Page 20 of Cowboy Stolen Kiss for Christmas

It was so subtle that Ames almost missed it, but Brex winced a little. “Yeah, that would be great.”

He was lying. Ames had been around long enough to know when someone wasn’t being straight with him. And you think I’m the crazy one? I’m not the one lying to myself. He almost pitied the guy.

Another glance at the knock-off nutcrackers, however, erased that pity. He had no respect whatsoever for thieves. He intended to inform the Lees, then tip off the event organizers. It wasn’t going to break his heart one bit if they gave the guy the boot over his dishonesty.

Thursdays were Laura’s favorite day of the week for one simple reason. All four of the Lee toy makers were on duty at the same time. That meant her parents were in the glassed-in workshop in the back of the store, making and decorating toys, while Lucy manned the floor to assist customers. That left Laura free to sit at her easel, sketching out new toy designs.

Sometimes customers watched over her shoulders and asked questions, but they mostly left her alone with her flow of creative juices. Mornings were the quietest, allowing her to get the lion’s share of her work done. The afternoons were busier, so she often ended up laying down her pencil or charcoal to assist her sister on the showroom floor.

While she sketched this morning, she allowed her mind to wander. Her thoughts inevitably ended up on her evolving relationship with Ames. She was still getting used to the idea of him being more than a friend. They weren’t dating yet, but they’d grown a lot closer in recent days.

She blushed at the memory of his confession about wanting to kiss her. He’d always been honest with her. It was one of his most endearing traits. She hoped he never changed.

She also kind of hoped he’d eventually get around to stealing that kiss he’d been teasing her about lately. Just thinking about it made the heat rise to her cheeks. The way he’d stepped closer and lowered his mouth over hers without quite touching her?—

“Nice farm animals.”

Ames’ husky voice shattered her daydream, making her jump. “Oh, my goodness! I didn’t hear you walk up,” she gasped, nearly dropping the piece of charcoal she was holding. Glancing to her right, she found him staring in fascination at her latest brainstorm, a set of farm toys. It would consist of wooden animals, a barn that could be constructed piece by piece and taken apart again and again, and fence slats that clipped together and could be arranged in any size or shape of pasture a child wanted. It all depended on how many spare parts their parents would be willing to purchase. The set could be added to throughout the year with holiday themed pieces — bunnies and chickens for Easter, angels and lambs for Christmas, and so on.

“Yeah, you seemed to be in the zone. Sorry to interrupt.” He rocked back on the heels of his cowboy boots, giving her an indulgent once-over.

She was immediately ensnared by the warmth and adoration in his eyes. “It’s alright. It’s always nice to see you.”

“Nice?” His eyebrows shot upward. Stepping closer to her, he muttered, “You are death on a guy’s ego sometimes.”

A self-conscious giggle slid out of her. “What adjective would make you feel better about yourself, cowboy?”

“Hmm. Let’s me think.” He propped his hands on his hips, his eyes glinting wickedly. “How about happy? Tell me you’re happy to see me.”

“I am.” She didn’t have to think twice about that. “You know I am.” She frowned slightly, finding it hard to believe he needed any reassurance in that direction.

“Better.” His voice grew lower and huskier as he stepped closer to her shoulder. “I like what you have going on in this sketch.”

“Thanks. I think it has potential.” She tried not to read too much into how close he was standing to her or the way his breath moved the hair against the side of her neck.

“It has more than potential,” he protested quietly. “You’re a master designer. That’s why your family’s products fly off the shelves and practically sell themselves.”

She flushed in appreciation. “For a guy who spills coffee as freely as you do?—”

“Ouch!”

She ignored his interruption. “You sure know how to say nice things to me.”

“Double ouch! There’s that word again. Nice,” he repeated it in a disgusted voice.

Chuckling, she swiveled her head his way to deliver a comeback and found her face only a couple of inches away from his.

He glanced furtively around them before rasping, “Have you done any more thinking about our first kiss?”

“Ames,” she gasped.

“It’s a simple yes or no question.” Though his voice was teasing, the look in his eyes was intense.

“Hey there, cowboy!” Lucy moved their way, interrupting the moment they’d been having.

Laura didn’t know whether to be irritated or relieved. Maybe she was both. “Do you need something, Luce?” She stared at her pointedly, wondering if she’d interrupted them on purpose.

Lucy shook her head happily. “Not at all. Just had to come to say howdy to my favorite cowboy.”

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