Cowboy Boots for Christmas (20 page)

“Because of all the cowboys who will be trying to steal you away from me.” He slipped her nightshirt up over her head.

“Are you asking me out on a date, Finn?” she panted.

“I guess I am at that. Pick you up at six?”

“I’ll be ready,” she said. “Is it polite to kill Honey at her own party?” She slid her hand down into his lounging pants. A quick intake of breath told her that he was just as hot as she was.

“Ahhh, darlin’, the women won’t even glance my way.”

She squeezed. “If they do, they’ll learn that I’m a damn good shot.”

Olivia held a hand over her heart, her big blue eyes sparkling as she gazed at Callie. “You look just like a princess.”

“Thank you,” Callie said. She only hoped that Finn thought the same thing if and when he ever came out of his bedroom. She and Verdie had driven the new van down to Denton the day before, and she’d bought a gorgeous red velvet dress that hugged her body and was slit up to her thigh on the right side. It came with a matching jacket, so she didn’t have to buy a fancy coat that she’d probably never wear again. But she did have to buy shoes, so she’d opted for the matching red velvet pumps.

She’d spent extra time on her makeup and twisted her hair up into a crown of curls held with a rhinestone clasp that came with the bracelet on her arm. Now she waited, worrying her fool head off that she’d overdressed for the occasion. If she had, it was Verdie’s fault. She’d told her that River Bend and Wild Horse competed to see who could put on the fanciest Christmas party, so she should buy something flamboyant for each party.

“Don’t you think she’s gorgeous?” Olivia asked Martin when he and the boys came out of their room.

“I like her better in jeans and a flannel shirt,” Martin said.

“I like her better in that,” Ricky whispered.

“Adam?” Verdie said from the kitchen.

“I just like Callie no matter what she’s wearing. Matter of fact, I love Callie almost as much as I love you, Granny,” he answered.

***

Finn had been to dozens and dozens of Christmas parties. His family had one every year since before he was even born in Comfort for all the hired hands, their spouses, the neighbors, and business associates. He was no stranger to how to dress for one, how to behave at one, or what to expect. So why in the hell did he feel like a sophomore taking the prettiest girl in class out on a first date? Why couldn’t he get up out of the rocking chair and get his cowboy butt out there in the living room where she was waiting?

He’d heard her bedroom door close ten minutes ago. They’d been to bed together, they’d had steaming hot sex, not to mention the fact he couldn’t keep his hands off her no matter where they were. So why was he still sitting there?

Shotgun went to the door and whined.

“It’s time, isn’t it, old boy?”

The dog ambled down the hallway and stopped at the archway into the living room, his tail thumping against the floor. Finn could hardly breathe, his chest was so tight. Was that his Callie? The woman he’d flat-out fallen in love with?

Love!

Did he just think that word? He’d never imagined that he could love anyone after Lala had let him think she was dead and then betrayed him even further when he found out she was a spy. How did a full-grown man know he was in love in just two weeks? It didn’t make a bit of sense, but he didn’t want to ever imagine not having her in his life.

She turned around and their eyes locked somewhere near the Christmas tree. Everything about her was purely exquisite. There were no words, no compliments in the human language to describe her in that red dress with all that dark hair piled up on her head. Her lips were the same color as the dress, and thinking about kissing her until all the lipstick was gone sent him into semi-arousal.

“Well, don’t you look sharp for a rough old cowboy?” she said.

“I’m a wilted dead onion plant compared to a perfect spring rose when I stand next to you. I won’t stand a chance of keeping you on Salt Draw after tonight. The cowboys will be lined up from here to Gainesville just to kiss your hand,” he said.

She crossed the room and handed him her jacket. “That’s the craziest line I’ve ever heard.”

“I didn’t buy you a corsage, but Verdie told me what color you were wearing.” He pulled a long thin box from behind his back and held it out.

“This feels like a scene from
Pretty
Woman
.” She smiled up at him.

“That was just a movie. This is the real thing and, darlin’, you are a hell of a lot prettier than any actress on the big screen,” he said.

“And she smells better, too, huh?” Ricky said.

“What is it in the box?” Olivia asked. “This is like
Cinderella
. When I grow up and get invited to a ranch party, can I wear your dress, Callie?”

“That box ain’t big enough to have a shoe in it,” Ricky said.

“Are you going to open it?” Finn asked.

