Holiday Hire (The Cartwright Family #2)

Chapter 20

20

Phoebe

Thanksgiving Day

T he aroma of fresh coffee and bacon flares in my nostrils. I slowly open my eyes, groaning, and shut them again. My pulse pounds against my skull. My mouth tastes dry, like something died in it.

I blink a few times, then slowly sit up and glance out the window. Frost covers the corners of the glass, and big snowflakes fall on the other side of the pane.

I force myself to get out of bed, put on a robe over my pajamas, and slide my feet into my slippers. I go into the bathroom, brush my teeth, and gurgle some mouthwash.

I leave the bathroom and slowly make my way into the kitchen.

Alexander leans against the counter with a cup of coffee in his hand. I can tell he's already been outside this morning—his boots and cowboy hat are on. The corners of his lips curve, and sympathy fills his expression.

Even though I feel like crap, my heart beats harder at the sight of him and that smile. I wish he weren't so sexy, but no matter what we agreed to, my attraction for him hasn't waned. We've done our best to return things to how they were, but it's hard. Several times this week, I've wanted to reach out and touch him and had to remind myself not to.

"How are you feeling, Pheebs?"

I groan. "How many beers did I have?"

He chuckles. "I didn't count. Especially after you made that bet with Sebastian."

What bet?

I try to remember the events of last night, recalling them step by step. A vision of the Cartwrights chanting my name pops into my mind. "Oh geez," I say, shaking my head and then wincing at the stab of pain.

"Easy there," Alexander warns. He turns and pours another cup of coffee. He sets it on the table. "Sit down."

I obey and wrap my hands around the warm mug.

He reaches into the cabinet, pulls out a bottle of headache tablets, and puts two in his palm. He holds them out, ordering, "Here, take these. They'll help your head."

I take them from him, and he moves a glass of water toward me.

I swallow the pills and ask, "What exactly did Sebastian bet me?"

"Oh, it wasn't Sebastian," Alexander reveals, trying to keep a straight face.

I furrow my brows, admitting, "I'm lost. Can you be more specific?"

Amusement appears on Alexander's expression. "You were the one who bet him you could chug a beer faster than him."

I put my hand over my face, moaning, "I did?"

Alexander's lips twitch. "You sure did."

I take a sip of coffee. The hot liquid flows into my belly but doesn't feel very good. I cringe, clutching my stomach.

He sits next to me, puts his hand on my back, and leans closer. "Pheebs, you look green."

"I'll be okay."

He takes a sip of coffee, then declares, "If it makes you feel any better, I've never seen anyone beat Sebastian. You've got some real beer chugging skills."

I faintly remember poking a hole in a can and then holding it to my mouth while everyone around us was cheering. I put my arms on the table and hide my face in them. I close my eyes and mumble, "It's your family's fault. There's too much peer pressure."

Alexander chuckles. "Is that the story you're sticking with?"

I force myself to meet his gaze. "Yeah."

He grins and then puts his hand on my thigh. He leans closer. "You know they'll want to party again tonight, right?"

I wince. "They will?"

He grins. "Yep. Do you want a beer now? You can get a head start by having some of the hair of the dog that bit you."

I whine, "That sounds disgusting."

"Your call." He sits back, amused, and takes another sip of coffee.

I force myself to pry my head off the table and glance out the window, then state, "It looks like the snow's coming down hard."

"Yeah. Started right before we got home."

"It did?" I pin my eyebrows together, trying to remember walking home from the main house, but nothing registers.

He asks, "You don't remember me carrying you, do you?"

My cheeks heat. I admit, "No. How bad was I?"

"I wouldn't say bad. You were just pretty animated," he teases.

"I'm sorry. Not very nanny-ish of me."

He laughs. "You're not really on nanny duty right now. It's Thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgiving, by the way."

"Happy Thanksgiving," I reply, and take another sip.

"Do you want anything to eat? Some toast might help," he offers.

My belly flips. "No. I might get sick if I do."

"Aww," he coos, scooting closer and slinging his arm around me. "I feel bad I let you drink so much."

I close my eyes, resting against his chest. I mumble, "It wasn't your fault."

"Still..."

