Christmas Cowboy (A Standalone Holiday Romance Novel)

by Claire Adams

  It was a proud badge to wear, as most guys would know. Only girls seemed to use it as something derogatory.

  "As a kid, I skied. Up here, actually." She turned and bent her knees a little before pulling her glasses into place. "How long have you lived here?"

  "All my life, baby." I winked at her and moved up beside her. "Take it slow, and if you need me, well, you know my name. Let's hope I don't need you."

  She chuckled and lifted her pole, smacking me in the chest with it. "It's Chloe and stop being so damn cute. I'm only here for a few weeks. I don't sleep around, and I'm only looking for a friend. Be nice, and I might let you put in an application."

  "Ha! Who said I wanted to?" I pushed off, and she moved up right beside me as the wind blew around us.

  Her voice was sexy as hell and filled to the brim with confidence as she responded. "Oh, you want to."

  I did. Badly.

  We made it to the bottom of the circle, and I pulled her to a stop, seeing that she didn't seem able to figure out how to slow herself.

  She turned toward me and reached out, taking a hold of one of my arms as she wobbled a little.

  "Wow. What a rush." She turned and looked back up the mountain. "I love it. Let's do it again."

  "You skied as a kid, but you don't remember how to stop yourself?"

  "It's been a long time. I much prefer the beach and the heat." She turned back to me and smiled before reaching up and brushing something from the side of my cap.

  Her nearness stole my breath, and for the second time in the hour I felt light-headed over this woman. I needed her number, needed to figure out something I could offer her that would have her taking up another one of my afternoons.

  "You only have an hour. We can do this two or three more times and then we need to get back." I pointed down at my skis and turned both of them inward. "Do this to stop, okay?"

  "Okay. I'll try it this time, but stay close just in case." She licked her lips and looked back up the mountain. "How do we get back up there?"

  "We walk around to the lift. That's why we'll only get a few more times to make the run."

  She growled, and the sound of it shot an arrow of lust into the center of me. "I want more time. I might actually get this down this year."

  "You're already doing good. Tell you what..." I bit my lip and looked out toward the valley below as she turned her attention on me. "Let's do this, and then I'll give you my number. If you want to learn the next level up, just call me, and if I'm free, I'm your man."

  She chuckled and moved toward the lift. "Let's go, playboy. You can give me your number, but whether or not I call it is an entirely different story."

  "And why wouldn't you?" I moved up beside her and reached out to catch her as she stumbled again. I tugged her back as she dropped her poles and pressed her hands to my chest as she looked up at me.

  "Because you're dangerous." The smirk that lifted her lips did something to my insides and a shot of fear ran through me. I could fall for this girl, which would be bad—really bad.

  "Dangerous? I've saved your ass twice today. I'd say I'm safe." I smiled and released her before bending over and picking up her poles.

  "Yes, a gentleman in the devil's disguise." She moved up beside me and took my hand and Jerry's to help her get back up on the platform.

  I got up beside her and chuckled as Jerry winked at me again. "Jerry. She thinks I'm trouble. Tell her I ain't."

  She turned and pinned me with a stare—over using the word ain't, no doubt. I chuckled again, enjoying the feeling of freedom to just be me and nothing else with her.

  "He's a good man and has been far better than most of these boys around here. He's pushed the pause button on his own life to help his daddy." Jerry patted my chest and smiled with pride. "He's a great boy, and I'm glad to know him."

  "Well, damn, Jerry. I didn't need you to go that far." I smiled and moved up to the lift, taking Chloe's hand and making sure she was safe as the back of the chair hit our legs.

  "You're helping your father here?" She glanced over at me, her attitude seeming to have dulled a little.

  "Yeah, but it's nothing like Jerry made it seem." I shrugged and pulled my goggles off. "Dad’s worked his whole life to build up his snow removal business, and I plan to open a lodge one day up here, so leaving wouldn't work, anyway."

  "So, you're helping him with his business?"

  "Yeah." I looked over at her and smiled.

  "What?" Her eyes narrowed a little, and I shook my head.

