Page 1 of A Cowboy's Twinkling Lights Lasso
Chapter One
FLORA
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“THAT COWBOY DOESN’T need Santa’s sleigh. He could ride me all night long.” My sister’s purr slashes through a chirpy version of Jingle Bells as she ogles a cowboy posing in a sleigh like he’s ready to take off into a snowy night.
It’s fitting, considering the entire Fox Lodge lobby looks like a winter wonderland. The grand entrance is framed in pine garland sprinkled with red berries and faux snow. The twelve reindeer attached to the sleigh stand near a massive stone fireplace twinkling with evergreen garland and fake woodland animals.
I read the rustic arrow signs painted deep red and trimmed with snowflakes until I find The Enchanted Ballroom. “Are you coming to help me set up or staying here to gawk at every cowboy you see?”
“I mean—” She gnaws on her lower lip and stares into the air like she’s debating.
I chuckle and grab her arm, dragging her out of the lobby. “I’m only here because you begged me, so don’t think you’re getting a free ride.”
“Speaking of rides.”
“Not another word,” I hiss as two cowboys strut down the hallway we veer.
“Word.”
“Dani,” I warn.
“Flora.” She flashes a sultry smile. “You two cowboys part of the Christmas calendar fundraiser?”
My sister halts in the hallway, planting her feet firmly. She swings her hands on her hips, making it impossible for them to move forward.
“No, sunshine. We are not.” The one wearing a white Stetson lowers it in a curt nod.
His eyes take in my sister slowly, purposefully from her cowboy boots, up her bare legs, passing her short-shorts, and lingering where the plaid shirt rolls up, exposing her middle. He proceeds to stop at the V neckline dipping into her cleavage, and shamelessly, he undresses her with his eyes.
Mind you, her plaid Christmas colors are a nice touch. I opted for a maxi dress, ridding my sweater and pants for the warmer southern winter.
The other cowboy keeps his distance but also wears a wedding band on his left finger. I can’t help but appreciate his commitment. It’s hard to resist a Rowe. They’re persistent and relentless and damn sexy—except me. I’m none of those things.
“That’s a shame.” She raps her holly motif fingernails on the exposed flesh of her hip. “You could be the perfect December present.”
He chuckles that low, rumbly chuckle cowboys are somehow born with. “You can unwrap me any day of the year.”
He did not just say that.
She takes two long, leisurely steps closer to him and tiptoes, pressing her mouth against his ear. “If you play your cards right, the tree won’t be the only thing with an angel on top tonight.”
The fire in his eyes is unmistakable. “That shade of lipstick would look great on my candy cane.”
Oh, good lord. “Let’s go.” I grab her arm and push between the men. “Excuse us.”
“Meet me ar the bar around ten,” she calls over her shoulder.
“Don’t forget the lipstick.”
“Cowboy, I’m gonna jingle bell rock your world,” she promises.
“Seriously?” I let her go when we arrive at the elevator and repeatedly press the up button.
“I am single, and he’s single—”
“You don’t know that. You two barely had three full sentences between you that didn’t involve knocking boots.”
