Page 32 of Cowboy Stolen Kiss for Christmas

Roman ducked his head. “This is going to sound bad, because I’ve got no proof, but the two of them showed up in town right before all the robberies began.”

Ames jolted. “Robberies, as in plural?” The only one he’d heard about was one that had taken place at All That Glitters.

“Yeah.” Roman grimaced. “Other than the diamond ring heist, it’s mostly been petty stuff. A crystal figurine here. A collectible coin there. It’s been happening all over town. The only reason I know about it is because the sheriff paid me a visit the other day to ask me some questions. I think he was hoping I could shed some light on the newcomers, as well.”

“Meaning Brex and Oak?”

“Yep.”

Interesting. Though Ames wasn’t happy about the string of petty thefts, it was proof that he wasn’t the only person in town suspicious of the gypsy vendor and his creepy wrangler friend. He was silent for a moment. “My brothers and I will be happy to keep our eyes and ears open.”

“I’d appreciate that.” Roman gave him a grateful look. “I’ll be doing the same.”

“Flint will do a better job of it than me.” Ames smirked. “He was born nosy.”

Roman chuckled. “He’s a lot of fun to be around, isn’t he?”

“A barrel of laughs,” Ames agreed dryly. “Just be glad you don’t live with him.” His phone buzzed with an incoming message. He hoped like crazy it was from Laura.

It was.

He gave it a quick glance. Gingerbread House. Noon. His eyes widened at the emoji kiss she’d blown his way at the end of her text.

Wow! He felt his face turning red as he and Roman stood and faced each other.

“Get some good news?” Roman eyed the cell phone in his hand.

“A lunch date.” Ames pocketed his phone, turning redder.

“She must be something special.” Roman grinned at him. “Word on the street is that you Carson brothers haven’t done much dating since you’ve been in town.”

Ames’ eyebrows rose. “Are you forgetting Nash married a local girl?”

“You know what I mean.” Roman pointed at him, chuckling. “Lot of girls wouldn’t mind getting more attention from you and Flint, but you only have eyes for the Lee sisters. Or so I’ve heard.” His dark eyes widened at Ames’ expression. “Hoh, boy! That’s one rumor confirmed.” He punched him lightly on the shoulder before taking off.

Laura was already seated at a table when Ames arrived at the restaurant. She excitedly waved him over.

He was grinning from ear to ear as he strode her way. She was in one of her elf costumes, though she’d ditched the pointy hat. Her dark hair tumbled around her shoulders in rich waves, framing her creamy features to perfection.

“Man, it’s good to see you!” Without thinking, he dipped his head over hers. At the last minute, he stopped himself from claiming her mouth. Instead, he tangled one hand in her silky hair and gave it a playful tug as he leaned in for a hug.

“You’re thinking about kissing me again.” Her breathless giggle surrounded him like a warm caress as he took a seat on the stool across from her. They were at one of the bar-high tables on the outer edge of the room.

“Always.” He saw no point in lying about it. “So, what’s new in your life?”

She sat forward, beaming a happy smile at him. “My parents have started production on my newest toy designs. They plan to debut them at the Romance in the Air craft fair in June.” She waved her hands expressively. “Weddings, babies, heirloom toys…it’s a loose fit, but it’ll work.”

He soaked in her smile, glad to see her so happy. She deserved this. Reaching for her hand, he husked, “That’s great news.” To his joy, she allowed him to lace their fingers together.

Glancing shyly down at their joined hands, she murmured, “People are going to talk.”

He couldn’t have cared less. “Let them.”

A waitress breezed their way with a pair of iced teas.

“It’s raspberry infused,” Laura warned, looking like she was trying not to laugh. “Which may put them in the froo-froo category.”

“Probably.” He reached for his glass and raised it in a toast. “To the success of my favorite toy designer.”

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