A Cowboy Under The Mistletoe

And the opportunity to develop the plan of her own, that had been brewing ever since Marcy Lyons had set her straight on the financial inadvisability of a traditional sale by broker…

“And we do need to sit down together and have a serious talk about it,” Hank stipulated, smiling broadly, as if he had a secret. “Say, tomorrow at noon?”

Ally wanted to do that, too. She only hoped that he would be as open to a nontraditional arrangement as she was, at this point. Because she knew now, more than ever, that he was the one who should run cattle on Mesquite Ridge. A twinge of uncertainty tightened her middle. Would the ranch finally help change her luck-and bring her happiness at long last?

She searched Hank’s expressive blue eyes. “You’re okay with the two of us having a business meeting on Christmas Eve?” If anything could tempt fate…

He captured her hands with his. “When it’s this important to both of our futures, absolutely.”

His words hinted at a permanence Ally found very exciting.

“But right now,” Hank continued tenderly, using the leverage of his grip to bring her even closer, “I have something even more important to ask.” He shifted her onto his lap. “I know you’re due at work on the 26…and I respect that. But I’m hoping you’ll stay and spend Christmas with me.”

For the first time in her life, Ally found herself looking forward to celebrating the holiday, with nary a bah humbug in sight. “I’d love to.” She smiled and reached for the buttons on his shirt. “In the meantime, though, we have much more important things to do…”

Hank groaned in pleasure as she undid them, revealing his powerful chest and spectacular abs. While her hands explored the chiseled contours and warm satiny skin, he bent his head, and slowly kissed her neck. “Looks like the celebrating is starting early…”

And celebrate they did, with tender kisses and hot caresses. And a roll in the sheets that was completely devoid of words-and utterly glorious.

Ally had never realized lovemaking could be so incredibly fulfilling. Never knew touch alone could communicate so much! Or guessed that anyone could make her feel so warm and safe, and so wanted and revered. Was it any wonder she was driven to take their pleasure to a new plateau, and make love over and over again?

Before long she was giving herself over completely, tempting him to do the same. Until at last she knew what made their connection so special. It wasn’t just that she had finally given her whole heart and soul to Hank. It was that he made her feel he had fallen impossibly, irrevocably in love with her, too.

Chapter Fifteen

Ally awakened slowly. Late afternoon sunshine poured across the rumpled covers of the bed. She could hear the shower running across the hall. Knowing she had never been so thoroughly loved, she stretched languidly. Then burrowed even deeper in the sheets, the crisp percale shifting smoothly across her bare skin.

A minute later, the water shut off and the shower curtain was swept back.

Ally opened her eyes and propped her head on her upraised hand. Smiling, she watched Hank saunter into the room.

Towel knotted low on his waist, he padded barefoot to the bed. As he sank down by her side, his towel-clad hip nestled warmly against her thigh. “How’s your head?” he asked, running a hand down her arm.

Beginning to regret the morning lazing around, imbibing peppermint schnapps, but not what happened afterward, Ally groaned. “Throbbing. Yours?”

Hank grinned. “Better since I took some aspirin.”

He lifted a staying hand, then went back to the bathroom. He returned, bottle of aspirin and water glass in hand. “This will help.”

Ally took two pills before lying back among the pillows, as eager to make love again as she had been the first time. She waggled her eyebrows at him. “So would not getting up at all.”

Briefly, Hank looked tempted. Very tempted. “We’ll have to work on that part later.” He bent and kissed the curve of her shoulder. “We’ve got an open house to go to tonight.” He straightened while she was still tingling. “Remember?”

At his parents’ ranch.

His eyes spoke volumes as they locked on hers. “I really want you to be part of my family’s annual Christmas gathering.”

Two weeks ago, Ally would have been totally intimidated by the notion of going to Greta and Shane McCabe’s open house. Now she was looking forward to it. Hoping that someday she would be part of the loving clan…and not just an invited guest. The telling expression on Hank’s face indicated he felt that way, too.

Bursting with joy, Ally flung back the covers. “I’m headed for the shower right now.”

An hour later, they were heading out the door.

“One question,” Ally said, when they arrived at their destination. She knew what their relationship felt like in private, but in public she needed to be clear-in case questions arose. “As far as everyone else is concerned…are you just my ride for the evening?” Or was he as ready as she was to go public with their romance?

Hank’s gaze drifted over her before returning ever so slowly to her face. He made no effort to hide the emotion brimming in his eyes. “Are you kidding?” He pulled her close and kissed her tenderly. “You’re a lot more than that, Ally Garrett. You’re my future.”

And you, Ally thought, are mine.

Smiling, he took her hand and led her toward the front door.

Moments later, they were mingling inside.

Ally couldn’t help but note that Lulu Sanderson kept catching Hank’s eye. Every time the divorcee did she flashed a secret smile. The confident way Hank looked at her in return told Ally there was something going on between him and Lulu.

Pushing aside the niggling feeling of uneasiness, Ally continued making her way among the guests, at first with Hank, then by herself after his father asked for his help bringing in more firewood.

Hank’s mother appeared at Ally’s side. Looking as beautiful and put-together as always, Greta engulfed her in a hug. “How are you doing, darlin’?”

Ally basked in the easy maternal affection and smiled back. Greta would be a dream mother-in-law. Not that anyone was anywhere close to talking marriage yet.

“Good,” Ally replied. At least I was before we walked in the door and I saw whatever-it-is going on between Hank and Lulu again… Whatever he’s chosen not to share with me. Again…

Greta arched a silver-blond brow. “That son of mine treating you right?”

Ally noted the matchmaker’s gleam in her eyes. Obviously, Hank’s mom had either been told or figured out on her own that Ally and Hank were romantically involved. That had to be a good sign, didn’t it?

Greta clasped her arm and leaned in close to confide, “Just so you know, honey…I haven’t seen Hank this happy in years. And it’s all due to you. So keep up the good work. It’s about time someone put a spring in that boy’s step and a light in his eyes.”

I hope it’s all due to me, Ally thought, looking at Lulu, who was standing next to a group of her old high school friends at the buffet table. But what if it wasn’t? What if the real reason behind Hank’s happiness was the ranch? And the fact that she couldn’t sell it via the traditional route, and had decided not to sell to Corporate Farms?

Oblivious to the troubling nature of Ally’s thoughts, Greta checked out the fast-diminishing spread on the buffet with a frown. She propped her hands on her hips. “Speaking of loved ones, have you seen my husband lately?”

Ally nodded, glad to talk about something else. “He stepped outside a few minutes ago with Hank, to get more firewood.”

“Would you mind getting Shane? Tell him to meet me in the kitchen when he does. I need his help carving the brisket.”

Ally nodded. “No problem.”

Given the crowds of people, she figured the easiest way to reach him was to go out the front door and walk around. Ally grabbed her coat and headed outside. She was halfway around the porch surrounding the entire first