Home for Christmas

by Melissa McClone

  "Can't you just say thank you?"

  "I said thank you."

  "Okay, you did," Nate admitted. "Why does there have to be a reason? Can't a person do something nice? It's Christmas. The season of giving." He studied her. "You don't seem like the bah-humbug type."

  "I'm not. I love the holidays, but I'm—"

  "Cautious. Skeptical. Suspicious."

  Scared. She added two more cookies from the container of extras to the table. "You make me sound paranoid."

  He gave her a look.

  She raised her hands. "Okay, maybe I am."

  "Not that I blame you, except when it comes to me."

  "That makes you sound like the fox in the henhouse."

  He winked. "You are a chick."

  Rachel imagined most breathing females, married or single, would call Nate Vaughn a fox. He qualified, though she preferred the term hottie in spite of the falling snow and below freezing temperature. "I shouldn't encourage you."

  "Too late."

  "Too late for what?" Ty asked, approaching the booth.

  Zack Harris was at her brother's side. "I hope we're not too late for cookies. The ones you left at the ranch are... gone." He threw a nasty look at Ty.

  Rachel ignored it, but the flattery these guys heaped on her cooking built her confidence. She'd smiled more this week than in the entire year before. She motioned to the plastic containers on the back table. "Take your pick, Zack. And thank you for—"

  "You're going to be selling the cookies and houses that took hours for Rachel to create," Nate addressed Ty and Zack with a firm voice. "Not stuffing your faces. Got it?"

  Ty snagged a gingerbread angel, then reached into his pocket and tossed a dollar on the table. "Sure thing, boss. Looks like business is good, sis."

  "No complaints," she said.

  Zack eyed a cookie. "We'll sell tons of stuff."

  She handed him an angel to eat. "The price list is on the back table along with extra stock, supplies, and the cash box. If someone buys cookies, pick them up with the tongs, wrap them in tissue paper and put them into a white box. Tie a ribbon around it."

  Zack frowned. "No one mentioned anything about ribbon tying. Only gingerbread. And snow bunnies." He shot another evil look at Ty.

  What was it with these two?

  Ty rolled his eyes. "I'll tie the ribbons. I've tied enough in Rachel's hair."

  "That was years ago," she said.

  "Doesn't seem that long ago." Ty moved behind the table. "You must be hungry if those are the only instructions you're giving us."

  She placed her hands on her hips. "So one of you thinks I'm paranoid, and the other thinks I'm bossy."

  Zack made the timeout sign. "I'm staying out of this one. I had to make my own lunch today. I'm not used to that since Rachel came. I'm mentally and physically exhausted."

  "Yes, you're bossy." Ty didn't spare his buddy a glance. "But only when something matters to you. Go eat. Zack and I have everything under control."

  "Damn straight we do." The cowboy grinned. "Especially the cookies."

  She took a step back toward her booth. "Maybe—"

  "Nope." Nate took her arm. "They only need to be told once. You're coming with me."

  Rachel found herself being pulled past the tree shaker machine, the twining machine and the long line for a ride in a quaint, horse drawn sleigh driven by Carson. The horse, a pretty chestnut mare named Star, wore bells.

  In between a line of trees decorated with multicolored lights, she glimpsed tables. A family sat at one drinking cocoa and eating her cookies. "I didn't know there was a picnic area."

  "You haven't had a chance to walk around."

  "It's been busy this morning."

  "Good thing you've got me to show you." He led her through the trees then placed the cooler on one of the empty tables. "Sit."

  Rachel did, because having someone else make her meal was a treat she was determined to savor. "What's on the menu?"

  Nate removed a plastic container and spoon. "Chili."

  "One of my favorites."

  "I know. I asked Ty."

  Rachel didn't want to be impressed, but she was. She was also starving and would rather eat than question Nate. She removed the lid and dug in.

  "It's not homemade," he said.

  "Doesn't matter." The chili heated her from the inside out. "Tastes great. Perfect for a winter day like today."

  He handed her a rectangle wrapped in aluminum foil. "Cornbread. I made it with a mix. Added can of jalapenos. Yours is better."

  "Don't be so sure of that." Mix or not, cornbread—the entire lunch—took effort.

