Champagne and Cowboys

by Donna Michaels

  “It does sound a whole lot better when you put it that way,” she said.

  “As for the holiday,” he continued, “Maybe you won’t be skiing, but there’s plenty of other things to do.”

  “Like what?”

  “We have a big party out at my family ranch every Christmas Eve, bon fires, sleigh rides and caroling. You’re invited… as long as you promise not to sing.” His mouth twitched. “I’d hate for my dogs to cry.”

  “You have dogs? What kind?”

  “Mostly hunting breeds,” he said.

  “We had hunting dogs too,” she said. “My daddy and granddaddy used them to hunt raccoons.

  “Raccoons?” he repeated with a look of surprise.

  “Yup. Lots of people coon hunt in North Carolina.”

  “Wait a minute. I thought you said you were from Florida.”

  “I live there but I grew up in Rocky Slope, North Carolina,” she explained. “I moved away after college but most of my family still lives around those parts.”

  He shook his head with a chuckle. “You sure are full of surprises. I had you pegged as a city girl.”

  “Why? Because I like pretty clothes and expensive shoes? I have a lot of different interests. You’ve got to quit judging books by their covers,” she said. “So what’s my movie, cowboy? You haven’t even made a guess.”

  He hadn’t the foggiest clue and didn’t even care anymore. He just wanted to keep talking to her. Whether he won or lost, he was going to be spending more time with her, which is what he really wanted.

  “C’mon, Griff,” she challenged. “What does a twenty-nine-year old, divorced, pork-loving, coon-hunting, action adventure aficionado like to watch during the holidays?”

  He laughed outright. “Damn, it sure sounds good when you put it all together like that. You’re probably the fantasy woman of half the men I know.” Himself included.

  “You still haven’t made a guess.” She tapped the folded paper.

  “Okay. I admit it. You’ve got me stumped.”

  “Not even a wild guess?” she asked.

  “Nope.” He shook his head.

  “Okay.” She sighed and tore the paper in half.

  “Wait a minute! You aren’t going to tell me?”

  “Nope.” She slowly shook her head. “You had your chance. Now you’re destined to remain…unsatisfied.”

  Unsatisfied? WTF? He suddenly recalled all the suggestive remarks he’d made earlier when he’d carried her up the stairs and it all clicked. She was subtle, but he had no doubt she was paying him back in kind.

  “Maybe, maybe not,” he said, honing in on her mouth.

  Her tongue darted over her lips.

  He’d been waiting for such a sign. He moved in closer.

  Her gaze flickered. “You didn’t tell me yours,” she said.

  “Tell you what?” he asked, suddenly confused. His mind had already moved on to other things—like her sweet beckoning lips.

  “Your favorite holiday movie. What’s yours?”

  “I dunno,” he replied. “I s’pose I like comedies the best at this time of year. Maybe Home Alone or A Christmas Story. Those two always make me laugh.”

  “What do you think of Just Friends?” she asked.

  Griff pulled back and considered her question. Was she only talking about the movie or was she trying to politely push him away? “That one’s a romantic comedy,” he answered. “I haven’t had any reason to watch one of those for quite a while.”

  “What do you mean, a reason?”

  “I told you why men watch them.”

  “For sex?” she said. “Are you saying you haven’t…?”

  “It’s been a long time…” he replied slowly, watching her face.

  She swallowed hard. “Me too…But I don’t… I mean I haven’t ever….”

  Now or never, Griff. This time, he didn’t give her a chance to finish. He tipped her face up and moved in, intent on claiming the lips he’d been thinking about almost from the moment he’d carried her up the stairs.

  Cassidy’s pulse raced as Griff’s gaze fixed on her mouth. She drew in a breath of anticipation, knowing what was about to happen, but unable to bring herself to resist it. Did she want the kiss? Her mind said it would be a mistake but her body wasn’t listening. She leaned toward him, eyes closed and mouth softly parted. Their lips were only a hairs breadth apart when the door rattled. She jerked back with a gasp.

  Griff mumbled a curse as Liz and Mandy entered.

