Saving the Cowboy’s Christmas (Rowdy Ranch #12)

Chapter 7

CHAPTER SEVEN

R ance always looked forward to working at the Buffalo the week before Christmas. Customers ordered fancy holiday drinks, the band played seasonal favorites, the wooden buffalo had a different greeting every day and his boss Tyra went all out with decorations.

But tonight he couldn’t wait to get the hell out of there when his shift ended at five. Snow was predicted, but it hadn’t started yet as he headed out of town. The deserted two-lane highway illuminated by Thunder’s high beams was clear and dry.

He nudged the needle a tad over the speed limit, enough to shorten the trip some but not enough to get pulled over. He couldn’t wait to see Lani, but he’d lowered his expectations about how tonight would go.

He wanted her in his life. He’d convinced himself he could make that happen if he took his time, and when her entire family moved to Rowdy Ranch, he’d thought he had it in the bag.

He’d overheard her folks tell his mom they hoped the air miles offer would convince her to switch to working remotely. He’d assumed she’d agree. That had left him only one task — turning her lust for him into love. He’d been prepared to give it all he had.

He'd counted on the book to play a big part in the effort. He hadn’t intended to fall for an editor, but clearly Fate had a sense of humor.

Granny was his other ace in the hole and she’d offered to coach him on how to conduct a serious relationship. She’d only known Lani from pictures and family stories. Didn’t matter. If Rance wanted her, Granny was geared up to help make it happen.

But after the way Lani had described her work setup, he’d faced reality. Remote work wouldn’t cut it, which put a serious crimp in his plan. He wasn’t giving up, but he didn’t have answers, either. This morning he’d told Granny he was backing off a little and she’d approved of that decision.

The new digs for the senior Armstrongs featured an old-fashioned lamp post beside the turnoff to their cabin. They’d asked Angie and her crew to install one similar to those lining Main Street.

Now everyone wanted one, especially after they saw how it looked decorated with a wreath and a big red bow. Between family jobs and out-of-town gigs, business was booming for Angie’s small company.

She gave partial credit to the new name — Two Handywomen and an Irishman . Kieran’s impressive skills added to its reputation, but some folks scheduled a project just to hear him talk.

Harry and Vanessa’s yellow truck was gone, so good thing Lani hadn’t planned on driving herself over. He’d washed Thunder this morning in honor of her first ride in his rig. He’d had to remove and reinstall the reindeer antlers and the wreath on the front grill, but the occasion warranted the effort.

Thunder glittered in the glow of Christmas lights strung across the front porch. A decorated tree stood in the front window and a large pine wreath hung on the door. Before he could shut off the engine, Lani came out, coat and hat on and a tote bag over her shoulder.

His heart stuttered as it did whenever he caught sight of her. She’d been a challenge to his equilibrium from the get-go, unlike Sara, who’d felt like a long-lost buddy.

His reaction to Lani had confused him until Lucky said he might be falling in love for the first time in his life. Lucky had called it.

Leaving the motor running, he hopped out. “I see your folks took off.”

“They’re having dinner with Andy and your mom. They suggested we all come over after Granny’s checked the manuscript.”

“She’s already started cooking.” He helped her into Thunder’s passenger seat.

“Then I’ll let them know.” She reached into the tote for her phone.

“You and I could drop by later, if you want to tell them that.”

Her gaze met his, held for a moment. Then she took a quick breath. “Let’s not complicate things.”

“Okay.” He closed the door and hurried around to the driver’s side. He would give anything to know what had gone through her mind just now. But he wouldn’t ask.

When he climbed behind the wheel and shut the door, he let out a sigh of pleasure. Thunder’s cab had never felt so cozy. Was it wrong to wish the drive to his cabin would take longer?

“Tough day?”

“No. Why’d you ask?” He shifted into reverse and backed the truck around so he could pull out.

“That big sigh of relief.”

“I’ve looked forward to seeing you. And now you’re here. We’re on our way. That was a contented sigh you just heard.”

“Oh.” A pause. “I’ve looked forward to seeing you, too.”

He glanced over. She stared out the windshield, not looking at him, but the light from the dash allowed him to see the flush on her cheek. “Does that mean you’re starting to like me a little bit?”

“I like Dooley a lot.”

“I’m glad, but he’s not me. I’ve never been in law enforcement and never had a desire to be. If that’s what you admire about him, then?—”

“It isn’t. He’s a reluctant hero. That’s always appealed to me.”

“Well, I’m about as reluctant a hero as you’ll ever find.”

“That’s what I mean. You sounded like Dooley just then. And he sounds like you.”

“I suppose that’s inevitable.”

“Does he think like you?”

“About what?” Her line of questioning made him nervous.

“Women.”

He swallowed. He knew a trap when he saw one. “Could you be more specific?”

“Sure. Does he think about Sophia the way you think about me?”

He couldn’t tell from her tone whether that would be a plus or a minus. What would Granny do? She’d tell the truth. “Yes, he does. Full disclosure, I thought about you when I created Sophia and if that bothers you, I can change?—”

“Don’t change anything. It’s… it’s lovely.”

“Yeah?” Which was nice to hear, but something was wrong. The air crackled with tension.

“You’re a shapeshifter, Rance.” Her voice quivered. “I took you for a jokester, a man skating on the surface of life, and then I read this book and discover you have depth and empathy and sensitivity, or at least Dooley does. And now I don’t… I don’t know what to…”

Her audible gulp told him she was losing it. He pulled over and shifted into park. “I’m sorry.” He unbuckled his seat belt and turned to her. “You’re right. You saw me one way and I played to that while working on a plan to dramatically change your opinion.”

Taking a shaky breath, she shoved her hands in the pockets of her coat. “Which you did, damn you.” She flashed him a look hot enough to set his clothes on fire. “I can’t get those scenes out of my head.”

He didn’t have to ask which scenes she meant. “I was operating on a false premise. So many people work remote these days and I thought?—”

“I know what you thought. So did my parents. And Sara. Everybody assumed by the first of the year I’d be living here. But I won’t. And now… now there’s you. ” She flung it as an accusation.

And he stood accused.