Country Frost (King Creek Cowboys #8)

Chapter 6

6

W e Wish You a Merry Christmas played over the department store’s speakers as Leeann strolled with Porter and Ashley through the Christmas decoration section a week after the accident. Porter carried their shopping bags as they browsed.

Leeann still felt sore from the wreck and limped a little, but the bruises and scratches had mostly healed. She hadn’t gone out to buy a new car yet and was driving a rental paid for by her insurance company. Today was her first real outing since the accident.

“Porter.” Ashley grabbed his forearm and tugged him toward a display. “I love these ornaments.”

He allowed himself to be drawn to the tree, covered in gingerbread men, snowmen, Santa, reindeer, snowflakes, candy canes, and other fun Christmas designs.

“Very pretty.” Leeann joined them and smiled at Ashley. “You have great taste.”

“Can we get these?” Ashley looked up at Porter, her dark hair falling around her shoulders as she spun to face him. “I think they’d look great in our house. ”

“I believe you’re right.” Porter eyed the display. “We’ll need to head up to the mountains to get a tree.”

“Permits are available for the Bradshaw Mountains outside of Prescott this time of year.” Leeann ran her finger over a silver, white, and red candy cane. “You can get them online.”

He met her gaze. “I believe Prescott is up north, between Phoenix and Flagstaff?”

“It is.” Leeann nodded. “It’s a lovely drive. The Bradshaws are beautiful.”

“I’ll look into it.” He continued to study her. “How would you like to go with us?”

“That sounds like fun.” Leeann smiled. “It depends on my work schedule.”

“We’ll make it on a Saturday.” He turned his attention back to Ashley. “Pick out whatever you’d like, and we’ll take them to the register.”

Ashley beamed and began handing boxes to Porter. She selected ornaments, garlands, and various decorations for the house. She also picked out an old-world St. Nick statue and a snow globe with Santa and reindeer flying over a Victorian village blanketed in white.

Porter carried the items to the checkout counter, his arms filled with so much that Leeann wondered how he managed to carry it all. Soon, he was laden with more bags, and they hadn’t finished shopping.

By noon, they were starving, and Leeann still needed to buy more gifts. They carried their bags to the car before going to a Korean BBQ restaurant in Scottsdale Fashion Square for lunch.

After they ate, they wandered through the mall, Ashley helping her pick out gifts for her family while Porter patiently watched them. Unlike many other males she'd known, he didn’t exhibit any sign that he was bored or didn’t like shopping.

Porter and Ashley didn’t have any family, it was just the two of them. But Ashley did have friends back in Montana that she kept in contact with, and she found a couple of small gifts that Porter would help her mail later in the week.

They reached the mall bookstore after Leeann picked out a purse for Jill in the Coach shop and a watch for Haylee in Brighton’s jewelry store.

“Look.” Ashley pointed at a poster in the window and turned to Leeann. “There’s your name and picture.”

Porter paused to study the sign as butterflies danced through Leeann’s belly. “That’s an advertisement for my first book signing. The second one is in that new little place in King Creek.” She shook her head. “I still have a hard time believing it’s real.”

“It’s in three weeks, after Christmas.” Ashley looked up at Porter. “Can we come to see Leeann?”

He nodded. “I don’t see why not.”

“Awesome.” Ashley swung one of her shopping bags. “I like that title, Chasing Secrets. ” She looked at Leeann. “Can I read it?”

The novel didn’t have anything that would be improper for a girl her age to read, but it felt a little weird thinking about Ashley doing so.

“I don’t know if it would interest you.” Leeann gripped her shopping bags tighter. “It’s considered ‘women’s fiction.’”

“I read all kinds of books for teens and adults.” Ashley shrugged. “Porter doesn’t mind.”

He looked at Leeann as if asking for help. “I don’t know what’s appropriate for young ladies to read.”

“I can give you some ideas.” Leeann turned to Ashley. “When I was your age, I read a lot of young adult fiction, and I still do. There are some great YA series out that adults enjoy, too.” She thought about her own teenage years. “I read some romance books my mom said were fine for my age. Others she insisted that I stay away from.”

She glanced at Porter before looking back at Ashley. “I listened to her out of respect, even though it was so tempting not to.”

Ashley seemed to be considering what Leeann said. “My adopted mom had rules, too.” She shrugged. “I look online now that she’s gone.”

Leeann tried not to wince—there were so many online places that kids and teens shouldn’t go and things they shouldn’t be reading.

“Tell you what.” Leeann held Ashley’s gaze. “I’ll give you some good ideas for reading—things I like, too.”

“Okay.” Ashley’s smile lit up her expression. “I get to read yours, right?”

Leeann paused, not sure what to say. She took a deep breath and let it out. “I’m not sure you would enjoy Chasing Secrets , but it’s not inappropriate.”

“I know I’ll like it.” Ashley tilted her head to meet Porter’s gaze. He was so much taller than the petite girl. “What are we doing next?”

