Racing Christmas

by Shanna Hatfield

Brylee stepped closer to Shaun then watched Jason disappear in the crowd. “Does he really not like boats or is he just trying to give us time together?”

  Shaun grinned as the line move forward. “Dad hates boats and being on the water. One time, when I was probably about twelve, we went to the coast during spring break. Dad and I went out on a fishing boat. I thought it was awesome, but he spent the whole time hanging over the back, feeding the fish. That was the last time I’ve seen him willingly set foot in a boat.”

  Brylee gave her hand to the gondolier as he motioned for her to step into the boat. Shaun took a seat beside her and then they were gliding down the man-made canal that ran through the shopping center. He slipped his arm around her shoulders and pointed out interesting things as their gondolier serenaded them. They floated beneath bridges, went past cafes, and dipped under balconies along the Venetian-inspired streetscape.

  “That was amazing!” Brylee beamed as they left the boat and continued strolling toward the area known as the square in the midst of the shopping center. As they neared it, music trickled out to them.

  Shaun grabbed her hand. “Come on, Bitsy!”

  They entered the square to find a group of carolers dressed in Dickens-era costumes singing on the small stage.

  Shaun bought them each a gelato at a nearby booth then they sat on the edge of a large stone planter, since all the seats were taken, and watched the performance. During the last song, the group asked the crowd to sing along, so Shaun joined Brylee as they added their voices to a rousing rendition of “We Wish You A Merry Christmas.”

  Brylee set her gelato dish on her lap and clapped. Shaun wished he could see her that happy all the time. At the moment, she looked like a young girl without a care in the world. When the carolers left the stage, she took the last two bites of her frozen treat, got to her feet, and looked around. “What’s next?”

  Glad she wasn’t in a rush to get back to the hotel, Shaun threw away their trash, took her hand in his, and they meandered their way back toward the entrance.

  He pulled her into a shop that sold fancy masks, like one might wear to a masquerade ball. “Try one on,” he encouraged, but she seemed hesitant.

  Finally, he handed her a sapphire blue mask dotted with pearls. One side of it was shaped like a butterfly made from lace and ribbon.

  “What do you think?” she asked, smiling as she tied it in place on her head.

  Convinced she didn’t want to hear the truth spill out of his mouth, he held back his thoughts. The blue in the mask made her eyes look huge and luminous, drawing out the rich color, while the shape of it accented her cheekbones and smooth skin.

  Mesmerized.

  The mask gave her an air of mystery, one that was completely mesmerizing, but he couldn’t tell her that. Not yet, anyway.

  “Let me take a photo,” he said, holding up his phone and snapping a few photos.

  When he finished, Brylee removed the mask, then swept the cowboy hat off his head and made him try on a black mask. “You look like Zorro.”

  He struck a pose that emphasized his chest and made her giggle. “My turn to take a photo.”

  They stepped out of the shop and both sent photos to Birch, knowing it would make him smile.

  “That was fun,” Brylee said, wrapping her arm around Shaun’s and leaning against him. “Thank you for that.”

  “You’re welcome, Bits.” He kissed the top of her head. “In fact, what would you…”

  Shaun was interrupted when three handsome young men dressed in suits walked up to Brylee.

  “Aren’t you the barrel racer that’s in the video?”

  Brylee offered them smiles, but turned to Shaun with a baffled expression on her face.

  He nodded. “A Lasso Eight video ad of you is playing on one of the big screens on The Strip.”

  “We saw her in the taxi on the monitor that plays a loop of ads,” the shortest of the three men said. The interested looks he gave Brylee made Shaun want to concave his nose. “You’re even prettier in person.”

  “She sure is. Your name is Brylee, is that right?” A man who was as tall as Shaun moved a little closer. Although they were close in height, Shaun’s broad shoulders and muscled arms made the other guy look like a broomstick.

  “That’s right,” she said, giving Shaun what appeared to be a slightly panicked look. He didn’t think she had any idea how popular she was about to become with the Lasso Eight ads playing all over town during the next two weeks. He’d enjoyed his own share of popularity from ads in the past, but the promotional pieces he’d been in didn’t usually show much of his face.