  “Did we…er… interrupt something?” Liz asked, her eyes darting between them and then widening in speculation.

  “Griff just brought me some pizza,” Cassidy blurted, feeling the heat of a flush.

  “I see,” Liz said a little too knowingly.

  “He was just leaving,” Cassidy said.

  Griff made no reply, just rose and grabbed his hat.

  “Thanks for checking on her, Griff,” Liz said.

  “Happy to oblige,” Griff replied gruffly. “Good night, ladies.” At the door, he turned back to Cassidy. “I’ll be gone for the next couple of days to spend Christmas with my family, but when I come back I intend to make good on that wager.”

  “There’s no need,” Cassidy said, already dreading the questions that would follow Griff’s departure.

  “Yeah, there is,” he answered. “I always pay my debts.”

  “Wager? What’s this about a wager?” Liz asked as soon as the door closed behind him.

  “Yeah, what’s going on between you and the cowboy?” Mandy echoed.

  “There isn’t anything going on. He just came by with a pizza and we talked for a while.”

  “That’s not what it looked like.” Mandy looked unconvinced. “You are so busted, Cass!”

  “It was nothing!” Cassidy insisted. “We were just playing a silly game.”

  “And you won? What did you win?” Mandy asked.

  “He volunteered to be my slave for a day,” Cassidy mumbled.

  “Really?” Liz’s brows arched. “Now that sounds like a game I’d like to play.”

  “I’m not going to take him up on it if that’s what you’re thinking.”

  “Why not?” Liz asked. “I sure would.” She chortled. “And I’d start by handcuffing him to the bed.”

  Cassidy exhaled a huff of exasperation. Although she couldn’t deny her attraction to the hot cowboy, she had no intention of letting it go any further. She just wished he wasn’t so close by. It was going to be damned hard to avoid him, especially if Liz and Mandy had decided to play matchmaker.

  “I told you I’m not ready to get involved with anyone, let alone some guy I’m never going to see again. Wanna watch a movie?” Cassidy asked, hoping to end the discussion.

  “Sure,” Liz replied. “How about one of those old holiday films. I just love White Christmas, don’t you?”

  Chapter Four

  Leaning on one crutch, Cassidy hobbled sleepily into the kitchen to find Liz already up and sipping coffee. “Good morning,” Cassidy said cheerily. Liz glanced up wearing a frown. “Is something wrong, Liz?” Cassidy asked.

  Liz rose and poured Cassidy a steaming cup of coffee. “I’m afraid I got some really bad news last night.”

  “Oh? What’s happened?” Cassidy asked.

  “My mom called, nearly hysterical. My dad’s had a heart attack. They admitted him last night to Miami General.”

  “Oh Liz!” Cassidy exclaimed. “I am so sorry. How is he doing?”

  “He’s scheduled for a heart cath, which means I need to be on the next flight to Miami. Mom is barely keeping it together. She depends on him far too much. I don’t know what we’ll do if something happens to him.”

  “What about Mandy?” Cassidy asked. “Is she staying here or going back with you?”

  “She’s coming with me. I’m so sorry about all this, Cass. I feel terrible about bailing out on you after inviting you for the holidays. You’re welcome to remain here as long as you like, but with Ch
ristmas only two days away, I hate the idea of leaving you all alone.”

  “Don’t worry about me,” Cassidy said. “You have enough on your shoulders with your dad.”

  “But what are you going to do?” Liz asked.

  “I don’t know,” Cassidy replied with a sigh. “I could go to North Carolina, but traveling is bad enough this time of year without the complications of an injury. I’d rather give my ankle a few more days to heal before I put any stress on it.”

  “Is it really okay with you if I stay here for a while longer?” Cassidy asked.

  “Absolutely!” Liz replied. “The place will be vacant until mid-January, and if you need anything, Griff will be close by. He’s a really good guy, Cass. I wouldn’t trust just anyone with my best friend. I know he’ll look after you.”

  “I thought he was going home for Christmas,” Cassidy remarked.

  “He is but he called this morning inviting us out to his ranch tomorrow. He said they do a big old fashioned thing with sleigh rides and everything on Christmas Eve. I told him about my dad, but I think you should go.”

