Page 46 of Winter Wishlist
“I can see why you found it easy to stay.” My eyes drift to the gorgeous mountains and snowdrifts outside the floor-to-ceiling window.
“This guy was still competing in rodeo. When he came back to Mistwood from the tour stops, he kept turning up on my doorstep when it was mealtimes.”
“Did not.” Reid’s chest rumbles at my back.
“Oh, baby. You know you did. My cooking was just too good to resist.”
I do my best to hide a grin, peeking up at the sight of Reid scowling in an effort to disguise his cheeks turning pink.
Henri has no remorse for making his man blush. “I don’t think it was my cooking that had him coming back for more,” hewhispers exaggeratedly from behind his hand. “I’m pretty sure it was how well I handle my forge.”
A laugh mixed with a snort escapes me. Clapping both hands over my mouth, I can’t contain the undignified sound.
“He kept begging me to give him another demonstration.”
Reid groans and lets out a heavy exhale.
“This big sexy cowboy was so helpful. Always happy to bend over and show me how eager he was toassistwith my projects.”
“God, you’re nothing but a headache.”
Henri’s eyes dance with unbridled mischief. “Anyway, next thing I knew, his socks were in the drawer with my socks, his toothbrush was in the holder with mine, and we were living together…” He waves in a gesture at the room we’re in. The life they share. “We aren’t the kind to put labels on things, but it just felt right, and now here we are.”
“Here we are,” Reid murmurs, lips pressing against my temple.
My entire body sings with the foolish notion he’s perhaps including me in that sentiment.
“Rodeo?” I murmur, allowing my fingertips to play over the front of his shirt.
Above me, I feel his chin dip. “Team Penning.” Tilting my eyes to his, with brows furrowed, he gives me a crooked smile in return and presses a thumb to my forehead as if to erase that crease there. “Three riders, three horses, a herd of cattle. I’ll have to show you a video sometime.”
“And your youngest brother still competes? But in bull riding?”
“The great and mighty Heath Landon.” His exhale flares his nostrils, a weary look about him—hinting at the fact this particular sibling might have been the source of more than a few of those gray hairs of his. “Who knows if his body will hold upfor another season. But the bastard is stubborn as fuck and could charm the devil himself, so he’s still out there winning buckles.”
Henri scoffs. “Still trying to fuck away his demons, more like it.”
“And now you work for the ranch… while, Henri, you have a metal work studio?”
The guys exchange the sort of rapid, silent conversation I can’t interpret.
“I’ll have to find time to show you the workshop.” Henri gives me a wink. “If you’d like a tour?”
“I’d love that.” Here I am hoping that leads to a demonstration. Something about that glimpse I saw of him working yesterday has left me impatient for a closer look at this man’sskills.
He clicks his tongue in Stella’s direction. “C’mon, ma cocotte. You can have your Christmas dinner early.” She almost sideswipes an entire bookshelf with how hard her tail wags as she skitters ahead, racing toward the kitchen.
“What does that mean? When he calls her that.” I giggle and lean my head into Reid.
“That’s his big softy side showing. My sweetie or darling.”
“Cute.” I grin.
Well, mark me down as impossibly horny for a tattooed former rugby player who blows kisses and showers his dog with affection while calling hersweetie.
“Do either of you want another drink? I know Mia’s is empty.” Henri calls over his shoulder. “Since you two are getting cozy over there, I’m apparently going to spend my Christmas Eve running around, waiting on hand and foot, spoiling everyone in this house.”
“Ignore him. He loves doing this kind of thing,” Reid mumbles. “Bring the bottle back with you.” He lifts his voice to call out.
