Page 15 of A Cowboy Christmas

The auction sign is still in the yard even though there’s a red banner going across it that reads SOLD. As I look across the snowy yard, I can see what a beautiful place it used to be, and I hope that it can still be that in the future.

Getting out of my truck, I pull my coat around my neck, and I can smell Sabrina. It’s faint, but I cling to it, needing something to hold on to. If I can’t have her in my arms, I guess I’ll have to settle for this.

I know I should turn around and go home and mind my own business, but I can’t. There’s something about her that is driving my crazy obsession, and leaving her alone isn’t possible.

When I knock on the door, I take a step back and let out a deep breath. It takes a few minutes, but when the door opens I’m surprised that it’s not who I expect.

“Can I help you?” The woman standing there has red hair streaked with gray, and it’s twisted into a bun. She’s wearing jeans and a sweater and looks comfortable here. Like maybe she lives here too. I’d heard about someone staying in the guest house so I’m guessing this is her.

“Are you Reba?” I ask, and she nods.

“Yes, can I help you with something?”

“I’m Booker Pine. I’m looking for Sabrina.”

“Oh, of course.” She smiles brightly and opens the door wider. “Come on in.”

“Thank you, ma’am,” I say as I enter the house and take off my hat.

“She was telling us all about the baby animals in your barn.”

“They are quite the handful,” I say, trying to make polite conversation.

“We’re in the kitchen. Would you like some coffee?” she offers as we walk to the back of the house.

“That would be much appreciated.” I’m thinking that Sabrina can’t kick me out if I have a cup of coffee. I mean, I guess she could, but I’m going to do whatever I can to stay.

We enter through a swinging door, and I see her right away. She’s at a small table next to a window, and the morning light against her makes her glow. She’s so fucking beautiful it makes my chest tighten.

“Booker.” Her eyes widen in shock and then her fingers got to her hair, which is in a messy bun. Then she smooths out the old T-shirt she’s got on like she’s embarrassed to be caught in pajamas.

The thought of her in my T-shirt and nothing else makes me want to throw her over my shoulder and carry her out of here.

“You must be the hottie with the barn,” the older man says.

“Grandpa!” Sabrina reaches over and smacks him on the arm.

“I’m sorry, did I not say that correctly?” His grin is sly, and I know damn well he knew what he was saying. “I’m Miller Anise, it’s nice to meet you,” he says to me, but when he tries to stand from his chair, he can’t.

“Easy, Miller. You’ll be sore after last night,” Reba tells him.

I walk over to him to close the distance and hold out my hand. “Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Anise.”

His grip is solid and strong, and his eyes are alert. If anything, this man has the bad luck of being trapped in a body that can’t keep up with him.

“He thinks he’s too young for a walker,” Reba tells me, but she’s saying it to chastise Miller. “Thinks only old people use them.”

“It’s true.” He waves her off and points to the seat next to him. “Come sit down with us. I’d like to talk to the man that has my granddaughter smiling.”

“Grandpa,” Sabrina hisses, but her cheeks are flushed.

“What? I’m old, I can say what I want.”

“So you’re old enough to be mouthy but not old enough to use a walker?” Reba asks while she gets the coffee.

“Exactly,” Miller says and winks at me. “My darling girl hasn’t smiled in forever, and I want to know why.”

“I heard you took a fall last night,” I ask, doing my best to save Sabrina from further embarrassment. Although I have to say that I’m pleased to hear she’s been talking about me. And smiling.

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