***

Callie’s hands shook as she reached out to touch the deep red velvet box. “You won’t snap it shut and scare me, will you?”

“Why would he do that?” Martin asked.

Finn leaned forward just slightly and kissed Callie softly.

Olivia sighed, and all three boys shut their eyes.

Callie gently opened the box and gasped. “Oh, Finn, it’s beautiful.”

A dark red ruby dangled from the top of an open gold heart pendant surrounded by sparkling tiny diamonds.

“I figured it would be easier to put on than a corsage.” He smiled.

She lifted it from the bed of red velvet and handed it to him. “A little help, please.”

She couldn’t cry. It would ruin her makeup, and he’d think she didn’t like his present, but it took every bit of her willpower to keep the tears at bay. No one had ever given her anything like that. She only hoped that it was symbolic of him giving his heart as well.

“Well, now, that just flat-out sets off the whole outfit. Y’all get on out of here so me and these kids can make microwave popcorn and watch movies. We’ve got them all picked out, and we’re staying up until midnight. If y’all get in after that, come in real quiet so you don’t wake us up,” Verdie said.

“Yes, ma’am.” Finn helped Callie into her jacket.

“Good-night kisses.” She bent down in front of Martin.

“I want one, and I want you to leave a lipstick kiss on my forehead. I’m not going to wash it off, so it will make me have dreams of princes and castles,” Olivia said.

She gave them all a kiss and looped her arm into Finn’s. When they reached the porch, he scooped her up and carried her through the new-fallen snow to his truck, settled her into the passenger’s seat, and let his lips softly graze hers before he slammed the door shut.

“Oh, look how pretty the lights around the house are, and how the tree looks in the window. It’s like a storybook,” she said as they drove down the lane.

“Sometimes that scares me,” Finn admitted.

“Storybooks?”

“No, that everything is going so well. I keep waiting for the other boot to drop or for something to fall apart. I even worry that someday you and I will get into a great big fight and you’ll leave me. I don’t think I could stand it,” he said.

She laid a hand on his thigh. “This would seem too fast if we hadn’t known each other so well before now. I’m not going anywhere, not until you give me a pink slip.”

“That ain’t damn likely.” He grinned.

“Looks like this is our turnoff,” she said. “Oh, my sweet Lord, look at all those lights. I thought we had enough to blow the electric company, but they’re nothing compared to this.”

“Verdie says that River Bend and Wild Horse compete with each other for the biggest and best in everything. Wonder what next week’s will look like? I got a call from Tyrell Gallagher inviting us, but you were in your room getting dressed, and then I was so stunned that I forgot until now,” he said.

“Does that mean you’re askin’ me out again before you even see if you get lucky tonight?” she teased.

“I’m already lucky. I get to walk into that place with you on my arm,” he said.

“Now that, darlin’, is a lovely pickup line.” She giggled.

He pulled the truck under a covered portico, and two valets appeared from just inside the door. His door and Callie’s opened at the same time. He handed his keys to the young man and hurried around the truck to Callie’s side.

Tucking her arm into his, he whispered, “Dammit! I was hoping we’d have to park out in the pasture, so I could carry you inside. That would show those cowboys that you are mine.”

“I already feel like a princess with you escorting me. And it ain’t the cowboys I’m worried about. It’s Honey and Betsy trying to seduce you that scares me.”

Declan Brennan met them at the door and shook hands with Finn. “Merry Christmas, and welcome to River Bend. Please go right on in and visit until we’re ready to sit down to dinner. Afterward there will be dancing, and may I say, Miss Callie, that you look absolutely ravishing tonight? Save me a dance or two or a dozen.” He bent at the waist and kissed her hand.

“Thank you, and I will save you a dance,” she said.

“I’d planned to monopolize your time and dance every dance with you,” Finn said.

“We have to play nice with the host, Finn. While I’m dancing with Declan, you should dance with Leah Brennan, but if I catch you with Honey, know that your luck has run out.”

As if on cue, Leah Brennan crossed the room and picked up both of Callie’s hands. “Thank you so much for coming, and thank you for what you are doing for the O’Malley kids. That is so sweet of you. I’ve had them in my Sunday school class since they moved here.”

“It’s a two-way street. They make us happy, too,” Callie said.

“Come on. I’ll introduce you to the ladies.” She grabbed a tall, blond-haired, green-eyed cowboy and said, “Finn, this is Quaid. Quaid, Finn. Don’t know if you’ve met before, but you have now. Quaid, honey, take charge of Finn and make him known to all the menfolk. Go talk cows and hay and bad weather while I steal Callie away for a while.”

