More Than A Christmas Cowboy, page 1
More Than A Christmas Cowboy
By Rhonda Lee Carver
Copyright © 2020 by Rhonda Lee Carver
www.rhondaleecarver.com
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without permission from the author, Rhonda Lee Carver, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages written in a review. For information, please contact Rhonda Lee Carver at rhondaleecarver.author@gmail.com.
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, incidents and dialogue in this work are from the author’s imagination and creation. Any resemblance to actual events, locales or persons, living or dead, is completely coincidental.
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BLURB:
She needs a holidate. He has a soft spot for feisty redheads. They're a perfect match...until he kisses her under the mistletoe…
Rona Collins has wanted Stone for too long, but the time has never been right to tell him how she feels. When her sister plans a Christmas wedding at a private resort, Rona feels the time has finally come to plan her secret reveal. She’s single. He’s single. What could get in the way?
Then he shows up with a beautiful woman clinging to his arm, and Rona must find herself a holidate fast.
Kai Grey needs a break from the family ranch so a few days at a resort to watch his best buddy get married sounds like an opportunity for some peace and quiet. From minute one, his plans are turned upside down. Not only must he share his cabin, but his new roommate lassos him into pretending to be her Christmas date.
From the second he agreed to help her, he knew he’d live to regret it. Too bad she wants his best friend…or does she?
Kisses under the mistletoe and snuggling up to soft curves are definitely some perks to being a holidate, until a drunken fool and a dead fish ruin the Christmas cheer.
Cover Design:
Rhonda Lee Carver
Stock Photo:
Period Images
Edits:
Sara Miller
A Note From The Author:
Welcome to Kai and Rona’s story.
First, I had already written the ending when I realized the name Rona was too close to Corona. Eck. It wasn’t intentional, at least not consciously. I’d debated whether I’d rename her, but she’d become Rona “Red” to me and it stuck.
Second, I wasn’t going to write a holiday book this year because I’d wanted to concentrate on my cowboy series, yet Kai and Rona kept talking to me and I felt like I had no choice but to bring them to “life”. And I’m so glad that I did. From the get-go these two characters wanted to spar as much as they wanted to tangle. If only she didn’t get caught up in a dead-end crush…I’m guessing we’ve all had one or two of those. You know, the object of our obsession is amazing and perfect until we get up close and personal and then we’re like “What the…” Yeah, that type.
The cover, isn’t it wonderful, is a warning of the turbulence that swirls around Kai and Rona. I could have written at least ten more chapters on their story because their kismet kept the words coming.
Now for some housekeeping �� I’m not going to give a lecture on how important reviews are for authors. You’ve heard it all before. Yet, if you will, please take a moment and review More Than A Christmas Cowboy. I truly appreciate all that you do as readers. Happy Holidays!!
With lots of hugs and love,
Rhonda Lee Carver
Table of Contents
Front Matter
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Back Matter
Bonus – Big Hearted Cowboy (Book 5, Tarnation, Texas) Chapters 1 & 2
CHAPTER ONE
SNOWFLAKES SWIRLED ONTO her face, melting on her eyelashes as her boots crunched the snow.
Rona Collins loved the outdoors, especially at Christmastime, but had she known she’d have to park her car a thousand miles away because of the conditions she’d have worn the all-weather boots she’d packed on a just-in-case basis.
The light, sporty jacket and strappy heeled boots weren’t made for tromping through six inches of snow. After nearly falling three times on the slippery incline, she slowed her pace. She couldn’t risk breaking an ankle, or worse, a leg. Not only did she refuse to miss her sister’s wedding at midnight on Christmas Eve, but she’d be humiliated to face Stone Bishop for the first time in a year wearing an ugly cast.
She’d spent most of her budget on the soft, green, button-up blouse, fitted black skirt and trendy suede boots—and the sexy red dress in her suitcase that she couldn’t wait to wear. At five foot two and curvy, she’d never found it easy finding something off the department store rack because things were either too long or too snug in the chest. She couldn’t afford the price tag of designer clothes, although she’d never been one who spent much on her wardrobe anyway unless it was a special event like now. Her entire nest egg had been plonked into Rona and Mica’s Blissful Bakery that she and her friend had opened and were finally seeing a profit after two years. The long hours, the barely scraping by, the sweat and tears she’d devoted to the startup of her business had all been worth it to finally have her dream come true.
Smoothing an errant curl off her cheek and back into the chignon, at least she’d pulled her long, thick hair up, otherwise the wild curls would be a sight. Finding the right products after years of searching, she always received compliments on her fiery red hair, yet she wondered if people would feel the same if they had to live with the misbehaving locks for one day.
Feeling a cramp starting in her calf, she stopped long enough to rub the angry muscle.