"I'll be okay," I insist. Then I ask, "Why did you carry me?"

"You might have had some issues walking in the snow after your third round with Sebastian."

I gape at him.

He grins, then suggests, "Why don't you get some more sleep and let the headache tablets kick in? It's still early."

I force myself to move my head and look up. "What time is it?"

"A tad past eight."

"I need to help cook dinner."

He grunts. "You won't miss much for a few hours. Get some rest so you can enjoy the day. Besides, I'm cashing in on my winnings after we eat."

"Your winnings?"

He nods, studying me.

My gut drops. I'm scared to ask but have to. "What did we bet?"

"Something fun. You'll see." He rises and downs the rest of his coffee. "I need to get a few things done."

"You aren't going to tell me?"

He rinses his mug and puts it in the dishwasher. "Nope. Since you don't remember, I'll keep it a surprise. But you did tell me you were excited."

"I did?"

"Yep."

I rack my brain, but I can't remember anything about that conversation.

He asks, "You sure you don't want any toast?"

"No, I'm okay."

"Okay. Go rest."

I question, "Where are the boys?"

"All the kids are outside taking advantage of the freak Texan snowstorm."

"It never snows here?"

"It does on a rare occasion, but typically never this early. The kids built a few snowmen before they started a snowball fight. The others are at the main house, but feel free to go there when you're ready. You should go back to bed and rest a while longer."

I cave, agreeing. "Okay. If you're sure?"

"I'm sure. Besides, I think Paisley and Willow might still be asleep."

A flashback of the three of us laughing, then Paisley asking for a tarp from the barn, hits me. I ask, "Did we do something with a tarp last night?"

Alexander's eyes light up. "There might have been a few attempts at a slip 'n slide in the snow."

"A slip 'n slide?"

He nods. "Yep."

Another flashback rolls through my brain. Horrified, I ask, "Did I almost freeze to death, and you put me in a hot shower?"

"Sure did," he states.

The color drains from my face. I groan. "Ugh. I'm sorry."

He chuckles. "It's okay."

"Did the boys see me wasted?"

"No. All the kids stayed at the main house with my parents. It's a tradition."

Relief fills me. "Thank God!"

He chuckles again. "Get some rest, Pheebs."

He goes to the door, and I stare at his hard ass as too many questions run through my mind.

What happened in the shower?

Images of Alexander putting my pajamas on me, and me tossing my arms around him and slurring, "Bring out the stallion," assault me.

More embarrassment floods me. I put my hands over my face again, my heart racing and head banging.

I stay in the kitchen, trying to remember more, but nothing else comes to me. I finally force myself to get up and go back to bed. I set an alarm for two hours and then quickly fall asleep.

When the buzzer blares, I shut it off and slowly open my eyes. I wait for the headache, but it doesn't appear, seeming to be gone.

I slide off the bed and freeze.

A white box sits on my dresser. An orange and brown ribbon is wrapped around it, and an orange envelope is tucked under the extravagant bow.

My heart beats harder. I reach for the envelope and take the card out.

The front has a picture of a turkey and the words Gobble, gobble on it.

I smile and open the card. It says "Happy Thanksgiving." The left side has a handwritten note.

Pheebs,

Our secret.

Don't tell Willow.

Alexander

My butterflies go nuts. I lift the lid and pull out a pair of identical boots to those Willow gave me. I check the label, and they're half a size bigger.

My pulse pounds harder, but my heart also hurts a bit. It's such a sweet gift. For the millionth time this week, I wish things weren't so complicated, and I could be with Alexander.

I put the boots on my bed, then package the ones Willow gave me in the box. I tuck it in the back of my closet, then go shower, brush my teeth, and do my hair and makeup.

I get dressed and put on my new boots. They fit perfectly. Happiness fills me. Even though the boots Willow gave me were too small, I wore them daily. I love them. Plus, we're on the ranch. There's dirt everywhere. It'd be stupid to wear anything but boots.

I put on the winter coat, gloves, and a hat I bought earlier this week, then trudge through the thick blanket of snow to the main house. When I step into the warm parlor, I stomp my feet and take off my coat, hat, and gloves.

