“Good. If they can make it I’ll go fetch them.” He looked up at the sky. “It doesn’t look like we’re due any more snow for a day or two, but her dad shouldn’t drive in this, all the same. It’s lucky that Adam’s just up the way there, or I’d be picking them up, too.”
They piled everything into the kitchen before Tyler went back for the tree. Chloé made up some mince pies which she popped in the oven before calling Maisie.
Her friend was delighted to hear from her, and thrilled to hear that she wasn’t planning to go back to Atlanta, after all.”
“I’ll tell you all about it tomorrow,” she said, as Tyler returned with the tree.
“I take it that was yes, then?” He beamed, his face red from the cold and as gorgeous as ever.
“Yep.” She jumped up and went into the hall to give him a hug. “Thank you so much. This is going to be the best Christmas ever.”
“I sure hope so,” he said.
“What’s that?” She frowned at a large holdall he’d plunked by the door.
“I hope you don’t mind, I brought over a few clothes, just in case I don’t get back home tonight.” He looked a little concerned.
“I thought you said we weren’t due any more snow – and even if we get snowed in it doesn’t mean you can’t walk home from here,” she teased.
“That wasn’t what was worrying me,” he said, a twinkle in his eye. “I just thought that it’s gonna take all night to get this place ready and I’m not planning to go commando again tomorrow.”
Her thoughts – as well as her eyes - immediately dropped to his pants. “Again? You mean you’re actually...?”
“Yep,” he said, adjusting himself with a wince. “And I’ve got the chafing to prove it.”
She smiled, her mouth watering. “Well, if there’s anything I can do to help you just have to say.”
He nodded. “There is, actually. Hurry up and get this place ready so we can get an early night. I don’t think I can wait too much longer for a repeat of this morning.”
He squeezed her as they laughed.
“Something smells good,” he said.
“The mince pies!” She rushed to the kitchen and pulled them out of the oven. They were the most gorgeous shade of brown, with mincemeat bubbling through the lattice of the pastry she had decorated them with.
“The look lovely,” Tyler said, peering around the kitchen door. “How many did you make?”
“Two dozen.” She placed them onto a cooling rack.
“We’ll need a lot more than that,” he said with a grin.
“Even you can’t eat that many,” she told him.
“We’re having guests, remember? I’m gonna have to share.” He rolled his eyes. “Why did I ever think that was a good idea?”
She giggled. “Maisie’s bringing some. She’s also bringing her Christmas cake and a load of other goodies.”
“I love that girl,” Tyler said, with a satisfied nod. “Did I ever tell you that?”
“Nope.” She switched off the oven. “But you did tell me how much you loved me.”
“And I do. In a totally different way,” he assured her, going over and putting his arms around her.
“Well that’s a relief. I wondered if perhaps I should tell Maisie she couldn’t come after all. I don’t want to have to fight her for my man.”
“You can’t possibly uninvite her now,” he said, feigning shock. “Not when she’s bringing the cake with her. She already told me how much booze she put in that thing.”
Chloé gawped at him in mock indignation.
“Besides,” Tyler went on, “I kind of like the idea of two girls fighting over me.” He let out a laugh, dodging out of the way as Chloé swiped his ass with her oven glove.
“Just you wait, Tyler Brannagh,” she teased.
He stopped short. “I’m sorry. Please don’t make me wait any longer than I have to.” He held his hands up in submission. “I didn’t mean it, I was only joking, really.”
“Well that’s good,” she conceded with a chuckle. “Especially as I haven’t forgotten about your underwear situation.”
“Me neither,” he said, with a look of dismay, “I wish I could.” He hissed with a pained expression.
“Let’s get that tree sorted out, then,” she suggested with a surreptitious smile. “The sooner we get this place ready the better.”
“I agree,” he said, leading the way back into the hall.
“Let me quickly vacuum before we put it in place,” she said as he went to pick up the tree. “And I’ll need to dust, too.
“I’ll help.”
They pulled out the festive ornaments that came out every year, and Chloé felt a lump form in her throat as she went through them. More Christmas tunes were played on the radio as they hung garlands from the ceiling and more decorations on the tree. Tyler went outside and picked some more holly which they placed around all the picture frames and along the top of the pelmets.