How much further was it to the cabin anyway?
Marti, her sister, had given her the address and in the text message she’d said, “You’ll love your cabin. Super cute.” Rona had been looking forward to the holiday for weeks, although she did worry that Mica would run into problems at the bakery during what was usually their busiest month of the year. She promised she’d call if anything came up, yet Rona couldn’t do much while here in the middle of nowhere.
The wheels of the suitcase she rolled behind her hit a bump, almost causing her to slip. She looked ahead, hoping she’d see some form of life, or building, soon.
When Marti had called to say that she and Taylor planned to marry on Christmas Eve at his family’s mountain resort, Rona had plenty of time to find a date because who wanted to attend a wedding alone? However, she decided this was her last opportunity to reveal to Stone, Taylor’s older brother, that she had been madly in love with him since the first time she met him three years ago. Would he reciprocate her feelings? What if he rejected her? She hadn’t thought that far ahead. She had to remain hopeful.
An image of the ridiculously tall, athletic, olive-skinned award-winning photographer developed in her mind. So taken by him and his work behind the camera, she had some of her favorite shots of the wilderness framed and hung on the walls in her apartment. She read every magazine he was published in and followed him on every social media platform. His last shots taken of a Haiti child playing in two feet of dirty water had gripped every emotional avenue inside her, and everyone who saw the photograph.
Over the years they’d crossed paths at backyard parties, karaoke Sundays, game nights at Marti and Taylor’s, and Thanksgiving dinner, but he didn’t seem to notice Rona and she’d never built up enough courage to disclose how she truly felt. She’d lost count of the many relationships he’d been in and out of—and how many of them had been models—and she wondered if he just needed someone like her.
Nothing could keep her from the secret reveal. Her mind had been made up.
Stone had broken up with his latest girlfriend and Rona was no longer dating Mick the dentist—who decided he wanted to bump uglies with his hygienist.
Good riddance. She could have never gotten used to him texting her nightly to ask if she remembered to floss.
Breathing in deeply and letting thoughts of Mick-who go, she counted her blessings to be here on forty-acres of mostly wooded property in the beautiful Tennessee hills. In three days Marti would be marrying the love of her life and Rona could barely contain her happiness. Knowing Stone would be here as well had built the excitement to a fever pitch. On the two-hour drive from her apartment t o the resort, Rona had rehearsed how she’d tell him the truth. She’d even listened to a fifteen-minute self-help podcast that suggested being straightforward in a confession, but not pushy or demanding. Hopefully, after she divulged her feelings, he’d then agree to be her date at the wedding, and thereafter.
There couldn’t be a repeat of what happened the last time she’d worked up enough nerve to tell him. Her stomach turned at the memory.
It had been on New Year’s Eve at a party hosted by Marti and Taylor. Rona had dressed in a form-fitting black dress, heels that added three inches to her height and felt confident. Of course, Stone had brought a date with him, and they made out most of the night. As Rona’s hopes were dashed, she drank more. At three minutes until midnight she dragged him outside, before he could share a New Year’s kiss with his date and readied herself to reveal the truth. However, things had taken a turn for the worse and the alcohol, or maybe the sushi, made her vomit all over his shoes. Humiliation had kept her from spilling the beans that night.
Things were different now. She sensed the changes in her bones. She had matured. Her limbs tingled in enthusiasm unless she was feeling the early stages of frostbite. At this point it was hard to say for certain.
The lane curved up another incline and she followed the snow-covered roadway, her boots slipping and sliding but she kept her balance. The curls that she thought were contained in the updo were starting to make a bid for freedom and bounce around her cheeks. She could also feel sweat beading up under her arms and between her breasts. The satin blouse would start to wrinkle.
The rattling of an engine caught her attention. A Jeep turned the curve and she anticipated that she could catch a ride the rest of the way, but all hope vanished when she saw the driver. Holy smokes. Of course, he’d have to be here for the week also.
She quickened her pace, hoping he wouldn’t stop.
No such luck.
He slowed and she looked back, cringing.
Kai Grey, Taylor’s obnoxious best friend, smiled from ear to ear behind the dirty windshield. The wipers swished back and forth, mimicking the sudden whooshing in her body. She didn’t like him. Not one bit.
She stared ahead, hoping he continued on his way, but she should have known better. He rolled down the side window.
“Need a lift, Red?” Kai was equally as handsome as Stone with sandy hair that he usually hid under a white Stetson and eyes the color of a top-shelf whiskey surrounded by absurdly long lashes for a man. Over six feet of broad shoulders, wide chest, and thick muscles he’d earned from working on his family’s horse ranch, he certainly did look good. Unfortunately, his attitude rubbed her the wrong way. He seemed to enjoy targeting her with his lame jokes and using the nickname he’d bestowed upon her when she met him. Red.
