A Cowboy Under the Mistletoe

by Jessica Clare

  And giddy, she couldn’t wait to do more.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  It was hard to pay attention the next week at work. Sage had a routine, but that routine had never contended with her being distracted by late-night make-out sessions, which she’d been almost every night this week. She smiled to herself every time she yawned, knowing that the reason she’d stayed up late was because of Jason. They’d kissed while he’d put his leash on Achilles, they’d kissed good night at the door, and then she’d walked him out to his truck and they’d kissed again just because. She’d dreamed of him and his amazing mouth, and had woken up each morning with her body aching and needy, and her thoughts flitting with distraction. The distraction continued at work, when she realized she’d sorted all of the mail into the wrong folders and had to go back and redo everything, and she’d been working on a billing spreadsheet for the water department for hours. She hadn’t even cared that some of the town teenagers came in and monopolized the library computer, because her thoughts were too focused on Jason to fuss over what a few kids might be looking at on YouTube—or worse.

  Just thinking about Jason made everything better.

  She was always determined not to be the first one to text, though. Wasn’t that one of the rules of not being too desperate? That you had to wait for the man to make the first move? She watched her phone impatiently for hours, checking the screen over and over until it finally pinged and she snatched it up with shaking hands.

  JASON: Did you oversleep?

  JASON: I normally hear from you by now.

  SAGE: No, I’m here! It’s just been a busy morning.

  Yeah, she was going to hell for that whopper.

  JASON: Same here. A few of the cattle are sick, so we’ve been separating them from the herd and then taking them to the barn for medicating. It’s just me and Eli, so it’s been a hell of a lot of work.

  JASON: The man never stops, either.

  JASON: BRB—more Eli.

  Oooh. Sage winced at her phone, hoping that Cass’s hard-edged husband wasn’t going to make Jason too miserable. It was a good sign that they’d kept him on, though, wasn’t it? Cass hadn’t said anything else to her, and Dustin and Annie had gone on to Los Angeles for their Christmas vacation, and they wouldn’t have if Jason was going to be a problem. She knew that helping him with some of the ranch basics had probably been the difference between him staying employed and getting fired. Jason knew how to handle himself around cattle and how not to panic them, and everything else could be taught, really.

  Which meant he’d be sticking around, hopefully, until spring.

  Sage let out a dreamy sigh, imagining an entire winter of cuddling with Jason by the fire, Achilles at his feet. Holding hands and watching the snow fall outside. Sharing hot mugs of cocoa or coffee and curling up to watch a movie . . . or make out. Just the thought made her happy on a soul-deep level. His job would keep him busy, but they’d find ways to get together. She wasn’t nearly as busy as him, and she could always go over and hang out. She could bring him lunch . . .

  And then she realized that what he was saying about Greg was true. She had been waiting on him like a girlfriend—or a wife—and never realized it. No wonder he was so pissy about her dating Jason. He was losing out on an unpaid maid, assistant, and emotional support. Well, no longer. Becca could have him.

  She set her phone down on the counter, humming to herself as she went through another bundle of mail, checking the screen every so often to see if Jason had sent another text. They had long pauses throughout the day in which she wouldn’t hear anything, no doubt because he was busy with the cattle or some backbreaking chore that Eli had given him, but he’d text her soon enough.

  The door to the municipal office opened, and Sage looked up to see Hannah from across the street. Her eyes were sparkling as she approached Sage’s desk, her gray hair layered into an immaculate beehive of curls. “Did you see?”

  “See what?” Sage put down the stack of catalogs and tried not to frown. Hannah was sweet, but she was also responsible for about 90 percent of the town’s gossip, and Sage had learned to be careful of what she said around her.

  Hannah leaned in, a knowledgeable look in her eye. “Becca’s salon is closed today.”

  Sage glanced down the street, trying to see the tiny floral sign of Becca’s Beauty, but the snow and the Christmas decorations in the window blocked everything. “I hadn’t noticed. Maybe she’s taking an extra day off to prepare for the wedding tomorrow?”

