Christmas Cowboy (A Standalone Holiday Romance Novel)

by Claire Adams

  “What did he do to you? Did you tell him who you were?” She narrowed her eyes as I looked away and took a deep breath. “Oh wow, you can’t even look me in the eyes; it must be bad. Is this one of those I told you so moments?”

  “Possibly, but I don’t want to hear it. I don’t regret what happened, but I regret that I didn’t tell him who I am.”

  Her eyes widened, and she plopped down across from me, her chair making an awful screech against the tile. “Tell me everything.”

  “I’m not telling you everything.” My face stung with blush, and she closed her eyes and shook her head.

  “You slept with him? On the first date?” She covered her mouth with her hand as if she dare not speak another word of it.

  “So?” I gave her a challenging glance. “It’s not like you’ve never done it. You earned your slut card before middle school, Madame.”

  “So, was it worth it? Is he packing? Nice ass? I mean, you’ve already fucked up, so don’t leave out the good parts now.”

  “It was hands down the best sex of my life, Bre. It was like we have this connection… I can’t explain it. He fills all my voids, and I think I fill his. He was so sexy, and he took charge, but he still let me, too, it was a perfect ebb and flow. I didn’t even mind his awful beard.”

  “He has an awful beard?” She made a face, and I nodded.

  “Yeah, it’s so long scraggly, but seriously, it would take a hammer to the face to make that man ugly. He’s so rugged and sexy. He’s so muscular, I felt like a little doll against him.” Warmth spread through my core as I remembered his touch, causing me to cross my knees.

  “Rich boy is rugged and sexy? That’s hard to imagine.” She shook her head again, and I nodded.

  “I screwed it all up, though. I had my chance to come clean, and I didn’t. I left there abruptly, too, and I hope it wasn’t obvious. I tried to not run out of there like my ass was on fire, but I think it may have come across that way. He’s tried to reach out, but I haven’t responded.”

  “Then don’t. Move on. There’s a reason you’re not letting yourself reach out. You know this is wrong, Lexa, as wrong as your parents’ lawsuit, wrong. I can’t believe you did this.” She frowned and looked at the table where her hands were clamped tight. “I mean, it’s hot, and I’m glad you got laid, but I’m not sure being nailed by Aiden Walker was a good idea.”

  “I’m not, either; but more than that, I can’t believe I want him, Bre. I want more. I don’t know what I’m going to do.”

  “You need to be with someone who can help you move on, not someone who is dealing with three times your grief, who you’ve already labeled an asshole. I’m disappointed in you, and the more I think about it, the angrier I get at the whole situation. Nothing good is going to come of this, Lexa!” She snapped the words out at me, and I flinched back from her. “Sorry. I don’t want us to fight over this, so let’s drop it, okay?”

  I nodded. One thing I could count on was no matter what: Bre was going to tell me what she thought. “I want to be normal and happy for a change.” Aiden had done that for me, but I would respect her wishes and not bring it up again. Instead, I opted to change the subject to something I knew she’s light up over.

  “So tell me about this Daniel character? Is he putting out?”

  “He really knows how to butter my biscuits, if you know what I mean.” She let out a deep sigh and narrowed her eyes and leaned closer as if we weren’t the only two people in her house. “I swear that man comes honey-butter, he’s so sweet. He goes three rounds every time, and I’m beginning to think he’s got an extra testicle. His sac is huge.” By the time she finished telling me about him, we were in stitches.

  “My cheeks hurt from laughing.” I rubbed my jaw.

  Bre waved a hand at me. “Girl, you know it’s from giving blow jobs, don’t even pretend.” She burst out laughing and got to her feet. “I’m going to make a pitcher of tea. Sweet or lemon?”

  “Lemon, please.” It was good to laugh, and I hoped she wasn’t that disappointed in me. Bre was one of the most important people in my life. I didn’t think I could make it without her.

  Two hours later, we were gathered around my parents’ table as my mother rambled on about renovations at the beach house. She had big plans, and I couldn’t help but be sickened knowing it would possibly be Aiden’s money footing the bill. I hoped that their plans for the suit would fall through.

