Date: 2000-01-01 05:00:00+00:00
Keywords: Romance; Contemporary; Contemporary Romance; Christmas; Westerns
Description: Charlee Burke is stuck on a deserted country road the day before Christmas Eve, just as a dangerous winter snowstorm begins to churn above her. The only person she knows who isn’t with family or has a sweetheart is the all-too-sexy-for-his-own-good Ace McBride—the last person on earth she wants to call. When Charlee’s name pops up on his phone, Ace is pleased, but surprised. As much as he teases her, and as mad as she gets at him, he figures she’s got to be pretty desperate. Sure enough, she’s in need of rescuing, and he’s happy to be her white knight. He’s always had a thing for Charlee, but
Publisher: Cheyenne McCray LLC

SOLD ON YOU

RIDING TALL

CHEYENNE MCCRAY

Copyright © 2022 by Cheyenne McCray LLC

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual business establishments, events, locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

CONTENTS

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Excerpt: Country Heat

Cheyenne McCray

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Also by Cheyenne McCray

About Cheyenne

CHAPTER 1

“Nooooo.” Charlee Burke groaned as the red Mustang convertible limped along the side of the dirt road. “Not a stupid flat tire.”

Thump clunk, thump clunk, thump clunk.

Couldn’t she at least have made it to her cabin?

“Great way to start Christmas weekend,” Charlee grumbled as she brought the vehicle to a hard stop, the Mustang’s tires throwing up clouds of dirt. Thankfully she had the top up. She shut off the powerful engine, groaned again, and banged her forehead against the steering wheel. Damn, and she’d just aired up the tire at a service station three days ago.

This must be her punishment for ditching out on her sister’s cornbread stuffing.

Changing a tire had been on her top one hundred things to learn list, but she’d never gotten around to it. Procrastination frequently turned around and bit her in the butt.

Even better, I should have paid for a AAA membership.

Hindsight was something she had far too much of.

Her big red tote, where she kept her cell phone, lay just in reach. Who could she call? She couldn’t call her best friend, Bailey, because she was pregnant and due any day. One of Bailey’s brothers? No, they were probably all busy with their wives and kids. After all, Christmas was in two days.

Except Ace, who wasn’t married and didn’t have kids. But he was the last person she’d want to call, for a number of reasons—too damned sexy for his own good being one of them. She didn’t need that kind of temptation and she was dead set against getting involved with her best friend’s brother. Not to mention, Ace teased her every chance he got. Holy hell.

He might be with the rest of the McBrides, anyway.

She sighed. She should try to figure this out for herself, first.

Charlee grabbed a jacket, climbed out of the car, and shivered in the chill air. She slid her arms in the jacket as she looked up at angry clouds chewing up muted sunlight as a storm rolled in, leaving dark sky and rain in its wake. The weather app had indicated they were in for rain and hail today, and possibly snow tonight. According to it, the bad weather hadn’t been due until late this afternoon.

So much for the weather app. She should have watched the news instead..

She had a whole weekend to herself and wouldn’t mind spending time in her cabin curled up with a good book and hot chocolate spiked with brandy, while snowflakes drifted lazily down. Here in Prescott, Arizona, they didn’t usually get a lot of snow in December, a couple of inches or so, but this year the storm was supposed to be big. And then she was headed into the Bradshaw Mountains where the snowfall would be even deeper.

Timing is everything.

A cold wind picked up and tossed her hair around her face and chilled her to the bone. The turtleneck and light jacket she’d put on weren’t enough—she’d have to get her coat from the back seat. She popped the trunk to search for the spare tire and the jack. She’d seen it done on TV, and once when a friend had a flat back in high school. It couldn’t be that difficult.

Right?

If Bailey McBride—no, now Bailey Greer—had been here, she would have had the tire changed already. Well, not already, but soon enough.

Charlee stared into the trunk at boxes of books and bags of clothes she’d been planning to drop off at the local donation center. She was pretty sure that under all that stuff was a compartment with a tire and a jack.

She needed to have this done before some man came by and offered to help. She couldn’t trust that it would be a Good Samaritan.

Her throat tightened and she shivered, but not from cold. No…she was on a lonely backroad not frequented by many, and she didn’t like the thought of being out here alone with some stranger.

Most men could be trusted about as far as she could throw them—push them, rather—and that might be all of six inches. Maybe.

Charlee sighed. She was being too hard on the gender, thanks to one horrible experience. She needed to think of good men, like the McBrides or even Greg Baldwin, the guy she’d dated in high school. He’d been sweet, but they had gone their own ways after graduating.

Regardless, she didn’t want to be alone with a stranger.

Concentrate, Charlee told herself. She had to get this tire changed.

First, she had to get the boxes out of the way. Her muscles strained as she grabbed a small but heavy box of books then almost dumped it onto the side of the road. She dropped it with a thud in the dirt.

Next came two big bags of clothes. Then she discovered a small crate of old hand weights Dara, her other best friend, had helped put into the trunk ages ago, that she’d forgotten about.

Dara and Jack—one of Bailey’s older brothers—had eloped a year ago and had just announced Dara’s pregnancy. Bailey and Seth were expecting a baby any day now. Maybe they’d have a Christmas baby.

There was an entire valley of McBride males, and too few females born into the huge clan. Seth had hoped for a girl, but Bailey wanted a boy who would grow up to be just like his daddy. According to the ultrasound, Bailey was going to get her wish.

Jack and Dara had said they would be happy with either and didn’t want to know until the baby was born. Rather old-fashioned of them, Charlee thought with a smile.

At the same time, her chest grew tight. If she didn’t get over her hang-ups with men, she’d never get married and have children of her own, something she had wanted more than anything. She loved kids.

David Smith had upset her life in a big way, and she hadn’t forgiven herself for falling for him, but mostly for what he’d done to her sister.

Therapy had helped, and so had time. Dating again—she’d been so busy with her spa and salon that she’d let the years go by. She’d put work first, men a distant second. A part of her hadn’t wanted to date, while another part knew she needed to get back on that horse.

“Concentrate on fixing the flat tire,” Charlee muttered as she took the hand weights out of the small wood crate so she could lift it.

Her ice-cold fingers made moving everything a little more difficult. What was left of the sunlight rapidly dwindled, and it wouldn’t be long before the storm would be on top of her. She’d get a good drenching and her car might be damaged by the hail.

Damn. She would have to hurry. She couldn’t be out in a storm as severe as this one was forecasted to be.

After she set the crate on the ground, next to the hand weights she’d removed, she pulled back the carpet and raised the lid of the spare tire compartment.

“Aha!” Her triumph took a nosedive when a fat drop of rain splatted on the back of her head.

The spare was smaller than the regular tire, a donut. She unscrewed a big nut and set it aside before lifting the tire out. She tossed the donut onto the ground, beside everything else.

Beneath the spare, there were the things necessary to change a tire, but she really had no idea how to do it.

Deflated, she turned and sat on the dusty bumper, realizing too late that her clean jeans were no longer spotless. She had to tell the neat freak side of her to shut up about the dirt.

A second raindrop landed on her cheek, followed by one on her shoulder. She tipped her head back and looked at the dark sky, every ray of sunlight blotted out.

Another raindrop landed on her eyelid, then one on her upper lip.

And then it started to pour.

“The books.” She whirled around as rain started to come down in earnest. She grabbed the box of books and hefted it into the trunk.

Rain thrummed on the convertible and ran along her cheeks to dampen her green sweater. Charlee slammed the trunk and ran for the car door. The bags of clothes and the hand weights would survive the rain. She climbed into the Mustang and shut the door harder than she’d intended

Once again, she banged her forehead against the leather-wrapped steering wheel. So much for changing a tire on her own.

It appeared she wouldn’t make it to the cabin before nightfall if she didn’t get help. She wasn’t crazy about driving out here in the dark. But sitting out here in the dark alone, waiting for the storm to pass, would be even worse.

Now she had a flat tire, it was raining, and it would be night in just a few short hours.

Merry Christmas, Charlee Burke.

Maybe she should have gone to her sister’s for Christmas after all.

She shivered and started the car so she could turn on the heater. At least she had a full tank. She shifted in her seat so she could slide out of her jacket before digging a dry sweater out of her overnight case that was next to a large insulated bag filled with grocery items for the cabin that included dairy, meat, and eggs—and eggnog, of course. She had another bag with bread, veggies, fresh herbs, and a number of other things. She enjoyed cooking, even if it was just for herself.

If her sister, Jo, had known Charlee planned to spend Christmas alone, she would have kicked her butt. Her best friends, Bailey and Dara, would have had a cow. She’d told Jo she’d be with the McBride families and told the McBrides she’d be with Jo and Tate, and their twins.

She just couldn’t take one more Christmas of feeling like she was on the outside looking in. Everyone close to her had a significant other and most had kids or kids on the way. She was tired of being alone, but she wasn’t going to fix that problem easily. First she had to allow herself to get past the worst experience of her life.

David Smith—or Hearn, she learned his real name later—had conned her and good, going after her because of the inheritance she was about to come into. Not only had he hurt her emotionally, but he’d done far, far worse to her sister, Jo.

Far worse.

He’d tried to kill Jo to get to Charlee. Not even once, but twice.

Her stomach churned.

Damn, damn, damn. After what that bastard had done, Charlee never wanted to feel helpless again. And she never wanted to rely on any man.

And here she was, with no idea how she was going to get out of this mess without begging for help.

Why did she have to think about David—the lying murdering S.O.B.? Especially now?

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, trying to calm her emotions. She would get past this, past her fear of men and relationships. There were good men out there, like the McBrides, but she just hadn’t been able to get herself to let go. The guilt of her sister almost being killed had been the hardest thing to get past.

Charlee blew out her breath in a long exhale, practicing a breathing technique her therapist had taught her years ago. Going to therapy for years had helped, but she just couldn’t completely get rid of the guilt.

When she had cleared her mind of her past experiences, she stripped out of the wet sweater and slid on the dry one. She shoved the sopping piece of clothing into a plastic bag she grabbed out of the bunch she kept behind the seat and tucked the bag with the sweater in her case.

Wind buffeted the car, rocking it a little as rain pounded down. She couldn’t stop the edge of fear causing prickles to climb up the back of her neck. The storm was closing in.

She stared at her big red tote, before grasping the straps and pulling it close. She thought about waiting out the storm, but the road’s dirt shoulder would get too soft to change the tire.

She’d probably have to deal with heavy snowfall, too, which would make this mess ten times as bad.

She groaned for probably the hundredth time since the tire had gone flat. She reached into the tote for her phone to call one of the last people she wanted to ask for help.

Ace McBride.

One of the yummiest men on the face of this earth, Ace was also her best friend’s brother and a world-class tease. He gave her a hard time whenever she saw him, that sexy grin of his turning her upside down, and challenging her resolve to stay the bleep away from men.

He was also a genuinely good guy, which made matters worse. It made no sense, she knew, but she was afraid for a lot of reasons. She’d given her heart away once to someone only to have it crushed, shattered, ripped apart. She knew Ace would never do anything like that to any woman.

But what if she did enter a relationship with him—if he was interested in the first place, which she was pretty sure he was—then later he didn’t think she was the right woman for him? What if he walked away and broke her heart? What if she broke his?

What if she didn’t know how to be with a man anymore? What if she freaked out or did something stupid because of old memories?

What if, what if, what if.

Another thing that worried her was that she didn’t want to ruin a perfectly good friendship with Ace or hurt her ties with Bailey’s family in any way.

She groaned and stared at her phone. She was getting way ahead of herself. What it really came down to was fear.

Okay, so Ace was sexy, had a great personality, and she thought of him as a friend. But she didn’t think she could take his teasing today. What would he say about her being helpless by the side of the road?

Charlee pulled up his number on her phone, her finger poised to press it. She had to give him credit. He was too good of a guy to give her a hard time in a moment like this.

CHAPTER 2

Ace McBride patted Champion’s glossy chestnut shoulder. The white-chested gelding bumped his big muzzle against the side of Ace’s head, knocking his Stetson off, and he grinned.

Ossie barked and Ace looked down at the Border Collie. “You ready for another ride out already, girl?”

The blue-eyed dog barked again, giving him a big doggie smile. She had the most beautiful coat of white, black, tan, and gray, the color combination known as blue merle.

“You’d go all day if you could.” Ace shook his head. “It’s going to be cold as hell soon. I’m thinking sitting in front of the fireplace with some Captain Morgan is a better idea.” He ruffled Ossie’s hair before straightening.

“I’ll see you in the morning, Champ.” Ace turned toward his house before he scooped up his hat and plopped it on his head. The wind whistled through the barn doors and rain thundered on the roof. “Sounds like it’s gonna be a doozy. No doubt we’ll have some kind of crap to deal with tomorrow.”

Like felled trees and downed fence lines, among other things.

Ace’s cell phone vibrated in his pocket and he brought it out. He looked at the screen with interest. “Charlee Burke?”

He wasn’t sure how to feel about her calling out of the blue, since she never had before.

He touched the “connect” button on his screen and brought the phone to his ear. “I knew you’d get around to calling me one of these days, Charlee Burke.”

Silence.

“You okay, Charlee?” he said after a moment.

“I need help.” She let out an audible sigh. “I didn’t know who else to call.”

And no doubt he would have been last on her list of people to call. Ace would have been amused if concern didn’t have him frowning instead. “What happened?”

Another sigh. “I was driving up Black Bear Road to my cabin and I got a flat tire. I don’t know how to change it and it’s raining like crazy.”

“I’ll head right on up there.” Ace didn’t tease her this time. He strode for the barn door, Ossie at his heels. “Are you safe?”

“Yes.” She didn’t hesitate. “I’m just afraid if I wait, things will get worse.”

“I’d say that’s a sure thing.” He waited just inside the barn before he headed out. The barn shook with the force of the storm. “How far up the road are you?”

“Probably three miles from the highway,” she said. “Almost to my cabin.”

“I’ll be there in twenty.” Good thing his ranch was close to the foothills. “Hold tight.”

“Thanks, Ace,” she added quietly before disconnecting the call.

Ace slid the phone into his pocket. He liked teasing her, but he wouldn’t if he thought she really hated it. He figured she kinda liked him, even if she wouldn’t admit it to anyone, including herself.

What was she doing driving up to the cabin on her own—especially Christmas weekend?

He glanced down at Ossie. “Game for a trip up to Black Bear Road?”

She barked, her eyes bright, clear, and excited.

“Then let’s get on out of here.” Ace shoved the barn door open. Wind and rain blasted him. Hell of a storm kicking in. He headed out of the barn and shut the door firmly behind him.

The truck was across the yard, so he jogged to it, holding his western hat firmly on his head as he ran. Ossie loped at his side.

Being out in a winter storm wasn’t the best thing to be doing, but Charlee had been right in calling him. He was certain she wouldn’t have driven up to the cabin if she’d had an idea the storm would hit this early. She was too smart to take those kinds of chances.

He held the rear door behind the driver’s side, for Ossie to jump up before shutting it. He opened his own door and climbed into the cab. He tossed his hat on the back seat, next to Ossie.

Mud caked his boots and water rolled down his jacket, dripping onto the seat. Water and a little mud weren’t the worst things this old truck had seen, by far.

He took a moment to call one of his older twin brothers, Jayson, when his truck’s Bluetooth had connected with his phone.

Jayson’s voice came over the truck speakers. “What’s up little brother?”

“Gotta favor to ask.” Ace guided the truck down the dirt road leading from his ranch to the highway. “Charlee Burke is stuck on Black Bear Road with a flat tire and I’m headed up to give her a hand.”

“Damn,” Jayson said. “How far up the road is she?”

“Closer to her cabin than she is to us.” His steering wheel jerked in his hands when he hit a deep rut. “With the storm coming in, we’ll go on up to her cabin since it’ll be a lot closer than coming back down the mountain.”

“I’ll check on your place and feed the horses while you’re gone.” Jayson didn’t live far from Ace. “I’ll count on you getting stuck up there for at least a couple of days.”

“Thanks.” Ace reached the highway. “Cell service is pretty much non-existent up there.”

“Give me a call when you and Charlee are headed up to her cabin,” Jayson said. “Wanna make sure my kid brother and my sister’s best friend are safely on their way.”

Ace grinned. His brothers had watched out for him since he was a kid. “Will do.”

“In case you don’t make it back by Sunday,” Jayson added, “Merry Christmas.”

“Merry Christmas,” Ace replied. “Give everyone my love and big hugs to all the kids.” Ace never wanted kids of his own—God, no, not if his life depended on it—but he loved his nephew and nieces like crazy.

Ace disconnected the call and frowned as the weather grew worse.

Rain poured down so heavy it seemed almost like milk, making it hard to see as he drove. He had to take it slow. He couldn’t see more than a car’s length ahead.

His frustration rose as time ticked by. Damn, he hoped she was okay.

Charlee was pretty, intelligent, and his sister’s best friend. He’d known her since they were kids and he had a thing for her when they grew older. How long had it been? It had started when they were teenagers, some sixteen years ago. In high school, when she was a sophomore and he was a senior, he’d come close to asking her out. He’d been too slow and Greg Baldwin beat him to it. Charlee and Greg had dated that entire year, and he’d heard they’d stayed together until they graduated.

After Ace left for college, he and Charlee had never been around each other for long—some family get-togethers where they’d cross paths or talked a little during parties, but that was about it.

He had dated over the years—even got his heart broken a couple of times. Once he’d been close to proposing to a woman, only to find out she was dating someone else at the same time. That had sucked, putting it mildly.

Charlee, though—she was special, like seeing something beautiful in a shop window at Christmas and wishing you could have it for your own.

Truth was, she’d never paid much attention to him when it came to his interest in her, at least not that he knew of. He’d made her blush a couple of times—he never could resist teasing her whenever she was around. She was so damned cute when she got riled up.

He smiled, thinking about the last time he’d gotten under her skin. Had something to do with her butt and a nice pair of jeans.

His smile faded. He hoped she was okay.

It took him a full twenty-five minutes to locate Charlee up Black Bear Road.

Ace parked his truck behind her Mustang. “Stay, Ossie,” he said before jumping out and shutting the door behind him. He jogged up to the car’s passenger side before opening it and climbing in, completely soaked.

He shut the door behind him. “Sorry about the upholstery.”

“That’s the least of my worries.” She met his gaze. “Thanks for coming, Ace.”

“I’m happy to help.” This wasn’t the best time to tease her. “How do you feel about leaving your car here and taking my truck to your cabin before things get worse? We can make it there faster than we can get back to civilization.”

She blew out her breath. “That’s probably the best plan in this storm.”

“Get your coat on.” He glanced in the back seat. “The overnight case has your clothes?”

She nodded and took the coat he handed to her. She shrugged into it while he grabbed the red overnight case.

“Are those groceries for the cabin?” He pointed toward the reusable shopping bags with perishables sticking out from the top.

“I’ll take one.” She gripped the handles after he handed one of the bags to her.

“On the count of three,” he said with a quick grin after her coat was on and zipped.

“Hold on.” She grabbed her red tote in her free hand, along with her keys, and got a good hold on everything.

He smiled. “You ready now, sunshine?”

“Three,” she said before he could say another word. She headed out into the rain, her tote hitting the steering wheel as she got out, almost knocking her back onto her seat. She made it out and let the car door fall shut behind her.

He beat her to the passenger side truck door anyway. He opened the door for her and helped her toss her tote onto the back seat and climb in. He opened the rear door and set the overnight case next to Ossie and placed the sack of groceries he’d carried onto the floorboard behind her seat. He took the other bag from her and placed it next to the first.

Ace shut the door and jogged to the driver’s side, then hopped in and slammed the door with a firm thunk.

Charlee gave a big sigh. “Thank you, Ace.”

“No problem.” He smiled. “Rescuing damsels in distress is my specialty.”

Charlee laughed and twisted in the truck seat and spoke to Ossie. “This mean old man dragged you out into the rain?” Ossie pushed her nose under Charlee’s hand as she reached for the dog. “You’re such a good girl.”

She glanced at Ace, who was shaking his head. “You look like a kitten left out in the rain, and still as cute as can be, Charlee Burke.”

She rolled her eyes. “I don’t feel cute.”

He grinned. “Come on. Let’s get someplace warm and dry.”

“My cabin isn’t much farther.” She gestured up the road.

He nodded in the direction of containers and bags out on the side of the road. “What do you have in those?”

She sighed. “I pulled a bunch of stuff out of my trunk to find the spare and got hit by the storm before I could put it all away. Some clothes to be donated—stuff like that.”

He held out his hand. “Keys.”

A surprised look crossed her features. “You don’t have to—”

“Hand them over, Charlee.”

“I can help.” She pulled out a set of keys.

He took them from her. “I can get it done a lot faster myself.” When she gave him an indignant look, he added, “You are one of the most capable women I know, but one cook is all we need in this kitchen.”

She frowned, like she didn’t quite get him.

“Hold onto that thought.” He winked. “Be right back.”

He ducked out into the rain. Icy water slapped his face and rolled down his collar as he popped the Mustang’s trunk and started shoving things inside. The items were muddy, including the donut, but everything would be safe.

Ace slammed the trunk shut and used the fob to lock the doors. He jogged to the truck and made his way back into the driver’s seat, closing the door hard behind him.

He put the truck into gear, pulled around the Mustang, and left it behind. “I hope you have food in your cabin. I’m hungry as hell.” He jerked his thumb over his shoulder. “Ossie, too.”

“Plenty of people food.” Charlee tucked wet hair behind her ear. “Maybe we can give Ossie some beef out of the freezer? I like to keep the place fully stocked year-round for escape purposes and retreats with the girls.”

The thought of Charlee on an “escape” with some man sent a sharp jab through Ace’s gut.

What the hell? Why did he suddenly feel jealous? He’d never had more than a moment’s fantasy—okay, several if he was honest—of Charlee, but that was all it had ever been. Fantasy. But this feeling had been so damned powerful and had come out of nowhere.

He dragged his hand down his wet face as he drove along the road to Charlee’s cabin. Holy shit. Being locked up in a cabin with Charlee for any length of time might be too dangerous. He wasn’t sure he could keep his hands off her.

No, he could be a gentleman, just like his mama had raised him. He glanced at Charlee, who wore a frown. Her face was scrunched like she was thinking real hard about something.

He looked back at the road. “You okay?”

“Hmmm?” Charlee sounded distracted. “Oh. Just thinking about my plans for this weekend and how they’re getting washed away with the storm.”

Is she talking about this being a weekend with a man at the cabin? A boyfriend, maybe?

Ace blew out his breath. Didn’t make a difference what her plans had been, but he couldn’t help feeling envious of the guy—if that’s what it was.

Rather than ask directly, he said, “What plans could you have alone on Christmas weekend?”

Charlee pushed her hair behind her ears as he glanced at her before looking back at the road.

“I just wanted a quiet weekend.” She shrugged. “I like to putter around the cabin where it’s quiet and I can be away from the incessant noise in my stores.” She groaned. “I do love the business I’m in and the people I work with, and most of our clients, but some days I wonder if buying the salon and then the spa were my brightest decisions.”

“You’re a top-notch businesswoman.” He flashed her a smile. “The Prescott Small Business Owner of the Year Award should remind you of that.”

She looked at him with surprise in her expression. “How did you know?”

He grinned. “I pay attention.”

The road came to a low-running wash and Ace guided the truck through the wash. The truck’s tires slid in a slick of mud but pulled clear and they were headed down the road again.

Charlee stared out the window. “The sky was clear when I left home.”

Ace glanced at her as pellets of hail started pinging his truck. “You know how storms can be here.”

“Yeah, I know.” Charlee shook her head. “I do try to be careful.”

“Looks like we’ll be stuck together for at least the night.” Ace guided the truck through a series of mud puddles as the storm grew wilder. “Got a deck of cards?”

“And a few games, too.” Charlee smiled. “I even have kerosene lamps and candles for light to play by if we lose power.”

He gave her a teasing grin. “Up for a game of strip poker?”

Charlee gave him an indignant look, but he saw a flash of amusement in her eyes. “Not if your life depended on it. Or mine.”

He laughed. “How about a good ol’ basic game of poker?”

Charlee smiled. “Much better.” She hesitated then said, “I hope it’s not too bad, so you don’t miss Christmas Day with your family.”

“They’re your family, too, Charlee.” He glanced at her. “You’ve been a part of our bunch since we were kids.”

“Thanks,” she said quietly.

“I can’t imagine your sister knows about this.”

Charlee shook her head. “She’d kill me.”

“Then why are you planning this trip alone?” he asked. “Christmas is about family.”

She shrugged when he glanced at her but didn’t answer.

Well, she might not tell him now, but she would before this time away was over.

CHAPTER 3

Fifteen minutes after leaving the Mustang behind, they reached the cabin. Her retreat wasn’t a little one-room log cabin. From the outside it looked to be a good twenty-five hundred square feet, at least. He glanced at Charlee. “Looks like a nice place.”

She nodded. “It’s my favorite escape from reality. Usually.”

They passed a row of stacked firewood and Ace parked his truck in a double carport to the right. At the back of the carport was a large tool shed. To the left was a set of stairs leading up to a side door.

He smiled. “Got any hot chocolate, sunshine?”

“And marshmallows.” She gestured to the side door. “We’ll go through the laundry room so we don’t track mud into the cabin.”

Ace got out and helped her step down from the passenger side. When she was on her feet, he opened the rear door and grabbed her red tote and handed it to her with a bag of groceries. He gripped the red case and the other bag of groceries before pulling out a blue duffel he kept in his truck for emergencies.

Ossie bounded to the ground and waited for a command. Ace gave her a hand signal and she followed them.

Rain thrummed on the roof of the carport as they walked to the door. Charlee visibly shivered and fumbled with the keys. “My hands are so cold.”

“Let me try.” Ace took the keys from her, unlocked the door, and they entered a nice-sized laundry room, Ossie following.

He set everything down before he toed off his boots and left them beside the shoes she had just kicked off. They shrugged out of their wet jackets and hung them on hooks next to the door.

“It’s warm here,” he said.

“I have an app I use to turn on the A/C or heat before I get to the cabin, depending on the time of year.” Charlee grabbed three fluffy towels from a linen closet and handed two to Ace. “One for you and one for Ossie.”

“Thanks,” Ace said. “Ossie will appreciate getting dry.”

She pointed to his duffel. “Extra change of clothes?”

He nodded. “And energy bars in case I get stuck somewhere and need fuel to keep going.”

She smiled. “You can save those. The cabin is well stocked and I brought plenty of perishables.”

“Good.” He gave her another grin. “I’m starving. Flirting with you is hard work.”

She rolled her eyes. “I’m going to put on something dry in my bedroom. After you change into dry clothes so you’re more comfortable, come on in and make yourself at home.” She gestured to a basket on the floor. “You can put your wet things into that basket.”

“Thank you, ma’am,” he said and she smiled.

Charlee left through the doorway and he worked on drying off Ossie. He rubbed the dog thoroughly before tossing the wet towel into the basket.

Ace stripped out of his wet clothing and dropped everything into the basket before toweling off. He pulled on clean dry clothing and grabbed the bag of groceries before he padded out of the laundry room in his sock feet, Ossie trotting behind him.

The house was roomy with a large entryway, vaulted ceilings, and comfortable furniture in the huge great room that was as big as some cabins. He found his way into an expansive kitchen area and set the groceries on the countertop next to the other bag.

Ossie trotted around and explored, sniffing everything.

Charlee arrived a few moments later, with her hair dry and wearing a little makeup. She looked even more adorable in a fuzzy red Christmas sweater, worn jeans, and fuzzy red socks.

She opened a door that opened into a large pantry. “I have plenty of things that come frozen, in a can, jar, or box, as well as what I brought up.” She held up a box of pasta and looked over her shoulder. “How’s spaghetti with sauce and homemade meatballs sound? I like to cook, and meatballs are one of my favorite things to make.”

“Sounds great.” He nodded. “Point me to your stock pot and I’ll get the water boiling.”

Charlee gestured toward a bottom cabinet, and the pot banged against another as he pulled it out. He filled it up to a third of its volume as Charlee found a package of hamburger in the freezer and thawed it in the microwave.

In no time Charlee was making homemade meatballs with fresh herbs she’d brought with her, and Ace was stirring sauce made with tomato paste he found in the pantry and dried herbs he got from her spice cabinet, as well as the fresh ones from the grocery bag. He got the pot of water on the stove—he’d turn the burner on once the meatballs were just about finished baking.

They talked about the new construction in Prescott as they fixed dinner, Charlee clearly relaxed and at ease. It was comfortable between them, like they’d done this a thousand times.

He had the sauce simmering by the time she got the meatballs ready to slide into the oven on a tray. She also had a cookie sheet with thick slices of bread, covered with butter and fresh garlic, to brown once the meatballs were done.

Wind howled outside and battered the house, but it was cozy and warm inside. Ace peeked out into the back where a light flooded the deck as Charlee put the meatball tray into the oven.

“Snow’s starting to come down,” he called over his shoulder as he saw snowflakes swirling in the light.

She moved close to him and watched snow spin across the deck and drift into a corner. “It’s sticking,”

“Weather report said we’d get quite a bit of snow in the Bradshaws.” Ace glanced at Charlee. “There’s a real good chance we’re not going anywhere for the next few days.”

Charlee bit a corner of her lip and didn’t say anything for a long moment. “There are worse people to be cooped up with.” She looked at him and smiled.

Ace flashed her a grin. “As long as you behave, we’ll be okay.”

Charlee laughed. “I think you’re the one who needs to behave.”

“My mama taught me to be a gentleman, so that’s what you’ve got for the weekend.”

She grinned in return. “You’d better be.”

The sparkle in her eyes and her smile just about drove him to his knees. How the hell would he make it being alone with her, and be on his best behavior?

He liked the heat he felt radiating from her when she stood so close. Keep your thoughts off her sexy body, McBride, he told himself to try to avoid hardening from her presence as they stared outside. He gritted his teeth. Not an easy task.

She glanced at her watch. “Meatballs are almost ready.” She started toward the kitchen. “I’ll brown the bread while the water boils.”

Ace followed her and turned on the burner before he put olive oil and a little salt in the water.

He kept his flirting at a minimum. He didn’t want to make her think he planned to hit on her the entire time they were stuck in the cabin. With the snow already coming down like it was, they might be snowed in for a while.

Although he didn’t think of it as stuck. He liked to think of it as a mini vacation with Charlee.

While they cooked dinner, Ace prepared a meal for Ossie, who didn’t mind a hamburger feast at all. “That’s a regular happy meal, don’t you think?” he asked Ossie.

The dog glanced up from her bowl with a look of satisfaction before diving back in to finish it off.

It wasn’t too long before Ace and Charlee sat at the small dining table with plates of spaghetti and garlic bread, and mugs of hot cider from a jug she’d had in the pantry. Ossie curled up on a rug near the couch.

“This is fantastic.” Ace wound spaghetti around his fork. “The meatballs are the best I’ve ever had.”

“Thanks.” Charlee pointed to her plate. “This is the spiciest pasta sauce.” She fanned her mouth with her hand. “What did you put into it?”

He flashed her a wicked grin. “Red chili pepper.”

“Ah.” She nodded. “Great sauce, Ace.”

He watched her for a moment as she ate. When she licked a drop of sauce from her lower lip, he almost groaned aloud. Damn, that was sexy.

Charlee glanced up and paused with her fork in the air as their gazes met.

“Your cabin is incredible.” Ace tried to deflect her attention from him staring at her while she ate. “How long have you owned it?”

She rested her fork on the edge of her plate as she considered his question. “I bought it a couple of years after I purchased the spa. The cabin became my escape—sometimes I just need to get away, and I like coming here with friends. Bailey and Dara love it, too.”

He finished chewing the bite of spaghetti he’d taken while she talked. “You bought the hair salon you used to work in first. I think Bailey said you took it from red to black.”

She picked up her fork and twirled it in her spaghetti. “Yeah, it worked out. A year later I bought the spa.”

“And had even better success with it, from what my sister said.” He grinned. “Like I said, I pay attention.”

“Apparently, you do.” Charlee smiled before she took a bite of her spaghetti while Ace watched.

“And now you’ve got your own private mountain paradise,” Ace added.

She picked up her mug of cider. “I consider myself blessed.”

He wrapped his hand around his own mug. “All of your friends are proud of you, and I’d like to count myself as one of them.”

The smile that crossed her face was beautiful, angelic even. “Thanks, Ace. I like to think of you as one of my friends, too.”

He’d known Charlee since she became his kid sister’s best friend, some twenty years ago. She’d always been a cute kid, but she’d turned into one hell of a woman. He wouldn’t mind if he and Charlee became more than friends, but he liked knowing they had the bond of friendship.

