A Cowboy's Kiss

by Vicki Lewis Thompson

“Any minute, now. But we’ll be fine. It’s fun to ride when it’s snowing.” Kendra glanced at her. “Have you ever done it?”

  “Never. I’ve only ridden in the summer.”

  “Then you’re in for a treat. I don’t recommend going out in a blizzard, but that’s not what the weather channel predicted. Just follow Luke. He’ll lead us back home.”

  He’d pulled up his horse and was waiting for them. “You doing okay, Abigail?”

  “I’m doing fabulously, Luke.”

  He smiled. “Glad to hear it. I thought you might like this.”

  “I do. Very much.” Oh, yeah, she liked it all right, especially when he gave her a smile that lit her up inside.

  Flakes drifted down, placing cool kisses on her cheeks and gathering in Strawberry’s mane. The horses’ breath fogged the air as Luke clucked to the gelding and wheeled him around. She nudged Strawberry forward.

  Enclosed in a snow-globe world, she kept her gaze on the broad-shouldered cowboy riding ahead of her on the black and white Appaloosa. He sat easy in the saddle, one gloved hand on the reins and the other resting on his thigh. Snow dusted his sheepskin jacket, his black Stetson and the spotted flanks of his horse.

  She’d happily follow this cowboy… anywhere.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Luke had been a fan of riding through snow ever since he could remember. Nothing beat being out in it, especially if it wasn’t a brutal storm. Coming inside to build a fire and heat up a meal was the perfect finish to a chilly ride.

  Abigail’s obvious enjoyment sharpened his pleasure. Exactly what he’d been going for—a chance to share an experience that had nothing to do with her business or his. Kendra had told him to follow his instincts, and in this case, he’d made a good call.

  Delilah had loved being out there, too. She was one wet dog when Luke carried her into the laundry room to dry her off with the towels Kendra gave him. By the time he’d made the pup suitable for lying on Kendra’s hardwood floor, Kendra and Abigail had built a fire, warmed the stew and brewed coffee.

  They brought their meal into the living room so they could gather around the fire. Delilah chose a place near the hearth, Kendra settled into an easy chair and Luke joined Abigail on the couch.

  “Perfect timing.” Kendra glanced out the window. “It’s coming down harder, now.”

  “I feel like a pioneer woman,” Abigail said. “Here we sit by the fire sheltered by the walls of a log cabin. Or a log ranch house, I guess you’d have to say.”

  “I’ve always loved that about this place.” Kendra glanced around. “I’ve lived here for so long that sometimes I forget how special it is. Thanks for reminding me. It’s probably the coziest in weather like this.”

  “I’m glad you heat the barns.” Abigail cradled her coffee mug in both hands. “It’s nice to know the horses are all snug and warm, too.”

  “They’d be fine if we didn’t heat it, though. We’re spoiling them a little, but I’m a softie when it comes to our animals.”

  “What about the chickens?” Luke had seen the elaborate chicken coop out back but that wouldn’t be very warm right now.

  “Trevor installed a heater in the henhouse a couple of months ago. Those chickens are extremely pampered, too.” She shrugged. “If my critters are happy, I’m happy.”

  Luke chuckled. “I can see that. And the chicken craze is spreading. Trevor said Olivia wants some and Badger does, too, once he’s settled somewhere.”

  “I’ve never baked with freshly laid eggs.” Abigail picked up her bowl of stew. “I wonder how much difference that would make.”

  “You could try it this spring,” Kendra said. “If everyone gets chickens, we’ll be up to our eyeballs in eggs.”

  “Then I’ll plan on it.” She paused. “You know, two weeks ago, I wouldn’t have said that. Instead I’d be wondering if I’d still be in operation this spring.” She smiled at Luke. “But things are looking up.”

  Oh, man, did he love the sparkle in her eyes. “They sure are. You should tell Kendra about the new coffee menu. That’s exciting.”

  “You’re doing something new with coffee?”

  “We will be by Thursday morning.” Abigail laid out the plans for Pie in the Sky’s newest offering.

  As she talked, Kendra’s expression grew more animated. “That’s brilliant,” she said when Abigail finished. “Just what you need.”

  “Luke’s idea.”