  “I think that we should invite the Tompkins over when we get it all finished. We haven’t had a nice beach vacation with them in years. Not since the kids were little. I bet Jeffrey is out of college, same as you, Lexa. You should give him a call. Last time I saw him, he was quite the handsome young man. Perfect teeth and no signs of a receding hairline like his father’s.”

  “Jeffrey is out of college, Mother, and I talked to him at the funeral. He and his husband are opening a boutique in Atlanta.” I popped another bite into my mouth as my mother’s eyes widened.

  “I had no idea he was married.” She curled her lip and changed the subject. “Well, maybe we could have the Taylors instead. I hear that their son is a chief in the Navy. Good stock, that one. He was always such a beautiful boy.”

  Bre kicked me under the table, and we exchanged a giggle. She’d met Brad Taylor on vacation one year when we were around thirteen and made out with him until her lips chapped. She’d later told me that he’d felt up her shirt and she’d given him a hand job through his shorts. We’d called him Bradley Spunkpants ever since.

  “Are you listening, Alexandra?”

  “Yes, you were hoping I’d go out with Brad Taylor.” I cut into my steak with enough force to curb my aggression.

  “You could do worse. You need to settle down.” She pointed at me with her knife to prove she knew what she was talking about.

  “Yes, Mother.” I didn’t feel like arguing and hoped the meal would end so I could leave.

  My father’s cell phone rang. I hadn’t realized he’d brought it to the table until he picked it up and hurried away. It had to be something important for him to behave that way and sure enough, a few minutes later, he returned to the table looking like he had terrible news.

  “That was Jones down at the attorney office. He says that Walker’s defense team is trying to get us to settle for less than half of what we’re asking.” Dad seemed to brace himself for my mother’s erupting temper.

  “Less than half? I’m not settling for less than one penny of what we’re asking, not even if it means them losing their precious mansion. We’re up to our eyes in debt since the accident, and I, for one, am sick of living like this.”

  “You act as if you’re living in squalor! You’ve got a home you’ve paid off outright so you could retire debt free, and you’re entertaining the idea of renovating a beach house, which you also own. If you’re in debt, it’s because you put yourself there with your own poor choices. Don’t blame this on Shawn’s death.”

  “We’re not blaming Shawn-” Dad held up a hand to intercede, but Mother cut him off.

  “Do not speak to me that way. We’ve paid off our homes to better ourselves, but there are taxes and other responsibilities that aren’t a product of frivolous spending, so you mind your tongue.” Her voice as laced with venom. Bre excused herself from the table and headed to the restroom.

  “I do not agree with this suit. You’re not taking into consideration that the man on the other end of your greed is suffering, too. He’s lost his entire family: mother, father, and only sister. Think for one minute the pain you’re causing, or are you even capable?” I pushed my chair back and folded my arms.

  “We’re looking out for this family!” She slammed her fist against the table; the plates clinked together so hard they might have chipped. “I don’t have time to worry about anyone else.”

  I stood to my feet and threw my napkin down on the table. “I’ve heard enough. You people make me sick to my stomach.” I went to the living room, gathered my things and left. I wa
s so glad that I was self-sufficient and didn’t depend on their money. I didn’t want a dime of anything they took from Aiden. He deserved better.

  I rushed past Bre’s car and to my own, and as I climbed behind the driver’s seat, my phone rang. I glanced down to see Aiden’s number and quickly answered it.

  “Yes, Aiden?” I tried to catch my breath and hoped I didn’t sound ridiculous.

  “Hey, I wasn’t sure you wanted me to call, but I’ve missed you. Thought I’d try again and see if you’d give me the time of day.” He chuckled, and something about it was so endearing that I wanted to cry. “Are you alright?”

  “I’m fine. I want to see you, too. I’ve been busy, but how about tomorrow night?” I knew that I was only being rebellious, but I didn’t care. It was time to do something reckless one more time.

  “Tomorrow night sounds good. I’ll see you then.” His end of the phone went dead, and I heard a tapping at my window. I looked up to see Bre with a genuine look of concern.