It still feels strange not taking my boots off, but Ruby told me she gave up years ago worrying about her floors. She said she finally realized farmhouses have wood floors for a reason.

I hang my coat up. I can hear all the women chatting in the kitchen, so I step inside.

It's chaos. The entire kitchen is full, and multiple conversations are going on at the same time.

Georgia turns, and her face lights up when she sees me. "How are you feeling, Phoebe?"

Everyone stops and turns toward me.

I answer, "A little better now. Alexander gave me some headache tablets."

She teases, "I don't think Sebastian's ego will ever recover."

I put my hand over my face, my cheeks heating. I mumble, "I don't even want to know."

Laughter fills the air.

"Don't worry. Paisley's hungover too," Ruby says.

Paisley's complexion is pale. Her cheek rests on her forearm as she slumps over the table. She mutters, "Don't talk to me about it."

"Aw, you'll be okay," Ruby says, patting her shoulder.

She winces. "Mom, bruise!"

"Oh. Sorry. Guess it'll teach you not to pull tarps out in the snow."

I ask, "You got hurt?"

"Just a little bruise."

Evelyn snorts. "Little, meaning her entire arm and part of her back."

"It's fine," Paisley says and shuts her eyes.

Willow interjects, "I'd trade you the bruise for the date Cyril took me on last night."

Georgia catches my eye, biting her smile.

I ask, "Why?"

Willow wrinkles her nose. "You'd think a man who can handle a bull would know how to take charge on a date."

"Oh?" I question.

"Maybe you should give him another chance. He might have been shy," Ruby states.

Georgia snickers.

"I thought he was nice," I offer. He came over before things got fuzzy for me. I add, "I didn't realize there were any issues."

"He doesn't like bars, so we came home early on the biggest bar night of the year," Willow complains.

"And this is a bad thing?" Ruby asks.

Willow scoffs. "Duh." She picks up a carrot and points it at me, stating, "Phoebe, this is a lesson in why you don't want to be the first person to date a bull rider when he first gets to town. You don't know what their issues are. If you let a couple of other women date them first, you'll find out their quirks and save yourself time and energy. So don't be stupid like me. Last night, I got to discover all of his issues." She rolls her eyes.

Georgia prods, "What were his issues?"

"Not over his ex-girlfriend."

"Ooh, that sucks," Georgia sympathizes.

"Doesn't like crowds."

"Not the one to take you out on the night before Thanksgiving," Paisley offers, then rises. "I need a glass of wine to help counter the effects of last night. Anyone else want one?"

I consider it, but I can't stomach it, so I decline.

Willow picks up a celery stalk and then runs it under the water to wash it. "I couldn't get him to leave fast enough. I was glad the rest of you were here so I didn't completely waste my night."

"I'm sure you'll find another date soon," Ruby chirps.

I offer, "Sorry he wasn't the one. What can I help with?"

"I've got to peel all these potatoes, if you want to jump in," Evelyn states.

"Sure." I step next to her and start peeling the boiled potatoes.

We spend the next few hours getting everything ready for the main meal. From time to time, the kids run into the kitchen, and around two o'clock, everything's finally ready.

Paisley declares, "I'll go ring the bell."

It takes another half hour until everyone's inside and washed up.

Alexander holds his chair out and motions for me to sit beside him. My butterflies take off like they always do around him. I sit down, and his aphrodisiac of musk, sweat, and outdoors flares around me. I cross my legs, squeezing them together.

He asks, "Feeling better?"

I nod. "Yeah. Thanks for the headache tablets."

"You're welcome."

I lean closer and whisper, "And for the boots."

"They fit okay?"

"Perfectly!"

"Great." He winks.

My butterflies go crazy.

Jacob says a prayer and then one by one, everyone states what they're thankful for.

It's my turn, and I declare, "I'm thankful you gave me a chance to be Ace and Wilder's nanny, and that I've been so graciously welcomed into your family. Thank you." A swell of emotion hits me and I tear up.

I realize I've never felt so welcome in anyone's home. The Cartwrights truly love each other, and they've always made me feel so comfortable. It feels like home, and sometimes it's hard because I know I'll have to head back to California in a little over a month or figure out another place to go.