  “Good one, Luke.” Kendra gave him a thumbs-up.

  “Thanks.”

  “And the Whine and Cheese Club will want to support it. We all love interesting beverages.”

  “That would be lovely,” Abigail said. “I’ll be happy to see all of you whenever you can come by.”

  “I was thinking about something a little more proactive than just coming by, but I’ll need your permission before we spring into action.”

  “Action?” Abigail looked bewildered. “What kind of action?”

  “Not sure yet. I’m making this up on the fly. What time do you open?”

  “Six.”

  “Hm. Okay. Jo and I can be there, no problem. Judy gets up early, too. Deidre and Christine are the sleepyheads, but we’ll roust ‘em out.”

  “I’d be honored to serve the Whine and Cheese Club on our first morning. That would be special. But you don’t have to show up at six.”

  “We wouldn’t be there to sit around and drink coffee, although I’m sure we’ll gulp down our share.” She gazed at Abigail. “What would you think about the five of us taking turns standing out on the sidewalk encouraging people to come in and try the coffee?”

  “You mean like a carnival barker?”

  “Exactly. In costume or not, your call, but either Judy or Christine has a bullhorn left over from their PTA carnival days. Can’t remember who has it, but we used it one year to sell raffle tickets at an ENHS football game.”

  “You’d go to all that trouble?”

  “What trouble? This kind of stunt is how we get our kicks. I just don’t want you to be horrified if we make fools of ourselves outside your bakery Thursday morning.”

  “Of course I wouldn’t be horrified! I’d be grateful! But I can’t believe you’d take your time and energy for my coffee plan.”

  “Supporting worthy local endeavors is what we do.” She glanced at Luke. “What do you think? Too crazy?”

  He grinned. “It’ll be a riot. The town loves you guys. Great idea.”

  “Thank you. Personally, I favor the idea of costumes, maybe with a Valentine theme since it’ll be the first of February.”

  “Valentine costumes.” Abigail spooned up a mouthful of stew. “I have no idea what that would look like.”

  “Me, either,” Kendra said. “But the Whine and Cheese Club loves a challenge.”

  “Good. I need all the help I can get.”

  Luke couldn’t be happier with this new alliance. Abigail had caught the ball and run with it. Now Kendra and her friends were getting into the act. Positive steps in the right direction

  The snow had let up a little by the time they finished lunch. After they worked together on the cleanup, he hugged Kendra goodbye and walked Abigail to her SUV.

  Delilah bounded along beside them.

  Abigail glanced at her. “Have you finally decided that you have a dog, now?”

  “Let’s just say I’ve accepted that I’m the guardian of a dog.” He described the flyer incident and his conclusion about the people who’d lost Delilah.

  “They don’t sound very committed to her. I’m glad you’ve decided to hang tough if another flyer shows up. Although I don’t think it will. Not one in good shape, anyway.”

  “I agree with you, but still, I—”

  Delilah gave a little yip and pranced around, as if she wanted to play.

  “I know, I know. I need to get you a Frisbee. Or a tennis ball.”

  “Or this.” Abigail picked up a stick and knocked it against her boot to get the snow off. “Here, Delilah.
Fetch!” She threw the stick a good twenty yards away and the dog raced after it.

  “Good arm, lady!”

  “I used to love doing this with our dogs.”

  Luke smiled. “I hope you still do, because here she comes, ready for more.”

  “That’s okay. It’ll wear her out.” She accepted the stick and ruffled the dog’s ears. “Good dog. Go get it!” She tossed it so energetically that her hood fell back, exposing her tousled hair.

  Good thing he was wearing gloves. The urge to reach over and touch those silky curls nearly overwhelmed him. “But you probably want to get home. This is your free day.”

  She glanced at him. “And I’ve loved spending it with you.” Her gaze, softened by the muted light of the snow clouds, met his for an instant. Then she returned her focus to the dog. “Hey, Delilah! That’s it, bring it back. Good dog!” She threw the stick again.

  His chest tightened. “I’ve loved spending it with you, too.”

  “That’s nice to hear.” She kept her attention on Delilah, who came back wearing a snow beard and mustache from burrowing in the snow to get the stick. “Look at you, silly girl! Tired yet? No? Okay, then, fetch!” She drew back her arm and hurled the stick.

