Wine and Her New Year Cowboy

by Donna Michaels

  “It’s a wonderful idea.” Evie wished workshops had been available a decade ago when she was sixteen.

  Ethan straightened in his chair. “I agree. That’s why the Wynes are happy to joint venture with my beautiful, brilliant, giving thespian to build a theater on our property.”

  “That’s terrific. When?” She knew a lot of merchant’s who’d support such a wonderful, creative, endeavor to benefit local youths.

  “We break ground in the spring, so for now, the sweet, handsome, fabulous Wynes have allow me to use one of their meeting rooms twice a week to hold the workshops.”

  Lucas transferred his attention back to his sister. “Is that something you want to do?”

  Missy shrugged.

  “She’s good,” Phoebe said. “This past May, she and a few other schoolmates stopped by the theater during my rehearsals, and we had a few test sessions.” The actress turned her attention to the teen. “Missy, you have a wonderful voice and a true stage presence. I’m not sure you realize how rare that is.”

  Although the youth blushed from the compliment, she remained close-lipped.

  The cowboy frowned. “Did your dad not w—”

  “Our dad.” Missy’s head snapped up as her gaze simmered.

  He stiffened, but his tone remained neutral. “Did he not want you to do the workshops for the same reason as driving?”

  It wasn’t lost on Evie that he still hadn’t acknowledge his father.

  After a moment’s hesitation, the girl nodded.

  “Is this something you want to do?” Lucas asked again.

  This time, the teen nodded without hesitation. “Yes.”

  “Then I think you need to give it a try.” He received a thank you from his sister that seemed to somehow soften him. “We’ll treat it like your job. If your grades start to slip, we’ll reevaluate your schedule.”

  Evie’s heart cracked open and warmth seeped in. The cowboy’s patience and dedication to his sister was sweet.

  By the time the last piece of pizza disappeared, she and Phoebe worked out a solid schedule for Missy that Lucas approved. With just a minor tweak to her work schedule, the teen now fit in a Saturday morning and Tuesday evening workshop, while committing to twelve hours at Martelli’s.

  Ethan’s phone rang while she helped Phoebe clear the table.

  “No. It’s okay. Hope you feel better,” he said before hanging up.

  That doesn’t sound good.

  Phoebe turned to him and frowned. “Your dad?”

  “Yeah, he sounded terrible. Said he thinks he caught that bug that’s going around,” he replied. “Your mom, too.”

  “Oh, that’s not good.” The pretty actress sighed. “Do they need anything?”

  She watched Ethan shake his head as he caught his girlfriend around the waist and kissed her temple. “I’m sorry. I know you wanted to see your friend perform tonight.”

  Evie was about to offer to babysit when Missy stood.

  “You can still go. I’ll watch Tyler.”

  “Yeah! Can she, Dad? Can Missy watch me?” The little cutie got off his chair and started to jump.

  Mamma mia. She’d never be able to resist that face. His exuberance even pulled a grin from the cowboy.

  Ethan glanced at Phoebe who smiled, before he turned his attention to Lucas. “Is that all right with you? The show isn’t over until nine, so depending on traffic, we might not get back until ten-thirty.”

  “That’s fine. I can keep busy,” the cowboy replied, then, heaven help her, his open, interested gaze met hers. “I owe Evie a hot chocolate. If she’s game.”

  Chapter Five

  Hell yeah.

  Everyone’s attention shifted to Evie, but she couldn’t tear her gaze from the sexy Texan. “I’m game.”

  Big time. And available…except, no…no she wasn’t. Not if she intended to keep that resolution. Still, it was only hot chocolate. And the poor guy had to do something to kill time while his sister babysat Tyler.

  “Great.” Ethan winked. “You two go have your hot chocolate. We’re going to get ready and hit the road. And Tyler and Missy will…?”

  The little boy jumped. “Play video games!”

  “Play video games.” His father chuckled. “Never would’ve guessed.”

  Ten minutes later, after she helped Tyler set up his game while Lucas talked with his sister, Evie walked next to the cowboy through the resort toward the side exit, very aware of his large hand lightly grazing the small of her back, even though she’d donned her coat per his request.

