“Yep, I like it. Couldn’t have you wrapped around me last night so I guess this is the next best thing.”
When his eyes narrowed but that sexy smile surfaced seconds later, I had a feeling I was playing with fire, but didn’t care. I turned the lock and shivered when the cool morning air crept in, glancing over my shoulder one last time before I reiterated, “One hour, be ready.”
There wasno way on earth to be at Phoxes Den this time of year and not feel transported into holiday euphoria. At the gate there was a sign acknowledging the location along with an oversized Christmas wreath. The stone and wood exterior of the lodge combined with the wrap-around porch screamed holiday cheer because of the equally impressive wreaths on the double doors. My favorite attribute was the gigantic fireplace that expanded from the ceiling to the hardwood floors, which was always decorated with garlands laced with poinsettia.
This morning I was overly giddy to see the larger than life lodge tree decorated in a way that brought to mind a full spread advertisement in a holiday magazine.
Ro didn’t seem moved one way or another aside from his amusement with my elation for all the holiday décor. I didn’t care about curbing my enthusiasm because who the hell cared? There was nothing wrong with being in love with Christmas and I was absolutely enamored by everything about it.
We had breakfast—pancakes with fresh berry syrup, cheese eggs, and beef bacon—which was supposed to be my treat, but Ro managed to slide the server his card while I animatedly prepped him for how the tree selection process would go. When he seemed to be second guessing agreeing to be my plus one for today’s festivities, I promised not to make it too complicated.
That went straight out the window after we climbed on the ATV with Don, the seasonal help who worked the tree farms. We were already an hour in and the wagon attached to the back of our ATV was still empty.
While I was enjoying the selection process—because how could I not enjoy getting lost out here in the midst of all these beautiful trees—Ro was over me. Don was too but he was paid well to pretend his sole mission in life was to be fully invested in making sure I found the perfect tree.
“Alright, let’s try over here.” He navigated the ATV down another row and parked, turning to me. I grinned and immediately jumped down. When Ro didn’t move, I arched my brow.
“I’ll stay here.”
“Why?” I grinned and he glared at me.
“I know the process. You’ll walk this entire row, thoroughly inspect every single damn tree, and tell him you want to try another spot.” He tipped his hat to Don who smirked and dipped his head to hide his amusement. A side had been chosen and it wasn’t mine.
“Or I might just find the perfect tree for him to cut down and we can leave.” Today was warmer than usual, maybe fortyish, but still freezing. Out here with the trees shading us, it felt more like twentyish. I yanked my gloves out of the pocket of my puffer jacket and shoved my hands into them.
Begrudgingly, he got out of the ATV and strode my way, looking annoyed and sexy in black jeans, boots, and a hoodie with an army green field jacket over it. He looked so sexy and adorably hostile about having to suffer through my tree selection process.
While I moved down the row, carefully examining the trees on both sides, Don hung back at the ATV, typing on his phone, likely complaining to Travis about his indecisive customer. I grinned at the thought. Ro followed a few steps behind me with his hands shoved into the pocket of his hoodie until I turned toward one of the trees which had to be at least eight to nine feet.My eyes darted from the tree to Ro a few times before he gave in and asked.
“What are you doing?”
“Trying to figure out how tall this tree is. I’m thinking nine feet because you have to be at least six.”
“Six three.”
“See, so nine feet. I want this one. It’s perfect.”
“I want to ask if you’re sure but that would be like shooting myself in the foot. We’re an hour in and I’m ready to get this over with.”
“Well, you don’t have to ask, I’m sure.”
“Alright then, let’s get this one down. I’d rather be scraping paint off the last two sides of the stables than being out here.”
“It’s tree day. No ranch work allowed, and since I’m technically the boss, I’m calling the shots.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He grinned and tipped his hat. “But I’m pretty sure this wasn’t a part of the negotiated terms we discussed. My job is supposed to be helping you patch up your ranch.”
“You can consider this a ranch emergency.”
“Since when did tree hunting become a ranch emergency?”
“Christmas makes me happy. I’m connected to the ranch, so if I’m happy, the ranch is at peace.”
“You’re full of shit.”
“I’m not. Trust me, once you see this beauty all decorated, you’ll completely understand.” I pulled my eyes from him; a hard task. The man looked delectable standing there in the middle of a tree farm, agitated but complying with my every demand. I circled the tree and my smile explanted. It was absolutely perfect. I was also keenly aware of Ro’s focus on me instead of the tree.
All day I had been astutely aware of him watching me and I had a feeling I was the only reason he was suffering through this process. It was damn near impossible to pretend I didn’tnotice the way he followed my every move or the way I felt warm regardless of how damn cold it was out here each time I felt his attention on me.
