by Box Set
“Do you hear it?”
She turned in his arms. “I do. The wind is singing. It’s beautiful.”
“Especially this time of the year when the earth is blanketed with the snow, you can hear it even better.”
“You like solitude, don’t you?” She slipped her arms around his waist and laid her head on his chest.
“Sometimes I do. I don’t get a lot of downtime having a kid sister in the house. I get more now that we don’t have cowhands with us.”
“That’s cowboys, right?”
“Yeah, what you city slickers call cowboys.” He chuckled. “This time of year, we aren’t moving the cattle much, and the men go home to be with their families. Christmas is a big deal around these parts. You did see how Ma decorates, right?”
She nodded.
“Wait until you see the town. You’ll think you ended up in the North Pole.”
“You should see my house and our neighborhood. Everyone decorates. I put up two trees, one in my dining room and one in the living room.”
“You didn’t do it this year, right?”
“Yes, I did. I thought my kids would be home for Christmas.” She felt her mouth turn down.
“Aren’t you worried about leaving trees up in your house?”
“No, I put them up the day after Thanksgiving and take them down after the New Year. They’re artificial. I’d love to have a real tree like you have, but they’re so expensive.”
He nodded his head and ran his hand over his face. “I never could understand fake trees. We cut ours down every year. Of course, we don’t pay for them.” He swung his arm around the area. “We have a rather vast area to cut them from.”
“Yes, you do.” She moved away from him and sighed.
“What’s wrong?”
“I just wanted to tell you I’ve never done anything like this before.”
“Go on vacation?”
She laughed. “No, I’ve never met someone before and wanted anything like this with them. I just didn’t want you to think this is something I do all the time.”
“Holly, you don’t owe me any explanations. We’re two consenting adults.” He took her hand to start walking back to the Jeep.
“I know I don’t, but...” She stopped talking and followed him.
He stopped, turned, and looked down at her. “But what?” His eyes twinkled.
“I’ve never been with anyone but my husband.” There, she said it. She hadn’t come on vacation looking for a romance or to hook up, and she certainly didn’t expect to have the feelings she was having within twenty-four hours after meeting him. She didn’t know how to feel about it, but she at least wanted to give it a try.
He blinked and drew his bottom lip between his teeth. “What?”
“I’ve never been with anyone other than my husband and I haven’t wanted to until this morning,” she whispered.
“That’s what I thought you said.” A big smile spread over his lips.
“I don’t want you to think I’m the kind of woman who will sleep with anyone.”
“Why would I think that? Am I a little surprised that you’ve only been with one man before? Yeah, frankly I am. You’re a sexy, vibrant woman and I can’t believe someone hasn’t tried to make a move on you yet.”
“You’re so attractive and sexy and the things I want to do with you...” She covered her face with her hands. “I’m so embarrassed.”
Tugging her hands away, he put his hand under her chin and lifted her face so he could look her in the eyes. “Don’t ever be embarrassed about what you’re feeling. You’re hot and desirable and I want you. If it is meant to happen, it will but only if you’re ready. If you don’t, I’ll respect that.”
She looked in his eyes and thought she saw only truth reflecting back at her. No, truth and desire, desire burning deep inside his eyes turning them a darker blue as he took her in. “I think I want it to happen. But I’ve never done this before and I’m really scared.”
He pulled her against him and kissed her softly.
Her heart sped up. God help me, I want it to happen over and over again. She leaned into his kiss and let him deepen it. I’m in so much trouble.
“We better get going or we’re going to be back late. Ma won’t be happy if we miss the caroling. Looks like the storm might hold off for a bit, after all.”
When they got back to the Jeep, he opened her door and gave her a hand up then hurried around to his side, turning on the heat when he saw she had covered herself with one of the blankets. “You do realize your room is right next to mine, right?” He lifted his eyebrows.
Her eyes flew to his as she felt the heat of another blush cover her face. “Preston.” She giggled when he chuckled at her reaction.
