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

Chapter 36

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

L ani had never been so conflicted in her life. She knew what Rance was throwing away but he didn’t. He’d watched his mother’s career unfold, but Desiree hadn’t been able to fully embrace her stardom. Hiding behind a male persona had meant no in-person accolades, no media presence, no personal contact with adoring fans.

Rance’s talent combine with his dashing cowboy image would captivate readers. He’d end up on a video billboard in Times Square and sell books with his sexy smile. Because those books would deliver on quality, he’d shoot straight to the top.

But none of that would happen because he’d fixated on having her as his editor and couldn’t let go of the idea. Irving had capitalized on it to concoct this current scheme.

God help her, she was selfishly tempted to accept the job offer. Working with Desiree, Andy, Oksana, Lucky, Trent and the Wenches would be a blast. She’d be living near her parents and her siblings.

And she’d get the man of her dreams. Rance would star in her professional life and her personal life. She’d have it all… at his expense. How could she make him see that?

Not tonight, for sure. The sleigh ride wasn’t the time to debate his choices. Nestled against him as they glided along Main Street had been magical. She’d temporarily let go of the issues between them and soaked up the love.

He had a way of surrounding her with the warmth in his heart. For the length of the ride she allowed herself to sink into that warmth. If he’d drawn her into a kiss, she wouldn’t have resisted, even with her mom and dad close at hand.

Her parents hadn’t initiated a conversation, as if they’d sensed the emotion of the moment. Her dad would normally have asked Rance how things were going behind the bar tonight. Her mom might have mentioned how pleased she was with the outpouring of support for the charity drive.

Lani counted herself fortunate to have sensitive and observant parents. Sure, they wanted her to move to Rowdy Ranch. If she chose not to, they’d respect that. too.

Thor passed the Buffalo’s entrance and made another turn in a parking lot left vacant for that purpose. Lani’s mom called out whoa and the Belgian came to a halt . The ride was over.

Rance put his mouth close to her ear. “I love you, Lani-lou.”

She slowly turned her head. He was close enough to kiss, but putting on a show for the people waiting in line wasn’t her style. Or his, thank heavens.

After giving her shoulder a squeeze, he moved the lap robe aside, climbed out and helped her down. Then he thanked her parents for a great ride.

She glanced up at them and managed a smile. “Thanks, guys. Good job.”

Her mom smiled back. “Our pleasure, sweetheart. We’ll be handing over the reins to Angie and Dallas after one more run. Need a ride home?”

“Yes, please.”

“We’ll come find you.”

“Okay.” She turned to Rance. “Thank you for the ride. You’d better get going. I’m sure Clint needs?—”

“I’ll walk you to your table.” He held out his hand.

She took it, grateful for the connection. How often would she hold his hand after tonight? Maybe never. Lovers held hands. But they weren’t lovers anymore.

After they passed by the buffalo, setting off his Meerrryyy Chriiiistmaaas toooo Yooouuu message, Rance paused to help her out of her coat and shed his own jacket. “Thanks for going with me.”

“I’m glad you asked.”

He gazed at her. “Me, too. I—” He stopped himself and shook his head.

“What?”

“Nothing.” He took her hand again as he escorted her toward the back table.

Before they made it there, Irving intercepted them. “Lani, I’d like a word. There’s something?—”

“Please step aside, Irving.” Releasing her hand, Rance moved between her and his father. “You’ve caused enough chaos. She doesn’t need?—”

“It’s okay.” She put a hand on his arm. “I have some things I want to say to him.” Boy, did she ever. She’d been dying for a chance to rip him a new one.

She wouldn’t cause a scene. But before she had to face him over Christmas dinner she wanted to tell him exactly what she thought of his self-serving behavior.

Rance moved with obvious reluctance. “I’ll be watching you.” He glared at Irving.

His father looked amused. “Oh, to be your age again. I used to be full of fire like that. But that’s all in the past.”

“Mess with Lani and your future won’t look so good, either.”

“Understood.”

“Lani, if you need anything….”

“I’ll let you know. See you tomorrow.”

“Right.” His jaw flexed. Then he turned away, leaving her with the guy who’d sent the man she loved down the wrong path.

She took a breath. “I hope you’re proud of yourself. Rance is now sold on this indie thing when he could have had a huge career. You don’t get the enormity of what you’ve done because you haven’t read his book, but?—”

“You’re right, I haven’t read it. But I gather it’s damn good from the way his family is buzzing about it. I’ve also heard that you refused to head up Desiree and Andy’s indie press.”

“I can’t in good conscience be part of it when I know what he could have if he goes the traditional route. I intend to keep making a case for that during the rest of my visit. Maybe I can convince him.”

“But Lani, there’s something you haven’t considered, something that would let you have it all.”

“I don’t believe you. You bamboozled Rance and now you’re trying to do the same with me.”

“Hear me out. If you don’t agree with my reasoning, then we won’t discuss the subject again.”

“I’ll give you five minutes.”

“That’s enough. Trust me, these next five minutes could change your life.”