  “And I’m glad we went on this ride today.”

  “Me, too. It’s been amazing.” She took the stick from Delilah. “Aha! You’re panting, now, aren’t you, doggie? Okay, once more.” She made her best throw yet before turning to him. “I can’t thank you enough for setting this up. It’s been wonderful. Kendra inspires me.”

  “Me, too.”

  “Am I right that her parents died when she was young like me?” A stray snowflake landed on her cheek and left a moist spot.

  He longed to kiss her there. “That’s what I hear.” But he wouldn’t be satisfied with a kiss on the cheek. Moisture from the snow made her mouth glisten, too, and that was where the real treasure lay.

  “She’s very kind.”

  “Yes, she is.” In this light, Abigail’s eyes were more green than gold. Hypnotized by the warmth in her gaze, he stepped closer.

  Her breath caught. “Luke…”

  He blinked and moved back. “Sorry.”

  “Don’t be.” Her voice blended with the whisper of the pines. “But I should go.”

  He nodded.

  Delilah had other ideas. She dropped the stick at Abigail’s feet and looked expectant, tail wagging.

  “I have to leave, girl.” Abigail picked up the stick and handed it to Luke. “Get him to throw it for you.” She stroked the dog’s head. “I’ll see you soon.”

  “Saturday after closing, right?” Nearly a full week. “I’ll bring her if it’s still all right.”

  “Please bring her. I’d be sad if you didn’t.”

  “She’d be sad, too.”

  “Listen, do you want to come by for a latte on Thursday?” She opened the driver’s door.

  “I just might do that. How could I miss seeing the Whine and Cheese Club show?”

  She smiled. “Exactly.” She started to get in but there was a dog in the way. “Uh-oh. Here we go again.”

  “Delilah, come.”

  Reluctantly, the dog returned and stood beside him.

  “It’s nice to be wanted.”

  He glanced at Abigail. “Don’t ever doubt it.”

  She sucked in a breath.

  He held her gaze for a moment before scooping Delilah into his arms and moving away from the SUV. “See you Thursday.”

  “Looking forward to it.” She slid behind the wheel, quickly closed the door and was on her way.

  Luke held onto Delilah until the SUV disappeared around a curve in the road. He didn’t trust her not to run after it. “You really like her, don’t you, pup?”

  Delilah whined.

  “Yeah, well, so do I, dog.” He let out a breath and put her down. “So do I.” He picked up the stick at his feet. “Here you go, girl.” Going into a full windup, he tossed the stick a respectable distance. “Fetch!”

  Delilah sat looking at him as if he was one doughnut shy of a dozen.

  He laughed. “Or don’t.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Abigail anticipated a busy morning so she asked Yolanda and Doug to show up at five-thirty to prep the shop. Yolanda was right on time, her dark hair tucked into a neat bun, her white blouse and dark slacks crisp and clean. Abigail thanked her for making the effort.

  “No problem! This coffee thing is a great idea. I—oh, here comes Doug. Gee, he’s only like, two minutes late, which is amazing, considering.”

  Abigail laughed. “Sure is. Hey, Doug! Thanks for getting here so early.”

  “You bet.” He shrugged out of his coat. His blond hair was wet, his shirt was wrinkled and the hem of his jeans looked as if he’d plowed through snowdrifts on his way to the shop. “I’m excited about this coffee deal. So are my friends. They’ll be in.”

  “That’s great. Thanks.”

  “I can’t wait until Ingrid trains me to be a barista.” He snapped his fingers in the air as if he had castanets. “Love the concept.”

  Abigail laughed. “Good.”

  “This is the best job I ever had and it’s getting even better.”

  Yolanda nodded. “I so agree.”

  “Me, too!” Ingrid called from over by the coffee machine.

  A knock came at the front door and Doug glanced toward it. “Holy crap! What’s that?”

  “Has to be one of the Whine and Cheese ladies, but I can’t tell which one.” She hurried to the door.

  Someone stood outside in a red parka, red mittens and red ski pants. The shape was female but the parka’s hood covered her hair and she’d drawn big lipstick hearts on each cheek. A giant heart sprouted from the top of her head, secured by a plastic headband jammed over the hood.