Callie was introduced to half a dozen women all with the last name of Brennan. She spotted Honey across the room, sidled up to a fellow in a three-piece suit, a hundred-dollar haircut, and a flashy ring on his finger that looked like a sports ring from where Callie stood.

A blond wearing hot-pink satin with sparkling diamond drops in her ears, a diamond choker around her neck, and high heels that probably cost more than Callie made in a month at her old job at the gym tapped her on the shoulder.

“I have a question. Are you and Finn an item, or is this just a Christmas date? We don’t see a diamond on your finger or a wedding band either. So what’s the deal over on Salt Draw? I heard that Verdie is back playing nanny to all those children. That true?”

“Verdie is definitely back, and we’re so glad to have her. I’m Callie Brewster, and you are?”

“Kinsey Brennan.”

“I thought Honey was the Brennan interested in Finn and Salt Draw,” Callie said.

“She is, but I damn sure like the way he fills out those jeans.” Kinsey smiled.

“No honor among thieves?” Callie asked.

“That’s beside the point. Now about you and Finn?”

“We’re not engaged, and we’re not married,” she said.

“And?” Kinsey asked.

“But?” Honey said right behind her.

“
But
I’m more than a hired hand,
and
if anyone tests me, I have a license to carry a concealed weapon, and I’m not afraid to use it to protect what is mine,” she said.

Kinsey laughed so hard that Finn caught Callie’s eye and raised an eyebrow. “Me and you could be friends, Callie Brewster. Let’s go get some punch. Anyone want to go with us?”

“I wouldn’t cross the floor with that…” Honey’s mouth clamped shut.

“I still haven’t had that rabies shot,” Callie said.

Honey turned around and went back to her football feller who was sipping whiskey in the corner.

Kinsey looped her arm in Callie’s. “Is your gun in that little red evening purse?”

“I wouldn’t dream of taking Finn out in public without it, and before you ask, yes, it’s loaded. What good is a pistol with no bullets?” she answered.

“Anyone tell you about the feuding history?” Kinsey changed the subject.

“I’ve heard a little bit, but refresh my memory while we walk. I assume we’re going to the bar?”

“No, darlin’. This is the Brennan party. We only get a little champagne at the dinner toast. Back in the beginning days of Burnt Boot, old Grampa Brennan was a preacher man.”

“And?” Callie turned the tables.

“And there’s someone I have to talk to over there. I hate to leave you alone, but I have to go. We’ll talk about the feud later,” Kinsey said.

“I’ll introduce her,” Polly said right behind them. “Come on, let’s get some punch, Callie.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Callie said.

“You can carry a pistol, but I carry a pint of high-grade Patrón. That tends to cut the sweet in that punch bowl and give it enough kick to get us through the evening,” she whispered. “I will say this for the Brennans. They throw a decent party and they serve up a mean steak that will melt in your mouth. If you weren’t involved with Finn, I’d tell you to make a play for Quaid Brennan or maybe Declan.”

“Are you serious?”

“About the men or the tequila?”

“Both.”

“Oh, yes. But you’re involved with Finn. His eyes have been on you ever since Kinsey stole you away. And I’m very serious about the tequila. Don’t you tell a living soul that I’m the one who brought in the liquor. Let them think it was a Gallagher who paid someone to bring it in. And if Mavis is serving ham tonight as well as steaks, be sure to partake of it. You can find a good steak anywhere between here and the coast, but Mavis grows her own hogs and has a couple of state-of-the-art smokehouses. Her ham is to die for.”

Polly waited until no one was looking and dumped a whole bottle of tequila in the punch bowl. Then she dipped up two crystal cups full and handed one to Callie. She was right—it did cut the sweet and give the punch just enough kick.

***

Finn was so damned glad when Declan picked up a small crystal bell and rang it that he could have shouted. He could move across the room to lace his fingers in Callie’s instead of talking about cows, crops, and weather. The other cowboys in the room hadn’t said a word about her, but they had sure enough stared their fill, and it was time they realized that she had come with him, and she’d damn sure be going home with him, too.

“We’d like to thank all of you for attending our party this year. River Bend is fortunate to have had the best year ever, and we are glad you are here to share the good times with us. Merry Christmas! And now dinner is served,” he said.