A Christmas Homecoming (Bar V5 Ranch)

by Melissa McClone

  “Wow. I didn’t expect to hear that.” Ellie brushed her lips across his cheek. “Thanks.”

  “Happy to help.” And he wanted another kiss, one on the lips. “But the grant process has its own frustrations.”

  “I heard that, but you have to start somewhere, right?”

  “That’s the attitude to have.” Josiah ran his hand along her hair. So soft. The silky strands sifted through his fingers. He could get used to doing this. “I’ll write you a check to get you started.”

  She straightened, causing his hand to fall away from her hair. “You already wrote one.”

  “That was for your meetings. You’ll need more.”

  “Yes, but...” She looked at the fireplace, and then her gaze returned to his.

  “What?” he asked.

  “This might be dumb, but I want to go through the proper channels. Apply for grants. Take this step-by-step. I have lots to learn and if I jump in due to a large donation, I might make mistakes I wouldn’t make otherwise. I appreciate your offer, but it’s important for me to do this the way I planned.”

  “You have integrity.”

  His words rewarded him with another smile.

  “But you can have that and accept help, too,” he added.

  “You’re helping me with the proposal. You gave me a check to buy supplies and food for meetings.”

  She was going to fight him all the way on this, but he had to keep trying. “When I showed Nate my idea for Whit Tech, I was hoping he’d tell me I was on the right track, not want to invest himself. Things happen for a reason. There’s no reason not to accept what’s being offered.”

  “Maybe I will one of these days, but I don’t want your money right now.”

  “Of course not.” Josiah had to laugh. Most people would jump at the opportunity. But a part of him understood, even if he didn’t agree. “I want you to know, my offer stands. Anytime, okay?”

  “Okay.” Light from the fire shadowed her face, but couldn’t hide her smile. “I know you’re not into the holidays, but I have a feeling this might be the best Christmas ever.”

  He hoped that feeling had something to do with him being here. “I’m sure it will be.”

  And even though he didn’t like Christmas, he had a feeling his would be a pretty good one, too.

  A couple hours later, on Ellie’s way back to the bunkhouse, the cold, night air stung her cheeks. A glance over her shoulder showed Josiah standing in the mudroom doorway, watching her. His protectiveness made her feel special, a way he’d made her feel all day long.

  He hadn’t wanted her to walk him back after dinner, but Ellie had insisted due to the limited lighting on the path. She didn’t want him to stumble or get lost.

  Ellie waved, wishing he’d kissed her goodnight. But no mistletoe hung over the mudroom door. Though lack of mistletoe hadn’t stopped them from kissing at the Graff.

  She continued to the bunkhouse. Neither had mentioned the kiss—okay, peck—but she hadn’t forgotten it. And wouldn’t. The brief kiss had help make today magical.

  As she went inside, thoughts bounced in her brain like a pinball. No way could she go to sleep right now. She needed to relax. She turned on Christmas music, sat on the couch, and covered herself with a blanket. Pewter wanted up on her lap.

  Was Josiah going straight to bed?

  Probably best not to think of him and bed in the same sentence given she was now wondering what he slept in—pajamas or...nothing.

  She sang along to We Three Kings, one of her favorite carols.

  He tempted Ellie to break her no-dating-guests rule. She could. All Nate and Ty asked were for employees to be discreet if they became involved with a coworker or a guest. But would a romance with Josiah be the best thing for her?

  Ellie wished she knew.

  She continued singing and playing with Pewter.

  The bunkhouse door opened. Siena and Britt walked in, laughing, and bringing a rush of cold air inside.

  Siena’s smile widened. “Told you she wouldn’t be with Josiah. You owe me five dollars.”

  “I’ll pay up tomorrow.” Britt removed her gloves and hat. Her blonde ponytail bounced.

  Ellie sat. “You bet on me and Josiah?”

  “Only five dollars.” Britt stood in front of the fireplace. “Still can’t believe you’re alone, listening to Christmas music, when there’s a king-sized bed in his room.”

  Uh-oh. Ellie had been thinking about his bed, too. She rubbed under Pewter’s neck, not sure what to say.

