Forbidden Cowboy (Rocky Ridge Creek #1)

A Cowboy Under the Mistletoe Chapter One

LYLA

––––––––

“LIL’ LYLA?” MY body warms at the familiar husky voice behind me.

My deepest fantasy doesn’t compare to the way rodeo cowboy, Jesse Knight says my name right now. Thick accent. Deep drawl. Sweet, smoky, and smooth as rum. He could really drop his childish nickname for me. It’s a stone-cold reminder of exactly how he sees me.

Besides, what the hell is he doing here? I don’t have to ask. I already know the answer, and his sister is the culprit.

I turn. I swear my heart jumps through my chest at the sight of him. Broad shoulders and enlarged muscles stretch the material of his dark T-shirt. His flat stomach and narrow waist dip into his dark-wash denim jeans. And he’s never seen without his lucky cowboy boots or black Stetson.

He’s older now. His baby face is gone and I’m staring at the face of a man who rides bulls for a living. And Christmas cracker, it’s a beautiful face.

“Jesse Knight.” His name on my tongue is like an explosion of sugar, cinnamon, and all that is sweet. I’ve had one too many fantasies of screaming this man’s name in a siege of lovemaking.

Of course, he has no idea. Why would he? I’m just lil’ Lyla. His younger sister’s best friend, and his childhood nanny’s daughter. Nothing more. And especially not fantasy worthy.

“I didn’t know you were comin’ for the week.” His mouth still quirks up on one side in the most adorable way.

“I didn’t know you were comin’ for the week.” I glance around Fox Lodge’s main lobby for his sister.

It looks like a snowstorm blew through the log building. And snow is rare this far south. Twinkly lights, fresh boughs of evergreen sprinkled with pinecones, acorns and rustic ornaments are all flocked with fake snow. Folks bustle about in every which direction. From sipping cocoa around the stone floor-to-ceiling fireplace, to petting the stuffed woodland animals on display.

And there’s no sign of his sister. Great.

“Emilia convinced me a holiday vacation would make me forget I hate the holidays.” He looks as convinced as me. Which is not at all.

I wanted to spend my Christmas holed up in my small apartment above the local bookstore. What better way to spend the holidays than binge reading romance books and binge eating chocolate? There is no better way. Not even Rocky Ridge Creek’s Fox Lodge and their never-ending list of holiday events can compare.

“You hate the holidays? Since when?” I remember Christmas being Jesse’s favorite time of the year. He was the first to bake cookies with my mama, and eager to make all the silly Christmas crafts she prepared. He’d be decorating the tree long after his sister and I quit, to eat the popcorn instead of stringing it into garland.

“Since last year.” His face shifts into a sour snarl. One I’m not used to. He’d always been wacky, wild, and fearless all rolled up like a bale of hay. He’s giving a different vibe today. A grumpy vibe.

“What happened last year?” The question is out of my mouth when it hits me. Last year Jesse had been signing at the Christmas Cowboy Autograph Event when a sex video of his fiancé and another man were leaked online.

How could I forget? I guess my mother’s passing on Christmas Eve had something to do with it. My memory has been shot since that day.

I touch his arm before he has a chance to respond. “Jesse, I’m so sorry, I forgot.” I ignore the heat inching up my arm. One would think with age these feelings would vanish. I retract my hand and scold myself for feeling anything when he’s hurting.

His jaw tightens. “Must be nice to just forget.”

“I’ve had other things on my mind.”

Now his face twists with torment. “Fuck, Lyla, I’m so sorry. I haven’t forgotten. I’ll never forget Annalee. She was the closest thing to a real mother I ever had.”

“Thank you. And I’ll tell you, the cheating tramp isn’t worth another thought.”

“And yet, here we are, talkin’ about her.” This growly side of him is new and I want to dislike it, but his deep tone sends tickles through me. Possibly because I can relate. I feel grumpy and angry inside too.

“We should be talkin’ about how your sister convinced each of us to come on holidays with her, but didn’t bother to tell either of us the other was comin’. Sounds suspicious on her part.”

His crease lines lessen. “Sounds planned.”

“Exactly, but why?”

“Good question.” Finally, a half smile lifts his lips. His mischievous, kissable lips.

“There y’all are.” Emilia Knight hoists a pink overnight bag on her shoulder and pulls her rolling suitcase toward us. “We’re checked in and have the keys to our rooms.” She gives each of us a long hug. I haven’t seen her much this year. I haven’t seen anyone much this year. As little as possible has been my goal. And with her travelling back and forth between home and wherever Jesse is competing has been perfect.

“Where are ma and pa?” Jesse leans back on the archway we’re standing under.

Emilia shrugs. She blends in with the scenery. White skinnies, a denim jacket with long white fringe and a white felt hat to finish the look. “I don’t know. Flying around Europe.” Even her perfectly manicured fingernails are painted glittery white with snowflakes on the tips.

“You said they were comin’. A big happy family holiday.” Grumpy Jesse is making a comeback. “I hate Christmas,” he growls.

“This is our big happy family holiday. Don’t y’all remember chasin’ each other around the ranch on Christmas Eve? Watching Christmas movies in matching pyjamas. And your mom putting our presents under the tree and watching us open them in the morning. Pancake Christmas breakfast and turkey dinner.” Her eyes soften for me. “The four of us.” She’s referring to my mama.

