A Cowboy Firefighter For Christmas (Smokin' Hot Cowboys 1) (16 page)

Trey jerked up his zipper the inch Misty had lowered it as he watched her walk away to take her phone call from Texas Timber. He felt blindsided, but he should’ve known better. She was too perfect. She’d said all the right things at all the right times. Everybody liked her, trusted her, and wanted to be with her. She was even leading the charge to get animal oxygen kits.

And she had to be working for Texas Timber, the rattlesnake in his woodpile. How could he believe anything she’d said or done since the first moment he’d met her? Every sultry look. Every sweet kiss. Every hot touch. For that matter, maybe she didn’t even have a fire phobia that led to panic attacks. Surely she couldn’t have faked it all. But that thought might go to prove he still wanted to believe in her.

Why hadn’t he at least looked her up online? That was a quick and easy check. But he’d been fighting fires, taking care of cattle, getting ready for Christmas in the Country. He hadn’t had a free moment. But he should’ve made time. He’d involved his family, friends, and community. He sorely regretted inviting the fox into the henhouse. But he was on alert now, and all his protective instincts were in play.

One major question remained for consideration. How far was Misty willing to go to get a signature for Wildcat Ranch on a Texas Timber agreement? Start fires? Cut fences? Crawl into his bed? The first two—he had to stop. The second—well, why not? If she was willing to take advantage of him, why couldn’t he return the favor? He knew how to slip a halter on a heifer. And that wouldn’t be one bit of imposition on his part. If she was determined to get animal kits for volunteers, that was all to the better. If she wanted to help with Christmas in the Country, fine by him. If she wanted to snuggle, he wouldn’t kick her out of his bed. But he’d keep one eye open all the time.

That brought him to his second round of reasoning about his not-so-nice Christmas angel. Was she working with somebody? And if so, whom? It could be an outsider, local, or just about anybody—except his friends and family. He’d trust them to the ends of the Earth. Still, he didn’t see how she could be handling all the problems on her own, particularly since she hadn’t been in town or she hadn’t shown herself in town before now.

At least he knew why he’d had that uneasy feeling about her from the first. He didn’t want to accuse her if she wasn’t guilty, but he couldn’t take a chance on her innocence. Too much was at stake. At least now Texas Timber had a face.
Misty Reynolds.
Devil or angel, he’d make that final decision at some point. Sooner or later, he’d find out why she was really in town. He hoped he was mistaken about her, but he doubted it. Why else would Texas Timber send her here?

Misty raised her voice. “Yes, Audrey. I understand you’re available 24/7. I am, too. I’ll get you a detailed report tomorrow morning. And I’ll stay in touch. Good-bye now.” Misty disconnected and slipped the phone in her pocket.

“Everything okay?” Trey pretended to know nothing about her call, but his mind was racing with everything he’d learned about her. Texas Timber must be keeping her on a short leash if she had to make herself available anytime day or night. Either that or what she was doing in Wildcat Bluff was vitally important to the company.

“Sorry. I had to take that call.” She sat down at the table and took a sip of cider.

“Trouble?” He picked up his boots and socks before he sat down across from her.

“Not really. I’m on vacation, but some clients need to be reassured no matter what.”

“Christmas can affect people that way.” He rolled down the legs of his jeans. “You never said what you do for a living.”

“Didn’t I?”

“Is it stressful?”

“Not usually. I’m a troubleshooter. Corporate mostly.”

“Sounds like interesting work.” He pulled on his socks, not looking at her so he’d appear casual about his questions. But he jerked on his boots when he realized troubleshooter fit perfectly with a company harassing folks to get their land. That was the last thing he wanted to hear.

“It can be, but it’s usually pretty boring.” She drummed her fingertips on the tabletop. “Not interesting like your ranching or firefighting.”

“Guess everything can get boring after a while.”

“I apologize for—well, earlier. I’d like to make up for it another time.”

“Sure. It’s late anyway.”

“Thanks. I really like your family and friends.”

“They like you, too.” He picked up his phone and slipped it into his back pocket.

