Racing Christmas

by Shanna Hatfield

  “Thank you.”

  Jenn took another deep breath, as though she’d been rehearsing a speech and had to deliver the whole thing at once. “As for you competing next year, if you want to do it, go for it, honey. With the debt paid off and the commissions I’ve earned the past few months, we can afford to hire someone to manage the ranch on a more permanent basis.” She turned to look at Ace. “I know I haven’t said it nearly as often as I should, but I appreciate everything you’ve done for us, for me, Ace. You’ve been a rock when our world was tossed into chaos. If you want to move back to Arizona, I completely understand, but if you’d like to continue living here at the ranch, we’d love to have you stay.”

  “Well,” Ace leaned back again and rubbed his hand across his whiskery chin. “I reckon since I’m already pretty comfortable in my room here and whoever you hire will need someone to show them the ropes, I might as well stay.”

  “Yes!” Birch said, doing a fist pump in the air.

  “I’m glad you’ll be here, Grandpa. I like having you around,” Brylee gave him a hug.

  She lifted her glass of milk and held it up. “Here’s to happier days and many sweet moments ahead for the Barton family.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  “Will pacing the floor help her get here any faster?” Jason asked as Shaun strode across the length of the living area in their suite in Las Vegas, turned around, and retraced his steps.

  Shaun had been keyed up since they arrived in town that morning, anticipating the moment he’d get to see Brylee. He’d almost offered to ride with her, but didn’t want to push her into spending time with him.

  Jason and Shaun arrived in town a few days before the rodeo was set to begin so they could attend industry trade shows and events. Although neither of them would be working as pickup men during the rodeo, it was a good time for them to network about rodeo business and their ranch.

  Since Shaun was modeling for Lasso Eight, the company was paying for a suite for him and one guest. His dad was more than happy to give up his standard cheap hotel room in a smoky casino for the posh suite in a swanky hotel.

  Brylee would be staying at the same property and Shaun couldn’t wait for her to arrive. He hadn’t seen her since the circuit finals a month ago. He’d been working that weekend and barely got to do more than say hello and wish her well on her ride, but at least he’d actually seen her. In person. Where her fragrance ensnared his senses and he found himself struggling not to fall into the gorgeous depths of those amazing cobalt eyes.

  He had kept in touch with her since then via text and phone calls. From her last text, he knew she anticipated arriving in town around three that afternoon. She planned to head straight to the rodeo venue where she would settle Rocket in a stall before checking in at the hotel.

  “Maybe I should go see if she needs help with Rocket,” Shaun said, pacing the room again.

  “Sit down, son,” Jason said, motioning to the two big side chairs across from where he sat on the couch. “You’re gonna wear a hole in this nice carpet and you’re making me dizzy watching you go back and forth. Brylee is a big girl and can take care of herself. You, more than anyone, should know that.”

  Shaun frowned. “Why do you say that, Dad?”

  Jason rolled his eyes. “I told you to take things slow and easy with her, like you were breaking a high-spirited filly. Dang if you don’t act like you’re afraid to get close to the fence, let alone the filly.”

  Shaun scowled and plopped down in a chair. “I’m not afraid of the fence or the horse…” He sighed. “I’m not afraid of Brylee, Dad. It’s just that she made it crystal clear I have absolutely no chance at romance with her. We’ve built a solid, incredible friendship the last few months and I don’t want to jeopardize it.”

  Jason shrugged. “Then so be it.”

  “So be what?” Shaun said, losing his hold on his patience and temper.

  “Friendship. If you’re willing to settle for friendship with Brylee, then stop worrying about the rest of it. She’ll eventually fall in love with a great guy, settle down, and have two or three kids. You can let them call you Uncle Shaun. Maybe you’ll even get to be friends with her husband. Would that be awkward, since you’re technically the ex-husband?”

  Shaun jumped up and started pacing again. “I’m not willing to settle,” he snapped. “I don’t want her to marry anyone but me.”

  Jason hid a smile behind the cup of coffee he held in his hand. “Then do something about it.”