  Hannah shook her head, her lips pursed. “I had an appointment for my weekly today.” She touched her silver curls. “Normally, if Becca’s not feeling well, she texts me to let me know we need to reschedule. I haven’t heard anything from her, and neither has anyone else. It’s been completely quiet, and she never bothered to show up for work.”

  A funny feeling started in the pit of Sage’s stomach. “Maybe she’s just getting nervous about the wedding? Or maybe she overslept. I don’t know that there’s anything to worry about.” She hoped for Becca’s sake that everything was normal, but she couldn’t get out of her head how weird Greg had been acting lately. How he’d complained about Becca.

  And the wedding was tomorrow.

  Hannah gave Sage a disbelieving look. “I called the church to check on things, and they said there was a cancellation, but they wouldn’t say who.” She tapped the counter as if to emphasize the news. “How many other people are getting married tomorrow? This just all doesn’t seem to add up.”

  “I hope it’s nothing,” Sage said, only half listening as Hannah continued to gossip. She managed to nod and make the appropriate noises as Hannah kept up the one-sided conversation, but Sage’s mind was on her phone.

  Greg had texted her, and she’d blocked him. Why did she feel guilty over that? It wasn’t like she could force them to marry, but she still somehow felt responsible, like she hadn’t convinced Greg that he loved Becca enough to go through with things. Poor, sweet Becca would be devastated if Greg really had broken it off with her.

  Everyone in town would think Sage was the problem, too—especially if Greg kept trying to hang around her. Her stomach clenched again. She was utterly relieved when Hannah took her mail and left. Sage immediately snatched her silent phone off the counter and scrolled through her contacts. She unblocked Greg, waiting to see if he’d sent her any more messages. Nothing came through—nothing would while she had him blocked. Crap. Should she text him to see what was going on?

  How could she not?

  Sage glanced up from her silent phone and noticed Hannah going over to the souvenir shop instead of back to her hotel, likely so she could gossip with even more people. Ugh. It would soon be all over town that the wedding was canceled, so if it wasn’t true, Greg needed to step in. If Sage was truly his friend, she needed to help, didn’t she? And while she was frustrated with Greg for a variety of reasons, she couldn’t just sit back and let the gossip mill go nuts. After a moment’s hesitation, she texted him.

  SAGE: Hey, is everything okay?

  The answering reply was swift.

  GREG: I see you finally decided to answer.

  SAGE: Let’s not get into that right now, okay? Friend to friend, I’m checking in on you.

  GREG: I’ve needed a friend for days, and you’ve been ignoring me.

  SAGE: Fair point, but I’m here now. Asking again, are you okay?

  She was not going to let his guilt trip bother her. She just wasn’t.

  GREG: And I appreciate it. : ) : ) : )

  GREG: Can we meet for lunch? I really want to talk to you. I NEED to talk to you.

  SAGE: Oh, I can’t. It’s super busy today.

  Sage looked around the empty mail room, hoping he didn’t show up to prove her a liar. But meeting for lunch? When everyone was speculating that he’d just broken up with his fiancée? Terri
ble idea. Terrible, terrible idea.

  GREG: I really need to talk, though. What if I come up there?

  SAGE: Greg, everyone’s gossiping about the wedding. Becca never went to her salon today.

  GREG: Dinner tonight, then?

  For a moment, Sage wanted to throw her phone through the window. What about this was he having a hard time freaking understanding?

  SAGE: Greg, did you break up with Becca? Is the wedding still on?

  SAGE: I hate to ask so bluntly, but people are talking around here and I’m concerned.

  GREG: It’s over.

  GREG: I should have never asked her.

  GREG: And that’s why I need to see you. So I can get this all off my chest. Please help me out, Sage.

  GREG: You’ve always been there for me in the past. I need a friend right now more than ever.

  GREG: So . . . dinner?

