The Rancher's Mistletoe Bride

by Jill Kemerer

  “What do you think?” She tapped her chin.

  You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. He cleared his throat. “It’s nice.”

  “Nice?” She frowned. “You don’t like it?”

  “I like it.”

  “No, you don’t. It’s the white tablecloth, isn’t it? Ivory would be more elegant.”

  “Aren’t white and ivory the same thing?”

  “Oh, you!” She laughed, waving as if he’d made a joke. “That’s good. Ivory and white. The same.” Still chuckling, she sat at her desk.

  He wasn’t sure why she was laughing, but he dropped into the chair opposite her and slid the folder with the sale papers her way. “Here’s all the documentation from the sale.”

  She skimmed the top sheet, licked her finger and flipped to the next one, perusing each until closing the folder and setting it down.

  “I know I’ve expected a lot from you and you haven’t been here long, but I’m really grateful for all you do. Thank you for handling the sale.”

  “I wish I could have gotten more money for you.”

  Her smile revealed white teeth. “Don’t worry about it. You did your best.”

  His best wasn’t good enough.

  “Your father might have gotten more.”

  “I doubt it. The market is what it is. He had many years when he fretted about the sale.”

  Was she trying to make him feel better, or was she telling the truth? Looking in her eyes, he saw honesty. They were open, trusting. The kind of expression he wanted to live up to but doubted he could. It wasn’t only his performance as ranch manager he wanted to impress her with. He wouldn’t mind if she saw more in him as a man.

  Averting his eyes, he felt heat climb his neck. Where had that thought come from?

  He could no longer deny it.

  He’d gone way beyond thinking of her as his boss.

  “How did the call go yesterday?” He shifted in his seat, hoping she hadn’t somehow picked up on his train of thought. He could not afford to let her know he was getting feelings for her or that just the thought of seeing her made his heart beat faster. Schoolboy stuff. A couple days out in frozen pastures would get him back to normal.

  “It went really well. Madeline knows what she wants and asked me to send her pictures with my vision. That’s why I’m staging the table. I’ll have to wait until the other linens I ordered arrive to finish it.” She gestured to the table. “This tablecloth won’t do at all. I’m going to send three possibilities. Hopefully, she’ll like one enough to get started. What else is going on?”

  They discussed ranch details for the next half hour.

  “I’m heading out to check all the pregnant cows.” He stood. His gaze fell to her lips, and he snapped his eyes shut. God, give me strength to walk out of here and get her off my mind. “I’ll leave you to your decorating.”

  She strolled next to him down the hallway. “I don’t mean to be a pain, but I’ve been thinking it’s not the Christmas season without a fire in the fireplace.”

  An excuse to see her again. Soon. Adrenaline rushed through his veins. Even though he knew it wasn’t smart, he said, “I’ll come by Saturday afternoon and check your fireplace. But you have to promise me you won’t start a fire before then.”

  She smiled, biting her lower lip. That did it. He had to get out of here before he did something really stupid, like tell her she looked like a cowboy’s dream in that cute little sweater of hers.

  “See you Saturday,” he said gruffly. Then he gave her a nod and hurried out the door.

  Only when he was striding to the stables did he begin to breathe normally again. What was wrong with him? Thinking of Lexi as a woman? He knew better. If he didn’t rein these feelings in, he would lose his job. This ranch wasn’t his, but it was all he had. Without it, he didn’t know what he would do.

  Chapter Eight

  “Come on in!” Lexi opened the door wide and ushered Clint inside late Saturday afternoon. The sky was already growing dark and it was only four o’clock. A gentle snow had been falling for the past hour. All morning she’d cleaned the house, ridiculously excited not to be alone on another Saturday night. And while spending it with Clint wasn’t the wisest choice, she’d prayed about it and was reasonably confident she could keep her feelings under control if she reminded herself they could only be friends.

  Clint set his tool belt on the floor and shrugged out of his coat and boots. His gray T-shirt left nothing to the imagination where his muscles were concerned, and his dark jeans fit him just right. He works for you. And he’s not looking for a relationship. She forced herself to return to the living room.

  Her Christmas tree sparkled with white lights, purple and silver ornaments, and violet garland winding around the tree. Daddy would have liked this one. He would have teased her and called it the lilac tree. Lately she’d been able to think about him without wanting to cry.

  Clint entered and knelt by the fireplace.

  She put her hand on her hip. “I hope you like pizza.”

  He opened the glass doors and poked his head under the fireplace opening.

  “Do I take your silence to mean you don’t like pizza?” She moved closer to the hearth.

  He sat up, his sheepish smile making her chest flutter. Clint smiling brought his attractiveness to a whole new level. “I like pizza.”

  “Good. Because I bought one from the Pizza Factory earlier. I figure we can heat it up later.”

  “That would be fine. I hope I didn’t bother you this morning. I went up on the roof to inspect the chimney. The chimney cap is in good shape. I’m guessing your father had it replaced recently.”