  “Are you okay?”

  “I’m good. I’m sorry I made such a scene. I need to get out of here. I’ll call you later.”

  “You do that, or I’ll worry.”

  “I promise. I’ll be fine.” I knew I would, too, because I was going to see Aiden again. I already knew I had to tell him the truth, and that I was on his side.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Aiden

  “So you didn’t make this, either, did you?” Lexa stared into the oven and gave a soft laugh.

  “No, that would be Mattie again; this time I even got to put in a request. I hope you like roast.”

  “I love it, and if her roast is half as good as those enchiladas, I’ll marry her.” She stepped back and then walked over to the counter and found a stool while I grabbed the oven mitts and took the roast out.

  “Don’t make me jealous, now. I’ll have to sign up for a cooking class.” I went to the list that Mattie had left and followed my next step. She’d gone through the trouble of leaving instructions since I was having company. I laughed when the next two steps were: plate it and eat it. Good ol’ Mattie.

  Lexa leaned against the bar resting her chin on her hand. “I’ve always wanted to take a cooking class, but with my schedule, it’s impossible.”

  “Make the class come to you.” I shrugged. “You could probably find a chef in training that would come to your place and cook and give instructions for a reasonable amount, considering you’d buy the groceries.”

  “That’s a good idea. I’ve never thought about it, but that might work.” She gave me an approving nod. “Would you like me to help?”

  “I think I’ve got it today. I thought we might eat out on the patio, if you wanted. It’s a nice evening, and it’s screened.”

  “That would be nice. After, I do wish you’d show me around a bit more. You’ve got such a beautiful home, and I meant to tell you how amazing the front looks. You’ve had someone out to do a lot of work.”

  I hadn’t ever had anyone interested in a tour, and I felt a certain sense of pride that she appreciated it.

  “I hired in a gardener. He’s my old gardener’s son, but he only comes out once a month. His dad was the main caretaker until I let him go. I don’t know what I was thinking. He was only a year out of retirement anyway, but still. Mattie came back determined to make me take care of this place, and I had to hire her back so she wouldn’t have to keep breaking in to dust the rafters. She’s a real piece of work.”

  I realized I was rambling, but it was nice to have such easy conversation with someone. We took our dinner out to the patio and were quiet for a while as we savored Mattie’s roast.

  “I’d like to meet this mysterious Mattie. Maybe she can teach me how to cook.” She took another bite of her potatoes, and I noticed she’d shoved her carrots aside.

  “Not a fan of orange foods?” I pointed to the pile she’d pushed to the side of her plate.

  “Actually they’re my favorite, so I’m saving them for last.” She stabbed one and popped it into her mouth.

  “You know, I didn’t think you were going to come back around, but I’m glad you did.” I leaned in close and brushed a stray strand of hair from her face and tucked it behind her ear. She met my eyes and then looked away.

  “It was kind of a whirlwind. I guess I was still spinning and afraid I’d get out of control.” She sipped her iced tea, staring off into the oaks.

  “I didn’t take you for a control freak, but then again, you did take control there for a moment, so maybe?” I narrowed my eyes, and the warmth of red in her cheeks sent the blood pumping straight to my cock.

  “Sometimes I see what I want and take it.” She giggled. “When are you going to show me around? The sun’s almost gone, and I wanted to see those old oaks up close.”

  “Sure, come on.” I stood and held out my hand. “I’ll show you the oaks, but then I’m going to show you my favorite place in the house.”

  She took my hand and giggled. “The dining room table?”

  “No, but after our last date, I’d say it falls in the top three.” I led her out into the yard and to the back stretch where the live oaks spread over us like a canopy.

  “The moss is amazing. I’ve always wondered what it would be like to climb up in a tree like this and take a nap.”

  “Buggy.” Her hand pulled away, and she walked over to a low branch to stroke the moss. “My sister and I used to get in trouble for climbing them. So we’d go way down to the other end and climb in the very last one in the corner. We did it so much, the moss stopped growing, and Mother realized what we were up to. She had Pete put a squirrel gate up to keep us out of it. She was afraid we’d get chiggers.” I glanced down, and she was staring at me blankly.

