. With an unknown foe hunting her, and the people closest to her keeping secrets. Can she trust a man whose existence is nothing more than a myth?

Dash Cascade is on the hunt for the man who assassinated his team. After weeks on the killer's trail, the last person he expects to find is his mate or the trouble she's connected to. Can he put his vendetta aside to protect the woman his cougar wants to claim? Or will his Christmas miracle turn to misery?

Enjoy the next book in the bestselling Cascade Cougar Series that readers are comparing to Jessie Donovan and Lora Leigh.

One click to continue this sizzling paranormal adventure today!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bold Butterfly Publishing Inc.
• Release date: Dec 7, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215222560

Tia Didmon

Tia Didmon is a USA Today bestselling author of provocative paranormal romance and paranormal women’s fiction. When Tia isn't busy writing about sexy shifters and dreamy demons, she spends her time binge-watching The Order and reruns of The Vampire Diaries, cooking with her daughter, and serving her cat. Her love of writing stems from a self-diagnosed book addiction.  Subscribe to Tia's newsletter at tiadidmon.com for a free book and start your journey through Tia's supernatural world today! 

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Holly sipped her mistletoe spiced tea. She loved this time of year. The powdered snow that floated in the air when you walked. The twinkling lights that reflected off the frosted windows. She’d grown up in this small town named Hope, and had been excited to work in the new bakery.

Benny’s Bakery always had that sweet cinnamon smell that made her take an extended breath. She had a sense of pride that she helped create the amazing aromas that caused patrons walking by to take a deep breath before entering with a smile.

The phone rang as the oven timer went off. Holly grabbed the phone. Benny’s Bakery.

Hey Chica.

Holly laughed. Hi Maize, what’s up?

I want you to make one of your special cakes for Marcy’s bachelorette party.

Holly groaned. Marcy is way too sweet for that kind of cake. She will be so embarrassed.

Maize chuckled. I know.

You are the worst little sister ever.

Maize made an exaggerated sigh. I do try.

Holly shook her head. I will go to hell if I make a naked man cake at Christmas.

Maize laughed. It’s not my fault Marcy is having a January wedding in Hawaii; besides, you can always decorate the balls...

I’ll take care of it, Maize, Holly interrupted laughing.

Awesome. I gotta go. I’m ordering some party favors. Marcy is in for a few surprises.

You’re terrible. She hung up smiling. Holly and the girls had grown up together and all of them were looking forward to Marcy’s wedding.

She pulled the chocolate chip cookies from the oven. She’d been practicing her grandmother’s recipe for years and had been thrilled when Benny let her add them to the menu. Now they were the bakery’s best seller.

Benny came into the back grabbing his apron. Holly, you go out front. You’ve been back here all morning. The lunch crowd is gone so man the till for the next couple hours of your shift.

Holly smiled at her boss. Sure. Is Jason stopping by?

Benny smiled with a warmth in his eyes. My son loves your cookies. I’m sure he will be in after his shift at the gas station.

Excellent. He’s helping me get a tree this weekend. I never leave it this late, but we’ve been so busy the last couple weeks.

Benny laughed. Everyone loves baked goods at Christmas.

Holly removed her apron then hung it on the door. That’s true.

She grabbed a tray of cupcakes and took them to the front counter then placed them in the glass display case. She hummed to the Christmas music playing as the remaining young couple waved before leaving. She was wiping down the small tables when the door chimed.

Hey beautiful.

Holly turned with a rag in her hand. Hi Keith. She went behind the counter to stand by the till. What can I get you?

Keith looked at the display case. I keep meaning to try something else, but your cookies are so damn good.

Holly nodded. Coffee? He’d been coming in every day this week. He said all the right things and was handsome, but his smile reminded her of a barracuda. With her full figure he wasn’t her usual suitor.

He nodded, taking a seat at the table.

She placed a cookie beside his coffee. I thought you were heading out soon?

Keith smirked. I’m waiting for a... friend to show up. He’s taking longer than expected.

Holly waved her hand. Family is never on time.

Keith looked her over suggestively. Do you have family in town for Christmas?

Holly swallowed. My mom has gone to Russia. My grandfather passed, and it’s Grandma’s first Christmas alone so mom has gone to stay with her for a few months. I have plenty of friends in Hope. I grew up here.

Keith looked her over suggestively. I admit, until recently I couldn’t understand why anyone would live in a small town.

Holly shook her head. You are...

The door chimed. The tall man who entered was fixated on Keith. His shaved hair resembled a military cut and his beard consisted of short stubble that begged to be touched. He was the sexiest man Holly had ever seen, and he was furious. His eyes were so dark they looked black.

Holly cleared her throat, garnering his attention. May I help you?

His eyes flickered. Maybe it was the Christmas lights reflecting off the bay window or the bright afternoon sun, but Holly swore she saw an amber glow before they returned to their natural dark brown color. He looked away rubbing his forehead then met her gaze. What do you recommend?

Holly smirked. The coffee is fresh ground and I make the best chocolate chip cookies you have ever eaten.

His smile was forced. That doesn’t sound like something I can pass up.

Keith motioned the chair opposite of him. I’ve been waiting for you, Dash. Have a seat.

Holly went behind the counter as Dash turned to Keith. What are you doing in Hope?

Keith shrugged. Just passing through... you?

Dash huffed. I’m in town to take care of a small cockroach invasion.