In his fantasies, since they were teenagers, he’d often wondered what it would be like to be with Charlee Burke in every way imaginable. He’d never expected to be locked up with her for any length of time.

Speaking of locked away, ever since Charlee’s experience with the bastard named David Smith, when she was in her early twenties, she’d shied away from having relationships with any man. If Ace would have had the chance, he would have killed Smith with his bare hands for what he’d done to Charlee and her sister, Jo.

Ace had to tamp down the anger rising within him and keep his expression neutral. The last thing he wanted to do was upset her.

He relaxed his muscles and turned his thoughts and attention to better things. “Do you have Christmas decorations around?”

“Yeah.” She nodded. “I’ve had a couple of holiday parties at the cabin over the years.”

“What you need is a tree.” He glanced out the window. “If there’s a break in the storm, maybe we can find one.”

She smiled. “Sounds good to me.”

After they finished dinner, Ace helped Charlee wash the few dishes while she wiped down the counters. Charlee stole glances at Ace as they cleaned, hoping he didn’t notice her looking at him. Dinner had been enjoyable, more so than she had expected.

Ace had always given her a hard time whenever he was around. Sometimes she wasn’t sure how to take the teasing. She always wondered if he was flirting and was tempted once or twice to flirt back.

She felt relaxed around Ace, not uptight, not worried about him coming on to her. He was her best friend’s big brother. She’d grown up with him and she knew she could trust him. Ace wouldn’t do anything to hurt her, she knew that in her heart and soul. Like his three brothers, he was a good man.

Charlee glanced at him from beneath her lashes. Maybe she should reconsider.

He finished drying the last dish and set the dish towel down. He leaned against the counter and braced his palms on the granite to either side of him. “I’d love to have a look around your cabin.”

“I’ll take you on a tour.” She set aside the paper towels after drying her hands. “We’ll start on the lower level.”

Pleasure at his approval warmed her through as he admired her home away from home while she guided him through the four guest rooms, library, and game room.

“It’s just me most of the time,” she said as they stood next to the pool table in the game room. “But sometimes I have guests.” She thought about kids running around the place and she smiled. “Maybe I’ll even have a family of my own one day.”

She blinked, having surprised herself by admitting that to Ace. Maybe that meant she was closer to being healed and ready to move on than she’d believed.

“This would be a great place to spend time with family.” A shadow crossed his face as he said the words, bringing her thoughts to a pause. Probably nothing.

“Yes, it is.” She nodded slowly but forced the idea of her own family away for now. “So that’s the grand tour.”

“Everything’s so neat and spotless,” Ace said. “You might cringe at my place.”

“I don’t care what anyone else’s home looks like.” She shook her head. “As far as me, I’ve been kind of a neat freak and obsessive compulsive when it comes to organization, since I was a kid. I have a hard time letting things go.”

“Well, it is beautiful.”

She smiled. “Thank you.”

Ace fell into step beside her as she exited the room. “If I’m going to be stuck in a snowstorm with anyone, I’m glad it’s you,” he said.

She shot him a look, sure she was going to see his teasing grin. But he looked serious.

“Why is that?” she asked him as they walked back to the kitchen.

He shrugged. “You’re fun and easy to get along with. I can’t think of a better person to spend extra time with than you.”

Charlee found herself smiling. “You’re not so bad yourself.”

As they reached the kitchen, a strange feeling overcame her, like a premonition. Like she’d been meant to be stranded with Ace.

That’s crazy. She found herself staring at him, taking in his presence, which was sexy as hell. She’d always thought of him as the best-looking McBride brother, and every one of them was hot. Ace’s brown hair looked soft in the kitchen lighting and she wanted to stare into his McBride-blue eyes. She had the desire to trace his stubbled jaws with her fingertips before she slid her hands beneath his collar…

What would it be like to kiss Ace? What would it feel like to be in his arms?

He turned and caught her staring at him. He winked. “See something you like?”

Heat flushed through her entire body, but she had the desire to grin at the same time.

“Yes, I do.” She tried for a serious expression.

He raised one arm and flexed his biceps like a bodybuilder. “And that would be?”

She pointed past him, trying so hard not to laugh. “A can of gourmet hot chocolate is on the top shelf behind you.”

“Is that all?” He grinned, clearly certain that was not all she’d wanted in that moment. He retrieved the can of hot chocolate, along with a bag of mini marshmallows that had a clip on one end.

“I brought the marshmallows a few weeks ago, when I was last here.” She felt like she was rambling, because right now all she could think about were the muscles he’d flexed so nicely. She filled a tea kettle with water and put it on a burner before turning on the flame. “Hot chocolate with a ton of marshmallows is my favorite treat, my idea of dessert in the wilderness.”

“It’ll hit the spot.” Ace grabbed two red mugs out of a cabinet and placed them on the counter near the stove. He read the back of the can before putting a couple of tablespoons of the mixture in each cup, along with a heavy helping of marshmallows in one, then the other.

She tried not to stare even more…at his strong hands, the flex of muscle in his forearms and carved biceps. His black T-shirt was snug on his muscular frame, his shoulders broad. She’d thought of him as good looking, but at this moment he was downright delicious.

Damn, but she had to control her thoughts. It would not be a good idea to let herself start to fantasize about Ace McBride, for all the myriad of reasons she’d been ticking off since she’d decided to call him to come to her rescue.

“Don’t gyp me on marshmallows,” she said, going for a teasing tone to cover herself.

He laughed. “I gave you an extra one.”

She shook her head and smiled. “I expect another dozen to find their way into my mug.”

He flashed that killer grin. “You asked for it.”

The tea kettle started to whistle, steam spilling from the spout. She turned off the burner then poured water in each mug, and Ace stirred the contents.

Charlee laughed when she saw that one mug looked like it had more marshmallow than hot chocolate. She scooped it up. “Mine.”

She nodded in the direction of the living room. “The couches in this house are amazing to relax in.” They each carried a mug out of the kitchen and Charlee flicked off the lights behind them. Ossie followed and settled near the huge TV.

The lighting in the living room was low, but at a comfortable level, where they didn’t have to strain to see.

Ace got a fire crackling in the big fireplace, then took a seat close to Charlee on the couch. She held her breath a moment, half expecting him to scoot closer to her and ease his arm around her shoulders.

What would she do if he did exactly that?

Charlee let out a slow breath as Ace didn’t make any move in that direction. He sipped from his mug of chocolate as he stared at the fire, seeming lost in his thoughts for the moment.

Maker’s Mark sounded really good right now. She shouldn’t be bringing any alcohol into this mix, but she needed to relax. She was too wound up.

“I have bourbon if you’d like some in your drink,” she said.

He turned his gaze on her, his sexy smile warming her as if she’d already spiked her own drink and had just taken one hell of a swallow.

“I won’t say no to whiskey.” His voice was low and smooth, and a thrill rolled through her belly.

Charlee found herself rising and going to the liquor cabinet and taking out a bottle of Maker’s Mark. She brought it back to the couch, removed the cap, and poured a healthy amount into Ace’s mug, then her own.

She swirled the bourbon and hot chocolate in her mug then took a long drink. Heat rolled down her throat and landed in her belly. She sighed and lowered her mug. “So good.”

Ace watched her the whole time, making her feel somehow more alive beneath his attention. He didn’t drink from his own mug until she lowered hers.

It was her turn to watch him. She couldn’t take her eyes away from his firm lips and mouth, and the way his Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed.

He set his mug on the coffee table and faced her. She gripped hers tighter in her lap, refusing to let go of what seemed like a lifeline in the dangerous waters she was close to falling into.

“Charlee,” he said in a low voice, and her skin tingled with the way he said her name. “I promised you that I would be a gentleman, and I aim to keep my promise.”

She swallowed, not sure what to say. Should she tell him she didn’t want him to be a gentleman? Screw her fears, set herself free, and take the opportunity to “move on” by spending time in bed with Ace?

Or pull on the reins and force herself to slow down. She liked Ace, liked him a lot. In truth, she had always felt something for him, she just wouldn’t allow herself to recognize the attraction for what it was.

But was he the right man to take that step with? He wouldn’t hurt her, she was certain. Like she’d told herself before, once she turned in that direction, she could screw up a perfectly good friendship, if that was all it was meant to be.

She swallowed again. “I know you will, Ace.” Her lips trembled as she smiled. “Interested in a movie? I keep a lot of DVDs here since I don’t get much of a signal to stream videos.”

He smiled in return. “Got something Christmasy?”

“Do I ever.” She laughed. “How about Home Alone?”

He stood and headed toward the TV. “Just tell me where it is and I’ll set it up.”

She nodded in the direction of a cabinet below the TV and pointed to the lower door. “All my Christmas movies are in there.”

He found the one he was looking for and slid it into the DVD player.

“Before we start the movie, let’s pop some popcorn.” She raised her mug. “Want more hot chocolate?” That meant more warm fuzzies, too.

“I’m all in.” His shoulder brushed hers as they headed for the kitchen together. “Now tell me where that popcorn is.”

CHAPTER 4

Charlee rolled onto her back in her cozy bed that was mounded with a comforter and a quilt and covered her eyes with her arm. She struggled to pull her hazy thoughts together. She was in her cabin, with Ace McBride—but had no idea how she’d gotten into bed.

She bolted upright as panic crawled up her throat like a flock of birds. She looked beside her and let out her breath in a rush. Thankfully, she was alone in bed, no sign of Ace. She glanced down and saw she was still in her red sweater and jeans.

He must have brought her in and tucked her into bed. The last thing she could recall was watching a second Christmas movie, but at this moment she couldn’t remember which one.

She’d been so aware of Ace that she’d had a hard time concentrating. So, she’d had a little more to drink, and a little more, to keep from thinking too much about him. She apparently ended up having more bourbon than she should have.

Where had Ace slept? She rubbed grit out of her eyes. Hopefully he’d chosen one of the four guest rooms. Some kind of hostess she was.

Charlee glanced at the clock, expecting it to be at least eight. It surprised her that it was only seven. She climbed out of bed and hurried through her morning ritual and pulled her hair up in a high ponytail. She kept a closet full of clothes at the cabin since she stayed here as often as she could. After taking a shower, she slid on the pair of weathered jeans she’d worn last night, and a green sweater with a Christmas tree on the front, and pulled on fuzzy green socks.

She appreciated that she didn’t feel as if she had to dress up and wear makeup to be presentable around Ace. She could be herself. He was comfortable to be around, like the soft worn jeans she wore.

Now, to whip up something for breakfast. As she walked out of her bedroom and started to mull over the possibilities, she caught the warm smells of sausage, pancakes, and coffee.

Ossie greeted her as she reached the kitchen. Charlee was unable to keep a broad smile off her face as she saw Ace standing over the stove with a spatula. Next to him sat a plate full of sausage links and a stack of pancakes on a platter beneath a domed glass lid.

He looked so damned sexy in a white T-shirt that hugged his muscled biceps and broad chest. His hair was rumpled and damp from a shower and light stubble covered his jaw.

She walked into the kitchen. “Happy Christmas Eve.”

“Good morning, sunshine.” He smiled. “Happy Christmas Eve.”

“This is the way to wake up,” she said with a grin.

Mischief sparked in his eyes. “All a part of my master plan,” he said before sipping from a coffee mug.

“Smells absolutely wonderful.” She grabbed a bottle of maple syrup from the pantry and set out to heat the bottle in a pan of water she put on to boil.

“Mug’s ready for you with a pod I filled with the ground coffee I found in the freezer.” He gestured to the Keurig, where her favorite flowered mug sat. “You have the best chicory coffee.”

“Got it in New Orleans when Bailey, Dara, and I were there in October.” She started to brew the coffee. “When did you get up?”

“About forty-five minutes ago.” He glanced at her. “Slept like a baby in one of your guest rooms. Damn, you’ve got comfortable beds.”

Her body heated as she thought about finding herself in her bed alone this morning. “Thank you for getting me to my room last night.” She met his gaze. “I don’t remember it at all.”

Ace shrugged. “You conked out about three-quarters through the movie. Figured you’d had a long day and made sure you were tucked in.”

“A long day and too much bourbon during the movie.” She shook her head. “I’ll try not to pass out on you again.”

He laughed, the sound lightening her heart. “I’m just glad to see you relax. It’s pretty obvious you need it.”

“Do I ever.” She removed her mug from below the coffee maker. “How about you?”

She watched the way the muscles flexed in his arm as he flipped the last pancake on the griddle and glanced at her. “It’s been a while since I’ve taken any time away from the ranch. I can do with a break.”

She put cream and sugar in her coffee. “It’s been a hell of a month.”

He picked up his own mug. “It’s not over.”

“Tell me about it.” She took a sip of coffee. “Thankfully, I planned to take a few days off so I won’t be missed at my salon and spa. As long as we’re not stranded longer than four days, everything will be fine.”

He slipped the spatula under the last pancake and put it on top of the stack before lowering the dome. He switched off the heat and flashed her his adorable grin. “So, you were planning on being here for a while anyway. I’m just a bonus.”

Charlee laughed. “That seems to be the case.” She tilted her head to the side. “I think a nice bonus.”

His grin broadened. “I’ll take it as you having forgiven me for all the years of teasing you.”

She rolled her eyes. “As if.”

He laughed. “I bet your businesses are busy for the holidays.”

“Oh, yes.” She nodded. “Christmas hair styles for parties all month, right down to Christmas Eve Day. Then after Christmas comes the New Year’s parties. My employees get Christmas Day off and the next three days after that.”

“Do they mind working right up to Christmas Day?” he asked.

She considered his question. “They do know when they’re hired that they might be working holidays, or in the case of Christmas, the day before. That’s a high-demand time and our clientele would have to go someplace else if we weren’t open. We are in business to serve our clients, and that’s what we do.”

“But you’re the boss,” he said with a smile.

“You bet.” She returned his smile. “I don’t style hair anymore and my managers are stylists.” Her smile was harder to keep fixed on her face. “And this year I just needed to get away.”

“I hope you’re hungry,” he said, “because we have a lot of food here. How much do you want?”

“I’m starving. I’ll take three pancakes and three sausage links.” She reached into a cabinet and brought out two plates that she set on the counter near the pancakes and sausages.

He pulled a couple of forks out of the silverware drawer, then filled two plates and put them on the placemats on the breakfast bar, along with the forks. Charlee grabbed a couple of napkins and Ace took care of the hot maple syrup. Coffee mugs were delivered to their place settings as well.

Charlee climbed onto a stool and Ace slid onto the one next to her. His shoulder brushed hers and warmth flowed through her as he spread butter on his pancakes and poured syrup over it and his sausages.

“You’re one of those,” she said with a laugh. “Maple syrup on sausages.”

“Don’t knock it till you try it.” He cut into his stack of five pancakes and took a huge bite.

“I have, and I say yuck.” She happily jabbed at a syrup-free sausage on her plate.

He chewed and swallowed as he shook his head and grinned. “That’s settled. We’re not compatible after all.”

Charlee laughed. “Who ever said we were?”

He cut a piece of sausage with his fork. “I’ve known we’re compatible from the day we met.”

She snorted. “What, I was all of eight. And you were ten or something?”

“Or something.” He smiled. “I guess I can get past the maple sausage thing.”

“Ha. I can’t.” She shook her head. “How are things at your ranch?”

“Keeping the place going.” He shrugged. “You’ll have to stop by sometime, and I’ll show you around my not-so-organized place.”

She laughed. “I’d love to.”

“After all, I have my big brothers to look up to as examples.”

“Your brothers are messy?” she said with a grin.

“We all were growing up.” He shrugged. “Maybe not so much now that they’re married. Keeping up appearances with the wives.” He winked.

“You do have terrific brothers.” Charlee speared a piece of sausage. “And I have to say your sister and sisters-in-law are the best.”

Ace laughed. “Considering two of the four are your best friends.”

“Yep.” She ate the piece of sausage and chewed as she thought about the four women. She swallowed her bite. “I like Celine and Fiona, too.”

Charlee went on, “I wasn’t sure about Celine when I first met her. Since she’s a New York fashion designer, I wondered if her wanting to be here would last.” Charlee looked at Ace. “I’m glad she is happy here. You can tell how much she loves Jayson,”

“And he loves her like crazy,” Ace said. “She’s been able to build her line from her studio at their ranch and she’s doing great.”

“I’ve heard that from Bailey,” Charlee said. “I really like Fiona, too. She was a kind of gypsy who had never stayed in one place for long, so I wasn’t so sure she’d stay in Prescott since she’d always been a wanderer. But she’s so happy with Justice that she shines with it.”

Ace gave a firm nod. “She and Sophie have built quite a line of jewelry, too.”

“I adore Sophie as much as I care about Lora and Leslie.” Charlee smiled at the thought of Fiona’s daughter, Justice’s long-lost daughter, and Jack’s daughter, three vibrant and loving girls. “Those three girls are fantastic young women. And Jack’s son Max is great.”

“Then there’s Bailey and Dara with babies on the way.” Ace gave a mock groan. “My family is filled with bunnies.”

Charlee laughed and rested her fork on her plate. “I miss Bailey. I never thought she’d find a cowboy in Hawaii and end up in Montana.”

Ace snorted. “She’s lucky our brothers and I weren’t there. We would have run him off the island.”

Charlee grinned and elbowed Ace. “Like all those rodeo cowboys she dated before Seth.”

Ace’s grin matched hers. “You betcha.”

The warmth filling Charlee while she and Ace talked was so comfortable and pleasant, it was almost alien. She hadn’t felt completely at ease with any man since—

Not going there.

Truthfully, she was grateful to be “stuck” with Ace over Christmas, if only for a few days. A part of her that she didn’t want to acknowledge wanted more. Much more.

She had purposefully chosen to build a business that catered to mostly female clients and her employees were predominately female. She did have a few great male employees, but she never felt uncomfortable around the men she had hired. Something about the nature of the business she was in, she supposed.

“Charlee?” Ace’s voice drew her out of her thoughts, and she saw the concerned look on his strong features. “You okay?”

“Yeah.” She didn’t have to force a smile as she looked into his eyes. “I was just thinking that I’m having a great time. You’re not so bad after all.”

“My master plan at work. I orchestrated that storm just for you.” He tried for an apologetic look. “Sorry about the flat tire, but I had to find some way to get you alone.”

“Ha.” She shook her head as she tried not to grin. “How did you know I’d call you?”

He tapped his forehead. “Psychic energy.”

She struggled to keep from laughing. “You’ve been talking to Fiona too much. Next, you’ll be telling me you’re into reading tarot cards, too.”

“Of course.” If it wasn’t for the spark of amusement in his eyes, he would have looked serious. “I can also tell your future.”

She swiveled her stool so she could face him more directly. “All right. Tell me what’s in store for me.”

“Call me the Great Ace.” He put his fingertips to her forehead, looking solemn as the heat of his touch warmed her. He closed his eyes. “I’m getting a reading…hold on.”

Charlee held in the desire to giggle. “I’m holding, Great Ace.”

“Shhh.” He gave her a mock frown. “I need complete concentration.”

She snorted back a laugh.

“The spirits tell me you’re in for the best Christmas of your life.” He nodded solemnly. “You won’t want to go back home.” He opened his eyes and moved his fingertips away from her forehead. “Besides, I’ve got you in my clutches now.”

She couldn’t help grinning when she was around him. “We’ll see.”

He reached for her and she stiffened, afraid he was going to touch her in some way she couldn’t handle.

But he just tugged her ponytail. “I’ll bet you anything you’ll be wishing for us to come back after this storm is over, just the two of us.”

“This is an easy one.” She relaxed. “If I win—meaning I don’t plan on bringing you up here alone again—then you owe me a drink at Nectars. Just one.”

“And if I win, you owe me a candlelight dinner at your place.” His eyes held hers, a gaze she could get lost in if she allowed herself.

“There’s no way you can win this one.” Her whole body flushed with heat. “I’m going to. Easy-peasy”

“We’ll see. You just have to promise to be honest,” he said with a smile.

“I’m always honest.” It was mostly true, but only when she wasn’t lying to herself.

Or my family. After all, she hadn’t told the truth about Christmas.

That really wasn’t so smart of her.

Ace tugged her ponytail again before turning back to his pancakes and finishing them off.

She watched him as he ate, her stomach flipping at the thought of spending days with him and not wanting to leave. Wanting more time with him.

Her throat worked as she swallowed. The bet hadn’t been such a great idea. Being here alone with Ace wasn’t a good idea.

Right?

Ace tried not to frown as he glanced up to see a range of emotions play over Charlee’s features. She’d looked relaxed and happy before worry, concern, and fear had followed. He’d been trying to keep things easy and fun between them, but apparently he was doing a crappy job of it.

She met his gaze. “I’m sorry I’ve screwed up your holiday. You’re stuck here with me and you’ll be missing the big McBride family gathering.”

“Hey.” He took her hands in his and gripped them. “I’m happy to be here with you. For one, you shouldn’t be spending the holiday alone. You know you’re important to the whole family, but I want to make sure you know you’re important to me just as much.”

She gave him a little smile. “Thanks, Ace.”

He brought her hands to his lips and kissed her knuckles. “Happy Christmas Eve, Charlee.”

Her cheeks turned pink. “Happy Christmas Eve.”

Ace let her fingers slide from his. “I’m going to get the kitchen cleaned up and then we can see about getting a tree in here.”

Charlee glanced out the window where snow swirled. “I dunno. It’s coming down pretty good.”

“Have faith,” he said.

“I have loads of faith in you.”

“But first the kitchen.” He inclined his head in that direction. “I made a hell of a mess.”

Charlee visibly relaxed. “I’ll help.”

He slid off his stool and held back from taking Charlee’s hand to help her off her own seat. He didn’t want to push anything with her. He knew she’d been hurt bad, the kind of bad you really never get over, you just move past and reclaim your life for your own.

They cleaned up the kitchen then Ossie followed them to the floor-to-ceiling windows that looked onto the back of the property. Thick woods surrounded the cabin, but little could be seen with the storm raging outside, snow slanting and swirling before them. The cabin was so well insulated that the storm could barely be heard.

“I’ve never been in a snowstorm in Prescott.” Charlee studied the view—what there was of it. “Hopefully it won’t last much longer.”

Ace was truthfully hoping it would last a lot longer. “I don’t remember the last time we had a storm like this.” He thought about it. “Maybe when we were kids.”

“Maybe,” she said.

“It’ll probably be clear enough to drive back to Prescott when you were planning to leave,” he said. “Although your Mustang might be buried in a snow drift.”

Charlee groaned. “I forgot all about my car. You’re probably right.”

“It’s likely going to be a challenge to change that tire,” he said. “But I’m up to it.”

“My hero,” she said as she tipped her face to look up at him with a smile.

God, he wanted to kiss her. He wanted to be her hero.

She was so damned beautiful. All that silky sun-streaked blonde hair to run his fingers through and full lips to kiss. That wasn’t all he wanted to kiss—he’d skim his lips over her soft flesh from head to toe and slide his fingertips over every other part of her firm body.

Damn. He hardened and he prayed like hell she wouldn’t look down and see how she affected him.

Her smile faded as their gazes held. As if she suddenly realized what she was doing, she quickly looked away.

Ah, hell. She probably read his expression, which told her how much he wanted her. He’d never been good at holding a poker face, so it had no doubt been obvious.

What is going on in that head of hers? he thought, but didn’t want to push it by asking.

He glanced out the window again before meeting her gaze. “Come on, sunshine, and show me where you have a saw.”

They bundled up and Ossie joined them as she took Ace outside to the carport, then to the tool shed he’d noticed earlier. He grabbed the saw and they walked out to the edge of the carport.

The snow was coming down, but not too heavy.

“There’s a good one.” Ace made his way through the snow, Charlee and Ossie following, to a tree that was no more than six feet tall, not quite his height.

Snow blew in his face and landed on his eyelashes as well as chilling his cheeks. Charlee helped hold the tree while he sawed it down in just a matter of minutes. Ace headed back to the carport, tree in tow, with Charlee and Ossie once again following as if he were the Pied Piper.

Charlee waited as he shook most of the snow off the branches then held it while she helped him dust off the rest. Ossie watched, tail wagging approvingly.

“We’ll leave the tree out here for a while until any leftover snow melts off it and it dries,” he said. “In the meantime, it’s still early, so how about that game of cards before lunch?” He kept his tone light. “I intend to beat the pants off you.”

She raised an eyebrow. “I said no to strip poker.”

He laughed. “Not literally beat the pants off you. But if you insist.”

Laughter was in her eyes. “Don’t even think about it.”

Oh, he’d thought about it plenty. But he wasn’t about to tell her just how much.

CHAPTER 5

Charlee went to a hall closet and picked out a deck of cards with New Orleans pictures on the back. “Just got these on our trip.” She handed them to Ace. “Shiny new and slippery.”

“I can handle slippery,” he said. Then thought slippery and wet when it came to Charlee. Damn, he had to stop thinking about her this way.

Yeah, like that’s gonna happen.

“I bought a bunch of games when I was first decorating the cabin, for when friends come up and stay,” she said. “I have poker chips in the closet somewhere, that I’ve never used.”

She moved boxes aside. “I’ve got Pictionary, which I’ve played with Bailey, Dara, and Sandy, a friend from the spa. Here’s Trivial Pursuit, which Bailey likes.” She partially disappeared into the closet and called out, “Then there’s Mexican Train dominoes, Scrabble, Monopoly, checkers, some of which have been played, others not.”

She murmured something to herself, then said, “I have playing cards right here, and there’s a bag of dice…” She grew quiet for just a moment. “I know the chips are here somewhere. I thought maybe I could learn to play poker with Dara and Bailey sometime, but never got to it.” She disappeared fully into the closet. “Here!” she announced in a muffled voice.

With a triumphant expression, she retrieved a brand-new, unopened revolving poker chip rack.

Ace took the box from her. “Perfect.”

She dragged a game table out of the closet and after she pulled out two padded folding chairs, they carried it all to the living room, where they could play in front of the crackling fire. The cabin had a great heating system, but there was nothing like being in front of a fireplace with someone you cared about.

Or were sweet on.

Ace shuffled the cards. “You know how to play poker?”

“Does Go Fish count?” She gave him an innocent look. “How about Uno?”

Ace couldn’t help laughing. “Not last I heard.”

She smiled. “Well then, I’m pretty much a newbie.”

He explained basic rules for Five Card Draw and showed her an example of how to play.

When he finished, he said, “Ready?”

“You bet.” She sat back in her chair. “I’m ready for that beginner’s luck you always hear about.”

“You having beginner’s luck would just be my luck,” he said. And wasn’t that the truth. “Speaking of that, we need to decide what to bet on.”

“We already have one bet.” Charlee rested her hands on the table. “So we can bet poker chips instead—most wins.”

Ace shook his head. “We need a real bet for this game.”

She looked thoughtful. “When I win, you have to tell me how you got your nickname. I know there’s a story behind it.”

He winced. “All right. But since I’m going to beat your adorable little butt, I want to take you out on a date when we get back to Prescott.”

Charlee scrunched her cute little nose. “I don’t know…”

“So, don’t call it a date.” He leaned forward. “Let’s call it a fun day out.”

She studied him and drummed her fingers on the table. She held her hand out. “You’re on.”

“Best of five.” Ace inhaled deeply, readying himself. He was determined to win. He’d have a day out planned with Charlee if—when—he won.

They tied after four hands. Charlee sank back in her chair and blew a strand of hair out of her eyes. Exhilaration from their card battle had her rarin’ to go. She had a pile of chips in front of her that made her feel like a high roller. “I like Five Card Draw. I’m going to start having poker games when the girls come to stay at the cabin with me.”

Ace’s pile was just as big and he looked like he was ready to take her on in a fight to the finish. She thought about throwing the game because it would be fun to go somewhere with Ace, but it wasn’t in her to let him win. He’d have to earn it.

“Winner takes all.” Charlee’s blood sang as she leaned forward “And I’m going to take the game.”

Ace shook his head, his sexy blue eyes full of mischief. “This is mine, honey.”

“My deal.” Charlee took the cards and dealt them.

The past couple of hours had passed by in no time as they talked about family and friends. Laughter and teasing had kept her on the edge of her seat.

Ace picked up his cards and immediately frowned. He tried to neutralize his expression, but Charlee had picked up on the frown. He had to work on his poker face, at least what she figured from their time this morning.

“Not a good hand, huh?” She grinned. “Ah, that’s too bad.”

“It’s just fine and dandy.” He gave a sheepish laugh.

They went back and forth, betting white chips for dimes, blue chips for quarters, and red chips for fifty-cent pieces. They had a growing pile between them. Charlee had set the amounts, not anything like what was normally attributed to each chip from what she understood from Ace, but he’d smiled and gone with it.

Charlee stared at her hand. Not great. She discarded three cards and Ace discarded two. She dealt them each replacement cards facedown, and he picked his up.

What did he have? She studied his expression. He looked pleased with the cards she’d just dealt him. She picked up her own cards and looked at them.

She had to school her expression. Damn. Much better. She had a freaking straight flush.

Her heart hammered as her competitive nature kicked into high gear.

The only thing that could beat her was a royal flush. Was it possible his hand was better than hers? Not likely, if she understood the game right.

“I’ll call your dime and raise twenty-five cents.” She threw in a white chip for the dime and a blue chip for the quarter.

“I’ll call.” He tossed in his blue chip and spread his hand on the table. “Four kings.”

She smirked and laid her cards out. “Straight flush.”

He groaned as she raked in the chips. His non-poker face expression told her he was way disappointed about losing.

“Pay up, Ace.” She couldn’t help the triumph in her voice.

He gathered the cards and shook his head. “So damned close.”

She grinned. “Stop putting it off.”

He gave a sheepish grin. “When I was in fifth grade, my three older brothers challenged me to a game of poker, best of three. They said if I won, they’d buy me a new bike. If I lost, they got to give me any nickname they wanted. I took the bet because I really wanted that bike.”

Her grin broadened. “And you lost.”

“Spectacularly.” He blew out his breath. “I did so badly they decided to call me Ace, because my highest hand of the whole game was a pair of aces.” He shook his head, a rueful expression on his handsome features. “Guess I should be glad it wasn’t a pair of queens.”

Charlee had just taken a drink of her Coke and she almost sprayed it all over the game table. She managed to swallow and burst into laughter. “That’s one way to look at it.”

He rubbed his hair with his palm, causing tufts of it to stand up. “So, the nickname stuck.”

“I feel totally silly.” She shook her head. “Here I’ve known you for so long, I think I forgot what your real first name is.”

“James,” he said.

“Of course.” She slapped her hand to her forehead then lowered it. “You don’t look like a James.” She studied him. “Ace suits you.”

He slid the cards into the box. “I can’t imagine being called anything else. That is unless it’s a legal thing. Like my name on my driver’s license and the title to my truck, that kind of thing.”

She nodded. “My birth name is Charlene, but I got everyone to call me Charlee when I was really young, I think four or five. So, I picked my own nickname.”

“Didn’t know that.” Ace helped her slide the poker chips back into their appropriate slots on the rack. “Charlee is perfect for you.”

“Thanks.” She smiled at him. She couldn’t remember ever feeling so comfortable and so good around a man. She could let down her guard with Ace and not feel like she needed to shield herself in armor.

He returned her smile, then glanced away to finish putting away the poker chips, as if afraid to maintain eye contact and let her know what he was thinking or feeling. She’d noticed him looking at her lots of times. Truth was, she liked Ace, liked him a lot.

It was Charlee’s turn to avoid eye contact with Ace as they finished putting away cards into the box and sorted the chips into the rack. She needed to just chill out.

She leaned against the back of her chair and glanced at the old wooden analogue clock she had on the wall. She nodded to Ossie, who had shifted on the rug so that she was stretched out. “Ossie looks relaxed.”

“I’m going to take her out now, long enough to let her relieve herself,” he said.

“I’ll join you.” Charlee pushed back from the table and got to her feet. The three of them headed to the laundry room. Ace and Charlee put on their coats and they all walked out and down the stairs into the carport.

“Don’t take too long,” Ace said to Ossie. “You’re going to freeze your butt.”

Ossie barked then bounded into the snow.

In the meantime, Ace checked out the pine tree. “Do you have plastic to put around the tree base and a tree skirt in case it drips?”

She nodded. “I have a tree skirt, too.”

“Good.” He turned away from the pine. “How about lights?”

“Outdoor LED lights, so they’ll be okay on a damp tree,” she said.

“It’s actually not too bad.” He ran his hand over a branch and the pine needles. “Most of the water has dried or dripped off.” He glanced at her. “Do you have some old towels? We can dry off the excess.”

