by Vivian Arend
Holy hell in a handbasket.
5
Even as she hugged him, Yvette’s mind raced. The sexual tension rising between them had been so big, it felt as if she’d been about to be blown over. Breaking eye contact by giving him a hug had seemed the safest solution.
Now that she was up close and personal with every heated inch of his muscular torso, she realized she might’ve made a teeny miscalculation.
Still, only one way forward. She forced air between them and stepped back, jerking her eyes up to meet his gaze. “I know that we’re—still feels odd to say this—dating, but no matter how much I want to… I mean, it’s too quick. I mean, it’s not that I’m not inter—oh, damn.”
He laughed. The sound escaping him was big and hearty and full of nothing but happiness. “You know, I pretty much understood every word of what you just said.”
“Good for you,” Yvette drawled miserably, “because I’m sure it was sheer gobbledygook.”
“No, it’s all right,” Alex insisted. “You know how sometimes you get a text message from somebody, and it’s mostly gibberish, but you still understand exactly what they meant? So you text back and say something like ‘it’s okay, I speak typo’?”
Amusement slid in, chasing away her embarrassment. “Yeah?”
Alex caught her fingers in his. “I also speak awkward. Which means I think you were trying to say that you feel the physical attraction between us, but it’s too early to do anything about it. But it feels wrong to not do anything about it at all.”
Which was a little too astute.
She folded her arms over her chest and glared at him. “Did you hypnotize me or something? Because that was just spooky.”
The corner of his lips twitched upward. “Because I interpreted your awkward correctly?”
She nodded. “Pretty much one hundred percent correct.”
This time he was the one to move farther away, gesturing toward the table. “Let’s redirect this a little. Not because I wouldn’t love to continue down the road we just started, but I want us to enjoy the journey. We will not give in to any physical urges today, no matter how much we want to. Agreed?”
Yvette nodded mutely.
“Okay. Then how about you take off the sweater, and we’ll finish up on the table?”
“Good idea.” She wiggled out of the cardigan and pressed her hands to her cheeks in an attempt to cool them down. “Maybe I’ll grab us both cold drinks.”
He chuckled softly, but again his grin was one of a fellow conspirator, not judgmental. “Sounds like a plan.”
Even with a little more room between them, Yvette was still intimately aware of his every movement. Every time their arms brushed together an electric shimmer raced over her skin.
Now the sensation was something delicious. Tempting, with no hidden agenda or worry that she would do something wrong.
She was comfortable around this man she barely knew in many ways, and that was enough to fill her mind and make her consider all sorts of questions she could ask. All sorts of things she wanted to know.
In the meantime, they worked on the sweaters.
Once they were done, the gaudy creations were put away for the following week and their big reveal at the annual firefighters’ holiday gathering. Yvette took Alex over to the clinic and got him to help her check out the kittens and give them their first shots.
The sky was turning to twilight when he guided her toward his truck and placed the basket of kittens in her lap. “We’ll stop at the shelter before heading to Rough Cut.”
“It’s good to have the shelter around,” Yvette shared as they headed down the highway. “It’s always better when sweet little creatures like these can end up in a happy home.”
“I always get a kick out of the cats that live around Silver Stone,” Alex admitted.
“Having them there is part of a healthy ranch. They’re work animals, same as horses and dogs.” Yvette peeked into the basket, a small black nose poking out at her. “So sweet.”
“You don’t have any pets.” Alex glanced sideways at her.
“You don’t either,” she snapped before interrupting herself with a raised hand. Jeez, could she be any more uptight? She lowered her voice to a normal tone. “And… Let me try that again. It’s true. I don’t have any pets right now, but that’s more about where I live and the job I’m doing than me not wanting to have one.”
He reached across the distance between them and caught hold of her hand. His calloused fingers brushed her knuckles, his thumb sliding over the back of her wrist. “I won’t break if you talk to me in something other than a well-regulated tone. But thanks for starting that over. I wasn’t making a judgment.”
Which is what Yvette had realized only seconds after reacting. She glanced at their joined fingers, adjusting until the positioning felt both comfortable and fraught with danger. “I know you weren’t. You haven’t done anything wrong.”
“Oh, don’t worry. Give me enough time, and I’m sure I can pull off something foolhardy.”
Yvette sat quietly before confessing the truth. “I’d like a pet, but until I know I can care for it and give it enough attention, I get my animal-loving quota from work. I’ve seen too many times when well-meaning people get pets then semi-mistreat them by not being available.” She glanced up and met his eyes briefly. “I don’t want to be that person.”
He squeezed her fingers and added a quiet, “Good for you.”
They fell into silence. Yvette was a little embarrassed at her confession but also proud that she’d voiced it. Sitting together was once again more comfortable than awkward.
They were still holding hands when they pulled into the yard at the animal shelter. Sonora Fallen’s house sat to the south of the spacious old barn that had been renovated a couple years earlier into its new purpose.
Alex chuckled. This time his amusement held a hint of a naughty tone. “Well, well, well.”
Yvette followed his gaze but couldn’t see what was so entertaining. The only thing out of the ordinary was the tail end of a truck sticking out on the far side of the house. “What’s—? Oh. Oh, really.”