The fire crackled in the grate, surrounded by yet more greenery, and from nowhere it appeared, Tyler suddenly produced a sprig of mistletoe.
Chloé giggled as he held it over her head and pursed his lips expectantly. They enjoyed a lingering kiss, which only served to remind them that they’d promised each other that they wouldn’t make love again until the house was ready. Whose great idea was that?
While Tyler tidied away the ornament boxes, Chloé made some hot cocoa and re-heated the mince pies. She took them through to the sitting room and they sat on the hearth in front of the fire to enjoy them.
“These smell delicious,” Tyler said with a grin as he went to eat the first pie.
“They smell of Christmas,” she agreed, snuggling into his arms.
“It looks like Christmas now,” he told her, before kissing the top of her head.
“It does now that you’ve fetched it over.” She giggled.
He laughed. “And tomorrow, with the house full of our friends and all the food and drink flowing it’ll feel just like Christmas,” he promised.
“I hope you’re right.” She gazed into the fire, thoughtfully.
“You’ll see,” he promised. “Maybe not like Christmas past, but certainly Christmas present.” He gave her a gentle squeeze. “And talking of which,” he added, getting up and going into the hall.
He unzipped his holdall and took something from it before returning to the hearth.
Chloé swallowed hard. She’d half-hoped he’d gone to find some clean underpants to make himself more comfy, but it didn’t look like it. She couldn’t see what he’d fetched. “Oh no. I haven’t bought any Christmas presents,” she said, embarrassed.
“Neither have I,” he told her with a shrug. “I think it’s everyone’s presence that matters at Christmas, not their gifts, don’t you?”
She nodded, pleased that they thought alike.
“But I do have something for you. Not a Christmas present, exactly.”
He knelt up and opened a small box which he’d concealed in his palm. A diamond ring twinkled at her.
“I’ve had this for a while now,” he admitted. “I wanted to give it to you so many times, but I wasn’t sure I had enough to offer you. I’m not that well-educated and I don’t have much money, as you know.” He gave a self-deprecating grimace. “But now I’ve got a load of livestock and some beautiful horses, so I think I’ve got something to give you. I’ll work hard and make this place a resounding success for both of us. And I promise I’ll make you happy. Will you marry me?”
Tears flooded her eyes and her answer wasn’t much more than a whisper. But it was the reply he’d spent years yearning for.
“Yes, Tyler. I’d love to.”
The End
~May I ask a Favor?~
I really hope you enjoyed Chloe’s Christmas Cowboy and, if so, I’d be more than grateful if you’d leave me a review at any or all of the following sites. A review only has to be one or two words, saying what you thought of the book, or a more in-de
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Reviews help other readers find books and your opinion could help sell the book.
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Thank you so much. x
~ About the Author ~
In Bella's world all the heroes are gorgeous hunks and the heroines are always beautiful. Having said that, she firmly believes that 'handsome is as handsome does' and that 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder'. (She is also a big fan of clichés as well as alliteration!)
She has been hanging out with her 'imaginary friends' for several years now and finds the profession exhilarating and intriguing. Her stories are all Steamy Romances, although they vary considerably in subject-matter.
Whether you prefer cowboy romances, light BDSM, ancient myths or just contemporary romance, she’s got something for you. MF, MFM, MMF, and MM all form part of her repertoire, so be sure to check her out – you never know what you might find.
She hopes you enjoy your foray into her world and would love to connect with you at: http://bellasettarrapublishing.com
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Love or money—which would you choose?
For a couple of pretty girls like Danni and Alice, getting laid by ten different guys in ten nights should be a lot of fun. Especially with the promise of £1,000 just for telling Ray Morville, the owner of the local bar, all about it. But when Danni still has two guys to go and it’s already day nine, she decides she’s had enough.
What started as a fun competition on a drunken night out—as well as the end to her pressing financial worries—has ended with her feeling exhausted, regretful and desperate.
So, when her car breaks down and she’s rescued by a couple of gorgeous hunks who teach her the delights of ménage romance, she should thank her lucky stars that her worries are finally over, right?
Except that Danni has already developed feelings for the handsome guys. Is it the end of her financial worries, or the start of something much bigger?
