Champagne and Cowboys

by Donna Michaels

  “It did scare me.”

  “It would have scared anyone. I’m glad you called me. I have to admit I thought of you every day while you were gone. I picked up the phone more than once to call you.”

  “Why didn’t you?” she whispered.

  “I figured you had a brand new life and you didn’t need me.”

  “I know you want me to leave the ranch. I’ll be gone before Christmas.” A chilled wind blew and rattled the windows.

  “I don’t want you to spend Christmas alone. Besides Belle will have a fit.”

  She smiled. “I’ll think about it. It’s only a few days away.”

  “I have to warn you. Belle loves to decorate and if she can drag you into it, she will.” He smiled hoping to drive some of the worry from her face. “You don’t like Christmas?”

  “I used to a very long time ago. Holidays were a time for Andy to get drunker and nastier than usual. This past Christmas I was home and it was too much for me. They had presents they’d bought me every year I was gone. It broke my heart reliving their heartbreak all those years. It also broke my heart when they stared at me unwrapping the presents. The ones from the first year I was gone were the hardest. I would have loved them, but they weren’t me anymore. There was an art set. Paper, oil paints, pencils, everything I would have treasured, but I couldn’t stand to look at it. The first time I drew around Andy he broke my hand. Everything my parents did to make me happy did the opposite and it brought them more grief.”

  “I’m so sorry.”

  “Thanks. I disappointed everyone by not being who I was, and they didn’t understand. So many things brought back memories of torture.” A tear trailed down her face. “Even an apple. Andy thought it would be fun to have me bite the apple and keep it in my mouth as he called me a pig. The Psychiatrist said it was because while it was happening, I was pretending it wasn’t happening and this was the first time I’d allowed myself to think of what he did to me. Whatever the reason, no one was happy. It was as though my being there sucked the happiness right out of people. I couldn’t take it anymore.”

  He wiped away her tears and wrapped both arms around her. He waited for her to flinch, but she immediately relaxed in his arms. It felt amazing to be able to bring her comfort. “It’s getting a bit chilly out here.”

  She nodded and moved out of his embrace, grabbing the hand he offered to help her up. “Thanks for listening. I didn’t mean to burden you with my problems.”

  He gave her hand a quick squeeze. “It’s all good. I don’t mind.” The bright smile she bestowed him warmed his insides.

  Chapter Six

  “Maverick was right,” Anora told Belle three days later.

  “Right about what?”

  “He said you liked to decorate for the holiday.”

  Belle smiled and nodded. “I do it so mister moody will actually enjoy himself. If not for me he’d forget all about Christmas. He’s been the best brother a girl could ask for, and it’s the least I can do. Plus I love doing it.”

  “It has been fun. Thank you for including me.”

  “Are you kidding? You’re family now. I feel as though you’re the sister I never had.” She turned the Christmas tree lights on. “Come, let’s sit and enjoy our hard labor.”

  They both plopped down into the green chairs. “Good choice to put the tree in the library.”

  “Maverick hates the living room. The chairs are too delicate for him or so he says.”

  “I’ll need to rewrap my presents to do the tree justice.”

  Belle laughed. “Didn’t Mav tell you not to worry about presents?”

  “No presents?” Her eyebrow arched. “You’re not doing it just because of me are you?”

  Belle appeared perplexed. “We just get each other something small. It’s just something we do now we’re grown-ups. The gift of us all spending the day together, laughing and having fun is how we celebrate. We take what money we would have spent and donate it to the local children’s hospital.”

  “I love that idea. Makes for a pleasant, less pressured holiday.”

  “Exactly! Lord knows Maverick needs a day off. Sometimes I think he’s forgotten how to relax. Though he does seem to loosen up a bit when you’re here.”

  The doorbell rang and they both went to the front door. Belle opened it. “Well, Joleen, come in.”

  “I’m so glad to see you, Belle. That other woman never answers the door.” She stopped talking when she spotted Anora.

  “Have you met Anora?”

  Joleen scowled. “Yes, I have. She’s trying to keep Maverick from me.”