At that moment, Leeann saw the exhaustion on the girl’s face, which had gone pale. Porter’s expression shifted to concern—he clearly saw it, too.

“I’m worn out after all this shopping,” Leeann said, and Porter appeared to be relieved by her statement. “Would you mind if we head home?”

Ashley looked disappointed, even though she was obviously tired. “Okay.”

They strolled through the mall on their way back to the parking garage. They stopped at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, where Ashley picked out a small box of mixed truffles, and Leeann chose a giant peanut butter cup.

“That’s huge.” Ashley’s eyes widened. “I’ve never seen one so big before. ”

“They’re my favorite.” Leeann turned to Porter. “What are you having?”

He scanned the myriad of sweets in the case. “The chocolate-covered pretzels look good.”

“Porter loves pretzels.” Ashley flashed a grin. “He goes through bags of them.”

“Don’t go telling all my secrets.” He was clearly holding back a smile. “Maybe I should tell Leeann that you hog all the potato chips.”

“Yup.” Ashley looked unrepentant. “And you hide all the pork rinds.”

Porter grunted, amusement in his eyes. “You’re stirrin’ up trouble, girl.”

Leeann shook her head with amusement. “You two sound like me and my sisters.”

He paid for the chocolates, and Ashley and Leeann laughed as they left the store and walked to the parking garage.

Porter’s phone rang while they walked, and Leeann glanced at him and saw confusion in his expression as he spoke to someone on the other end of the line. He disconnected and frowned as he pocketed the cell.

He didn’t say anything, but something shifted in his bearing and the way he responded to their chatter. It seemed as though his mind was on the conversation he’d just had, and he was mulling it over.

Leeann watched him from the corner of her eye as she talked with Ashley. Porter’s expression shifted as if coming to a decision to rejoin the fun outing they’d been having, whatever having bothered him pushed aside.

His phone rang again, and he ignored it and put the phone on vibrate. Something was going on, and he was choosing not to deal with it now .

When they reached his truck, Porter loaded the additional shopping bags inside with the others they’d dropped off earlier.

Ashley insisted on listening to the holiday music station, and she and Leeann sang Christmas carols all the way back to King Creek. Porter focused on driving and Leeann wondered if his thoughts were back on the phone call.

When they reached Leeann's home, the girl got out of the truck and gave her a big hug. “I had a great time today, Leeann.” Ashley smiled. “I’m glad you came with us.”

“Thanks for inviting me.” Leeann hugged her back.

Ashley climbed into the front seat while Porter helped Leeann with her shopping bags.

The sun was setting, the evening darkening. She unlocked the door, flipped on the light switch, hauled her bags inside, and set them on the couch. He added the ones he was carrying to the others.

He turned his attention to her and looked at her with such intensity it took her breath away. The glow from the lamplight cast shadows over his harsh yet handsome features.

“You’re good with Ashley,” he said. “Thank you.”

“She’s a sweet girl and fun to be with.” Leeann smiled. “I appreciate you inviting me to tag along.”

“Anytime.” The word came out low and husky. He settled his hand at her waist, heating her through the tough cotton of her jeans.

When he lowered his head, he brushed his lips softly over hers and hesitated for a moment. One heartbeat later, he took her mouth in a powerful kiss, drawing her close to him.

A blissful sigh rose up in her as she enjoyed his strength and how he let her know how much he wanted her in the kiss.

He drew back, his chest rising and falling, as he looked into her eyes. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”

She struggled with her own breath as she nodded. “Okay. ”

The big, sexy man gave her one last look before pushing open the screen, ducking through her doorway, and heading down the steps.

His boot steps thumped on the walkway as she watched him through the screen. When he reached the gate, she shut the door and turned to the piles of shopping bags on her couch.

Porter had been great today, patiently accompanying two chatty, laughing ladies. He hadn’t said a lot, but she could tell he had enjoyed himself, and that made her feel warm inside.

It had been a while since she’d been really interested in a man, but no man could compare to Porter. It had been no time at all, and she was falling for him hard.

Now, she hoped he was falling for her in the same way. She smiled to herself. He was good for her, and she knew she was good for him. He needed a woman who could draw him out of his shell, and she needed someone solid, dependable, with the ability to really care for a woman. She’d watched him with Ashley and knew that he was an affectionate, warmhearted man. It was in his eyes and his actions.

Porter Gann had a lot about him to like, and she looked forward to learning what made him tick. She was getting to know him and liked the man she saw.

She belted out All I Want for Christmas is You as she toted the shopping bags to her spare bedroom to wrap later. It was times like these that she missed living with her sisters, the times when they’d sit and giggle and talk about men they’d dated or were interested in.

After she’d placed the last bag on the bed, she headed to her bedroom to get in her Christmas PJs. Time to nuke the popcorn, heat up hot chocolate, and watch A Christmas Story .