  She pressed a hand to her mouth, horrified. The wedding was off? And he was insisting on seeing her? Oh no, this was very, very bad. Funny how a year ago this would have been her dream scenario—Greg tossing over his fiancée because he finally realized how wonderful Sage was . . . but now that it was playing out, it was just a nightmare. Her stomach clenched and she felt sick, not only for herself but for poor Becca, who never hurt anyone and always had a smile on her face.

  SAGE: Greg, I’m sorry. I have plans.

  SAGE: I really think you should talk to Becca. Not me.

  SAGE: And if the wedding is really off, you need to tell all your guests.

  GREG: Can you help me with that? If I show up there tonight?

  GREG: PLEASE, Sage. I’m begging you.

  SAGE: I can’t switch my plans. I’m sorry, I really am. Maybe talk to your brother Robert?

  When her suggestion to talk to the best man didn’t elicit a response, she set her phone down. Of course he didn’t want to talk to Robert. Robert would tell him he was being silly. He wanted to talk to Sage because she’d support him and reassure him that he was amazing no matter what . . . wouldn’t she? Somehow, she didn’t know if she would anymore. She felt like that Sage had disappeared. The new Sage wasn’t quite so thirsty for approval and Greg’s scraps.

  Not when she had someone like Jason to tell her she was amazing. With a warm flush, she picked up her phone again, pulled up Jason’s screen, and sent him a picture.

  SAGE: Like my sweater?

  JASON: It’s hideous. Can I pull it off you later?

  And she shivered with anticipation.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  Jason was whistling to himself as they headed into the house for the day. It hadn’t been his favorite working day—the cattle had gotten into some boggy mud and a few heifers got stuck, which meant he’d had to get in there and tug them free from the half-frozen muck. Between that and spending half the day on horseback, Jason was cold, wet, and tired, and he was pretty sure he had mud squishing between his toes. But the day was over, and he’d see Sage soon. He’d get to kiss her and hear her sweet voice and see those glorious dimples, and that made everything worth it. Achilles pressed his head under Jason’s hand, eager for petting as they walked back to the house, and that was growing on him, too. The dog was ever present, but not annoying.

  At his side, Eli shook his head at Jason. “You’re in a good mood.”

  “I have a date with Sage tonight.”

  Eli grunted, but Jason was learning that that didn’t mean disapproval; it was just Eli’s way of acknowledging that he’d heard him. “Hope you don’t fall asleep on her. Been a long damn day.” He looked at his own mud-splattered white dog, Frannie, and shook his head. “Cass’s gonna kill me when Frannie gets into the house. She’s gonna get mud under the tree. You watch.”

  “Guess I’m lucky. Achilles didn’t chase the cows like she did.” The dog had stayed glued to Jason’s side, which made cleaning up muddy paws a whole heck of a lot easier.

  Eli just grunted again. “Damn dogs.” But Jason noticed he bent down, gave Frannie’s head a loving rub, and then petted the heads of all the other ranch dogs that clustered in. Dustin and Annie had taken their dogs—Moose and Spidey—with them, but that still left several of the dogs at the ranch with Eli and Jason, and Jason was getting more used to their presence as the days passed. He didn’t ignore them anymore, and when they helped with rounding up the cattle, he made sure to praise their hard work and lavish attention on them. Seeing the liquid eyes and wagging tails didn’t make his heart ache for Truck anymore. He still missed his dog—probably always would—but the pain of that was fading, and he had to admit that being around the other rambunctious dogs probably helped.

  Achilles helped a lot, too. He was getting fond of that big yellow critter. Achilles was clingy, just like Annie had warned him, but he was also calm and well-behaved. Occasionally, he’d show a bit of puppyish behavior, like chasing a stick, that made Jason wonder what Achilles would be like when he was truly comfortable and all the fear went away. He hoped he got to see that.

  He really hoped Achilles’s new owner would love on him and tell him what a good boy he was constantly, because he deserved it. He’d have to talk to Annie when she got back, make sure that the new owner would treat his buddy right.

  Until then, though, he and Achilles had a date with Sage.