  Thought.

  Her chest tightened. A lump burned in her throat. Nate made her feel so special. This whole day—trip, really—had been one gift after another. Rachel unwrapped the cornbread, focusing on the foil to keep herself from crying or gushing over him. She noticed had had no lunch in front of him. "Aren't you eating?"

  "I ate at the ranch, but I'll keep you company."

  A thrill shot through her. "If you have to be somewhere..."

  "I don't."

  Good. She liked his company. They'd eaten other meals together. She took a bite of the cornbread. "Yummy, with a little heat from the peppers."

  "There's more if you want it." A satisfied smile graced his lips. "Are you going to need more gingerbread for tomorrow?"

  "Depends." She wiped her mouth. "If sales keep up this afternoon, I will. If you don't mind."

  "Don't mind, but that'll make for a late drive back to town. You and Ty should stay at the ranch. No use driving to town and back when time will be tight and you're tired."

  "That would make things easier, but I don't want to be an inconvenience."

  "You're not. There's plenty of space at the house for you."

  Her brother would be staying in his room at the bunkhouse. That would leave her alone in the big house with Nate.

  All. Night. Long.

  The idea appealed to her in more ways than it should, ways that had nothing to do with his gourmet kitchen or driving distances.

  Rachel ate another bite of cornbread. She followed that with a spoonful of chili. A little spicy.

  Like her thoughts.

  But starting anything with Nate when her life was such a mess would be a bad idea, a risky one. "Um, sure. I'll talk to Ty. Make sure the logistics work."

  "Good idea," Nate agreed. "I know the perfect room for you. Fireplace, private bath, king-sized bed, gorgeous view of the mountains."

  "Sounds lovely."

  "It's two doors down from mine." His smile crinkled the corners of his eyes.

  Rachel's heart skipped two beats, one for each door that would be separating them. Maybe she was mistaking the invitation in Nate's voice, in his eyes. But maybe not. She swallowed. "Great."

  Only it wasn't.

  Two doors down from mine.

  If Ty had any idea where her mind was going right now, he'd think this was a bad idea. Not that she needed his permission to stay...

  Two doors down from mine.

  Staying at the ranch would be more convenient. Ty wouldn't have any concerns about her being in the house with Nate alone. Her brother trusted her.

  Two doors down from mine.

  The question was did Rachel trust herself with Nate?

  Back at the gingerbread booth with Rachel, Nate adjusted his gloves, waiting to hear what Ty thought about staying at the Bar V5. This was the next step in Operation: Hansel & Gretel. He'd increased visibility and sales with his first two ideas. Now he wanted to immerse Rachel into the Montana way of life by having her at the ranch 24x7.

  "Sounds good to me. I'll be able to drop Rachel off here in the morning and get back to the ranch faster." Ty picked up one of the extra pieces of cornbread. "Dusty will be happy if I'm at the bunkhouse tonight. Damn dog chased my truck nearly to the road yesterday afternoon. He doesn't like when I leave."

  Nate made a mental note to buy Dusty an extra special bone.
He didn't like when everyone said goodbye, either. The ranch house felt emptier after having Rachel in the kitchen cooking all day and the boys coming in and out for food.

  Another idea formed, crystalized. Nate exhaled. "You're welcome to stay more than one night."

  Rachel inhaled sharply. Worry flashed across her face. But her forced smile didn't waver.

  "If you think that would help Dusty and make things easier," Nate added.

  "Sure would save on gas and driving time." Ty looked at Rachel. "What do you think, kiddo?"

  "Let's see how tonight goes," she said. "Make sure I'm not intruding on Nate too much."

  He wanted her to intrude. That was part of his problem. He wanted her around as much as he wanted Ty.

  More, actually. In a different way.

  Ty's sister, Nate reminded himself. "It's up to you."

  If it were up to him, he would her drive to Marietta after she finished up here and help her pack.

  "Right now, I need to sell gingerbread." She shooed them away as if her hands were a horse's tail and they were flies. "Get back to the Bar V5. Do whatever cowboys do."

  Nate needed to check the room she'd be using. A housecleaner came twice a week during the off-season, but he would turn on the gas fireplace and set a chocolate on her pillow to make her feel welcome.

