Seriously, I’d rather discuss literallyanythingother than Shep’s cock and having to pretend I haven’t thought about sleeping with him.
She lets out an exasperated sigh. “Fine, I’ll stop grilling you about your cowboy—for now.” Shep’s notmycowboy, but I don’t bother correcting her. “Have you had a chance to do any of your favorite holiday traditions?” Gemma asks.
“Not yet,” I admit. “Shep doesn’t decorate for the holidays, and I’m not sure when I’ll get to visit Pine Haven. But even if there aren’t any lights, holiday movie marathons, or cookies baking in the oven, I’ll find a way to celebrate.”
“Of course you will. You have a gift for bringing holiday magic wherever you go.” Through the phone, I hear a door creak, followed by a hushed voice. “Sorry, I gotta go. My mom and I are meeting my sister and the kids at the mall,” Gemma tells me.
“Have so much fun and tell Santa I said hi.”
“Duh. You’re my only hope for staying on the nice list. And remember, don’t do anything I wouldn’t when it comes to that hunky cowboy of yours,” she teases.
“Glad to know I have plenty of wriggle room.” I chuckle. “Talk soon.”
I put my phone on the nightstand before sinking into the pillows. With my ankle still throbbing, there’s not much I can do but wait for Shep to come back. Hopefully, a few hours of rest and some painkillers and ice will ease the swelling, and I’ll be walking again in a day or two. Until then, it looks like I’ll have to depend on him to get by, which means more time spent together. Here’s hoping I can keep my fantasies of him giving me a full-body exam in check.
Pouty Lips And Pillow Walls
Eavesdropping is wrong, right?
I rake a hand through my hair as I stand with my ear pressed to the bedroom door. I was bringing Noelle an ice pack for her ankle but refrained from knocking when I heard voices inside. Normally, I tune people out if they’re not speaking to me, but what comes from her friend’s end has me hesitating—more out of shock than anything else.
“Maybe he’s imagining all the ways to use them on you!”
I kept listening, stunned when I realized they were talking about me. Noelle must have figured out I stumbled across her toy collection earlier. I’d opened her suitcase to grab her phone like she instructed, and was left speechless when I found a pile of holiday-themed glittery dildos, butt plugs, and other devices.
My sunshine guest might not be as innocent as I thought. But as much as my cock disagrees, Noelle is right—nothing will happen between us. Not because I don’t want it to. Fuck, the longer she’s here, the more tempted I am to cross a line thatcould destroy the fragile balance that we’ve established, but my rationality prevails.
When it sounds like she’s wrapping up her call, I slowly back away from the door and slip into the kitchen before she notices I was listening in.
I toss the ice pack back in the freezer and start on lunch, grabbing ingredients for grilled cheese sandwiches and a carton of tomato soup I picked up in town before the storm hit. I also swung by High Noon to handle payroll and order supplies. As the busiest tourist spot around, it’s always packed before and after a storm. And with Christmas only five days away, Casey wanted to make sure we ordered enough stock for January since many vendors shut down during the last week of December.
I’ve just put the grilled cheese sandwiches and soup on the stove when my phone buzzes on the counter.
Birdie: Checking in. Text me back when you have service.
Shep: There was a break in the weather. I’m fine.
Birdie: Has Noelle run for the hills yet?
Shep: Told you she was only staying one night.
Birdie: She’s still there, isn’t she?
Shep: Maybe.
Birdie: Are you being nice?
Shep: Maybe.
Birdie: Do you like her?
Shep: Maybe.
Shit. I hit send before I can edit my response.
Birdie: I knew it!
Shep: Maybe doesn’t mean yes.