  “Would you gentlemen like an autograph?” Shaun asked, doing his best not to growl at them.

  “That would be great,” the third man said, digging in his suit coat pocket for a pen and a small notepad.

  Brylee patiently asked each of their names and wrote three notes, one for each of them. “What are you in town for?” she asked as she signed her name with a flourish on the last note. “If you say the rodeo, I’ll know you’re fibbing.”

  The shortest of the three smiled. “Banking retreat. We’re all from different branches.”

  “Makes sense.” Brylee handed the third banker back his pen and notepad. “I hope you’ll think about coming to the rodeo one night. It’s a lot of fun.”

  “We’re only here through Friday,” the broomstick banker said.

  “Get tickets for Thursday. Opening night is always awesome.” She smiled again, wrapped her hand around Shaun’s arm, and tugged him forward. “Come on, honey, we better get going.”

  Shaun settled his arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer to his side. “Whatever you say, honey.”

  Once they were out of the line of sight of the three men, Brylee elbowed him in the side and took a step away, leaving space between the two of them. “You know I was only saying that for their benefit. Paige didn’t warn me about random people wanting autographs. I’ve even forgotten about the long lines at autograph sessions.”

  He grinned. “Hope you brought extra pens. If not, you better stock up on them.”

  “I’ll have to get some,” she said.

  Together, they walked back to the hotel and made their way up to their floor. Shaun paused in the hallway between their two rooms. “Want to hang out with us for a while?”

  Brylee shook her head. “I appreciate the invitation, but I’m exhausted. Maybe we can have breakfast or lunch tomorrow.”

  “Sounds great,” Shaun said, walking her to her door, desperate to kiss her, to see if she’d taste like the mint gelato she’d eaten. “Just text or call when you’re up and going in the morning.”

  “I will, Shaun, and thanks so much for giving me such a wonderful evening. I had a lot of fun.”

  “I did, too.” He waited as she unlocked her door. When she pushed it open and stepped inside, he bent down and kissed her cheek. “Sleep well, Bitsy.”

  Brylee smiled at him and he fought the urge to sweep her into his arms and kiss her like he’d longed to do since July. Instead, he took a few steps back then made his way to his room. His dad was stretched out on the couch watching one of his favorite cop shows that he rarely got to see.

  Jason sat up and gave him a curious look. “Well, how did things go?”

  Shaun set his hat down then kicked off his boots. “Pretty well, until three guys in suits went all fangirl on her. She gave them her autograph.”

  Jason laughed. “I suppose that’s to be expected. I saw a Lasso Eight ad featuring her a little bit ago on TV, something about hectic holidays and baking.”

  Shaun shot his dad a look that let him know he was clueless. “That same ad is playing down the street on a huge display screen and, apparently, on the little monitors in the taxis.”

  “Really? Our girl is about to hit the big time,” Jason said, leaning back and giving Shaun a studying glance. “How are you gonna handle the competition?”

  “I’ve got a plan, Dad. If she hasn’t at least
cracked the door to her heart for me by the time the rodeo is over, I might as well give up and think about joining a group of monks.”

  “You? In a monastery?” Laughter rolled out of Jason until he had to wipe moisture away from his eyes. “Just trying to envision if that is even possible, son.”

  “Whatever, Dad,” Shaun said, tossing a pillow at his father. “What were you and Brylee talking about while I paid the bill at dinner?”

  “Oh, just this and that. I think she’s pretty excited to be back here. Did you know she paid off the ranch debt?”

  Shaun nodded.

  “It was sure good of you to make the suggestion about her modeling for Lasso Eight. She said without that, they’d still be struggling to figure out how to get that debt settled. Of course, she’ll probably do well at the finals and could have paid it, but anything can happen, as you both know.”

  “I sure do,” Shaun said, rubbing his thigh, thinking about the unexpected end to his own career goals.

  If he hadn’t hurt his leg again he might never have had the opportunity to work with his dad, which had been a big blessing. He certainly wouldn’t have been around to connect with Brylee again. That alone was worth any sacrifices or dashed career goals to him. He just hoped the connection they’d made would turn into something far more before Christmas arrived. Maybe he just needed to garner a higher spot on Santa’s nice list.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Brylee slid between the crisp, cool sheets of her hotel room bed and released a weary sigh.