“Darlin’, do you know just how damn cute you are when you blush like that.” Shaking his head, he shifted it into gear.
After checking all the cattle, they headed home. As he pulled his Jeep into the drive, he saw Ma’s truck parked on the side of the house. Disappointment raced through him. He’d hoped for a little more time with Holly before his Ma and Clare were back and talking her ears off.
“I’m going to put the horses in and feed them for the night. She’s going to want to head on over to the church right after we eat.”
“Do you want help?” She glanced at him with those beautiful eyes, her face flushed from the cold air.
“No, go on in and get warmed up. See if Ma needs any help and tell her I’ll be in shortly.” He helped her down and made his way to the barn. It was still early enough for him to shower before they had to leave. He knew his mother would want to take the truck so they could all go together. He sure hoped that chicken was thawed. Crap, he should have let Holly come to the barn with him. If Ma started asking questions, she might freak out and he sure as hell didn’t need her asking a lot of questions.
He hurried to get the hay and oats and bring the horses in. He checked each one to make sure their legs were fine and no one had slipped or cut themselves. When he brought Dakota in, he gave her a more thorough once over. He ran his hands over her sides and waited to feel the foal move. “Everything looks good, girl. Let’s get you into your stall and fed.”
Once the horses were bedded down for the night, he made his way back to the house. He moved into the mudroom, removed his boots, and slipped on a pair of slippers he kept for times like this. “Hey Ma,” he called as he walked into the kitchen. “That chicken smells wonderful. What’d you make with it tonight?” He glanced at Holly, and she seemed perfectly fine as she chatted with Clare about tonight.
“Mashed potatoes, coleslaw, green beans, and apple pie for dessert.” She smiled as he kissed her cheek. “Everything okay with the herds?”
“Yes, ma’am. Looks like a couple more of the females are getting close to birthing. I hope they hold off until after this storm. I’d hate to find some that didn’t make it.”
“Well, I don’t think they’ll calve until later, maybe in January. They’re probably getting fat from all the hay you’re feeding them!”
Preston chuckled as he set the bowl of potatoes on the table. “You know I’m only going out a few times a week right now, and since I usually go on Sampson, I can’t take hay with me.”
“Trip said he saw fresh hay last week when he was checking fences.” Tamra turned her hands on her hips, brows raised.
“Well if there’s fresh hay, it’s not from me, which means Trip is taking it out to them.” He grumbled as he pulled his phone from his back pocket and walked out the room. “Trip, what the hell? You’re feeding our cattle?” Preston hated taking favors from anyone. It made him feel less of a man, as if he couldn’t take care of his family. Hell, it was bad enough his mother rented out a room because she was worried they wouldn’t make all the bills.
“Look son, calm down. I had some extra hay so I took it out to the herd with the cows that are with calves. No worries. I told your mom so you would know where it came from.”
“T
hank you, but you know we can’t pay you back anytime soon, and hay isn’t cheap.”
“Preston, go have dinner with your family and don’t worry about the cost of a few rolls of hay. Think of it as a gift, okay?”
“Man, you’re too good to us.” Now he was embarrassed he’d called and said anything other than thanks.
“Your mom helped us out when we were down on our luck. So it feels good to give back. Remember that son, you always pay it forward.”
“Yes, sir.” He smiled in spite of his now ebbing anger. Shit, he knew he wasn’t mad at Trip, he was mad at himself and his father. When he went back into the kitchen, Holly had set the table and the three women were laughing, their heads together.
“What’s so funny?” He pulled out his chair, sat down, and grabbed the platter of chicken, placing two pieces on his plate. He glanced at Holly just as she looked up at him, her eyes sparkling, her face flushed from laughing. With that glance, feelings slammed into him. Feelings he couldn’t explain for this vibrant, beautiful woman. Fuck, I’m in trouble. He raked his hand through his hair and sighed, shaking his head.
