A Cowboy Under the Mistletoe (11 page)

“I’m sure you have it from ear to ear, now.” She straightened her sweater.

“Probably. But when you started putting it on, I...snapped.”

“I noticed.” She took a deep breath. “But why? I’m sure you’ve watched women applying lipstick before.”

“Sure, but not when I was out of my mind with sexual frustration.”

“Well, congratulations, because now so am I.”

“Sorry.”

“No, you’re not.”

He laughed softly. “You’re right, I’m not. This has been the most sexually nerve-racking yet exciting few days I’ve had in a long time. It’s comforting to know you’re as jacked up as I am.”

“You’re building a case for coming over at seven-fifteen tomorrow night for a quickie, aren’t you?”

“Listen to you, talking like a lawyer.”

“You must be rubbing off on me.”

“Don’t I wish? I’m willing to rub anything you care to offer. I’ll tell you how depraved I am. While I was kissing you, I considered whether we should bag this party idea and find one of those secluded spots in the woods. We could have a great time, even without condoms.”

“But you obviously changed your mind because we’re discussing instead of doing.”

“I changed my mind because we need to go inside and join the celebration. And because it’s too damned cold to park in the woods. We’d have to leave the motor running and the heater on, which could lead to using up all the gas and getting stranded.”

“Sounds like the voice of experience.”

“Maybe.”

She rummaged in her purse. “Lean over here and let me wipe the lipstick off.”

He moved into the light and she began to giggle. “What?”

“You remind me of the time my three-year-old cousin Stuart got ahold of his mom’s lipstick.”

“Nice. I love being compared to a toddler run amuck. Just wipe it off, please.”

“You started it. I was only trying to make myself presentable and you...pounced.” She rubbed at his face with a tissue.

The light from the mirror was bright enough for him to see her face. “You have it all over you, too.”

“I don’t doubt it. That was freshly applied lipstick and the kind I like isn’t smear-proof.”

“This one makes your lips look wet.”

She rolled her eyes. “I
know
it does. That’s why I bought it.”

“Aha! Entrapment! No wonder I couldn’t resist you.”

She finished wiping his face. “Nice try, but I think the responsibility for this kissfest lies with you. Anyway, you’re good to go. Let’s see what this episode did to... Oh, my God. I look like a deranged circus clown. Remind me never to put on lipstick in your presence again. You can’t handle it.”

“But you’ll have to before we go in there.”

“That’s right, I will.” She dabbed at her mouth with a tissue. “So here’s an idea. You stand outside and I’ll lock the doors.”

“That’s crazy.”

“No,
you’re
crazy. I’m just taking precautions.”

He leaned back against his seat and closed his eyes. “Just do it. I won’t look.”

“Okay, but I’m watching you.”

“I promised, and I keep my word. But answer me this.” He kept his eyes closed. “Did you like it?”

“You know I did. Just don’t do it again in the next five seconds.”

“I won’t, but I still think we need to get naked before I leave for Cheyenne.” He listened to her breathing change and smiled. She thought so, too.

9

W
ALKING
THROUGH
THE
door of the ranch house, Whitney got quite a reception. Several people sitting around the fire leaped up and came to greet her, including Lexi, who took charge of her coat and purse. Whitney said hello to Janine and met her husband, Aaron.

Damon and Phil each gave her a hug, and then Rosie hurried in from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a towel and beaming with happiness.

“I’m so glad you could come.” She tossed the towel over her shoulder and grasped Whitney’s hands in both of hers.

“Thank you for inviting me.”

“Should have thought of it sooner. I wish it wasn’t so dark and cold so we could show you around the place. You’ll have to come back. Anytime is fine. You don’t have to wait for Ty to bring you.”

“I’d love to.”

“Then it’s settled. Excuse me for a minute. I have to go grab a couple more bottles of champagne. Now that you’re here, we can do the official toast.”

“You were waiting for us?” Whitney was touched.

“Of course!”

As Rosie hurried off, Whitney thanked her lucky stars that she’d made the decision to come out here.

“You should definitely visit again soon.” Phil, her red hair piled on top of her head, linked her arm through Damon’s. “Before you leave, I’ll give you my cell number so you can let me know when you’re coming out. I love giving tours of the cabins.”

