Page 86 of Between a Rock and a Hard Cowboy

“I guess women never got the vote here on Roan Mountain,” Eva mumbled and saw Linc laugh.

“And it’s a four-way tie,” William announced with an excitement that revelation didn’t warrant.

Eva narrowed her eyes. “Wait a minute. Is it always a tie? Is this like how every kid gets a trophy for participation nowadays?”

And if that’s the way things were, why did she work so hard to win? Dammit, she wished her official Christmas challenge notebook was here. She was going to review those rules because this was bullshit.

“No. Usually there are winners and losers,” Wyatt explained.

Eva narrowed her eyes. “Then I demand a recount.”

“Decisions of the judges are final,” Ethan decreed.

“Well, next year the voting is going to include everyone and I want oversight of the ballots to prevent voter fraud.”

“So does that mean you’re planning to be around here for Christmas next year?” Linc asked.

“Why? Are you trying to get rid of me?” She frowned.

He shook his head. “Definitely not. In fact, the opposite. I was thinking you might want to stay. At my place, I mean. For good. Instead of moving back to Rosie’s.”

She hid her surprise. “Well, you do have better WiFi than Rosie’s.”

“So you only like me for my WiFi?”

“Pretty much. And I don’t hate your bed. It’s, you know, a good mattress. Good for the back.”

“Mm-hm.” He nodded, leveling a stare at her that said he was tolerating her teasing but didn’t like it.

She smiled and decided she’d tortured him enough. “And the guy the place comes with isn’t so bad either.”

His lips twitched with a smile. “Now, we’re getting somewhere.”

He leaned in for a kiss and she pulled back. “Do the Wilders all know about us now or are we going to cause a scene if you kiss me here?”

“Are you kidding? That news spread through the family like wildfire.”

“How? I had Poppy with me.”

“Apparently Poppy texted Olivia. It was all over after that.”

Eva sighed and dared to glance around. Everyone seemed to be chatting and having a good time. And, thankfully, mostly ignoring them. “At least they’re not teasing us.”

Linc cocked up a brow. “What’s wrong? Can’t take a little teasing?”

“Sure. I love a little teasing if I’m the one doing it.”

He smiled at her and her heart clenched.

Feeling the need to be alone with Linc, she asked, “How late does this thing usually go?”

“Not late. Darcy has to get to bed. Why?”

“Just thinking about getting home.”

“Yeah?” he asked, looking eager.

“Yeah.”

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