He hefted out a breath. He’d hold her to that promise. “Best Christmas ever.” Their eyes met in the mirror.
She smiled. “For me, too.”
Pushing back, he dried himself and forced his heart to back away, too. No sense in drifting into her pretty hazel eyes and dreaming of things that couldn’t be. In the bedroom, he found his phone.
Dallas had sent a text. Did you get $125K worth of nookie out of your buckle bunny?
“Harsh.” It was Dallas’s way of reminding him not to get involved. Not to fall in… He looked into the bathroom where Gigi blow-dried her hair. No, not love. Just a need for companionship. If he kept telling himself that, sooner or later he’d believe it.
Boone typed his reply. Less taxes, of course. He shook his head. This wasn’t the conversation he should be having about a woman like Gigi. But if it would keep Dallas from busting in and hauling him back to Reno, he’d play along. He slipped into a clean pair of boxers and jeans.
His phone buzzed again. Dallas texted, Taxes up the ass, buddy!
“Crude fucker.” He replied, That’s a lot of taxes. Gonna need more lube. It felt awkward talking about her like that, but Dallas didn’t need to know how invested he’d become in Gigi. He read his words again and wished there was a way to recall that last text. “Shit.” He set his phone down and walked out to the mini fridge for a bottle of water.
Cracking it open, he stood looking out at Vegas in the morning sunlight. A different world than the nighttime city. This morning, it looked hard and cold, frayed at the edges and dirty all over.
“No.” Gigi’s soft cry came from the bedroom.
He rushed back in. She wore her robe and held…his phone. “Aw hell.”
“Dallas says to take the cost of the lube out of Gigi’s half.” She looked at him with pain and terror in her eyes. “I read the other messages, too.” Her hand shook as she handed it to him.
He set the phone in a dresser drawer as his heart shot a twinge across his chest. “You’re reading my messages?” It was the first thing he thought to say, and the last thing he should have spoken out loud.
Tears filled her eyes. “Your phone chimed as I walked past. I picked it up to bring to you and saw my name. I didn’t mean to…” She shook her head and turned away.
“Listen, baby, it’s just guy talk.”
She ripped off the robe and stepped into her jeans, slung on a bra, and pulled her T-shirt over her head. “Guy talk? You really talk about women like that?”
He hefted out a breath. “We just have this thing. This promise. Keeping each other from making a mistake.”
With one shoe in her hand, she searched for the other. “A mistake? Treating a woman like a lady is making a mistake?”
His back stiffened. “I treated you like nothing less than a princess.”
“You did. And you had me fooled.” Her hands fisted at her hips. “I know you think of me as a one nighter, and maybe that’s all I am to you. But for you and Dallas to talk about me like I’m a slut…” She dropped her head. “Maybe that’s all I am.”
The words were said more to herself than to him.
She wiped a tear from her cheek. “Maybe I was fooling myself.”
“No. Gigi. Wait a minute.” He could diffuse this if he could think of the right things to say.
Spotting her shoe, she reached under the bed and bumped her head on the footboard. “Bitches and whores.” Rubbing her scalp, she stood and brushed past him, walking out into the living room.
He followed. “It was inappropriate. Okay? I’m sorry.”
She looked at him with such agony in her eyes, he nearly choked.
“I’m sorry, Boone.” She picked up her purse and walked to the door. “Sorry you didn’t get to take me up the ass the way you wanted.” She turned the door handle.
“Now hold on.” He stormed over and pushed the door closed. Held it shut. “Forgive me, give me another chance. Let’s just hole up here, lock ourselves in, and I’ll find a way to make it up to you.”
“How, Boone? How can you take this hurt away?” She touched her chest. “Was I just imagining that we had something special? Something more than a couple days?”
Ah shit. This was what Dallas warned him about. Getting in too deep. Falling without thinking first. Making a mistake that’d cost him more than he could afford.
Cold acid swirled in his gut. This was his chance. Break it off clean for both of their sakes without having to do the whole goodbye scene.