  The previous day, she’d left the ranch at noon and drove to Jackpot, Nevada, where she spent the night. Had she been traveling with someone, she would have left early and drove straight through to Vegas, but it made for a really, really long day when she was alone.

  The clock on her dash read five that morning when she left Jackpot. She made good time, arriving at the rodeo venue early in the afternoon. It took a little time to get Rocket settled and then she ran into several people she knew who all wanted to talk. She left her pickup and trailer at the rodeo venue in a designated parking area, and then took a taxi to the hotel.

  After a quick shower, she unpacked her suitcases while her hair air-dried. When she’d had lunch with Jessie and Ashley the previous week, she attentively listened to the fashion tips Ashley had shared. The woman pointed out the need to look her best at all times because the spotlight would definitely be on her once the Lasso Eight ads started releasing.

  In fact, the two women had called Kenzie Morgan and Kaley McGraw to meet them. They’d all gone back to Blue Hills Ranch where the women helped Brylee assemble a great wardrobe with coordinating accessories for the entire time she’d be in Vegas. To keep things simple, Ashley had even tagged the clothes by day and put notes with the jewelry, boots, and belts about which outfit to wear with each item. The four friends had given her suggestions on hairstyles and makeup tips, too.

  Brylee could fix herself up when the moment called for it, but she just didn’t have many occasions to do so. Thoughts of catching Shaun’s eye, though, made her eager to look her best.

  Within the darkness of her hotel room, she smiled, recalling how he’d looked when he’d opened the door. Shaun couldn’t hide his surprise at seeing her in a dress and sandals instead of the boots and jeans he’d no doubt expected. Admiration had mingled with desire in his gaze and gave her hope that perhaps not all was lost.

  She’d had plenty of time on her long drive to Las Vegas to think about her life, about the direction she wanted it to head, about the ranch, her family, and her dreams. No matter how much she wished otherwise, nothing would change the past. But she could make different choices for the future.

  One of those choices was to consider how much she needed Shaun in her life. She’d be the first to admit Shaun was a handsome man with that head of thick copper hair and a swoon-worthy smile. His eyes were the color of a winter sky as the sun shifted behind clouds, not blue or gray, but a fascinating shade in between that sparkled with life, humor and intelligence. Goodness only knew how much he made her laugh and smile.

  In prime physical condition, Shaun drew the attention of women everywhere they went, but tonight he acted as though no one existed but her.

  She’d seen the jealousy in his gaze when she signed autographs for the three banking executives. If she hadn’t been so unsettled by the experience, she might have found it amusing. Brylee couldn’t believe anyone would want her autograph, let alone recognize her from the Lasso Eight ads. Paige had sent copies of all the promotional pieces to her, but it was one thing to look at them on her computer at home and something else entirely to find out they were running on a huge electronic screen in the heart of The Strip in Las Vegas.

  Brylee grinned as she thought about the conversation she’d had with Jason when Shaun went to pay the bill at the restaurant at dinner. Jason had given her a fatherly look and asked if she was dating anyone.

  “No, Jason. Of course not. When would I have time even if I had the inclination?”

  He’d grinned and leaned back in his chair. “You ought to take advantage of expanding your dating horizons while you’re here. I predict there will be guys lined up at your door if they find out where you’re staying. Just pick a few and have some harmless fun.”

  Brylee had stared at him, aghast at the idea. “With my luck, I’d end up with a crazy stalker dude or a psycho who tries to kidnap me. Thanks, but no thanks.”

  Jason gave her an intense look. “What if I check them out first, make sure they aren’t perverted whackos? I could send you a pre-approved list. Would that make you feel better?”

  Brylee’s left eyebrow crept upward. “That dials down the creepy factor only slightly. Honestly, Jason, I’ll be busy with the rodeo and all the obligations that come with it, not to mention everything going on with Lasso Eight. I don’t know when I’d even find time.”

