Fierce: New Adult Sport Romance (The Boys of Winter Book 4) (24 page)

It’
s been two weeks since Christian moved into his new home. Our routine has changed a bit, but it’s not as bad as I had feared. We work together for a few hours during the day, and we switch nights at each other’s place, which means we share breakfast too.

The dogs seem to be completely on board with the change, and the only tricky part is they don’t know which house to run to at the end of a walk. This afternoon I’m snowshoeing with them and gathering winter berries to adorn my wreath and mantel. Tiny berries that get hard and remain red during the winter, they’re attached to a skinny branch and are like pussy willows one can cut for decoration.

Twigs snap as I step off the trail into the woods to reach one last branch. The dogs wait patiently for me because they’re tired. The snow is more than belly-deep for them, and breaking trail to chase each other is hard on their legs.

My arms ache holding my bundle, and I’m tired too. “C’mon, guys. Let’s call it a day.” I clomp back to the trail where walking is easier. While fresh snow is an often occurrence this time of year, I’ve been packing it down daily and the base is solid.

We decided Christmas Eve and morning would be at my house. As to where Derrick and Gretchen will stay when they come afterward, we came to the conclusion they’ll have to split their week. We haven’t told them yet, and I think they’ll laugh at our solution and then do what they want.

The sky is overcast, and I’m happy that more snow is on the way because I love a white Christmas. I’m relieved when we get to my yard. My biceps are cramping, and I’m not sure I could carry the branches much further.

I drop them by the side of the garage with a thump and then bend down to take off my snowshoes. The stretch of my hamstrings is a good pain. I know it sounds strange, but exercising in the morning gives me the energy I need to get through a long day at the shop. The lifestyle I have right now makes me feel fortunate.

Christian’s job in New York City must have been crazy. He tells me that even though he’s working with numbers again, he still feels as if he’s vacationing. The fact that he’s already researching how to franchise Rhinestone Cowgirl and the plans for us to expand throughout the West makes me think the man doesn’t understand what relaxing is. I retrieve the winterberries and shake off the snow. Setting them in my heated garage, I’ll let them dry out before bringing them inside.

The scent of fresh evergreens greets us as we enter the house, and I sniff as my nose runs from being outside. Spruce boughs adorn my mantel. Their unique aroma always reminds me of Christmas. The dogs lap up water in thirst, and the light of the refrigerator washes over me as I pull out a drink for myself.

With Derrick’s allergies, I avoid real Christmas trees and have a beautiful fake one. He loves it because the lights are included as part of the design, and he doesn’t have to deal with untangling wires each year.

A switch flips as I turn it on to light my tree. It’s been up since Thanksgiving weekend because I made Derrick help Christian with it before he and Gretchen left. I spent the following week decorating it.

Ornaments glimmer with the reflection of light, and I walk over to look at them. An eclectic collection, they each have a story, and I enjoy recalling the memories every year when I place them on the tree. A tiny glass angel is smooth on my fingers as I fondle it and call up my mother’s face the first time she let me put it on our tree. I was so afraid I might break it and so proud when I didn’t.

An odd felt drum Derrick made in kindergarten captures my attention, and I think how he and Gretchen will be married at this time next year. They’ll have their own tree, and half of the ornaments should go to them. I’ll have to have Derrick help me take down the decorations when he’s here so they’ll be ready to be shipped back to New Hampshire when the time comes.

For the past decade Derrick has been my main family. While a piece of me is sad at the thought of that changing, I’m also happy that he’s found the love of his life. And now Gretchen is my family too, even if it means she takes a portion of him away from me.

I can’t decide if I’m maturing or if my relationship with Christian is making the change easier because I’m fine. I turn to the dogs. “What do you think? How is it I’m okay with this when only months ago I depended on Derrick for all my big decisions?”

Cleo’s soulful eyes take me in as if to say, “You’re growing up.” I walk over to her and pet the belly she presents me.
Maybe I am.

***

Light snow is like a fine frozen mist and barely registers on my windshield as I drive to town. Feeling a bit like a holiday package in my blinged-out jeans and rhinestone-adorned western-wear shirt, I’m excited to see the present I ordered for Christian. He’s been eyeing the men’s cowboy boots, and I found him a top-of-the-line pair along with a cowboy hat that’ll make him look like the other businessmen in this town. I told Derrick and Gretchen to get him a sheepskin coat to complete the look.

As part owner of Rhinestone Cowgirl, he’s becoming known in Breckenridge, and what kind of girlfriend would I be if I didn’t make sure he dressed the part? I smile, thinking my poor brother and his fiancée will get to look at it too after they get the cowboy boots I ordered for their presents.

The parking lot is almost full, and I’m grateful for my reserved business-owner space because next week it’s going to be busy in town, and I wouldn’t get one otherwise. I find it amusing that my space is next to Neal’s, and he’s just gotten out of his BMW SUV when I pull in. He waits for me to get out of my car.

“Hi, Neal.” I greet him with our customary cheek kiss.

“Dannika. I’ve been hearing good things about you these days.”

“Have you? That’s nice to know, thank you. I need to get down to the Wine and Cheese Shop today and stock up for the holidays before you run out of all my favorites.”

He flashes me his panty-dropping smile. “I know all your favorites if you’d like me to set them aside for you. I’ll even stay open after hours to accommodate.”

Want some candy, little girl?
He’s shameless, but I play the game. “Oh my. You sure know how to treat your customers. I’ll send Christian over with my list.”

He chuckles and says, “You do that.”

I turn to walk and strike the model over-the-shoulder head pose as I wave my fingers at him. “Have a nice day, Neal.”

Mornings are Christian’s most productive time, and when I get in the office he’s on the computer with a spreadsheet open. He’s so focused he barely registers I’m here, and I sneak in to kiss his neck. His male scent awakens my desire, and I take a deep breath.

