by Danni Roan
“Is it time to go already?” Ashley asked wondering what it would be like to go dashing through the snow next to this gorgeous man. She wasn’t even sure if it would be a one-horse open sleigh or something different and a giggle bubbled in her middle.
“What’s so funny,” Collin asked as she walked out of the stall closing the door behind her while Soot stepped up sticking his head over the door.
“I was thinking of the song Jingle Bells,” Ashley admitted. “I’ve never been on a sleigh ride before.”
“Seriously?” Collin asked, smoothing his short beard with his free hand. “I can’t believe that.”
“I’m from Texas,” Ashley drawled, “when would I ever have a chance?” she smiled and her blue eyes twinkled like stars in a midnight sky. Now that Collin seemed to have relaxed, she couldn’t help but like him. The man was drop-dead gorgeous, considerate, and full of horsey knowledge. He even seemed to have a fun side based on the red and white basket he held in his hand.
“I believe we need to remedy this shortcoming immediately then,” Collin teased offering his arm. “Shall we?” Now that he had let go of his initial irritation at his ride the night before, he couldn’t seem to get enough of the woman at his side. It was beyond strange to feel such a strong attraction to a virtual stranger.
“I think we shall,” Ashley agreed, grabbing her heavy coat from a peg and laughing as they exited the barn heading through a door into the light of a crisp winter day.
Chapter 12
Ashley paused as they stepped out into an icy blast of cold, and her eyes fell on a bright red sleigh trimmed in black and gold with a running reindeer splashed across the elegant hand-painted decorations.
“It’s beautiful,” she gushed taking in the sleigh’s black runners that curled back onto the body of the rig.
“Dad picked this one up at an estate auction over in Fairbanks a few years ago,” Collin said. “It’s the real thing, built around the turn of the century and the whole thing is made of hand-painted wood.”
Taking her arm, Collin urged the young woman into the plush forest green seat and stepped up beside her.
“And you still use this antique for sleigh rides?” Ashley asked settling into the seat as Collin slipped on his gloves, covered their knees with a thick flannel and a fleece blanket.
“Only for the family,” Collin said, nodding to the man who was holding the large chestnut sleigh horse by the bridle and lifting the reins. “Thanks,” he added nodding toward the groom as he clicked to the horse that set off in a jingle of bells and harness. “We have replicas with a driving seat and spot for couples, as well as large group sleighs pulled by big draft horses.”
“You guys really go all out on the Christmas theme, don’t you?” Ashley asked looking at the black harness bedecked with garlands of green and red ribbons.
“It’s what we do,” Collin laughed feeling a flutter race through him that had everything to do with the young woman sitting next to him and nothing to do with getting away from the busy schedule of managing a hotel resort island.
“Isn’t it terribly cold for the horses?” Ashley seemed to be full of questions this morning as she gazed around her at the dazzling white snow that reflected back the first golden light of a new day. The bright sun kissed her nose, but the frosty air had a bite, and she pulled the hood of her parka up tight.
“There’s hot chocolate in the basket,” Collin offered, nodding to the brightly colored container he had placed on the floorboards earlier. “Grab the thermos and cups. I’m sure we can both use some,” he grinned. “As for the cold and the horses, our sleigh horses are hearty, to say the least, and are kept winter hardy by being stabled in a barn outside the main building that has less heat. That keeps their coats thick when the weather gets really frigid. We also groom all the sleigh lanes so that the horses don’t have to work so hard.”
Ashley concentrated on pouring the steaming liquid into two teardrop mugs and snapping the rubber-sealed lids in place before looking up, taking a moment to gaze down at the hard-packed snow beneath them. “That is very well thought out,” she commented holding a mug for Collin and watching as he switched the reins to one hand.
“I do my best,” the handsome man teased. “Guests come from all over the resort to take a sleigh ride when we have snow,” he added. “In the late spring and summer, we offer wagon rides out for picnics, or to a hot spring on the island.”