“For a good reason.” Damon gestured toward his fiancée. “She designed these great loft beds. They’re basically a bunk bed without the bottom bunk so a desk and dresser can fit underneath. They’re super cool.”

“I’ll vouch for that.” Cade walked over with a champagne flute in each hand and mischief in his green eyes. He handed one each to Whitney and Ty. “It’s a darned lucky thing I’m on the job getting Whitney champagne, Slater, or the poor woman would die of thirst.”

“I notice they’re only about half full, bro.”

“Patience, grasshopper. More’s on the way.”

“I’m on it!” A man in his sixties standing behind a makeshift bar in the corner popped the cork on a bottle of bubbly. Herb had only been in Rangeland Roasters a couple of times, but Whitney recognized him because he’d always come in with Rosie.

Cade turned to Whitney. “Your coffee is great, at least the few times I’ve managed to get there.”

“Thank you.”

“But I have to question your taste in men. What’re you doing with this bum?”

She laughed. “He’s my ticket into this private party. A girl has to do what a girl has to do.”

Ty lifted his eyebrows and she grinned at him before taking a sip of her champagne.

“You make a good point,” Cade said. “The guest list is pretty darned exclusive. But now that you’re here, feel free to ditch him.”

Ty rolled his eyes. “Says the loser who can’t handle a staple gun without stapling his sleeve to the porch railing.”

“Oh?” Whitney glanced at Cade.

“I have no idea what he’s talking about. Oh, look. Here comes Dad with more champagne.”

“Welcome to Thunder Mountain Ranch,” Herb said as walked toward her.

“And also Thunder Mountain Academy, which I understand is now accredited.” Whitney smiled at him. “Congratulations.”

“We’re tickled about it. Molly Radcliffe is in charge of the curriculum and she’s over the moon. Molly and Ben are visiting her family in Arizona, but they’re here in spirit.”

“Oh, I know them. She teaches at the community college and he’s the saddlemaker.”

“Yep. He helped design the logo and that sign out front. Then Phil and Damon made it. We have some talented folks around here. But I’m not doing my job. I’m supposed to be pouring champagne. Let me top off your glass.” He filled it almost to the brim before motioning to Ty. “How about you?”

“I’m good with what I have here. I’m driving Whitney back to town.”

“Not in the next five minutes, I hope.”

“No.”

“That’s good.” Herb eyed Ty’s glass. “I guess you have enough for a decent swallow. Don’t want any wimpy toasting going on tonight.”

“That’s for sure.” Cade surveyed the room. “Now if I just could remember where I put my glass, I’d be a happy man. Don’t want to dirty up another one, seeing as how Damon will be the poor slob who has to wash them all after the party. I’d hate for him to get dishpan hands on my account.”

“This would be your glass, cowboy, and I even filled it for you.” Lexi joined the group and handed him one of the flutes she was carrying.

“Ah, thank you, Lex.” He wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “Don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“I do,” Damon said. “You’d revert to being the sorry mess you were before she came along.”

Cade lifted his glass in Damon’s direction. “That would be a pot-and-kettle statement right there, bro. We all remember the sad state you were in before Phil took you on.”

“Can’t argue with you there. We’re both a couple of lucky dogs.”

Cade nodded. “That’s a fact.”

“I’m loving this conversation.” Lexi looked over at Phil. “How about you?”

“Oh, yeah. Maybe we should give them champagne more often.”

From across the room, Rosie tapped on the side of her glass to get everyone’s attention. “Looks as if we all have champagne.” She glanced around. “Many of you in this room helped make Thunder Mountain Academy come to life, but there are some who couldn’t make it here tonight. I raise my glass to all of you and anyone not present. Herb and I love you all and we’re so...” She swallowed and looked at Herb.

“We’re so grateful,” he finished in a husky voice, putting his arm around Rosie. “So very grateful.”

For a split second the room was silent, and in that moment, Whitney understood what an emotional impact this project had on everyone—Rosie, Herb, the foster brothers and everyone who had been a part of this ranch for years.

Then cheers and whistles erupted and they all lifted their glasses and drank. Whitney promised herself that she’d drive out here next week, tour the facility and see if there was anything she could do to help.