I whisper in his ear, knowing it turns him on. “Hey, hon.”

His twirls the chair around and pulls me into his lap to assault my neck with kisses of his own. I giggle and try to push him away until he captures my mouth and my defenses disappear. He breaks away with a sigh. “God, I love this job.”

“And I thought it was the desk.” I raise my eyebrows and wonder if I should lock the door.

“Actually, it’s you I love.” He nudges me to get up so he can stand. “I was just about to go get lunch next door. Want anything?”

“No. I ate at home. But when you come back, I have a list for you to take over to the Wine and Cheese Shop for me if you don’t mind.”

Christian rubs his hands together. “I get to see Neal and rub in the fact you belong to me? Sign me up.”

“You’re awful. But yes, you can rub it in.”

He pulls me against his chest and puts his nose on mine. “I’d rather rub other things. What time do you finish today?”

I kiss him quickly and step back because I have a lot to get done, and he’s just about got me wet enough to lock us in for a while. While I’m not opposed to the idea, it’s probably not a good example for my employees. Especially since being quiet is not my thing.

“I’m closing so I can get the window displays done. Can you go hang with the dogs at my house until I get home?”

“Sure. I’ll be back after lunch.”

I watch him walk across the courtyard and sigh. Tasha has come over to talk to me. “Your package came, and Christian almost opened it until I told him I would do it and bring the invoice to him when I had checked off the contents.”

“Nice save, thank you.”

Tasha’s petite with tiny facial features that make her appear like a doll. She twirls a strand of her dark hair. “You’re welcome. So can I see what you got him?”

“Sure, let’s go look.” We retreat behind the counter, and I slice into the box carefully. The tape snaps when I yank on the cardboard to open it. I remove another box that contains the Lucchese-brand boots. The deep burgundy-colored leather is supple in my hands, and it reminds me of the hint of red that shines when sunlight hits Christian’s hair.

“Nice. He’s going to like them.”

“I hope so.” I show her the boots I picked out for Gretchen and Derrick too. I package them back up and stick them under the counter to take to my car when I leave tonight.

Tissue paper rustles as Tasha organizes the wrapping area. I ask, “Do you have plans for Christmas?”

“Nothing special. My roommates and I will do dinner, but that’s it.” Tape clatters as she sets it by the metal wrapping paper dispenser.

“Is it hard to be away from your family?”

“No, I don’t mind. I’ll talk to my mother on the phone, but she’s got my older brother and grandchildren to spend the holiday with. My dad died a few years ago from a heart attack.”

“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. I’m glad you have friends to spend Christmas with. That sounds fun.” I think about what it must be like to be a spouse left alone. Christian’s dad had a stroke last year that almost took him. I can imagine how awful the holidays would have been for his mother if he had died.

I focus on the other boxes that came in and choose to open the one that has the cowboy-print boxers and panties because I think they’ll be fun for last-minute stocking stuffers. An involuntary shudder runs through me, and I hug myself as if I’m cold before my knife goes to work.

Chapter 39

I
closed the shop at four for Christmas Eve. Christian and I took the dogs out on a quick snowshoe before sunset, and he’s showering as I put the roast in the oven. We’re having beef tenderloin, fresh greens with cheese and fruit, and garlic mashed potatoes for dinner.

Deep berry-colored wine splashes into the decanter to breathe before we drink it with dinner. I already set the table with linens to celebrate. The acrid aroma of sulfur tingles in my nose as I light a cinnamon-scented candle. Satisfied things are in motion, I head upstairs for my shower with the whisk of dog feet trailing me.

Clean and lightly scented with my favorite floral perfume, I put on a new Christmas-inspired bra-and-panty set. Sheer white nylon is adorned with tiny bows, and while they’re not the most functional things I’ve ever worn, I think they’ll invite Christian to unwrap me later. My dress tonight is green stretchy crushed velvet so soft against my skin even I want to pet me. I chuckle at myself and say to the dogs. “Sorry, but his hands are on me tonight, guys.”

I have every intention of making this a night to remember in more ways than one. With the shop closed tomorrow, we have nothing that has to be done, and lazing in bed with the naked version of Christian is my idea of a new holiday tradition.

I slip on ballet flats and make my way downstairs. My feet tap while the dogs tumble ahead of me in a race to the bottom. Christian watches me with a smile on his face. “Princess, you’re beautiful.”

I recall a conversation a few months ago when he said calling a girl beautiful meant he cares. Not that I have any doubt. I have none of the insecurities about his intentions that haunted me in past relationships.

He has turned on the potatoes, and water bubbles as he says, “Ready for wine?”

“Yes, please.” I swirl the burgundy liquid when he hands me the glass of Zinfandel. With its spicy scent, the strong flavor will go well with beef.

The salads I prepared are on the counter, and the raspberries are festive on top of the greens. Drizzling dressing on them, Christian says, “I’m hungry and thought we could eat these now if you don’t mind.”

“Not at all, that’s a good plan.” I go light the candles as he carries the plates over. The flames make our shadows dance on the walls of the dark breakfast area. With the floodlight on, the back yard is illuminated so we can see the snow falling.

Christian looks out the window too. “It’s perfect for Christmas, isn’t it?”

“It is. I think I would find this holiday hard in a warm place.”

“Me too.”

When we sit, Christian reaches across the table for my hand. “When I decided to move here I never expected to be sitting across from the woman I love tonight. Merry Christmas.”

I twine my fingers between his and raise my glass. “And I never knew the man walking into the coffee shop like he was my dream would be one come true. I love you, Christian.”

We sip our wine in a toast before letting go to eat. We spend dinner talking about our dreams for Rhinestone Cowgirl and getting a little drunk after we open a second bottle of wine.