Page 38 of Cowboy Stolen Kiss for Christmas

Her ex-fiancé turned his attention to Ames. “I hear you’re headed back to Dallas tonight.”

Laura caught her lower lip between her teeth. That was news to her. She was both surprised and disheartened that he hadn’t told her yet. Then again, maybe that was what he’d been working up to when Brex had interrupted them.

“Yep.” Ames’ voice was clipped.

“Whelp. Safe travels.” Brex’s smile didn’t reach his eyes as he nodded his goodbye to them. “Maybe you’ll finally find time to drop by my booth, Laura.” It was a clear dig at how much time she’d been spending with Ames lately.

Laura shook her head at his retreating shoulders. “That was awkward.”

“Nothing new there.” Ames drummed his fingers on the back of her hand. “He’s the King of Odd.”

Which still didn’t explain how Brex had known Ames was heading out of town again tonight, and she didn’t.

She stared dully down at the table. “When were you going to tell me that you’re leaving again so soon?” He’d just gotten back from his last trip.

“Over lunch today. Right before Mr. Odd showed up, actually.” His voice grew resigned.

“You’ve never returned and left again so quickly.” She blinked a few times to hold back the moisture brimming in her eyes.

“I know. I’m only here for tonight’s parade. Then I’ve gotta get back to some ranch business I’m right smack in the middle of. So, uh…” He lifted her hand to cradle it between his. “Any chance you’d be willing to go with me?”

She whipped her head up to meet his gaze. “Come with you?” She repeated his words wonderingly.

“Yes. I know it’s short notice, darling, but I’d really like to give you the grand tour of our ranch. Noelle said you can stay in the loft apartment she was using before she and Nash tied the knot.”

Laura’s mind raced over the possibilities. She had some more design work to do, but it could be completed anywhere she had internet access. She’d need Lucy to cover her Saturday shift, too, but she doubted her sister would mind.

“Oh, wow, Ames!” She stared at him, dazed. “I’d love to. I just need to make a few arrangements with my family.” Did it mean they were taking things to the next level in their relationship even though they hadn’t kissed yet?

His shoulders relaxed. “This is great!” He squeezed her hand in excitement. “Flint told me you’d say no. I can’t wait to tell him he’s wrong.”

“I bet.” They shared a chuckle over that. “From the way you and your brothers talk about the ranch, it sounds so beautiful.” She smiled shyly at him. “The horses, the canyons…” And you. She’d be getting to see him in his element. The city he grew up in. The ranch he called home.

“Yeah, it’s a pretty incredible place.” He beamed at her. “You’re gonna love meeting our staff. They’re pretty incredible, too.”

“So…tonight!” She’d have to leave work early to pack. “How long will we be gone?”

“Just through the weekend. I was planning on leaving right after the Crackle and Pop Parade. I can have you back anytime you want on Sunday.” The parade was scheduled to begin at eight. It was going to be an explosive evening of lights and fun for everyone who’d arrived in town to celebrate Independence Day in Pinetop style.

And now our celebrating will continue in Dallas.

“So, is it official?” Lucy excitedly dragged one of Laura’s two suitcases to the Jeep and tossed it in the backseat. “Are you two finally dating?”

Laura shook her head, not wanting to attempt to qualify what her relationship with Ames was at the moment. They were more than friends. That’s all she really knew.

Lucy slammed the back passenger door shut and hopped into the driver’s seat. “It really stinks that the Carsons are moving back to Texas, right when things are starting to heat up between you guys.”

I know, right? Laura bit her lower lip to hide her dismay. “They’re not going to be ghosts, though. Ames said they just signed another contract with Castellano’s. It’ll bring them back for a two-week show at least once every quarter.”

“It won’t be the same, though.” Lucy’s voice was unaccountably bitter.

“Hey, look at the bright side of things.” Laura attempted to inject a note of lightness into their conversation. “Flint will finally be out of your hair.”

Lucy backed the Jeep from their garage, gripping the steering wheel with both hands. At the bottom of the driveway, she turned onto the main road leading into town. “And he’ll flit right on to the next cute female who catches his eye. Easy come, easy go.”

Laura studied her sister from beneath her lashes, surprised by her bitter tone. She was forever brushing Flint away like he was a pesky fly. “You’re gonna miss him, aren’t you?”

“Like a dog misses fleas,” Lucy grumbled.

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