  “I’m sure that’s not the case is it, Anora?”

  “Truthfully, answering the door unnerves me. I was only here alone a few days before you came home, Belle. It’s nice to see you, Joleen.” She couldn’t help but study Joleen’s rear end. It was definitely padded. She’d never understand women.

  “I hope you don’t mind, but I’m inviting myself for Christmas Eve. I just don’t want to spend it alone, and I knew you’d take pity on me.”

  Belle’s eyes widened. “Well, sure why not? The more, the merrier I suppose.”

  “Oh, thank you.” Joleen took off her coat revealing a tight red sweater that showed a shocking amount of cleavage. “Now, what can I do to help?”

  “Anora has a ham in the oven and we were sitting in the library. How about a glass of wine?”

  “That would be lovely. Why don’t I lead the way while Anora gets the wine and glasses?”

  Belle and Anora exchanged amused glances. “I’ll get it while Anora shows you our tree.”

  “Yes, That would be great.” Anora led the way, gritting her teeth the whole time. There would be no relaxing with Joleen around.

  “Oh, the tree is lovely. Belle always does such a great job. I love it every year!”

  “Why don’t you have a seat?” Anora offered.

  Joleen’s eyes squinted. “Listen you’re not lady of the manor and you have no business acting like one. I’ll sit because I want to.” Anora stared at her. “Maverick would never be interested in a mouse like you. He needs a real woman.”

  “He can do whatever he likes. I have no claim on him.”

  “Who are you trying to kid? You being here is taking up all his time. Time he should be out at holiday parties and having fun. He feels bad for you like a pitiful, beaten horse. He works with those horses and finds good homes for them. Maybe he can do that for you.”

  Belle waltzed in, a bottle of wine and three glasses in her hands. What’s going on? The tension is awfully thick in here.”

  “Oh nothing,” Joleen said as she waved her hand in a dismissive manner. “We were just having a chat.”

  Belle’s eyes narrowed. “Let’s have a bit of wine and enjoy the holiday. It’s my favorite time of year.”

  “I’m surprised you don’t have big holiday gatherings in this huge house.” Joleen took the offered glass from Belle.

  Belle handed Anora a glass and smiled at her. “When my parents were alive they had parties. Maverick and I like to keep it a bit low key.”

  “That sounds wonderful too. Is that what we’ll be doing tonight? Keeping it low key?”

  Anora locked gazes with Belle and they mirrored each other’s look of dismay. “It’s usually just me, Maverick and Cooper. This year Anora will be joining us of course. And now you.”

  They all took a sip of wine and were silent for a time.

  Joleen got up and started walking around the library, touching everything, picking things up and turning them over to see where they came from. “No presents under the tree?”

  Maverick walked in with Cooper. “We don’t do presents. Cooper, whiskey?”

  “That’d be great,” he answered, his eyes drinking in the sight of Belle.

  “I’m so glad I could join you this year,” Joleen enthused.

  Maverick turned from the sideboard and stared at Belle. He took a deep breath and nodded to Joleen. “What a pleasant surp
rise.” The lack of enthusiasm in his voice almost made Anora laugh.

  “How’s your day going, Anora?” he asked.

  Her face heated, and she took another sip of wine. “It’s been one of the best I’ve had in a very long time. Belle and I finished decorating, and I haven’t laughed so much before.”

  “Before your supposed abduction?” Joleen asked giving her a pointed look.

  Anora opened her mouth and closed it again. She glanced at Belle, Cooper and finally Maverick.

  “Joleen, Anora is my guest and I expect everyone to treat her with the utmost respect.” His jaw clenched.

  “I didn’t mean anything by it. I’m sorry, Anora.”

  She nodded but her joy left. Of course, it had been since before her abduction and for a few hours being with Belle she’d forgotten about it. Now the feeling of not measuring up shrouded her. Maybe they did just pity her. They didn’t care for Joleen yet they were being polite.

  “Anora, are you okay? You have the saddest look on your face.” Maverick’s gentle voice was almost her undoing.