  Cassidy shook her head. “I’m not about to crash their family gathering. I’m fine spending a few days by myself. I don’t mind the peace and quiet at all. It’s just the change I was looking for. To be truthful, I’m enjoying it. You just take care of your family and don’t fret about me.”

  “I’m still going to give him a call and let him know what we’ve decided,” Liz insisted.

  A few hours later Cassidy watched Liz and Mandy drive off in the rented SUV. In her rush, Liz hadn’t thought of transportation for Cassidy, but she’d deal with that on an as needed basis. Hopefully, she’d be well enough to rent a car in a few days and drive herself around. In the meantime, she’d just have to survive on delivery and whatever was stocked in the pantry. Truth be told, she hoped she wouldn’t need to call Griff for anything. After the other night, the last thing she needed was more time alone with the sexy cowboy. Liz’ absence would make it far too easy to give in to temptation. She still didn’t know what would have transpired if Liz and Mandy hadn’t barged in when they had. Would she have stopped at a single kiss? She couldn’t answer that. If he kissed as well as he seemed to do everything else, probably not. It would be best if he stayed out on his ranch and well out of reach.

  Griff was in the kitchen with his nephew stealing fresh baked cookies when his phone rang. “Griff here,” he answered.

  “Hey Griff. It’s Liz Lovett again. It seems we’ve had a change of plans. Mandy and I are still flying home, but Cassidy’s going to stay here in Jackson for a while. I was hoping you wouldn’t mind looking in on her, at least until she’s able to get around on her own.”

  “Sure thing,” Griff said. “I don’t mind a bit, but I was planning to spend Christmas Eve out here with my family. Is there any chance she’d come?”

  “She says she doesn’t want to impose, but I suspect she isn’t completely immune to your powers of persuasion.”

  “I got that message loud and clear, Miz Lovett. You don’t worry about her. I’ll see that she’s looked after properly. You just take care of your family, okay?”

  “Thanks, Griff. I owe you. I’ll call again as soon as I have news.”

  Griff ended the call wondering if he should phone Cassidy and invite her personally but then decided that face-to-face was the best way to manage a positive outcome. She’d be far less likely to refuse knowing he drove into town to get her. He reached for another sugar cookie and got his hand slapped. “Keep it up and there won’t be any left for the party,” Denise scolded.

  “I don’t get it. Aren’t they meant to be eaten?”

  “After we decorate them,” Denise said.

  “But I like ’em just fine without all that frosting and sprinkles.”

  “That’s not the point. Decorating cookies is a Christmas tradition.”

  “You have far too many rules, Denise. The holiday would be more fun if you weren’t such a tyrant.”

  His sister-in-law spun to face him. “I’m not being a tyrant, Griff! I just like traditions. There’s a big difference.”

  “Maybe so, but I have to wonder if your pissy mood is really because you haven’t heard from Derrick yet.”

  “Yes! Dammit!” She threw the spatula down and flung herself into his arms with a sob. “He promised me he’d be home for Christmas. It isn’t just about me,” she said. “I feel much worse for the kids.”

  “This is a crazy time of year,” Griff said, awkwardly stroking her back while she cried. “The weather screws things up. Flights get delayed. But he promised, so you just gotta have faith that he’ll be here. It’s not Christmas yet. He still may show up,” Griff consoled. He prayed that Derrick would make good on his promise.

  It was several minutes before her hiccups ceased. She drew back, wiping her face with a sniff, her normal stoicism returned. “I’m sorry, for the meltdown, Griff. It’s just been so hard. It’s almost worse knowing he’s coming home. The anticipation is making me crazy.”

  “I’ll be all right. You’ll see.” He gave her a squeeze and released her. “I’ve got a small favor to ask.”

  “What’s that?”

  “I need to go into town and take care of some things. It’s possible that I’ll be bringing someone back with me. Do you think you could ready a guest cabin for her?”

  Denise’s eyes widened. “Her? You and Jessica haven’t gotten back together have you?”

  “No,” he said. “Last I heard she got her wish and was engaged to a CPA.”