Ossie trotted back as Charlee went in search of old towels in one of the cabinets. When she returned, Ace had knelt beside the dog, scratching her behind the ears.

They managed to get the tree fairly dry. Fortunately it wasn’t a huge tree or very thick. Maybe six feet, and the circumference wasn’t that big, with large gaps between the branches. They left the tree in the laundry room for now.

Ace helped Charlee get the tree skirt, base, stand, decorations, and ornaments down from the attic. Charlee carried the tree stand and base to the family room as Ace lugged the boxes of decorations and ornaments beside her.

She plopped her items down where they were going to set up the tree. “This is a lot of stuff to get out for just a couple of days.”

He smiled at her. “Could be more than a couple of days. Besides, it’s Christmas.”

The look on Ace’s face, so earnest, made her want to smile, too, and she found herself doing just that. “You’re right.”

“We can decorate tonight.” Her stomach growled. “How about lunch now? It’s almost one.”

“I could eat a bear.” He leaned back against the counter. “But I’ll settle for a sandwich.”

She leaned into the fridge. “We’ve got lunchmeat—roast beef. Then there’s cheese if you want a grilled cheese sandwich. She looked at him over her shoulder, to see him looking at her butt.

She could only give him a mock frown, because for some reason it didn’t bother her. “Stop staring at my ass.”

“But it’s so cute.” A totally unrepentant grin followed his statement. “Now go back to what you were doing.”

She rolled her eyes and straightened. “Just for that you don’t get a choice. It’s grilled cheese for you.”

“Awesome.” He looked in the pantry. “Got any green chilis?”

“You put green chilis on your grilled cheese?” She grabbed the cheese and the wholegrain bread out of the fridge, along with a stick of butter. “That’s weird.”

“I’ll put any kind of spicy chilis on it.” He found the can and brought it out. “Best way to have it.”

Charlee turned on the griddle and stepped out of Ace’s way. She gestured toward the griddle. “Have at it.”

Ace held up the can. “Wanna try it?”

She laid out the ingredients. “Sure, why not.”

“My kind of woman,” he said. “Game for anything.”

“Not anything,” she said. “No maple syrup on my sausages, thank you very much.”

He softened the butter a few seconds in the microwave. “Did you bring fresh bananas? Oh, and do you have a jar of honey?”

“I do have fresh bananas and honey, but don’t tell me you put them on grilled cheese.” She stared at him with what she hoped was a well-executed look of horror. “I’ll have to kick you out of here and into the storm—you’re too crazy to stay.”

He grinned and buttered the slices of bread before putting them butter-side down on the griddle. “I saw you have peanut butter. I love a good peanut butter, banana, and honey sandwich.”

“On grilled cheese?” She opened the can of chilies with a manual opener. “Now you’re pulling my chain.”

“Not on grilled cheese. I’m talking about a sandwich for later, like a late night snack.” He laughed. “Okay, what else haven’t you had? How about a fried bologna and mayo sandwich with tomato?”

“Never.” She handed him the can of chilis and a spoon, which he set beside the package of cheese slices. “You’re weird.”

“Must be because you don’t have older brothers. Mine tried anything and everything, and I came up with my fair share.” Ace put a slice of cheese on each piece of bread. He put liberal amounts of green chilis and added a second slice of cheese over the chilis before putting another piece of buttered bread on top of that, buttered side out.

“I have to admit it looks like it’s going to be good.” Her stomach rumbled again, echoing her words.

“I’ll change you into a more food-adventurous lady yet.”

“I’m adventurous.” She put her hands on her hips. “I love eating out at different types of restaurants and try a wide variety of meals.”

He looked at her with mischief in his eyes. “Prove it.”

“Seriously?” She had to force herself to give him a mock frown, because what she wanted to do was laugh. Why did he make her want to laugh so much?

“Yes, seriously.” He took a spatula out of a jar filled with a variety of utensils. “We can start out with going to that Korean place near the capital.”

She winced. “That’s one place I wasn’t crazy about when I went there. I had some kind of cold soup that didn’t agree with me.”

“You didn’t try the right kind of dish.” He flipped over a sandwich on the grill, and it was nicely toasted on the one side. He scooted the spatula under the second one and it was golden brown, too. “I’ll take you there sometime when we get back.”

“Okay, but you have to beat me at something first.” She tried not to grin but failed. “No free dates.”

“Then this will be a boy-girl night out,” he said. “Not a date.”

She had to laugh. “You’re impossible.”

“That’s not the half of it.” He gave her a quick grin. “I haven’t even gotten started.”

After lunch, Charlee said, “It’s still early. Wanna play something else?”

“How about Mexican Train dominoes?” He nodded toward the game closet. “Mom taught me when I was a kid and we play it now and then. It’s her favorite game.”

“Sounds good to me.” Charlee tilted her head to the side. “Does that mean I have to worry about losing to you?”

He shrugged but smiled. “I play a mean hand, but Mom usually outplays all of us.” He headed to the game closet, brought out the domino set, and returned with it. The box also had a notebook and the round “station”. He dumped the dominoes onto the table and they made sure all the tiles were facedown.

“Two players, fifteen dominoes to start.” He sat and scooted in his chair. “Double twelves.”

He placed the station in the middle of the table. They each picked a train token—Ace the orange and Charlee the blue one.

“Twelves are the tiles with red numbers.” Charlee placed the double twelve tile at the center of the station.

She and Ace drew fifteen tiles each. They moved the rest of the dominoes to a boneyard off to one side. After their trains were to either side of the station, she sat back and set her tiles up on their sides, the numbers facing her so that Ace couldn’t see them. She contemplated her hand, putting her dominoes in a train, the order in which she would play them.

He glanced up from his own tiles. “You go first.”

She placed her first tile, the twelve-eleven, the second highest point tile next to the double twelve. “Glad to get rid of that thing.”

“I’ll start a sidecar.” He placed a twelve-three off to the side so they could play extra dominoes on it that didn’t fit into their individual trains.

The game got off to a good start. “What are you going to bet this time?” Ace asked. “It’s a formality, since I’m going to take the game.”

“Ha.” Charlee glanced up from her tiles. “You cook dinner tonight. Shirtless.”

Where did that come from? She hoped her face wasn’t pink.

He laughed. “My bet is still on.” He flashed her a grin. “One day out doing something fun with me.”

She scrunched her nose. “Be more specific.”

“How about hiking when the snow melts?” He looked thoughtful. “Ever been to West Fork Trail outside Sedona?”

“Nope.” She placed her second domino, an eleven-five. “But I’ve heard about it.”

“Then it’s settled, we’re going hiking.” He put a tile on the sidecar. “And tonight we’ll cook dinner together.” He winked. “But I’ll still do it shirtless.”

Charlee groaned. Me and my big mouth.

Since they were playing double twelves, it would be a relatively long game, but with Ace she knew it would be fun. She kinda hoped he would win, but she would never give up. But if I win, I can sit and watch him make dinner. All those hard muscles at work… The image of Ace standing shirtless in front of the stove was enough to make her face heat.

She looked at Ace to see him watching her.

“Your face is flushed.” He placed a tile down to start his train, instead of playing on the sidecar. “What are you thinking about?”

Her face warmed even more as she played a tile. He couldn’t tell that she’d been thinking about him in all his muscled glory. “Why are you always watching me?”

When she glanced up, he was smiling. “You’re so damned gorgeous, Charlee. How could I not look?”

She had to be bright red now, and she couldn’t think of anything to say.

“I like watching you.” Ace held her gaze. “You’re so beautiful, and you don’t even know it.”

“Stop it.” She gestured to his dominoes. “Your turn.”

She needed to change the subject. “How long have you owned your ranch?”

“After I graduated from the University of Arizona, I worked for seven years to save up enough to start ranching for myself.” Ace placed a tile. “When I had enough, I bought the land from a rancher who hit on bad times during the recession. The house and buildings were already on the property.”

“You’re around thirty-three or thirty-four now?”

“Thirty-three.” He nodded. “And you’ll be thirty this year.”

“Yep.” She had run out of tiles to play and she had to start drawing from the boneyard. “A new adventure is about to start.” She took a tile, looked at it then her train and the sidecar. She moved her train token to show she couldn’t find a play. “Pass.”

“A new adventure is a good way to put it.”

“I feel I get better with age.”

Ace laughed. “I’ve noticed.”

She met his gaze. “You feel the same way?”

“I’ve noticed you get better and better.” He winked. “But yeah, I feel different as I get older. Once I hit thirty, I felt all grown up.”

Charlee couldn’t help but laugh. He certainly looked all grown up. He’d filled out in the way a man did as he grew older, more mature and sexy. She hated to admit it, but she had noticed that he did get better-looking every year that went by.

Stop thinking of him that way, damnit.

Ace played a tile on her train, since her passing gave him the opportunity. “I’m hoping the storm will let up,” he said.

Charlee glanced out the huge windows. “It’s almost a whiteout.”

“All the better to get locked away with you.”

She cut her gaze to him. “You really did orchestrate this whole thing.”

He laughed. “You got me.”

She smiled, drew another tile, and was able to play it on the sidecar. “You don’t have your ranch name on your gate.”

He placed a ten-one on a ten tile on the sidecar. “Never got around to it.”

She drew another tile. “What is its name?” Why hadn’t she thought to ask him that before?

“Ace High Ranch.” He grinned. “Almost named it High Roller, but since I’m not a gambler—other than this—” he gestured to the game. “—it didn’t make sense.”

“But you got your name from a game where aces were your highest hand…now that does make sense.” No place to play the tile she’d just drawn. “Pass,” she said before she added, “You should get a sign.”

“One of these days.” He played on her train again, a double ten then a ten-one since the first tile was a double. “I’m thinking an Ace of Clubs on the sign.”

She drew a tile and was able to play it. “Not an Ace of Hearts?”

He played a domino and met her gaze. “That would mean I’d need a Queen of Hearts.”

She laughed. She’d asked for that. “Anything else you’d put on the sign?

“Nah.” He looked at his tile and the board. “Pass.”

“Thank God.” She played a domino on his train. “You’re way ahead of me.” She pointed to his remaining tiles. “I’ve got six tiles left to your three.”

“The game can change in a flash,” he said.

“Tell me about it.” Things sure changed for her when it came to Ace. She wasn’t afraid of him, didn’t distrust him, didn’t harbor any negative feelings about him. She liked him, more and more as time went on.

She fought not to imagine him far more than just shirtless, making dinner in her kitchen, but it only made her imagine more of him naked. She felt like covering her eyes to stop the images, but that might look kinda weird to Ace, and he’d wonder why she was doing it. Damn, but her face was hot.

He smirked as he played a tile on the sidecar, leaving him with two dominoes. She groaned.

“I like the names of your salons,” he said. “The Escape Spa sounds like going to a tropical island.”

“That’s my theme.” She needed to dump her tiles before he beat her to it. Half of her remaining dominoes were high-numbered tiles. She drew again, hoping for something to play. She groaned as she drew the twelve-ten. “You’ll have to come in sometime for a pedi.”

“Me? A pedicure in a woman’s spa?” Ace laughed as he played a double nine and a nine-three. “I won this round.”

“We have men who come in to get a pedi-mani, too.” She pushed her tiles over so they were face up. “I must have sixty points here.”

“Nope, no manicure here.” Ace counted the numbers on her tiles. “Seventy-five to zero.”

This time she allowed herself to bury her face in her hands. No, now she was imagining him in only an apron.

“Hey, we’ve got twelve hands to go to get to double blanks,” he said. “But don’t expect any mercy from me.”

She looked up and gave him a determined look. “I am going to beat you.”

After putting their numbers on the notebook to start keeping track, they turned all the tiles facedown and shuffled them before starting all over again.

“I named my other place Timeless Salon,” she said. “On the wall I have an analogue clock with no numbers, and I have an hourglass with no sand.”

Ace laughed. “Do you cut men’s hair?”

“Of course.” She smiled. “It’s an equal-opportunity hairstyle experience.”

His lips twisted into an amused expression. “I’ll come in for a haircut. But I’m asking for you. I only want the best.”

“I told you I don’t cut hair in the salon anymore.” She looked at her fifteen tiles again. “But I can set you up with the best stylist I have.”

“Is she as cute as you?” he asked in a teasing tone.

“He is amazing.” She glanced up at Ace. “You’ll love him, and I bet he’ll think you’re cute.”

Ace shook his head. “I suppose I deserved that.”

“Yep.” She examined his hair. “You are looking a little shaggy. I suppose I can cut your hair here.”

He rubbed his hand over his head, causing tufts to stick up in the most adorable way. “I’ll take you up on that.”

They laughed and chatted over the next hour as they played each hand—every tile, for that matter.

She felt so relaxed and, well, happy. She kept telling herself to stop enjoying Ace’s company so much, which she figured was a pretty dumb thing to think. Having fun with Ace was a nice break from the real world. When they returned to everyday life, things would go back to normal.

Right?

The final Mexican Train hands went quickly. Charlee annihilated him and won the game 126 points to his 431.

“Ha.” She gave him a triumphant look.

She met his gaze and tried not to look at his muscular chest, which only gave her thoughts about seeing him cook dinner in only an apron.

Oh, lordy. She couldn’t wait.

CHAPTER 6

Ace’s shoulder brushed Charlee’s as they stared out the window. Snow weighed down branches on the pine and juniper trees. Mounds of snow covered the brush so that few signs of bushes and other plant life existed.

He glanced down and took in how the soft blue sweater hugged her breasts and clung to her lovely figure. It seemed like every time he was close to her, he grew hard.

His throat worked as he swallowed. He had to get his mind off of stripping layers of her clothing away until all that was left was smooth, supple flesh. Her nipples would be soft but firm to his tongue. He would suck first one nipple, then the other, teasing them with his tongue and lips.

He had to have her, had to be inside her. He shut his eyes tight and ground his teeth. Damn, but it was hard to stop picturing her body beneath his as he moved between her thighs…

“Everything is so hushed, so silent, when snow covers the landscape and snowflakes drift lazily from the sky,” she said softly, pulling him away from his fantasy.

He rested his hand on her shoulder, enjoying the heat of her body through her light sweater to his palm. He squeezed and she looked up at him with those vivid blue eyes that were so beautiful it made him ache.

They’d have blue-eyed babies, the girls as cute and sweet as their mom.

Ace dropped his hand away and took a step back. What the hell? Why was he visualizing Charlee and him having kids? His skin prickled. It had been great thinking about her, being with her, even for the rest of his life.

But kids? Would she insist on having them?

“What’s wrong?” A worried expression crossed her lovely features. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

Ghost of the future, Ace thought then chased it away with, I don’t plan on having kids.

He wouldn’t make a good dad. His own father and his brothers were great parents, but Ace knew he wasn’t cut out to raise kids.

Fear of failure? Fear of his life revolving around children and no longer being free? Fear of being trapped?

He mentally shook his head and made himself smile. “Nothing. All good here.”

She frowned. “You don’t have a good poker face.”

Damn.

He settled his arm around her shoulders and squeezed her to him, catching her off guard. He kissed the top of her head. “All’s good.”

“It’s getting worse out there.” Her attention had turned back to the scene outside. “Whiter by the minute.”

“It sure is.” He shifted trying to ease the pressure against his zipper. Even thoughts of kids, something he’d never wanted, didn’t make him need her any less.

Charlee was his. She would always be his. No way in hell would any other man have her—as long as it didn’t involve having children.

She tipped her head up to meet his eyes again. “Something is bothering you.”

“Just focused.” He shook his head. “I’m thinking I need to win a game to take you hiking when we get back.”

“Not a chance.” She looked happy, relaxed, in a way he’d never seen her before. Did he do that?

And he was having crappy thoughts that would possibly hurt her feelings. But then he had to remember she was the one who didn’t want a relationship. Which, no doubt, meant she didn’t want kids, too—although she had mentioned something about the cabin being a good place for kids…

She stretched, her soft sweater pulling against her breasts as she raised her arms. She pulled her shoulders back when she tipped her head from side-to-side, making her breasts seem even more prominent.

His throat went dry. Damn, what a sight.

She lowered her arms.

He let out a slow breath and glanced at the clock before she could catch him staring again. “Dinnertime already?” He forced himself to slow his words. “What do you want?”

Charlee’s brilliant smile warmed him. “Steak, baked potato, and salad.”

“Girl after my own heart.” He smiled, too. “How do you like your steak done?”

“Medium rare.” She walked with him toward the kitchen. “Lots of butter and sour cream on my baked potato. I brought both.”

He tweaked her ponytail. “You’ve got it.” He couldn’t help but tease her. “Where’s your apron?”

“You’re not supposed to want the bet.” She frowned at him. “That was not a reward.”

“The apron is for you.” He grinned as she gave him an indignant look.

She put her hands on her hips. “I am not going to get naked for you.”

Oh, yes she will. One of these days he’d get her naked—just for him.

“Who said anything about no clothes?” he asked innocently. “I just said the apron is for you. To protect that sweater.” And those beautiful breasts.

Charlee sniffed. “I brought a package of two sirloin steaks. I’d planned to put one of them in the freezer, but this worked out great.” She shooed him into the kitchen. “Baked potatoes, too.”

He pulled his shirt over his head and laid it over his shoulder.

Her jaw dropped and she stared at his bare chest, her face turning pink.

Charlee couldn’t stop staring. All those gorgeous muscles that she wanted to skim her lips over. Hard pecs, carved biceps, trim waist and a nice defined six-pack. His muscles would be hard and firm to her touch, and she would feel so good and secure with Ace’s arms wrapped around her.

She squirmed and met his gaze. “If you’re cold, you could leave on your shirt.”

He shook his head his lips still curved into a grin. “It’s hot in here.”

“I’ll turn off the heat.” She climbed on a stool at the breakfast bar. “Then it won’t be a problem for you.”

He looked amused. “Or a problem for you?”

She forced herself to meet his gaze head-on. “I’m hungry. More cooking and less talk.”

With a laugh, Ace started preparing the meal.

And she watched, trying not to let him see her staring at his bare torso. He looked even better than she’d imagined.

How could anyone imagine how perfect he would be under that shirt? She bet the rest of him was just as amazing.

He caught her looking at him, again, and she swallowed hard. It was so unfair of him to do this to her, despite it being her own fault. Somehow she had to get even.

Stripping off her sweater and bra would not be getting even, but it would sure feel good.

This time with Ace was a kind of torture she hadn’t expected. She could always give in and see where it went with Ace…

“Our days have involved four meals and three games, of which we have played multiple rounds.” She tried to keep her voice bright. “We need to come up with something for tomorrow.”

“I can think of a few things.” He winked at her.

“Let’s brainstorm.” Ignoring his teasing was the best option. “We can play more games, or see what else we can come up with.”

“Why don’t we brainstorm while enjoying some bourbon and eggnog after we decorate the tree?” He poked one of the steaks with a fork. “I think the steaks are ready, along with everything else.”

She blinked. “Already?”

He laughed. “While you’ve been staring at me, I’ve managed to get the entire dinner prepared.”

Charlee looked away, face flaming as usual when it came to Ace and his bare skin. “I’ll set the table.”

She put placemats, silverware, and plates on the table. Ace set out a platter with the sirloins, followed by a large bowl filled with salad, and added a baked potato wrapped in foil to each of their plates.

“Everything smells incredible.” She drew in a deep breath. “I’m hungrier than ever.”

He settled in his chair.

Still with no shirt.

“Please put on your shirt.” She speared a steak and put it on her plate. “You’re distracting me, and this dinner is filled with important stuff I need to concentrate on.”

Ace gave a low laugh and took the shirt from over his shoulder and slid it on. “Is that better?”

She let out a breath of relief. “Yes. Thank you.”

He gave her a wicked smile. “So you find me distracting, huh?”

The best thing to do with this man was to ignore him.

After dinner, they cleaned up and headed to the living room. Charlee’s heart felt so light it amazed her. She didn’t remember having a Christmas as fun as this one had been so far. Ace retrieved the tree from the laundry room and carried it into the living room, where they got it set up with the tree stand that had a base for water to keep the tree from drying out too quickly.

Ossie curled up nearby. They’d given her bites of steak in addition to what Ace had cooked up for the dog.

They laughed as they untangled a set of LED Christmas lights then proceeded to wrap the string of them around the tree. Charlee had several sets of lights and they put on as many as they could find.

“Now this is a sparkly tree.” She arranged the end of the last set of lights. “Perfect.”

Ace stood close to her and she breathed in his clean, masculine scent. “Ornaments next.” The low timbre of his voice made her shiver.

“How about some popcorn while we decorate?” She stepped away from him, the space allowing her to breathe again.

“Sure.” He moved closer to her and she practically fled. His voice followed behind her. “I’ll help.”

Damn. She needed space, at least for a few moments.

But it wasn’t so bad as he helped her. The house smelled wonderful as he carried the big polished wooden bowl of popcorn to the living room.

She opened a box of Disney ornaments. “If I had a needle and some strong thread we could make popcorn garlands.”

Ace shook his head. “I’d eat them before you got them on the tree.” He picked up Winnie the Pooh holding a wreath before using a hook to hang it on a branch. “You’re a Disney fan.”

“Yep.” She found Daisy Duck with a candy cane. “I’ve had these since I was a kid.”

“I had Buzz Lightyear and Woody ornaments, as well as the rest of the gang.” Ace selected Goofy carrying Santa’s bag full of toys. “My favorite, of course, was Woody since he’s a cowboy. I also liked Rex and Hamm a lot. I think Mom still has them.”

Charlee grinned at Ace. “I can picture you with a Woody doll.”

He looked horrified. “I didn’t have dolls.” He cleared his throat. “He may have been soft and doll-like, but he wasn’t a doll.”

Charlee laughed. “Uh-huh.”

“Really.”

“Uh-huh.”

When the boxes of Disney ornaments were on the tree, they started hanging shiny glass balls in different colors.

Charlee paused and put her hands on her hips. “Eggnog?”

“My taste buds will love you forever.” He winked. “As long as it has whiskey in it.”

She rolled her eyes. “Be right back.”

Charlee retrieved two of the Christmas glasses she had tucked away in a cabinet in the kitchen. After she poured two glasses of eggnog and added a shot of whiskey to each, she carried them to the living room. She handed Ace a drink with a Christmas tree on the glass.

“A toast.” She raised her glass with Santa’s sleigh on it. “To being snowed in with a good friend.” Okay, so she was grasping at straws here, still trying to deny the attraction that was heading someplace she hoped she wouldn’t regret, if she let it get that far.

Ace flashed a grin as he clinked glasses with her, then his eyes went soft and he almost looked serious. “And to Christmas with someone you care about.”

Heat rose to the roots of her hair and she clinked her glass with his without responding. She took a drink and felt the warmth of the liquor rolling down her throat to her belly. She rarely drank when she was away from the cabin, but she sure enjoyed her Maker’s Mark when she was here.

And right now she enjoyed Ace’s company even more.

“Do you have any garlands or tinsel?” Ace stepped back from the tree after they put on the last ornament.

“Garlands.” Charlee dug in one of the boxes they hadn’t emptied yet. She found a string of large frost-covered silver beads in the same box as some super good-smelling Christmas-scented jarred candles. “I have these and snowflake garlands.”

Ace took the beads from her. “Let’s put ‘em all on.”

She smiled at his boyish enthusiasm. He was so much fun in everything they had been doing ever since they arrived. They’d done so much in one day that she should be exhausted, but she wasn’t. She wanted more time with Ace. It was like she couldn’t get enough of him.

Together they put the last garland on the tree. He settled his arm around her shoulders and squeezed her to him. “It’s a great tree.”

She leaned into the comfort of having him holding her so close. “Yes. It’s beautiful.”

“I’ve got something for you.”

She tipped her head up to ask what, and she saw him holding something over his head.

“What’s that—” she started before heat swept her from head to toe. It was a piece of mistletoe that must have been tucked somewhere in her boxes. Her sister had brought it when their family had been at the cabin one Christmas.

“I think you know what this means.” He had a devilish gleam in his eyes.

She couldn’t think of a word to say as he lowered his mouth to hers. Slowly, so slowly.

Too slow.

His lips skimmed hers lightly before he gathered her in his arms and kissed her more fully. For a moment she didn’t know what to do, but then it came so naturally. She kissed him back. Their lips moved together like they had done this a thousand times.

Tingles traveled through her body as she wrapped her arms around his neck. He slipped his tongue through her parted lips and she tasted eggnog and whiskey, and something much more masculine and primal. She answered with a hunger that surprised her. She needed this kiss, needed him.

They kissed so long her head started to swim. He slid his fingers into her hair, tangling them in the silkiness. She caught her breath at the erotic feel of it. He took advantage of it as he kissed her even harder. She didn’t want the kiss to end, but for some reason she needed to stop, right?

Why?

When she didn’t think she could even stand on her own, her knees were so weak, he drew away, but didn’t release her. She tried to breathe again as she stared into his gorgeous eyes.

“That wasn’t a good idea.” Her words came out in a tremble, and she knew it was clear she didn’t mean it. At least not the way her head was feeling right now. Hell, her whole body felt the kiss, all the way to her toes.

“It was the best idea I’ve had all night.” He smiled, gentle yet confident. He lowered his mouth, but this time just brushed his lips over hers. He squeezed her to him in a big bear hug that made her feel warm, wanted, and loved.

Loved?

When he relaxed his hold, he met her gaze. “Let’s get this mess cleaned up and we’ll figure out what we’re going to do next.”

She nodded slowly, not sure what to say after that kiss. Holy crap, what a freaking fantastic kiss. She’d never been kissed like that, ever.

“Okay.” She stepped back, trying to catch her breath, and he let his palms slide down her arms before he released her. “But first I need a moment. I’ll be right back.”

Charlee did her best not to run as she left and headed to the bedroom and into the master bathroom. She braced her hands on the granite vanity between the twin sinks and tried to catch her breath as she stared at herself in the mirror. Her streaky-blonde hair was wild around her face, her cheeks flushed, and her lips still swollen from his kiss.

She blew out her breath and stared down at the tan and brown granite with flecks of gold in it. But she barely noticed it. She couldn’t get the kiss out of her mind. She couldn’t get Ace out of her mind.

What was she going to do about this? How many more days would they be snowed in? How much could she take being with him, without wanting to be with him.

What if she froze? What if she screwed everything up because she couldn’t get beyond her past?

The thought caused her breathing to slow and she squeezed her eyes shut. She hated thinking about what had happened with David Smith. It had been years now, but she’d never been able to let go, had never forgiven herself for falling into his trap, for something that almost got her sister killed.

Her throat ached as she swallowed and opened her eyes. Don’t let that bastard ruin this, a voice said in her head, ruin what could be.

She splashed her face with cold water and tried to breathe. She could do this.

Because this was Ace. The one man who could make her laugh and feel normal, like a woman should feel. He did this for her. He made her feel special and wanted and everything else a woman could want.

The incredible kiss had opened her mind, and maybe even her heart, in ways she hadn’t thought possible ever again.

She straightened and looked at her reflection again. She didn’t know what to make of the look in her eyes. Like a deer caught in the headlights? Or like a woman experiencing something special that she wanted again?

Charlee sucked in a deep breath then let it out slowly before she returned to the living room. She put on a bright smile as she met Ace’s eyes. She cut her gaze to the boxes and saw that he’d put away all the packing materials and put the lids on the boxes.

“You okay?” he said quietly, looking at her like he was afraid she’d run away.

“I’m fine.” She nodded. “We can put everything in one of the spare bedrooms since the tree will only be up for a couple of days.”

Charlee glanced down at the boxes, trying not to look at him right now. She was too wound up, so many feelings and questions tangled up inside.

“We didn’t put stockings up on the mantle.” She lifted the lid to dig in the box she knew the stockings were in. She pulled out one with her name and one without a name on it and set them aside before putting the lid back. Her words came out in a rush as she tried to break the spell he’d cast on her. “We’ll do that after all this is put away.”

He didn’t touch her or get closer than she could handle right now as he helped her tuck the boxes away in the closet of a spare room. The entire time she was so aware of him she could hardly stand not being in his arms again.

What had he done to her?

What was she going to do about it?

CHAPTER 7

Ace had never wanted a woman so badly in his entire life. It wasn’t just sexual desire, it was a need that got him deep in his gut. Deep in his soul. Deep in his heart.

He’d always had a thing for Charlee, but this went way beyond anything he’d ever expected.

When they got everything set aside, they returned to the living room. Ever since he’d kissed her, a tension hung so heavy in the air he could just about cut it. He glanced at the tree, where he’d hung the mistletoe on one of the back branches to bring out another time.

Ace smiled as he thought of that amazing kiss beneath the mistletoe.

Charlee’s laugh drew him out of his thoughts. She pointed to the base of the tree, beneath the branches. “Ossie likes it.”

He grinned as his gaze rested on his Australian shepherd, who now lay beneath the tree like a big gift. The flash of the colored lights illuminated her black, tan, and white fur in different shades. He crouched to rub her behind her ears.

“Do you want to watch a movie?” Charlee asked.

Sure.” He got back to his feet. “How about another Christmas flick?”

She went to a section of the huge wall unit and looked over her shoulder at him. “Classics or something more recent?”

He shrugged. “Surprise me.”

She dug out a couple of DVDs, turned and raised them for him to see. A Charlie Brown Christmas and Miracle on 34th Street.

Ace laughed and settled back on the couch. “Definitely a girl after my own heart.”

“Let’s start with Charlie Brown.” Charlee slid a DVD into the player, then handed him the remote when she returned. “I know how you men like control of the remote.”

He grinned and took it from her. “Of course.”

“Hold on and I’ll grab more eggnog.” She turned away and he watched her as she disappeared into the kitchen. He loved watching her cute little butt as she walked away.

A little banging around, then she returned and handed him a mug. Eggnog smelled and tasted like Christmas.

She sat a foot or so away from him on the couch. She raised her mug. “Cheers.”

He tapped his mug to hers. “Cheers.”

Not only cold eggnog rolled down his throat, but a healthy dose of whiskey warmed him at the same time. He lowered his mug as he swallowed. “Are you trying to get me drunk?”

“Of course.” She settled back against the couch. “It probably seems like I drink too much.” She shifted, making herself more comfortable. “Pretty much the only time I drink is when I come to the cabin. Not a lot, actually a lot less than we have today. But special times call for special bonuses in drinks.”

She raised her mug to her lips, sipped and smiled. “I’ve really needed to relax after the week I’ve had.”

“Today is a time to forget all that, sunshine.” Ace took another swallow and lowered his mug. “This is a Christmas Eve to remember.”

She sighed and shimmied a little, like she was trying to find the most comfortable position. “It is.”

When A Charlie Brown Christmas was over, Ace popped up a batch of popcorn, and Charlee put in Miracle on 34th Street. She returned to the couch and breathed in the buttery, salty scent of the popcorn.

When he returned with a big bowl, Ace sat on the couch and tossed popcorn to Ossie. She caught every piece he threw.

Charlee used a remote to dim the lighting, and then the colorful flashing Christmas lights caused patterns to change across the floor.

When Ossie had enjoyed enough popcorn, Ace moved closer to Charlee and he started the next movie with the remote. As they began to watch it, she realized he was much closer to her than before.

That hard, muscled body was now plastered to her side, and she almost couldn’t think straight.

Did he know how he affected her? Did he know that she was starting to want him in a way that scared her at the same time it exhilarated her?

She stared at the screen of the ninety-six-inch television and tried to focus on the movie, but the words became nothing but white noise behind her thoughts that wouldn’t leave Ace.

Breathe. Just breathe.

He looked at her, his expression concerned. “You okay, Charlee?”

She let out the breath she’d just taken. “I’m fine.”

He frowned. “Just fine?”

She laid her hand on his biceps, only realizing her mistake when his muscles went tense beneath her touch. She couldn’t move her hand away. She couldn’t stop looking into his eyes. The low lighting hid the blue of his eyes, but the intensity of his gaze couldn’t be denied.

He was looking at her mouth now, and she knew he wanted to kiss her. She wanted to kiss him again.

A soft moan escaped her before she could hold it in.

The intensity in his expression deepened. He shifted on the couch and slid her onto his lap so smoothly that she barely grasped that he’d done it. He slowly lowered his mouth to hers, as if waiting for her to tell him no.

She parted her lips, to say something or invite him to kiss her, she didn’t know which. He took it as an invitation, and she went with it.

His lips met hers and kissed her slowly, his mouth gentle in its exploration. He slid his tongue into her mouth and she gasped at the feel of him inside her like that. It made her imagine him being inside her in other ways that should have frightened her but didn’t.

This is Ace. The thought slid through her mind. Only Ace can make me feel like this.