“Yeah, baby. I think you were imagining it.” The lie rose like bile but it was the best way to handle it. He removed his hand from the door. He turned and walked away.
Silently, she left him.
He nearly collapsed from the pain. Boone walked to the bar and grabbed a tumbler and the half-empty bottle of whiskey. He passed the tree and flopped onto the loveseat. “Merry Christmas, asshole.” He poured a shot, added another inch, and set down the bottle.
How did doing the right thing feel like fifteen seconds under a bull’s hooves? She needed to move on, finish college, start her business. He needed to focus on his rodeo school. He had Dallas and Jay to think about, not just himself.
Stretching out his legs, he bumped something under the tree. A package? He set down his glass and picked it up. Wrapped in cowboy Christmas wrap, it had to be for him. From her. Should he hand it back to her unopened?
She’d just throw it at him.
He pulled off the paper and opened the cardboard box. A pocket watch. It reminded him of the one his grandpa left to his little brother. The cover had an engraving of a cowboy on a horse. He pushed the button to flip open the top. The time was right. Color caught his eye. He tipped it back.
She’d printed a picture of the two of them standing in front of the Birthday Baby after their win, holding champagne glasses. She smiled, but her eyes looked mostly shocked. He had his arm around her and grinned, proud and happy and…about to fall in love?
“Shit. Fuck me.” He snapped it shut and wrapped his hand around it. The gift was sweet, but adding the photo was a message. They’d found something rare and special, and he’d shoved it away because it didn’t fit into his timeline. “Asshole.”
His phone rang. Was it Gigi? He leapt to his feet and grabbed it. He didn’t recognize the number, but it was a Vegas area code. Could she be calling from Kira’s room? “Gigi?”
“Ah, no. Is this Mr. Hancock?”
“Yes.”
“This is Ray Truman, the slot department manager at the casino. We’re ready to distribute the winnings to you and Ms. Colberg-Staub.”
He had to get to her before she went to the casino office. “Have you contacted Miss Colberg-Staub yet?”
“Yes. I just hung up from her.”
“Damn.”
****
Gieselle closed her phone. She stared out the window of Kira’s room.
“Was that him?” Kira lay on the bed, her head propped on her bent arm.
“No. The casino office is ready to hand out the money.”
“Good. Get your money, and let’s get the hell out of this town.”
Gieselle’s chest gave her pain with every breath. Her stomach churned, and her throat tightened each time she thought of him. He wanted her out of his life.
The words repeated like a bad soundtrack at a cheap casino.
He wanted her gone.
Her phone rang and she checked the number. It wasn’t a Vegas number. She sent it right to voicemail.
Kira sat up. “Let me get dressed and I’ll go down with you.”
The hotel phone rang and Kira picked up the receiver. “Hello?” Her eyes opened wide and she mouthed, “It’s him.”
Gieselle shook her head. She had nothing left to say to him.
“You’re worried about her?” Kira listened for a few seconds. “Is she here?” She looked at Gieselle for an answer.
The decision came in a split second of clarity. She nodded.
Kira wrinkled her brow,
giving her a confused look. “Yes, she’s here.”
Gieselle mouthed, “In the shower.”
“But she just got in the shower.” She listened for a moment. “Sure. I’ll keep her here until you get here.” Kira gave the phone the middle finger, and hung up.
“Okay, here’s the plan.” Gieselle walked to the door. “When he gets here, tell him I’m in the shower. Turn on the water.”
“Wait, where are you going?”
“I have to let him go. If I don’t, I’ll be living with him in my heart for the rest of my life.”
Kira rubbed her forehead. “You know I hate it when you talk in riddles.”
Gieselle smiled. “Just delay him as long as you can.” She left the room and headed for the far bank of elevators, just in case Boone was already on his way. During the ride down to the casino, she listened to her voice message.
“Gigi, this is Boone. I’m sorry. I made a big, stupid mistake. Call me back. Please.” He paused. “God I wish I could turn back time to an hour ago.”
Her finger hovered over the delete key but she couldn’t do it. His voice would haunt her forever, but the message would be a good reminder of why she needed to guard her heart more carefully.