  Siena shrugged off her parka. “The guy hasn’t been here a week. Ellie’s not going to jump into bed with him.”

  “I can think of a billion reasons why she would,” Britt countered.

  Ellie waved her hands. “Hello. I’m right here.”

  “Sorry.” Siena sat next to her. “We missed you at the stroll. How did tonight go with Josiah?”

  “We had a picnic in front of the fireplace.”

  Britt squished between them. “Sounds romantic. Wine and cheese?”

  “Pop Tarts®, cereal, and hot chocolate.” Ellie still felt full from dinner.

  Britt made a face.

  Siena laughed. “At least Josiah knows you’re not trying to woo him with your cooking skills.”

  “We had a nice time,” Ellie said.

  “Did you kiss?” Britt asked.

  Ellie knew a peck and a kiss on the cheek weren’t what Britt meant. “This wasn’t a date.”

  Even if their time together had felt like one.

  Britt perked up. “If I’d been here instead, I would have served a platter of oysters, wearing nothing but a red bow and a sign that said Take Me, I’m Yours.”

  Ellie drew back. “That might be a little in his face.”

  “Too much in his face.” Siena said. “Changing the sign to read gold digger would be more honest.”

  Britt laughed. “Come on, don’t you think I’d make a good trophy wife? I’d have no problem signing a pre-nup. And I know how to keep a wealthy man satisfied in the kitchen and the bedroom.”

  Ellie remembered what Josiah had said about people wanting to marry billionaires. He hadn’t been kidding.

  “Maybe something in-between the two then?” Britt sounded like she was testing the water. She shot Ellie an are-you-calling-dibs look. “You and Josiah are just friends, right?”

  Siena leaned forward, her gaze curious. She placed her finger to her mouth as if not wanting Ellie to answer.

  “We’re friends.” Ellie wasn’t sure what to say. “I enjoy hanging out with him.”

  “Are you dating?” Britt pressed.

  He’d asked Ellie to celebrate, not go out on a date. But they’d kissed twice now. She didn’t think what was going on between them was only in her mind. “We haven’t gone out on an official date, if that’s what you’re asking.”

  Siena rolled her eyes.

  “But you have a rule about not dating guests,” Britt said. “Would you go out with him if he asked?”

  “I don’t know,” Ellie answered honestly.

  Siena used her finger to make a gun and pointed the tip against her head.

  Britt’s gaze drilled into Ellie. “Could I take a shot?”

  A voice inside Ellie’s head screamed no. “You want to go out with Josiah?”

  “I’d like to try.” Britt sounded like she was picking out a new shade of nail polish. “You don’t meet a handsome, single billionaire every day.”

  The chef was new to the Bar V5 and had no idea what had happened with Tanner Quincy. She was more a bunkmate than friend at this point, but Ellie hoped that would change with time. Britt would be here come January. Josiah wouldn’t be.

  “Sure,” Ellie said finally. “Go for it.”

  As soon as Ellie said the words, she wanted to take them back.

  Standing, Siena shot her an are-you-crazy look. “I’m going to bed.”

  Maybe Ellie was crazy. She hadn’t pursued more kisses with Josiah. She’d turned down his
writing Buck’s Place a big check.

  Yeah, crazy.

  “Thanks.” Britt stood, flipping her long hair behind her shoulder. “You’re the best. I need to figure out how to approach him and run the ideas by you.”

  “I’ll be off until Tuesday.” Thank goodness. Ellie didn’t want to witness Britt going after Josiah. “Maybe Siena and Lyne can help you.”

  “Great idea. Goodnight.” Britt bounced out of the living room.

  Ellie’s chest burned, like a bad case of indigestion.

  The beautiful, blonde chef fit into fancy places like the Graff, both in the kitchen and in the dining room. She had supermodel hair and looked like someone a billionaire might like.

  Would Josiah?

  Probably.

  Oh, no. What had Ellie done?

  On Monday evening, Josiah was no longer worried about surviving the month of December at the Bar V5. He wasn’t sure he’d last until Ellie returned tomorrow. He stared out the window in his room. The cattle in the pasture were becoming fast friends.