Ashley sat silently soaking it all in as she sipped from her red and white striped cup. The sweet taste of chocolate on her lips made her realize that she hadn’t eaten any breakfast and the slight grumble in her tummy made her question her decision to skip it altogether.
Collin’s laugh brought a blush to her cheeks, but what could she do. “If you’ll hold my mug,” Collin said with a sly grin, “I’ll take us to our picnic spot a little faster.”
Ashley’s blue eyes lit up as she took the mug checking that the lid was closed tight before nodding.
With the soft chirrup, and a whoosh of cold air Collin urged the big horse into a canter as the sleigh seemed to fly over the earth as if on wings.
Ashley’s bright giggle filled the air, tickling Collin’s ears and making his heart sing as he asked the big horse for more speed. It was invigorating to be outdoors, skimming across the snow-crusted lanes, and listening to the delight of the beautiful woman beside him. She was so fresh, so interested in everything, and Collin felt it a refreshing change from the hard work and routine of his normal life.
In no time at all, they were slowing to ensure that the sleigh horse didn’t overheat before coming to a stop under a grove of tall pines where small tables and chairs sat in a circle around a blazing fire pit.
“You’ve thought of everything,” Ashley said her eyes full of delight.
Collin leaned over his dark eyes tracing the soft outline of her face as he picked up the excitement within her. Ashley Bowlings was a remarkable and beautiful woman, and at that moment, he wanted nothing more than to kiss her, but instead he took the cup of cocoa from her hands and followed her to a cozy seating area by the fire.
“It’s like a magical dream,” Ashley said cradling her still warm cup in her gloved hands. “A fairytale come true,” she finished looking up at the white lights flickering in the trees above.
Grabbing the basket, Collin hurried to the cozy seat, pulling Ashley with him by the elbow as they sank into the deep cushions of a small molded settee.
“Are you hungry?” he asked with a knowing grin. “I skipped breakfast this morning, so I’m famished.”
Ashley nodded excitedly taking the thermos he offered and refilling their mugs, as he began to unpack a feast.
Everything was packed in specialized containers either to keep the food hot or cold, and Ashley was amazed as she was handed a steaming plate of poached trout, with bacon eggs and grits on the side.
“I asked the kitchen what types of food you had marked in your questionnaire,” Collin admitted, “the rest is just guesswork,” he added setting out a plate covered in golden Danishes, bejeweled with various fruit centers.
“This is nothing like any picnic I’ve ever had,” Ashley sighed reverently.
“Then I’ve done my job well,” Collin teased, taking a bite of his perfectly seasoned trout.
For several minutes they sat enjoying the food, as they ate first their entree then started on the variety of special treats that ended with individually sealed coffees and a pumpkin spice cheesecake as a dessert.
“I think the pumpkin is in honor of it being Thanksgiving,” Collin said as they placed their empty plates back into the basket.
Ashley leaned back into the plush cushions of the seat, laughing when the horse shook its head impatiently in a bright jingle of bells.
“It doesn’t look like we’re going to end with the same fate as the carol,” she laughed. “I believe that couple ended with ‘upsot’,” she added her merry laugh echoing from the evergreen canopy above as she reminded C
ollin of the old song.
Collin grinned despite himself, looping an arm over the pretty young woman. “I certainly hope I’m a better horseman than that,” he said.
Ashley turned looking into Collin’s warm coffee eyes and longed to dive in. He was looking at her so intently she felt herself being drawn in.
Collin looked down into the lovely face of his companion. She was so easy to be with, so full of life and spunk that he couldn’t seem to stop himself as he leaned forward brushing his lips against hers.
Pulling back slowly Collin opened his eyes smiling at Ashley who sat perfectly still, eyes closed as a smile played across her lips. Her expression was so inviting that he leaned in kissing her once more.
Ashley felt a rush of heat race through her as Collin’s cool lips met hers for the second time. Beside her, the blazing fire in the open fire pit seemed to cool as a hit of passion she had never felt before coursed through her.
