Page 17 of Cowboy Stolen Kiss for Christmas

“On his application for a booth, he stated that he sells children’s toys. Wooden ones. Sounded a lot like what you and your family make.”

“Not even close!” She shook her head vehemently. “He makes quirky stuff, like slingshots and rubber band guns. He gets a lot of complaints from parents over safety issues.” Brex generally brushed off their concerns, calling them helicopter parents who were afraid of letting their kids have a little fun. He liked to brag that slingshots and guns were some of the most beloved toys of all time. Once, he’d even drawn a Biblical reference to the story of David killing Goliath with a slingshot.

Ames grunted. “There was no mention of that in the description he gave for his products. I think the exact word he used on his application was heirloom. Yeah, that’s it. He said he makes heirloom toys.”

Laura’s lips parted in shock. “That’s how my family has always described our toys. In the past, he focused on the gypsy theme of his products when filling out applications.”

“Guess he’s switched up his game.” Ames didn’t sound any more thrilled about it than she was.

“It’s a complete knock-off of our branding, if you ask me,” she spluttered. Her parents were going to be sad and disappointed all over again about her ex. Lucy might take it a step further, hunt him down, and try to wring his neck.

“It’ll be interesting to see what shakes out when I ask around town about this chucklehead.” Ames reluctantly straightened, pulling his arm off the seat behind her and reaching for the steering wheel. “In the meantime, let me know where you want me to drop you off. My brothers are probably finished eating by now and wondering when I’m going to show back up.”

She drew a deep breath and let it out. “I should probably stay here and go check on my sister.”

He raised his eyebrows at her. “I thought you said?—”

“I know.” She made a face at him. “Now that I’ve thawed out, I’ve changed my mind. Work is exactly what I need to throw myself into after what just happened. Plus, Lucy is probably dying to hear all about it while it’s hot off the grill. Paying her a visit will save my texting fingers.” She wiggled them in the air at him. “I’ll catch a ride home with her.”

His gaze lingered on her face for a moment. “If you’re sure you’re sure.”

“I’m sure.” She impulsively touched his arm. “Thanks for everything. Tell your brothers I said thanks to them, too. You guys are the best pickup riders!”

“Our pleasure, ma’am.” Ames punctuated his words with a devilish wink. Then he opened his door and leaped to the ground. Turning around, he held out his arms for her.

She unclasped her seatbelt and scooted closer. Then she slowly leaned into his arms.

As he lowered her to the ground, their gazes clashed and held.

“Ames.” His name tore out of her. “I…” As if drawn by a magnet, her gaze shifted to his hard mouth. It was the first time she’d allowed her mind to go there, to think about kissing her best friend.

His eyelids grew heavier. “You want to know what it’s like, too, don’t you?”

She caught her lower lip between her teeth with a bleat of distress, yanking her gaze back up to his. What am I doing?

His blue eyes burned knowingly into hers. “It’s okay to admit you want to kiss me, Laura. Your secrets are safe with me. All of them.”

“I don’t know what to say,” she whispered. Yes, she wanted to kiss him. No, she wasn’t ready for things to change between them like that. What if it didn’t work? What if it destroyed their beautiful friendship? She wasn’t sure her heart could handle being shattered a second time.

He rubbed his hands up and down her arms. “You don’t have to say anything yet. Just keep thinking about it.” He drew her closer, dipping his head over hers to bring their mouths nearer. “About us. About what it’s gonna feel like when we finally take that leap.” He reached up to brush his thumb across her cheek. “Together.”

She finally found the strength to move again. “Okay, Ames.” She reluctantly slid from his grasp. “I’ll think about it, okay?”

“So will I.” He tipped his hat at her.

She could feel his gaze on her while she moved toward the rear entrance to Santa’s Toy Factory. And while she fumbled with her key in the lock. Unable to resist, she glanced back at him before pushing the door open and letting herself inside.

He was lounged against his truck, arms folded, eyes glinting possessively at her.

Catching her breath, she hurried inside and shut the door. Leaning back against it, she closed her eyes. “Oh, my goodness! That just happened,” she whispered into the empty hallway.

“What just happened?” Her younger sister’s voice jolted her from the delicious haze her thoughts had become tangled in.

Laura jolted in surprise, eyelids flying upward. “I thought I was alone.”

“Clearly.” Lucy’s dark eyes sparkled with mischief. She tossed a handful of her long, ice-white hair over her shoulder. For the past couple of years, she’d been dyeing her hair blonde. Though she refused to admit it, Laura was convinced it was because she was tired of them being confused as twins. They still looked a lot alike, even with Lucy’s drastically different hair color.

Her younger sister danced closer. Since she was on the clock, she was in her elf costume. “Did you finally kiss him?” Her felt hat and striped stockings enhanced the wickedness painted across her expression.

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