  Okay, things weren’t that bad.

  He’d spent Sunday watching football with the wranglers. The remainder of the guests had checked out this morning. He’d worked on his app idea and, thanks to the Sunday paper, discovered Whit Tech’s stock was down. But none of those things had taken his mind off Ellie.

  A knock sounded.

  Maybe she was back early. Anticipation surged. He opened the door.

  Not Ellie. Britt stood at his doorway holding a tray.

  “Hi.” The pretty chef greeted him with a smile. Her long, blonde hair fell past her shoulders in loose curls. “I have a few appetizers for you.”

  “I wasn’t expecting anything.” He motioned her inside. “Please put the tray on the table.”

  She walked into the room. A woodsy, jasmine scent trailed after her.

  He gave the blonde a once over. Her tight-fitting green tunic and black leggings left nothing to the imagination. She was no stranger to the gym. She’d applied her makeup with an expert hand. Heavier than what he’d seen on the women at the Bar V5. The sway of her hip was suggestive, not natural like Ellie’s. He missed the sound of her bell jingling.

  Britt glanced over her shoulder. “Are you having a nice day?”

  He nodded. “I visited the horse barn and saw the stall decorations.”

  Britt set the tray on the table and then faced him. “That’s a big draw around here in December.”

  “The food, too.”

  “I’m happy you think so.” She stared up through her thick eyelashes. “Cooking is a passion of mine. Among other things.”

  Given the way she was dressed, he could imagine what those things might be.

  “I’m thinking of going into Marietta for a drink.” She flashed an enticing smile. “Would you like to come?”

  Any other time he might have said yes, except the only woman he wanted to spend time with in Marietta was Ellie. But he didn’t want to cause friction between the two women by turning this one down. “Where are you going? The microbrewery at the old depot?”

  “They can’t serve beer past eight o’clock due to the liquor laws, so I was thinking Grey’s or the Graff. The hotel has an elegant, yet cozy bar with a full cocktail menu.”

  Going to the Graff meant this wasn’t a staff outing. The wranglers had mentioned the hotel was expensive so they only took hot dates there. Yesterday, the guys had called Britt, Siena, and Lyne hot. But they’d talked about Ellie like a sister, not someone they’d date.

  Josiah didn’t feel brotherly for Ellie. He found her more attractive than her three coworkers. Not only physically. Her personality and character appealed to him on a gut level.

  “What do you say? You in?” Britt’s tone was casual, but her gaze had a predator’s gleam.

  “Sounds like a good time, and I appreciate the invite, but I’m still recovering. No alcohol or late nights for me.” Josiah made sure not to say yet.

  “You sure?”

  He nodded.

  Her face brightened. “We could stay here and have fun.”

  “No, thanks. I need to sleep, but I hope you have a good time.”

  Britt raised her chin. “Maybe I’ll see if Ellie’s up for joining me. Her parents’ place isn’t too far from town.”

  He’d love to see Ellie, but he would look like a jerk if he changed his mind and said yes now. “Girls’ night out in Marietta. Those cowboys better watch out.”

  “You know it.” Britt lifted the hem of her tunic as if to show off her butt. She had a nice one. “If you need anything, let me know.”

  “You aim to please.”

  She found her smile—a sly, almost seductive one. “Yes, and I’m good at it.”

  Josiah could imagine, but he preferred Ellie’s version of customer service. “Thanks for the appetizers.”

  Britt said goodbye and left his room, but her perfume lingered. Expensive and sexy, but he preferred Ellie’s vanilla scent. He cracked a window to get rid of the smell. A little cold air wouldn’t hurt him.

  Josiah picked up one of the appetizers. Something wrapped in bacon. He popped the piece into his mouth. Delicious, but not as tasty as Ellie’s kiss.

  Less than twenty-four hours to kill until she returned.

  He glanced at the rope sitting on the couch. He’d yet to try it. Maybe with a little practice, he could get good enough to lasso Ellie. The only problem was, he had no idea what he’d do with her once he caught her.