That was Ashton Stewart’s vehicle, mostly tucked out of sight.
Yvette twisted toward Alex and offered a grin.
He waggled his brows. “We have to drop off these kittens. I do hope we’re not interrupting anything.”
She waited until he came and opened her door, looking around the entire time for any signs of activity. Nothing, and when they checked it, the door to the animal shelter was securely locked.
Yvette turned and led Alex up to the front steps of Sonora’s house. “I really should feel terrible about this,” Yvette confessed.
“Me too. Strange, though. I don’t. Just curious and wickedly amused.” Alex put his knuckles to the door and rapped loud enough that there was no way anyone could pretend to not have heard the summons.
“Just a minute,” Sonora called.
Yvette leaned against Alex’s side. “You think she’s hiding him in a closet?”
He was still chuckling when the door opened and Sonora came into view. Her long, grey-white hair was up in a messy bun, her cheeks glowing and her eyes bright. “Yvette. Alex. Hi.”
“Hi.” It was tempting to continue to tease, but at the same time, Yvette felt a little pity for the woman. “The shelter’s locked up, and I found some abandoned kittens.”
“Oh. Of course. Come in.” Sonora stepped aside and gestured them forward. “It’ll just take me a minute to get my things.”
“We can stay out here,” Yvette offered.
“Definitely not. Come in out of the cold. I insist.” Sonora all but attacked Alex, grabbing hold of his arm and jerking him into the house so she could shut the door firmly behind him. “Stay here.”
She whirled on the spot, heading to the side wall where winter boots and coats waited.
Alex’s eyes twinkled so hard, Yvette wanted to elbow him in the side and tell him to behav
e.
“How’s your day going?” he asked Sonora oh-so-innocently.
“Fine. Just being lazy.”
Yvette bit her lips together to keep from saying something as she spotted a familiar truck quietly rolling past the living room window.
Ashton, stealing down the road and away from his secret tryst.
Once Sonora led them outside and into the shelter, things went quickly enough. It was probably less than ten minutes before Alex and Yvette were back on the road, heading in silence toward the charity event.
A silence that lasted only seconds before Alex outright snickered. Which made Yvette choke on a snort that escaped. They weren’t even at the main highway before Alex pulled over because he was laughing too hard.
Yvette gasped for air. “You saw Ashton sneaking away?”
“A blind man would’ve spotted him. The man is part ostrich. Pretending you’re invisible doesn’t make you invisible.”
“You going to tell him that?” Yvette asked.
“Why spoil his delusions?” Alex wiped tears from his eyes.
“Did you see Sonora’s blouse?”
He coughed then met Yvette’s gaze. “Um. Do I want to know?”
The older woman had been perfectly decent, but Yvette had noticed her buttons had obviously been fastened in far too much of a hurry. They were completely out of line. “No. I guess not.”
They smiled all the way over to Rough Cut.
Upon opening the door for Yvette, Alex marched into the familiar pub on her heels. Rough Cut was a laid-back dance floor and watering hole during most of the week, but as her owner, Ryan had been trying to make it into a community gathering place as well. Over the past year, with Madison by his side, more than drinking and adult socialization happened at the place.
This annual event was one that made Alex happy to join in and offer a hand. Putting together food boxes for families in the community who needed a little extra help was always a good idea but especially at this time of year. Alex knew that far too well from his early years with a mom who always had less money than they needed each month.
Ryan waved him over, pushing his dark hair back out of his eyes before grabbing a box of supplies. “The truck showed up late, so we’re running behind. Can you help me stack these beside the sorting tables?”
“Give me your coat,” Yvette said, tugging on Alex’s sleeve. “I’ll send over some more muscle as soon as I can. Okay, Ryan?”
He nodded. “Madison was tracking people down as well. Can you do me a favour, though, and sit on her? If she tries to lift anything bigger than a cup of hot chocolate, let me know.”
“I can give her hell all on my own,” Yvette assured him. She glanced at Alex and wiggled her fingers. “Catch you later.”
“Count on it.”
It took longer to set up than usual, what with boxes to haul across the dance floor. But even as the supplies were gathered, Ryan’s assistant manager, Grace, got the assembly line up and running. Filled boxes were transferred to vehicles for delivery that evening.
In fact, by the time six o’clock rolled around, they’d accomplished everything they needed to before the pub doors opened and the public began rolling in.
Grace returned to her spot behind the bar, while a small group of volunteers remained settled around the table they’d claimed for their own. Brad and Hanna. Ryan and Madison. Brooke and Mack.
Yvette and Alex. It felt good to be thinking of them as a couple.
Alex shifted his chair until he was right up next to Yvette. Wrapping an arm around her shoulder casually but very clearly claiming territory as more of the locals filtered into the bar.
Gazes lingered on them, a whole lot of cowboys stopping to take note of his presence at her side.
Yup. More than one man in Heart Falls would’ve been willing to take the sweet veterinarian dancing—and they could interpret that anyway they wanted to—but Alex intended to be the last and only man holding her in his arms.
“Is it just me, or was that more tiring than last year?” Madison leaned her head against Ryan’s shoulders. Eyes closed.
