Page 39 of Cowboy Friend Zone for Christmas

“I turned it off,” Nash informed him dryly. Both the glowing blue lights and the snow globe walls. The room had immediately become more bearable.

“Not good enough for me.” Ames shook his head.

“You really think that’s what this is about, bro?” Flint gave their middle brother a look of disbelief. “There ain’t no crowbar big enough to pry him out of there before the ballerina next door relocates.”

“He’s right.” Nash wagged a finger at them. “After inviting her to travel with us, it wouldn’t feel right to abandon her like that. That said, lemme know if you hear of another chalet coming available. The Hofstetters and McGraths are still refusing to accept payment for our rooms, and I don’t want to take advantage of their kindness if we extend our stay.”

“We’re extending, bro.” Flint’s voice was matter-of-fact. “I’ll call our realtor today and look into what’s available for Noelle. The place next door was open a few days ago, but the Lees already snagged it. Sorry, not sorry about that.”

“How convenient for you.” Nash climbed into his truck.

“On that, we agree.” Flint grinned. “Their parents are going to stay a few months longer at the toy factory to design some more Air B&B rooms, but Laura and Lucy were beyond ready to move into a regular house with regular furniture.”

“Can’t blame ‘em for that.” Nash had started missing his own bed the day they drove away from Canyon Creek Ranch. He revved the motor, popping his horn at his brothers instead of saying goodbye.

He left the downtown area and traded the bustling tourist scene for the calmer scapes of the country. Arizona wasn’t hard on the eyes. The mountain views were nothing short of spectacular. His shoulders tensed like they always did when he passed the scene of the accident that had cost him his arm. However, the knots in his shoulder blades eased the closer he drove to Bear Mountain Ranch.

Noelle was peeking out the door of the ranch office when he arrived. She pushed it open and ran his way when he pulled up beside Brady’s truck and cut the motor.

She pulled his door open before he could and climbed up on the running board to slide her arms around his neck. She knocked his hat to the seat in the process. He left it there.

“Second only to God,” she declared in a tremulous voice, “you are seriously the best thing that’s ever happened to me, Nash Carson.” Her face was damp with emotion. “You should see Shelly in there gobbling down healthy food like it was candy.” She sniffled. “I don’t know how to thank you for the feast you sent over from Castellano’s.”

He reached up to smooth a strand of strawberry-blonde hair back from the wetness on her cheeks. “I have a few ideas. One in particular.” Glancing around them to make sure they were alone, he lowered his mouth gently to hers.

She made a sighing sound and sank into their first kiss like a wildflower opening to the sun.

He’d kissed girls before, but it was nothing like kissing Noelle — the woman who’d smooth-talked her way onto a blasted medical chopper just so he wouldn’t have to fight for his life alone. A woman who’d tirelessly trained his horses by day, then put in another couple of hours nearly every evening to help him get back in the saddle. She was no trained medical professional, but she’d been injured enough times herself that she knew a thing or two about rehabilitating athletes. She was his most faithful employee, his biggest cheerleader, and now his super hot girlfriend.

“Wow,” she whispered shakily when she came up for air.

“More,” he begged, leaning in for a second kiss.

She gave it to him with a generosity of spirit that made his heart soar straight from his chest into her capable hands. It felt safe there.

Her touch and scent were intoxicating. Her sighs were more beautiful than music. He liked the fact that they were because of him. Being in her arms was fast becoming an addiction he couldn’t shake. Not that he wanted to.

“You’re my entire world, Noelle Ward.” He dropped his forehead against hers. She was his tribe. His people. His perfect match.

“I know the feeling, cowboy.” She ran her hands up the back of his neck, tangling in his hair. “We should probably get inside.”

“Mmm-hmm.” He would’ve been content to remain in her arms forever.

“Like sometime today,” she teased.

He raised his head, though he kept an arm hooked around her waist. “I brought you something.” It took a little time to complete the maneuver, but he managed to lift the white gift box with his bionic hand and hold it up to her.

“The box is so pretty,” she breathed, tugging at the gold ribbon. She opened the lid. “Oh, Nash! It’s amazing!” She reverently lifted the figurine from the box and gave a sobbing chuckle at the sight of the little girl kneeling beside the horse. “It’s so us.”

“I thought so, too.” He was glad she liked it.

“It’s the most amazing gift anyone has ever given me.”

He helped her put it back in the box. “Did you get the other thing I sent over to you from Castellano’s?”

“Yes! Thank you!” She gave another breathy chuckle. “I had to hide it from Shelly,” she confessed. “I keep sneaking bites when she’s not looking. It’s so delicious that I saved some for you.”

“Just one bite.” He kissed her with his eyes. “I’m not real big into sweets.”

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