Chloe's Christmas Cowboy: A Festive Second Chance Romance

by Bella Settarra

  She was sure she knew where to find the old decorations, and for a moment thought about hanging them up and cheering the place up a bit for the festive season.

  Shaking her head, she suddenly remembered her resolve. She was going to sell up, get back to Atlanta and forget all about Mile End and Tyler Brannagh. It would mean giving up the ranch she had loved so much for such a long time, but she had made the decision to leave it a year ago, so it shouldn’t be so hard to detach herself from it now.

  A knock at the door dragged her from her thoughts and she went through to find the man from her dreams standing there, grinning at her.

  His expression changed as he took in her attire. “Good mornin’. I thought we could go to the bank together – if you still want to, of course?” His voice trailed off as his frown became deeper. “Will you be warm enough in those clothes?” He looked doubtful as well as bemused.

  “I’ll wear boots and a thick overcoat,” she told him, matter-of-factly as she let him in.

  Usually she wore heels for work, but that wouldn’t be appropriate out here, especially with the snow. Besides, she couldn’t risk falling and hurting her ankle again.

  “You look very, er... different,” he managed, removing his hat.

  She looked down at her crisp, navy suit. “It’s just my normal clothes,” she told him curtly, stepping into her boots.

  “It’s very nice,” he said, a little uncertainly.

  She could see he was confused about her appearance, and he seemed disappointed in her manner. Good.

  “You wanna see the manager together?” he asked, narrowing his eyes.

  She pulled on her thick coat. “I don’t think that would be appropriate,” she said briskly, “although it makes sense to travel there together.”

  She really didn’t want to drive in the snow, which had gotten thicker overnight. There was a time when she would have no trouble with that winding trail, even in the worst of weathers, but not now. It was a hard pill to swallow, but she wondered if she’d really become a city slicker now, more used to rush-hour traffic than rocky roads and poor conditions.

  “Have you thought how much you might charge me for the use of the land?” he asked as they left the house. “The manager will need to know if he’s going to help me fund it.”

  She bit her lip as he held the passenger door open for her and she climbed into the truck. She’d been trying to ignore that musky scent of his heavenly aftershave ever since he’d stepped into her house, but now he was just so close she could practically taste it. She said nothing until he went around to the other side of the truck to let himself in.

  “I’ve decided not to rent it out. I’m going to sell up,” she said when she felt that he was at enough distance from her not to deter her.

  He stopped by the open door. She couldn’t see his face, which she felt was a good thing. His whole body tensed and she knew he was shocked at her revelation.

  Thoughts of that dreadful night when he had stood her up in the pouring rain ran through her mind. It was the only thing that was going to help her keep to her plan while he was around. Seeing how gorgeous he looked as soon as she’d opened that door had almost melted all her resolve, but she had to stay strong. It was the only way she could get through this.

  Tyler slowly climbed into his seat. “So, you’re not planning to stick around?”

  She shook her head, not looking at him. “No. I’ve slept on it and decided there’s no point. Without my family there’s nothing here for me. I think Uncle John would have expected me to sell. That’ll be why he split the ranch from the livestock. To give us both a chance of making some money and moving on.”

  He smacked his lips together before starting the engine. Warm air immediately blasted her and she shivered at the contrast from the bitterness outside.

  “You don’t think maybe he was trying to get us to figure it out together?” he asked slowly.

  She frowned. “He would have known I couldn’t manage the ranch as well as keep my job. Besides, if he’d expected me to keep the place going he wouldn’t have split up the assets.” She shrugged. The more she thought about it, the more sense it made.

  “What I mean is, you don’t think he expected us to work it out together? For you to keep me on to run the place?” He drove competently down the snowy track.

  She scoffed, although it had crossed her mind more than once. “I wouldn’t think so. If that was what he’d wanted, why wouldn’t he have written that into his will? Or on his note to me?” Chancing a glance in his direction, she noticed how capable he appeared – and so damn gorgeous. She quickly looked away.

  “So, that’s not what was written in his secret message?”

  She thought about what he had put. He was sorry. For what? Presumably for not leaving her the whole ranch so she could sell it as a going concern and make some proper money from it. Although, Bill Simmons didn’t seem to think it was worth much, anyway. It would certainly be worth a lot less without all the livestock. Uncle John must have had a very good reason to leave all that – and the house – to Tyler.

  “No,” she said, wondering, not for the first time, what had been written in his message.

  “So, I take it you want to get to the real estate agent, too? Ask them to put the place on the market for you?” He spoke through gritted teeth.

  “I’d like to get a valuation,” she replied, trying to sound business-like while her gut roiled at the prospect.

  He pulled up in the parking lot outside the bank and turned to face her for the first time since getting in the truck. “Any idea which agent you want to list it with?” He narrowed his eyes, as though suspecting what her answer would be – and knowing he wasn’t going to like it.

  She shrugged. “I might not list it. I just need a valuer to assess its worth.” She tried to sound casual, but could tell by the way his body tensed and his eyebrows furrowed that it wasn’t what he wanted to hear.

  “So, are you saying you’ve got a buyer already lined up?”