She grew lightheaded as their kiss deepened. He didn’t rush her, didn’t do anything but kiss her.

He let out a low groan and her moan echoed his. How he could kiss, in a way that made the world go round. She never wanted him to stop.

Her breasts ached and she wanted more—wanted his hands and lips on her body. His mouth would feel so hot on her nipples. They were so sensitive that the slightest touch might send her over the moon.

She shifted on his lap and felt the hard ridge of him beneath her ass. His desire for her was so obvious, she wondered if he knew how much she wanted him in that moment. How much she’d wanted him all day long. Maybe forever.

He broke the kiss and she listened to his ragged breathing as he said nothing, did nothing but stare into her eyes. She couldn’t catch her own breath as he held her gaze.

It was like her body had a mind of its own. He had one hand on her thigh and his other wrapped around her shoulders. She placed her hand over his and moved it from her thigh to her breast.

Surprise, then something more intense crossed his expression. He lightly teased her nipple with his thumb and she whimpered, wanting more. He slid his hand beneath her sweater and pushed it up above her bra. The arm around her shoulders moved, and in a motion so effortless she barely felt it, he unfastened her bra.

Her eyes widened at the ease in which he set her breasts free as he pushed the bra beneath them.

She gasped as his thumb now teased her bare nipple. He lowered his head and caught the hard nub in his mouth. She let out another moan. Yes, yes. His mouth was even hotter than she’d imagined. So wet, and the sucking sensation sweet but erotic.

It felt so incredibly good, she didn’t want him to stop. He shifted her in his lap and released her breast, and she arched her back, both begging for him again and enjoying the feeling of air on the wet nub.

He slid his mouth over her other nipple and she cried out from the exquisite sensation. She’d never felt anything like this in her life.

“Ace.” His name came out on a low moan. “Don’t stop. Don’t stop, don’t stop, don’t stop.”

He slid his lips down the curve of her breast to the valley between them. He moved his mouth along her flat belly to the button of her jeans.

She held her breath, not sure if she wanted him to go any farther even though she’d told him don’t stop, but not wanting him to quit now.

He raised his head so he was looking down at her again. He placed a kiss on her forehead before kissing the tip of her nose and down to brush his lips over hers.

When he brought her close to his chest, cradling her to him, Charlee wasn’t sure why he didn’t take things any further. She relaxed into him, loving the feel of being against that hard, muscled chest and having those strong arms holding her close.

“Why did you stop?” Her voice sounded soft in the moment, the words crystal clear and hanging in the air.

“I don’t know.” He squeezed her tighter to him. “I guess…I’m afraid.”

She furrowed her brow. “Afraid?”

He let out a sigh that caused his chest to rise and fall. “You’ve been through so much, I don’t want to push it. I don’t want you to regret anything. You deserve only the best.”

Her heart warmed at the words and she smiled as he pulled her sweater down, over her breasts. “Thank you.” She placed her hand on his cheek and looked into his eyes. “I don’t think I would regret it, but you’re right. If there’s even a question, I need to make sure I’m totally ready.”

He placed his forehead against hers. “When you are, I’m here, Charlee. And I’m not going anywhere.” Again he shifted her. “Let me fix your bra.”

“I’ll just slide it off.” She worked it through her sleeve and let it drop to the floor. “No need to put it back on since it’ll be bedtime soon.”

Ace moved in a way that seemed so easy and fluid. One moment she was in his lap, the next he was on his back on the couch, and she was lying on him, her legs tangled with his. She pressed her cheek against his chest, breathing in the warm scent of him on his T-shirt. She loved the way he smelled and breathed deeply of his essence.

“He hurt you real bad,” Ace said quietly.

She stiffened then tried to relax. “Yes.”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“No.” The answer came out sharp and final. Yet, she followed it by saying quietly, “Maybe.”

He didn’t say anything, just waited.

Charlee felt frozen as she thought about what had happened. “I was twenty-four, and my older sister, Jo, started seeing Tate McBride around the same time.”

“One of my cousins,” Ace said. “They’ve got kids now.”

“Twin girls.” Charlee nodded against his shirt. “I have to admit I was jealous of Jo. She’s gorgeous and was a model in New York City for a time. She worked hard though and saved enough money to start her own night club, Jo-Jo’s. I was so envious of her gorgeous red hair and how tall and elegant she is.”

“You have no reason to be jealous.” Ace stroked her hair. “You are equally beautiful, if not more so.”

“Thank you.” Charlee had to work to not brush the comment off as him just being nice. He meant it, and she appreciated it. “Of course, all the men wanted Jo. So, when this good-looking older man started paying attention to me instead of her, it went straight to my head. It was like, ‘Wow, someone wants me over Jo.’”

Ace remained silent as she went on. “So, David Smith had me. The things he’d say, the things he did—he totally manipulated me. It turned out he had overheard I’d be coming into my inheritance at twenty-five, and it was substantial. He worked me, the long con, I guess you’d call it.”

Ace made a growling sound that rumbled in his chest, below her ear.

“But Jo was on to him and he knew it. So, he tried to have her killed, and when that failed, he tried again. He wanted to keep her from changing my mind about him.” Charlee’s belly cramped as it always did when she thought about it. “I could have lost her, Ace.” She clenched her eyes tight as they ached with tears and her voice wavered. “All because I fell for a con artist who knew how to handle me so skillfully.”

“Shhhh.” Ace whispered in her ear. “It’s all okay now.”

“Turned out he was married, too. His family down in the Phoenix area had no idea he was a psychopathic con man.”

Charlee buried her face against Ace’s T-shirt. “I was so weak. I haven’t been able to forgive myself for almost getting Jo killed.”

He continued to stroke her hair. “I don’t blame you after what you’ve been through. It was a horrifying experience and you made it. You’re not weak, you’re stronger than most.”

Charlee shuddered with a low sob that she tried to contain. “It’s been long enough. Why am I not over it yet?”

“That’s a lot for one person to go through.” Ace wrapped his big arms around her. “Just take it as slow as you need to. There’s no hurry.”

“Thank you, Ace.” She snuggled against him. “I haven’t talked about it for years. I saw a therapist for a long time, but I guess I never fully worked through it.”

“I want to be the man you work through it with,” he said slowly. “Let me be there for you.”

She lay there for a long time, not saying anything, just feeling at peace with their bodies entwined. “One day at a time,” she finally said. “I just need to take this a day at a time.”

He kissed the top of her head. “I’m here for you, as long as it takes.”

“Thank you,” she whispered.

CHAPTER 8

Charlee woke at dawn, once again glad she was alone in bed. Pushing things with Ace would not be a good thing. Did she even want to push things with him?

She took in a deep breath and let it out. Yes.

This time when she went to the kitchen, she heard Christmas music playing and smelled hot spices and peppers.

“Merry Christmas.” His smile melted her heart.

Impulsively, she rose on her tiptoes and lightly kissed him. “Merry Christmas,” she said against his lips before she backed away and smiled in return.

“Best Christmas morning ever.” His sexy grin made her belly tingle. “Just in time. What do you want on your omelet?”

She leaned down to scratch Ossie behind her ears. “I’d like everything, including the kitchen sink.”

“One garbage omelet coming up.”

Charlee climbed onto the stool at the breakfast bar and sang along to the Christmas song that was playing, something new by Kade Fields. He was a popular singer Bailey and Seth had met and made friends with in Hawaii. Kade had come to their wedding as a friend, but had performed as his wedding gift to the couple.

“I swear Kade gets better every time I hear him.” She watched Ace and thought about him shirtless again and sighed. Kade might sing even better now than before, but Ace just got sexier whenever she got a chance to stare at him without him noticing.

She really had to stop this, but she felt as if she might be too far gone.

“Kade goes fishing with Seth a lot when he’s not on the road.” Ace served up two omelets. “He’s a great guy to be around.”

“He reminds me a lot of George Strait.” She breathed in the smell of cheese, spices, and peppers. “The way you’ve been spoiling me with your cooking, I swear you’re going to have to roll me out of this cabin.”

“You’ll still look as cute as ever.” Ace made a motion like he was rolling a barrel out the door. “And that would mean I’d get to have my hands on you some more.”

Charlee shook her head. “You’re silly.”

He flashed her a grin. “But you love me anyway.”

Her face heated at the thought of falling in love with Ace.

“What are we doing today?” She took the plate he offered and set it in front of her.

Ace gestured to the window. “It’s stopped snowing. We can go out for a bit.”

She turned her gaze to look out and see a white world, but like he said, it wasn’t snowing. She hadn’t even noticed.

“At least we can get the radio station up here,” he said. “Weather report says it’s going to start snowing again before noon, and we’ll have another good one. We wouldn’t have enough time to get out of here and get your car dug out of the snow. But we can leave the cabin for a while and play in the snow.”

“Sounds wonderful.” She smiled down at the Australian shepherd. “Does Ossie play fetch?”

“She loves it.” Ace made his way around the bar and slid on the stool next to Charlee. “We can build Frosty, too.”

Charlee and Ace enjoyed their breakfast, cleaned up the kitchen, and dressed to go outside. This time Charlee wore a white sweater along with her jeans, a jacket, knit hat, and gloves. They pulled on their boots and headed out into the carport.

The snow was over four feet deep. Ace retrieved the snow blower from the large tool shed and cleared out the driveway in front of the garage. The storm would keep them in a little longer, but soon enough it would be time to leave.

Too soon.

Thoughts of leaving were like lead weights in her belly. She was enjoying this time too much with Ace.

What would happen when they got back to reality? Would they do things like go to the Korean restaurant and hiking in Sedona? And drinks at Nectars?

Her body tingled. She wanted that more than she’d realized.

After Ace cleared out an area, he got a rope dog toy out of his truck and played tug-o-war with Ossie. Charlee laughed at their antics. Ace threw a stick he’d retrieved from nearby, and the dog chased it into the snow, bounded through a drift and disappeared every time she lunged forward, then brought it back. It was clear by the energetic way she wagged her tail and the look of doggy joy on her furry face that she was having a ball.

While Ace was occupied with Ossie, Charlee sidled up closer to a mound of snow and made a good-sized snowball. She threw it at Ace and hit the back of his neck, and the snowball slid into his jacket.

Ace whirled around as she laughed, and he lunged for a handful of snow as she lobbed another one at him. She’d likely started something she couldn’t win, but she was sure gonna give it her all.

They threw snowballs at each other until they were breathing heavy—at least Charlee was. Her cheeks were flushed and sweat rolled down her spine beneath her coat.

She raised her hands. “I give. If I had a white flag, I’d wave it.”

He threw down the snowball he was holding. “Couldn’t see it anyway with all this snow.”

“Let’s build Frosty.” Charlee walked over to a drift and gathered snow to start a ball. Ace helped her roll it until they had a good-sized start to their snowman.

As they started the second snowball, Charlee fell face-first into a four-foot high drift. With Ace’s help she rose, spitting out snow and wiping it from her face and hair.

“That dive was so damned sexy,” Ace said with a teasing laugh as he helped her brush off snow.

She burst into giggles as she blinked snowflakes from her lashes. “Just wait until you see my snow angels.”

He grinned and they continued making the snow man until the body and head were finished.

Charlee ran inside, ignoring her wet boots and jacket—that’s what mops were for—and rummaged through her arts and crafts kit. She found big black buttons and a box of beads. She also dug out a Santa hat from the Christmas boxes and a carrot out of the fridge before running back outside with the loot.

Ace located the perfect sticks to make arms and had also located lumps of charcoal from the tool shed to use as buttons on the snowman’s chest. He helped Charlee put the two big black buttons as eyes, shoved the carrot into the snow for a nose, and used brown beads to make a smile. Ace made a cone on top of the snowman’s head to hold up the Santa’s hat. Charlee handed it to him and he settled it on the snowman.

He wrapped his arm around Charlee’s shoulders as they looked at their creation. “I knew we’d have good-looking kids.” Ace sounded mock serious.

Charlee grinned. “He’s a very handsome young man.”

Ace squeezed her shoulders as snowflakes started to drift down. The wind kicked up and swirled white stuff already on the ground.

Charlee tipped her face to the sky and snowflakes landed on her cheeks and nose. “It was nice while it lasted.” The wind intensified and her hair blew around her face and she looked at Ace.

He kissed her forehead as snow started to come down in earnest. “It’s really getting going now. Let’s go inside.”

It felt so natural, walking side-by-side with Ace, his arm around her, Ossie at their heels.

Inside, they took off their scarves, gloves, and jackets, and kicked off their boots. Charlee thought about ditching her damp sweater and pants in the laundry room, too, but decided it probably wasn’t a good idea to even get semi-naked around Ace.

He, however, had no compunctions about stripping down to his boxer briefs right in front of her. The briefs molded against a ridge so hard she wanted to reach out and touch it.

She stared. She couldn’t help herself. Not only did he have an incredibly well-muscled torso, but his powerful thighs and strong calves were just as carved and beautiful. Yeah, his body was a beautiful thing to behold.

Her mouth watered. What she wanted to do to and with him was enough to make her entire body flush with heat.

A throat clearing caused her to jerk her head up. Amusement sparked in Ace’s eyes. “Do you want to finish undressing me?”

“I-I have to go change.” Her face had to be bright red. It was all she could do to force herself to stay put and point to the washing machine. “Throw your wet clothes in there and I’ll wash them with mine after I put on clean ones.”

She turned and fled straight to her bedroom and shut the door behind her. She pressed her palms to her cheeks as she leaned back against the door and banged the back of her head on the wood.

This is crazy. The way I want him… Her throat worked as she swallowed. I want him too much.

Was there such a thing as too much when it came to Ace?

Ace grinned as he watched Charlee rush out of the laundry room. She was so damned cute.

He sobered as memories Charlee had shared last night came to him. He felt honored that she trusted him enough to share the horrible thing that had happened in her past. At the same time, he felt he needed to make sure she never felt pushed or rushed into anything.

If she needed time, he would give her all she needed.

But it couldn’t hurt to tease her, as long as she was enjoying it too.

After putting his clothes in the washer, including his boxer briefs, Ace wrapped a towel around his waist that he’d taken from the laundry room closet.

“Come on, Ossie.” He gave the dog a hand signal and she followed him as he made his way to the guest bedroom. He closed the door and pulled on the second and last set of clothes from the bag he kept in his truck for emergencies, a worn pair of Wranglers and a soft gray University of Arizona T-shirt.

When he finished, he left to find Charlee, but she wasn’t anywhere in sight. He dropped onto the couch, put his sock-covered feet on an ottoman, and grabbed a copy of a decorating magazine’s Christmas issue on an end table. Ossie curled up on a nearby rug as he flipped through the pages of homes decorated in different styles with a holiday theme.

Ace liked what Charlee had done with her home. Simple, rustic, yet with feminine touches that made the place uniquely hers. Although it could use some Christmas decorations in addition to the tree.

He dug his cell phone out of his pocket and checked to see if he had any bars, but of course, nothing, like all the other times he’d looked. Charlee had charging cables for both Apple and Android devices on the nightstand in the guest room, so he’d been able to keep it charged. Not that it was doing him any good.

He looked at some of his photos on his phone as he waited for her to show up. His most recent additions to his library included pics from around the ranch—his horses, some of his cattle, and that creek at the back of his property. He had photos from Thanksgiving at his Mom and Dad’s, a few of his brothers and sisters-in-law, several of his nephew and nieces, his parents, and of course, Ossie. The Australian shepherd was the apple of his eye.

The soft sound of the brush of cloth met his ears and he looked up to see Charlee walking in, wearing a red Christmas sweater and worn jeans that made her look sexy and cozy all at once. He raised his phone and took a few pictures of her before she knew what he was doing.

“Hey.” She sat beside him. “We’re in this together.” She leaned in close and the press of her body next to his settled in like the feeling of bourbon sliding down his throat to his belly. “Selfie time.”

With a grin, he raised the camera and held it out. Their images appeared on the screen and he took a few pictures before he turned and kissed her cheek on the last shot.

Charlee giggled and reached for his phone as he lowered it. “Let me take a couple of you.”

He let her have the phone and he leaned back against the couch. Amusement made him smile as she acted like a professional photographer and took several shots. She snapped a few of Ossie, too.

“My turn.” He held out his hand and she passed the phone to him. “Strike a pose.”

Charlee put her hand on her hip, gave him a look with bedroom eyes, and blew him a kiss. Then she stretched out on her belly on the large ottoman in a playful pinup pose. She made a few goofy ones, too, and had him chuckling so much it was hard to hold the phone straight.

She took the phone from him, plopped down on a nearby chair, and swiped through the photos. “These came out great.” She checked out a few more, stopped and raised the phone to show him the screen. “This one of me is terrible.”

He leaned forward. “Cute as a button if you ask me.”

She rolled her eyes and continued going through his photos. “Oh, Thanksgiving.” She appeared absorbed as she stared at the phone. “There’s Bailey and Seth. She’s really showing there. The baby will be due anytime now. Maybe they’ll have a Christmas baby.”

Her eyes widened. “What if they have the baby while we’re stuck here?”

Ace rested his hand on her arm. “It’ll be okay. We’ll get to see them and the baby soon, if he arrives before we get back.”

Charlee nodded slowly. “I can’t believe she’s going to be a mom soon.” She looked down at the camera again. “I’ve always wanted kids.” She sounded wistful but only added, “At least I’ll be a pseudo-aunt.”

Ace’s gut tightened. There it was. She did want kids. He should say it now, tell her he had no plans on ever having children so that she’d know. And maybe that would be the deciding factor, where she would choose to not develop anything with him. If she wanted kids, that was a deal breaker for both of them.

Still, he wanted her, needed her. It wasn’t about sex, not really. It was about a woman who made him feel incredible things that he’d never felt before. She made him feel alive with possibilities, that anything could happen and it would be wonderful.

The shit that he was, he said nothing. He just watched the delight on her features as she went through photos of his family at Thanksgiving.

“Ossie is such a beautiful dog.” She talked to the Australian Shepherd in a voice women reserved for dogs and small children. “Aren’t you girl? Yes, you’re so beautiful.”

Ossie stretched out on the rug. “Swimsuit pic.” Charlee raised the phone and took a picture or two of the dog.

Charlee returned his phone to him. He slid it into his pocket, grabbed her hand, and pulled her down to sit at his side. He caught her off-balance and she fell onto the couch against him.

She sputtered and laughed as she untangled herself. Then she leaned against his shoulder, as if it was the most natural thing for her. “Any other ideas for snowbound captives?”

“Captives?” He grinned. “So now I’m a captive?”

“Sure.” She pushed herself back so that she looked straight into his eyes. “And I’m your captor.”

“I like this.” He rested his arm on the back of the couch. “So, what do you plan to do with me?”

“You’ve proven yourself worthy in the kitchen.” She tapped her finger on her chin. “What else…”

“I can prove myself even more worthy in just an apron in the kitchen,” he said with a grin.

She lightly punched his thigh. “Be serious.”

“I am.” He tried for his most earnest look. “I’ll show you right now if you’d like.”

“I know.” She leaned forward, her palms braced on her knees. “You can clean the bathrooms. All three of them. In only an apron.”

Ace snorted. “The only part of that scenario that sounds fun is the ‘only in an apron’ part. With your help, of course.”

She settled back on the couch. “So much for my captive idea.”

“Really, you can tie me up.” He held his arms out, wrists together as if he was bound. “I’m all yours.”

Charlee punched him in the shoulder this time, not so lightly. “Any punishment you’d enjoy is not a punishment. Like wanting to lose a bet.” She leaned back on the couch. “Ok, let’s put our heads together.”

He leaned his head against hers. “Ready.”

She raised her hand and started listing off ideas on her fingers. “Make homemade taffy, play video games, or make jewelry. It’s a hobby of mine. I have lots of beads and stuff, and we can make some together.”

“We could make a fort and play video games,” he said with a teasing grin. “Lots of pillows and blankets. It’ll be fun.”

“Yes!” Charlee looked at him, her eyes sparkling. “You break out the video games.” She pointed to a section of the entertainment center with a tall pair of oak doors. “I’ll grab some blankets and a bunch of pillows.” She grinned. “Be right back.”

CHAPTER 9

Ace had been teasing about the pillow fort, but he had to admit it did sound fun doing something so silly with Charlee.

He found and brought out the game system and a few multi-player games. She came back, her arms so full of pillows and blankets that she left a trail of smaller pillows behind her. She tossed everything in the middle of the floor, scooped up what she’d dropped, and added them to the pile.

Ace dragged dining room chairs into the room while Charlee retrieved a few more blankets and made the mound even bigger.

They laughed and teased each other as they started covering the chairs, stretching the blankets over furniture and creating a cave. Next came the pillows, which they arranged beneath their fort.

“Ready?” Charlee’s eyes sparkled.

He couldn’t help a broad smile. “Let’s do it.”

She crawled beneath the blanket with the most room and settled herself on her belly, in front of the game system. He followed and arranged himself next to her. Their arms brushed as they picked up their controllers.

“What game do you want to play first?” she asked.

He reached for one and inserted it into the game console. “Mario Kart.”

“Oooh, I’m good at this one.” She wiggled as she settled into play. “I’m gonna kick your butt.”

“You wish.” Ace chuckled. “I play it with my nephew and nieces, so I’d bet my experience trumps yours. They’re damned good at it.”

“Doesn’t mean you are.” Charlee gave him a wicked grin. “Let’s go.”

“Wait.” He held up his finger. “Bet.”

She shook her head with clear amusement in her smile. “Does everything revolve around bets?”

“With you it does,” he said. “It seems to be the only way I can get a promise for a boy-girl day with you.”

She laughed. “You’ll be in the kitchen in just your boxer briefs and my frilly apron.”

He pointed at her. “Nope. You’ll be going hiking West Fork Trail with me and dinner out afterward at a barbeque place in Sedona.”

“Buckle in and let’s go.” She gripped her controller with a determined expression. “Time for me to kick butt and take names.”

She started the game before he had a chance to respond. She was off like a shot. Her laughter was muffled beneath their blanket fort, and he loved the sound. She’d been laughing a lot more over their couple of days of being snowed in, clearly feeling relaxed and at ease around him—and it was obvious she enjoyed being around him, just like he loved being around her.

For a while, Ace thought she might be right and beat his ass at the game. But determination won out and he beat her three games to two.

“Ugh.” Charlee rolled onto her back and stared up at the cloth ceiling of their blanket fort. “I can’t believe you beat me.”

He couldn’t help a broad grin as he rolled onto his back next to her. “The trail is beautiful in the winter with the snow.”

She groaned. “I suppose you don’t want to wait for spring? I bet it’s much prettier then.”

“No putting it off.” He grasped her hand in his and squeezed. “Although I might be persuaded to have dinner with you at the barbeque place in Sedona after we get back, then hiking when it warms up in the spring.”

She turned her head to look at him but didn’t pull her hand away. God, she was beautiful.

He shifted so he could brush hair away from her cheek. “What are you thinking about, sunshine?”

Her throat worked as she swallowed. “Why do you call me that?”

“Because you brighten my life,” he said quietly, “even with a snowstorm outside, you are like sunshine on a summer day.”

She closed her eyes and he could barely breathe. What was she thinking?

He kept a grip on her hand and brought it up to rest on his chest. He eased closer to her so that their bodies were snug. It was like basking in the sun, the way warmth slid through him at the feel of her body so close to his.

She opened her eyes, so blue and gorgeous that she took his breath away.

“I-I” Her eyes darkened, her lids lowered, and she stared at his mouth. “You make me crazy,” the words were breathy, as if she had a difficult time speaking. “You make me so crazy.”

Ace released Charlee’s hand so he could roll onto his side and face her. He slid his other hand along her waist and down to her hip. He could never get enough of looking at her. The soft cloud of streaky blonde hair around her delicate features, the beauty of her smile, every single curve of her body, from her ears to her calves. Perfection.

She let out a sigh.

He brought his mouth closer to hers, moving slowly so it was clear he wasn’t pushing her. She still focused her gaze on his mouth. She wanted him to kiss her—he could see it in her eyes, and the way she was looking at him.

Before he could move another fraction, she brought her lips to his.

She slid her tongue into his mouth as she released a sigh that eased through him like warm caramel, melting him as it moved through his body. He groaned as she hooked her thigh over his, bringing their bodies closer, tighter together.

The kiss was so sweet, so long. He was almost afraid he would pass out as lightheaded as she made him.

When she finally broke the kiss, she snuggled against his chest, her head beneath his chin and her arm across his waist.

He rose up to look down on her. The blanket caught on his head, and when he tried to duck, the blanket fort collapsed on top of them.

Charlee giggled as they struggled to get out of the piles of pillows and the blanket that now covered them. They broke free and fresh air met her.

Ossie barked, like she wanted to join in on the fun.

Charlee smiled at Ace and he swooped in for a kiss.

When he broke away, she laughed. “I’m hungry.”

He flashed a grin. “Last one to the kitchen has to cook.”

She scrambled to get up, but got caught in the blanket, while Ace bolted away, Ossie at his heels. Charlee shook her head and smiled as she rose and made her way to the kitchen.

“Slowpoke.” He climbed on a stool. “So, what’s for lunch?”

“Dunno.” She opened the freezer and stared inside before pulling out a package. “No ham for Christmas dinner, but here’s a roast.”

“Terrific.” He leaned forward, his forearms braced on the granite breakfast bar. “Got any yeast and flour? I make great homemade rolls.”

Charlee frowned as she thought if she’d ever brought yeast to the cabin. She shook her head as she put the roast into a large bowl of cold water to defrost. “Flour, but no yeast.”

“How about cornmeal?” he asked. “I can make cornbread.”

“Nope.”

“Work with me.” He gave her a cute little grin. “You’ve got to have baking soda. You probably don’t have buttermilk, but I know you have salt and milk.”

She peeked into a cabinet. “Yep, I have all that.”

“Last question.” He nodded to the cabinet. “Got vinegar? I can make my own buttermilk.”

She pulled out the box of baking soda and bottle of apple cider vinegar. “Got it.”

“I’ll make Irish soda bread.” He leaned against the seatback of his stool. “Then we’ll have hot fresh bread to go with dinner.”

She smiled at his enthusiasm. “I’ve got real butter. I’m hungry for the bread already.”

Charlee threw together roast beef sandwiches for lunch as they figured out what else they’d make for Christmas dinner. She handed him glasses of cider then sat next to him after she delivered the sandwiches on plates.

He picked up his sandwich. “What did you have planned to eat when you decided to come up here alone?”

“Probably what we’re eating now.” She shrugged. “I didn’t give it a lot of thought.”

His tone quieted. “Why did you come up here alone on Christmas weekend?”

Charlee blew out her breath and looked away. After a moment she looked at him again. “I’m a fifth wheel everywhere I go. My sister’s married, all my friends are married, everyone’s got kids or about to have one. I just feel like the odd man out—odd woman—every time we get together. So I decided this year I’d have some me-time.”

Ace gave a slow nod as he contemplated what she’d said. “I know exactly how you feel. I’m one of the only single McBrides in the county. All my brothers are married, and my sister, and most of my cousins.” He shrugged. “Rugrats running around everywhere.”

“I bet Uncle Ace is pretty fun,” Charlee said with a smile.

“Sure love those kids.” He looked like he was going to say something else, but stopped. “I can bet all the kids are crazy about their Aunt Charlee.”

“I’m just as crazy about them.” She let her breath out slowly. “I do feel like I’m missing out, and it’s only my hang-ups that are doing this to me. So, I decided to come up here.”

Ace put his hand over hers, the feeling warm and comfortable. “I’m glad we’re together for Christmas. No matter what happens, I’m glad it’s just me and you.”

“We might have to make it a tradition,” she said before she could choose her words a little more carefully. “I mean, if we’re not busy with something else.”

He took her hand in his and squeezed. “I’d like that, Charlee. You know I would.”

“Yes.” She turned her hand over and linked their fingers. “I do know.”

He smiled. “Good.”

“So…” She let out her breath. “How do people survive getting snowed in? It’s all playing games and eating. It’s a wonder everyone who lives in cold climates aren’t five hundred pounds.”

Ace’s eyes sparkled. “I can think of something else that’s a lot of fun. Burns up calories, too.”

Charlee’s whole body flushed with warmth. “Yeah, I just bet you can.”

He slid off his stool. “Let’s clean up and then we’ll come up with something more innocent.”

“You bet your butt,” she said, and he laughed.

Charlee put some Christmas music on, and she hummed to it as they cleaned up the kitchen. Afterward, they folded up the blankets and put them and the pillows away in the bedrooms. They returned the couches and recliners to their original positions and then carried the dining room chairs back to the table.

“I’m missing going out on the trails and running.” Charlee did a few stretches in the living room, feeling it in her muscles before she shook her arms and legs out. “As much snow as we’re getting, it’ll probably be a while before I can do more than jog at the park.”

Ace watched her, a sexy grin on his features.

She did a lunge stretch for her thighs and calves. “What are you grinning about?”

He folded his arms and leaned his hip against the couch. “Just enjoying the view.”

She rolled her eyes and came out of the stretch. “What do you want to do now?”

Ace looked at the game closet. “I saw Trivial Pursuit.” He met her gaze. “Are you any good at trivia?”

“Not really.” Charlee pushed a strand of hair from her eyes. “If I get the easy questions, I do okay. I hate the entertainment ones. I don’t keep track of that industry.”

“Let’s play and see how we both do.” He retrieved the game and they set up the game table, chairs, and game. “New bet. I win and it’s dinner at my place.”

“I’m running out of things to bet on that you won’t want to lose to.” She scrunched her face. “You clean the bathrooms with just an apron on.”

Ace burst out with laughter. “Honey, you don’t need to win a game to get me out of my clothes.”

Her face burned. “That’s the bet. I have a flouncy, frilly little apron that you haven’t seen, and that’s what you’ll wear.”

He grinned. “You’re on.” He gave her a mischievous look. “I think I’ll come up with something a little more adventurous next time. Like hiking in the buff.”

“I’m not into getting arrested.” She sniffed as she picked out the blue token holder. Ace took the yellow one.

They played best out of three games of Trivial Pursuit, and Ace won.

“Hot damn,” he said. “Dinner at my place on New Year’s Eve.”

“Humph.” She had a hard time holding back a grin. She sure didn’t feel too bad about losing. “We didn’t say a specific date.”

He shrugged. “Got any other plans that night?”

She pretended to think. “I’ll have to check my calendar.”

“Uh-huh.” He grasped her hand across the table. “Don’t be thinking you’re going to get off that easy.”

She looked out the window. “Looks like it’s stopped snowing, but it’s getting darker, so it’s hard to tell.”

“I think you’re right.” Ace gave her a teasing look as he started putting the game pieces away. “But then I’m hoping it’ll snow for days.”

He made her want to smile so much, it was crazy. “You’re silly.”

“But honest.”

After they got everything back into the box, Charlee carried the game box to the closet, and pushed it onto a shelf, and they put away the game table and folding chairs, too.

“I don’t think I’ve ever played so many games in such a short period of time.” She patted her belly. “Or eaten so much.”

“I’ve never been big on cooking.” He walked up to her and took her hands in his. “But I have to admit, with you everything’s fun.”

CHAPTER 10

A sense of peace and happiness settled over Charlee as she and Ace walked into the living room. They had kept dinner relatively simple, no big Christmas feast that took hours to prepare.

“I have an acoustic guitar Christmas playlist.” She brought up the music app on her phone that was currently playing traditional songs. “I love listening to it on Christmas.” She found the playlist and selected it. Holiday music came over her stereo system and she set down her phone.

Ace approached her and butterflies tickled her belly and spread throughout her. He was so powerful, his masculine presence surrounded her, making her want to run into his strong arms. She found herself holding her breath, then let it out slowly as he reached her.

A jazz guitar rendition of We Wish You a Merry Christmas came over the sound system. “May I have this dance?” Ace’s voice rumbled as he spoke.

She smiled. “Of course.”

He swept her around her large living room, deftly avoiding furniture.

She laughed as he picked up the pace. “Where did you learn how to dance?”

He swung her around and grinned. “Our mama taught us when we were young, and then I’ve probably been to just about every barn dance in the county. Do you know how to two-step?”

She shook her head. “I never could get the hang of it.”

“I’ll teach you one day.” He guided her around the coffee table. “We can go to a barn dance. We could even crash a country wedding or two.”

Charlee’s eyes widened. “Crash a wedding?”

Ace shrugged as they moved past the Christmas tree. “I’m probably related to most country folk around, so it won’t really be crashing. We’ll just be unexpected guests.”

She snorted back a laugh. “I’m not so sure that’s a good idea.”

“It’ll be fun.”

The song ended and Carol of the Bells began. Ace swung her around with the fast-paced tune, making her almost dizzy. Her laughter rang out and his impish grin made her laugh even more.