Keith sneered. Good luck with that. He stood, pulling a twenty out of his wallet, then glanced at Holly. See you soon, Darlin. He walked out as Dash stared at him with clenched fists.

Holly brought Dash his order while he seated himself.

He touched her hand to grab her attention. How do you know him?

The heat from his light touch burned a path up her arm and across her chest. While she had admired handsome men, she had never had such a visceral reaction to one. Pardon? she squeaked.

Keith?

Oh yeah, he came into town a week ago. He said he’s visiting family.

In Hope?

She nodded. That’s what he said.

Dash pulled his hand away. Holly, he isn’t the kind of man a girl like you should get involved with.

Holly huffed, forcing away her strange reaction. A girl like me? You don’t even know me.

Dash stood, running his finger over her name tag. I will soon.

Holly stood like a statue, mesmerized by the seductive action. Everything about him called to her. As if the toned muscles under his tight black t-shirt weren’t sexy enough. His scent reminded her of the forest after a fresh rain. His dark eyes were that of a magician’s weaving a spell and the tone of his voice sent tiny shocks under her skin. She didn’t know who Dash was, but she needed to get away from him. Her mother had warned her about men like Dash and she planned to listen to her.

Benny entered from the back. He held a tray of pastries that had cooled. He frowned as his eyes rested on Dash’s fingers. Holly, you okay?

Holly took a step back embarrassed, grabbing Keith’s full coffee cup from the table. It’s okay Benny, I’m fine.

Benny put the tray on the counter. Holly, can you put these pastries in the cabinet?

Holly nodded as Benny looked Dash over.

He grabbed the cloth and started wiping the clean counter. You’re new around here. Are you visiting for the holidays?

Dash nodded then sat at the table, grabbing his coffee. Yes, I have friends nearby. I thought I would stop in for a bite. He looked at Holly and she felt his gaze reach inside her. Like he owned an all-access pass to her soul. She shook off the strange feeling.

Benny nodded. Do you work nearby?

Dash shook his head. No sir, I just finished my last tour in the military. The name is Dash Cascade.

Benny straightened. I thank you for your service, Dash. Your meal is on the house today. Have you tried Holly’s cookies yet?

Dash grabbed the cookie from the plate. Thank you, Benny, I was just about to. He bit into the cookie. Jesus...

Benny laughed. Good, aren’t they?

Dash swallowed. Best damn thing I ever tasted.

Holly put the pastries in the glass cabinet. She would have felt smug if her body wasn’t on fire. Sweat ran between her breasts. Thank you.

Dash looked at her with a fire in his eyes that matched her own. I’m a lucky man.

Her body convulsed as her pussy spasmed. What the hell? His voice whispered over her skin in an erotic caress. Her body heated, sweat beaded on her brow. Can twenty-three-year-old women have hot flashes? Maybe I’m coming down with something. She didn’t understand what was going on, but she planned to find out.

The door chime startled her. The mailman walked in unbuttoning his jacket.

Benny smiled. Hey Jack. What can I get you?

Jack motioned the coffee. I will grab a coffee to go. I have a registered letter for you.

Benny poured Jack a coffee. Here you go.

Jack took a sip as Benny signed for the letter. He grabbed the clipboard when Benny finished, Put this on my tab. Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas, Jack, he said, opening the letter.

Holly was watching Dash drink his coffee when Benny sucked in a quick breath, drawing her attention. Everything okay, Benny?

Benny swallowed hard. Not looking at her as he read the letter. Fine. Everything is fine.

Holly felt a slick oily feeling skate over her skin. Her body cooled so quickly a shiver skated down her spine. In the two years she had worked for Benny he’d never lied to her. Until now.

Dash could tell Benny was protective of Holly and upset by what he read. The man was cordial, but wary of Dash’s interest in the voluptuous baker. His cat forced his gaze back to the raven-haired beauty he planned to claim. Her emerald eyes every bit as wary as her boss. I noticed a sign in the window. Are you still looking for help?

Benny glanced up from the letter. You looking for work?

Dash shrugged. Acclimatizing to civilian life can be hard at first. This place is close to my friends and I’m not much of a cook, so having fresh food every day would be a major perk. I have to find a place to stay though. I just...

You’re hired. Benny said too quickly.

Dash frowned. I have references if...

Benny waved his hand. I could never serve. This is the least I can do to help a military man. Your employment includes the suite upstairs and free meals.

Holly’s face dropped. You said Jason could have the suite if things didn’t work out with his roommate.

Benny looked at Holly. I told my son to move home for a few months. I was planning on renting the suite. The rent will come off of Dash’s paycheck.

Dash felt his cat stretch under his skin. Benny wasn’t lying, but he wasn’t telling the whole truth. If Holly was in any danger, he needed to be close. That’s perfect. He looked at Holly. I had no idea this town had so much to offer.

Holly looked down, pretending to fix the green brooch she wore pinned to her red sweater. His cat watched with interest as she dusted some flour off her black pants. Then sent him several images of ways he could remove her clothing. His cock hardened, straining against the zipper of his jeans. Settle down. We are where we need to be. Benny and Holly were already wary.

He wondered at the timing of finding his mate. Had Keith known? He had been chasing the asshole for three weeks and the dick head always slipped away right after their confrontation. This time he couldn’t chase the arrogant prick. He’d have to call in for reinforcements. He would have to come clean with the lair. With Talen. It wasn’t a conversation he was looking