“Storm is adorable.”

“Stinker is what she is.” He smiled fondly as he lifted his cup of cider to his mouth.

“Sydney is lovely, but sometimes she seems a little sad.”

Trey took a drink, buying time. Misty was on a fishing expedition about his family. He’d give her what she could find out anywhere.

“Is it the holidays, do you think?”

“Partly, I guess. Sydney’s husband died in Afghanistan. Several years ago now. Big loss for everybody.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry. She must really miss him at Christmastime.”

“She’s got Storm to fill her life.”

“I’m so glad.” Misty smiled over the rim of her mug.

“Brock was one of a kind. Cowboy first. But he got a hankering to serve his country. He joined the U.S. Army and became a Ranger.”

“Impressive.”

Trey ran a hand through his hair. He missed Brock and felt it more than usual at Christmas. Misty had an angel’s way of bringing out a man’s pain and helping heal it. But she had a devil’s way of using it to suit her own ends.

“Forgive me. I didn’t mean to bring up sad memories.” She reached out with her palm up.

He squeezed her hand, feeling the now familiar heat blaze a trail up his arm toward his heart, but he shut it down. He needed to know a whole lot more about her beside his physical response. “Why don’t you come out to my ranch tomorrow?”

“Really?”

“We could make more plans for the benefit. And I’d like you to see how the other half lives.”

“I’ve never seen a ranch. I’d enjoy it.”

“Great.” He could well imagine how much she’d like to see the ranch she was trying to hand over to Texas Timber.

“What time?”

“Will around eleven in the morning after my ranch work suit you?” First he’d boot up his laptop and find out more about her.

“That’s fine.”

“I’ll cook a couple of buffalo steaks.”

“Sounds delicious. I’ve never eaten bison. What do you want me to bring? Dessert?”

“Just your pretty self.”

“I’m serious.”

“So am I.” He patted her hand before he got to his feet.

She stood up, too. “Really, I’m sorry about—”

“Don’t be.” He leaned down and pressed a quick kiss to her lips. “Gives me a good reason to get you out to the ranch.”

“I’ll need directions.”

“Too tricky.” He wanted her completely in his control tomorrow. By then, he might have a few questions to put to her. In any case, he wanted her to see what she was trying to destroy. “I’ll pick you up.”

“But—”

“No buts.”

“All right. I wouldn’t want to get lost.”

“Not gonna happen.”

She carried her mug in one hand as she walked over to the brick path. “Could we look around a little on your ranch? I’d like to see it.”

“Sure.” He shook his head at her request. She was digging her ditch a little deeper all the time. No doubt she wanted to reconnoiter for Texas Timber. Let her. She’d see Wildcat Ranch was getting along fine no matter how much was thrown at it. Maybe he could convince her—and Texas Timber—that he and his family would never sell their heritage.

“I’m excited about going to your ranch.”

“I bet you’ll like what you see.”

She chuckled as she looked at him. “I already do.”

Smiling, he joined her on the path. He tossed the dregs of his cider onto the dry grass as he considered Misty. She was good. He had to give her that. If he hadn’t seen Texas Timber on her phone, he’d be about as far as he could get down the road she was leading him.

“Guess it’s time to get some sleep before our big day tomorrow.”

“Yeah.” He caught her sweet scent and heard her soft breath before she turned and started up the path toward the house. Devil or angel?

He didn’t give a damn. He still wanted her.

Misty sat at her desk in Twin Oaks the next day. She was open for business with her laptop ready, her cell phone nearby, and her mind in gear.

Sunlight warmed her suite, birds chirped outside, and soft quiet surrounded her. She reached to the side of her laptop and picked up the glass bluebird she’d bought at Adelia’s Delights. She stroked the smooth contours, thinking about the warm and friendly and helpful people she’d met in Wildcat Bluff, before she set the bird back down on the desk.

She still felt a little high—truth be told, more than a little—from those exhilarating moments with Trey the night before.