The longer I go without hearing from Lance, the more I realize I don't want to be with him.

I want a man like Alexander. Someone who treats me as well as he does. And it sucks he's unavailable.

I've never felt chemistry with someone before. Now that I've had it with him, I know what it feels like. Yet I don't know if it exists beyond him, and it's becoming clearer and clearer I never had it with Lance and probably never will. What I thought were good times are different from how things should be.

Ruby beams. "That's so sweet. We're so happy to have you here, dear."

"Yeah. Everything is way better since you got here," Ace adds, making my heart soar.

"I agree," Wilder chimes in, then gives me a wink.

I laugh. It's cocky and looks just like Jagger's, who has a really big ego, but he seems to be able to get away with it.

Jacob says, "Your turn, Alexander."

He shifts in his seat and then locks eyes with me. He confidently states, "I'm grateful for Pheebs. The boys and I would have been lost the last few weeks. Mom, you were right to make me hire her."

My pulse skyrockets through the roof. My voice catches, but I manage to get out, "Th-thank you."

"It's true." He focuses on me for another few seconds, then turns back to the table.

Jagger states, "Well, I'm grateful for Pheebs too."

"Don't be a dick," Alexander mutters under his breath, and I bite on my smile.

Jagger chuckles and says, "I'm also thankful for all the women who have yet to meet me but are dying to." His grin erupts larger than life.

Georgia groans. "Didn't you say that last year?"

He shrugs. "Yeah. And there are still a lot of women out there who are dying to meet me and have me take them out."

"You're so full of yourself," Evelyn reprimands.

"That's what I'm thankful for, and I'm sticking with it," he claims, taking a large mouthful of beer.

The rest of the family says what they're thankful for, and the dinner remains jovial. Alexander and I converse with everyone, but I can't get what he said out of my head. I wish things could be different between us, and I also wish I didn't want him so badly.

A few times, he puts his hand on my thigh and then quickly removes it, as if he forgot what our deal was. Every time he does, I clench my thighs, wishing the throbbing inside of me would stop, but it won't.

We finish dinner and dessert. I help the women clean up and then I exit the kitchen.

Alexander states, "There's something we need to do, Phoebe."

"Oh?"

"Yep. Come on. Put on your coat, and get your gloves and hat on too."

"Okay," I state, unsure what's going on. I get bundled up, and he leads me outside.

The snow has stopped, and a blanket of white covers everything. The lights are on, except now they aren't just orange. Christmas colors light up the ranch.

I gasp in awe, declaring, "This is so pretty."

"Yep. Come on." He takes my hand and leads me toward the barn.

"This isn't what you wanted to show me?"

"Nope."

"Then what is it?"

"You'll see."

We step inside the barn, and he opens a stall door. He grabs the bridle of a big horse. "You've met Trojan, right?"

"Yes," I nervously say, glancing at the double saddle.

"Great. Let's go for a ride."

"What?"

"There's nothing better than a ride in the snow," he says.

"No way."

"You told me last night you wanted to after you lost the bet," he states.

I gape at him.

He chuckles. "I swear on my kids' lives you told me that."

"No way."

"You did," he insists.

I glance at the horse, my chest tightening.

"Come on, Phoebe. You might never get this chance again. The snow is perfect and there's no wind right now. Trust me. You won't regret it, and I promise I'll keep you safe," he asserts.

I glance at Trojan. He's a huge horse. He looks fierce. I shake my head. "No, thanks."

"You don't trust me?" Alexander asks with disappointment in his voice and expression.

"No, I trust you. I just..."

He steps forward and puts his hand on my cheek. "Then trust me. Come on. I'm going to be on the horse with you. Everything's fine. You're going to love this."

I glance back at the horse.

"You only live once, Pheebs. And I promise you I won't do anything crazy. We'll go slow."

I take a deep breath and then release it, agreeing. "Okay."

His face lights up. "Yeah? You'll go?"

"If you promise I'll be safe."

"Scout's honor," he says, putting three fingers in the air.

I laugh nervously, not believing I'm going to do this. "Okay. How do I get on this thing?"