  She could tell by his demeanor that he already knew the answer to that one.

  “Maybe,” she said quickly, as she opened the door and went to climb out of the truck.

  He put a hand on her arm to stop her. “Anyone I know?”

  She huffed, sitting back in her seat. “Bill Simmons said he might know someone who’s interested. I just want to make sure I get the best price, that’s all. I won’t be taken in by someone who just wants to beat me down and get a better deal just because I’m a woman who doesn’t know the first thing about selling a ranch.” She jutted out her chin, hoping that he’d see the sense in what she was saying. He didn’t.

  “I might have known. So that’s what he was threatening me with last night. He’s got this all worked out, you know?”

  She rolled her eyes as he seethed next to her. “Look, I know you don’t like Bill much but...”

  “I don’t trust him, Chloé, and neither should you.”

  That was enough of that. She pushed his arm off her and climbed out the truck, her blood boiling.

  “Listen to me,” he said, rounding on her as soon as she strode toward the entrance to the bank. “He’s been sniffing around ever since you got back. When did he ever care about you before this? You’ve got to admit there’s something sneaky about that guy.”

  “Just because you don’t like him doesn’t mean I can’t,” she snapped, stopping in her tracks.

  “I don’t mean that,” he said, earnestly. “Look, we’re here now. Why don’t we just go and find out what your options are? See what the bank manager says. Then you can get your valuation and make an informed decision about what to do. It’s the logical way forward.”

  Chloé huffed. If it wasn’t annoying enough that he was advising her on financial decisions, it was a damn site worse knowing that he was right.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  An hour and a half later they both emerged from the bank, deep in thought. Snow was falling again, dampening the sounds arou
nd them.

  “Well, that was interesting,” Tyler said slowly. “I think I might be able to manage those payments with that loan Mr. Hendrickson was talking about.

  Chloé said nothing as she quietly walked back to the truck. She hadn’t been privy to the conversation between Tyler and the manager regarding his personal finances, but she was damn sure he couldn’t afford the figures Mr. Hendrickson claimed she should be charging. She paused.

  “You still wanna find the real estate agent for that valuation?” Tyler looked pensive.

  She looked up at him as he waited, keys in hand. He looked so handsome and she couldn’t get over how businesslike he’d been in the first meeting when they both discussed their options. She’d expected to speak to Mr. Hendrickson on her own, but the manager felt that it would be prudent for them both to discuss their plans with him over a cup of strong coffee and a huge plate of cookies. Again, nothing like back in Atlanta.

  She hadn’t been surprised to hear that Tyler would like to stay at the ranch, and, from what he said, it seemed that it was thriving. He had practically taken over the day-to-day running of the place while Uncle John wasn’t able to do so much, and it sounded as though he’d really turned it around.

  Mr. Hendrickson saw no reason to sell up while it was doing so well, and there were still crops in the ground ready to come up in the spring. In his eyes Tyler had been seen as part of the family and there should be no problem with the splitting of the ranch’s assets. Chloé wasn’t so sure.

  When she’d made it clear that the ranch was now two separate businesses, and she might be willing to rent out the land to Tyler, they’d been joined by the deputy manager, who, after suggesting an extortionate cost for the rent, then took Tyler to another room to discuss his financial position in private.

  “Yes. If you need to get back I can...”

  “You can what? Get a cab home?” His look of derision was really annoying.

  “I’d manage somehow,” she snapped. “I don’t need you, Tyler Brannagh, you should remember that. As I see it, it’s completely the other way around.” She stuck her nose in the air, glad to have one up on him for a change.

  “That’s not how I see it. Looks to me like you’d either have to come back without getting your valuation or walk all the way up that mountain – and we know what happened last time you tried that.” He smirked, looking pointedly at her ankle.

  Chloé huffed. “Or I could go for option three,” she told him, pulling her cell phone from her pocket. “I’m sure I’ve got Bill Simmons’ number in here somewhere. He told me to call him anytime I needed anything.” She made a point of scrolling through her contacts while Tyler seethed.

  “All right, you’ve got me,” he said, his jaw tight. “Come on; let’s see what the agent has to say.” He started walking toward the road with Chloé grinning as she followed.

  “You really don’t like Bill, don’t you?” she chided, catching up with him on the snowy sidewalk.

  “Careful.” Tyler grabbed her arm as she was about to step on a lump of ice.

  “Thank you.” She noticed that he didn’t let go of her once they’d passed the danger. Although it felt secure having him hold her while they negotiated the treacherous terrain, she knew she couldn’t afford to enjoy it.

  She had found that thinking of her horse Lightning was a good way to stay mad at Tyler. He had taken her poor animal away without allowing her to say goodbye. How cruel was that?

  Taking a deep breath she ventured into the real estate agent’s office, while Tyler held the door open for her and followed her inside. It was warm in there, with some instrumental Christmas music playing quietly in the background. Bright foil garlands hung from the ceiling, and large bows had been added to the photos of properties for sale, with banners enticing customers to buy in time for the big day.

  “Hello there. My name’s Amanda. Can I help you?” A lady in a woolen suit, which looked much warmer than Chloé’s, stepped forward as they approached the counter.