She’d looked him up online. She’d learned as much from what wasn’t there as what was there. No website for Wildcat Ranch. No Facebook. No Twitter. No anything else. He was mentioned in a few newspaper articles at benefits or other functions for Wildcat Bluff Fire-Rescue, but that was mostly it except for his string of impressive rodeo wins. He obviously didn’t do social media, but she wasn’t too surprised by that fact. He was a hands-on kind of guy.

And that thought set off a heat wave, earthquake, tsunami. She tingled all over with extreme body memory. She’d felt too hot since the moment he’d brought her to the brink, then nudged her over with masterful strokes. She wanted more, needed more, craved more. But she was a professional on a job and he was part of her investigation, so she was trying to be objective about him.

Yet she was feeling anything but objective with her thoughts swirling around him like a whirling dust devil. He was a package of pleasure waiting to be unwrapped for hours of decadent indulgence.

She needed to keep her mind on business. Cindi Lou was due a call and would definitely get her thoughts back in the right place. She picked up her cell and hit speed dial for her BFF.

“Misty, how is every little thing in your neck of the woods?” Cindi Lou asked when she answered the phone.

“Bumping along,” Misty said automatically before she quickly put her thoughts in order. “Did Audrey call you?”

“You know it.”

“She had bad timing last night. Interrupted me.” Misty knew she sounded too abrupt, but couldn’t seem to help it.

“Audrey’s just getting antsy. What did she barge into?”

Misty felt a wave of heat roll over her as thoughts of Trey leaped to the surface. “Oh, well—”

“What’s going on?”

“You saw my report, didn’t you? I wrote and emailed it to Audrey this morning.”

“Yep, I got my copy. Read it. Liked it. Filed it.”

“Good.”

“Audrey’s a fine VP, but she’s got Texas Timber brass breathing down her neck. They want an answer before the situation blows up in their faces.”

“I’m only on my third day in Wildcat Bluff.”

“She knows that. I know that. But do the big honchos care? They want their problem solved yesterday.”

Misty sighed, knowing that was always the case. “I’ve gathered facts fast here because everyone is so kind and helpful.”

“Not all. Somebody’s a ringer.”

“You’re right. But I’ll find that troublemaker.”

“You always do. Now, Audrey said you sounded distracted or something. She’d waited to call at night when she thought you’d be free to talk longer.”

“I wasn’t free.” Misty caught her breath on a sharp intake as little bursts of memory exploded in her mind—Trey’s hot breath against her earlobe, soft kisses across her breasts, strong fingers raising her dress.

“Oh my.” Cindi Lou’s voice lowered intimately. “It’s that hunky cowboy firefighter, isn’t it?”

“He’s helping me with my investigation.” Misty tried to sound professional but knew she missed it by a long shot.

“Sure he is. Bet he’s trying to discover if you buy your undies at Victoria’s Secret or Walmart.”

Misty couldn’t help but chuckle. This was a good example of why she loved her BFF. Cindi Lou had a knack for getting quickly to the bottom line. “Honestly, he’s like every dream guy you could ever imagine rolled into one big—”

“Orgasm?”

Misty laughed harder. “That’s one way to put it.”

“But is it the right way?”

“Yeah.”

Cindi Lou chortled loudly over the phone. “This calls for a fresh Dr Pepper. Hang on a sec.”

Misty heard her friend crack open a can and take a big swig.

Cindi Lou smacked her lips. “Darlin’, I hate to be the one to break the news, but you’ve got it bad.”

“Do not.”

“This is Cindi Lou you’re talking to. When did you ever let a guy get a peek at your undies in just a couple of days?”

“They’ve been intense days.”

Cindi Lou laughed a big, booming sound of delight. “That makes a difference, how?”

“It just does.”

“I knew it. First time you ever mentioned him, you had this kind of breathy tone to your voice that I’ve never heard you use before.”

“I’d just fought a fire. I was having trouble breathing, if you must know.”

Cindi Lou laughed harder. “Couldn’t happen to a nicer gal.”

“He could be involved in the fires. I mean, he is involved because Texas Timber is trying to buy his ranch.”