The cold air stung her cheeks when Collin pulled back, and she opened her eyes onto his intense gaze. Had he been as affected by the kiss as she had, or was he so used to women throwing themselves at him as a handsome billionaire that it meant nothing?
Searching his face, Ashley was sure that she saw something deep within the gold-flecked depths of those brown eyes. Her heart jiggled in her chest as Collin lowered his head once more, but this time he stopped, his eyes still riveted to hers.
The sound of sleigh bells and laughter couldn’t seem to break the spell, as Collin dipped his head touching her lips with his as he deepened the kiss.
“You two at it again!” a woman’s voice pulled them apart, as the old lady from the night before dashed toward them in a one horse open sleigh.
“It looks like the party for two is over,” Collin said reluctantly closing the basket and taking Ashley’s hand. “How about a tour of the island?” he suggested hurrying her into the sleigh and stepping up beside her, urging the horse forward before anyone else could catch a glimpse of who had been enjoying a private picnic in the grove.
“Get a room!” the old lady shouted after their retreating sleigh, making them laugh as jingling the bells echoed down the lane.
Chapter 13
The tour of the island was a whirlwind of wonder. There were more picnic areas where chilly sleigh-riders could stop for a hot beverage and snuggle by the fire, these all with attendants on hand.
Along the path several groves of large pines shimmered with bright lights and Christmas decorations, bathing the snow in a glimmer of Christmas cheer.
The whole loop road was like a magical Christmas adventure, and when they passed a small herd of reindeer near a small red and white hut Ashley couldn’t contain her joy. “I suppose Santa lives there,” she laughed making Collin chuckle.
“No, just an older man who likes to tend the herd,” he laughed. “He’s been here for years and is full of stories and folklore.”
“I think that is interesting,” Ashley said surprising Collin.
“Really?” the man asked pulling the horse to a stop by the sleigh station where a groom hurried out to take the reins. “I’m not sure that I find tradition, for tradition’s sake very useful.”
“But traditions help bind things together,” Ashley said letting him help her down as they reached the resort doors.
Collin shrugged. “I think as we learn new things we need to apply them. Doing things the same way all the time doesn’t get us anywhere.”
“I’m not sure I agree,” Ashley said. She didn’t want to argue after such a lovely drive, but she felt it was important that she show who she was. “My family has been in Texas since the end of the Civil War. We’re still there, and we’ve been building on that foundation ever since. If you don’t know where you come from, how can you know where you want to go?”
Collin shook his head. “I understand tradition,” he said, “but people seem to want to live in the past and not move on. Take riding for example. We’ve learned so much more through science and analysis that showing is reaching a new height of precision. The days of lazy riding are over.”
Ashley scowled at the man before her. He had been so sweet, so relaxed earlier, but now he’d returned to the uptight, certain he was right attitude she had been confronted with after their performance in the ring.
“I’m sorry you feel that way,” Ashley said feeling the sting of his words. “I think roots are important, foundations are important. Western Pleasure riding testifies to that. The fundamentals are the basis of that discipline. Horses, working horses, had to have the ability to deal with all sorts of hazards out on the open range. They need to be dependable, knowledgeable, and steady.”
“Yes, but times are changing,” Collin insisted. “Horses aren’t needed for that work now. Most ranchers use ATVs and four-wheel drives. It’s time to move on and start challenging yourself for something more.”
Ashley gaped at the man, shocked at his attitude. “Are you saying that what I do isn’t serious riding?” she snapped, her blue eyes flashing with indignant lightning.
“It’s just not as difficult as dressage or hunt class. It lacks discipline and precisions…”
Hot tears sprang to Ashley’s eyes as the man’s words bit deep. She’d worked hard to reach the pinnacle of her sport, and the skills her horses learned in the ring translated well into everyday work on the ranch. “Then why did you have so much trouble with Nutmeg?” she barked narrowing her eyes in anger. “I didn’t see you giving a stellar performance Mr. High and Mighty Holliday,” she barked spinning on her heel and rushing away.