  They went inside, Cass squealing in outrage at the muddy dogs and boots that tracked into the kitchen. The baby in her arms giggled, and then Eli laughed, and suddenly the small kitchen felt full of happiness and laughter. Jason found himself chuckling, too, and it was a good day, he decided. He stayed and talked to Cass and Eli for a few, then made his excuses and retreated to his room to clean up. His hair was getting shaggy, he noticed, so he took his razor to it and cut it down to a buzz, just like he did back when he was in the navy. He shaved his jaw and then showered. Once dressed in a T-shirt and jeans, he threw on a jacket, grabbed Achilles’s leash, and off they went into the truck to drive out to meet Sage at the office downtown. They’d ride over together.

  He pulled up to the office as she was putting her coat on. Sage immediately flipped the CLOSED sign on the window as he parked. She shut the lights off, locked the door, and got into the truck with a smile and pat for Achilles, who sat next to him in the seat. “What a day.”

  “I hear you,” Jason said, chuckling. But in his eyes, the day had just improved vastly. Had it been hard? Yes. Nothing about ranching was easy. But the day was over now, and she was here, and he just felt calm and relaxed and . . . happy. Huh. It had been a while since he realized what that felt like.

  Happy. Carefree.

  Relaxed.

  Achilles wiggled in excitement at his side, and he automatically put an arm around the dog so he would give Sage room to put her seat belt on. She did, and then she stared at him in the darkness of the truck cab.

  “What is it?” he asked.

  “Your hair,” she murmured. “You shaved it.”

  “I did. You hate it?”

  “No. Can I touch?” She reached a hand out and then pulled back, hesitant.

  “Of course.” Jason leaned in her direction, giving her silent permission.

  She reached out and brushed her fingers over his scalp, rubbing back and forth over the short bristles. Her touch immediately made his cock hard. “Rough,” was all she said, but he could hear the smile in her voice.

  “It’s a lot easier to take care of this way. Used to wear it like this in the navy.” He dragged his hand over his skull, feeling the bristles move, and then turned back to her. “If you hate it, I’ll grow it out again.”

  “I didn’t say that.” She reached out and lightly touched him again, and he thought he would lose control right then and there. Even the smallest of Sage’s touches just felt so damn right.

  And they made him hard as a brick.

  “So why was your day bad?” he
asked, voice gruff as he tried to concentrate on anything but the aching length of his dick. “Too many Christmas cards? Unpaid water bills?”

  She didn’t laugh at his joke. “Greg and Becca broke up,” Sage said, a worried look on her face. “The wedding was supposed to be tomorrow, and Becca just never showed up to work. I texted Greg to see if everything was all right, and . . . I guess it’s not.” The expression on her face was bewildered. “I feel so bad for Becca. She loves him and she’s been looking forward to get married and starting a family.”

  The more Jason found out about Greg, the less he liked the guy. Seemed kind of like a piece of shit to him. He tried not to be jealous that Sage had texted Greg. They were friends, and he knew it was innocent on Sage’s part even if he suspected it wasn’t on Greg’s. “People are terrible sometimes.”

  “They are,” she said softly, then bit her lip. “You don’t think it’s my fault, do you?”

  “Your fault?” He was shocked she’d even think such a thing. “Why would it be your fault?”

  “Because I stopped being Greg’s go-to buddy. I stopped making him lunch and cookies and picking up his dry cleaning. I’ve been spending all my time with you.” She had that look on her face that told him she was blushing, even as she shyly reached up to run her fingers lightly over the side of his head again. “I’ve been avoiding him when he wanted to talk to me.”

  “None of that means this is your fault,” Jason told her huskily, and it felt as if each brush of her fingertips was a brush over his whole body. The light, exploring way she touched his head made him ache. “He just wants to have all the toys and he can’t. He needs to grow up.”

  “I guess so,” she said softly. “Part of me feels bad, though, because I’m so happy and he’s not.”

  It was about time the tables had turned, Jason thought, but he didn’t say that out loud. Sage had a soft heart. “I need you to switch places with Achilles,” he told her, then rubbed the dog’s head as if in apology.