****
Ten minutes later, Boone paced the small room, past the empty, unmade bed that would have been Gigi’s last night, and past Kira in sweats, sitting on her rumpled bed with her arms crossed, glaring at him.
“So, Boone, you really said you’d need more lube to take the cost of the taxes out of Gieselle’s ass?”
He tugged his hands through his hair. “I told you. It was just trash talk that Dallas and I do. It didn’t mean anything.”
The bathroom shower still ran. He’d been in the room for—he checked his watch—eight minutes and thirteen seconds and she still hadn’t come out.
“So, tell me again why you said you didn’t feel anything for her? After she said she felt something for you.”
He fisted his hands. “Because I’m a goddamn idiot, okay?” He thumped his fist on his forehead then dropped into a chair. “I thought she’d be better off without me complicating her life. And I thought I’d be better off if she was just a memory. But I was wrong.” He dropped his head into his hands. “So fucking wrong.”
“Somehow, you’re convincing me. But I’m not the one you tossed out of your life.”
He caught Kira’s gaze. “Do you think she’ll ever forgive me?”
“You two seem good together.” Kira looked away. “Gieselle was happy.” Emotions rolled across her face. “She deserves to be happy, and I think she could be with you.”
She stood and opened the door to the hallway. “She’s not here.”
“What?” He looked at the bathroom door, strode to it, and threw it open.
The shower was empty.
“Where is she?”
“I don’t know. She left right after you called here. Asked me to detain you as long as…”
He ran out the door and reached the elevators as her voice trailed off.
“Hey, idiot.” Kira shouted down the hall. “Make this right.”
“I plan to, ma’am.” He jumped into the elevator, making two older ladies screech. He apologized while he pressed the buttons for Casino and Door Close until the damn thing got moving.
He jogged to the business office door and asked to see Ray, the manager. He was shown into an office, empty except for Ray. “Is Miss Colberg-Staub coming?”
“Well…” The manager took his time sitting.
Boone leaned on the desk. “Was she here already?”
“She’s been here, and is gone.” He smiled. “And you’ll be pleased to know she signed a waiver turning over all the winnings to you.”
He stepped back, his legs bumped a chair, and he sat. “What? She can’t do that, can she?”
“Legally, the money is yours, anyway.” He leaned forward. “She wanted you to have it to start your rodeo school.” He slid a stack of papers in front of Boone. “She even suggested I talk to you about the casino sponsoring your school. I’d like to set up a meeting for tomorrow with you and our marketing people.”
Boone couldn’t speak. She’d given him the money. She’d talked them into sponsoring him. His first reaction was to tell the casino to shove the money, but now he wanted to tell her to shove it…into her bank account. His lip curved in a half smile. “She’s quite a woman.”
“She is, Mr. Hancock. An impressive lady.” He handed Boone a pen. “Now, if you’ll give me your driver’s license, and start completing the paperwork, I’ll have you out of here in no time.”
Chapter Seven
Gieselle phoned Kira. “I’m in the Roundup Bar drowning my stupidity in margaritas.”
“I’m close. Be there in a minute.”
She stirred the slushy drink and propped her head on her hand. Boone must have his money by now. Was probably celebrating with a girl on each arm. “Sluts.”
The bartender turned. “What?” The place was empty except for the bartender, her, and a guy reading the newspaper in a corner.
“Slush.” She twirled her straw in her drink. “Nummy.”
He grinned. “You need breakfast? I can order something for you.”
“I got my breakfast right here.” She sipped from her glass. “Fruit, ice, sugar, and fermented agave.” Her voice slurred just a little. It’d be slurring a hell of a lot more in a half hour or so.
“Okay. If you change your mind, I get a break in an hour. I know a great place for omelets.”
She sighed. “And so the bullshit begins all over again.”
The bartender shrugged. “On second thought, I retract that invitation.”
Gieselle slapped her hand down on the bar. “That’s probably the smartest thing you’ll ever do, Mr. Bartender.”