  “Like what, Dad? March into her room and tell her I can’t live another day without her? That I love her more than life itself and I’d do anything for her? That the thought of a future without seeing her smile every morning makes me want to crawl under a rock and die?”

  A chuckle rolled out of Jason. “That might be a good start.”

  Shawn growled and grabbed his hat from where he’d set it on a table by the door. “I’m going for a walk.”

  “You do that, son. If you happen to go somewhere that has a grocery store, bring back a snack. I’m not sure I can hold out until dinner.”

  The door clicked shut with a force just short of a slam as Shaun left the hotel room. Rather than wait for the elevator, he took the stairs. It wasn’t until he’d gone down five flights that he recalled they were on the seventeenth floor. By the time he reached the bottom and stepped outside into the bright sunshine, the exercise had dulled the edges of his anxiety.

  “Thinks he’s a regular comic,” Shaun mumbled about his dad as he strolled down the sidewalk until he was on The Strip. He turned left and headed toward the heart of it. A few blocks later, he stood on a corner, watching a big video screen overhead play advertisements for various properties and restaurants.

  Surprise kept him glued in place as he watched a video clip of Brylee turning Rocket around a barrel. The next image featured what appeared to be a sheet of parchment paper with charred edges. Words slowly appeared. “For the shoppers and bakers…” The text looked as though it had been burned into the paper before segueing to another clip of her riding Rocket. “For the gift wrappers and decorators…” flashed next on another parchment background. The third clip of Brylee showed her and Rocket running full-out across an arena. He smirked when the words “Racing Christmas is hectic” swept across the screen.

  The next image made Shaun’s jaw drop open. Brylee walked forward like a runway model wearing a blanket print skirt that showed off way more of her legs than he wanted the general male population ogling. A golden braid draped over one shoulder where it bounced, along with other undeniable assets, in slow motion with each swaying step she took. The background of a snowy field faded to a soft blur. Text came into focus on the screen. “Why not do it in style?” Then the Lasso Eight logo popped up along with their website information.

  People pointed to the screen. Men grinned like lecherous jerks while women chattered about the great new Lasso Eight fashions.

  More worked up after seeing Brylee’s ad than he’d been earlier, Shaun turned around and made his way back to the hotel room. He’d just walked inside when his phone pinged with a text. He practically ripped off his shirt pocket in his haste to answer it, making his dad laugh again.

  “Brylee?” Jason asked, as he flipped a page in the newspaper he read.

  “Yep. She said she just got her room key and needs an hour to unpack then she’ll be ready to go to dinner.”

  Shaun glanced at the clock. It was almost five. He had plenty of time to shower and shave for the second time that day. He tossed his hat on the counter, emptied his pockets and left everything next to his hat, kicked off his boots, and hurried into his room. His father’s chuckles floated after him, but he ignored them as he hopped into the shower. Ten minutes later, he dabbed a tissue against a nick on his chin, wondering why he let himself get so worked up about Brylee.

  His dad was right about one thing, though. Unless he could somehow come to terms with the possibility of her falling in love with someone else,
he had to do something. Was he willing to risk the friendship they’d built for a second chance with her? Was he willing to walk away if he didn’t try? One thing he knew for certain: he couldn’t stand by and see Brylee with someone else. Not when he loved her so deeply and completely.

  These last few months had taught him many things — things he’d needed to learn and accept. He’d been the world’s biggest fool to run out on Brylee six years ago. He had no intention of messing things up with her again. But what could he do to win her back, to gain her trust? Would she even listen if he told her how much he loved her?

  Plagued by questions he hesitated to answer, he dressed and gave his dad’s annoying observations consideration. Perhaps it was time to step up his game. Maybe tonight was the perfect time to start. After all, Brylee was going to dinner with them. What if he figured out a way to woo her without her catching on to his plans?

  Shaun returned to the living room and grabbed the electronic tablet he’d brought along from the end table where he’d left it. He picked it up and began hurriedly scrolling through a website.

