Page 9 of A Cowboy's Twinkling Lights Lasso
“You know?” I can’t hide my surprise.
“My aunt couldn’t have convinced her to come. She didn’t want to, to be honest. These two know exactly who needs to be involved.” Dani wraps one arm around Faye and the other around Wilma. “Right, ladies?”
“Oh, sweetie.” Faye lightly pats her cheeks. “Wait until your day comes.”
“No.” Dani’s smile drops. “We had an agreement. I help you lure my sister here, and you don’t play matchmakers with me. Ever.”
“When love calls, little one.” Wilma almost smirks.
“I hate you two. Sneaky little good for nothings.” Dani storms past me. “You better go make sure my sister doesn’t trade you for your brother. We all know he loves the chase.”
Aw, shit.
FLORA
––––––––
“JUST SWITCH THORN Slater with any other cowboy in the event.”
“Flora, we can’t just switch people around.” Mayor Thomas passes me a printout. “This is the sheet for the setup hours. Make sure if you’re the last one leaving, you lock up behind.”
“Thomas, I wouldn’t ordinarily ask, but—”
He hands me another sheet. “This has the wifi password and phone numbers for all us hosts if you need anything.”
“I need something right now.”
He ignores me to study the next pile in the line-up of stacks before him. Rocky Ridge Creek hasn’t caught up to email packages.
Another sheet is thrust my way. “This is a map of the room and pinpoints the booths designated for each month. You’re December. Your names and chosen month are in your booth space.”
My Aunt Rita clears her throat. “Listen, Thomas. We’re going to switch her cowboy.” Thank goodness someone is on my side.
“Food passes get you, Mr. Slater, and your assistant Dani inclusive meals. Don’t lose these.” Mayor Thomas hands me three pass cards on lanyards, and I want to throw them back at him. “Where is Thorn?”
“Here, sir.” The deep sound of his voice does all kinds of wonderful things to my insides.
“Thorn, is there a reason you’d like to be switched?” Why on God’s green earth is the mayor asking Thorn? He didn’t request the change. Typical.
“No, sir. I quite look forward to working with Miss Rowe.”
“That settles it.” Mayor Thomas smiles through his red cheeks. “Feel free to reach out if you need anything else or have issues. Next!”
“Thanks, Thomas,” I mutter, stepping out of the lineup.
My Aunt Rita meets me at the end of the table. “Here, you’ll need this.”
She unveils a hidden tap at the side of her purse and fills a plastic cup with a rich red liquid within seconds. I told you, she’s a drinker.
She slides the cup into my hand. “I think you’ve bargained for more than you realize. Drink up.” She tips the glass at my mouth, forcing a mouthful of spicy red wine down my throat. The velvety texture dances on my tongue and bursts with flavor.
“Thanks.” I barely swallow, and she’s trying to dump more. “That’s plenty. I have to drive to the town hall for decorations.”
“I’ll drive us in my pickup.” Every one of his words is smooth and warm, wrapping around me like a cozy wool blanket, perfect for chilly December evenings.
I hate that about his voice.
“Great,” I force out.
