Page 26 of Christmas with Three Cowboys

“This one was shorter because of the sudden cold exposure.”

He sighs deeply and gives me a tender look. “I’m not really comfortable dumping you out into a snowy blizzard when you have an anxiety attack.”

“I won’t hold it against you. It works.” I smile softly. “Thank you, Colton. I really don’t want to get you or myself into any trouble. If this is too much, I’ll—”

“There’s something you should know,” he says, prompting me to lift my head so I can properly look at him. “Before you express your concern about losing this job for the umpteenth time.”

“I’m well within reason to—”

“No, you’re not,” he cuts me off. “I asked my lawyers to file for your permanent employment after you finish your Path toFreedom Initiative program with our ranch. It’ll be a smooth transition. You won’t have to go anywhere. You are more than welcome to keep living and working here after your sentence is completed.”

“Oh…” I’m speechless. My mind has gone blank, yet my heart has grown a few sizes as I stare at this man, this gorgeous man with deep blue eyes and a sandy-blond mustache that tickles me when we kiss. This gorgeous man with a gigantic soul and the touch of a god. “Colton, are you for real?”

“I am, yeah,” he chuckles, then pulls me into a deep kiss. “I told you, Melissa. You’re safe here. You’re home.”

“But why?” I ask. “I’m just a cook. An inmate.”

“We both know you’re infinitely more,” he replies. “And if you don’t want to see it, well, then, I guess I’ll just have to prove it to you.”

His lips catch mine.

The taste of him has me drunk and softening beneath the covers. A different kind of heat takes over. The good kind as my muscles melt against his, as my soul begs for his. Soon, we’re tangled and making love again. Losing ourselves again, with no care for what tomorrow might bring.

6

Melissa

Isabella shudders as I brush her mane with gentle strokes. “Oh, I know you love it,” I giggle as I enjoy every second I get to spend with this beautiful mare. “Pretty girl.”

Growing up in Lincoln, I didn’t get to see many horses. I’ve been around a few, but never close enough to feel their silky coat tickling my fingertips, to feel their skin twitch under my touch the way Isabella’s does when I stroke her. She’s a gorgeous creature. Downright majestic.

“When Mitch gets back from town, he’ll help me with the saddle, and we’ll take you and Cosmos out for a ride in the fresh snow. How does that sound?” I ask her.

By now, Isabella has learned that I groom her before and after a ride. And since she hasn’t been out today, she can anticipate what comes next. Checking my watch, I know Mitch should arrive in about thirty minutes. It gives us an hour or two for a proper ride before I have to get back into the kitchen and prepare the ranchers’ supper.

“I think I’m getting used to this place,” I tell Isabella.

I know the mare doesn’t understand me, but it does me good to let these words out from the bottom of my heart.

“I’m glad to hear that,” Ethan says, startling me.

Isabella stirs beside me, but I quickly and gently tug on her harness for reassurance. She’s incredibly responsive to my commands. I’m permanently in awe of her—though I’m even more in awe of Ethan’s ability to virtually sneak up on me at any given moment.

“You scared the crap out of me,” I gasp.

He smiles as he comes into the barn, the spurs on his boots jingling subtly with every step. That winter jacket hugs his torso and gives him an air of authority, making me feel vulnerable in comparison.

“You should be used to that by now,” he says, moving closer.

Elias, his horse, hears him from the stalls and lets out a welcoming neigh.

“He’s happy to see you,” I mutter, unable to take my eyes off this clean-shaven and slightly stocky Avery man.

“And you’re not?” Ethan asks.

The distance between us is shrinking with every step he takes, and I cannot find the will to move away. The pull is magnetic or like a flame, and I’m a foolish moth. My brain goes haywire when I look at his lips.

His icy blue gaze scans me from head to toe.

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