  “What are you doing?” Jason asked, setting aside the paper and watching as he frantically searched for information.

  “Preparing to win my fair lady’s heart.” Shaun glanced up at his dad and grinned. “At least I’m going to give it my best shot.”

  “Well, it’s about time, son. It’s about time.”

  Twenty minutes later, Shaun’s foot nervously jiggled as he waited for Brylee to let them know she was ready. Just when he was about to march down to the front desk and beg for her room number, she sent him a text.

  I’m starving. What room are you guys in? I’ll be right there.

  Shaun texted the room number and then grinned at his dad. “She’s on her way.” He rushed into his room to make sure he’d combed his hair. Assured all was well, he’d just stepped into the living room when a knock sounded on the door.

  Jason stood and picked up the hat he’d left on the coffee table then stuffed his phone in his pocket.

  Shaun pulled open the door and blinked twice before he gathered enough of his wits together to smile and move back so Brylee could enter the room.

  She gave him a hug then moved over to hug his dad. Shaun swiped his hand over his chin to make sure he hadn’t started drooling. The deep teal-colored dress she wore wasn’t revealing at all. In fact, it was similar to one his sister wore to church, but the way the tight waist hugged Brylee’s figure and accented her curves robbed him of the ability to speak for the length of several heartbeats. The hem was almost to the ground in the back but just brushed her knees in the front, and the skirt fluttered and flowed with each step she took. The wedge sandals on her feet made her seem inches taller than her usual five-three height.

  Shaun finally took a deep breath and placed a hand on her waist as he kissed her cheek. “You look incredible, Bitsy.”

  She glanced down and brushed at an imaginary wrinkle in her skirt. “I had lunch with Jessie Jarrett and Chase’s cousin, Ashley, last week. Ashley assured me I needed to bring my fashion A-game to Vegas this year, so here it is.”

  Shaun would have to remember to thank Ashley later. He loved Brylee no matter what she wore, but he rarely got to see her in anything other than jeans and boots. She looked so classy and feminine in the dress. The long brass necklace she wore had a medallion dangling from the center of it with a horse laser-cut in the metal. Even dressed all girly, Brylee still added a little western flair. He noticed the matching bracelet on her wrist and the small embossed leather clutch she carried.

  The young girl who’d first arrived in Las Vegas six years ago with stars in her eyes had been replaced by a breathtaking woman. One who’d completely captivated him.

  “Shall we get some dinner?” Jason asked, motioning toward the door while he gave Shaun a knowing look.

  “We shall,” Brylee said, walking out of the room and over to the elevator. She pointed to a door across the hall. “That’s my room if you guys need me for anything.”

  Shaun made note of which room she’d indicated then shoved his hands in his pockets to keep from wrapping them around Brylee. The effort required to keep his hands to himself was almost more than he could handle. He pushed a button on the elevator as they stepped inside, entranced by the soft fragrance of Brylee that filled his nose.

  The elevator stopped and they walked out. Jason held out an arm to Brylee and she took it with a laugh, leaving Shaun to lead the way to a restaurant that boasted a taste of Venice. He’d called ahead and made a reservation, so they were seated quickly at a table that looked out on the Grand Canal Shoppes and the Grand Canal that ran through the property. Brylee smiled as she watched a couple glide by in a Venetian gondola. Shaun maneuvered to sit beside her while his dad took a chair across the table.

  Jason opened the menu, shot Shaun a dubious look, and then rolled his eyes. “How are we supposed to read this dang thing? I don’t want to end up ordering something disgusting, like snails.”

  “I don’t think you have to worry about that here.” Brylee grinned and leaned across the table, pointing to the menu Jason held. “The descriptions are all in English.”

  “So they are,” he said, giving her a wink.

  Brylee returned to studying her menu then bumped her arm against Shaun’s. “What are you going to order?”

  “Beef.” He set down the menu and grinned at her. “How about you?”

  She returned to studying her menu. “There are so many things that sound delicious. It’s going to be hard to narrow it down.”