  Swallowing hard she nodded. “Of course I am. I’m glad to be here.” She felt the heat of Maverick’s gaze, but she didn’t dare look at him. “I have a ham in the oven if you’ll excuse me.” She put her wine glass on the table and hurried out of the room. It wasn’t Joleen’s fault, it was her own damned low self-worth. She didn’t doubt she was staying at the ranch out of pity, and Joleen was probably right, they’ll rehome her. She’d leave before that happened. She did have a house of her own. She hadn’t realized she’d become Maverick and Belle’s problem.

  She opened the oven and it smelled heavenly.

  “Need some help?” She jumped and turned.

  “You scared me. I was lost in thought.” She stared into Maverick’s eyes, looking for pity, but she didn’t see any.

  “Let me lift it out for you.”

  “I can do it myself.”

  “I know; I just want to help.” He took the potholders from her and lifted the ham out of the oven. “Where do you want it?”

  “On the counter over there.”

  Maverick nodded and put the pan on the counter. “I’m sorry Joleen made you feel unwelcome. She has a way with words, not in a good way. I’m glad you’re here. You’re not a stray I took in. I could have paid to put you up elsewhere, but I was greedy.”

  “Greedy?”

  “Yes, I wanted you here with me. I’m starting to think about you too much, and it eases my mind you are safe. Plus I have to admit I like talking with you.”

  She didn’t know what to say. Her emotions were all scattered and tightly twisted at the same time. She could be happy here, but Maverick didn’t plan to open his heart, and she couldn’t do a pretend marriage again even with the best intentions. Then there was the little problem with intimacy. She didn’t know if it as something she could do.

  “Belle sent me in here to hurry things along. I have a feeling she wants dinner done and over with and a certain guest gone,” Cooper said his eyes full of amusement. “It’s not you, Anora, she’s rude to me too. So, we eat. No mention of dessert and start yawning.”

  “It’s only six o’clock,” she protested. “Besides she only wants to be with Maverick.”

  “Hey, don’t put this on me. Who answered the door?” They all burst out laughing and hurried to get the food on the table.

  Anora smiled when Joleen sat herself next to Maverick. At one point, Maverick started to choke and Joleen gave him an adoring smile. One glance under the table and she could see Joleen trying to put her bare foot on Maverick’s lap. She gasped.

  “That’s enough, Joleen. I don’t want your foot on me,” Maverick said angrily. Joleen turned a bright shade of scarlet.

  “I know I’m done,” Belle announced as she stood up, grabbed her plate and went into the kitchen.

  “Me too.” Cooper grabbed a few plates and followed her.

  Maverick smiled at her and then at Joleen. “If you ladies will excuse me, it’s my turn to do the dishes, and then I’m hitting the hay.”

  “I’ll help you, Maverick.”

  “Joleen, it’s sweet of you to offer, but it’s tradition. It’s men only and we all go to bed early.”

  “Seriously?” Joleen sighed and seemed deflated. “Maybe tomorrow?”

  “I’m as sorry as can be but it’s a day for Belle and I.”

  “She’s going to be here,” Joleen accused as she pointed at Anora.

  “She’s family. Like I said, sorry. Here let me escort you out.”

  Anora watched Maverick take Joleen’s elbow and walk her toward the front door. She shook her head. Joleen probably wouldn’t have even stopped by if it weren’t for her. No matter what she did her actions seemed to have unintended consequences. A tear rolled down her face and she quickly dashed it away. She stood up straight, her shoulders back, vowing not to ruin their Christmas.

  Maverick returned and winked at her. “Glad that’s done. I try to be nice, really I do, but she pushed her way in.” She glanced at the floor. “Oh hell, you don’t think I see you in the same light do you? I’m glad you’re here and I hope you stay a while.”

  Her heart lightened and she met his gaze. He certainly looked sincere. “Let’s get the dishes done.”

  “Heck no. Belle and Cooper are in there getting them done. As far as I’m concerned the more time they spend alone, the better. Did she tell you she was the world’s barrel racing champ?”