  “I wouldn’t know.” For several years, she really hadn’t known what Daddy was doing on a daily basis. When they would talk on the phone, they’d catch up on ranch news, the weddings she was planning and things like that. Mundane items hadn’t been discussed. And for once, she kind of wished they’d talked about it all. What else had she missed while she was building her empire in Denver?

  “I’ll give this a look.” He beamed the flashlight around and slid a lever back and forth. Then he moved the light across the entire interior of the fireplace. “The damper is working fine. I don’t see any signs of moisture or cracking in here, either. I think you’re okay. Let me grab some wood and newspaper, and I’ll get a fire started to make sure it’s safe.”

  He left the room. The inspection had taken all of ten minutes. Knowing Clint, he’d find an excuse to leave as soon as the fire got going and they’d eaten. And she’d be alone. As usual.

  She’d assumed he’d want to hang out with her. Maybe she’d been wrong. Couldn’t hurt to ask. He’d fight her—he usually did—but she wanted him to stay.

  Holding an armful of logs, he came back into the room. “I’ll be right back with newspaper. Do you have matches?”

  “I do.” She went to the kitchen and searched the junk drawer until she found a box. Taking her time, she returned to the living room and held the box out to Clint. “Are you busy tonight?”

  “No, why?”

  “I was going to watch a Christmas movie after dinner. You’re welcome to stay.”

  He took the box, his fingers brushing hers, and his eyes darkened, gleaming. “Okay.”

  Okay? Just like that? “I mean, you don’t have to, but I... Well, it’s been kind of lonely here, and I wouldn’t mind the company.”

  “Yeah. I’ll stay.” His matter-of-fact tone surprised her. He wasn’t one to answer quickly. And he usually had to be convinced. What was going on with him?

  “Are you sure?” She crossed her arms over her chest.

  “I wouldn’t mind watching a movie.” He began to stack the wood inside the fireplace. Then he tucked wadded newspaper rolls underneath the logs. “Come h
ere a minute.”

  Her pulse took off. Why did he want her over there? She bent next to him, inhaling the clean scent of soap and aftershave on his skin.

  Maybe she shouldn’t have asked him to stay. His nearness gave her a jittery sensation.

  “See this hook?” He pointed to the lever inside the fireplace.

  “Yes.”

  “It’s the damper. Move it like this to open it before you start a fire. If it’s not open, smoke will fill the house.” He took her hand and moved the damper with it. His fingers were warm, strong. She could feel his breath on her cheek.

  She didn’t blink. Didn’t move. If she did she feared she’d turn her head and...

  “Why don’t I heat up the pizza?” She stood abruptly and backed up two steps.

  “And I’ll get the fire started.” His voice sounded coarse.

  They didn’t need a fire. Ten seconds near Clint and she was warmer than she’d thought possible. As she made her way to the kitchen, she mentally kicked herself. She was too attracted to him.

  No, she was lonely. That was it. This empty Wyoming land combined with the big house and no daily interaction with her Denver employees had warped her. Made her desperate for company.

  She turned on the oven. Who was she kidding? The days she’d spent in Denver last week had been just as lonely, just as desperate.

  Ever since Daddy died, an unwelcome solitude had descended that she couldn’t shake.

  After popping the pizza into the oven, she set the timer and joined Clint in the living room. A small fire had come to life, and he was inspecting one of the spots where a stone was missing.

  “I see rocks like these near the river all the time. If you’d like, I’ll try to find some to fit these empty spaces.”

  “That would be great. The fireplace was built with stones found on the property.” She sat on the couch, tucking her legs under her bottom. “Clint?”

  “Hmm?” He stuck a screwdriver into the mortar.

  “You’ve been an orphan a long time.”

  “Yeah.”

  “Do you ever feel lonely? Like you don’t belong anywhere in the world?”

  He faced her, his expression serious. “Lonely? Sure, sometimes. Like I don’t belong? Always.”

  That’s what she’d been afraid of. She pressed her palms to her cheeks and whispered, “I’m scared.”

  He put the screwdriver down and joined her on the couch. Sitting next to her, he reached to take her hand.

  “You don’t have to be scared, Lexi. It was different for me. I never had a place like this. A home. You belong here. You’ll always belong here.”

  “But I feel displaced without my father.” She fought the emotion tightening her throat. “I took him for granted. I didn’t come home enough. I didn’t—”

  Clint wrapped his arm around her shoulders, and she leaned her cheek against his chest. She could feel his heartbeat through his shirt.

  “Don’t,” he said softly. “Don’t do this to yourself.”

  “I can’t help it.” Her voice sounded small. “I was so busy, so happy, so selfish. All the time working on my business, planning the weddings—I didn’t see... And now I can’t.”

  “That’s not true. You’re not selfish.” His hand caressed her upper arm in soothing circles. “You told me yourself when you came home you always rode the property with your dad.”

  “But I should have done it more often. What if I’m being punished?”

  He brought his arm back, turning his head to stare at her, his blue eyes shining with compassion. “For what?”

  “For wanting too much.”

  “We all want too much.” He leaned forward, his elbows resting on knees. “You aren’t being punished. You deserve good things.”