  "Come on, boss." Ty slapped Nate's shoulder. "The kid has spoken. If we listen to her, we might get a hot breakfast tomorrow morning before she has to be back here."

  Zack's grin took ten years off his face. "Chocolate chip pancakes are my favorite."

  The guy acted like a big kid even after all those Middle East deployments and being wounded. When Zack arrived at the ranch looking for work, Ty had hired him on the spot. A very good call, one Nate wasn't sure he would have made. That was why he needed Ty as a partner. "Omelets and hash browns are mine."

  Rachel released an exaggerated sigh that hung on the air. "The only reason you want me to spend the night is so you can have breakfast."

  Ty snickered. "She's onto you, Nate."

  He hoped not. "Breakfast would be an added bonus. It's not required."

  "Like lunch," Zack teased. "Though if you're going to be there, dinner would be nice."

  She shook her head and hid a smile. "I'll see what I can do. But remember, I'm a baker, not a short order cook. Now go."

  Nate fought the urge to glance back at Rachel. Not a good idea with Ty right next to him.

  "Looks like that guy could use a hand." Zack ran to help a man get his tree on top of his car.

  Ty pulled out a toothpick from his pocket then stuck it in his mouth. "You're going out of your way for Rachel."

  "That's the plan. Convince her to stay." So Ty wouldn't move back to Phoenix.

  "This is all about Rachel's gingerbread business."

  It wasn't a question. Nate rubbed his neck. "And you. You're the one who has to drive her back and forth. If she wasn't here, you'd be staying at the ranch during the week."

  "I would, but I want to make sure nothing's changed."

  "Nothing has. I told you about Operation: Hansel & Gretel. I've been working on that like we agreed." Except as Nate said the words, he kept seeing Rachel's smiling face, the way she ate as if the chili were haute cuisine, because he'd brought it for her. He felt a few inches taller with Rachel, but smaller with his best friend. This wasn't going to end well. "Anything else?"

  "No. Just make sure your goal is to keep Hansel here, not get Gretel."

  "Hey—"

  Ty raised his hand, cutting him off. "I worry about my little sis."

  "Rachel isn't a kid. Someday, she's going to meet a guy and want to get serious. No checking in with big brother first."

  "Someday, sure. Until then it's my job to protect her. My sister's been hurt in the past. By those crooks who stole her business and assholes that broke her heart. I don't want to see that happen again."

  "Rachel's grown up fast. She seems careful with her heart and her money now. From what I can see."

  "But I can help her avoid the wrong kind of guys, ones who don't have the best records when it comes to long term relationships like us cowboys."

  Us. The word settled in the bottom of Nate's stomach like a horseshoe. He wasn't a dusty cowboy with wanderlust in his soul and a wandering eye. He owned a ranch and had an investment portfolio. He wanted to settle down and have a family. Ty knew that or should. "Speak for yourself, hotshot. I've been working my ass off to find a woman who'll put up with me for life."

  Ty's eyes narrowed. His lips thinned. "You interested in my sister?"

  Crap. "I'm interested in her staying in Montana. For you."

  "Good, because even though I love you like a brother and you're a great business partner, I've seen you choose your work over women every single time. Not that I haven't agreed with you when it happened, but Rachel deserves better."

  His words sliced Nate like a knife, a direct hit at his heart. "That's harsh, man. You know how much the Bar V5 means."

  "Damn straight, I do. That doesn't change the facts."

  "Falling in love with a woman who would never fit in here makes no sense."

  "Exactly." A thoughtful expression crossed Ty's face. "Just because Rachel's enjoying this vacation, don't think she'd want to live on a ranch that's as isolated as the Bar V5. Rachel's lived in Phoenix her entire life. She wants to open a bakery. If she decides to stay in Montana, she'll want to live in town. A place out in the middle of nowhere would drive her crazy."

  Nate didn't think Ty knew his sister as well as he thought he did. "You should ask Rachel what she wants, and be prepared to accept what she says. You can't control her like she's ten years old."

  "No, but having Rachel closer is to help her, not let her get hurt again. If worse comes to worst, there is something I can do."

