Arden held back laughter. “Of course not. You’re a horrible person.”
“Wait a minute! I wasn’t getting that impression in the kitchen.”
That was before I knew how devious you are. Give and pull back, warm and cold. “I was half-asleep. You caught me pre-coffee. I’m liable to do anything.”
Kyle looked away, laughing.
“Okay, okay,” Arden said as she felt her cheeks burning. “I walked right into that one.”
“So, agreed?” he asked. “After we get back, we’ll get out the decorations, put up a tree, drink the eggnog, put on the Christmas carols? And try and make the best of this Christmas?”
The thing was, the way Kyle was smiling at her right now, this would probably be the best Christmas she’d had in more years than she could count. The tiniest voice in the farthest corner of her head whispered, if that’s the case,maybe there are a few things you should change about your life.
Arden nodded. “Okay. I have to say I like this plan.” She clinked her coffee mug against his which he picked up, and they both drank on their agreement. “So this means you are coming to town with me for sure?”
“I said I would.”
“You did. I’m glad. Storm’s still giving us a break today. You should at least see a little bit of Colorado while you’re here. Beyond a really nasty blizzard and a rude cannibal.” She winked at him.
“Oh, you mean they won’t skewer me alive down in Lyons, all those natives?”
Arden laughed. “They might try to skin your wallet. I imagine they’ve lost some business due to this storm. A lot of people wait until the last minute to do their shopping, when the little places in Lyons put on their best sales. I have a feeling that a lot of people will be taking advantage of the brief good weather.”
“First thing we do though is get you extra cameras. Then, you’re gonna report Rick the Dick to the police as a trespasser.”
That popped the mood. Arden had almost forgotten the real reason why she needed to go to Lyons. “Right. Of course.”
“Hey.” Kyle reached out and cupped her cheek. “I did tell Ellie I was here to help you. I want you to be safe. Even after I’m gone.”
Ouch. He spoke the truth, but damn, did it hurt. “Right. Wouldn’t want to disappoint Ellie.” She stood up. “I should get showered and dressed.” Arden started toward her bedroom.
“Arden?”
The hopeful tone in his voice stopped her. She turned. “Yeah?”
He paused. “Never mind,” he said. “I’m just gonna get ready, too.”
Twelve
Arden emerged from her room looking absolutely stunning in a snow-bunny kind of way. Gone were the ratty robe and the chore grubbies. She wore tight-fitting black ski-leggings, an off-white short-cropped cable-knit sweater, and a hot-pink ski jacket. She’d done her honey-gold hair in two braids and pulled a sky-blue beanie over them. Her eyes shone like polished silver.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Kyle turned away before she could see the obvious effect she had on his cock.
After Arden saw to the horses and alpacas and packed a backpack with a warmed blanket, Kyle led her back to the outdoor Christmas tree. “One last job to finish before we head out.” He pointed to the star sitting on one of the ladder’s steps.
God, her smile with that dimple. She picked up the star and turned it in her hands, examining it. “Thank you,” she said shyly. Who knew this woman could be shy?
“I’ll hold the ladder steady while you climb.”Not that I have any ulterior motive, like watching that pert little ass on its way up. He gave her his most boyish grin.
Didn’t work. She still raised an eyebrow like she’d read every dirty thought going through his head. But he noticed it didn’t stop her from climbing the ladder. And that didn’t stop him from enjoying the view.
After Arden placed the star, Kyle followed her out to one of the buildings she hadn’t shown him but had pointed out as storage the day before. “Have you ever been on a snowmobile before?”
“No, actually I haven’t.” A terrible thought occurred to him. “Wait, am I going to have to ride bitch?”
She stopped and turned, her face full of concern. “Oh, goodness. Youhaven’tridden one, have you?” The line of her lips went flat as she folded her arms. “You’re not going to like this. At all.”
“So I am riding bitch?”