  “I’m sorry.” She ducked her head and then walked to the other side of the rows and kept walking.

  I hurried to catch up. “Don’t be sorry. The oaks are beautiful, but let me take to you my favorite place. You’ll like it, too, I think.”

  She offered her hand, and I took it, swinging it between us as I led her to the garage. Her eyes lit up as I turned on the lights which came on one after the other in front of us. “The garage? I should have known.” She walked over to the row of cars and stopped at my father’s gunmetal gray Shelby. Her fingers caressed the length of it as her eyes drank it in.

  “That one was my father’s pride and joy.” I didn’t think to mention what kind it was; I figured she wouldn’t understand anyway.

  “It’s a Shelby. I’ve always wanted to drive one. My dad wouldn’t let me drive sports cars. He said I couldn’t handle them and called them death traps.”

  I thought of her car out front in the circle and doubted her father had never changed his opinion. “And so, being rebellious, you got a job and bought one for yourself. Your Camaro is a clean ride.”

  “Thank you; that’s exactly what I did. For the record, he’s still mad at me. He even offered to buy it from me and get me something else in its place. He said he was afraid I’d drive too fast…and many times I do.” She regarded the car again. “She’s fast, but probably not as fast as this. Have you ever topped it out?”

  “My dad never let me drive it, and I’m not sure he ever went over the speed limit. He only bought the thing to torment me. When I was sixteen, he asked me what kind of car I wanted. Of course, this is what I told him, right down to the color. He went out and bought me a new red GT500, which was nice — a bitchin’ car for real — but then six months later he came home with this, and I wasn’t allowed to touch it. He even dangled it like a carrot so I’d go to college and I fell for it.

  “Wow, what a dick.” I glanced down as she pulled her lips in tight and then covered her mouth. “I’m sorry, I-”

  “No, you’re absolutely right, he was a dick. My car was stolen about a month later, and I hoped he’d give it to me, but he didn’t. He even accused me of having my car stolen on purpose.” I stared at the hunk of metal and wished I’d had a better relationship
with my father.

  “So, let’s do it now. Take me for a drive. This thing’s been sitting up too long, and he’s not going to do shit about it.” She had a wild, rebellious gleam in her eyes that sent my pulse racing.

  “You’ve got quite the mouth on you, young lady. I like it. But, there might be one thing wrong with your plan: I doubt it will even start.”

  “So, let’s try it. Where are the keys?” She glanced around the shop, and I went over to the wall and opened up the key safe.

  I walked around the car and opened the door and slowly slid into the driver’s seat. Lexa got in beside me and shut her door with more confidence that we were going somewhere than I had. I put the key in and turned it holding my breath.

  After a bit of struggle that had my mood sinking, the engine roared to life, and Lexa cheered. I pushed the remote for the garage, and when I was certain I could clear the door, I squealed the tires as I headed out toward the open and ready side gate. Lexa smiled and rested her hand on mine atop the gear shift.

  We didn’t even speak most of the drive, but there were no words needed between us. I pulled back into the garage a half hour later and killed the engine.

  “That was fun. I’m glad it started for you.”

  I shook my head and reached over and took her hand. “I’m glad it started for us.”

  She gave me a lingering look and then shifted in her seat to kiss me. Her soft lips were so tender against my rough ones, and I wondered what it would be like to kiss her without my beard.

  “What other fantasies have you had about this car?” Her hand landed on my thigh, and she stroked it, inching closer to my cock which had been hard since the engine started.

  “Oh, I had many. I used to have this poster of one with a gorgeous brunette spread out on the hood in nothing but a bikini.” I closed my eyes and whistled. “She was gorgeous, and boy, the things I did to her in my mind.”

  “I bet I know what she’d have done to you.”

  Her fingers found my zipper and tugged it down as her other hand worked my button until it sprang open. I held my breath as she reached for my cock and wrapped her slim fingers around it, pulling it free. I leaned back as she bent forward and took me into her warm mouth. I pulled back the hair spilling into my lap so I could see her big hazel eyes staring up at me.