She’d gathered from Rosie’s stray comments that without Thunder Mountain Academy, she and Herb might have been forced to sell the ranch. Whitney wasn’t clear on the reason for that and she’d ask Ty on the way home. She’d just thought it was a good idea that needed to happen. She hadn’t realized the implications for Rosie and Herb if it hadn’t become a reality.

She didn’t know exactly how she could help other than her degree and a general knowledge of running a business. Rosie and Herb probably had all the advice they needed, but if not, she’d make herself available. Rangeland Roasters had taught her quite a bit and she’d be happy to share.

After the toast, the party kicked into high gear. Rosie hauled out an ancient stereo and a few country CDs while the men moved the furniture to the edges of the room. Rugs were rolled and tucked away. Apparently she and Ty would end up dancing, after all.

Lexi and Cade started it off, but before long Ty pulled her out on the makeshift dance floor.

“What if I can’t dance?”

“Too late.” With a grin, he spun her around and they were off.

Fortunately she could dance, although not as well as Ty. But she’d been an athlete all her life—volleyball, tennis and skiing. Dancing was simply another form of athletic movement, right? Or maybe not. With a partner like Ty, dancing was foreplay.

Until now, she hadn’t understood the erotic nuances of a two-step. He created just enough bodily contact to drive her crazy, but not enough to satisfy her craving for his touch. Maybe a slow dance would come along, but no. This was a celebration and everyone wanted movement and laughter.

She loved the energy in the room. This was her kind of celebration, although she’d never attended such a party with a man as sexy as Ty. The more champagne she drank, the better she danced. The better she danced, the more she lusted after her tall dance partner. By the time he drew her aside and suggested they might want to head back, she had a good buzz going and was thinking how nice a round of hot sweaty sex would feel.

They retrieved their coats and her purse. She said goodbye to everyone, which included plenty of hugs and promises to get together again soon. She’d made more friends in one night than in five months of living in Sheridan.

Once out on the porch, she sucked in the cold air and told herself to settle down. She wouldn’t be having sex with Ty, no matter how seductively he danced. Digging in her purse, she eventually found her keys and handed them over. “Great party.”

“Rosie and Herb always throw great parties.” He looped an arm over her shoulders as they walked across the crusty snow to the car.

“Does everyone usually dance?”

“Not so much. If you really want to know, I think Rosie engineered that because she wanted us to dance together.”

“You’re kidding.”

“I’m not. She wants us to become a couple and she’s proud of the way I dance. She’s hoping you’ll be swept away, so to speak.”

“I am.”

“You are?” He clicked the remote and the Subaru’s taillights flashed. “You’re not joking?”

“Dancing with you has turned me on like you wouldn’t believe.”

“Hm. Good to know.” He opened the passenger door. “In you go.”

“No, it’s not good to know.” She gazed up at him as he stood beside the open door. “We’re no better off now than we were before. This is an impossible situation. Between my folks and this party, we’re SOL.”

“Maybe not.” He closed the door and walked around to climb into the driver’s seat.

“Yes, we are, Ty. So just take me home so I can sleep alone in misery on my cute but uncomfortable futon.”

His low chuckle was the sexiest sound in the world.

“Go ahead and laugh, but it’s not funny.”

“No, but it’s not as hopeless as you think, either.” He started the car and backed out of the parking space. “While you were drinking champagne, I was drinking coffee and my brain started working again. I came up with an idea.”

“What sort of idea?” He looked all cowboyish in his hat and shearling coat as he expertly navigated the winding road. She was ready to listen to anything, no matter how ridiculous it sounded. She wanted the hands gripping the steering wheel to be gripping her, instead, while he stroked deep, and not with his tongue, either.

“It’s not a perfect idea, but...” He glanced down at the gauges. “I think you have enough gas in the tank to make it work.”

“Make what work? Where are we going?”

“Back to Sheridan.” He turned onto the main road and accelerated.

“Then what?”

He glanced at her. “Like I said, it’s not a great plan.”

“Any plan is better than no plan.”

His little smile indicated he liked that response. “Okay, I have to ask at this point, are you rethinking having me come over tomorrow at seven-fifteen?”