  "Nothing." I leaned back and let out a long sigh. "You're staying through Christmas?"

  "Yep, and not a minute longer." She turned and looked out at the horizon. "It's beautiful here, but my home is in California now."

  "Your family there, too?" I couldn't help but dig a little.

  "My mother passed away eight years ago, but my father and brother are in Arizona most of the year and here for the winter." She looked back over at me. "We've been doing the back and forth thing since I was little. Used to be fun. No so much anymore."

  "Skiing in the winter isn't fun anymore? Why not? Seems absurd to me." I extended my hand as we got closer.

  "Thank you," she mumbled and took it before hopping off with me. "My dad's an asshole and quite the man whore himself."

  Is she still referring to me as a man whore?

  "Finn! Oh my goodness. It's my lucky day." A pretty brunette moved toward me as we got off the lift. She glanced toward Chloe and smirked in a less than kind fashion.

  "Hey, girl. How are you?" I smiled and returned the awkward hug. I mouthed, “I don't know her” to Chloe as she rolled her eyes and turned, moving toward the narrow passage we used to get to the back of the mountain.

  "Oh my gosh. I've missed you so much!" The nameless girl puffed out her bottom lip. "Why didn't you call me? You said you would."

  "I was going to, but my damn phone ended up in the washing machine." I glanced up to see Chloe gone and knew I had a only few minutes to catch up with her.

  Any chances of snuggling up to her were lost, no doubt. Knowing that her father used woman like I did made it apparent that she wasn't calling me out by mistake, but because she knew how to spot us.

  My heart ached at the thought of not having a chance with her, and I carefully unwound myself from the girl in front of me and smiled down at her.

  "Nice to see you again. Stay in touch." I moved toward the opening Chloe had disappeared into.

  "How, Finn? I don't have your number."

  I called out some random digits and sucked in, forcing my legs to move faster. She'd be half way down the hill by now, and she was.

  I let out a long sigh and cupped my hands around my mouth. "Chloe, wait for me at the bottom, and I'll explain."

  She stopped expertly and turned to face me, skiing backwards as she lifted her hands to her mouth. "Not a chance, handsome, and call me baby. Seems a popular go-to for guys like you. Thanks for the lesson."

  "Son of a bitch." I shook my head and let out a chuckle. The little tart knew how to ski all along. Was she just playing with me? Somehow I didn't mind one bit. Now to figure out who she was and how to find her.

  Chapter Seven

  Chloe

  Unbelievable.

  I finished the run and moved toward the lodge as fast as I could, not wanting Finn to catch up to me. He was a player and a half, and while I didn't want to be interested in him, I was.

  It was as if fate pulled together every descriptor I'd given Jessie in the car for my perfect boyfriend and created this sexy hunk who looked like sin, was good to the town’s people, and knew how to take care of a woman in the sheets. Contrary to popular belief, I didn't date anyone who wasn't classified as a man whore. Bad sex was the hardest thing to get over in a relationship. Jessie called me shallow on more than one occasion over it—until it happened to her. Then she saw the light.

  Finn. What an interesting name.

  The man was sexy as hell, incredibly sweet, and funny to b
oot. His sense of fashion might not be spot on, but did I really want a man correcting my drawings and trying to butt into my designs? No.

  His dark brown hair and warm chestnut eyes were my favorite combination. The almond color of his skin combined with the small spray of freckles across his nose left me wanting to pant. he had strong shoulders and chest muscles, which I accidentally got to feel when he tugged me back toward him.

  "And his cologne. Fuck me, his smell." I groaned and moved into the ski lodge as an elderly couple gave me a look due to my choice of words, no doubt. "I'm sorry."

  I walked to the ski rental and turned my gear in, grabbed my keys, and walked quickly to the parking lot. My father had several vehicles available for me to choose from, but the Jeep Grand Cherokee was the winner every time. It was spacious and luxurious, but left me feeling safe.

  The drive home was a bit tumultuous, but I made it without much more than my nerves being on edge.

  "You guys home?" I called out as I walked into the house.