Brooke laughed. “Maybe it’s the bowling ball under your shirt that made it a little more exhausting.”
“Watermelon,” Madison corrected. “Bowling ball does not come close to describing the dimensions accurately.”
Mack leaned forward, palms pressed to the table as if about to share a secret. “Just don’t suggest anything bigger. You know, like a whale or a Goodyear blimp. I have it on good authority that homicide charges don’t stick if the perpetrator is eleven months pregnant.”
Madison barely moved except to roll her eyes. “You’re lucky you’re over there, and I’m over here. Because that deserved a punch in the arm.”
Instantly, a loud ouch escaped Mack’s lips, and he pivoted his head to scowl at Yvette, who sat beside him. “Hey.”
She blinked innocently. “What? I swear I didn’t do anything. It must be those mischievous holiday spirits, secretly granting wishes.”
Alex gathered her closer, holding a warning hand toward Mack. “Don’t even think about retaliating.”
“You’re no fun,” Mack complained before winking at Yvette. “Trust me. I’ll get my revenge later.”
“Yeah, he plans to step on your feet while you’re dancing,” Brooke warned.
Mack straightened suddenly, shooting to his feet. “What a brilliant idea. Yvette, dance with me.”
“Oh. But…” She paused then nodded, even as she eyed Brooke. “I guess.”
Brooke waved a hand. “Go. Wear him out a little first, there’s a sweetie.”
A moment later Alex watched his date dance away with one of his best friends.
“That was a twist I did not see coming.” He turned back to the table and shuffled his chair closer to Brooke’s. “What’re you up to?” he asked softly.
Because this had to have something to do with the guys’ threat to be interfering busybodies.
Brooke took pity on him. She grabbed him by the hand and hauled him onto the dance floor as well, whirling them in a rapid two-step as she spoke. “Yvette is a wonderful, fantastic woman.”
“Agreed.” Alex adjusted his grip on Brooke to hang on a little more firmly so he could retake control and start leading. “What does that have to do with your husband stealing her out from under my nose?”
“I told him I wanted to talk to you. He’s good like that. Especially when I offer outright hints.” She offered Alex a big grin before turning thoughtful. “I like you. I’ve heard good things about you over the years, and I’ve enjoyed most of the time I’ve spent with you, but I’m still giving you a warning. You need to take this thing you’re doing with Yvette seriously.”
Which was exactly what he planned. Still, Alex was more curious than angry at that point. “Rather than ask you what the hell you think I’m doing, I’ll let you keep explaining.”
Brooke made a face. Her next words came out in a bit of a rush, as if she were saying it before she could think better of her decision. “I won’t spill her secrets, but at the same time, she’s got triggers. She’s got the biggest heart of anyone I know, which means she takes people at their word. If you tell her one thing and then change your mind, it’s going to really hurt.”
Which was another thing he had on his list. Generous heart, soft heart. “I got that. I’m not pissed off at the reminder.”
“But you tease. And that’s not always going to go over well. Not because you mean to be an asshole but…” Another pause. Brooke shook her head. “Just give her some grace, okay? If she seems to overreact?”
A touch of understanding slipped in. Little moments, like her too-quick reaction to his innocent comment about not having a pet. Being overly worried that what they were attempting wasn’t a good idea.
Triggers. Why she had them was a separate issue, but knowing they were there was good.
Alex nodded at Brooke, refusing to ask for more information. The warning had been enough, and
now it would be up to Yvette to explain when she was ready. “I can do that.”
“Good. Because if you hurt her, we will make your life a living hell.” Brooke somehow managed to bat her lashes and keep time in the dance.
“Duly noted.” Alex grinned. “Thanks for the recommendations for her gifts, by the way. Your advice is going to be the biggest hit of the whole calendar.”
Brooke pulled on an innocent expression. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Oh, come on. I might have asked Mack for advice, but I knew damn well that anything I asked him, he would turn around and tell you about. Which means the tidbit about Yvette wanting a charm bracelet was your idea.” Alex twirled her hard, setting a path to intercept Yvette and Mack. “So, thanks. You’re brilliant.”
She grumbled a little. “Fine. You’re welcome.”
The music changed just as they twirled to a stop beside Mack and Yvette. Alex was reaching for her hand when another couple swung between them.
“Come on, Yvette. I need to ask you something.” Brad Ford gently pushed his wife toward Alex. “Try to keep him out of trouble, Hanna. No running into anyone.”
Ten seconds later Alex was dancing…but not with his date.
The petite brunette in his arms laughed softly. “You should see your face right now.”
Alex glanced over Hanna’s shoulder to spot Brad whirl Yvette across the floor away from them. “I’m being managed. That much is clear.” He glanced down at her. “Hey, Hanna. Long time no see. How are you, darling?”
“I’m good. My children are healthy and happy, my husband is a joy, and my friend is dating someone who makes her hopeful.” Hanna’s smile bloomed even brighter. “The way you reacted to that comment makes me even more optimistic.”
“I’m an optimistic-making kinda guy,” Alex insisted even as his amusement rose higher. He figured his friends would be pains, but their wives all leaping in as well…