Have you been to Cavern County yet?
The Cowboys of Cavern County Series
Cavern County in the mountains of South Dakota houses an eclectic mix of folk. Ménage is very common (although not compulsory!) and most of the residents have a laid-back, open-minded approach to life. Here, the hillbillies rub shoulders with the landed gentry and the line between the ‘have’s and the ‘have-nots’ is a distinctly blurred one – especially after a trip to the local bar!
Folks here are friendly, unfriendly, quiet, noisy, helpful, unhelpful – just like anywhere else, really, but one thing they all have in common: they sure love to love!
Carla’s Cowboys
The Cowboys of Cavern County Book One
Her secrets may be well-hidden, but she can’t hide her heart…
While on the run from Jerome Pearson, her dangerous boyfriend, Carla Burchfield falls in love with hunky twin cowboys, Matt and Dyson Shearer.
When Pearson turns up in town Carla’s first instinct is to flee. Reluctantly leaving the guys, she makes her escape, only to be met with an accident en route. Local rancher, Aiden Fielding finds her and takes her back to his palatial spread, where he calls the doctor and the sheriff’s office. To Carla’s horror she discovers that the local Deputy Sheriff is, in fact, Dyson Shearer.
Feeling upset and betrayed she flees the ranch, taking with her a broken heart and a head full of secrets the guys would never believe.
When Pearson catches up with her, so does her past. Can she ever convince her cowboys that her reasons for hiding the stolen cash from a shop-raid are actually honorable? And can they persuade her to stay with them even though the affluent Aiden Fielding appears to have so much more to offer her?
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Carlas-Cowboys-Bella-Settarra/dp/1786860112
How about a trip to Moone Mountain?
Ménage on Moone Mountain
The Men of Moone Mountain Book One
(MMF Romance)
For a couple of bisexual dominants like Travis Beaumont and Kent Freeman, the idea of finding a woman to join their family seems highly unlikely, especially having had their hearts broken in the past. So when Travis discovers a beautiful girl unconscious in a ravine during a storm, he can’t help but get his hopes up. Kent, however, is skeptical.
Brooke can’t help falling for the handsome cowboys who save her after a riding accident but daren’t confess who she really is or why she is in town. When she overhears that they have discovered the welts and bruises on her body, she feels violated, and seeing Kent wield a single tail whip terrifies her. Knowing she can’t possibly have a future with the guys she moves on but is forced to stay in the local hotel while the storm blows itself out.
When the local billionaire asks Brooke out for a date, the cowboys are devastated, especially as they realize they have probably blown their chances. How can they possibly compete with the handsome guy with more money than sense?
It seems like the last straw for Brooke when it is later disclosed that Kent Freeman is the local Deputy Sheriff, especially when she discovers that he has found out about her past and the real reason she is on the run. Can she ever trust the two guys again?
And when disaster strikes at the ranch, how can they ever stop her from leaving town?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LLDR8BW
Red-Light Wrangler
The Men of Moone Mountain Book Two
(MM Romance)
Can a bad reputation hide a good heart?
After realizing everyone he has been with only wanted him for his money, Rich Buchanan, the billionaire’s son, gives up the dream of a serious relationship and gets his kicks sleeping around. He prefers men, but he only brings home women, since his father would be horrified to find out Rich was gay. But secrets are hard to keep among the rich, and his antics soon earn him the nickname “The Red-Light Wrangler” when people discover that money exchanges hands whenever he sleeps with a guy.
When Nate Walker starts work as Assistant Foreman at the Buchanan Ranch, his good looks and gorgeous body immediately pique Rich’s interest. And despite the gossip, Nate can’t help falling for him, either. But when Rich’s cousin Joey decides to blackmail Rich to pay off his debts, he soon realizes he could get much more out of the situation. Outing his gay cousin and causing a rift between Rich and his father could be just the thing to secure his own position as Frank Buchanan’s sole heir.
Rich has no one to turn to but his lover. But Nate has secrets of his own, and his reasons for being at the ranch are not entirely honorable...
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LQBWBFN
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Chloe's Christmas Cowboy: A Festive Second Chance Romance Page 10