By the time they made it through Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow! she was out of breath. “I need a break, Mr. McBride.”

“This one is perfect to slow down to.” Ace didn’t let her go as White Christmas began.

He placed both of his hands at her waist and she rested hers on his shoulders. She had to tilt her head back to look into his eyes.

“You wore me out.” She couldn’t stop smiling.

“It was only three songs,” he said. “I plan on dancing with you all night.”

She laughed. “You might have to carry me.”

“If that’s what it takes.” He drew her closer. “I’ll do anything to keep you close.”

She shivered as tingles traveled her spine. “You are doing a great job of it.” She gestured to the windows even thought it was dark outside. “This storm and all has done the trick.”

He grinned. “Like I said before, my master plan.”

She let herself relax as he guided her more slowly around the living room. Her sweater felt too warm now and she wished she could take it off, but all she had was a bra on beneath it.

Christmas Time is Here started, a slow, gentle song, and Ace brought her more fully into his arms. She pressed her cheek to his chest and looped her arms around his neck. Their feet barely moved as they swayed to the music.

“Charlie Brown,” she said against Ace. “I never thought of this as a romantic song.”

He slid his fingers through her hair. “So it’s romantic?”

Her breath hitched. “You know what I mean.”

“Romantic is romantic.” He moved his lips to her ear. “There’s no taking it back.”

Her throat worked as she swallowed. “Ha.”

She didn’t want to admit the moment was romantic, but that’s exactly what it was. She more than cared for Ace—thought of him as more than one of Bailey’s big brothers. This was a whole different thing now, and there was no going back to how things were before.

Did she want them to go back?

What did she want?

She swallowed again. She didn’t know.

Yes, you do, she told herself. You want Ace. You want what you never thought you could have.

The backs of her eyes burned for some reason, like she might cry. Instead, she buried her face against his chest until the tune ended.

Charlee grasped his hand and met his eyes. “Why don’t we finish off the last of the eggnog?”

He kept his gaze fixed on hers. “Sounds good to me.” He held onto her hand. “As long as we continue right where we left off.”

“Dancing?” she said. “You’re wearing me out.”

He touched the side of her face. “Romantic. That’s where we left off.”

She swallowed. “Eggnog coming right up. I’ll be right back.”

Charlee fled to the kitchen, trying to catch her breath that seemed to have left her. Thankfully, he didn’t follow. Maybe he knew she needed a few moments to herself.

She braced her hands on the smooth granite countertop, feeling the coolness beneath her palms. Her breathing slowed and she gathered herself together.

Romantic?

Of course it was. The whole thing was so…amazing.

She found two Christmas mugs in her cabinet, one in the shape of Frosty, and the other of Santa. She filled them with the last of the eggnog and poured a shot of Maker’s Mark in each.

When she walked back into the living room, the lights were dimmed and Ace had lit every one of her candles that now glowed brightly. Light flickered from the fireplace and danced on the walls. The colorful Christmas lights blinked softly, the random patterns adding to the effect. He stood in front of the fireplace, his gaze on her.

Definitely romantic now.

Charlee reached Ace and gave him a mug. They raised their mugs at the same time.

She touched her Frosty the Snowman mug to his jolly Santa. “Merry Christmas, Ace.”

“Merry Christmas, Charlee.” He spoke in a low, husky tone. “And to many more…together.”

Her heart beat faster. Out of control. So out of control.

She sipped her eggnog, the coolness of the drink followed by the warmth of the whiskey rolling down her throat to her belly.

He watched her then drank from his Santa mug.

They just looked at each other for a long moment. He took her mug from her and set it down on an end table along with his own. He raised his hand and she followed the movement with her eyes.

He was holding the sprig of mistletoe over their heads. He rested his palm at her waist and drew her toward him.

She tipped her head back and he lowered his mouth to hers.

The moment his lips touched hers, she let out a soft moan of need for him, desire for everything about him. It wasn’t just his sexy body—that didn’t matter, although it was a bonus. She wanted him for who he was.

The music played softly, surrounding them. The music, the crackling fire, the flickering candlelight, the blinking Christmas lights, and being in Ace’s arms—it all combined to be the most romantic moment in her life.

One of the best moments in her life.

His kiss so sweet, so gentle, so loving.

Loving? Too soon, but sweet and gentle, yes.

He moved his mouth over hers before sliding his tongue into her mouth. She tasted him, loved his flavor, his scent, the way he held her. The warmth of his body melded with hers and she felt as if they were one.

She had never felt so wanted, needed, desired, or cared for—ever.

With a sigh, she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him with all the hunger in her heart and soul. Everything about him drew her. He squeezed her to him, his kisses becoming more intense, filled with more need.

And then he swept her off her feet and she felt off-balance for only a moment. He brought her down to the rug in front of the fireplace. The white fuzzy rug felt soft around her while Ace felt so firm and hard as his weight partially rested on her. His hips settled between her thighs and he felt hard against her belly, and desire curled through her entire body.

Charlee wanted Ace with a power that shook her to her core. Her body begged for his touch, his lips, his body. His chest muscles were hard and taut against her as he stroked her hair.

Do it, Charlee. Give yourself to him. He’s the right man and it’s the right time.

She squeezed her eyes shut. Could Ace’s touch erase all of the old memories that had haunted her for too long? For once she hadn’t thought about her past until this moment. His kisses only stole her breath and made her want more—of him and only him.

The thought of those days in the past fled as she breathed deeply of Ace’s masculine scent and enjoyed the heat and feel of him. Fear warred with desire.

She wanted control, needed it, to help push away the fear.

Charlee pressed her palm against Ace’s shoulder, and he let her push him onto his back. She climbed on top of him and sat so that his hard ridge settled between her thighs. She ached so badly she rocked her hips, trying to ease her need but only making it more intense.

He placed his hands on her hips, gripping them as she moved. She stared down at his handsome face as light flickered and cast shadows over him. Those firm lips kissed her so perfectly every time, and she needed to feel it again, needed to taste him.

His eyes had darkened with desire and she could see his restraint, keeping his promise that he wouldn’t push her. She was grateful for that, for him letting her control the moment.

Her breasts felt full and she needed his touch, his lips, his tongue on them. She rose and rocked her hips as she held her own breasts, pinching her nipples through the sweater as she watched his face. His jaw tightened and he gripped her hips harder, as if that was the only thing keeping him from tearing her sweater off.

She slid it over her head and pushed it aside. His hungry gaze watched her remove her bra and release her breasts.

He let out a low groan that sent a thrill through her. “I want to touch you, Charlee.” His voice sounded rough as he spoke.

“Please.” She removed his hands from her hips and brought them to her breasts. “I need you to touch me.”

She caught her breath as her breasts filled his big hands and he teased her nipples with his thumbs. She closed her eyes as she allowed herself to experience the sensations that drove her crazy. Could she climax from just the way he made her feel with his hands on her?

He slid one hand into her hair and cupped the back of her head. He slowly guided her down so her nipple hovered over his mouth. He sucked, drawing the hard nub into his mouth. She moaned and ground herself against him, wishing she didn’t have anything on and could feel his rough clothing against her bare flesh.

She shifted and pressed her other nipple against his lips and he took it, sucking so hard she squirmed. How could she want him so much that all she could think about was having him inside her?

He eased his palms between them and moved his hands down to the button of her jeans. She caught her breath, afraid but excited, too. She wriggled to help him push down her jeans and panties to her thighs, and she felt cool air on her semi-nakedness. He cupped her ass and massaged her soft flesh as she kissed him.

And then her world turned upside down as he rolled her onto her back again. It startled her at first when he took control, but it thrilled her straight to her core. He knelt beside her, his head lowered, and worked her clothing the rest of the way off, including her fuzzy socks.

She was naked, warmth from the fireplace caressing her skin. Completely bare with this man, and she wanted him naked, too.

Her breath came in shallow huffs as he caressed her flesh almost reverently, his work-roughened hands setting every nerve ending on fire.

He moved between her thighs and her eyes widened as he lowered himself and scooted back so his mouth was over her mound. Her heart pounded even faster.

“Watch me,” he said, then licked her in one long stroke.

Charlee cried out at the exquisite sensation of his tongue on her. He pressed his stubbled face against her, abrading the insides of her thighs while he licked and sucked her so perfectly.

The incredible feelings stirred within her made her heady. She grew closer to the peak and she knew she’d tumble over soon. She didn’t want it to end, but she needed to climax, needed it more than her next shallow breath.

Closer, closer, closer—

She came hard and screamed. She raised her hips as she orgasmed, pressing her flesh against his face. He didn’t stop licking and sucking and it was almost too much to bear.

Out of nowhere, another orgasm slammed into her and she screamed again. She squirmed, unable to take another moment of this pleasure that filled her entire being.

Ace eased up her body and wrapped his arm around her, holding her close. She sank into him, her core still contracting with echoes of her orgasms.

Charlee moved her mouth to his for another sweet kiss before she drew back and looked into his eyes. “I want you naked, Ace. I want to feel you inside me.”

A groan rumbled in his chest and she reveled in the feel of his rough clothing against her naked flesh. But now she wanted bare skin on bare skin.

He nuzzled her ear. “I don’t want to push you, Charlee.”

“You’re not pushing me.” She rested her palm on his shoulder. “I want this. I want you.”

“I want you more than you can imagine,” he said.

“I have a great imagination.” She smiled. “Now clothes off.”

He pressed his lips to her forehead. “When I take you, I want all of you, Charlee. Not just sex. I want more.”

She wrinkled her brow. “What are you saying?”

He took her hand and pressed it against the hard ridge of his erection. “You can feel how much I want you. I just want to wait to be inside you until you’re ready, totally, completely ready. Not one single tiny bit of regret. I don’t know that you’re prepared for that.”

Charlee tried to process what he’d said. She rested her head on his chest. He had given her pleasure, but instead of taking for himself, he wanted to wait. Should she be upset that he’d made the decision himself instead of talking with her about it? Or should she be grateful?

Grateful. She didn’t think she’d have regrets, but they’d only spent a couple of days together. What if she did end up thinking they’d done the wrong thing, it had happened much too fast?

He’d given her so much pleasure and had taken none for himself.

She let out a long, slow breath. “Thank you.”

“I told you before and I’ll tell you again,” he traced his fingers over her flesh, causing her to shiver, “I’m here for you, Charlee. I will always be here for you.”

“I know.” She smiled. “Now take off your clothes.”

Ace was so hot, so hard that he couldn’t think straight. “Charlee—”

“Don’t argue with me.” She pushed herself onto her knees and settled on her haunches. Her beautiful body, right in front of him, driving him crazy.

He shifted so that he sat so close to her that his arm skimmed her bare breast. She caught her breath, her eyes darkening. She slid her fingers into his hair and pulled him close for a kiss.

He couldn’t control the wild feelings storming through him. She was everything he could ever want in a woman. There was something he needed to tell her, but he couldn’t think what it was, not with the way she rubbed his jean-clad erection with her small hand.

She gripped the bottom of his T-shirt and tugged it up. He helped her pull it over his head, and she tossed it aside. She moved and straddled his lap, pressing her naked breasts against his bare chest.

“Charlee.” He groaned.

She kissed him and he was hers to do whatever she wanted. She’d have to be the one to stop this and go back because he sure as hell was a goner.

The colored Christmas lights shone on her hair and the candles behind her made strands glow like a halo around her face. She looked every bit the angel he’d always thought her to be.

She unbuttoned his jeans, then scooted off him so that she could remove each of his socks.

His heart thumped hard as he adjusted his position and helped her remove his jeans and boxer briefs.

“You have such a beautiful body.” She curled her legs beneath her as she sat beside him and slid her palms up his thighs and stopped at his erection. She wrapped her hand around it and he groaned again. “Charlee.” Her name was all he seemed to be able to say.

She smiled and lowered her head before she slid her mouth over him. He ground his teeth, trying to hold it together as she licked and sucked him. Holy shit, he’d never felt like this before. Nothing like this.

Charlee pushed him until he was lying on his back. She knelt between his thighs and lowered her head again and took him in her mouth. This time she sucked in earnest, her head moving up and down.

The entire time she kept her eyes focused on him. Dark, smoky eyes that captured him.

He clenched his jaw tight, trying to hold it together, but it was too much. The orgasm captured him in a tornado of sensation, sweeping him up and spinning him around. He buried his hands in her hair, holding on, trying to ground himself. “Charlee,” he shouted.

She kept sucking as he came in her mouth, swallowing all he gave. His body jerked with every movement she made.

When he couldn’t take any more, he grasped her shoulders and drew her up and into his arms and held her tightly to him. His heart thumped and blood rushed in his ears. He placed his hand between her breasts and her heart pounded a solid rhythm against his palm.

She snuggled next to him and draped her arm across his belly.

He wanted to roll her onto her back and slide deep into her warmth. But she was in control here and he wasn’t going to do anything she didn’t initiate. This was all about Charlee—although she’d given him one hell of a night as it was.

“This is nice.” She gave a soft sigh of pleasure. “Thank you.”

“Thank me?” The words came out hoarse and gravelly. “Hell, woman. I’m the one thanking you.”

She rose and folded her arms on his chest as she rested her chin on her arms and watched him. The most beautiful smile played on her lips. “Merry Christmas.”

“Hell, yes.” He laughed. “Merry Christmas.”

“Come to bed with me tonight.” She trailed her fingertips over his chest. “I want to feel your arms around me as we fall asleep.”

“You’ve got me.” He didn’t think he’d be able to sleep while in her bed, but he’d be more than happy to hold her close while she slept. “Whatever you want, I’m yours.”

Her smile looked so relaxed, so happy. Her heavy lids told him she was sleepy, too.

“Best night ever.” She drifted off to sleep, her head on his chest.

He held her close, not wanting the moment to end.

When the fire had died down, he shifted and gathered her in his arms. Her bare skin so close to his made him hard as hell and he gritted his teeth. He eased to his feet as she woke. She looked sleepy and very much out of it.

“Let’s get you to bed, sunshine.” He kissed the top of her head. “The sun done set.”

“Okay.” She moved so that he let her down to stand on her own. “But you’re sleeping with me.”

He smiled. “Absolutely.”

They blew out the candles. The fire had burned itself out so no flames remained in the fireplace. They left the Christmas lights on the tree as they headed to her bedroom.

Ace pulled back the comforter and sheet and she slid between them. He climbed into bed and drew her into his arms. She snuggled against him and drifted into a deep sleep almost immediately.

He lay there awake for a long time. He’d never been so damned happy in his life.

CHAPTER 11

Charlee snuggled deeper into sleep. She felt so warm and protected—

Her eyes widened as she came fully awake. She was in her bed, wrapped in Ace’s embrace. Her back was to him, his arm around her waist, and—she swallowed—something very rigid against her ass.

She was naked, in bed with Ace.

Ace nuzzled her neck. “Good morning, sunshine.”

Her throat worked as she turned in his arms and faced him, their noses just a fraction apart. “Good morning.”

She had a hard time smiling, she was so confused.

“You okay?” He looked serious now.

She did manage to smile. “Yes. Call of nature, though.”

“Then don’t let me hold you up.” He pressed his lips to her forehead and moved back some, so she could scramble out of bed.

When she was in the master bathroom, she leaned with her back against the door, trying to catch her breath. She was okay. This was okay. She could figure out what to do next.

Damn. Her head ached and her eyes burned. She didn’t regret last night. It was wonderful. But what happens next?

She took her time, deciding to shower instead of going back into the bedroom and facing Ace.

Chicken.

After the temperature was comfortable enough, she stepped beneath the spray and let the warm water flow down her face and body. It helped to ease the tension that had been building since she’d woken.

When she finished and she was dried off, she wrapped a towel around herself and walked into her bedroom. Ace wasn’t there. Knowing him, he was probably making breakfast.

She blew out her breath. Good. She had a little more time to herself.

When Charlee had pulled herself together, she put her hair back in a ponytail and headed to the kitchen. Sure enough, Ace had breakfast going. It looked like steel-cut oatmeal, and he had brown sugar, raisins, and walnuts out on the counter, along with the container of cream she’d brought for coffee.

“Your coffee smells so good.” She offered Ace a bright smile. “And the oatmeal—one of my favorites, especially with all that extra good stuff.”

“I found the raisins and walnuts in the freezer.” He stirred the oatmeal. “Good place for them since there’s probably some time in between visits for you.”

“Yeah.” Charlee grabbed a mug out of the cabinet and started her coffee with the Keurig, her back to Ace. “I try to come up often, but I never know if something is going to keep me away for awhile.”

When she turned around, he stood in front of her. He cupped the side of her face. “Everything okay with you?”

She hesitated before she nodded. “I’m fine.”

He brushed his lips over hers and she caught her breath. “I just want to make sure we’re good.”

Her heart beat faster. Having him so near turned her brain to mush. She wanted what they had last night, but she was so afraid—

There you had it. Fear. I’m afraid.

“I’m fine,” she repeated and gave him a small smile. “And now I’m hungry.”

He smiled and ran his thumb over her cheek, sending a shiver through her. “I can help you with that.”

When they were seated at the breakfast bar and starting in on their oatmeal, Ace said, “I think we can leave today.”

Charlee held her spoon halfway to her mouth. “Really?”

“Don’t look so excited.” He gave her a teasing smile. “That means no more bets. Well, at least for now.”

A measure of relief slid through her like a breath of wind. Once they got back to Prescott she’d have some time to think more clearly, without this man nearby, a man who was driving her crazy.

Sunlight streamed through the windows and the world outside looked fresh and new. Ace found himself both eager to get back to his ranch and disappointed his stay with Charlee would soon be over.

He fully intended to see her as often as possible once they were back in the real world.

Ace joined Charlee in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows and looked out at the snow-covered trees and the white mounds with bushes somewhere beneath. He lightly stroked her spine over her soft white sweater.

He met her gaze. “It’s going to take a while to dig out the driveway. But I do have chains for the truck tires.”

“Good.” Did she look relieved? Was she afraid of spending too much time with him, even after all they’d shared?

She nodded, looking thoughtful. “I’m going to miss our time together.”

“This isn’t over.” He took her by her shoulders. “I’ve won a few dates with you during the past few days, and I intend to collect, sooner rather than later.”

She seemed to search his eyes for something, he wasn’t sure what.

“When we get back to real life, the magic of our stay here will be over.” Her words came out soft and low. “Everything we’ve experienced here has been wonderful. But now that we’re leaving, it ends.”

He shook his head. “It doesn’t end. It will never end.”

She turned away from him and looked back at the scenery outside. “Things always do.”

“Charlee, where is this coming from?” He frowned as he studied her. “We’ve had a great time and that’s not going to stop. I’ve always cared about you, and somehow I care for you even more now than I did before.” The “more” he wasn’t ready to think too deeply about.

She shrugged. “I’m going to go pack and I need to change and wash the linens before we go.” She started to move away.

“Wait.” He took her by her shoulders and turned her to look at him. He cupped her face in his palms and looked into her eyes. Before she could do anything, he lowered his mouth and kissed her.

She seemed strangely hesitant at first, but soon matched him in the deepness of the kiss. He hadn’t let anything go beyond pleasing her since they’d come to the cabin, but he’d wanted to so damned badly it had been all he could do to restrain himself.

When he drew away, he stroked her cheek with his thumb. “To be continued.”

She gave him a half smile before stepping back. She turned and walked away, stopping only to pet Ossie, then continued on toward the bedrooms.

Ace watched her softly swaying hips, the perfect shape of her body, the way she carried herself. What was going on in that head of hers? What was with the one-eighty?

Why is she acting like this?

He sighed. “Women.”

Ossie trotted to his side, sat and looked up at him with her big blue eyes.

“Not you.” He scratched her behind the ears. “You are the best kind of female. Beautiful, loyal, loving—everything Charlee is—but you don’t drive me crazy.”

Ossie gave him a big doggie smile, looking like she would laugh if she could, and nuzzled his hand.

Ace gave her one more rub behind her ears before he strode to the guest bedroom he’d been staying in to get his things together.

Tears burned the backs of Charlee’s eyes as she stuffed the linens into the washing machine. Why was she so weepy all of a sudden? Because she’d done her best to push Ace away?

She was going to miss him. Was going to miss this. She would go back to her life and he would go back to his.

If it didn’t end, everything that had been so perfect would go away. She wanted to remember their time for the wonderful days they’d spent together. Life would get in the way and the memory would fade if they tried to continue.

You are making no sense, Charlee, she told herself sternly. But I don’t want to screw up anything.

She would drive herself crazy if she kept this up.

Memories of their time together kept flowing through her mind as she walked to her bedroom to pack. The fun they’d had, the way he teased her and made her laugh. All of their crazy bets.

Her smile faltered. She had a string of dates with Ace that she’d have to pay up.

And what they’d done last night. What they’d shared.

She blew out her breath and stuffed clothes into her duffel that she needed to take home.

Maybe she could have something with Ace. Maybe she should try. Let herself go.

The thought lingered in her mind. Maybe she was being stupid pushing him away. Maybe she should see where it went.

But I’m screwed up. Totally screwed up when it comes to men.

Charlee furrowed her brow. She was letting one bastard rule her life. Giving in to the old feelings of pain and betrayal was letting someone else have control. And she couldn’t let that sonofabitch ruin her life.

She straightened. She wouldn’t let that happen, damnit.

Her heart beat a little faster as she finished packing. She tried to sort out her feelings for Ace and just how much he meant to her. They were friends, of course, and she’d cared about him since they were kids.

And now—

A knock at the door caused her to jerk her head up. Ace stood in the doorway, his shoulder hitched up against the doorframe. He looked so sexy and totally edible. That long rock-hard body, broad shoulders, and sexy stubble. Yummy.

His blue eyes sparkled, as if guessing the train of her thoughts. “Hey, sunshine. I’m going to throw my things in the truck and start clearing out the driveway.

She managed a smile. “Almost got everything together. I’ll join you as soon as I get everything ready to close up.”

Ace pushed away from the doorframe and gave her a wink before he turned and left the room.

Charlee could barely catch her breath as she watched him leave. She took her time packing and heard the snowblower going. When she finished, she put the linens from the washing machine into the dryer.

She left her duffel in the laundry room on the washing machine before going through the house and making sure the cabin was locked up tight. They’d already cleaned and straightened, so everything was ready for the next time she would come to her little hideaway.

Maybe with Ace again? They’d had so much fun.

Or maybe with the girls. She always had a blast with them—it was just different than the kind of fun she’d had with Ace, of course.

They never did play strip poker.

Her thoughts bounced, like rocks skipping across a stream. The feelings inside her were a tangled mess, ranging from excited and wanting to sing out loud to terrified enough to hide under the bed and never look at another man again.

Yeah, I’m a certifiable mess.

She’d watched a YouTube video with Bailey that she’d really enjoyed. The video was by a marriage expert, who hilariously talked about the differences between a man’s brain and a woman’s brain. The thought made her laugh. Men could compartmentalize stuff in their brains, while in a woman’s brain everything was connected like a freeway.

Maybe she wasn’t such a mess after all.

But she was driving herself crazy the way she kept going over and over everything in her head.

When the laundry was done, folded, and put away, she finished closing up the cabin. Once she had her jacket, boots, and gloves on, she shrugged her duffel onto her shoulder. She grabbed the empty bag she’d brought the groceries in, took out the trash, and walked into the carport. Ossie trotted over to Charlee from where she’d been sitting at the mouth of the carport.

Charlee absently scratched the back of Ossie’s head as she watched Ace. He’d just about finished clearing out the driveway to the road.

From where she stood, it looked like the county snowplow had done its job on the main road and they’d be able to drive on out of here. She threw her duffel and the bag onto the backseat of the truck, next to Ace’s, and walked to the back of the truck to watch him.

She stuffed her gloved hands into her jacket pockets and waited for him to finish. It wasn’t long before he returned on the ride-on snowblower, along the freshly cleaned out driveway. He parked and put the machine away in the tool shed before heading toward her with his long, purposeful strides.

Before she could think twice, he gathered her into his arms and kissed her good and hard. She fell into it, enjoying how it felt to be so thoroughly kissed by someone she liked—really, really liked—and cared for.

She was smiling when he drew back. He gave her a broad grin. “I love it when you smile like that, honey. You have the most beautiful one I’ve ever seen.”

“Ready to go?” She met his gorgeous eyes. “We now have the exciting task of digging out my car.”

He nodded. “Snow shovel is in the back of the truck. I’ll make sure I get it back up here for you.”

She rested her hand on his gloved wrist. “We can put it into the trunk of my car so you don’t have to do that.”

He snorted. “With all that junk you have in there already?”

She shook her head as she thought about everything she’d taken out to try to change her tire. “True. I forgot about that.”

He put his arm around her shoulders. “Hell, we could bring the shovel up here together.”

She leaned into him. “And have a rematch?”

He laughed. “Which game?”

It came so easily to her, like there hadn’t been any doubts in her mind. Like she hadn’t been driving herself crazy with doubt.

She tipped her head back and gave him a wicked grin. “All of them.”

“I win the bet.” Ace gave a triumphant smile.

Charlee crinkled her nose. “Which bet are you talking about now?”

His smile broadened. “The one where you’d want me to come back another time together once our snow-in was over.”

She groaned. “What did we bet? There have been so many I’ve lost track.”

“A candlelight dinner at your place.” He brought her gloved hands into his. “I aim to collect on it just as soon as possible.”

CHAPTER 12

“That’s it.” Ace put the snow shovel in the back of his truck. “Start that baby up.”

“Aye, Captain.” Charlee opened the door of her Mustang and climbed into the driver’s seat, which was cold enough to chill her through her jeans. She turned the key in the ignition and her car roared to life. She immediately clicked on the heater to warm up the car before opening the car door. “Perfect. I’m ready to hit the road and get back to civilization.”

He braced one hand on her car. “You can’t leave yet.” He crooked his finger with a “come here” gesture.

Butterflies swarmed in Charlee’s belly as he opened the door wider and she climbed out, then he closed the door behind her. She stood in front of him, her head tilted back and their gazes met.

For some reason she felt nervous and unsure. After all they’d done and shared, she wasn’t sure why. “Thank you for rescuing me and everything.”

“Is that all you have to say, sunshine?” He tugged on her ponytail. “I think the last few days involved a little more than getting you to the cabin, then getting your car out of the snow and changing the tire. Wasn’t there something in between those events?”

Her throat worked. “A little.”

He grinned and slid his hand from her ponytail to cup the back of her head. “I think a whole lot happened. Best Christmas of my life.”

His hand warmed the back of her head and she swore she could feel his body heat through their jackets as he brought her closer to him.

“It was nice.” Nice? Did I just say it was nice? “I mean, I had a great time.”

“Is that it?” Ace slid his hands beneath her jacket to her waist.

Her eyes widened. “Your hands are cold.”

“I think you have something you must want to say.” He drew her tightly against him. “I’m not letting you go until you admit exactly how you really feel about being locked in with me over Christmas.”

This sudden nervousness with Ace was crazy. Just because they’d left the cabin didn’t mean anything had changed.

Right?

She bit her lower lip before she forced herself to relax and draw in a deep breath. “I had a great time with you, Ace. And yes, it was one of the best Christmases ever.”

“That’s better.” He lowered his mouth to hers. “If you want to warm up, I know exactly what to do.”

She let out a soft sigh as their lips met. His kiss did warm her through. She was vaguely aware of the cold, but mostly she didn’t care. She just wanted to be kissed by Ace. Loved being kissed by him.

When she didn’t think she could breathe anymore, he raised his head and looked into her eyes. “Jayson and Celine are having a New Year’s Eve party at their ranch. I’ll pick you up at seven. Date number one.”

“What?” She scrunched her brows. “We didn’t agree to a party, just a date.” That would be like admitting to the world that she was seeing Ace. Was she ready for that?

He shrugged. “Then it’s straight to my house for dinner instead. We can have our own private party.”

Alone with Ace—which could end up with them taking things farther than they had last night in front of the fireplace. Both options felt a little scary. It was all too new, too soon.

“I—well—” She took a deep breath. What the hell. “Okay. I’ll be ready at seven for the party at Jayson’s.”

He pressed his lips to hers again for a nice long kiss. When they parted, she realized her heart pounded like crazy and she didn’t think she could catch her breath.

He touched the tip of her nose with one finger. “You need to get in your car. It should be plenty warm inside now.”

She nodded. “I’ll see you Saturday night.”

One quick kiss from him, then he opened her car door and she climbed into the warmth. “Be careful driving home,” he said. “Roads might be slick.”

“Bye.” She buckled her seatbelt as he closed the door behind her. She carefully turned her car around on the muddy road to head back to Prescott. He watched her, and she gave a quick wave before heading down the road.

Charlee focused on the road as she drove, trying not to let her attention stray too much. She didn’t want to hit a patch of ice and end up losing control of her car.

She needed to let go of what David Smith—or whatever his real name was—had done to her. It had been long enough. It was time to let it go, for good.

Her thoughts turned to Bailey and Dara. The girls would both love to have Charlee as a sister-in-law. Wouldn’t that be something—Dara and Charlee both marry one of their best friend’s brothers.

Where in the world had that thought come from? She was barely getting used to the idea of dating Ace and letting the world know about it, much less starting to think of something like marriage. Holy crap, was she ever getting ahead of herself.

She drove into Prescott, Christmas decorations hanging from streetlamps and buildings—wreaths, bells, trees—all bright colors of green, red, silver, and gold. Before going to the cabin she hadn’t paid much attention to the decorations. Christmas had become more and more a time of being alone and feeling apart from everything as others’ lives went on, with her own life stuck in the past.

Now, because of Ace, maybe things would be different. Just maybe they would be.

Ace watched Charlee’s car until he couldn’t see it anymore, then climbed into his truck to head back to his ranch. He’d left it running so the cab would remain warm for Ossie.

He looked over his shoulder at the dog, who was looking through the window. “How’re you doing back there, girl?”

She looked at him, panting happily before she stared out the window again. If it wasn’t so cold, he’d roll down the window to let her put her face in the wind. She loved that.

He focused on the road, but Charlee never left his mind. She was beautiful, intelligent, sexy, and had a great personality, all in one extraordinary package.

Damn, but it had been beyond any of his fantasies to actually be with her. To spend time with her, kissing her, tasting her was all more than he could have imagined. And he’d imagined plenty when it came to Charlee Burke.

His brow furrowed as he thought about her hesitancy and the way she drew away at times. Likely all due to Smith, the man who had hurt her so badly. Damn, but I’d like to kick his ass, Ace thought. But since the bastard was in prison for attempted murder, among other charges, Ace couldn’t get his hands on him.

Ace called Jayson to let him know he’d be home soon. “I’ll be bringing her to the New Year’s Eve party at your place,” Ace added.

“I take it things went well.” Jayson’s tone held amusement as his voice came over the speakers. “You always did have a thing for Charlee.”

Ace raised his brows. “Now what makes you think that?”

“Hell,” Jayson said with a chuckle. “Everyone knows. You have the damned worst poker face.”

“So I’ve been told.” Ace shook his head. Many times, he added to himself with a mental sigh.

Jayson updated Ace on what had been going on with the ranch while Ace was gone. A got through the barbed wire fence and Jayson had to round it up, but otherwise things were fine.

“I owe you, bro.” Ace guided the truck onto the dirt road that led to his ranch. “Anything you need, name it.”

“Happy to do it,” Jayson said. “That’s what brothers are for.”

Ace grinned. “And I have the best.”

“You sure do.” Jayson laughed. “See you Saturday.”

The steering wheel jerked in Ace’s hand as he hit a pothole. The snow had mostly melted, only patches left on the dark, wet earth.

He pulled up to his ranch house and parked. He scratched the back of his neck as he assessed his place. What would Charlee think? Big, but older farmhouse, even older barn, and a run-down bunkhouse that’d been in use back when this was a prosperous ranch, before the previous owner had sold off a good deal of his land. He’d fallen on hard times during the last recession and had ended up selling what was left to Ace and retiring. The corrals were in decent shape like everything else, and he had good stock.

Ace kept things fixed up, but everything could use a coat of paint or two. He hadn’t given it a whole lot of thought, with everything else that had gone on over the years. It was home, comfortable, and he’d always been happy with it. Now, he was pretty sure it was time to buy some paint.

With Ossie at his heels, he headed into the house. The screen door squeaked as he opened it—the hinges could use some oil. His living room was nice enough but could use a woman’s touch. Pretty clear it was a bachelor’s home. He needed to clean up the newspapers before she came over, and it would be a good idea to pick up his socks. He had a habit of taking off his boots and socks before he put his feet up to watch the game on his TV. Maybe he should look at getting some furniture polish or something.

