Page 14 of Cowboy's Christmas Girlfriend

“You’re literally gagging.”

“Just let me...” Suzanna glanced around, nervous. “It’s just easier, okay? Easier to fit in if I—”

“Next up, Kat and Taison,” roared Uncle Vince. “I believe they’ll be singing, uh, Jingle Bell Rock?”

Kat nodded tightly, up on the stage. She looked like she’d swallowed a yardstick, the way she’d planted herself stiff-backed in front of the mic. She was usually so bubbly, happy to claim the limelight…but when it came to the stage, she always froze up. When Taison squeezed in beside her, she elbowed him away. Suzanna frowned up at her, still clutching her cocoa.

“What’s going on there?”

“She’s a nervous performer, always has been. So scared she’ll mess up, she can’t just have fun.” Like you with that cocoa, thought Will, but he pushed the thought aside. Why did she feel the need to pretend? What did she mean, it was easier that way? Easier to ignore her feelings, conform to expectations? How often did she do this? Did she do it with him—and would he even know?

“Oh, God, she’s bombing.” Suzanna was clutching her cocoa, stiff with dismay. “Can’t she see the screen?”

“Snowblowers...bushes...it’s all so much—” Kat clapped her hand to her mouth and spun on her heel. Taison caught her, held her, carrying the tune on his own—seemingly without effort, his voice second to none. He twirled her and dipped her as though they’d planned the whole thing, drew her close to his chest and waltzed her upstage. Kat clung to his shoulders, exhaling shaky laughter.

“That’s sweet how he’s got her,” said Suzanna. “I thought they were fighting, but look at that. Just nerves.”

Will gave a tight nod, but he wasn’t so sure. He’d been keeping an eye on the two of them since that day in the barn when Taison waxed nostalgic for times gone by. “I think it’s the wedding,” he said. “Kat’s all stressed out, and Taison—well, Taison just wants to say ‘I do.’” He grinned at Suzanna. “That’s the great thing with faking it: all the fun of being a couple, none of the drama.”

Suzanna’s brows shot up—maybe with shock, maybe on the verge of laughter—then Mom squeezed between them, Beth under one arm, Ann under the other.

“The munchkins are getting sleepy. Kiss ’em goodnight and I’ll run ’em home.”

Will bent and kissed them, and hugged them tight for good measure. “You two did great,” he said. “Best Mr. Grinch yet.”

Ann shot him the thumbs-up. Beth yawned and giggled, half-dozing already. Will turned to Suzanna, his pulse picking up.

“I think our duet’s next,” he said. “Ready to bring the house down?”

“You’d better believe it.” Suzanna drained her cocoa and set her mug on the bar. “Mr. Grinch caught me flatfooted, but Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus? I grew up with that one.”

“Country girl at heart, huh?” Will took her hand and led her to the stage. Kat and Taison were just finishing, belting out the last chorus like it was going out of style. Taison was smiling, holding Kat in his arms. Kat’s gaze hung on his like he was the only person in the room, but Will couldn’t help but notice her smile didn’t reach her eyes.

“Next up, our newest double act.” Uncle Vince leaned into the mic, bellowing over the applause. “Everyone give it up for...Will and Suzanna.”

“Just like we practiced,” said Will.

Suzanna beamed up at him, then the music kicked in, that bright, bouncy oompah wringing a cheer from the crowd. Suzanna was bouncing with it, moving closer—had they planned this? Will almost missed his cue, caught up in the play of the stagelights in her hair.

Focus, he told himself, and threw himself into the music, that sweet down-home tune. Suzanna did a shimmy as the chorus kicked in, took Will by the hands and leaned in like she had secrets to whisper in his ear. Her breast brushed against him, soft through her blouse. Her breath kissed his ear and something burst in his chest, a bright shower of sparks lighting him up from inside.

Suzanna retreated going into her verse, her eyes locked on his, sparkling with promise. Will followed her without thinking, spun her into his arms. He could feel her chest rising, the beat of her heart—the way her whole body thrummed as she sang her verse. Then the song was ending and they were somehow backstage, Suzanna up on tiptoe, back pressed to the wall. Her hand slid up his back, nails catching on his shirt. He leaned in and kissed her, then he kissed her again. She nipped his lip hard, drew a gasp from his throat. Will moaned, wanting all of her, the taste of her soft skin, the curve of her hips. His hands in her hair, her lips on his—

“Well, what have we here?”

Will jumped back, guilty. “Mistletoe,” he grunted. Tucked his shirt in his pants. “We, uh—we...Suzanna, this is my cousin George.”

“Pleased to meet you,” said Suzanna, deadpan. George smirked, sipped his eggnog.

“What would my mom say? Or, hell, your mom?”

Will rolled his eyes. “You’ll keep your mouth shut if you know what’s good for you. Don’t think you’re too big to toss in the compost.”

“Or you could just hire me till my classes start up again.” George’s smirk widened. “I hear you’re installing an HVAC system. I got some experience there.”

Will swatted at him, shaking his head. “I’ll hire you,” he said. “But not because of your ridiculous attempt at blackmail. Because you’re family and I could use the help.” He flapped his hand. “Now, shoo.”

George shooed, flush with triumph. Will turned to Suzanna to find her slumped against the wall, barely holding back giggles behind her cupped hand.

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