Page 37 of Cowboy Stolen Kiss for Christmas

“In front of the North Pole Candy Depot. I was about to head to the Gingerbread House.” It was only a couple of doors down from the candy store.

“I’m almost there myself. I’ll come find you.”

“Okay. I’ll keep an eye out for you.” She wouldn’t mind having his moral support. Plus, the sheriff was a personal friend of his. Maybe that would speed things up a little.

It was still more than an hour before they were finally able to retreat to the Gingerbread House for a belated lunch date. They grabbed a table for two against the wall.

“I hope I’m not keeping you from anything important.” Laura eyed Ames worriedly. Normally, they were finished eating by now and on their way back to their respective jobs.

“Being here for you is the most important item on my to-do list today.” He reached across the table to touch his fingertips to hers.

“Even though you’re about to leave town again, huh? For good this time.” She wanted to bite her tongue as soon as the question left her mouth.

His expression sobered. “Who told you that?”

“Nobody.” Her heart sank as she watched him. “But you’re not exactly denying it.”

He toyed with her fingers. “We just finished negotiating a whole new contract at Castellano’s. It’ll involve putting on a two to three-week show at least once every quarter. That means we won’t be complete ghosts around here.”

“So, you’ve definitely decided not to replace your foreman?” Her heart tightened with apprehension. She’d secretly been hoping he and his brothers would change their minds about that. They were leaving town, and soon.

“We’re not,” he affirmed in a quiet voice. “Dallas is our home, Laura. It was always our plan to return there and become full-time ranchers someday.”

Her heart sank lower. “When are you leaving?” Though a waitress was approaching to take their orders, her appetite was long gone.

“As soon as we finish our current show. Couple of weeks.” He paused to give their drink and sandwich orders to the waitress. Since they were regulars, they usually ordered the same thing. Despite her lack of appetite, Laura didn’t try to stop him.

“I’m going to miss you.” Her voice came out strained. “I already am.”

“The feeling is mutual.” He covered her hand with his. “Laura, I know this may be rushing things a little, but?—”

“Hey! Fancy finding you here!” Brex’s voice showered over them like icy rain, interrupting whatever Ames had been about to confide in her.

Laura swallowed her frustration as she glanced up to meet the half angry and half mocking gaze of her ex. “Hi, Brex.” Though she hadn’t laid eyes on him in weeks, she should’ve known he was working in Pinetop as a vendor this week. “I take it you’re here for the Biggest Bang Craft Fair?”

“Sure am,” he informed her in a falsely cheerful voice. “Ever since I started offering free shipping, my sales have been skyrocketing.” He paused to give her a pointed look. “You haven’t stopped by my booth yet to see my Fourth of July display.”

She wasn’t sure what to say to that since she’d been avoiding him. He had to know that. “I’ve been pretty busy at the shop.” She gave a vague wave of her hand.

“I can tell.” He glanced between her and Ames. “Saw you talking to the police outside. Is everything okay?”

She nodded slowly, not liking the fact that he’d seen her. “Some guy claims his wallet was stolen. I was out there when he started yelling about it.”

Brex’s expression hardened. “Did you see who did it?”

She didn’t like the look in his eyes. Instead of answering the question, she sniffed. “I have no way of knowing if the guy’s wallet was even stolen. That’s just what he’s claiming.”

When Brex didn’t respond, she added, “I’m glad to hear your profits are up.” She knew he needed the money for his grandparents’ nursing home bills.

He gave her and Ames’ joined hands a chilly glance. “Did you see the flowers I had delivered to the toy store this morning?”

“I did.” She avoided meeting Ames’ gaze. “It was really sweet of you to remember my mom’s birthday.” She wasn’t sure why he’d bothered. It wasn’t like he ever spoke to her parents anymore.

“I know wildflowers are her favorite. And yours,” he added silkily. “Figured it might remind her of the old days.” His expression grew shuttered. “Back when we were one big family, traveling from coast to coast together.”

“Yeah, those were the days.” Days I don’t miss one bit. She had trouble injecting much enthusiasm into her voice. It was starting to feel like the whole point of Brex’s visit to their table was to needle Ames.

Though Ames had yet to contribute a single word to the conversation, his fingers had tightened on hers the moment Brex had approached their table.

---