  The timer went off, startling her. She had to get herself together. What was her problem, anyway? One minute she was asking him to stay for a movie, and the next she revealed her deepest fears?

  And what in the world happened to her decision to keep their relationship professional? Hadn’t she warned herself to be careful? Lonely or not, she had a lot to lose if Clint quit.

  She’d lose her manager, but worse, she’d lose his friendship.

  Are you really trying to tell yourself he’s just a friend?

  The smell of oregano and mozzarella reminded her the pizza was probably burning. She hurried to the kitchen. After taking the pizza out, she brought two plates with slices to the living room. “Okay, I promise I won’t be weird anymore. What movie should we watch? Elf or It’s a Wonderful Life?”

  “Elf.”

  She kept her promise. Didn’t act weird or sappy or reveal any more secrets the rest of the evening. Instead, she found herself watching Clint’s reaction to the movie, memorizing the way his lips curved when he laughed. Telling herself she’d go back to all business tomorrow, but tonight she’d enjoy sitting by him in front of a cozy fire with her pretty Christmas tree twinkling nearby.

  Tomorrow, she’d be his boss. Tonight, she’d enjoy his company.

  * * *

  The following morning, Clint shifted in his seat next to Lexi at church. The pastor was midway through the sermon, but no matter how hard Clint tried, he couldn’t process a word the preacher said. Last night had surprised him. He’d taken one look at Lexi’s fuzzy red sweater and her big eyes, and he’d agreed to pizza and a movie without putting up a fight.

  Because he didn’t want to fight it.

  But he had to.

  Had to.

  He felt like an insect being spun in a spider’s web, except Lexi wasn’t the spider. His past was. And when she’d opened up about being lonely and feeling like she was being punished, he’d wanted to yell, Yes, I get it, I understand. I’ve been punished my whole life for wanting too much. But how could he? She actually deserved the things she thought she was being punished for, and he didn’t. He’d been greedy, in a hurry and sloppy with his trust. Lexi would never be any of those things.

  Clint sneaked a peek her way. She looked pale today, and her cheeks were drawn. He hoped she hadn’t stayed up thinking about their conversation after he left. Frankly, he hoped she’d put those thoughts out of her head forever. He didn’t want her beating herself up.

  As soon as the service ended, he was riding out to inspect the cows. Jerry was still recovering from pneumonia, and his wife, who Jerry referred to as the missus, wouldn’t let him come back to work until his cough was gone for good. Although Ryder and Jake were checking the herd this morning, Clint wanted to be sure none of the pregnant cows were acting off. The ranch was important to Lexi, and he wouldn’t let anything jeopardize her home, including him. It was time to distance himself from his beautiful boss.

  The congregation sang “Amazing Grace,” and Clint found himself enthusiastically singing along. The lyrics went straight to his heart.

  Thank You, Lord, for saving a wretch like me. Please let Lexi see she has nothing to feel guilty about. Fill her with the sense of belonging she’s missing right now. And give me the good sense and fortitude to leave her alone.

  The service ended, and they greeted other members on their way out. After helping Lexi into her coat, he took her arm to steady her over the icy sidewalk on the way back to his truck.

  She didn’t say a word the entire time. Unusual for her.

  “Something wrong?” He opened the passenger door and boosted her up.

  She shook her head.

  He started the truck, knowing he should drive home and check the cows, but his conscience poked at him.

  “Want to get some breakfast?” As soon as the words were out of his mouth, he held his breath, wanting her to say no. Hoping she’d say yes.

  “I could eat.”

  “Dottie’s Diner?”

  “Sure.”

/>   Now why had he gone and done that? He’d told himself he needed to stay away from her. Hard to do if he kept finding excuses to prolong being near. He drove the short distance to the restaurant, and they stood inside the breezeway for several minutes as they waited for a table.

  Finally, a booth opened, and Dottie stopped by with coffee as soon as they’d settled in.

  “Lexi, so good to see you, sugar. How are you doing? You getting enough to eat?”

  “I’m good, Dottie. Thank you for the casseroles you dropped off after the funeral. They were delicious.”

  “My pleasure, hon. We all loved RJ. He was a good man. And he was right proud of you, sugar. If you need anything, say the word.” She turned to Clint, her face all sunshine. “I sure love having you back in Sweet Dreams, tiger.”

  “I like being back.” It was true. He’d moved two hours away after high school and hadn’t lived here in over a decade, but it was the closest thing to home he had. He didn’t even mind that Dottie called him tiger.

  Maybe he did belong somewhere. Sweet Dreams had been good to him.

  “What can I get you two?” She untucked a pen from behind her ear and flipped a sheet on her small notepad. After Lexi ordered the Sunrise Special, he asked for the same, ignoring Dottie’s wink before she left. The diner was crowded and loud and put him in a good mood.

  “I didn’t know you went by tiger.” Lexi’s eyes twinkled.

  He knew his cheeks were flaming. “You’re not one to talk, sugar.”

  She laughed. “I guess not. I know Dottie treats everyone like family, but she clearly has a soft spot for you. When you were at Yearling, did you live with them?”