  Their server appeared to take their order. Brylee chose gnocchi with a Bolognese sauce while Jason ordered a calzone. Shaun pointed to an item, unwilling to even try pronouncing it. “The beef stew, please.”

  “Excellent choice, sir,” the server said then disappeared with a polite nod.

  They ate warm breadsticks and a green salad with a light balsamic dressing while they waited for their meal.

  “Did your mom really agree to let Birch come for a few days?” Shaun asked as he finished his salad and leaned back from the table.

  Brylee dabbed at her lips with her napkin and nodded her head. “She did. We had quite a conversation the other night.”

  Shaun knew Jenn had been riding Brylee hard the last few months. Brylee had mentioned having another fight with her mother right after Thanksgiving, but she hadn’t elaborated on any details. “Is everything okay?”

  She smiled, but her eyes held a hint of sadness. “I think it will be. Mom hasn’t really wanted to celebrate Christmas for a while. She made me so mad one day, I decided we’d go all out on the decorations and rejuvenate some of our traditions this year. Mom went to work on Black Friday, so Grandpa and Birch helped me deck the halls. We even went out and got a live Christmas tree. Anyway, while we were decorating it, Mom overhead us talking about how much more pleasant it was when she was gone.”

  “Oh, that’s not good,” Jason said, giving Brylee a worried glance. “What happened?”

  Brylee toyed with the stem of her water glass. “She ran off and sent a text she was spending the weekend at the cabin. I don’t know if she actually went up there or not, because I know she was at work that Monday. I was helping one of the other realtors stage a house and the receptionist mentioned Mom being there. Anyway, she finally came home the night before I had to drive down here and apologized for the way she’s been, some of the terrible things she’s said. I know the situation won’t automatically get better, but I’m hopeful it will eventually improve. It’s a big step in the right direction that she agreed to let Birch come for a few days.” She raised her gaze to Jason’s then glanced at Shaun. “He was gunning for the whole two weeks, but I told him no way. If I didn’t know better, I’d think he was trying to play mind games with us to get what he wanted, which was to come for a few days.”

  “He probably was.” Shaun chuckled. “Birch is one smart kid. You’ll have to hustle to stay a step ahead of him.”

&nb
sp; “Tell me something I don’t already know.” Brylee smiled at him then sat back as the server appeared with their meals.

  Once they’d eaten their fill, Shaun insisted on paying for the dinner. He went to take care of it then returned to the table. Brylee and Jason were laughing together but their amusement ended abruptly as he stepped up to the table. In spite of warning bells clanging in his head, he tried not to read anything into it. He could always pump his dad for specifics later.

  “Want to explore a while and walk off that dinner?” he asked, suddenly flooded with nerves.

  “I’d love to,” Brylee said, rising from her seat and walking out onto the streetscape of the shopping area. She tipped her head back, staring at the ceiling painted like a summer-blue sky with white fluffy clouds.

  “Have you been in here before, Brylee?” Jason asked as they meandered past a statue.

  When the statue blinked, Brylee stopped to watch, fascinated the man with his face painted white like marble could hold so still. She took money out of her clutch and left it in a donation box near his feet. As they continued on their stroll, she walked between the two men, taking in the energy-infused atmosphere. “I haven’t been here before, Jason. The last two times I was in Vegas were both very busy and hectic. The first time, I mostly stayed at the rodeo grounds, close to Rocket. The second time…” Her voice drifted off.

  “If you’ve never been here, then there’s something we have to do,” Shaun said, taking her hand and hurrying over to the line for the Gondola rides. The line wasn’t long, but Jason backed away.

  “I don’t do boats, so you kids have fun.”

  Brylee glanced from the boats docking in front of them back to Jason. “No, let’s find something all three of us can enjoy.”

  She started to leave the line, but Jason settled a hand on her shoulder. “No, darlin’. You two go ahead. I’ve heard it’s lots of fun. I’m gonna head back to the room. There are a few calls I need to make anyway. I’ll see you both later.”