  She had no idea where they were going for this hot chocolate, but didn’t care, happy just to spend time with him. He grabbed her hand, and her skin tingled and pulse hiccupped while he led her outside toward the gazebo. The twinkling lights, sound of laughter, and music clued her into their destination.

  The Winter Festival.

  Every weekend between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, the resort held a fun festival with vendors, food, and music from the locals. Even Martelli’s was scheduled to host a stand in two weeks. She’d completely forgotten it started this weekend.

  A female muttered, “Yeehaw,” when they passed, and Evie hid a smile, because that was exactly how she felt whenever she looked at the Texan. The fact he was with her…chose to be with her, made her feel five-foot-ten-inches tall.

  Without heels.

  Considering she was five-foot-six-inches in stocking feet, that was huge.

  “How do you like your hot chocolate? With or without milk?” he asked when they reached Jill’s Confection Connection stand, manned by one of her friend’s employees.

  The single mother was sweet, with a sharp mind and wit. “Hi, Evie.”

  “Hi, Theresa.” She stepped to the counter, reluctant to let go of his hand. So she didn’t. “I’ll have the usual. No milk. The chocolatier the better. Oh, and this is Lucas.”

  He tipped his hat. “Ma’am. I’ll take mine with milk.”

  The woman’s eyes widened at his drawl. “Are you from Harland County like Gwen’s fiancé, Tanner?”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Lucas grinned. “He’s my good friend. We went to school together.”

  “Dang, Evie. I think I may need to take a vacation and go see Gwen and Brandi. They grow them gorgeous down there.”

  She laughed, grabbing her insulated cup with her free hand. “Yes, they sure do.”

  He ducked his head. “That’s mighty nice of you ladies, but I feel I should point out I was born here, but raised in Harland County.”

  That’s right. She’d forgotten. He just seemed one-hundred-percent Texan. “Well, there must be something special in the water down there, then.”

  His gaze warmed as he brought her fingers to his lips. “Thank you, darlin’.”

  She had no idea why he was thanking her, but wished like hell she could come up with another reason so he’d brush his lips across her knuckles again. He had great lips. Not thin or too full, just right, and she had to fight the urge to tug the lower one into her mouth and lick.

  He sucked in a breath. “Damn, Evie, you have to stop looking at me like that.”

  As if she could help it. Need just took over and she was full of it.

  “Yeah, I need to step away from the hot chocolate and find me some ice,” Theresa exclaimed. “You two are throwing enough heat to warm the county tonight.”

  She chuckled along with Lucas. Mostly because it was true.

  Still holding her hand, he paid for their drinks, then grabbed his cup and led her toward a grove of pines decked out in twinkling lights. It was pretty, and romantic, and far enough from the music they’d be able to hold a conversation.

  She shifted closer and sipped her drink, content just to be near the guy. The sensations were new and intriguing, and she intended to enjoy them while they lasted. All her relationships ended, so maybe she should chance a date with him. She probably wouldn’t be breaking her going no male resolution for long if this one followed suit.

  “So
, how did my sister do today?”

  Not exactly the topic she’d expected, but she was pleased by the question. It proved family meant something to him. Too many of the men she’d dated did nothing but gripe and complain about theirs. Lucas was refreshing.

  “Very well,” she replied. “Missy is a bright girl. I wish I had more workers like her. I know her job is menial, but trust me, there have been plenty in that position unable to take orders, or follow through.”

  “Yeah. I know what you mean.”

  She glanced sideways at him. “Your sister isn’t one of them.”

  “I know.” Pride straightened his shoulders and sparked in his eyes. “Thank you. It’s nice of you to say.”

  “It’s true.” She stopped and turned to face him. “I think it’s wonderful what you’re doing for her, Lucas.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “You gave up your life in Texas so she could continue with hers up here.”

  He glanced down at his boots, apparently at a loss as to what to do with the compliment. “Seemed a bit heartless to uproot her considering what she’s just been through.”