  “I want to arrange a valuation of my property, Mile End Ranch,” Chloé explained.

  Amanda frowned. “I can’t get anyone up there before Christmas, I’m afraid,” she told them, apologetically. “That mountain’s pretty dangerous in this weather; I don’t think either Mr. Grimley or Mr. Stokes would dare to venture up there. And besides, we’re closing early tomorrow for the holidays. They’d be happy to do it after Christmas, though, give the ice time to thaw.” She smiled at Tyler. “I admire you guys for making the journey down here on a day like this.”

  Chloé felt a lurch in her stomach. It was frustrating that the woman automatically assumed that he had driven them – even though she was right. Actually, she probably thought they were a couple – after all, she was sure Mr. Hendrickson assumed that when he’d first seen them. The thought rankled.

  “Is there another agent in town I could try? I need to get this sorted out as soon as possible so I can get home.” She held her head high, aware that Tyler was looking at her, but not daring to face him back. Atlanta certainly didn’t feel at all homey to her, but she couldn’t tell him that.

  The woman shook her head. “Not in Rough Oaks, I’m afraid,” she said. “The nearest one to here would be over in Pinefields, but, to be honest, I’d be surprised if anyone from there would want to come all this way in these conditions.” She lowered her voice “Their valuer’s even older than ours, I’m sure he wouldn’t be confident to drive up there. I’m really sorry.”

  Chloé huffed. That wasn’t what she’d hoped to hear at all. “Thank you anyway,” she told the lady and turned to leave.

  “Do you want to make an appointment for some time after the festive season?” Amanda seemed eager to keep her business.

  Chloé spun around. “I’ll call to arrange something when I know better how long I’ll be in Rough Oaks,” she said.

  “You’re not planning to stay until after Christmas?” Tyler quizzed her as soon as they’d left the building.

  She gaped. “I’m not sure I’ll be in Rough Oaks for Christmas,” she informed him.

  Tyler’s face clouded with horror and she felt a lump form in her stomach. The thought of not being here at this time of year saddened her beyond belief. Even more so the thought of her aunt and uncle not being here. She thought she’d cried herself out already, but now it seemed like she’d never fully get over losing them.

  He frowned. “When are you planning to go back? That mountain’s barely passable as it is, and there’s no saying what conditions are like in the rest of Marville County. You know how it gets around here.”

  She nodded, her mind whirring. She hadn’t even thought of that. The weather hit hard in these parts, especially at this time of year. Even if she could drive down the mountain – which she dreaded even thinking about – chances were the roads between here and the big city would be impassable in places. She’d more likely spend Christmas shivering to death in her car at the side of a snowdrift, or holed up in some pokey motel where she would be charged the earth because of the time of year.

  “I haven’t decided yet.” She tried to sound nonchalant, and was aggravated to hear him snort in response.

  “Well I suggest you make your mind up quick-smart about that, ’cause this weather ain’t gonna improve until well into the New Year.” He looked up at the gray sky to make his point. Thick flakes were tumbling out of the heavens, showing no sign of abatement. “We’d best get back up the mountain before we’re stuck down here for good,” he added with a frown. “You got everything you need?”

  She realized with a start that she hadn’t actually got anything she would need. The freezer was empty and there was no food in the cupboards. “Have we got time for the shop?”

  Tyler rolled his eyes, but accompanied her to the super mart. There was a limited choice, but Chloé wasn’t bothered about that. She scooped up a pile of tins and some fresh bread and milk into her basket. As there was only her, it didn’t matter if she spent the next few days
living off sandwiches and canned soup.

  Tyler looked disparagingly at her groceries when she placed them on the counter in front of Maisie, who was thrilled to see her friend again. “Is that all you’re getting?”

  Maisie giggled. “Not planning a party or anything, then?” she asked. Then her face fell. “Oh, I’m so sorry, sweetie. That was a stupid thing to say.” She hurried around the side of the counter and gave her friend a huge hug. “I didn’t think.”

  “It’s fine,” Chloé assured her. “I don’t need people treading on eggshells around me. And you’re right; I’m not exactly planning on having guests.” She giggled, trying to reassure her friend that it was okay.

  “Oh, but you can’t be all on your own for Christmas.” Maisie looked horrified.

  Chloé shook her head. “Christmas is still a couple of days away,” she reminded her. “I haven’t planned anything yet.”

  “Tomorrow’s Christmas Eve,” Maisie pointed out, wide-eyed.

  “She’s hoping to go home to Atlanta,” Tyler piped up.

  “Really? You’re not staying? I was hoping we could spend some time together, have a good catch up. I haven’t seen you for nearly a year and now you’re not sticking around?” Maisie looked ready to cry.

  Chloé narrowed her eyes at Tyler, who shrugged innocently back.

  “I haven’t decided anything yet,” she told Maisie, giving her a squeeze.

  Maisie didn’t look convinced as she finished tallying up the shopping and stuffed it all into a couple of bags for her. “I guess you must really love Atlanta.”

  “Not really.” Chloé felt that lump in her stomach get even bigger, and fumed at Tyler for opening his mouth.