  "I'm in my room. You have fun?" Parker walked out of his bedroom, still in his pjs and a t-shirt.

  "Yeah, actually I did." I shrugged and put my stuff on the counter. "I forgot that I actually enjoyed skiing."

  "See? I told you there was things about this place to love."

  "Yeah? Like you." I reached out and ruffled his hair.

  "Speaking of your adoration for your one and only brother..." He reached out and tugged on one of the ropes to my hoodie.

  "You want food?" I asked.

  "God, yes, but no vegetables. I already had mine for the day." He moved to sit at one of the stools by the breakfast nook.

  "Oh, yeah? What veggies did you eat?" I walked to the fridge and pulled out various cold cuts and cheeses.

  "I had Cheetos and green gummy worms. I'm thinking that's pretty damn close to carrots and celery." He snorted.

  "You're an idiot." I rolled my eyes and worked on getting him something better to eat. "So, I met this guy in town today. He seems to be a local."

  "Yeah? What's his name?"

  "Finn. I didn't get his last name." I shrugged and handed him the plate.

  "Oh, yeah. He's the town slut. My friends are always talking about wanting to be like him."

  "How do you have friends here?"

  I made myself half a sandwich and glanced at the clock. I had twenty minutes before I had to put it in high gear. I was surprised that Cindy wasn't at the house already.

  "You know Dad and I spend the fall here." My brother lifted his eyebrow and I nodded, not willing to admit that I'd gotten so wrapped up in my own stuff that I hadn't realized that they were in Colorado all fall. When I called them, I dialed their cell, which was an Arizona area code.

  "So, this Finn guy is a big fat no?"

  "Um, yeah. Unless you like being used for the night and tossed away."

  I picked up my lunch and walked away, not ready to have any kind of sexual discussions with my teenage brother. A shiver ran through me, and I made a sound of disgust at the thought.

  "Yep. He's gross. Stay away."

  "Done," I called over my shoulder and walked into my room to start sorting through what I would be wearing for the evening.

  I texted my friends to see where everyone was. The twins were an hour out of the city, and Cindy was headed my way.

  It was decided that it would be easier to meet at a nice little Italian place in the center of town rather than all the way out at my father's house. I dropped the phone on the bed and lamented over the fact that Finn wouldn't be able to find me. If I wanted to see him again, I'd have to find him or bump into him. Why do things always have to be so damn difficult?

  I dressed in a cute skirt and tight top before choosing a pair of heels and fixing my hair and makeup in order to impress my friends properly. We all came from wealthy families, and it seemed like the first thirty minutes of any get together was catching each other up on what we did or didn't have, as well as eying each other's clothes and jewelry. Some part of me wanted to cancel for the evening, but it would look bad, and I'd never hear the end of it.

  "Besides, getting out will be good for me."

  I leaned in toward the bathroom mirror and put a second coating of dark pink lipstick on my lips. I looked like a Barbie doll, which was annoying. No man treated a woman who looked like me seriously, especially when I dolled myself up.

  "What are you doing in there?" My brother beat at the door, and I yanked it open.

  "Oh, great. You're going out with this guy, anyway?"

  "No. Some old friends are coming into town. We're going to dinner and maybe a movie."

  "Go dancing. There's a new club my friend's sister was raving about the other day. It's one block from Dad's store, though I can't remember the name of it to save my life."

  I nodded and turned around. "Do I look alright?"

  "Like my undercover gamer sister." He shrugged and walked back down the hall as I laughed.

  "Gee, thanks, buddy."

  "Anytime."

  * * * *

  I walked into the restaurant and handed the guy my coat at the front, worrying a little at first about being overdressed until the host showed me to our table.

  My three friends were already there and let out loud squeals as I approached.

  Momentary warmth flooded me, and it was good to see old familiar faces. I hugged each of them and took my seat beside Cindy.

  "You look incredible. The sun has done so much for your complexion. I love it." Janet reached for her wine and smiled.

  "I agree. Do you dye your hair, or is that natural?" Her twin sister, Kinsey, ran her fingers through her long brown strands as she tilted her head and studied me.

  Lovely. The microscope light has been turned on.