“I’m fine walking.” She didn’t even look at him as she attempted to stride confidently ahead.
“You’re going to ruin those fancy boots,” he said in a slow, drawn-out accent.
Keep your eyes ahead. Keep your eyes ahead.
She couldn’t resist.
Glancing over, her breath caught. His hat was now missing, exposing a mass of tousled hair that was a bit longer since she saw him last. His lopsided grin was present and his broad, clefted chin was cleanly shaven. His arm leaned halfway out of the open window and the rolled-up sleeve of his white T-shirt showed off most of the intricate tattoo of a cross wrapped in barbed wire on his flexed bicep. She heard him say once he got the ink while he was serving in the Marines.
“It’s too late. They’re probably already ruined,” she finally answered.
“Come on. It’s just a ride, not a marriage proposal. Your nose and cheeks are as red as your hair. By the way, is your hair redder?”
Lifting her chin and shoulders, she frowned. “Here we go with the insults. My name is Rona, not Red. Do you think it’s possible that you could manage not to make wisecracks about my appearance every time you see me?”
“How about that ride?”
“Not on your life.”
An easy grin turned up his full lips, engaging deep dimples. His irises reflected the snow making them brighter than usual. “Suit yourself.” He gave her a casual wave and a wink before he sped off. The Jeep’s tires kicked up slush, splattering her face. Grr.
The heat building inside helped her to momentarily forget the freezing temperature. Why did he infuriate her so much? Why did she allow him to affect her? Why had she allowed the schoolyard bullies to bother her when they made fun of her wild curly hair, her early-puberty-curves, and too-large glasses? By the time she reached high school she’d embraced her unique looks and all those kids who made fun of her wanted to be her friend.
Kai didn’t make her feel like those kids had. He made her feel…what exactly?
Angry.
Irritated.
Like she was on fire.
Huffing, she scrambled up the hill, her feet now wet in the leaky boots, pushing the infuriating cowboy out of her mind. This vacation would be pleasurable.
Finally she came to the tin-roofed cabin set back in the woods. Lighted garland wrapped around the railing of the porch and a large wreath hung on the red door. A swinging sign posted next to the shoveled sidewalk had the name “Kismet”.
This was her cabin. Relief spread through her, until she saw the Jeep parked in the driveway.
What is Kai doing at my cabin?
She took a step toward the snow-covered yard ready to tackle the situation and her boots slipped on an icy patch.
The handle of the suitcase went flying and she flailed her arms frantically trying to find her balance. Her legs swept out from under her and she fell back onto her bottom, skidding down the slope and landing into the ditch. When she finally came to a stop her body lunged forward and she landed face first to make a backward snow angel. Pushing herself up, she spit out a mouthful of dirty snow and a few choice words that would make her mother cringe. Managing to stand, although a little wobbly, she grabbed her suitcase and scaled the short distance to the porch.
With numb, shaking fingers she dragged out the paper she’d written the cabin information on. Kismet.
This was indeed her cabin.
Taking the three steps, she didn’t even bother knocking on the door but instead threw it open.
*****
Kai turned the Garth Brooks holiday song back up and pressed the gas as he left the feisty redhead on the side of the road. Although she hated him and made that abundantly clear, he would have given her a ride. Glancing at her fading reflection in the rearview mirror, he grinned. Her frown remained from their heated exchange. He never did understand where they’d gotten off on the wrong foot. When he saw her the first time, he’d been blown away by her beauty and curves and probably had tripped over his sloppy communication skills once or twice. He was a country boy who worked with horses and livestock a helluva lot more than he did with people, especially hot women that made him feel like he was a teenager all over again. Seeing her flushed cheeks, pouty lips and glinting wide eyes made pestering her come with a few benefits. He’d become damn good at riling her up.
A cowboy had to have some fun.
They’d have to get through the next few days somehow.
Removing his gaze from her reflection, he continued up the lane.
Kai didn’t mind at all getting away for a few days right at Christmas. After having the busiest year on the ranch breeding Paints, he looked forward to holing up in a secluded cabin, drinking a couple of beers and watching some sports. All he had to do was make sure he was decently dressed and present at any pre-wedding events, but Taylor promised there wouldn’t be many. Kai wanted to be there for his buddy who’d lucked out by finding a woman like Marti. Too bad her sister was an ice queen—make that an uptight ice queen. What she needed was a kiss under the mistletoe—and a few other things that would make her pop out of that hard shell and purr like a kitten.
Parking, he grabbed his bag from the passenger seat, and slid out of the driver’s side. He tapped in the code on the keypad and strolled through the door, tossing his bag on the chair as he gave the space a quick inspection. His smile faded. He didn’t see a TV anywhere in sight.