  Abigail peered at the person’s eyes. McGavin blue. “Kendra?”

  “Yes, ma’am!”

  “Great outfit.”

  “Isn’t it? I would’ve sewn white lace on the parka but it’s not mine. I borrowed it from Luke’s mom.”

  “I’ve seen Virginia in that.”

  “Me, too, which is why I thought to ask if I could borrow it. And the pants.” She glanced back toward the street. “Let me get the others. They didn’t want to climb out until the door was open. Wusses.” She beckoned to the occupants of a white van with a Wild Creek Ranch logo on the door.

  The van door slid back and four women carefully eased out. Three of them wore pink coffee cups with holes cut out for their arms, legs, and faces.

  Once they came inside and the staff gathered to admire the costumes, Kendra explained that Judy was small, Deidre was medium and Christine was large. The cups bore sayings like I love you a latte and Espresso your feelings.

  Jo was a giant coffee bean covered in lacy valentines and the slogan I’ve always bean yours.

  Doug grinned. “Awesome creativity. You ladies are cool.”

  “Wonderful costumes,” Yolanda said. “But they don’t look very warm.”

  “Never fear,” Deidre said. “We have on thermal underwear.”

  “And I have a hat.” Judy pulled on one with earflaps. She’d attached a cardboard disk to the top and piled it with cotton. “Whipped cream.”

  “Not bad,” Deidre said, “but I have steam.” The white crepe paper streamers attached to her knit hat came alive and danced in the air above her head.

  Judy stared at the fluttering streamers. “How’d you do that?”

  “Professional secret.”

  “Now I feel lame,” Christine said. “I didn’t embellish the top of my cup.”

  “Hang on, hang on,” Ingrid said. “We still have the white packing paper this beauteous coffee machine was shipped in. Let me get it.” She came back with an armful of the wrinkled paper and stapled it around the rim of Christine’s cup. “There you go. Foam.”

  “Excellent. Thanks.”

  The bell on the front door jingled and Ellie Mae Stockton, the eight
y-something clerk from Pills and Pop walked in. “What in the name of all that’s holy is going on here?”

  “Hi, Ellie Mae.” Abigail smiled at her. “These lovely ladies have offered to take turns standing on the sidewalk with a bullhorn to bring in customers.”

  Ellie Mae glanced around. “Damn, wish I’d known you were doing that. I could’ve rigged up some outfit or other. And there’s nothing I like better than using a bullhorn. Takes me back.”

  Doug perked up. “Yeah? To what?”

  “Crowd control in Hollywood, sonny boy. Loved that job. The idea is to keep a large crowd from turning into an unruly mob. Once that happens, it’s almost impossible to restore order.”

  “We don’t want an unruly mob,” Deidre said. “Any tips?”

  “You won’t have an unruly mob in Eagles Nest. Folks around here don’t panic easily. But I would love to get my hands on that bullhorn.”

  “Then you should kick this thing off.” Christine handed it to her. “It’s six o’clock. Let’s rock and roll!”

  “Yee-haw!” Ellie Mae took the bullhorn and headed outside. In seconds, she was back. “I forgot to ask. What am I supposed to say, Abigail?”

  “Just sell the product. Things like Wake up your taste buds! Tired of the same old grind? Hankering for a better morning joe? One sip and you’ll be hooked! Like that.”

  Ellie Mae nodded. “How about Get your butt in here or you’ll regret it?”

  Doug snorted.

  “That works, too.” She walked over and laid her hand on Ellie Mae’s arm. “You have the bullhorn. Use it as you see fit.”

  “Oh, boy.” Ellie Mae grinned. “This’ll be fun. Eagles Nest, here I come!” She sailed out the door.

  Abigail stared after her. “I hope turning her loose wasn’t a mistake.”

  Kendra started to laugh. “You already have a shop full of middle-aged women in gonzo costumes. How much crazier can it get?”

  Brakes screeched outside, followed by a shouting match. One of the participants sounded like Ellie Mae.

  Barreling out the door, Abigail found her in the street nose-to-nose with an elderly man. His fifties Chevy sat there, engine idling and driver’s door standing open.