  She shook her head. “She never said a word.”

  “She has a room full of trophies. I do too.” He smiled. “Would you like to come up and see them?” She stiffened and felt frozen to the spot where she stood. “Damn, I scared you didn’t I? Me and my big mouth.”

  “It’s fine, really.”

  “No, it’s not. Let’s grab our coats and look at the stars. It’s always a spectacular sight.”

  Her shoulders relaxed as she nodded. “Thanks it sounds great.” They put on their coats and walked out into the cold winter night. The stars did seem unusually bright. They walked to the empty corral and craned their necks upward.

  “I didn’t mean to upset you.”

  She put her hand on his arm. “It’s not your fault. I’m just broken, and I can’t find all the pieces to put myself back together. I don’t understand how I can feel so at peace in your arms yet ready to fly into pieces at a remark. I know you didn’t mean anything other than really showing me your trophies.”

  “Actually it was a pick up line. A joke gone wrong.”

  “You shouldn’t have to worry about what you say. You wouldn’t around a normal person.” She shrugged and put her hands in her pockets.

  “Who’s to say what is normal and what isn’t? Given all, you’ve been through I think we need to rethink what is normal. You’ll never react the same as you would have before that monster Andy took you.” A tear trailed down her face. “I didn’t mean to make you cry.”

  “It’s just no one ever called him a monster. They usually referred to him as my husband – ex-husband really. Thank you for caring. It means the world to me.” She pulled her hands out of her pockets and hugged him around his waist. The sound of his heartbeat through his heavy coat soothed her.

  “Of course I care.” Maverick stroked her back, then pulled her close. She closed her eyes as they stood there for a long time. She needed to hold on to this feeling for as long as she could. It was so much more than feeling safe, and it scared the hell out of her.

  “I think small steps are probably what you need. Heck, I loved how you showed your disapproval to Joleen. I bet the old you wouldn’t have.”

  “I would have been too afraid to say anything to her.”

  He gave her a gentle squeeze. “See you’re already finding yourself. It really must have been hard to be the same young girl your family expected you to be. You would have grown up anyway, they just missed it. Do you want to call them?”

  “Tomorrow. I promised to call for Christmas.” She step
ped away and smiled at him. “Thank you for bringing me out here. I lived in this town for many years and hardly ever saw the night sky. It’s beautiful! It amazes me, the things people take for granted. The chilled air blowing through my hair, just being out at night is a gift. I honestly don’t think I’d have gone outside at night at my house.”

  His dimples showed as he gave her one of his sexy grins. “I like seeing those things through your eyes. You bring a warmth to my life I’ve never had before. Don’t worry I’m not trying to make moves on you. It’s nice being here together as friends.”

  “Yes.” Her heart pinged. She thought she was through with men, but the one who stood in front of her was the exception. He filled her with love and hope. He made her feel like a normal woman instead of some freak. Unrequited love but it was what it was. Anyway, she knew she’d never be able to be in her husband’s bed. Andy had done unspeakable things to her, and there was no way she’d ever be intimate with a man. Besides Andy always said her body was ugly. She didn’t even look at herself after a shower. Seeing the truth of it would just crush her.

  “What is it? The look on your face is so pensive.”

  “I’m just so glad to have you and Belle in my life. I was just thinking I don’t know what I’d be doing if I were at my house. Hiding under the bed most likely.”

  “Ready to go back in? We’ll use the back door. I don’t want to interrupt Belle and Cooper. They are meant for each other, they just haven’t admitted it yet.” He took her hand and gave it a quick squeeze. “Plus you need to get up early to put the turkey in.” He laughed.

  “I already planned on it.”

  “I was teasing. Actually I usually put the turkey in and let Belle sleep, not that she does. She’s an early riser too.”

  “I haven’t figured out when people are teasing. I’m so used to commands and demands it’s hard to think someone is kidding.” He studied her for a long minute. He probably was finally realizing how damaged she was. She looked down at her feet. He’d have the look of her being too different, and she didn’t want to see it. Not yet anyway.

  “Ready to go in?”