  Nate didn't like his friend's ominous tone. "What?"

  "Tell her it's time for us to get her the hell out of Dodge. She would listen to me then."

  He bit the inside of his mouth, afraid Ty was right.

  CHAPTER SIX

  Two nights later, a winter storm raged. Good thing it wasn't Christmas Eve or Santa would need Rudolph to lead his sleigh through the whiteout conditions.

  Inside the Bar V5, Rachel slid hot pans from the oven. She placed the gingerbread on cooling racks then looked over at her brother, who was munching on a cookie. "I filled two thermoses with coffee and there's a container of Chex Mix for the bunk house."

  "Thanks, kiddo." Ty looked more like a mountain climber than a cowboy with his winter gear, especially the neck gaiter. "And thanks for staying at the ranch. Makes my life easier with this storm."

  "Mine, too." Driving back and forth to town didn't make sense in this weather. Especially when her big concern about staying here—Nate—had been a non-issue. She saw him only at mealtimes with the rest of the guys. A little frustrating. She missed talking with him and hearing his ideas and seeing his smile. Alone. Now she was being silly. He was just a business adviser and friend. That she might happen to have a little crush on.

  Ty stared at her strangely.

  Shoot. They were talking about...staying at the ranch. "I picked up new orders this morning. Glad I made it back here before the snow got too heavy. I wouldn't want to be stuck baking in your kitchen."

  "Haha."

  "What's so funny?"

  Rachel didn't need to turn around to know Nate had arrived. If she hadn't recognized his voice, her racing pulse would have been a dead giveaway. Yeah, not seeing him much had probably been a good thing.

  "My li'l sis is dissing my kitchen." Ty picked up another cookie. "Yours has spoiled her."

  "She's spoiling us with her cooking and baking."

  Rachel turned to thank him, but the words died on her lips. No man should look that hot in workout clothes. She nearly dropped her oven mitts into the sink.

  "That's true." Ty stood right next to her, but he might as well have been talking in the laundry room with the door clos
ed.

  Nate stood in the doorway to the living area, his hair damp, the ends curly. A plain white T-shirt stretched across his wide chest and showed off his strong arms, not the muscles of a bodybuilder, but a man who did hard labor. He wore black sweat pants and was barefoot. Even his feet looked sexy. "Guess you're not going back out tonight."

  "Nope." He tilted his head toward Ty's direction. "This crazy guy is going to make sure everything's locked down."

  "That's right," Ty said. "You need to get off that ankle."

  "Ankle?" Rachel noticed the way Nate leaned against the doorjamb, his right leg supporting his weight. She took a step toward him. "Did you hurt yourself?"

  "Nothing serious." Nate waved off the concern. "Twisted it."

  "Trying not to step on a barn kitty," Ty added. "That little beast appeared out of nowhere. We should rename him Lucky."

  She stared at Nate. "You hurt yourself because of a cat?"

  "I couldn't step on a kitten."

  Her heart melted. "That's so sweet."

  "I try." His grin crinkled the corners of his eyes. "It's no big deal. I'm going to grab some ice, a beer, and watch TV tonight. I'll be fine tomorrow."

  "Grab a spot on the couch and make yourself comfortable." Rachel had taken care of Ty many times when he'd hurt himself working at a guest ranch while raising her. She grabbed a gallon-size plastic bag. "I'll get you ice. Anything else?"

  "Popcorn if you don't mind." Nate gave the thumbs up to Ty. "This is turning out better than I expected. Give Lucky a treat for me."

  Ty nodded. "Now all you need is something to watch."

  "A Christmas Carol," Nate said.

  "I love that movie." Standing at the freezer, Rachel put ice into the plastic bag. "Such a great message for everyone."

  "Not if you're scared of ghosts," Ty teased.

  "Well, I'm not. I love the Ghost of Christmas Past." Rachel wrapped the bag of ice in a clean dishtowel. "Nothing scary about reliving fond memories from long ago."

  When Mom and Dad had been alive. She needed to take flowers to the cemetery when she got home.

  "I'm a fan of the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come," Nate said to her surprise. "I'm an optimist, always thinking the best is still on its way, rather than behind me."