He scooped up his socks on his way to the dining room. The furniture was dark and dated, as were the cabinets in his kitchen, and the drapes were heavy and didn’t let in a lot of light. Charlee’s cabin was so open and bright and much more modern. What would she think about living in an older farmhouse? Would it matter to her?

A couple of times he’d had a woman over that he’d been dating. He had never worried about what they thought about his place, and they never seemed to mind. Why was he thinking about all of this with Charlee?

Because Charlee was special. Really special. And what she thought mattered to him.

Knowing her, though, she’d probably feel right at home.

He’d worked up an appetite digging out Charlee’s car and changing her tire. For lunch, he threw together a baloney and cheese sandwich, grabbed a couple of pecan sandies out of the cabinet, and pulled a soda out of the fridge. He sat at the kitchen table and thought about the last few days. Eating lunch alone now made him think about all the cooking they’d done together.

Hell, he hadn’t had so much fun in as long as he could remember, and definitely not with any other woman.

Jayson was right that Ace had always had a thing for Charlee. He just hadn’t known he’d been wearing his heart on his sleeve all this time. Had Charlee noticed? Probably not. He’d spent his time teasing her over the years, but he hadn’t had the guts to do more than that.

But now, things were different, a lot different. Charlee was his, and he intended to win her heart so that she knew he belonged to her just as much.

He finished eating, wiped his hands on a paper napkin, and grabbed his laptop off the counter, where he’d left it last. He typed in his password, pulled up a browser, and searched the web for paint. He’d start with the farmhouse first.

Muted sunlight made its way through Charlee’s car windows as she drove to her hair salon. Clouds hung low in the sky, but snow wasn’t in the weather forecast. Apparently they’d gotten quite a bit of snow in Prescott, but not the kind of storm they’d had in the Bradshaw Mountains, where her cabin was. The weather changed on a dime in Arizona, so the snow was already melting and they probably wouldn’t get more anytime soon.

She’d scheduled the next few days off, but since she was back before she’d expected, she might as well see how the salon fared with the holiday traffic they would have gotten. It would be closed since it was the day after Christmas,

It was quiet when she entered the salon. Smells of chemicals, shampoos, conditioners, and hairspray filled the shop. She flipped on the lights and frowned at the site of disorganization at the front desk and some of the stylists’ stations. They had known she had the days after Christmas scheduled off. Apparently, some members of her staff had felt they could wait until after they got back from having time off for Christmas to make everything look the way she wanted it.

Tension made her body ache and she forced herself to relax. It was Christmas, after all, and she could cut her employees some slack. It wasn’t fun to have to work Christmas Eve, she knew from many years of experience as a stylist. It was a necessary fact that they would be busy up until Christmas Day, no way around it to keep all their clients.

As the owner, Charlee had often worked with her staff up until Christmas. This year was different. She’d needed to get away from Christmas and all the festivities this year. She’d felt so alone, even with people surrounding her.

And then she’d ended up spending the holiday with Ace. A smile touched her lips. It had been a pretty amazing Christmas with him. She’d had so much fun when they’d played games, all the laughing and talking they’d done. The incredible passion they’d shared together was enough to make her toes curl.

Her smile broadened. She couldn’t help it. She was such a fool to have doubts about exploring a relationship with Ace. He was a good man and she knew it through and through. She’d known him forever, and he wouldn’t hurt her intentionally. He wouldn’t hide things from her and end up being somebody different than she’d thought he was.

Ace was the kind of man a woman would be lucky to have.

Charlee blew out her breath. Maybe she would call him, just to say hello. She bit her lower lip. Should she? What would that say to him? I’m interested. Did she want to put herself out there like that?

Why not?

She reached into her purse, just as her phone rang. She brought it out and stared at the screen.

Ace. He’d been thinking about her, too.

Her heart pounded as she sat in the most comfortable chair they had in their waiting section. She connected the call and brought the phone to her ear.

“Hi.” Her voice came out softer than she’d expected.

“Hey, Charlee.” Ace’s sexy murmur came over the line. “I missed not making you breakfast. Seems I got used to it.”

“It was only three days.” Charlee smiled. “But I have to admit, I kinda got used to it, too.”

“What are you up to now?”

“Not much.” She looked around her at the displays of hair treatments and the pictures of current hairstyle trends. “Thought I’d stop by and see how the salon fared after the holiday rush.”

“Did it pass muster?” Ace asked.

“Not really.” She shifted on her seat. “But it’s Christmastime, and I’m sure they’ll have it back in order when they come in. As long as it looks perfect when our clients arrive, all is good.”

It felt so natural talking with Ace, like they’d done this forever.

“How are things at the ranch?” she asked.

“Jayson had to take care of a rogue heifer, but other than that, everything was fine.”

“I had a lot of fun these past few days,” she found herself saying. “It was kinda lonely this morning.” Although talking with him made up for it. Sort of.

“Same here.” His tone came out all low and rumbly. “Instead of waiting until Saturday to get together, what do you say to that drink at Nectar’s you didn’t win, but I’d be happy to treat you to? Today.”

Charlee laughed. “How can I say no to that?”

“What time should I pick you up?”

Now, she wanted to say. Instead, she told him, “If you pick me up at three-thirty, we’ll make it in time for happy hour.”

“Deal.” Ace paused. “After all these years, I don’t know where you live. I’ve never been to your home.”

“I’ll text you my address.” Her heart felt lighter knowing they would be getting together soon. “See you then.”

“See you, sunshine.”

Charlee disconnected the phone, a smile on her lips, feeling warm and yummy inside. She took a moment to text Ace her information.

She locked up the salon, and it wasn’t long before she was driving home. Would she bring him to her place afterward? Should she? Or should they wait a little longer before going any further than they already had?

Crazy feelings, like dragonflies gone berserk, went on in her belly, as she thought about having him inside her. That would be absolutely amazing, she knew it. To feel him inside and out, surrounding her with his presence.

She found herself speeding and had to force herself to slow down. They’d be together soon enough.

CHAPTER 13

Ace guided his truck up Charlee’s street. For some crazy reason his gut tightened and his skin tingled, like he was nervous or something. Weird as hell considering the time they’d spent together.

She’d acted a little strange yesterday, when they’d parted, likely still worried about jumping into any kind of relationship. So, he hadn’t known what to expect when he called her. Seems she wanted to be with him, like he wanted to be with her.

Score another one for the cowboy.

He checked the house numbers, found Charlee’s, and pulled into her drive and parked to the right of the closed garage. Likely she kept her Mustang there. By the time he reached her front door, his gut was tighter than a freshly tuned guitar string.

The door opened wide two seconds after he knocked, and the next thing he knew, Charlee had her arms around his neck, her body pressed to his. She tilted her face so that she could meet his gaze, and she wore a radiant smile.

Hell, he didn’t need any more invitation than that.

He kissed her long and hard, and she answered him with hunger and desire. By the time he came up for air, his heart pounded, and his skin flushed with heat. To hell with drinks. He’d sweep her into his arms and take her to bed now.

His throat worked and he smiled. “Hello to you, too.”

She smiled almost shyly now, like she couldn’t believe what she’d just done. He couldn’t believe it, either, but he sure wasn’t complaining.

“I’m ready for that drink.” She turned and locked her front door and he realized she already had her purse slung over her shoulder. She took his hand. “Come on.”

Ace liked Charlee in every way, but when she wasn’t full of doubts, she shone with confidence and she looked pretty damned happy.

Once he’d helped her into the truck, he jogged around to the driver’s side and climbed in. He started up the truck and backed out of her driveway.

“It feels like it’s been a while since we got back from the cabin.” She tipped her head to the side. “But it was only yesterday.”

He grinned before turning his attention to the road. “I knew you’d miss me.”

“I did.” She smiled when he glanced at her again. “I’m glad you’re here.”

“Same with me.” He reached over and rested his hand on her knee and squeezed before taking the wheel with both hands. “It’s like coming home.”

“That’s a nice way of putting it.” She settled back in her seat. “Coming home.”

Nectar’s wasn’t too far, and it wasn’t long before the hostess escorted them to a booth along a wall with tall windows with partially drawn shades. The restaurant had gone through a renovation since he’d been here last, and he liked what they’d done with the place. Stained glass lighting, rich dark woods that shone, and shiny brass fixtures.

“I haven’t been here for some time.” He scooted into the booth and picked up the professionally done menu. “They must be doing well.”

“I like it.” Charlee looked around them. “This place has probably been around for a decade or so, since Tess and Megan’s family bought it after they purchased the Hummingbird Café next door.”

“I haven’t been to the Hummingbird for a while now.” He browsed the extensive list of bottled beers. “Do you go to your sister’s nightclub often?”

“Not really.” Charlee shrugged. “Jo spends most of her time with the twins, but she does keep an eye on Jo-Jo’s. She’s a fantastic businesswoman.”

“Runs in the family,” he said. “Her little sister is no slouch.”

“Thank you.” Charlee dropped her gaze to her menu. “They have a lot of new drinks I’m not familiar with.”

He flipped through the happy hour section of the menu. “Sticking with Maker’s Mark?”

“That’s reserved for the cabin.” She pursed her lips. “I think I’ll stick with something a little more traditional than their new drinks, like a margarita on the rocks, salt on the rim.”

“I’ll be happy with a Rolling Rock.” He set the menu down. “Nachos sound good for an appetizer?”

“Definitely.” She placed her menu on top of his. “It’s nice to let someone else do the cooking.”

“I dunno.” He took both of her hands in his. “I liked cooking for you at the cabin, and I enjoyed cooking with you.”

She smiled and laced her fingers with his. “I had a great time. Every moment of it.”

“I want to kiss you.” He fixed his gaze on her mouth. “I can’t get enough of you.”

Her lips parted and he watched her take a slow breath in. “You’ve kinda grown on me, too.”

He couldn’t help a grin. “Kinda?”

“A little more than that.” She leaned forward and whispered, “Just wait til I get you alone.”

Ace nearly groaned out loud. “I am so tempted to sweep you away and take you home.”

Charlee gave him a teasing grin. “Drink and appetizers before we even think of leaving.”

“Can’t help it.” He shook his head. “I’ll be thinking about it until we leave.”

A server approached, a young woman he didn’t recognize. He gave her their order and she headed off to turn it in.

“Remember when we were kids and I slipped a garner snake into your backpack?” he said.

“I totally lost it when it slipped out in class. Most of the class freaked, too.” She shook her head. “You denied it until just a few years ago, but I knew it was you. You were always teasing me.” She studied him. “And you never stopped.”

“That’s because I had a crush on you.” He gave her his best ornery grin. “And that never changed—I’ve always had a thing for you, Charlee.”

A surprised look crossed her features, but she didn’t have a chance to respond. Their server returned with their drinks, and then she left to take care of the guests in the booth next to theirs.

She studied him. “You’re just teasing me again.”

“Nope.” He let his expression grow a little more serious. “The first time Bailey brought you home from school, I thought, ‘I’m going to marry that girl when I grow up.’”

“Riiiight.” Charlee laughed as she grasped the stem of her margarita glass. “You’re almost convincing, but you’ve got that devilish gleam in your eyes.”

Ace held her gaze. “The first time I laid eyes on you, I knew.”

Warmth crept over her skin and she looked away. He was teasing her as always.

He caught her chin in his hand and turned her face to him. “That doesn’t mean you go quiet on me, Charlee Burke.”

He was right, of course. He was sharing something he’d thought when he was a kid. It wasn’t like he meant it now.

“We did have a fun childhood,” she said and he let his fingers slide away, lingering on her jaw before he reached for his beer. “Your family was like my own. Still is.” She looked away again before turning back to him. “You all have always been there for me.”

“You are family, Charlee.” He gave her a grin. “At least we’re not kissing cousins. That would be awkward.”

Charlee laughed, the tension sliding away. “At least.”

The server showed up with their nachos, and after checking to see if they needed anything else, sped off once again. She was great with service, not so much making a customer feel at home.

Charlee took an appetizer plate the server had left and loaded it with a good portion of nachos, but still didn’t dent the stack now between them. “No need for dinner with an appetizer this big.”

Ace piled his plate high and grabbed a bottle of Red Devil from the rack of condiments on the side of the table. He raised it. “Hot sauce?”

She took the bottle from him and covered her own nachos before handing the hot sauce back and asking casually, “What are your plans after we finish with drinks and nachos?”

“Depends.” He gave her a sexy little grin. “What are your plans?”

She loved it when he grinned like that. “Pillow fort and games?”

He laughed. “I can think of a fun game to play in a pillow fort.”

“I’ll bet you can.” She took a good-sized swallow of her margarita before setting the glass down. “I have some ideas of my own.”

Amusement sparked in his gaze. “Does it involve Mario Party or a party of our own?”

Charlee gave Ace her naughtiest smile. “You’ll just have to wait and see.” She mentally shook her head—she had no idea what she was going to do. Playing it by ear was the route she’d end up going.

Her belly tingled. It wouldn’t be long until she and Ace were alone again.

A ringing sound came from Ace’s side of the table. “Forgot to turn the dang thing off.” He pulled out his phone and quieted the ring but looked at the screen. “Seth is calling.”

Charlee sat straighter in her seat. “Maybe the baby is coming.”

“I’ll take it, just in case.” Ace touched the screen and brought the phone to his ear. “Is my new nephew here?”

Ace listened a moment, then said, “Charlee’s here with me. We’ll be there in twenty.”

Charlee’s skin prickled as Ace pocketed his phone. “Is everything okay?”

“She’s having some complications, but the doc told Seth she’ll be fine.” Ace grasped his beer glass. “I figured you’d want to come along.”

“Of course.” She downed the rest of her margarita while Ace killed his beer. She slid out of the booth and got to her feet the same time he stood.

He left enough cash on the table for the bill and a good tip before escorting Charlee out to his truck.

Seth and Bailey lived in Montana, but Bailey had wanted to have her first child in Prescott where she could be close to family and friends. They’d driven to Arizona a couple of weeks ago, in plenty of time for Bailey’s due date.

“The baby is right on time.” Charlee shifted in her seat to better look at Ace. “Did Seth sound worried about the complications?”

“He sounded like a nervous father-to-be, so we won’t really know until we get to the hospital.” Ace glanced at her. “I can’t believe Bailey is going to be a mommy. How could my kid sister be old enough to have a baby?”

“I’m right there with you.” Charlee shook her head. “I want kids one day, but it’s still hard to imagine being a mom.”

Ace clenched his jaw. Damn. He’d planned on never being a father, and it had always been a deal breaker for him. He’d grown up with brothers he’d always looked up to but had felt like he couldn’t measure up to. They were all good husbands and good dads. He just didn’t think he was dad material. Apparently not good husband material in Charlee’s case.

He mentally kicked his own ass. He’d known Charlee wanted kids since the first time she mentioned it, but he’d pursued her anyway.

“What’s wrong?”

Charlee’s words caught his attention and he cut his gaze to her. “Nothing. Just thinking.”

“You look like it’s something serious.” She frowned. “Your poker face sucks.”

He shrugged and turned back to the road. “Just thinking.” He left it at that and she didn’t ask him anything else about it. Now wasn’t the time to talk about it. They’d have the conversation later.

They arrived at the hospital just under twenty minutes and found their way to the waiting room in the birthing center. His parents were already there, along with his brothers and their wives—Jayson and Celine, and Jack and Dara. All the kids were with friends or sitters.

Apparently Justice and Fiona were on their way—they’d had to drop off Lora and Sophie at a friend’s home. Seth was in the birthing room with Bailey.

Charlee hugged Dara and Celine, along with Ace’s brothers and his parents, Molly and Gus.

“Is Bailey okay?” Charlee asked Molly.

Ace’s mom wore a concerned expression. “The cord is wrapped around the baby’s neck and he’s not getting enough oxygen.” Molly’s voice caught. “The doctor plans to do a C-section, but he’s concerned about her blood pressure, which is low.”

Charlee said, “This is Bailey we’re talking about. Nothing gets in her way and she always comes out on top. That baby will be just as tough as his mom.”

“You’re right, Charlee.” Molly smiled, but still looked worried. “Our daughter is made of strong stuff.”

Charlee hugged her again.

While they waited for news, Ace’s family mingled and talked about their kids, their spouses, their ranches and things going on around Prescott. Ace hung out with his brothers and dad, while his mother, sisters-in-law, and Charlee all talked. Justice and Fiona finally made it and joined in the family conversations.

Ace watched Charlee as she smiled and spoke with her and Bailey’s best friend, Dara, who had married his brother, Jack.

Charlee was beautiful and so much more. He couldn’t take his eyes off her. He wanted to touch her, hold her, be with her.

But he couldn’t be what she wanted and needed.

He’d have to tell her and he’d have to walk away from the woman he’d loved since they were young.

Charlee could feel Ace watching her as she talked with Dara. He made her feel things she’d never expected to feel again, only far better. She’d always cared about him, despite the teasing. Could she fall in love with him?

Maybe she already had.

“How are you feeling?” Charlee asked Dara. “Do you have any morning sickness?”

Dara appeared vaguely ill at the thought. “Lots of morning sickness, but all day long. Otherwise I’m feeling pretty good.”

“Morning sickness doesn’t sound like fun.” Charlee made a face then smiled. “Worth it in the long run, though.”

“I heard you and Ace got snowed in together,” Dara said. “We all know he’s had a thing for you since we were kids.” She wore a mischievous expression. “So how did that go?”

Charlee swallowed. “Surprisingly fun. We ate a bunch, drank quite a bit, and played lots of games.”

She needed to keep the topic away from her and Ace on a personal level, so she continued with, “I don’t understand what people do in states where there’s tons of snow all the time in the winter.” She tilted her head to the side. “I’ll ask Bailey sometime. Now that she lives in Montana, she has experience.”

“Did you end up steaming the windows?” Dara asked in a teasing tone.

Charlee didn’t know what Dara meant at first, then it dawned on her and heat rushed to her face. “We did play in the snow when there was a break in the storm. Ace cut down a tree and we pulled out all the Christmas decorations from storage and had a nice Christmas. The day after, the storm was over and now we’re home again.”

Dara studied her, a glint in her pretty amber eyes. “Something happened. Something you’re not telling me.”

“That’s your imagination kicking into overdrive.” Charlee wasn’t ready to admit she was growing more and more attracted to Ace. It was too soon, and too weird dating her best friend’s brother-in-law who happened to be her other best friend’s brother. “It ended up being a very nice weekend.”

“Why were you there on Christmas to begin with?” Dara asked. “You said you were spending the weekend with Jo and Tate, and the twins.”

More heat suffused Charlee, this time her entire body, and she turned her head away for a moment before looking at Dara again. “I—I wasn’t honest with any of you. I’ve just been feeling left out because you all have husbands and kids and lives so different from mine. I needed to get away. So, I planned a trip to spend Christmas on my own.”

She shrugged before continuing, speaking far faster than she normally did. “My car got a flat tire on the way to the cabin, and I called Ace since he’s the only one not attached. I thought it would be easier for him to get away. The storm came so fast we had to go to my cabin because it was closest.” She blew out her breath. “And there you have it in a nutshell.”

“When I started dating Jack,” Dara said, “I didn’t want you and Bailey to know. It felt too weird and I didn’t know where it might end up going. Is it that way with you and Ace?”

Charlee stared at the floor a long moment before raising her head and nodding. “Yes. But please don’t say anything to anyone. If it goes anywhere, I’ll tell Bailey myself.”

Dara smiled and hugged Charlee. “Of course I’ll keep this between us.” She whispered in Charlee’s ear. “But the way Ace keeps watching you, everyone probably already knows now.”

Charlee wanted to smile and cringe at the same time. But that was only because she wasn’t ready to announce that this was going anywhere at all.

She thought about the happy hour drinks and nachos they’d enjoyed before Seth called. How she’d been ready to take Ace home and—

What?

She knew what. She’d wanted him so badly and she still did.

To be continued?

Yeah. She smiled to herself. Definitely.

The doors opened to the birthing center and a man in scrubs and a white lab coat walked into the room and headed for Molly. Gus joined Molly at the same time the doctor reached her.

“You have a very healthy grandson, Mr. and Mrs. McBride.” He shook their hands while Ace and his brothers whooped and everyone broke out talking in excited tones. “We’ll let you know when you can see the baby and his mama and daddy.”

Gus and Molly hugged as the doctor retreated back into the birthing center, and everyone else hugged and laughed. The mood changed dramatically, no tension hanging over the group anymore.

Bailey and Seth had a brand new baby boy.

CHAPTER 14

“He’s so beautiful.” Charlee smiled at the sight of the baby’s angelic face as she and Ace stood at Bailey’s bedside. They’d waited until everyone else in the family had a few moments to spend with Mama and baby. There were so many McBrides, they had to keep it short.

Charlee touched his little hand that had curled into a tiny fist. “Kyle is a good name.”

Bailey looked tired but radiant as she cuddled the sound asleep infant in her arms. “Kyle is the sweetest thing.” She stroked the dark hair on his head. “He’s so quiet, but I guess that’ll change soon.”

“We’ll take quiet while it lasts.” Seth looked proud enough to burst. Tired too, even though he hadn’t been the one to give birth. “He won’t be a Greer without making his presence known.”

Bailey glanced up at her husband and grinned. “Considering he’s half McBride, he doesn’t stand a chance.” She shook her head. “We don’t stand a chance.”

Charlee could just imagine the strain it took on a woman to carry and birth a child, but it was something she wanted to experience for herself. She glanced up at Ace and smiled. “I want one of these itty-bitty things eventually. He’s adorable.”

Ace looked uncomfortable, like some men get at the mention of babies. “He’s a cute little feller.”

“Uncle Ace is good with all the kids.” Bailey shifted Kyle in her arms. “I’m sure he and Kyle won’t be any different.”

“As long as I don’t turn green, grow horns, a snout, and tusks by the time he’s big enough to know the difference,” he said in a teasing tone.

“Then he’ll really like his Uncle Ace.” Charlee grinned at Ace. “How could kids resist a green, tusked, horned, and snouted uncle?”

“And you?” He gave that cute smile she adored.

She considered him for a moment. “The green isn’t so bad, and I could live with the horns. But I can’t see kissing a snout, and the tusks might hurt. Sorry.”

Ace burst out laughing and Bailey looked from Charlee to Ace and back. “Are you two dating?”

Charlee shrugged. “Maybe.”

Ace looked amused, but there was something else in his eyes she couldn’t read. Something…distant.

He put his arm around Charlee’s shoulder. “We were at happy hour when Seth called. The nachos were great.” He pointed to the baby. He interrupted the end of our meal.”

“That’s kids for you,” Seth said. “They interrupt everything.”

Bailey looked wide-eyed at the two of them. “You’re dating?”

“I don’t know if you can call it that.” Heat crept up Charlee’s neck. “We just had fun at the cabin, so we were continuing that.”

“Uh-huh.” Bailey glanced at Seth. “Do you believe her?”

He shook his head. “Not a chance.”

Charlee’s face burned. She hadn’t planned on things coming out this way. Ace didn’t seem to be himself, not saying a whole lot to rescue her or otherwise.

What’s wrong with him? Something was definitely wrong.

“You must be tired.” Charlee rested her hand on Bailey’s arm. “When are they letting you out of this place?”

“Day after tomorrow.” Bailey sank against the pillows, definitely looking exhausted now. “I could use a nap now.” She looked at Seth. “Can you get the nurse?”

He leaned down and brushed his lips over hers. “Be right back, honey.”

“I’ll come back and visit with you and the baby tomorrow.” Charlee stood as Seth left. “I’ll call first and make sure you’ve had enough rest.” She took Bailey’s hand and squeezed it. “I want to get a chance to hold Kyle, if he hasn’t already had too much company.”

Ace leaned down. “Be good you little bugger.”

Bailey looked down at her baby again. “Yes, Kyle is going to like his Aunt Charlee and Uncle Ace a whole lot.”

Charlee and Ace left the room, side-by-side, silence between them. “What’s going on?” Charlee looked up at him. “Something’s bothering you.”

He shrugged. “Got a lot on my mind.”

What changed since we were at Nectar’s? She mentally shook her head. Nothing. Ace had seemed quieter after talking with his brothers, so maybe something was going on that Ace wasn’t ready to talk about.

It was dark by the time they made it out of the hospital, after nine p.m.

Charlee gathered her coat tighter around her. “Your family makes beautiful babies.”

Ace grunted and she shot a glance at him. What was going on?

He drove her straight home, but there was nothing between them on the drive that told her he wanted to start where they’d left off. He walked her to her front door, and she didn’t bother to ask him in—she already knew he’d decline.

She unlocked her door then faced him. “Thanks for the drink and nachos.”

He braced one hand on the doorframe and studied her. For a long moment he studied her. “You’re all I’ve ever wanted, Charlee.”

She swallowed. “But?”

He seemed at war with himself. “I don’t think I’m right for you.”

She stared at him. “Where did this come from?”

He gripped the doorframe tighter and just stared at her, like he’d never get enough of her.

She grabbed his free hand and a surprised expression crossed his strong features. “Come on.” She pushed the door open and practically dragged him through, then shut the door behind him.

Before he could say a word, she pressed him with his back against the door and she wrapped her arms around his neck. “We are not leaving things this way. Not after the time we’ve shared together, and not after all it’s taken for me to admit to myself how I feel about you.”

“Charlee—” he started.

“Listen to me.” She pressed her body to his. “You’re not getting off that easy.”

He shook his head, but the corner of his mouth twitched. He was holding back a smile.

That’s better.

She kissed him with every bit of hunger that filled her, needed to get out. He responded with a groan and returned her kiss with just as much need as she felt.

Charlee moved her lips to his ear. “That’s better.” She nipped his earlobe and he shuddered against her, like the strength of his desire was almost too strong to restrain. She moved her lips along his jaw, then down his throat to his shirt collar.

His erection was hard against her belly, and she purposely ground herself against him as she unbuttoned his shirt, freeing each button as quickly as she could.

“Charlee.” He groaned and gripped her shoulders with his strong hands. “I—holy shit,” he said as she reached his jeans, then slid her hand between his belly and the tough denim.

She found his erection and slipped her fingers around it.

He shuddered and his voice grew gravelly. “You don’t know what you’re doing.”

“You don’t think so?” She unbuttoned his Wranglers and tugged down the zipper at the same time she got to her knees and pulled him free.

Holy shit. This time he didn’t say it out loud, but it was the only thing that would come to him. He kicked off his shoes and stepped free of his jeans right before she wrapped her hand around him and lowered her head.

Ace shuddered again as her warm mouth enveloped his erection, the heat of her burning through him. She bobbed her head, sucking and licking and sucking some more.

He couldn’t think straight. Couldn’t remember why he had been reluctant to come into her home. This was the place he wanted to be more than anything. He wanted this. Wanted her. Needed her.

His thoughts jumbled together as a storm brewed inside. It grew more intense, like the storm was about to unleash its power. His whole body felt like a bundle of nerves, just waiting for one thing that would change everything.

He climaxed hard, the strength of it nearly tearing him apart. “Charlee,” he shouted, not giving a damn if every neighbor on the street heard him. Charlee didn’t seem to care either, because she kept sucking and swallowing everything he gave her.

When his strength failed, he slid down to his knees so that he knelt in front of her. He gathered her in his arms, feeling the soft, warm heat of her filling him up. He kissed her hard, the passion inside burning him up.

Ace needed to get her into bed and finish what they’d started. He drew her up to stand with him. “Where’s your bedroom?”

Charlee took his hand and guided him through the airy house and through a door to a huge bedroom, with a bed that had sheer netting draped from high posters. Straight out of some kind of romantic movie.

She paused and pushed it off his shoulders before she tossed it across the room. He pulled his socks off and dropped them. He stripped her clothes off, one piece at a time, starting with her blouse.

When he got to her bra, his own breath hitched. Her breasts were big, her large nipples poking against the satin. His heart hadn’t stopped pounding, and his blood rushed in his ears as he cupped them both.

She started to take off her bra and he caught her wrists. “I’m doing this, and I’m taking my time.”

He skimmed his fingers over the soft skin of her belly and she sucked in her breath as her skin pebbled with goose bumps. He unfastened her bra and slid the straps down her arms, baring her breasts.

“Damn.” He breathed out the word. “Every inch of you is gorgeous.”

“Hurry.” Charlee spoke the word with urgency.

Ace shook his head. “Not on your life, sunshine. I’m going to enjoy every moment of this.”

She sucked in her breath as he cupped her breasts and traced her nipples with his thumbs. He lowered his head and slipped one large nipple in his mouth. She whimpered, but he didn’t hurry. He loved the feel of her flesh in his mouth, the way she squirmed, and her soft words begging him to hurry.

He took his time sucking each nipple before unbuttoning her jeans and pushing them to the floor. She braced her hands on his shoulders as he helped her remove her shoes and socks before totally ditching them and her jeans.

She remained only in her panties. “What a fucking sexy look.” He traced the waistband with his finger before easing them down with both hands. He inhaled her scent. He loved her scent—he filled his lungs with it. He’d loved the way she’d tasted beneath the Christmas tree, and he couldn’t wait to have her on his tongue again.

Ace swept Charlee off her feet and into his embrace. She yelped in surprise and flung her arms around his neck as he carried her to her bed. He placed her in the center before covering her body with his. Damn, but she felt so good. Skin against skin, his entire body vibrating, sensitive to every touch. He pressed his erection against her center, rocking himself against her wetness.

He needed to taste her again. Needed to be inside her. He’d dreamed of it often—being inside this woman he’d been sweet on as long as he could remember.

Ace rested between her thighs, his gaze focused on her. Thrills rolled through her belly at the intensity in his gaze. She’d never felt so wanted, so desired, and maybe even needed.

“You taste so damn good, Charlee,” he murmured. “I’ve been waiting to get another chance to taste you again.”

His words sent more desire curling through her. “Please,” she said softly.

He eased down so that his broad shoulders were between her thighs and his face positioned over her mound. She watched him as he closed his eyes and inhaled and smiled. That was so sexy.

Her body tensed as he nuzzled the soft hair on her mound, then used his fingers to part her folds. He lowered his head and teased her hard nub with the tip of his tongue. She gasped and her body bucked from the mere touch, the bundle of nerve endings lighting up like a Christmas tree.

Next time he ran his tongue over her in one deliberate stroke and she moaned with desire and felt wound up tight at the same time. The orgasm he’d given her Christmas night had been the most amazing thing she’d ever felt, and the experience was about to be repeated.

He licked and sucked, and he even growled his enjoyment of what he was doing to her while he gave her pleasure. He made her so crazy. With every movement he drove her closer and closer to a pinnacle that seemed so distant, yet she was almost there.

It was insane. She wanted it. She knew it was there. But it was just out of reach. Tears of need wet her eyes. She couldn’t take this much longer. She had to climax, had to.

He paused long enough to say, “Come on, baby. You’re almost there.”

“Don’t stop,” she managed to get out.

She watched him smile before he sucked on her clit.

That lit her up all over again. Her cry echoed off the walls. Her mind went blank as her body became impossibly alive. She couldn’t think, but she could feel—could feel every glorious moment of the orgasm that illuminated her world.

Her body shook, vibrating with every last pulse. He didn’t stop licking and she came hard a second time. More tears dampened her eyes, only this time they were tears of desire. Was there such a thing as too much pleasure?

Gradually, the sensations in her body eased, the electric feeling in her nerve endings calming.

He moved up so that his hips were now between her thighs, his erection pressed tight against her folds. He shifted against her, which set off all kinds of delicious sensations that she hadn’t realized were still present.

Ace smiled down at her, a man satisfied with seeing his woman thoroughly pleasured. Yet, not done yet. A man who intended to satisfy his woman even more.

His woman?

He hesitated. “Are you protected?”

Charlee drew in a grateful breath that she’d been on the Pill for years for hormonal reasons, so she was safe from pregnancy.

She nodded. “Yes. The Pill.”

He shifted so that his hips seated firmly between her thighs. “I’ve got to be inside you, Charlee. I can’t wait anymore.”

“Yes.” She grasped his hips. “Please.”

She whimpered as he slipped his fingers into her folds and felt her dampness as he slid them inside her wet core. “So damned wet.”

He held his cock in his hand and placed it at her entrance.

She held her breath, waiting for the moment he would be inside her.

He slid in so slowly. At the same time, she couldn’t breathe, waiting for him to be fully inside her.

Ace stretched her, filled her, brought completion to her life that had been empty before him. When he sank into her all the way, she sighed with relief that he was finally inside her.

“You’re so tight.” He started to move in and out, slowly, taking his time, his gaze focused on hers. “You fit me like a glove.”