“I read that in your report. You’re trying to hang him with gossamer threads. I can’t see it.”

“I know it’s a stretch to think he’d sabotage his own property to try and up the price, but I can’t rule anybody out at this point.”

“Take care not to throw the baby out with the bath.” Cindi Lou slurped her drink. “I’m still waiting for that photo.”

“Look him up online. There’re some shots of him at rodeos.”

“Yum.” Cindi Lou smacked her lips. “Now, any chance he’s a serial philanderer? I could do some in-depth research here.”

“Not a chance. I’m seeing him on his home turf with his family and friends around him. He’s true blue.” Misty picked up the bluebird and held it up to the light, thinking of Trey. “Anyway, as soon as I nail the culprit, I’ll be home and back to my real life.”

“Misty, give it a chance. Remember, we talked about you enlarging your world.” Cindi Lou grew quiet a moment. “You might actually be looking at love. Would that be so strange?”

“Trey and I were thrown together in dangerous situations, so we’ve experienced heightened emotions. That’s all.”

“My money’s on love at first sight.”

“That’s a myth.”

“Maybe. Maybe not.”

Misty set down the bluebird. She needed to turn the page and move on. “You read about the animal oxygen kits benefit in my report, didn’t you?”

“Great idea.”

“Would you please go online, buy five kits, and overnight them anonymously to the Wildcat Bluff Fire-Rescue Station? I’ll pay you back. This way they’ll have a few oxygen kits in case of a fire between now and the benefit.”

“You bet I’ll do it. And you won’t owe me a cent. It’s my contribution to the cause.”

“Thanks.”

“How’s the injured kitten?”

“I called the vet first thing this morning.” Misty felt sadness wash over her. “Sue Ann didn’t sound too sure the kitty would make it.”

“That’s a crying shame.”

“There’s still plenty of hope.”

“You better believe it.” Cindi Lou grew quiet as if thinking. “When Trey picks you up later for that ranch tour, why don’t you give him a break? Bless his heart, he’s just a guy.”

Misty chuckled, knowing folks never wanted to have “bless their heart” attached to their actions. But she took Cindi Lou’s meaning, not simply for Trey but for herself, too. “Okay. I’ll go easy on him.”

“Atta gal! You go for it. Whoops, got a call on another line. Bidness beckons. Catch you later.” And Cindi Lou clicked off.

Misty leaned back in her chair. She’d needed that talk. Cindi Lou always helped put life in perspective. But love? They both dealt in hard reality, so why had Cindi Lou taken off on this flight of fancy?

No way to know for sure. And Misty didn’t want to explore that path. She simply needed to get her mind back on business.

After a sound night’s sleep, she’d decided she’d better give the appearance of being on vacation to keep up her cover story. She’d taken a dip in the pool, breakfasted with Ruby, Charlene, and J.P., then she’d explained that she planned to nap and read in her room. They’d soon left to take care of business. Alone in the empty house, she’d quickly gotten down to her report and research.

She still wasn’t done. She looked at the laptop screen, tapping the keys with a fingertip as she considered her next move. Clickety-clack and she found a website for Wildcat Bluff. She scanned through basic information about the town and county with lists of Old Town businesses like Adelia’s Delights. Christmas in the Country and Wild West Days each had their own page with colorful photos of folks having fun at various events. Wildcat Bluff Volunteer Fire-Rescue even had a website with a list of services, names of volunteers, and photos of the rigs.

Next she typed in “Wildcat Bluff Sentinel” and discovered a surprisingly good site. She scanned articles and read the most recent ones about the drought and fires, but she didn’t learn much of anything new.

So far, her best information had come from meeting and talking with local folks and visiting actual sites. But she was still missing something important. She had to keep digging till she found the connecting thread that would pull her investigation together. And she had to do it soon, before another fire broke out.

She checked her sporty watch with the bright yellow band for the time. Trey would be here soon. She felt her heart rate speed up at just the thought of seeing him again. She didn’t know how he could have such a strong effect on her. Cindi Lou’s idea about love had to be the product of too many hours of reading her beloved romance novels. Despite her own denials, Misty wondered if Cindi Lou might be getting close to the truth.