Chapter 7
The Horse Knows the Way
Holly’s heart skipped a beat whenever Preston walked into the room. She couldn’t believe she was already four days into her vacation. Church had been fun the other night, even though Clare had sat in between them whispering to Holly, telling her who everyone was. A few times, Preston or his mother had shushed her, and she’d rolled her eyes and kept right on whispering. Holly was starting to fall in love with this family. She loved the church service, it was so different from the ones she went to at home. It was more personal and simple not rushed and generic.
She and Preston had stolen moments as often as they could over the last few days, kissing and holding hands. She felt like a teenager, sneaking around trying to figure this new relationship out. She glanced up at him as he leaned against the doorjamb looking sexier than any person should ever look. When his eyes caught hers, it was like an electric shock coursing through her.
“Holly, I hope you don’t mind a sleigh ride tonight.” Tamra glanced at her as she set the platter of pork chops on the table.
“A sleigh ride? Of course, I don’t mind. I’ve always wanted to go on a horse-drawn sleigh.” She was so excited, her hands were helping her talk again, flying every which way. She took a deep breath to try to settle her excitement. “One more thing I can cross off my bucket list.”
Clare cocked her head. “What’s a bucket list?”
Tamra, Preston, and Holly looked at each other and burst into laughter.
“Haven’t you seen the movie?” Holly finished filling their glasses with tea from the pitcher.
“Of course, she hasn’t. If it isn’t some mindless chick flick, Clare won’t sit still long enough to watch it.” Preston chuckled and jumped out of the way when Clare took a swing at him.
“That’s so not true.” Clare’s eyes twinkled as she tried not to laugh with them. “Well, is someone going to tell me what it is?”
“We’ll talk about it later. Look at the time. If we don’t get finished eating and change, we won’t have time to take the sleigh tonight. Holly wants a sleigh ride, and tonight will be perfect since that second storm is moving slower than they thought. Don’t you agree, Preston?”
“Yep. Weatherman said the sky should clear tonight so we should have some beautiful skies. Dancer loves the route over to the church, and I’m sure there will be some others coming by sleigh tonight as well.” He pulled the chair out for Holly and once she was seated, he moved to his ma, and then his sister. “Wait until you see all the sleighs decked out for the holiday. Some of our neighbors go all out.”
“Some of them even put battery operated lights on their sleighs.” Tamra shook her head. “Seems a bit much to me. Preston does a fine job and keeps the bells on Dancer’s harness polished and bright. I swear that horse prances higher when we put that harness on him.”
“He loves making music. Dancer is the dapple grey.”
“I remember him. He’s a big horse, but he seemed very sweet.” Holly was so excited, she couldn’t wait to get in the sleigh. She knew just what she was going to wear. She wanted to look perfect for the outing, and her black jeans and cranberry sweater she’d designed would be perfect. She could wear her emerald earrings and necklace. The sweater would set them off perfectly, and with her new haircut, they’d certainly stand out.
Preston handed the platter of pork chops to his ma and passed the potatoes to Holly. Tamra placed large, warm slices of buttered bread on small plates and handed one to each of them.
“I hope you like the chops. It’s an old family recipe.”
“I’m sure I will, it smells amazing.” Holly waited until everyone had filled their plates and bowed her head, folding her hands as Tamra said grace. How could I have ever picked a more perfect holiday getaway?
Small talk filtered around the table as they shared the meal, as well as bits and pieces of their lives.
“Have you ever been caroling before?”
“Sure but not like this. Our neighborhood is very nice, and people go door-to-door caroling. No way you could go by sleigh there. I don’t think most of my neighbors have ever been around horses before.” Her phone jingled. Holly pulled it out of her pocket to see April’s number flash across her screen. “I’m sorry, I have to take this call.” She slid her thumb over her screen. “April, hold on just a moment.” She hurried out of the kitchen to the front door. “Is everything all right?”