Collin stared at the retreating back of the pretty blonde and shook his head. He should have kept his mouth shut. He hadn’t meant to offend her, but he had, and now her words bit deep into his competitive soul. She had been right, but to throw his poor performance with her little horse back at him stung.
Perhaps she wasn’t the woman he had thought she was. In a few more days, she would be pulling out of Prancer Island, and if he could avoid her until then, things would go back to normal.
Still, the taste of her sweet lips lingered on his like a tantalizing promise of what could be. He hadn’t felt so comfortable, so relaxed, with any one woman in years. It had been nice to let himself go and enjoy the day instead of playing the perfect host, or playboy billionaire’s son, that everyone expected.
Dropping his head Collin turned back toward his private quarters. It looked like it would be a lonely Thanksgiving Day.
Shaking his head as his phone beeped, Collin pulled it from his pocket and looked at the text from his father.
T-Day Dinner tonight. My place, bring a friend. Dad.
Collin groaned, not sure he was up for a family dinner. He knew that his brother, Dan, was doing something on Dancer Island, and that Rudy was in Finland, so perhaps it wouldn’t be that crazy.
Pressing the buttons on his phone, Collin replied in the affirmative and shoved the offending device back into his pocket, while visions of him sitting next to the smiling Ashley Bowlings, over a succulent plate of smoked turkey and all the trimmings danced in his head.
He was still mad at her for her stinging retort, but deep inside he had to admit that he liked her and had hoped to spend what little time he had free on the island with her.
“You’re a dunderhead,” Collin said to himself as his secretary hurried up the ramp toward him, an official-looking clipboard in her hand. Why did he have to be right? Did it really matter in the long run?
His time of freedom was over. It was time to button up and get back to work, but his heart longed to have those precious moments by the fire back just one more time.
Chapter 14
Ashley poked at the perfectly prepared Thanksgiving dinner on her plate wondering what Collin was doing right now.
Thanksgiving had always been her favorite holiday, and she loved every wonderful, delectable, bite of the traditional T-Day menu, but tonight it had little appeal. She never should have said what she did to the handsome mogul, even
if he had all but insulted her chosen riding style.
Squirming in her seat at the table for one in the hotel dining room she felt her indignation rise again. She loved riding. She loved horses. Ashley hadn’t simply chosen to ride western pleasure in shows for the competition; she had chosen it to showcase the skills her horses used every day.
Pushing her dark thoughts away, she decided to enjoy her perfect meal, hoping that Collin Holliday would choke on his overcooked, dried out turkey.
A tiny giggle escaped Ashley’s lips making another lonely patron glance her way as she tucked into her meal with relish. She would be going home soon; there was no need to think about Mr. Holliday or his toe-curling kisses.
Collin stepped into his father’s plush mansion shivering at the unused feel of the place. It wasn’t often that the old man stayed in the house, preferring the luxury of his private yacht, The Cookie Cutter, instead. The fact that Gordon Holliday’s ex usually took up residence in the mansion when she was there made the Yacht a far more appealing home.
“Dad,” Collin called following his nose toward the kitchen where his father was busy taking plates from the oven.
“Prancer,” his dad called pushing an extra plate back into the oven as he craned to see over his third son’s shoulder. “Looks like it’s just the two of us then,” he finished with a broad grin.
“Were you expecting someone else?” Collin asked, wondering about his father’s odd behavior. “I thought this was a family thing?”
“No, no,” Gordon Holliday was quick to respond, “I thought maybe you’d want to bring that pretty horsewoman from the show along. You know, to be polite. As for your brothers, they’ve been in and out all evening. Comet just left in a huff a few minutes ago. He’s not happy about being stuck on the Island for the holidays.”
“I’m afraid Miss Bowlings and I had a disagreement today,” Collin said sliding into a seat across from his father. “I’m afraid that every time I open my mouth around her, I end up insulting her in some way,” he added with a groan.
