Page 12 of Winter Wrangler

Soon enough, she was enjoying herself, and then it became fun. We played as we picked out decorations and talked about how to decorate the house. I have no clue about decorating anything, but she liked that I was into it, so I made an effort. Even the smallest effort seemed to mean a lot to her, and it made me wonder how she’d been treated in the past.

This is what I love most about being with Joy. The playful teasing mingled with touches is the best part of our time together. I love when she gives it back to me as good as she can take it and that she doesn’t back down.

“That’s fine, bunny,” I say when we straighten. She’s grinning from ear to ear as she catches her breath. “I’ll be the worst.” I pull her to me and touch the lock of hair that’s come free from her bun. I tuck it behind her ear and let my fingers trace along her cheek. “As long as it makes you smile like this, I’ll be anything you want me to be.”

It’s downtown after all the shops have closed, but there are Christmas lights twinkling around us. A few snowflakes land on her lashes as I look into her eyes and my chest tightens. I’ve never seen anything more beautiful in my life.

“Devin.” She says my name like it’s a secret we share, and my thumb traces her bottom lip.

“I mean it, Joy. I meant everything else I said today too.” I bend down, and this time I don’t stop. My lips brush against hers with a gentle touch, but when she tilts her chin up, I don’t hold back.

This kiss, our first kiss, is the single greatest moment of my life. Everything has led to this moment, and I never want it to end. So when she parts her lips and I taste her sweetness, the moan that escapes me is primal. My fingers tighten on her hips, and I spin her so I can press her against the truck. A small whimper leaves her, but instead of pushing me off, she grips my jacket and holds me close.

We kiss and kiss like we don’t need air or food or water or anything besides our lips touching. Nothing exists around us, and the world goes quiet as our souls meet in the middle and bond into one.

The need to be skin on skin with Joy bears down on me. I’m going through places in my mind where we can quickly be alone and I can get her undressed. The local motel, the parking lot behind the Nutmeg Diner. At this point, I might just put her in the truck and do it right here and now.

“Joy?”

The sound of someone calling her name has both of us going still.

“Joy, is that you?”

We break apart, and I turn to see an older woman on the sidewalk scowling at us.

“Aunt Mary.” Joy clears her throat, and I can feel her entire body tense.

“Kent told me you’d shacked up with some rancher.” The lady scrunches her nose up like she smells something foul. “And now you’re making out in the middle of town for God and everybody to see.”

“Aunty Mary, I can explain.” Joy tries to step away from me, but I hold on to her so she can’t. “Devin, let me talk to her.”

Mary shakes her head and crosses her arms over her chest. “I always knew you were a slut just like your mama.”

“What did you say?” I release Joy so I can fully turn around and stand in front of her.

“This doesn’t concern you, cowboy. This is a family matter.” Mary points behind me, and I realize Joy has moved from my protection. “You let this man threaten my son. Kent is your blood, Joy, and you treated him like garbage.”

“Aunt Mary, I didn’t?—”

“Your mama was the town whore, so I shouldn’t be surprised you’d turn out like this. I just didn’t expect you to turn your back on family too.”

“Wait just a damn minute.” I clench my fists at my sides and remind myself that murder is illegal.

“Devin.” Joy’s voice is empty of emotion as she moves in front of me. “Give me a second. I need to talk to my aunt.”

Every part of me is screaming not to let her go, but I stand there like my feet are stuck in concrete as she walks away.

Chapter Nine

JOY

This is so freaking embarrassing. I knew my aunt was going to be pissed, but this is crazy. My aunt is from my father’s side, and she’s had a stick up her ass ever since my mom kicked my father out. I honestly think she’s jealous that my mom finally got the backbone to leave him while she’s still with her cheating husband, Rick. I think she stays with him for the money, but it is so not worth it.

I’ve let a lot go with her because she’s really the last connection I have to that side of the family. Both of my grandparents have relocated to Florida, and my father fluctuates in and out of my life. He will ghost me for a few months if I say anything that he disagrees with. We’re in the middle of a ghost moment now.

I was thinking he’d show up for Christmas dinner at my aunt's house and pretend all was well between us. Then start texting me again as though we didn’t have a fight and he ignored me for months.

I know the Anderson men can be shitty partners, but the women in the family tend to be drawn to the same kind of man. I had always found it weirdly interesting and promised myself I’d never be that way. I wouldn’t allow myself to put up with a man’s bullshit. I guess more so when it comes to my own relationship with a partner because I still have to deal with it from the men in my family.

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