“It’s Don. If you care.”
“I’m Gigi, if anyone cares.”
“Oh, fuck you.” Kira’s voice carried across the bar. “Stop being a baby. You knew him for less than twenty-four hours.”
The man in the corner folded his newspaper and left the bar.
“Don.” She gestured to Kira. “This is my good friend Kira, who’s come to cheer me up.” She sneered at her friend. “Not that anyone could tell by her bitch act.”
Kira slid onto the stool next to her. “Hi Don. Please excuse her. She’s just given up a huge jackpot to the asshole who dumped her.”
Gieselle focused her eyes on Kira. “How did you know?”
“Boone called the room looking for you. Said you’re not answering your cell.”
“Maybe I should get out of here. Hide out somewhere.” She sucked in a breath as an idea came to her. “I should get a flight out today.”
“No. Let’s wait until tomorrow.” Kira looked guilty and wouldn’t meet her gaze.
What was going on?
“But maybe some time away from this hotel would be good. After Boone called, I rounded up Dallas and Jayden. They’re on their way. We’re all going casino hopping. The four of us. And we’re going to have fun.” She pushed Gieselle’s margarita away.
“No. I’m not going anywhere. I’m going to sit here and drink until Don has to call security to bring me to my room.”
“Okay.” Don walked over with a slip of paper. “Let me get your room number right now.”
She laughed and wrote it on the slip. “I like that you think ahead. Be sure to give yourself a nice, big tip after I pass out.” She retrieved her drink and took a healthy sip.
Dallas and Jayden walked in, their boots loud on the wood floor.
“What the hell is going on?” Jayden sat next to Gieselle.
Dallas stood by Kira. “Boone took off in his truck. He’s not answering his phone.”
Gieselle shrugged. “He’s got what he’s dreamed of. He’s probably halfway to Reno by now.”
Jayden narrowed his eyes. “What does that mean?”
Kira explained the whole story, giving the cowboys the evil eye when
she mentioned the text messages.
Gieselle swung around on her barstool and faced Dallas. “Do you really think I’m just a slut?” She spun toward Jayden. “Just a trampy buckle bunny?”
Both men shook their heads.
“We know you’re not.” Jayden looked at Dallas. “It’s just guy talk, I guess.”
Dallas heaved out a breath. “I’m really sorry you saw those texts, Gigi. It’s nothing personal. We’d promised to keep each other on track, which means no women for more than a weekend.” He dropped his head. “It was my way of reminding him, but it came out too strong, and I’m sorry.”
Kira crossed her arms. “That was a shitty thing to do, Dallas.”
“Kira.” Gieselle appreciated her friend’s loyalty, but this was her issue to tackle.
“Don’t ‘Kira’ me, girl. You’re too damn forgiving.” She flicked a hand at Dallas. “If it was me? I’d yell and scream until you realized how bad you’d hurt me. But Gieselle’s too sweet for that.” She gestured toward her friend. “Look at those puppy eyes.”
Gieselle groaned. “Shut up, Kira.”
Dallas looked at Kira for a moment before glancing at Gieselle. “She’s right, Gigi. I’d feel better if you let me have it with both barrels.” He lifted a hand then dropped it again. “I wish I could think of a way to make it up to you. To make you believe I didn’t mean those things about you.”
“Maybe you didn’t.” Her airway constricted. “But Boone shouldn’t have replied the way he did.”
Jayden turned her stool. “Boone didn’t mean it, either.. He’s just runnin’ scared right now.”
“I wish I could believe that.” Gieselle looked at the face so like her Boone. “It wasn’t just the text messages, though. It’s what he said after that, and he meant every word.” Anguish rolled through her.
Dallas swung her stool back to face him. Her head started to spin. “I really like you. I like you for Boone, and I know he does, too. But give him some time.”
Shaking her head, she reached for her drink. “It’s too late for us.”
A Naughty Little Christmas (Cowboys, Cops, and Kilts: 8 Seasonally Seductive Romances from Bestselling Authors) Page 6
