Champagne and Cowboys

by Donna Michaels

  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. That 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?”

  He shrugged. “Don’t know. Maybe. I haven’t asked her yet.”

  “How about, Evie?”

  His pulse faltered. He’d never taken anyone to an armory function before. “Would she go?”

  “Hell yeah.” Nico smirked. “My sister is very into you. Isn’t that right, Evie?”

  Ah, hell. He spun around on his seat and watched the beauty approach.

  Did she hear that?

  Chapter Six

  A cautious grin curved her lips. “Is what right?” she asked.

  Before he had a chance to answer, her brother beat him to it. “You’d go with Lucas to the armory Christmas party this Sunday, right?”

  Dammit. He was used to doing his own asking.

  But, now that it was out there, he was forced to play along. When she stopped in front of him, set her hands on his shoulders, and still hadn’t answered, he stopped breathing.

  “I’d very much like to go with you,” she said, holding his gaze. “But not if these yahoos are putting you up to it.”

  As soon as he regained motor function, he reached out to grasp her sweet hips and smiled. “No. They’re not. I want to take you.”

  God, how he wanted to take her. Over and over.

  And over.

  But if he was going to consider seeing this woman, and take time away from spending with his sister, then he was going to do things right. Take things slow.

  A wicked gleam entered her gaze and tripped his heart.

  “I’m glad. What do you say we go get some more hot chocolate?”

  Ah, hell. She was good. The vixen had him revved up with the reference. He’d never look at the hot beverage the same again. The taste, the decadence he’d forever associate with kissing her.

  Before he could blink, she leaned in and kissed him, then stood back and smiled at the guys. “Catch you later.”

  A warm fog fuzzed his mind.

  Working on auto pilot, he slapped money on the bar to pay his tab, grabbed his coat and hat from the stool next to him, then slipped them on. Things were moving fast all of a sudden. “Yeah, later,” he repeated, before grasping the smiling beauty’s hand and heading out the door.

  He wasn’t sure he was doing the right thing, but…damn, he had a bad hankering for hot chocolate.

  “Where did you want to go?” she asked when they got outside. “We can walk to Confection Connection, it’s only two blocks away, or Gabe’s, it’s a block past that.”

  Either were good with him. They were both public. If they went somewhere private, he’d be tempted to break his intent to take things slow. And so far, he’d been breaking his intent on a lot of things.

  “Lady’s choice.” Because he needed to get his mouth on her, he brought her fingers to his lips.

  She smiled and slid her hands around his neck. “Then I choose you.”

  And hot damn, before he could reply, she tugged his mouth to hers and drank her fill.

  Soft and sweet, her lips zapped his brain cells, building a need in him he barely recognized. When they broke for air, he tightened his hold, reluctant to let go.

  “Great choice.” Enthralled, he smiled down at her, pulled in by the warmth in her eyes.

  Damn. He could get lost in those caramel depths. She made him feel good, and respected, and needed. Son-of-a-bitch, it was heady stuff.

  Especially for a poor boy who practically grew up in rags. Other than his mother and grandmother, no woman had ever gazed at him like he mattered.

  “I agree, you are a great choice,” she sai
d, slipping her arm around him, as they continued to walk down the sidewalk. “Let’s head to Jill’s shop for our drink.”

  He squeezed her hip. “Whatever you want, darlin’.”

  The privilege of being at her side made him feel ten feet tall, and he basked in the envy on every man’s face they passed.

  It was funny how life changed so quickly. One minute, he was in Texas with a bunch of great friends, but no family. Next minute, he was in Pennsylvania with a kid sister, wondering if he should take her back to Texas come the New Year. And now, a few weeks later, he had a bunch of new friends, one very special woman…and no intention of heading south.

  If he were honest with himself, his plan to ignore his attraction to Evie and just concentrate on being a brother to Missy bit the dust the second he’d held the beautiful Italian in his arms at the Wynes’ football game.

  “I’m sure we can find a great dessert here, too,” she said when they reached the shop.

  He opened the door and nodded, keeping his mouth shut as she walked in. The bombshell is not on the menu, he silently chanted.

  Theresa greeted them with a wave, and three minutes later, he carried their hot chocolates to a corner table while Evie carried a tray with a huge hunk of brownie smothered in hot fudge they were going to split.

  Although he tried to keep his thoughts pure, he faltered halfway through when a drizzle of fudge dripped down her chin. It killed him to watch her lick the decadence away. His groin tightened with each swipe of her tongue.

  She gripped the side of the tiny, round table and leaned closer. “What are you thinking?”

  He shook his head. “It’s better I didn’t say.”

  “Does it have to do with chocolate and getting naked?”

  He sucked in a breath. “Jesus, Evie, you’re killing me.”

  Heat rushed to her face. “Santo cielo! Sorry. I swear I’m never that forward. I can’t seem to help myself around you,” she confessed, making to draw back.

  “It’s all right.” He covered her hand and moved closer. “You go to my head, too. And I was thinking I’d like to drizzle you in chocolate and lick you from head to toe. And back.”

  Her hand trembled under his as her gaze filled with the same need coursing through his veins. “I…good.” She cleared her throat and glanced around the semi-crowded shop. “Maybe we should stick to a safer topic.”