“You feel perfect.” She let out a soft sound of need. “So, so perfect.”

He gradually picked up in intensity, thrusting in a way that went so deep it set off new feelings, new excitement, new thrills.

The world started tipping as she felt herself tumbling toward a place of no return. Where she knew she would experience pleasure like she’d never felt before.

He thrust harder and harder while she came closer and closer to that new place she wanted to reach, but seemed out of touch—so, so close—

Charlee screamed. The sound echoed in her head as her body jerked and her core spasmed around Ace’s cock. Her core gripped down on him, which enhanced the exquisite sensations reaching every part of her body.

Another orgasm hit her hard and she screamed again. She vaguely wondered what the neighbors would think, but honestly didn’t care.

Ace plunged deep, drawing out the experience at the same time he climbed closer to his own. She could see it in the intensity of his expression, how close he was and how he grew closer yet.

His jaw tensed, his body went rigid, and then he shouted at the same time he jerked hard. He thrust in and out several times more, before he sank into her, pressing her down to the mattress while not putting all his weight on her.

He gathered her into his arms and rolled on to his side, holding her in his embrace. His skin was warm and damp with perspiration. His masculine scent surrounded her, the scent of their sex filling her.

She felt languid and relaxed, cared for and wanted. And maybe even loved.

He stroked her hair and kissed the top of her head, and she thought about waking up like this for the rest of her life. What would it be like to share her life with Ace? To fix breakfast with him every morning and to cuddle up and watch movies together on the sofa. To go to her cabin for a retreat whenever they wanted to. To make pillow forts and play video games.

And to have kids. He’d make a great dad, and they’d make beautiful children together, kids with McBride blue eyes. How many kids would they have if they did end up together? Two? Three? Four?

She was so getting ahead of herself. But she could imagine it. Could imagine spending her life and having a family with Ace. Loving him.

Love could be such a beautiful word. Was she in love with Ace?

Maybe. Maybe she was.

CHAPTER 15

Tate and Jo’s ranch wasn’t too far from Prescott, and Charlee enjoyed the drive. Patches of snow remained on the ground, which was a dark wet brown. Mesquite bush branches were naked and black for the winter season.

She’d gone to the hospital and visited with Bailey and Kyle. The baby was so darn sweet. He woke every maternal instinct Charlee had inside. She definitely wanted one of those little guys.

Charlee parked next to Jo’s SUV and climbed out of the Mustang, the big red tote gripped in her hand. She opened the rear door and pulled out a huge bag, closed the car door with her hip, and lugged it all up the porch steps to the front door.

She set down the big package and knocked, the sound followed by dogs barking and children squealing. She smiled as she waited for the door to open.

A moment later and her gorgeous redheaded stepsister, Jo, flung open the door. She immediately wrapped Charlee in a big hug.

“You brat.” Jo squeezed Charlee tightly. “How could you go off to the cabin alone on Christmas?” She leaned back and gripped Charlee’s shoulders in her hands as she gave a big sister frown. “And you didn’t even let anyone know where you were going. What if something had happened and Ace wasn’t around?”

“News travels fast around here.” Charlee let Jo sweep her into the ranch house. Jo picked up the big bag off the porch before she closed the door behind them. “How did you find out?”

“Jack’s daughter.” Jo led Charlee through the spacious home, toward the great room that had the kitchen on the left, the family room on the right, French doors at the back that led out into a huge backyard. “Leslie babysat for me yesterday while I ran some errands. You had some folks fit to be tied.”

The moment they entered the common room, Adalyn and Camryn squealed and ran to Charlee. The redheaded identical twin girls hugged Charlee’s legs, one on each side.

“Aunt Charlee!” Adalyn tilted her head back to look up at Charlee. “Will you play dolls with us?”

“Pleeeeease,” Camryn said from the opposite side. “We got new Barbies for Christmas.”

“Sure.” Charlee dropped her tote as she knelt, hugging both girls at the same time, one in each arm.

Charlee grinned as she leaned back and looked from girl to girl. “I bet Santa spoiled you both this year.”

“Rotten,” Adalyn said solemnly. “Daddy says so.”

Camryn giggled. “But Santa didn’t bring us any coal.”

Jo set the big bag next to Charlee then ruffled the girls’ hair. Camryn always wore a purple bow or headband, and Adalyn’s were always pink, their favorite colors. “You were both lucky after all the trouble you’ve been into this last year.”

“Yes.” Camryn sat next to Charlee. “Real lucky.”

Charlee looked with amusement at her sister. “Tate’s doing?”

Jo laughed. “He so loves to tease the girls. Says three-year-olds are the most fun. But then he says that every year as they get older. What do you say to some pumpkin spice coffee?”

“Perfect.” Charlee sat cross-legged on the floor as Jo retreated to the kitchen. “I brought you presents.”

“Yay!” Both girls spoke as one as they climbed into Charlee’s lap.

“Oof. You two are getting huge.” Charlee struggled to balance the pair. “You’re going to have to sit on the floor if you want your gifts.”

Adalyn and Camryn immediately popped up then dropped back down onto their butts, mimicking Charlee and crossing their legs.

Camryn clapped her hands. “What did you get us?”

Charlee grabbed her tote from off the floor and dragged it to her. She dug inside and brought out matching packages, checked the tags, and handed the appropriate one to each girl.

They tore off the wrapping paper and giggled with delight. “Barbie clothes!” Camryn shouted as she held up her opened gift. Charlee had picked out different outfits for their dolls, especially since the girls liked to share. There was a time that would probably change, but not for now.

“Santa stopped by my hair salon and told me he was giving you Barbies for Christmas.” She reached for the huge bag Jo had set beside her. The girls tossed aside the doll clothes packages and waited, as if poised to jump.

Charlee managed to get the large gift out of the bag, and she set the box in front of them. “You get to share this one. You can unwrap it together.”

They tore at the paper, shredding it, and they both squealed with excitement.

Adalyn clapped her hands. “A Barbie hair salon.”

“Just like Aunt Charlee’s.” Camryn bounced on her toes. “I’m going to get my new Barbie.” She was across the room like a shot.

Adalyn bolted after her sister. They ran back, each one holding identical redhead Barbies.

They plopped down again. Charlee helped them open the box and pull everything out. After setting it all up, Charlee left them to play, totally absorbed with their new things.

“That smells wonderful.” Charlee took the mug of pumpkin spice coffee that Jo offered her. They settled in at the kitchen table as the girls played.

Jo wrapped her hands around her mug that had a gingerbread man pattern around it. “Explain to me why you drove to your cabin on Christmas weekend, without telling anyone.” She frowned. “Not only that, but you lied to me and you lied to the McBrides. Why?”

Charlee blew out her breath. She’d known she was in for it.

She lowered her gaze and stared at the Christmas wreath patterned mug she held. “This is the first year that everyone is married or engaged and then there’s me, alone.” Her throat worked as she spoke. “I know it was selfish to only think of myself, but I was feeling so lonely.”

Jo put her hand over Charlee’s. “I get that.” She squeezed. “Just don’t ever do that again. If Ace hadn’t been able to get to you, God knows what could have happened.”

Charlee nodded slowly, but she wanted to smile at the thought of Ace. “Everything turned out fine.”

“I’m so happy it did, but in the future…” Jo studied Charlee. “Did something happen with Ace?”

So much heat filled Charlee’s cheeks that she burned with it. “We had a great time.”

Jo’s eyes widened. “By the look on your face, I’d say that’s an understatement.”

Charlee couldn’t help but smile this time. “Yeah, you could say we had a terrific Christmas.”

Jo leaned forward, excitement in her gorgeous green eyes. “I want to know. Everything.”

They were stepsisters and several years apart, and Charlee’s mom had sent Jo away to boarding school at a young age. Even with that, Charlee and Jo had always been able to talk when they got together.

Charlee shrugged. “It started out with us playing games, making bets, goofing around, decorating for Christmas. Just fun stuff.” She shrugged. “And then it started turning into something more than just friendship.”

Jo looked delighted. “You let him in.”

Charlee nodded slowly. “Ace is the right person. He’s a good guy and I’ve known him forever. I know he wouldn’t intentionally hurt me, and he’s fun to be around.”

“And sexy.” Jo grinned. “Don’t forget the sexy part.”

“And sexy.” Charlee smiled. “I like him, Jo. I really like him.”

Jo tilted her head to the side. “Love, maybe?”

A shiver ran over Charlee, from head to toe. “I can see it happening.”

I think maybe it already has, Charlee thought to herself.

“That’s wonderful.” Jo’s eyes lit up. “Tate and I will have you two over for dinner.”

Charlee held up her hands. “Too soon maybe?”

Jo brushed it off with a wave. “Nah. He’s a McBride and he’s one of Tate’s cousins. They roll with it.”

“Most of them.” Charlee tucked hair behind her ear. “Although, Ace did mention something about crashing a McBride wedding reception.”

Jo gave a nod. “There you go. They’d just figure someone else invited you and that would be that. No one would give it a second thought.”

“You’re as bad as Ace.” Charlee laughed and shook her head. “But then, I knew that already.”

Jo put her elbow on the table, her chin in her hand. “You’ve had sex with him.”

Charlee’s face heated. “Obvious?”

“To me.” Jo studied Charlee. “I’d say don’t rush into things, but you’re way beyond that. Besides, you’ve waited a long time to let someone in.”

“Yeah,” Charlee said slowly. “A long time.” She straightened in her chair. “How’s Tate?”

“Great.” Jo glanced at the girls. “He’s the best dad ever.” She looked back to Charlee. “What about you? Do you think Ace would make a good dad?”

Charlee held up her hands in a “whoa” motion. “Not even close to being there yet.”

Jo kept her gaze focused on Charlee. “Do you want kids?”

“Yes.” Charlee gave a firm nod. “I’ve always wanted children of my own.” She looked at the girls. “Seeing Adalyn and Camryn, and Bailey’s new baby, Kyle, it makes me want kids more than ever.” She added quietly. “I just never thought it was possible, due to my history.”

“I’m glad you’re not letting your past ruin your life.” Jo placed her hand over Charlee’s. “You deserve to be happy.”

Charlee smiled. “Yes, I do.”

“How is your salon and your spa?” Jo asked.

“Good.” Charlee sipped her now cool coffee. “Busy, thanks to the holidays. That’ll last until New Year’s, and then it’ll slow down. That is for a week or so, until kids head back to school and moms want to make sure their kids heads aren’t too shaggy.”

Charlee continued, “There always seems to be something. Next are Valentine’s Day dates and school dances. Then comes spring break and Easter, and so on.”

Jo finished a drink of her own coffee. “It’s similar in the nightclub business. Always something new to celebrate.” She laughed. “Not that I’m complaining.”

Charlee studied her sister. “Do you ever think you’ll sell Jo-Jo’s?”

“I’ve thought about it.” Jo leaned back in her seat. “Lately more than ever.”

Charlee leaned forward. “I think about selling the spa and the salon all the time. I don’t really know what I’d do instead. Buy a new business, maybe.” She raised her hands, “Hell, go back to school even.” She dropped her hands into her lap. “I really don’t know.”

“Being a stay-at-home mom is a rewarding career,” Jo said. “I still run Jo-Jo’s, but I’m not as hands-on as I once was. I hired a good manager and staff, and they do a great job, but I still have to keep active.” She sighed. “Sometimes I want to sell and just spend time with the girls.”

“And maybe have more kids?” Charlee asked.

“Maybe.” Jo looked thoughtful. “Tate and I have talked about it, but these two are so active and they keep us on our toes.” She cocked her head. “What about you? Have you thought about being a stay-at-home mom, or working from your home with kids?”

Charlee’s insides warmed as she thought of Ace. “I love the idea of either of those options. But you never know for sure exactly how things will turn out.”

She imagined how hers and Ace’s kids would look. Both she and Ace had blue eyes. So they could have dark-haired and blue-eyed kids. Or maybe blonde. Whatever they looked like, she and Ace would make pretty babies together.

“What do you have planned for the rest of the day?” Jo asked.

Charlee looked at the twins who were happily styling Barbie hair in the play salon. “I think I’ll hang out with the girls for a while.”

“Good.” Jo stood and pushed back her chair. “Then you can have dinner with us when Tate gets back from Phoenix.”

“Sounds great.” Charlee pushed her chair back. “I’m sure after styling hair for the rest of the afternoon, I’ll have worked up an appetite.”

Jo laughed. “I have some calls to make if you’re going to be playing with the twins.”

“Absolutely.” Charlee gave a “scoot along” wave to Jo. “I’m more than happy to spend time with my girls.”

“I’ve been craving a Grand Saloon burger forever.” Justice handed the menu back to the bartender. “Give me a cheeseburger with the works.”

That did sound good. Ace gave the bartender his menu, too. “I’ll take the same.”

Ace shifted on the barstool. “What’s up with you and Fiona?”

“All’s good,” Justice said as Ace took a swallow of his beer. “Sophie and Lora are both doing well in school. Fiona’s jewelry-making business is going great. She loves it.”

“Have you two talked about having more kids?” Ace asked.

“We’ve talked about it.” Justice gripped the handle of his beer mug. “We decided with two teenage girls, we’ve got our hands full.” He appeared to contemplate his words. “Sometimes I feel like I missed out since I didn’t know about Lora until a few years ago, when I finally tracked down her mother. I feel lucky as hell that Lora came to live with me, and I’ll take what I can get. But I wish I could have been there when she was growing up—for her and for me.”

Ace studied his brother. “Fiona’s daughter, Sophie, is the same age as Lora. You went from no kids to two teenagers and a wife in no time flat.”

Justice smiled. “Couldn’t be a luckier man.” He looked from his beer to Ace. “Thinking about having kids of your own? You should probably get a woman to help you with that part.”

Ace would have smiled if he wasn’t thinking of how he might end up hurting Charlee.

He shook his head. “I’ve never wanted kids.”

Justice looked at Ace. “Any special reason? You’re great with the nephews and nieces.”

“Living up to everyone’s expectations,” Ace said without realizing he was going to say it out loud. Might as well finish. “Perfect parents all the way around in our family.”

Justice laughed so hard he snorted beer up his nose, then he laughed some more.

Ace scowled. “What’s so damned funny?”

Justice managed to control his laughter before he set his beer down on the counter with a hard thump. “Are you kidding me?”

“No.” The word came out sharper than Ace had intended. “I can’t match up to the rest of you.”

“You must have blinders on if you can’t see the screw-ups we’ve all made.” Justice sloshed his beer in his mug. “Do you honestly think Dad was perfect? That Jack and Jayson are? Or that Bailey will be a perfect mom?” Justice snorted back another laugh. “And God knows I’m not perfect. Far the hell away from that. Teenage girls do not come with instruction manuals.”

Ace’s scowl deepened. “I’ve lived in the McBride shadows all my life. It’s one more thing to be compared to.”

“Who’s comparing?” Justice watched Ace’s face. “And who really gives a crap about what anyone else does or is or has or wants? Whatever it is, it doesn’t matter.” Justice pointed at Ace’s chest. “What matters is how you live your life. You live it the way you want to and don’t worry a damn ’bout what anyone else thinks.”

Justice went on, “Hell, little brother, that’s the McBride way. We all do our own damned thing. We’re family, we love each other, but we’re all different, and we don’t expect anything out of you but to be just as different.”

Ace stared at his beer as he considered what his brother had said. He sighed. “I hear you, big brother. But I feel I gotta make my own way, go my own direction.”

Justice punched him in the arm. “Now that’s what I’m talking about. You’re Ace McBride and you march to your own drum.”

“I’ve considered selling the ranch and just taking off.” He stared at the big ornate mirror behind the bar. “Remember how our cousin, Clint, left for all those years and traveled the world? I’ve thought of doing that.”

“You can leave, just don’t pull the crap he did.” Justice shook his head. “He took off without telling anyone where he was going or when he’d be back. Everyone thought he could be dead.”

“True.” Ace slowly nodded. “Ella was sure pissed at him.”

“Exactly.” Justice leaned back as their plates piled high with cheeseburgers and mountains of fries were delivered. “We’d all probably beat the shit out of you if you pulled that on us.”

Ace nodded his thanks to the bartender who moved on down the bar to take care of another customer.

“I have a lot to think about,” Ace said. “And now I’ve gone and put myself in a situation where whatever I decide affects another person.”

Justice held a fry in mid-air. “Charlee Burke?”

Ace frowned. “How’d you know?”

“Small town, big family.” Justice shoved the fry in his mouth, chewed and swallowed. “You keep forgetting that poker-face thing we’ve mentioned to you over the years. You don’t have one. So, of course everyone knows.”

Ace sighed. “I’ve wanted Charlee more than anything in my whole damned life. I dreamed of taking her around the world and visiting everything we can.”

“I don’t see the problem,” Justice said. “Unless that’s not what she wants. Then it’s a problem.”

“I don’t know what she’d really think about it,” Ace said. “But I do know that she wants children and I don’t.”

“That’s a deal-breaker for both of you, then.” Justice hit the bottom of a bottle of ketchup to get some to come out onto his plate, and a big portion splatted out. “If your mind is set, then you gotta discuss it and let her make up her mind. She already knows, right?”

Ace shook his head. “Haven’t told her yet.”

Justice was quiet a moment. “How far have you taken things with Charlee?”

“Too far.” Ace stared at his plate. “I let it go too far without telling her.”

“That’s a problem you’re going to have to fix, little brother.” Justice stabbed a fry into his ketchup. “Just check in with me so I know she didn’t kill you.”

CHAPTER 16

After hanging their coats on the rack at the front door, Ace and Charlee walked into Jayson and Celine’s home that was crowded and alive with laughter and conversation. The ranch house had gone from being nice, but masculine, to being flat-out gorgeous after the two had married.

Celine was a fashion designer from New York City and Ace had expected her to be like a fish out of water on Jayson’s ranch at the foot of the Bradshaws. But she and Jayson had the kind of love that moved mountains, and she’d adapted well. Although she had brought a lot of that fashion sense to the ranch—at least their home, anyway.

The thought of Charlee making Ace’s house more of a home, with a woman’s touch, had come to the forefront of his mind multiple times. He glanced at Charlee and his gut tightened. He wanted her more than anything in the whole damned world. But he couldn’t give her the kind of world she wanted.

She tipped her head to meet his gaze and she frowned. “What’s wrong? You’ve been acting upset all night.”

“I’m fine,” he said.

She rolled her eyes. “Poker face, remember?”

He had heard that his whole damned life, and he doubted that was going to change. He shrugged. “We can talk about it later.”

She frowned, like she could tell it wasn’t good, whatever it was. Maybe he should have just told her before the party rather than bringing her to it. He’d promised and he wanted Charlee to have a good time tonight. Maybe that hadn’t been the right decision.

Ace gave a nod toward his brother Jack and his wife, Dara. “Why don’t we go say hello.”

Charlee’s face lit up and she started in that direction. She hugged Dara and asked how she and the baby were doing. Dara glowed as she responded that they were doing great.

Ace wondered about the glow. Bailey had been radiant in the hospital, and Dara was glowing now.

How would Charlee look pregnant? Would she glow?

Ace ground his teeth. Not going there.

“How do Max and Leslie feel about a new baby in the family?” Charlee asked about Jack’s son and daughter from his first marriage. His wife had passed away several years ago.

“They seem pretty happy about it.” Dara pushed the heavy fall of her dark hair out of her face. “Leslie has talked about having fun babysitting and playing dress up with her if she gets a sister, and Max wants to teach a brother to play football.”

“Maybe you’ll have twins—one of each,” Charlee teased. “After all, Jack is a twin.”

“Bite your tongue.” Dara shook her head. “One at a time, please.” Then she added, “I’ve seen what Jo goes through with her twins. And Molly must have had hell with Jayson and Jack.”

“Jo’s girls are so adorable.” Charlee grinned. It was so fun watching Dara squirm. “Twice the fun.”

Dara rolled her eyes. “Twice the diapers, twice the potty-training, twice being up in the middle of the night, twice the feedings, twice the clothes.” She blew out her breath. “I’m exhausted thinking about it. No thank you.” She put her hand on her hip. “Hey, twins run in families. You could have a set of twins.”

Gulp. “Uh, sure.” Charlee had asked for it. Now she was on the receiving end. “But boys.”

Dara smirked. “You can give but you can’t take.” She looked at Ace. “How about you, Ace? You have older brothers who are twins. What would you think of having some of your own?”

The floor could have opened up and Charlee could have been swallowed whole and she would still die from embarrassment. She glared at Dara then shot a look at Ace, who looked slightly green at the thought.

Ace rested his palm on Charlee’s shoulder. “I think Justice needs something.”

Ace fled.

“Why did you do that, Dara?” Charlee’s face positively burned with embarrassment.

“Sorry about that.” Dara did look apologetic. “But I have to admit that after all these years of his mischief, since we were kids, I enjoyed seeing him turn green.”

“I hope you do have twins after that.” Charlee’s face cooled a bit and she started to see the humor in the moment. “It would have been hysterical if I wasn’t dating him.”

“So you are dating him.” Dara brightened considerably. “Bailey is going to freak.”

“Shhh.” Charlee looked around to make sure no one overheard. “This is only my second date with Ace. Don’t say anything yet. Let’s just wait and see.”

Dara gave a knowing look. “Uh-huh.”

“Are Bailey and Seth coming tonight?” Charlee did her best to steer the conversation in a different direction.

“They feel the baby is too young to be taking him out in the cold and being around a lot of people,” Dara said. “They’re not ready to leave him with a sitter, since he’s only a few days old.”

“I’d feel the same way.” Charlee tried not to glance around, which would make it clear she was thinking about Ace. “I’m betting I’ll be a real Mama Bear with my kids.”

Dara rested her hand on Charlee’s upper arm. “I’m glad to see you coming around when it comes to relationships and kids. It’s really good to see you smiling again when we talk about either.”

“It feels good, too.” Charlee tipped her head in the direction of two other McBride wives. “Let’s go say hello to Fiona and Celine and see what they’re up to.”

“Sure.” Dara gave Charlee an amused look. “Great way to distract me from giving you a hard time about Ace, by the way.”

Ace felt like he’d been broadsided by Dara’s teasing about twins. He knew that’s what it had been, teasing, but with him it wasn’t a joke. Just the thought of kids scared the crap out of him—and twins? Holy shit. For a moment he tried to picture himself as a dad, but it just wouldn’t come to him.

Nope. Nada. Nothing.

He worked his way through the crowd and finally made it to Justice. “Hey, bro.”

Justice clapped him on the back. “Did you tell Charlee?”

Ace scratched the back of his neck. “Later, when I take her home.”

Justice shook his head. “You are pushing things. You know that, don’t you?”

Ace looked down at the hardwood floor before meeting Justice’s gaze. “Yeah. I really screwed up.”

“That you did.” Justice pointed toward the kitchen. “Jayson’s got some beer on ice.”

“I could use one, that’s for sure.” Ace and Justice worked their way through the crowd and entered the kitchen. “I don’t recognize half these people,” Ace said once they were in the quieter kitchen.

Justice bent and grabbed a couple bottles of beer out of a cooler. “Likely some of Celine’s New York friends, considering all those folks in city clothes.”

Ace used a church key he found on the nearby counter, and popped his cap. He took Justice’s bottle and popped that cap, too, before handing back the beer. Justice leaned against the counter while they both took a long pull from their bottles.

I’ve really screwed things up this time. Ace hooked a thumb in his belt loop, lost in his thoughts of Charlee. He’d loved her as long as he could remember. There it was, love. He loved her. But he’d been selfish and hadn’t backed off when he’d learned she wanted kids.

Having Charlee in his life was the most amazing thing he’d ever known. But it was also the worst. Because once he’d had what he wanted, he didn’t know how he’d do it without her.

Do life. Do the future. Do anything with enjoyment.

He rubbed the bridge of his nose. Ah, hell.

“I can’t see being a dad.” The words came out before Ace realized he’d spoken them aloud.

“You’re gonna be a daddy?”

Ace snapped his head around as one of his oldest brothers, Jack, who was Jayson’s twin, walked into the kitchen, an interested look on his features. “You and Charlee gonna have a baby?”

“Hell, no.” The back of Ace’s neck burned. “I was telling Justice that I’ve never wanted kids and that there’s no way in hell I’m having kids. No damned way.”

A sound from behind Jack made all three McBride brothers turn.

Charlee and Dara stood in the doorway. Charlee looked like she’d been slapped. She met Ace’s gaze for one moment before she turned and fled.

Oh, shit.

Dara glared at Ace. “Are you serious? You’ve been dating Charlee and you never mentioned you didn’t want children when she does?”

“I need to go after her.” He started toward the door.

Dara put up a hand. “Maybe that’s not such a good idea after how she just learned that small detail, which is a huge detail to her. I should probably talk with her.”

“I need to have a conversation with Charlee.” Ace clenched his hands.

“Sounds like you should have had one already, Ace,” Dara said.

“Let me by.” Ace would never push her aside, but he might just pick her up and set her carefully out of his way. “Please.”

“Your funeral.” Dara stepped close to Jack as she let Ace pass.

He pushed his way through the crowd, trying to find Charlee. He searched the crowd, checked all the bathrooms then started on the bedrooms. He’d knock, and if there was no response, he opened the doors and peeked inside.

Where could she have gone? Did she get a ride home?

Damn. He’d more than screwed up.

He knocked on the last door in the hallway and thought he heard a murmured response. He knocked again.

“Give me a moment and I’ll be right out.” Charlee’s voice.

Ace’s heart beat faster. He grasped the doorknob and hesitated before he opened the door.

Charlee was headed toward the door but stopped. His heart ached as he saw mascara tracks down her cheeks, and her eyes were red.

He felt helpless. He’d totally screwed up and he’d hurt her.

“I’m sorry.” The words were absolutely useless, but he said them anyway. “I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

“You did.” Her voice was cold. “If you would have let me know the first time I mentioned kids, then there wouldn’t be a problem. No problem at all, because I wouldn’t have let you in. But you didn’t say anything.”

“You’re right.” He looked down at the floor. “I’m sorry.”

“I want to go home.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “I’d rather not ride home with you, but since I don’t want to ruin anyone else’s time here, I need to count on you. Again.”

He dragged his hand down his face. “Can we talk about it?”

She gave him an incredulous look. “Now you want to talk about it? When it doesn’t matter anymore?”

He sat on the edge of the bed. She continued to stand and glare at him, her arms crossed over her chest.

“Maybe I shouldn’t be so mad,” she said. “Maybe I should have expected it. After all, I certainly can pick them.”

“Please don’t lump me in with that bastard, Charlee.” He spoke quietly. “I screwed up, but I don’t deserve that.”

“That wasn’t how I meant it.” Charlee sighed and sat on the opposite end of the bed. “But you’re right. You don’t deserve that.”

“Charlee…” His voice trailed off for a moment. “I’m scared to death to have kids. All my life I’ve watched what my parents and friends’ parents have done and gone through. I’ve had to follow in my big brothers’ footsteps since I was a toddler. I’ve looked up to them. But I’ve never thought I could be as good as them.”

He braced his arms on his thighs and hung his head. “I’m the younger brother who never takes anything serious. I’ve gotten into mischief more times than not, and I never accomplished all the things my brothers did. Good grades, athletes in school and in rodeo, and big successful ranches.” He shrugged. “I’m just who I am and I’ll never be like them.”

Charlee rested her hand on his arm and he raised his head to look at her.

“I get that, Ace, I really do.” She looked straight ahead, like she was lost in thought. “My sister Jo was the most beautiful child who grew into an incredibly gorgeous woman. She was a sought-after model before she left her modeling career and came back to Prescott to start her own business.”

Charlee sighed before she continued. “I always felt in her shadow. She never did anything to make me feel that way. She’s always been loving and sweet and herself. But it was my perception of things. She was gorgeous, talented, intelligent, and a great businesswoman. She was everything I wanted to be.”

Ace took her hand in his. “You are those things, Charlee. But more importantly, you are you. Who you are meant to be.”

“Maybe.” She sighed. “One of the things I’ve wanted to be is a mom. I can’t be a mom if I stay with you.”

The way it felt to hear her say that, she might as well have driven a stake through his heart.

Charlee met his gaze again. “As far as living in your brothers’ shadows—I have never once compared you with them. I don’t believe anyone has. You are you. The way you’ve gone through life is different than your brothers, but that’s okay. You’re successful, too, and you’re intelligent, you’re funny, and you make me feel good.”

She rested her head on his shoulder and a shuddering sigh left her. “You’re all those wonderful things, and that makes it hard to say goodbye.”

A knot in Ace’s throat choked him. He couldn’t speak.

She raised her head. “I do want to go home now.”

He slowly nodded. “I’m sorry.”

She caressed his hair over his ear. “I know.”

He faced her and reached up to rub some of the black beneath her eyes from the mascara. “I made a mess of your makeup.”

“Hazards of wearing makeup.” She wiped beneath her eyes with her fingertips and looked at him. “Did we get it all?”

“Yeah.” He stroked her hair and arranged it. “No matter what, you always look beautiful.”

She gave him a look that said, “Yeah, right.”

“I mean it.” He pressed his lips to her forehead before he drew back. “Are you ready?”

“Yeah.” She started to get up, but he beat her to it and helped her stand. He wrapped her in a big bear hug—he didn’t want to ever let her go.

After a moment, she disentangled herself. She took his hand and said, “Let’s go.”

He nodded, and after saying their goodbyes to Ace’s brothers and sisters-in-law, all of whom were Charlee’s friends, too, they grabbed their jackets and headed out.

CHAPTER 17

It felt longer than a week ago since he’d last seen Charlee. Ace took a deep breath and let out a slow exhale as he walked into his parents’ home. Bailey and Seth’s SUV, and Dara and Jack’s truck were parked out front.

The moment he walked through that front door, Ace caught a whiff of his mom’s apple pies, combined with the strong smell of coffee. Best smells ever.

He headed into the kitchen, where Molly was in the process of taking pies from the oven and setting them on trivets on the countertop.

“The pies smell amazing, Mom.” Ace breathed deeply of the scents and his mouth watered.

“I have your favorite vanilla bean ice cream to go on top,” Molly said as she closed the oven door.

“Heaven,” he said, and she laughed.

“Hey, Big Brother Number Four.” Bailey smiled at him from where she sat at the kitchen table, a mug of coffee in front of her. Dara stood beside her, holding the infant, Kyle, who didn’t look so red anymore.

“Hi, Ace.” Dara approached him. “Hold Kyle for a moment.”

“Uh—” Ace started to protest but took the baby in his arms. “What if I drop him?”

“I’ll kill you,” Bailey said. “So don’t do it if you want to live.”

“Gotcha.” He hadn’t held a newborn before, and the baby felt small and fragile in his arms.

He couldn’t take his eyes off Kyle. He studied his perfect little nose and eyes, and those cute ears. He felt something and saw the baby’s tiny fingers wrapped around his giant finger, holding on tightly.

A lump rose in Ace’s throat. He’d never seen anything so precious in his life.

Something stirred in him, a feeling he hadn’t experienced before when playing with his nephew and nieces. This was different—deep and pure. Maybe it was because this was the first time he’d been faced with thoughts of having children of his own.

What would it be like to have Charlee sitting there, his baby—their baby—in her arms, the kind of glow on her face that both Bailey and Dara had. A mommy glow.

Back at the cabin, he’d thought that he and Charlee would make beautiful children. They’d be like Kyle, with perfect tiny hands and toes, and sweet little faces.

Ace kissed the side of the baby’s head and breathed in his scent. It reminded him of gingersnaps.

He raised his head and Dara stood in front of him, her arms folded across her chest, wearing a smirk. “Babies are pretty special, don’t you think?”

“Yeah.” The knot in his throat was still there, so the word came out kind of strangled sounding. “They are.”

Dara didn’t offer to take Kyle back, and Ace didn’t mind cradling him and looking at him a little bit longer.

“I’ll take him now.” Bailey stood in front of him and held out her arms.

Ace gently handed Kyle back to her, feeling reluctant to part with him. “He’s cute.”

Bailey flashed him a grin. “Just wait until you have one of your own.”

He opened his mouth to say something to deny he’d ever want kids of his own, but he couldn’t get a word out. So, he just nodded, and Bailey gave him a triumphant smile.

Bailey’s smile turned soft. “You’d make a great dad. I’ve seen you with the kids and they love you.”

“I wouldn’t know what to do with one.” He struggled to find something that would help him make his point. “I can send them home if they get cranky.”

“You’d figure it out.” She laughed. “As for sending them home when they’re out of sorts, you’d have someone to help you.”

He wanted to say how he could never live up to his brothers, but it wouldn’t come. His brothers were all good men, but like him they weren’t perfect. They were just different from each other. Each of them had his own strengths and weaknesses.