  "All natural, girls." I smiled and turned to Cindy. "How was the flight? The traveling? The family?"

  We each took turns going around the table throughout dinner to update everyone on the happenings in each of our lives. Cindy had seen the world, Kinsey had her own million-dollar online business, and Janet had published her fifth book.

  "How about you?" Cindy sat back and rubbed at her stomach. "Tell us everything."

  "Well, I just graduated from UCLA with my design degree, so now I'm working on starting my own company, which should launch next spring." I glanced down at my top. "I designed this bad-boy."

  "Oh, nice!" Kinsey reached across the table and ran her fingers over the fabric at my shoulder. "Feels so good. I'm impressed."

  "Is your dad supplying the seed funding?" Cindy asked and lifted her hand to take the check from the waiter.

  "Yes, but you know him and his rules. I'm stuck here for the next few weeks, and if I can stick it out for the holidays, he'll help me." I tried to overemphasize how put out I was by the demand, since they expected me to be bratty and catty like we all were in high school.

  "That’s dumb." Kinsey rolled her eyes. "So...what's up next? Shopping? Movie? Dancing?"

  "I wouldn't mind checking out the new dance club that opened in the center of town." I shrugged. "Some of the guys here are incredibly hot."

  "Yes, and being here for the night means only one thing..." Cindy smiled nefariously.

  "One night stand!" Kinsey and Janet yelled in tandem.

  I glanced around as several people from nearby tables looked our way. Heat rose up my chest and coated my cheeks.

  "I love them. So much easier than relationships, don't you think, Chloe?" Cindy turned her dark eyes on me. She was beautiful, the exotic one out of the four of us. Her mother was Asian and her father Hispanic. She was never without a boyfriend back in high school. I had no doubt that not much had changed.

  "Love 'em." I turned my attention to my wine and emptied the glass.

  "I want to find a local boy. The town whore." Kinsey wagged her eyebrows. "You know, every town has one, and this place is so big that I bet there's one for each of us."

  I stiffened at the thought of seeing Finn with any of my fr
iends. Anger rose sharply inside of me, and I stood, having to excuse myself to the bathroom. How people could be such assholes was beyond me. Not that Finn didn't set himself up to be used, but still.

  I walked into the bathroom and moved to the sink, washing my hands and checking myself out in the mirror. I wasn't beyond dancing with a few boys, but going home with one of them meant that the possibility of a second date was highly probable from both sides. Sleeping with someone only to have them lose my number the next day was too much for me. My friends...not so much.

  I walked back out to find them all waiting by the front door, giddy with anticipation.

  "You ready?" Cindy slipped her arm into mine and pulled me to the front door. "You drive. I want to get trashed."

  "Absolutely." I pulled the keys from my purse and glanced at her. “Where is your luggage?”

  “I dropped it off at the hotel next door to where Kinsey and Janet are staying before meeting you.” Cindy smiled. “It’s right next door. Remind me to get it when we get done tonight.”

  The twins were giggling furiously about something, and I couldn't help but smile. They were identical, both of them with brown hair and green eyes. There wasn't anything that made them stand out from the next girl, but they were wild women and knew how to get attention when they wanted it.

  "Your dad finally dating?" Cindy asked as we walked through the dark parking lot.

  "He's turned into a man whore, too." I shook my head and unlocked the car.

  "That's not good," Cindy said as she moved around the SUV and got in. "You think he's just still hurt over your mom?"

  "I guess. He and I don't speak much. I bitch at him about his diet, and he grunts at me and reminds me how unworthy I am for everything I have." I buckled up and lamented over the fact that I wouldn't be getting drunk. It seemed like the only way I might find relief. Seeing that I wasn't going to do it alone and yet had no friends, tonight had been my only chance.

  "I'm sorry to hear that. He's always been a jerk like that, though. You know you’re beautiful, talented, and everything you should be." She reached over and squeezed my shoulder. "I'm proud of you, and I've missed you."

  "I’ve missed you, too." I turned on the lights and pulled the car out into the road as the girls in the backseat started giggling.