  A warm emotion tightened her chest. “That’s exactly what I’m talking about,” she remarked. “You are a good man, Lucas Harper. And a good brother.”

  His gaze shot to hers, and her heart squeezed at the shock and uncertainty clouding his blue eyes. “That’s a sweet thing to say, Evie, but I haven’t got a clue what I’m doing. And just when I think I’ve gotten us to some common ground, she gives me this cold shoulder out of nowhere.”

  She nodded. “I noticed.”

  “Good. At least I’m not going crazy.”

  “No.” She smiled and squeezed his hand. “You’re perfectly normal, and doing a great job. Just be patient. She’s an emotional teenager thrust into a strange situation.”

  He nodded, bringing her fingers to his lips. “I know. And thank you.”

  The man seriously had some great lip action. She swallowed past her suddenly dry throat. “For what?”

  “Your kind words, and seeing what others don’t see.”

  “Others see it plenty, Lucas,” she insisted. “Trust me, my brother wouldn’t have let you anywhere near me if he didn’t.” She tugged her hand free to cup his face. “You’re just going to have to face it, cowboy. You’re a good guy. And I like you.”

  She hadn’t meant to voice that last bit, but it was out, so she might as well own it since it was the truth.

  “Yeah?” His mouth quirked, and he took her cup and set it next to his on a rock, before cupping her face with both hands. “I like you, too, Evie, and I’d very much like to kiss you. So, if you’re not on board with that, let me know now.”

  Her heart was hammering the heck out of her ribs. “I’m so much on board, I am the board,” she replied, unable to hold her tongue.

  She was such a dweeb.

  “Trust me, darlin’, the last thing you resemble is a board.”

  One active brain cell was not enough to form a reply, so she smiled instead. His chiseled lips quirked and drew closer as he slowly lowered his mouth, hovering just above hers. She palmed his chest, reveling in her up-close, personal view of that delicious five-o’clock shadow while they shared a breath.

  He prolonged the anticipation, brushing one side of her jaw with his lips, then the other, until…finally, finally he slid that wonderful mouth over hers and took his sweet time tasting and nibbling until her knees wobbled and she fisted his coat to remain upright.

  On and on he kissed her as if he couldn’t get enough, as if she was the best damn thing he’d ever tasted.

  He was by far the best she’d ever tasted, all hot and chocolaty, and hungry.

  So damn hungry.

  When he slid his tongue into her mouth, things got a little crazy. She might’ve, maybe, rubbed against him and purred a little. Okay. A lot. But, damn, he was so solid and warm. She needed to feel the hard strength emanating from him. Run her fingers through his hair. Needed to press into his muscles and hold tight.

  Needed air.

  But that would mean breaking the kiss. She didn’t want to. Wasn’t ready. But didn’t have a choice, even let out a moan of protest when he drew back and sucked in a breath.

  “Damn, Evie,” he rasped, voice hoarse and uneven. “You’re intoxicating.”

  Not hardly, but she was addicted. “That was…pretty…wow.”

  He set his forehead to hers and chuckled. That’s when she realized his hat was no longer on his head.

  “So wow, I lost my hat.”

  She must’ve knocked it off when she’d played with his hair. “Sorry.”

  Still holding her face, he drew back and smiled. “Don’t be. I’m not.”

  Hunger darkened his gaze to a delectable cobalt that stole her breath. Then they were kissing again, this time slower, deeper, and so thorough she couldn’t feel her legs from the knees down. Her good parts were tingling and aching, though. Thank goodness he didn’t know. Especially since her good parts rarely tingled.

  And this time, when they broke apart, she slumped against him. “Wow,” she repeated her earlier expression between gulps of air. “That was…”

  “Amazing,” he whispered against her head, his warm breaths washing over her ear and neck, making her shiver.

  She nodded. “Yeah…that.” And opened her mouth to say more, but her phone started to ring in her pocket. She drew back from his delectable body and dug it out, hoping it wasn’t her brother.

  It was her brother.

  Per carita! That meant her hot chocolate date was done.