Ace couldn’t think straight. He was usually decisive and took action. Now, he didn’t know what the hell to do about the feelings that had grown inside him. He’d been thinking about having kids with Charlee and rejecting the thought every time. But now…hell, he didn’t know.

Or maybe he did.

“Ready for some warm apple pie and ice cream?” Molly called from the kitchen.

“Can I get some to go?” Ace moved closer to his mom. “There’s something I need to do.”

“Sure, honey.” Molly got a storage container out of the cabinet and put two big slices of apple pie in it. “You’ll have to get your own ice cream.”

Ace took the container and kissed Molly on the cheek. “Thanks, Mom.”

He gave a quick wave to his family and headed out the front door.

Maybe she’d go to the spa. She could use a mani-pedi. Charlee sighed and thought about getting out of the recliner. She’d been moping around the last week, and she needed to move on.

The backs of her eyes burned. “Stop it, Charlee.” She pushed herself out of her chair and started toward the bedroom.

The doorbell rang and she stopped in mid-stride. It rang again. “Okay,” she muttered and marched toward the door. Probably the mailman bringing her something to sign.

Charlee flung open the door and her lips parted as she stared at Ace.

He took a good look at her and grinned. “Just get out of bed?”

Charlee raised her chin. “What makes you say that?”

He pointed to her feet. “The bunny slippers and robe were my first clues.” He reached out and touched her hair. “The wild and crazy hairstyle you’ve got going on there was my second. It’s cute.”

Charlee flushed. Why had she answered the door? Especially looking like this. “What do you want?”

“I have a peace offering.” He raised a container. “Some of Mom’s apple pie.”

Charlee’s mouth watered. She could smell apples and cinnamon coming from the container. “Molly makes the best ever.”

“Yep.” He smiled. “Got vanilla ice cream?”

“Yes.” She opened the door wide. “Bring in that elixir of life.”

Ace grinned as he stepped past her. “Isn’t elixir some kind of liquid?”

She shrugged. “A little ice cream with your mom’s hot apple pie and you have melted heaven.”

He laughed. “True.”

She led the way to her spacious kitchen and she pulled out the ice cream from the freezer while she pointed to a cabinet where Ace could get the plates. She heated the pie in the microwave before they sat down, topped it with scoops of ice cream, and dug in.

“The best peace offering ever.” Charlee closed her eyes and savored the tastes. When she opened her eyes, Ace was watching her. “What?”

“You’re gorgeous.” He said it, looking almost hypnotized.

“Eat your pie.” Charlee took another bite of hers.

Ace did and she felt apple pie magic take over. She relaxed and they talked about simple things, like what was going on at his ranch and how busy her spa and salon have been.

When they finished, Charlee placed the dirty dishes in the dishwasher, and Ace put away the ice cream.

“Now that we’re finished,” she said as she watched him across the kitchen, “are you leaving?”

He shook his head. “I want to talk first.”

She let out a long breath. She really wasn’t sure she could handle any kind of potentially deep conversation with him. “Let me change clothes and pull a brush through my hair first. Make yourself at home.” She left the kitchen before he could respond.

Charlee’s heart pounded as she tugged on clean clothes, and it only throbbed more while she stood in front of her bathroom mirror and brushed her hair.

Why is Ace here? What does he want?

She put on a little mascara and lip color, decided she looked suitable—at least better than she had before—and left the room. She found Ace in the front room, in front of one of her curios where she kept many of the Swarovski crystal figurines that she’d been collecting for years.

He glanced away from the curio and met her gaze. “These are beautiful.”

“I started collecting them when I was a kid.” She walked past him and settled on a couch and tucked her feet—clad in warm, fuzzy socks—beneath her. “You want to talk, so let’s talk.”

She expected him to sit in the chair across from her, but he sat right on the couch, close to her.

“You’re too close.” Charlee realized how childlike that sounded and rephrased. “It’s hard to have a conversation like this.”

Ace smiled. “If you move a little it will be fine.”

He waited for her to adjust her position so she was facing him.

“Well?” She wanted this over with.

“I saw Bailey and the baby this morning.” Ace’s lips turned up in a soft smile. “Kyle is the sweetest little thing I’ve ever seen.”

Charlee wasn’t sure why her heart started beating faster.

“I’ve been thinking about what you said, about the differences between my brothers and me.” He held her gaze. “What you said made me realize I haven’t been living in their shadows at all.” He shrugged. “They’re all great guys, but they’re not any more perfect than I am.”

She smiled. “You’re your own man, and you’re a good man, Ace McBride.”

“Yeah, not so bad.” He paused. “When we were at the cabin, I had this thought that came out of the blue. I thought you and I would make beautiful children. As soon as that popped into my mind, it scared the crap out of me.”

Charlee held her breath, waiting for his next words.

He reached for her hand and gripped it. “I held Kyle in my arms this morning, and all I could think about was that you and I could have children as beautiful and perfect as he is.”

Charlee’s throat ached as she tried to find words but couldn’t.

He took her other hand and held them both tightly. “We can start fresh and new. We’ll fulfill all those bets we made and explore what we each want in life. I think we know each other pretty well, but let’s have some fun figuring it all out.”

“You’re serious?” She spoke slowly. “If the time comes, you would like to have children?”

“Yeah, a few rug rats would be fine.” He smiled. “We could start with one at a time and work from there.”

“If we decide we’re ready for that step, we can talk more about it at that time.” She squeezed his hands in return. “I’m good with that, Ace. If you’re open to being a daddy one day, then let’s see how things go with us. Together.”

Ace embraced Charlee and brought her into his lap. She wrapped her arms around his neck and smiled before he kissed her.

Scattered patches of snow dotted the forest in the Bradshaws as Ace and Charlee looked out the floor-to-ceiling windows of her cabin. The sun had mostly gone down, a pale glow in the break in the forest canopy the only light.

Ace rested his arm around her shoulders and squeezed. “It’s good to be here with you.”

“Can’t believe it’s been a whole year since the blizzard, when we were snowed in together.” Warmth filled Charlee as she tilted her head to smile at Ace. “I’m glad we decided to share Christmas together again, here at the cabin.”

He brushed his lips over hers. “I’ve been looking forward to this time alone with you.”

“And Ossie.” Charlee glanced at the Australian shepherd, who stretched out on the fuzzy white rug in front of the crackling fireplace. “It wouldn’t be the same without her.”

They had piled gifts under the tree, which glittered with colorful lights. It was Christmas Eve, and it felt magical being here with Ace.

“Time for gifts.” Ace took her hand and they sat on fluffy pillows in front of the tree.

They handed each other the fun things they had brought for each other, and soon torn Christmas wrapping lay all around them.

“Time for the last gift.” She went around the Christmas tree on her hands and knees to reach the biggest package of them all. It was five feet long, one foot high, and heavy. She’d let Ace carry it in for her but refused to let him know what it was.

Ace helped her bring it in front of the tree and looked at her. “Now can I open it?”

Charlee laughed. “Yes.”

He tore off the wrapping like a little kid and laughed when he saw what it was—a long sign with Ace High Ranch across it, and an Ace of Clubs on the right.

“I love it.” He put the sign down in front of him. “Thank you.”

He kissed her soundly. She leaned her head on his shoulder. “Best Christmas ever.”

“There’s one more gift.” He went to the DVD cabinet and put some of them on the floor before he brought out a package about seven inches in diameter. “It’s a surprise.”

She laughed. “Aren’t they all?”

He handed it to her and she smiled as she unwrapped it. She grinned when she pulled out a fluffy white stuffed bear. “Awww, he’s so cute.” She smiled at Ace. “I’ll name him Blizzard, Bliz for short, after our first time here together.”

He pointed to a red foil-wrapped package the bear held between his paws. “Looks like Bliz has something.”

“A gift from Bliz.” She plucked the package from the bear’s snug grip, a flat rectangle, about two inches by four. “A box of chocolates, maybe?”

Ace laughed. “I suppose it could be. Tiny ones.”

She shook it near her ear. It didn’t make a sound. “Hmmm…how about a crystal piece for my Swarovski collection? An ornament?” She pretended to think really hard. “Some of your mom’s apple pie?”

Ace shook his head. “Uh, no.”

“Can I open it?” She held up the package. “Or do I have to keep guessing?”

“It’s all yours.” He gestured to it. “Go for it.”

She tore off the wrapping and opened the box. A sparkling red and white striped crystal candy cane with a red bow tied around it lay on a bed of blue velvet.

She smiled in delight. “You got me a candy cane for my crystal collection. I love it.”

“Look closer.” He nodded toward the gift.

Charlee picked up the crystal candy cane, when something on the bow caught the light, something that sent out crazy sparkles.

Her heart pounded as she touched it. A ring was on the red ribbon tied around the crystal. She was afraid she would drop everything, so she set the box on the floor and carefully pulled the ribbon off the candy cane.

A ring fell into the box.

A diamond ring.

Ace picked up the ring and held it, while she sat there with her jaw dropped, her eyes wide.

Charlee swallowed hard as he took her left hand in his. He looked like he was holding his breath.

“Charlee, you are the most amazing woman I have ever known, and I love you with everything I have and everything I am. You are the love of my life.” He held her gaze. “Will you marry me?”

She looked from him to the ring and back, then to the ring and back again. She was too stunned to think.

Even though her mind was having a hard time processing the moment, her heart understood and knew exactly what to do.

When she pulled her heart and mind together, and her tongue worked again, she smiled. “I love you, Ace. Yes, I will marry you.”

He slid the ring onto her finger as he looked into her eyes. Tears threatened to fall, tears of a joy she’d never experienced before.

He gathered her into his arms and kissed her.

It was the sweetest kiss ever. Full of love, joy, hope, and a future filled with new tomorrows.

When their lips parted, she rested her head against his chest and sighed. She was with the man she loved, and they would be together for the rest of their lives.

“How many?” he said against the top of her head.

“How many what?” she said dreamily.

“Girls and boys.”

Charlee drew away and looked into his eyes. “Let’s start with one and go from there.”

Ace smiled. “Sounds good to me.”

She never dreamed she’d be so happy. Never dreamed her life would turn out so wonderful, with a man she loved more than anything, anything in the world.

EXCERPT: COUNTRY HEAT

KING CREEK COWBOYS

CHEYENNE MCCRAY

CHAPTER 1

“Do you want it harder?”

“Yeah.” Carter McLeod nearly groaned at Lisa’s firm touch. Damn, her hands felt good.

That’s it. He relaxed, his eyes closed, then chuckled to himself as he realized how erotic their conversation sounded.

Maybe it wasn’t so bad his sister had given him the gift certificate for the massage with Lisa for his birthday. He’d had one hell of a week at the ranch, and this was just what the doc ordered.

He’d have to admit to his little sister she’d been right—the massage was the perfect birthday present. Just what he needed.

He wasn’t sure how he felt about Lisa’s teasing, but it was feeling good enough that he could ignore it for the most part.

“Turn over, Carter.” Lisa moved her hands away from his shoulders. “Scoot down and lie on your back so that your head rests on the table.”

To tell the truth, he didn’t want to turn over. He wanted to lie right where he was and let her keep going.

Moving was hard.

He had to order himself to just do it before he raised his head from the donut-like face rest. He managed to shift under the sheet and scoot down without revealing anything he didn’t want on display.

Lisa was cute with lots of sexy curves, but he had no plans to let things go anywhere with his sister’s best friend. It was bad enough that it was all he could do to not let his thoughts wander where they shouldn’t be going.

When he was on his back and she’d removed the face rest from behind him, he closed his eyes again and relaxed. He hadn’t let himself do that in a long time.

As she worked on his shoulders, he tried to let his mind drift and not think about things like running the ranch, and the fact that he had a new cook coming in. Kit Beaumont had been a last resort pick after he’d fired Lester. The third cook in a row he’d lost for one damned reason or another since Cal died. After Lester, no one but Kit had applied for the job.

Carter’s office manager, Grace, had gone ahead and hired Kit. So now he had some fancy chef from L.A. coming to the ranch today. Might already be here. He didn’t know how long the new cook would last, but maybe she would get them through a couple of months—before she decided ranching life and feeding a bunch of cowhands and staff weren’t for a city girl.

Not only had his cook bugged out, but several other issues had cropped up during the past three weeks. One of his mares had nearly died while foaling twins; the neighbor’s Brahman bull had escaped his pen and trampled the fence between Carter’s ranch and Johnson’s place. Now some of Carter’s prized Angus cows might be giving birth to half-Brahman calves in nine months or so.

Carter’s gut clenched as he thought of his Border Collie, Lucy. A bobcat had torn up the dog bad. Thank God he’d reached Lucy in time to rescue her from the wild animal, and the vet had been able to save the sweet ol’ girl’s life. Lucy was staying with his brother, Bear, a veterinarian, until the dog healed.

Lisa massaged one of Carter’s arms from his biceps to his wrist. “Relax.” It was as much of an order as it was a request.

Carter hadn’t realized his muscles had tensed until Lisa pointed it out. He did his best to do as she instructed, but it wasn’t easy. He focused on the mint and rosemary scent of the massage oil and the feel of it on his skin. The only thing he would change was that New Age mood music for some good ol’ George Strait.

Lisa moved her hands down his body, her fingers skimming the sheet, a little too close to his cock.

Carter’s body jerked and he opened his eyes and shot a look at Lisa.

She flashed him a wicked grin. “Just making sure you’re still with me.”

“I haven’t gone anywhere.” He knew his words came out in an impatient grumble, but her grin broadened. It looked like she was enjoying this too much.

“I’ve always wanted to get my hands on Haylee’s oldest brother.” Thankfully, Lisa moved lower, away from the family jewels. “And now I have.” A rumble rose in his chest and she laughed. “You’d have a lot more fun in life if you’d just loosen up.”

Carter scowled.

That wasn’t worth answering.

He’d heard it too many times already. Everyone who mentioned it talked about his age and asked why he hadn’t found anyone yet.

Damn, but he wished they’d stop asking. It would happen when it happened.

She leaned closer when he didn’t respond. “You’re not getting any younger, Carter McLeod.”

He decided that continuing to ignore her was the best idea and he closed his eyes.

She gave a soft laugh and moved away. He had to get his cock to ignore her, too, so he thought about Grandma McLeod. Yup. That was all he had to do and instant shrinkage.

“You’re always so stiff.” She spoke again, a gentle teasing in her voice. “When are you going to finally let yourself relax?” She worked more of his muscles, continuing to talk while he stayed silent.

“I’m fine.”

“Sure you are.” She kept working on his muscles, keeping a respectful distance from anything she shouldn’t be too close to.

One thing, she’d told the truth. He wasn’t getting any younger and he still wanted to find the right woman to marry, raise a handful of kids, and spend the rest of his life with the woman he loved.

He was likely dreaming an impossible dream and he needed to return to reality. His friends and fellow ranchers would tease the shit out of him if they knew how sappy his thoughts were at the moment.

Thirty-seven today—one more year had flown by.

By the time Lisa had finished working him over, he was almost wishing for a “happy ending,” like some of the girls gave in the trashy massage parlors in Phoenix. He’d never been, but he knew a couple of men who enjoyed it. They’d talked plenty about it, but that wasn’t Carter’s style.

Lisa left the room and he tugged on his jeans, western shirt, socks and boots. He grabbed his Stetson and pulled it low on his brow before he stepped out into the hall.

The real world came back in a hurry. A ninety-minute massage hadn’t been nearly enough.

He stretched, trying to keep that relaxed feeling he had while on the table.

Lisa’s words came back to him. Maybe he did need to have more fun in his life.

He forced it out of his mind, heading across the asphalt of the parking lot that would soon get hot enough that the heat from the sun would seem to curl up like smoke. He’d had an early massage, needing to get back to the ranch. He had plenty of work to do.

Carter headed out to his truck in the parking lot, his mind far away as he opened the door and climbed behind the wheel. The smooth leather seats reminded him of where he was for a moment.

Once he was on the road, he drove in silence for a few minutes then flipped on the radio. Soothing sounds of old country music filtered into the cabin.

Finally. Some real music.

Garth Brooks had a voice that brought him back out of his frown. He pushed Lisa’s words of him not getting any younger from his head and started to focus instead on the surroundings that he had loved for all these years.

He wasn’t sure if the new cook would be there yet, but he knew that something was probably getting planned for his birthday.

It’s probably a surprise.

He hated surprises. Family would keep trying. They loved to do surprises, probably thinking he secretly loved the attention. In reality he would rather have a nice dinner and enjoy being with his family. Nothing special, just being close to the people he cared about.

They always did pull something, though. Treated it like it was something kind of cute.

Ah, hell. They cared about him and that was why they went to all the trouble.

The scenery flashing by his windows was the same he had seen so many times that he barely registered it anymore. Thankfully the loud music helped drown out his thoughts.

Until his phone rang.

He grumbled and hit the button on his steering wheel to answer his phone after recognizing his sister’s picture on the screen.

The music died when the call started. It was right in the middle of one of his favorite Eric Church songs.

“What is it?” There wasn’t much need for standard greetings. Having fought her for the bathroom all those years kind of made that less important in the grand scheme of things.

“How’d it go?” Her grin came over the phone, loud and clear.

“Fine.” He kept his eyes on the road, but wasn’t focusing as much as he should have.

“Thought you’d like it.” She was pleased with herself. She had made a good choice, even if the conversation had turned south on him.

Not getting any younger, my ass.

“Yeah. Went well,” he said. “Feeling pretty relaxed.”

“What’s got you all grumpy?” She sounded concerned and he could imagine it all over her face, wondering if something bad had happened.

Damn.

“I’m not grumpy.”

“Let me guess. You wouldn’t tell me if there was something wrong.”

He sighed. “It’s fine. It went fine.”

“Okay. I hope you can handle whatever you’re not telling me.” She was his sister. Of course, he couldn’t hide his mood from her, even if it was just his mild annoyance at Lisa.

He shook his head, still frustrated, but knowing that he had to get his head on straight. “It was a good idea and I’m feeling a lot better. I’m on the way.”

“Happy Birthday, big brother.”

“Thanks.” He half grunted the word.

This seemed to remind Haylee of some important information. “Everyone is coming in tonight for your dinner.”

He shook his head. “Thanks for not letting it be a surprise.”

She was laughing as she spoke to him. “Hey. I know how you feel about them.”

“I think Belle is gonna be cooking. Who knows how it’s going to turn out.” He could have laughed. Belle was a good woman, but pretty much cooked basic food.

“Nothing fancy then. When is that new cook going to show up? That five-star city girl?”

His sister just wanted to try five-star food.

“Tomorrow’s supposed to be her first day,” he said.

“Maybe she’ll show up early?”

He had the same hope. “Probably not, but I’ll see you all soon.” He hung up the phone by hitting the same button.

As the miles rolled by, the thought wandered into Carter’s head that his sister sent him specifically to Lisa to get hit on, but he shot that thought straight out of his mind. He knew his sister wouldn’t do anything like that—that wasn’t the type of person that she was. He wouldn’t put it past her to be aware of Lisa’s crush, however.

He focused on the road. It wouldn’t do anyone any good to get all worked up over some stupid crush and few personal questions.

He still felt relaxed, even if the woman had come too close to him wanting to ask for a happy ending.

CHAPTER 2

Kit Beaumont glanced out at the scenery speeding by as she spoke on the phone with her best friend, Daisy. It was closing in on eight in the morning, the cloudless sky bright and as blue as blue could be. The heat and dryness were instantly recognizable in the sparse vegetation.

“I’ve been to Arizona before.” Kit guided the car into the right lane of the Superstition Freeway as desert scrub and cacti gave way to more scrub and cacti. “I know I’ll like it here.”

“Just wait ‘til you hit triple digits in the teens. L.A. doesn’t get close to 117 degrees in the summer.” Daisy sounded exasperated as her voice came over the speakers in the Lexus SUV. It was great having an old friend to keep her company on the trip of a lifetime. “You’re going to miss the 70-degree weather.”

The sign showed the turnoff to King Creek coming up in one mile. “I’m tough.” Kit had been through far worse than a little heat and had survived.

“Not to mention stubborn.” Daisy went on, “Being a chef in a five-star boutique hotel is a big difference from being a cook at a one-star ranch.”

Kit laughed. “It could be a five-star ranch for all I know.”

“It’s probably more like a zero-star.” Daisy was smiling. Kit could tell from the laughter in her best friend’s voice on the other end of the line. Even in the desert it came through like Daisy was sitting right next to her in the car.

“I don’t think there’s such a thing as a zero-star anything.” Kit followed the direction her GPS pointed her in and guided her SUV from the freeway and onto the off-ramp. “If it’s below one, it’s too crappy to rate.”

“You never did tell me why on earth you’d want to go work on a smelly, dusty, place in the middle of nowhere.” Kit could imagine Daisy shaking her head at the idea.

Daisy had done just that when she first found out that Kit was interested in leaving her entire life behind and taking a pay cut to go work at a ranch in the middle of the desert. Daisy thought it was crazy, but she helped Kit pack her things and move out here anyway.

Thinking about the reason why she wanted to be in the country usually made Kit’s stomach sink. At this moment, however, she found excitement building inside.

“My grandparents had a farm in northern California before they passed away. Some of my best memories are from days we spent in the country. It will be like going back to my roots.” She missed the time she had spent on the farm and missed her grandparents so very much.

She needed to return to that simplicity in life.

Surprise was clear in Daisy’s tone. “You grew up on a farm? Why haven’t you told me about that one important detail?”

“It’s been hard for me to talk about.” A wave of sadness washed over Kit as she took the exit. “My sister and I spent summers on the farm during our childhood with Grandpa Will and Grandma Martha. They were our paternal grandparents.”

She glanced in her rearview mirror as she pulled onto Kings Ranch Road and headed north. “I loved the farm and I’ve wanted to go back for so long. This gives me the opportunity to do that.”

“I understand.” Daisy’s voice softened. “I’m going to miss you.”

Kit swallowed past the lump that lodged in her throat. Daisy had been her closest friend since moving from San Francisco to Los Angeles. It wasn’t going to be easy not seeing her on a regular basis.

“We’re only going to be 350 miles or so apart.” Kit tried to make her voice sound perky, even though she didn’t feel that way. “That’s five or six hours.” Or so.

“I’m going to miss our lunch, movie, hairstyle, and shopping dates,” Daisy said. “Who am I going to drag to Neiman Marcus when I need a new pair of shoes?”

Kit laughed.

“If it wasn’t for that cheating bastard, you’d still be here,” Daisy went on. “Did I ever say how much I hate that S.O.B.?”

Kit gripped the steering wheel tighter, until her hands ached. “I needed a change anyway, and I want to see if I still fit in the boonies.” Or the boonies fit in me.

She slowed as she neared a four-way intersection. Her heart slowed too, as Daisy’s words brought thoughts of her ex-boyfriend, Derrick, to the forefront of her mind, where she didn’t want him at all.

She came to a stop at the sign before continuing. There was no other traffic. I haven’t seen another car in ages.

It struck her how different this was from the world she lived in before. It brought back some fond memories of a simpler life. Where she didn’t have to fight against city traffic on a day to day basis.

This place must be out in the middle of nowhere.

Perfect.

Truth was she would have been happy to stay in L.A. with the great future she’d imagined with Derrick, if he’d been who she’d thought he was. Unfortunately, that was all it was, her imagination painting the idyllic picture of a home with someone she’d been so certain she was desperately in love with.

In her heart she knew that was the problem. She’d been desperate for love. At thirty-three, it was far past time to break the pattern.

Not going to happen again.

Even as she went to culinary school, she always dreamed of opening her own restaurant in a small town. When she met Derrick, wanting true love, she’d changed. Her life goals changed too, in order to fit into the L.A. lifestyle with him. She didn’t realize how much she would regret that.

Taking this job at the ranch in Arizona was her chance to clear her head and reset back to what her goals were before him. She planned to work at the ranch and save up money before deciding where to go and open her restaurant.

Kit barely slowed as she checked all directions before continuing on down the road.

“Who knows.” Daisy spoke in a brighter tone. “Maybe Mr. Big Time Cowboy Rancher will turn out to be sexy. Come to think of it, cowboys are pretty hot. I bet your boss will be, too.”

Kit rolled her eyes. “Cowboys are hot, but he’s probably twenty years older than me. As sexy as cowboys are, they do have an expiration date.”

“Sam Elliott is still hot,” Daisy said in a teasing voice.

“Point taken.” Kit laughed.

Maybe it would be nice to have someone easy on the eyes.

Got to be better than what I had.

Daisy spoke to someone in her office, her words slightly muffled, then moved the phone to her mouth again. “I’m sorry, Kit. I’ve got to get back to work. Call me when you get settled in. Promise?”

“Promise.” Kit’s throat and eyes ached. She was going to miss Daisy and her life in L.A. Had she made the right decision? Or had she been too reactive?

She gritted her teeth. She’d made the decision and she was going through with it. If things didn’t go well, she could always give notice and return to L.A. Except for the fact that she was stubborn and hated to admit she was wrong.

“Call me,” Daisy said again. “Soon.”

“Count on it.” Kit pressed the disconnect button on the steering wheel and ended the call.

She sighed and pulled her full focus back to the road. Not that there was much to pay attention to. Light traffic would be an overstatement. One car now shared the road with her.

The view outside the SUV’s windows gave way to greener brush, grass, and wildflowers crowding the sides of the road. The majestic Superstition Mountains soared toward the sky to her right, its peaks and valleys green with new growth, while the bluff was a stark white contrast against the green. A collection of wildflowers sprouted alongside the road, vivid against the more muted greens.

It was the first week of April and spring was in full swing in what locals referred to as the Valley—the Phoenix metro area. Even though Kit hadn’t been raised in the desert, she felt a certain affinity for the wildness of the land.

The dry ground and sturdy trees meant to withstand the harsh conditions managed to survive when there wasn’t much water to go around. Like her—she’d survived, and she would continue to.

The difference in the scenery made her think of how different it was at home.

Home.

She didn’t have a home anymore thanks to Derrick. She had no place to come home to at night to cuddle up with someone she loved, someone who was there for her in her life and in her heart and soul. Just like when her father died, she had no home.

All she had after she left Derrick was a cold barren apartment. An apartment that had lost everything that made it home.

She knew that everyone thought she was crazy for this.

It doesn’t matter.

What mattered was that she had left it all behind to get a fresh start. That she had made the move to change her life for the better and leave behind the pain that she had been feeling. A lot of people would tell her that she was running away, but it didn’t feel that way. She was freer than ever.

Still that little inkling of doubt stuck in the back of her mind. What if this was a mistake?

You can always go back if it doesn’t work.

It brought her some comfort knowing she could drag herself back from this if it turned out to be a bad decision.

She really hoped that it wouldn’t end up being a mistake.

Kit clenched her teeth as her thoughts jumped back to Derrick and how he had left her. The pain of his betrayal had triggered memories and feelings of the past all the way back to her father’s death. She had never been able to forgive her father for leaving her mother, sister, and herself with nothing when he died.

They’d lost everything. Every damned penny, the house, and the cars, too.

She probably shouldn’t feel the way she did, but she couldn’t get herself to forgive him. Of course, her father hadn’t planned on dying in the printing-press accident. But he should have been prepared. Should have known they would be left with nothing if he died.

Nothing.

The hypocrisy of her own abandonment slapped Kit. After what she had done, who was she to judge about abandoning someone?

Still, her entire body tensed. She’d had relationships over the years, and they’d all gone bad. She’d thought Derrick was different, that she could trust him and believe in him.

Kit slammed the heel of her palm on the steering wheel and an ache shot through her hand. How could I have trusted him? She had shared everything with Derrick, every single secret she’d kept before meeting him.

When she caught him having an affair, he had blamed her, saying that he wouldn’t have strayed if she could have children. It was bull, but the pain had been sharp and searing, all the way to her gut. A part of her couldn’t help but feel inadequate.

The biggest blow came soon after—the woman he’d been screwing was pregnant with his child.

Pregnant.

Dear God.

She couldn’t believe that something like that could happen outside of a daytime soap opera. It still didn’t seem real.

Kit had to remind herself every time she thought of it. It was real. He was expecting a child with that woman.

And Kit couldn’t do a damn thing about it.

The pavement gave way to a dirt road with bumps and potholes, causing the SUV to jostle in a few places. If she hadn’t been driving, Kit would have closed her eyes and cried, even though she shouldn’t waste one single tear or thought on that sonofabitch.

Likely, she would never get married, because she couldn’t give a man what he wanted. A family. Children of his own. It was a lonely truth that felt like it was teasing her.

She swallowed and straightened in her seat, still gripping the steering wheel so tightly she wondered if she could break it if she tried. She reached for the stereo knob and turned up the music.

OneRepublic’s latest hit blasted through the speakers. Thankfully, the loud music helped drown out her thoughts.

Because the thoughts hadn’t been easy to drown out since she had found out about Derrick. She knew why he felt the way he did, but it didn’t make what he had done to her right. She deserved better than that. Hell, even the worst person on earth deserved better than what had happened.

She focused on the scenery again and the music started to calm her down. She unclenched the steering wheel as the words that spoke to her soul filled the cabin.

The naturally sparse vegetation of the Arizona desert stretched out for what seemed like miles of brown earth.

Little more than patches of dry yellow grass here and there dotted the hard-packed dry earth. Mostly scraggly bushes and cacti made bumps across the earth. They were all smooth earth tones, lacking the brightness of more traditional landscape scenes.

The GPS told her she had almost reached the ranch. She had made good time and would actually get there early. She wasn’t due in until this evening, where she’d have a chance to get settled and start her new job come morning.

A good impression on a new life.

Read more Country Heat Here!

ALSO BY CHEYENNE MCCRAY

* * *

(in reading order)

~Contemporary Cowboys~

“King Creek Cowboys” Series

The McLeods

Country Heat

Country Thunder

Country Storm

Country Rain

Country Monsoon

“Riding Tall 2” Series

The McBrides Too

Amazed by You

Loved by You

Midnight With You

Wild for You

Sold on You

“Riding Tall” Series

The McBrides

Branded For You

Roping Your Heart

Fencing You In

Tying You Down

Playing With You

Crazy For You

Hot For You

Made For You

Held By You

Belong To You

“Rough and Ready” Series

The Camerons

Silk and Spurs

Lace and Lassos

Champagne and Chaps

Satin and Saddles

Roses and Rodeo (with Creed McBride)

Lingerie and Lariats

Lipstick and Leather

“Armed and Dangerous” Series

Zack

Luke

Clay

Kade

Alex (a novella)

Eric (a novella)

~Romantic Suspense~

“Deadly Intent” Series

Hidden Prey

No Mercy

Taking Fire

Point Blank

“Recovery Enforcement Division” Series

Ruthless

Fractured

Vendetta

Single Title

Chosen Prey

Save by purchasing Boxed Sets

Riding Tall the First Boxed Set

Includes

Branded for You

Roping Your Heart

Fencing You In

Riding Tall the Second Boxed Set

Includes

Tying You Down

Playing with You

Crazy for You

Riding Tall the Third Boxed Set

Includes

Hot for You

Made for You

Held by You

Belong to You

Rough and Ready Boxed Set One

Includes

Silk and Spurs

Lace and Lassos

Champagne and Chaps

Rough and Ready Boxed Set Two

Includes

Satin and Saddles

Roses and Rodeo

Lingerie and Lariats

Armed and Dangerous Box Set One

Includes

Zack

Luke

Clay

Armed and Dangerous Box Set Two

Kade

Alex

Eric

~Romantic Suspense~

Deadly Intent Box Set

Includes

Hidden Prey

No Mercy

Taking Fire

Point Blank

~Paranormal Romance~

“Dark Sorcery” Series

The Forbidden

The Seduced

The Wicked

One Breath (novella)

The Shadows

The Dark

Cheyenne Writing as Debbie Ries

* * *

~Shawna Taylor Cozy Mysteries~

Cooking up Murder

Recipe for Killing

Pinch of Peril

Delicious Death

Taste of Danger

ABOUT CHEYENNE

Cheyenne McCray is an award-winning, New York Times and USA Today best-selling author who grew up on a ranch in southeastern Arizona and has written over one hundred published novels and novellas. Chey also writes cozy mysteries as Debbie Ries. She delights in creating stories of suspense, love, and redemption with characters and worlds her readers can get lost in.

Chey and her husband live with their two Ragdoll cats and two small dogs in southeastern Arizona where she enjoys going on long walks, traveling around the world, and searching for her next adventure and new ideas, as well as hand embroidering crazy quilts and listening to audiobooks.

Find out more about Chey, how to contact her, and her books at https://cheyennemccray.com.

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