  “You let me take care of the details. The past year, all you’ve done is work hard. I think it’s time for you to have a little fun. I know you aren’t a love ’em and leave ’em type of girl. I’ll see if I can round up some nice, respectable fellas for you. Just think of them as arm candy.”

  “Arm candy?” A laugh rolled out of her that made Jason join in her merriment. They were still sharing their amusement when Shaun returned to the table. Both of them had immediately curtailed their laughter. He’d given them suspicious glances, but didn’t say anything.

  She’d felt like turning the very same look on Jason when he left them at the gondola ride. Perhaps the man really didn’t like boats, but it seemed too convenient for him to leave her alone with Shaun for what many would consider a romantic experience.

  The evening from that point on turned into something from a dream, being with the man she loved. It had been nearly euphoric to spend hours with Shaun as the sole focus of his attention. A part of her had hoped he’d attempt to steal a kiss when he left her at her door, but he hadn’t even tried.

  As soon as the rodeo was over, she would sit down with Shaun and have an honest, sincere conversation with him about their past. There were things that still needed to be shared and discussed, even though she dreaded it. Based on how he reacted to what she needed to say, she’d see if the chance of a future together might exist.

  In the meantime, though, it couldn’t hurt to have a little fun. If Jason vetted the guys he sent her way, she’d go out with them. Not because she was interested in dating a bunch of different men, but in hopes it might inspire Shaun to move beyond the “let’s be friends” stage of their relationship.

  After finally quieting her busy mind, Brylee fell into a deep, restful sleep and awakened recharged, ready to take on the day.

  She dressed in an old pair of jeans and a sweatshirt, pulled her hair into a ponytail, slipped on a pair of sneakers, and left her room. It didn’t take long for her to catch a taxi at that early hour of the morning when most of the town seemed to be sleeping.

  The taxi left her near the area where barns were tem
porarily set up at the rodeo venue. She hurried to feed Rocket his breakfast. While he ate, she cleaned his stall then led him out to the warm-up pen used by rodeo contestants and walked him around the arena for fifteen minutes before she broke into a jog and he trotted along with her. She slowed him back down to a walk for five minutes then took him back to the barn. After making sure he was set for the day, she hurried to where she’d parked her pickup, unhitched it from the horse trailer, and drove back to the hotel.

  After leaving the pickup with the valet, she made her way to her room where she showered and did her hair and makeup, then sent a text to Shaun that she was ready for breakfast if he and Jason hadn’t eaten yet.

  We’re starving. Meet you by the elevator in five minutes.

  Brylee smiled at his reply and fastened a wide brown leather belt around the waist of her soft ivory dress embroidered with pink roses and soft green vines. She shoved her feet into a pair of plain brown cowboy boots that were comfortable for walking in all day, and slipped on a faded denim jacket. Quickly tucking essentials into a brown leather embossed shoulder bag, she rushed out the door and held back a grin as Shaun did a double take when he saw her.

  “You take beauty rest to a whole new level, darlin’,” Jason teased as he kissed her cheek and settled her hand around his arm. “That’s sure a pretty dress.”

  “Thanks. It was one Paige let me keep from a photo shoot.” Brylee glanced at Shaun as he continued gaping at her instead of stepping onto the elevator. “You coming, Copperhead?”

  Shaun gave her that crooked half smile she adored, threatening to dissolve any strength her knees may have possessed, and stepped onto the elevator. “I don’t remember seeing you wear that at Jessie and Chase’s place.”

  Brylee glanced up and smiled. “Paige invited me to do a photo shoot last month for the spring line. This dress is from that collection.”

  “You didn’t mention it.” Shaun gave her a curious look. “When was that?”

  “When I got back from the circuit finals. I made a quick trip to Portland for the shoot. I thought I told you, but life has been so crazy.” Brylee shifted over as the elevator stopped and more people got on. Shaun bumped into her from behind and his mouthwatering scent engulfed her every bit as much as the warmth of his presence. She wanted, more than anything to lean back into him, to rest against his strength, but she didn’t. She remained next to Jason, wondering what put such a smug look on his face as he tipped his head toward her and gave her a conspiratorial wink.