  “Nico,” she told Lucas before answering. “What’s up?”

  “Sorry, sis,” his tone was as contrite as his words. “I need you to come in and close tonight. I was just called to a five-alarm.”

  Just as she’d figured. It wasn’t the first time she’d had to go in on her time off because her firefighter brother got a call, and it wouldn’t be her last. “Okay. I’ll be right there. You be careful.”

  “Will do.”

  She hung up and sighed. For the first time in her life, she finally met a guy who swept her off her feet, whose kisses gave her that proverbial fireworks in the sky type reaction…and she had to leave him to make pizzas.

  “Have to go?” he asked, swiping his hat off the ground to set back on his head.

  “Yeah, sorry. Nico’s a volunteer firefighter and he just got a call, so I need to go back to work.”

  Instead of pouting, or asking her to find someone else to do it, he grabbed their cups off the rock and nodded. “Let me walk you to your car. We can finish our not-so-hot chocolates on the way.”

  She laughed, her heart opening even further for the sweet, handsome cowboy. His understanding was as sexy as it was refreshing. Her last boyfriend had dumped her because she’d been too responsible.

  Didn’t seem to be a problem to Lucas. In fact, she got the impression he was impressed by it.

  Definitely a first.

  Lucas Harper was a catalyst to a lot of firsts for Evie.

  But could he possibly be the one to last?

  ***

  Two days later, Lucas sat at Martelli’s watching the football game at the bar with Nico, Scott, and Jeremy, but he had no idea which team was winning. His attention kept straying to Evie. She always seemed to fill in where needed. Today, the gorgeous woman waited tables. It wasn’t her style to just sit behind a desk in the back room and manage the business. Every time he’d been in, she’d worked a different position. She cooked, cleaned, waited tables, delivered, took orders, or tended bar.

  Her shift ended in ten minutes. This gave them two hours before Missy’s ended. He looked forward to spending time with the gorgeous woman. Other than a brief chat when he’d dropped his sister off and picked her up yesterday, he hadn’t spoken to her since their hot chocolate date Friday evening.

  But the feel of her soft curves melting against him, and delicious, taste of her…never strayed far from his mind. T
hat kiss had been incredible. It’d caught him off guard. He knew it would be good, but…damn. Once his lips had touched hers, he couldn’t get enough. The intensity of their connection was as unexpected as it was addicting.

  “I just have to put this order in, then grab my coat and purse and we can go,” she said with a smile as she passed.

  Scott slapped his back, but stared at Nico who stood behind the bar drying glasses. “I have to say, man, I am proud of you for allowing your sister to have a life.”

  “Yeah.” Jeremy nodded. “About time you let go of the leash.”

  Nico laughed. “Not my fault my sister hit puberty early. Besides, you’re one to talk. You’ve had poor Jenna in a chokehold since she turned twelve.”

  “It’s true, Jeremy.” Scott snickered into his beer.

  Lucas smiled, until all three of the guys turned their attention on him.

  “Just you wait,” Jeremy pointed a finger at him. “You have a pretty teenage sister. Your turn is coming, buddy.”

  Nico nodded, wiping a mug with vigor. “Yep. Welcome to the club, Lucas. It’s not as easy as some think…being an older brother.”

  He huffed. “Tell me about it.”

  “Uh oh.” Nico stilled.

  Jeremy raised a brow. “Trouble already?”

  “I don’t know. Maybe.” He glanced to make sure Missy was still in the back washing dishes. “Some days she seems to warm up to me, then others…I get a cold shoulder.”

  “Hormones,” Jeremy said, lifting his beer. “Don’t even try to figure them out, especially if it’s that time of the month.”

  He shrugged. “Maybe.” But, he didn’t think so. Seemed like it was something more. “I just get this impression there’s something she’s not saying, or telling me.”

  Scott cupped his shoulder again. “Just give her time. It’s early yet.”

  Nico nodded.

  “She’s still in the grieving process,” his buddy added.

  Evie’s brother picked up another glass and dried it with his towel. “You taking your sister to the armory Christmas party this Sunday?”