As Porter drove back to the ranch, he thought about Leeann, how she’d felt in his arms, and the taste of her lips. He’d had a good time with her and Ashley today, and he appreciated how Leeann interacted with his sister as if she were the girl’s older sibling.

He turned his truck onto the highway as his phone vibrated at his hip again, and he frowned. The call he’d received earlier had thrown him for a loop—a reporter wanted to interview him about an illegal adoption ring he was supposedly involved in. What the hell had the man been talking about? Clearly a case of mistaken identity.

The ass had been rude and demanding, and Porter had disconnected the call. He’d decided to ignore his phone while spending time with Leeann and Ashley. His cell had vibrated more times than he chose to count. Even now, his phone was still doing it at the end of the day.

“I really like Leeann.” Ashley’s voice drew him away from his thoughts. “She’d make a terrific mom.”

Porter shot his gaze at the girl before focusing on the road again. “Leeann is a great lady.”

“She is.” Ashley was quiet for a moment. “Do you think you’ll ever get married?”

The image of Leeann in a wedding dress popped into his head, and he immediately pushed that notion away. “I don’t know. Haven’t given it a lot of thought.”

“I think you should.” Ashley had a determined note to her voice. “It would be great if Leeann is the one .”

Porter dragged his hand down his face. Holy hell, the girl already had plans for him and Leeann.

“How are you feeling?” He glanced at Ashley. “You’ve had a long day.”

“I’m okay.” She sounded exhausted even as she said the words. “I had fun. ”

“We probably shouldn’t have shopped so much.” He had let the day go on longer than he’d intended—the girl had seemed to enjoy herself so much, and she had so little to do these days.

“I’m glad we did.” Ashley paused, then went on. “Is my appointment with Dr. Perkins on Monday?”

“Yep.” Porter guided the truck onto the dirt road leading to the ranch. “It’s at 10:30. Would you like to go out to lunch after?”

“Oh, yes.” Her tone brightened. She hated going to see any doctor—she’d seen far too many in her young life. “We haven’t tried that pizza place in King Creek.”

“All right, we’ll do it.” Porter parked the truck in front of their home and turned to Ashley. “What do you want for dinner?”

She grabbed the door handle. “I’m not hungry.”

“You know better than that.” There were times when he could let things slide and others when he had to stay firm. “At least three meals a day, like the doctor said. No skipping dinner.”

Ashley heaved a big sigh. “Okay.” She opened the door and climbed out.

When they reached the front door, Porter unlocked it. Ashley tossed her jacket on the living room couch as she headed straight to the kitchen. He shut the door behind them and followed her.

“Do you have any ideas for dinner?” Her voice was muffled as she leaned inside the now-open refrigerator door. She came out holding a Tupperware bowl of spaghetti and a smaller one filled with sauce and meatballs. “How about leftovers?”

“Sounds good to me.” He shed his jacket and laid it over the back of a chair at the kitchen table. “Your meatballs are the best.”

She smiled and set to heating the sauce in a small pan on the gas stove while he got out the pasta bowls and forks. Soon, the kitchen filled with the smells of tomatoes, rosemary, garlic, oregano, and basil.

Ashley grew quiet over dinner and pushed a meatball around her plate. She hadn’t put much on her dish and had eaten little of that.

Porter hated seeing her look so tired, and the fact that she wasn’t eating made his gut hurt. He’d never known he could care about a kid as much as he cared for Ashley.

He set his fork on his now empty plate. “Sure you can’t get anything down?”

“I’m just not hungry.” She looked up from her plate. “I promise I’ll eat a good breakfast.”

He couldn’t force her to eat, so maybe compromise was the best thing. She did tend to eat a fair amount in the mornings.

“Tell you what. I’ll fix you pancakes.” He offered her a smile. “I’ll even make your favorite.”

She brightened. “Banana chocolate chip?”

“We’ve got all the ingredients.” He scooted his chair back and stood. When he picked up both their plates, she looked relieved. “It’s getting late. Why don’t you head on to bed? I’ll take care of the dishes.”

“Thanks, Porter.” She yawned and drifted toward the hallway. “Night.”

“Night.” He cleaned up the kitchen while turning the day’s events over in his mind.

Ashley’s questions about him ever wanting to be married had him thinking. He’d never much thought about it in the past, but hell, you never did know how things would turn out.

Look at him now—parenting hadn’t even been in the back of his mind, and here he was, taking care of a kid. She was a fine young lady, but he felt like he didn’t know what in the hell he was doing half the time, and the other half, he knew he was making a bunch of mistakes .

When it came to a relationship, Leeann wasn’t far from his mind. Thinking about her was like a comfortable quilt, one in vivid shades and patterns.

Ashley had made his world brighter, and Leeann added color to what had once been a black-and-white existence.

He’d always liked to take things one day at a time, but he’d had to shift his way of thinking with Ashley. He had to think of her future and had been adding to the college fund their parents had started for her. Concentrating on getting and keeping her healthy took some planning.

As for Leeann—he did intend to take a relationship with her one day at a time.