Page 2 of Save a Horse

Curiosity gets the best of me and I gesture between Axl and Amy. “How do you two know each other?”

“She’s my cousin, Mitchey. Off. Limits,” Axl grumbles as he types.

“I wasn’t…” I feign innocence, then lean in to whisper to Amy, “Unless you’d like a date to the Christmas tree lighting.”

Amy links her arm with mine and a devious smirk tugs at her lips. “No need to worry, dear cousin, it seems I have my plans worked out for the evening.”

Amy

It’s been at least six months since I’ve been on a date—not that going to a tree lighting with this handsome stranger is a date—but there’s no harm in pretending it is. Especially if it pisses off Axl.

I’m in Coal’s Lake for Thanksgiving weekend, heading home Sunday night, but I’ll be lucky if I am able to stay that long. The marketing director for the candy cane distribution company I work for quit unexpectedly, and the reins were handed over to me. Am I qualified? Yes, but we are in the height of the holiday season—not the best situation for anyone to be in. It doesn’t help that my own family doesn’t take it seriously.

Visiting Axl during the holidays is like walking into a holiday movie—hot eggnog chai lattes from The Reindeer Cafe, shopping local for presents, drunkenly attempting a gingerbread house, the blanket of snow that covers the whole town every year without fail… I’ve only experienced cliché small town Christmases while visiting Axl, and they are my absolute favourite.

Mitch keeps my hand in his as we make our way down the street to the tree lighting. Each lamppost is adorned with pine garlands twisted from top to bottom, with a large red bow tied at the top. For a late Friday afternoon, I’m surprised there are so many people on the sidewalk; most of the shops are closed with signs indicating they’ll reopen in the morning.

With all of us bundled in scarves and heavy jackets, Axl and Beth lead the way through the crowds, with Jasper behind us. There’s something mysterious about him that I can’t put my finger on. There’s no ring on his left hand, and he doesn’t have anyone accompanying him tonight, so I’m confused why his murderous gaze is pinned on Mitch. Based on the few conversations I witnessed, they seem to be great friends.

We arrive at the town centre with several booths selling snacks, drinks, trinkets, and even one with books. I unconsciously make a beeline for the pop-up bookstore, leaving Mitch and everyone behind. Before I’ve even made three steps, he has his firm hold on my hand again.

“Hey, Aces, where are you going?” Mitch laughs.

“Aces?”

I can’t look away from his bright brown eyes as he traces my tattoo. The featherlight touch sends shivers down my limbs. “Yeah. Aces. What caught your eye?”

“Books.” I swallow hard. “There’s a little stand…” It called to me like a damn siren and I’m hoping he won’t make fun of me for it.

Mitch glances over my shoulder and I follow his gaze. When my eyes return to him, his smile is wide, and all doubt is lost. “My sister is an author, and that booth is her girlfriend’s. She owns the bookstore next to the pub we were at. Come on, I’ll introduce you.” He intertwines our fingers and guides me the rest of the way to it. The two women are laughing with disposable cups of what I can only assume to be hot chocolate or coffee. “Tara? Jen?” The women stop talking and look our way. One has a chunky blonde braid over one of her shoulders, the other has green plastic-rimmed glasses and her chocolate brown hair tied up in a messy bun similar to mine. I’m not sure which one is his sister, since he looks nothing like either of them.

The one with glasses cocks an eyebrow at my hand in Mitch’s—she must be the sister. The other smiles sweetly and asks, “And who is this?” She has a British accent that I didn’t expect, confirming my suspicion she’s not the sister.

“This is Amy.” Mitch releases my hand and hooks his arm around my lower back possessively. “Amy, this is Jen, and my sister, Tara.”

“Pleasure.” Jen offers her hand, then Tara reluctantly does the same. “Are you here on holiday?”

“Sort of. I’m visiting my cousin and his girlfriend for Thanksgiving.”

Jen purses her lips for a moment, then her eyes light up. “Is your cousin Axl?”

“Yes,” I laugh. “How did you know?”

“You have the same eyes and are both remarkably beautiful.” My cheeks flush at Jen’s compliment, butTara’s eyes narrow on me, making Jen let out a full laugh. “Bloody hell, Tar, don’t get territorial. I’m notshe who shall not be named.”

Mitch rubs the back of his neck and winces. “Anyway, what did you bring with you?”

“Holiday smut.” Jen rummages behind her booth and pulls out a discrete cover paperback with a holiday title that I only manage a glimpse at before it’s in a brown handle bag. “Here you go, love.” She passes it to me. “In case Mitch can’t get the job done.”

“Jen!” Tara gasps, smacking Jen’s arm with the back of her hand.

Mitch sputters a cough. “Really?”

“Don’t worry, Amy. Tara and I make him read all sorts of filth. You’re in good hands. Ask him about the Daddy Dom book we?—”

“Okay, that’s enough,” Mitch growls, tightening his grip on my hip. My nipples peak at his possessiveness.Down girls.“We came over to say hello, and this is what I get? How much do I owe you for the book?”

He reaches to his back pocket, but Tara insists, “My treat. It’s the least I can do after my girlfriend traumatised yours.”

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