Page 9 of Cowboy Stolen Kiss for Christmas

He winced. It was barely discernible, but there was no way to miss it since they were still holding hands. “What did you tell him?”

“I haven’t texted him back yet,” she admitted.

“Why not?”

“I don’t know.” It was hard to explain, even to herself. “Receiving his text felt like having an old wound ripped open. Regardless, he owes me a better explanation than the one he gave me when he broke things off between us.”

“You’re really giving me the warm fuzzies about this guy, darling.”

Despite the seriousness of their conversation, she snickered. “Ooo, sarcastic and cocky.” A delicious feeling had washed over her the second he’d called her darling, but she wasn’t ready to acknowledge it in front of him. Or read too much into it yet. It was sweet, though. Really, really sweet.

“I’m on a roll.” He reluctantly let go of her hands. “Let me know when and where you decide to meet Gypsy Boy, and I’ll be sure to crowd into a booth somewhere in the room.”

She made a face at him. “I’m not sure that’s how this is supposed to work.”

“Hey, all’s fair in love and war.” He lifted his coffee mug, guzzling down the rest of it. “At least, that’s what everybody says.” He set his mug down and stood. “Either way, my offer to have your back still stands. You want me there tomorrow, and I’ll be there. End of story.”

She stood, in no mood to finish her espresso that was fast cooling to room temperature. “I should probably see what Brex has to say. My gut says he’s in town to see me. Avoiding him isn’t going to make him leave any sooner.”

Ames studied her thoughtfully, looking like he was weighing every word that came out of her. “How about the Peppermint Palace?” Though they were discussing her meeting someone besides him for breakfast tomorrow, he seemed in no hurry to end the conversation. He propped his hands loosely on his hips. “It’s a public place. Big. Plenty of witnesses and plenty of places for your future boyfriend to keep a low profile in the background.”

A warm feeling burned in the pit of the coldness that had been plaguing her insides all afternoon. It grew bigger and glowed brighter. “Despite every reasonable objection popping into my head right now, I want to say yes so badly that it hurts.”

“Then there’s your answer.” He reached out to run the back of a finger down her jawline. “I’m gonna let you in on a little secret. One of the reasons us bronc riders survive out there is because we never go into the ring without an exit strategy. There’s a couple of pickup riders keeping their eyeballs on us at all times, ready to come to our aid at a moment’s notice and help get us out of harm’s way. Why should tomorrow be any different?”

Why, indeed? It was the question of the century.

“The way I see it,” he continued in a gravelly voice, “you’ve been hurt enough already. It’s time for someone to show this gypsy fella how a real man would treat a woman like you.”

Wo-o-ow! Her lips parted in amazement. Her favorite cocky, sarcastic cowboy was gone. In his place was her fiercely protective best friend, who was ready to prove to her that he was capable of becoming more. Much more.

“You deserve to be adored, Laura Lee.” He brushed his finger down her jawline again. “Cherished. Spoiled. Made to feel every ounce as incredible as you are.” He retraced the same outline with his finger. “I know you didn’t get the best demonstration of what I’m talking about during our tumble down the stairs earlier.” He grimaced at the memory. “Or the way we bumped heads, or the coffee I spilled on you afterward.”

“Eight o’clock,” she interrupted, finally making up her mind. “I’ll tell him to meet me at the Peppermint Palace at eight o’clock sharp.”

Ames dropped his hand. “Unless you tell me otherwise, your pickup rider will be present and accounted for.” The glint in his gaze told her he was actually looking forward to it.

She could only hope she wasn’t making the biggest mistake of her life by dragging someone as big-hearted and loyal as him into her personal mess.

CHAPTER 3: PICKUP RIDERS

“You’re gonna do what?” Flint was so distracted by Ames’ announcement that he momentarily lost focus during their arm wrestling match. They were seated at a tall square bar-height table that currently served as their dining room table.

Ames slammed his youngest brother’s fist backwards against the rustic wood tabletop, ending the match. “I win!” He raised his fists in the air and gave them a shake of victory.

“Rematch,” Flint howled. His glare indicated more loudly than words that he knew he hadn’t been beaten fair and square.

Ames glanced at his watch. “No can do, bro. It’s nearly midnight, and I have a breakfast date at the Peppermint Palace in the morning.” The name of the restaurant was as froo-froo as the espresso Laura had brewed for him earlier.

Flint’s glare became more pronounced. “Sounds to me like someone else besides you has that breakfast date with your favorite toy maker.”

“Doesn’t matter.” Ames slapped the air, dismissing the claim. “I’m the one who’s gonna have her back. Always have and always will.” So long as she lets me, he added inside his head. There was no way he was going to admit how terrified he was that Laura might allow her ex to talk her into kissing and making up. You had your chance, Gypsy Boy, and you blew it. But some of the nicest women in the world let the meanest guys continue to walk all over them. He sent up a silent prayer that Laura would prove stronger than that.

He knew before laying eyes on Brex Morrison that the guy must be a real piece of work to have so callously broken the heart of a woman as lovely as Laura. He didn’t care what Brex’s reasons were. Anyone dumb enough to walk away from her the way he had didn’t deserve her, plain and simple.

Help me prove it to her, Lord. Help me be the guy who finally gets to adore and cherish her the way she deserves.

He considered it a good sign that Laura wanted him at the restaurant with her in the morning so she wouldn’t have to face her ex alone. Yeah, he got that it wasn’t a typical dating situation, having to witness her meeting up with another guy. However, an extraordinary woman like Laura was worth going to extraordinary efforts for in order to win her heart.

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