“Sure, why wouldn’t it be? I wanted to let you know Hurley is doing fine but he seemed sad, so we brought him down to our house so he wouldn’t be alone so much. He seems happier being around people. I hope you don’t mind? I’ll still check the house for you.”
“My goodness, you scared me.” Holly leaned against the wall to catch her breath. “That’s fine. He does like being around people, and he’s not used to me being gone for longer than a few hours. You’re a doll for doing this for me.”
“Thanks. So how is your cabin? Is it everything you hoped for?”
“Well, my room is perfect but I don’t have my own cabin. Turns out, I was mistaken. The room is in the family’s home, their cabin. It freaked me out when I found out I was staying with them. I’ve never done anything like that before.” She lowered her voice.
“Are they nice? Are you all right? They aren’t weird or anything, are they?”
“They’re very nice. It’s a mother, her daughter, and son. I feel like they’re friends already. We’re going caroling tonight and guess what?”
“What? Don’t make me guess,” April’s voice trilled.
“We’re going in a horse-drawn sleigh!” She couldn’t contain her excitement.
“Okay, isn’t it cold there?” She could actually hear the sarcasm in April’s voice.
“Yes, it’s cold and there’s snow on the ground. But it’s the perfect way to go caroling. I’m having so much fun.”
“Good, I’m glad. Really. I just can’t understand why anyone would want to ride in a cold sleigh when there are cars with heaters in them.”
“Because it’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I’m sure we’ll have blankets.” Holly could feel herself getting irritated. She loved her friend, but if April didn’t understand something or had no desire to do it herself, she could be a bit snotty.
“How old are these kids of hers?”
“Listen, I’ll call you later.” She smiled. Preston was sauntering towards her with that sexy, dimple-showing grin plastered on his face. “I have to get ready to go. Thanks for calling, girlfriend. Give Hurley a pat for me and tell him I miss him.” She clicked the call off before April could ask any more questions.
“Thought maybe you got lost, darlin’,” he whispered, leaning in close to her ear as his warm breath sent shivers racing down her spine. He placed a soft kiss on her neck before moving in to kiss her gently on her lips.
Holly’s eye
s flew wide as she peeked around him. “Preston! What if someone sees?” she whispered.
“They’re busy putting the food away. No worries.” He grabbed her and pulled her against him. “You feel what you do to me, woman?” He crushed his lips to hers before she could answer.
Feeling herself melt against him, she kissed him back until she was breathless. She finally pushed him away. “I need to get changed,” she whispered, laying her hands on his massive chest.
He chuckled and released her as she started toward the stairs. “I’ll be driving, and I told Ma I want you up front with me so you can get the full experience.”
Hurrying up the steps, Holly gingerly touched her lips, remembering Preston’s lips being on hers just moments before. She definitely could get used to that. She changed quickly and applied her makeup, wanting to look perfect for him. When she stepped back from the mirror, she saw her flushed face and almost didn’t recognize herself. Gone was the frumpy widow. In her place stood a voluptuous, beautiful woman. She thought these feelings were gone from her life. Now, she had to remind herself over and over that this was only a three-week reprieve from her life. None of this was real, it was just a holiday fantasy. Keep repeating that, girl.
As she made her way down the staircase, she saw the Carson family waiting and watching her. “I’m sorry, did I take too long?” He heart raced when she glanced at Preston and saw the passion in his eyes as he took her in, his gaze moving slowly down her body before meeting her eyes again.
“Nope, we all just got here. Preston has the sleigh out front, ready to go. You look beautiful, by the way.” Tamra smiled and gave her a hug. “Clare wants to sing while we’re riding, if you don’t mind?”
“I think that would be perfect.” She felt her face heat. “Would it be okay if we sing ‘Dashing Through the Snow’ first?”
Clare clapped her hands. “That’s the same song I said!” She put her arm around Holly’s. “Great minds think alike. I like you, Holly Candi Kane. You sure are a nice addition to our family Christmas. Don’t you guys agree?”
