Page 20 of Bringing Home A Cowboy
I look down at our fingers. “Yeah,” I whisper. “They do.”
I glance at the clock on the microwave. It’s later than I thought. “Tomorrow’s Christmas Eve.”
He smiles faintly. “So I hear.”
“My parents’ dinner. We’ll have to figure out what to wear. As you experienced, my mother has a way of turning polite questions into emotional combat. My sister, Caroline, isn’t far behind her.”
He grins. “Sounds like a rodeo. I’ll manage.” Then his voice drops lower. “You really think I care about impressing them?”
I blink. “You don’t?”
He looks straight at me. “Only you.”
This man is so sweet. It’s not the words. It’s how he says them. Like he’s already decided I’m worth the effort, even if this was never supposed to be real.
I look away first, because I have to. “James…”
“Yeah?”
“I don’t know what this is,” I say quietly.
“But it feels …”
“Right?” he finishes for me.
I nod.
He takes the mug from my hand, sets it on the counter, and leans down just enough to brush a kiss against my temple. He holds me in his strong arms and we just stand there for a few moments. Finally, I break the spell.
“We should get a few gifts for tomorrow night. I know my mom said no gifts, but I also know what she’ll think if we show up empty-handed.”
“We can do that, but let me ask you something. Why are you so worried about what your mom thinks?”
“I don’t know, really. My therapist I used to go to called me the scapegoat in the family. That makes me try to anticipate what could happen and avoid it.”
“Makes sense. But, I’ve got a better idea. Why don’t you simply take them a gift because you want to and not worry about their reactions?”
“You’re right … you are so right.”
He smiles. “Okay, then that’s settled. I’ll go shopping with you. Lead the way, Mrs. Callahan.”
Something about hearing it — the way it rolls off his tongue — sends a strange flutter through me. It’s supposed to be a name for convenience, but in this little apartment, with his hand at my back, it feels dangerously close to the truth.
We crossed every line there was to cross and somehow, the world didn’t end. It just got brighter.
Chapter 14
James
The elevator doors part, releasing a whisper of expensive perfume. Everything gleams — marble floors, gold accents, a chandelier big enough to light the whole Cady Springs town square. I tug at my collar, wishing this damn suit didn’t itch so much. It’s the same one I wore to that Christmas party. Staying true to my nature, I’m wearing my boots, my hat, and the bolo tie with the onyx stone. Feels more like me that way.
Olivia looks like she stepped out of one of those winter catalogs — sleek dress, soft waves in her hair, lips the color of cinnamon. She doesn’t even have to try. She fits this world better than I ever will. But when she slides her hand into mine, I feel her pulse flutter against my palm, and I know she’s not as calm as she looks.
“Ready?” I ask, letting her know I’m here to lean on.
“As I’ll ever be,” she whispers back, forcing a smile.
The place is decked out like a department store window with a towering tree, ribbons everywhere, candles flickering from every corner. The air smells of roasted chestnuts, cloves, and something sweet from the kitchen. Her family’s already gathered — polished, posed, and loud enough to fill the room without trying.