  Chapter Eleven

  Tuesday morning, Ellie carried a small, white box tied with a red satin ribbon to Room #104. The owner of the Bramble House B&B had dropped off the gift from one of her guests with instructions to give it to Josiah. Maybe this present would put him in the holiday spirit. She crossed her fingers.

  Siena’s text that Britt hadn’t succeeded in going out with Josiah had brought relief. So much that Ellie had felt like a bad bunkmate.

  Truth was, she couldn’t wait to see him. Not that she was going to try to get a date, but she enjoyed his company. She realized he wasn’t another Tanner Quincy. Josiah was different. The fact that she kept thinking about kissing him meant nothing. Well, not much. Hiding the gift behind her back, she knocked on Josiah’s door.

  “Who is it?” he asked.

  “Ellie with housekeeping.”

  The door opened. “Your first name will do.”

  Her jaw dropped. She blinked to make sure she wasn’t dreaming. She wasn’t. Gooey heat poured through her.

  Oh, my goodness...

  Josiah stood in the doorway. His hair was wet. His flannel pants rode low on his hips. He wore nothing else.

  Wide shoulders and solid chest.

  She gulped.

  For a guy who had been sick, he was clearly recovering. Firm chest. Toned muscles. Flat stomach. He looked so good that she wondered what he looked like before his illness.

  “Come in.” His bright smile rocked her little world. “How were your days off?”

  Not as good as right now.

  “Ellie?” he asked.

  Darn, he’d asked her a question, but she couldn’t remember what. She forced her feet to move and entered his room. “Hi.”

  “Enjoy your days off?”

  Being alone with him was wreaking havoc with her senses. She tried to ignore his hotness. “I did. My mom and I went shopping. I worked on things for tomorrow’s Buck’s Place meeting.”

  His brow furrowed. “I thought I was helping you.”

  The things she wanted to do with him right now had nothing to do with the kids. “Yes.”

  “What do you need?”

  Him.

  Uh-oh. If she weren’t careful, she was going to drool. “I have stuff left to do. How have you been?”

  “Keeping myself busy.”

  He brushed his hand through his hair sending water onto his shoulders. She followed an errant drop down his chest, past his abs, and to his waistband.

  “See something you like?” he asked.r />
  Ellie’s cheeks burned. She looked at his face. “What did you do to keep busy?”

  “Worked on my app. I also toured the horse barn with Brooklyn and Meg. No place on this ranch is undecorated.”

  “Your room is the exception.”

  “I took down the Ebenezer sign.”

  “I can’t believe Roger followed through on that.”

  “Look what he gave me before he left.” Josiah walked to the wet bar, opened a paper bag, and pulled out a Santa hat with a name—not his—embroidered across the front. “Know a Joe who might want this?”

  She wanted to see two of her favorite things—a shirtless Josiah and Christmas—together. “Put it on. Please.”

  “Not going to happen.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Siena saved the day by giving me a massage. I’ve booked appointments every other day for the rest of the month.”

  Ellie would have to add those things to his list. She couldn’t wait to hear what Siena thought of him. Her bunkmate had seen more of Josiah than her. Lucky duck. “I knew you’d like it.”

  “You did.” He rolled his shoulders. “What brings you by so early?”

  “It’s after ten.”

  A sheepish grin formed. “Guess I slept in.”

  “That’s good.” She brought his present around to the front. “Eliza from the Bramble House B&B dropped this off for you.”

  Josiah didn’t reach for the box. “What is it?”

  “A gift.”

  He eyed it warily. “You know this Eliza well?”

  “Yes, she’s a very nice woman.” Ellie shoved the present into his hand. “It’s not a bomb or something dangerous.”

  “I like to be cautious.”

  Then maybe he should put on a shirt. Though she hoped he wouldn’t, even if it meant trying to focus on the red ribbon and not his bare chest.

  “Take your time,” she said. “But if someone gave me a pretty present, I’d have it unwrapped.”

  “I’m not a Christmas elf like you.”

  She was the opposite of him, but that made things interesting.

  Josiah removed the ribbon, carefully unknotting the bow rather than ripping it off like she would.

  She moved closer. Curiosity about the gift, she told herself. Not his bare chest. Or how great he smelled.