For now, Misty was all dressed for her trip to Trey’s ranch. When Ruby’d learned Misty was going there, she’d gotten excited and insisted Misty borrow a green-and-white striped Western-cut shirt with pearl-snap buttons and a hand-tooled leather belt. Misty had to admit those clothes paired with her own jeans looked just right for a ranch. She only had her athletic shoes to wear, but they were better than flip-flops. She hoped Trey appreciated all the effort she and Ruby had put into Misty’s visit to his ranch.

She checked her watch again. Time to meet Trey downstairs. She saved a file, closed her laptop, and stood up. She didn’t want to take a purse with her, but she didn’t want to leave her laptop or handbag easily accessible either. Not that she expected trouble, but it never hurt to be cautious on a job. She tucked her cell and a lip gloss into her front pocket.

She walked over and pulled her smallest piece of luggage out of the closet. She slid her laptop and purse inside, and then locked the bag. She pushed it back in the closet behind the bigger piece of luggage and below the angel still under a towel. Not a perfect solution, but definitely a deterrent. Finally she slipped the luggage key and her room key into her other front pocket. A little bulky, but it was still better than toting around a handbag.

Now she was all ready to meet Trey. She closed and locked the door behind her. The house was still empty except for her. She hoped Ruby was having a good day and the Gladstones were finding lots of collectibles. She walked downstairs, then into the breezeway. She looked out the front sliding doors at the beautiful day. Trey would most likely park in front of the garages, so she’d wait for him on the swing where she could see him drive up to the house.

She sat down and heard the swing squeak as she settled down on the soft cotton cushion. She loved the idea of the indoor swing and enjoyed pushing back and forth with one foot as the swing swayed beneath her. She glanced up and saw that Ruby had twined silver tinsel with a string of silk white poinsettias through the two chains that held the swing to the ceiling. Another Christmas touch that struck Misty—for the first time in so very long—as a beautiful reminder of the season. She didn’t understand how it was possible, but Wildcat Bluff was having a healing effect on her in so many ways.

As she sat there, she looked out and saw Temple watching her from one of Big John’s long branches. Temple closed his eyes in acknowledgment, so she did the same with him. He made her think of the injured kitten again. She wondered if Slim ever sold his barn cats. If the kitty made it, she could imagine taking him back to Dallas to share her apartment. He’d be a wonderful reminder of Wildcat Bluff. And he’d be a wonderful companion, too.

A movement on the road caused her to glance in that direction. She felt a little catch in her throat at the sight of Trey’s pickup turning in and pulling up to the house. He opened the door and stepped down, looking spiffy in pressed jeans, a green shirt, and cowboy boots.

As he walked up to the house, she noticed he moved a little stiffly, as if his muscles were sore or he was controlling his actions or he was holding something back. If she hadn’t been with him so much, she doubted she would have been aware of the difference. Maybe he’d taken a spill from his horse or strained his muscles. She hoped he was okay.

She quickly stood up, opened the sliding glass doors, and beckoned him inside.

When he walked up to her, he smiled with warmth in his eyes. “Did you go shopping? You look great.”

“Thanks. Ruby loaned me the shirt and belt. I wanted to fit in at the ranch.”

He gave a low whistle. “You look good enough to put under my Christmas tree.”

She laughed, feeling happy. “Glad you approve.”

“You missed one thing.” He looked down at her shoes.

“Best I could do.”

“I think we can do a little better for the ranch.”

“Really?”

“I got you an early Christmas present.”

“You didn’t need to do that.” She felt truly surprised and not sure how to respond to a gift from him.

“Come on.” He gestured toward his truck. “I promised you a pair of boots, didn’t I?”

“I thought that was a joke about my flip-flops.”

“I keep my promises.”

“You don’t even know my size.”

He glanced down at her feet. “We’ll see if I guessed right.”

She felt uncomfortable at the idea of him buying her such an expensive present. “I’ll pay you back for the boots.”