My lips curl downward. “I hate Christmas, too.”

Jesse snorts. His arm are folded over his big chest and his ankles crossed.

“Stop it. Both of you.” She sends each of us a stern warning. “It’s going to be fun, just the four of us.”

“The four of us?” Jesse and I say in unison.

“Look at that. You two are under the mistletoe.” Emilia points above us.

I glance up, and sure enough, a bunch of green mistletoe is tied together with a red bow.

“Who’s our fourth?” Jesse repeats our question.

“First y’all need to kiss.” She flutters her finger between us.

“Why the hell would we do that?” His growly tone intensifies, as does the fire in the pit of my stomach.

“Don’t sound so mortified.” I’m only half teasing, since the idea of grown-ass adults kissing under the mistletoe is ridiculous. On the flip side, kissing Jesse Knight is on my never-gonna-happen bucket list. It’s a helluva long list.

“Stop being a Grumpy Claus.” Emilia clamps her hands on her waist, much like the way my mama used to. “You’re standing under the mistletoe. It’s tradition to kiss when you’re standing under the mistletoe.”

“Yeah, stop being a Grumpy Claus,” I chime in, because, why not?

His hickory-colored eyes lower to mine. He takes a huge step leaving barely enough space for our arms between us. He’s tall. So damn tall. I would need high heels and a step stool to meet his eyes. I’m not short, he’s just real tall.

“I’m anything but mortified at the idea of kissing you under the mistletoe.” His firm finger hooks my chin.

I hear Emilia squeal somewhere in the back of my foggy mind.

I’m consumed with each moment that ticks by. He tilts my head upward, giving him better access to my lips. Every spot he touches burns with desire. As he leans down my heart stops and my breath catches somewhere in my chest or my throat.

Closer.

Closer.

Closer.

For a hot second, I think this is some sort of joke, and he’s going to pull away and leave me breathless, hot and bothered. Then his warm lips graze mine. Ever so softly. Barely a touch. But a wildfire soars through my veins. The kiss is gentle and slow with just the right amount of pressure. And when his tongue sweeps over my bottom lip, my legs weaken. I want more. I want to taste his tongue and feel the texture. I part my lips, welcoming him inside, because, why not.

He pulls away.

My eyes pop open. I know for a fact, I’m standing here, mouth gaping wide open and wearing a confused and disappointed look. Not my finest moment.

He licks his lips, still close enough I could tiptoe and meet his mouth with mine. “You taste like cinnamon cookies.”

“They were handing out cookies at the door.” I sound like an idiot. He knows they were handing out cookies. He just had the ability to say no. Unlike me. I love my sweets, but not as much as I love kissing Jesse Knight.

“Jesse, is that you? Oh my heavens, it is. What are y’all doing here?”

I expect to see a fan, but when I face the tall blonde, I’m quickly corrected.

Jesse’s hand slides off my arm. “Delphine?”

Delphine Bradford, daughter of the Bradford Silversmith rodeo sponsor. Also, Jesse’s ex-fiancé. The sex tape queen.

Is this our fourth person? Did Emilia invite his ex-fiancé on our big happy family holiday?!

“You always talked about how amazing the Fox Lodge is during the holidays.” Her voice is a squeaky drawl. Her lips are perfectly lined, plump, and pouty. She meshes plaid and denim into elite sophistication. No wonder Jesse wanted to marry this woman. She looks like a western supermodel.

My blouse suddenly feels frumpy and maybe I should’ve washed my hair instead of piling it in a lose bun on my head.

“Did I interrupt something?” Delphine’s thickly coated copper eyes dart between Jesse and me. I swear she glowers at me. Nope, I know she’s glowering at me.

“You mean their kissing?” Emilia is quicker than me. I had no idea what the rodeo princess was referring to. “They’re always kissing like that. Can’t seem to pull them apart.”

I nod in agreement until my friends words sink in. What was that now?

My head whips to my left. Now I’m the one glowering.

Emilia wears a serious face with a hint of happiness. “Ever since they started dating, they haven’t been able to keep their hands off each other.”

“Emilia?” This time Jesse’s growl is justified.

“Was I not supposed to say anything?” Emilia’s hand covers her mouth, acting innocent and surprised.

I’m surprised.

I’m at a loss for words.

“I’m sorry. I know, it’s been a long time coming.” Emilia is lying through her teeth. “But I’ve just always expected the two of you to get together. For me, it doesn’t seem so soon.”

“You two are dating?” Fingernails much longer than Emilia’s point between me and my childhood fantasy lover. “You’re dating her ?” The repulsive way Delphine asks, makes me ready to start a bull fight. I’m not opposed to head butting and pushing. Who the hell does she think she is? I might not be a tall, skinny, blonde fashionista with a rich daddy, but I’ve got plenty qualities this prickle bush does not.

I’m ready to tell her exactly what those qualities are, and point out I’m more surprised Jesse dated her, when Jesse’s hand covers mine.

“True love knows no bounds.” He leans down and his lips crash against mine. This time his big, strong arms scoop me up and his tongue delves into my mouth. I turn into a bundle of mush and forget we’re standing in the middle of the Fox Lodge.