  “I thought she wanted a lawyer.”

  “I don’t think she much cared as long as he was a professional with a big bank account,” he replied bitterly. “The person I intend to bring back is Cassidy Cantrell, a friend of Liz Lovett’s. Liz had a family emergency and had to fly back to Miami, so she asked me to look after her friend.”

  “Ah. So it’s just a favor to Liz?” Denise didn’t look convinced.

  He shrugged. “More or less.”

  “What does she look like?” Denise asked.

  “What does it matter?”

  Denise arched a brow. “Why so evasive, Griff? It was a simple question.”

  “You’ll see her soon enough.”

  “Uh huh,” she replied with a knowing smile.

  “What?”

  “You’re interested in her.”

  “So what if I am?” he said.

  “I think it’s great that you’re into her, but won’t a big family gathering scare her off?”

  “That’s why I want to put her in a cabin—so she won’t be overwhelmed.”

  “Why not just let her use your place?”

  “Because she needs her own space.”

  “You could always stay here at the house. I think that would be a whole lot simpler than trying to open and clean up a cabin that’s been closed up all season.”

  “You’ve got a point.” Griff sighed. “But my place is a real mess.”

  “Don’t worry about that, Griff.” Denise’s smile broadened. “Mom and I’ll take care of everything.”

  “Did I ever tell you how great you are?”

  “You mean when I’m not being a pissy, tyranical bitch?” she asked archly.

  He pursed his lips and shook his head. “I never actually said the word ‘bitch’. I gotta run now.” He kissed her cheek and snatched two more cookies, giving gave one to Kaden and shoving the other into his mouth. “One for the road,” he declared with a parting grin.

  After only half a day alone, Cassidy was going out of her mind with boredom. She’d planned on catching up on some reading, but found herself far too distracted by her own thoughts. After reading the same page three times, she finally tossed her Kindle down with a frustrated huff. The cowboy was out of sight but he certainly wasn’t out of mind. Should she call and accept his invitation? Part of her wanted to, but she just couldn’t bring herself to pick up the phone. She didn’t want to appear needy, or worse, helpless and clingy.
She’d just have to find a way to entertain herself.

  Although she was moving around fairly well with only one crutch, a trip to the town square was still out of the question. She wasn’t sure she could even safely navigate the snow covered stairs, let alone fight the last minute gift shoppers. The stairs really scared her. The last thing she needed was another fall. She glanced out the window with a sigh, wondering what she was doing in Wyoming and what the hell she was going to do with the rest of her life. Twilight was setting in, painting the sky a glorious shade of pink and casting the mountains in purple-hued shadows. She stood for a moment watching the trails dotted with skiers and wishing she could join them, until inspiration drove her to grab her camera.

  After pulling on a bulky sweater, Cassidy went out to the balcony to try to capture the beauty of the sun setting over the Tetons. After snapping numerous pictures, she propped her hip on the balcony rail and inhaled deeply of evergreen scented air so frosty that it burned her lungs. No doubt about it, she’d been in the south too long. Although she was shivering, she wasn’t quite ready to go back inside. She still wished she could take a trip into one of the parks to take some wildlife shots. She hoped she’d be able to move around better soon.

  She was just about to go back inside when she spotted Griff coming up the stairs. What was he doing back in Jackson so close to Christmas? Although she’d tried to convince herself she didn’t want to see him again, he was a very welcome sight. He glanced up and caught her watching him and returned a warm smile that made her pulse give a happy little skip. She hurried to the mirror to check herself. She was a mess but not half as bad as the last time he’d seen her. At least this time her hair was brushed and she had on a light touch of makeup. Why did he always have to take her by surprise like this? Oh well, if she hadn’t scared him off by now…

  Seconds later he knocked on the door. She opened to find him leaning against the casing.

  “Hey Cassidy,” he greeted her with that honeyed-brandy baritone that seemed to touch every nerve. She imagined what that voice would sound like murmuring naughty things low in her ear. The thought alone incited tiny quivers deep in her belly. She shook it off. Thoughts like that could lead her to very dangerous places. “Griff? What are you doing back in town?”