We also had to stop by the barn and feed the animals before going down the mountain. There’s no chance the convertible would have made it. Even with the roads cleared, they’re still slick with patches of ice along the switchbacks. It’s a miracle I made it up during the storm as it is.
On the ride into town, I had time to reflect. I see now that my fixation on the tangible trappings of Christmas has made me forget the real reason I feel so much loss—being without my family. Yet, here with Shep, I’ve found a peace I wouldn’t have if I were alone, and I’ve come to accept that even without a Christmas tree or decorations, there’s still joy to be found in the season.
The low rumble of the engine stops when Shep pulls into a parking spot at the back of the lot.
“Stay put,” he orders as he climbs out.
He circles the front of the truck and opens my door, offering his hand to help me down.
“Aww, you’re my knight in rugged denim,” I say with a playful smile.
“Someone’s gotta keep an eye on you. You’re begging to catch a cold in that outfit.” He throws his arm around my shoulder, shielding me from the wind.
If it were up to Shep, I’d be wearing his sweats and flannel sweater. Instead, I chose a red knee-length dress with puffed sleeves that I packed for my trip. It’s more fitting for a warm summer afternoon than a frigid winter night, but I refuse to meet his friends like I just rolled out of bed—even with the chilly air nipping at my ankles. It’s a good thing we’ll be indoors for the rest of the evening.
Shep draws me closer as he ushers us toward the entrance. I melt into his touch, resting my head against his chest. My nipples tighten under my dress at the memory of waking up pressed against him two nights ago while I touched myself. I’d been lost in a dream about our kiss, except it didn’t end there. He’d turned me to face the TV, my back to his front, telling me not to make a sound as he slipped his hand inside my pants, fucking me with his fingers while he peppered my neck with kisses. Just as I was on the verge of coming, I woke up, hit with the reality that it was nothing more than a dream, and the ache between my legs was all too real.
An ache blooms in my core, and I wish I would have had a chance to use one of my toys before we left the cabin. Worse, I can’t shake the idea of Shep using one with me—a vibrator in my pussy as he fucks me in the ass.
I’m relieved when we reach the building. The doors swing open, and the warmth washes over me, banishing the cold and my dirty thoughts.
We enter a foyer where we’re surrounded by people and the low hum of conversation. A hostess stands behind a small podium, checking tickets. Dozens of posters promoting upcoming bands cover the wall behind her. I recognize several as famous country groups, and almost every poster is marked “Sold Out” with red stickers. It has me doubting my earlier assumptions about Shep’s success.
He places his hand on my lower back, guiding me along the edge of the entrance. The hostess starts to scold him for cutting in line but freezes when she recognizes Shep.
“S-sorry, boss. Go right in,” she stammers.
Even his employee is intimidated by his presence. It’s probably a good thing he has someone else managing his business because his interpersonal skills could use some work.
Shep lets out a disgruntled huff before ushering me through a set of oak doors leading into the main area. It’s just past seven, but the place is swarming with people. There’s a big dance hall with a raised stage in front where a band plays country music as couples spin across the polished floor. Tables line the back half of the converted barn, packed with patrons watching the show from a distance. Servers thread through the crowd with trays of food and drinks, while the bar along the left-hand side is lined with people who couldn’t get a seat.
The room is a sea of cowboy hats, boots, and full country attire. I frown, glancing down at my dress and sneakers, instantly feeling out of place. Shep vetoed my wedges despite my ankle being better, and the only other option I had was the sneakers I packed.
Shep leans in to whisper, “You okay?”
Goose bumps ripple across the nape of my neck as the tickle of his mustache brushes against the shell of my ear.
“I’m the only one here not wearing boots or a hat,” I note.
His eyes roam over me, slow and deliberate. “Not much I can do about the boots. You’d be tripping over in mine, and I’m not letting you twist another ankle. But I do have a solution to your other problem.” He takes off his hat and puts it on my head, adjusting the brim so it stays in place. “There. Now you fit right in.” Shep fixes me with the same look he gets when I’m wearing his clothes—possessive with a touch of ownership.
I rise on my toes, pressing a kiss to his cheek. “Mighty kind of you, cowboy.”
I wish he’d throw caution to the wind and give in to this thing between us already.
We both know it’s inevitable.
Shep’s gaze holds mine as his thumb grazes my bottom lip. “You’re so damn beautiful,” he murmurs.
My heart hammers against my ribs as he leans in closer, cupping my cheeks. His darkened gaze flicks to my mouth, and I sense he’s teetering on the brink of letting go of the restraint he’s been clinging to—when suddenly, a loud voice from behind him startles me.
“Look who finally decided to show up. I was beginning to think you might not come off that mountain until after Christmas.”
“Dammit, Casey,” Shep mumbles low enough so only I can hear.
The man in question comes into view behind Shep. Loose curls of sandy-blond hair spill out from beneath his wide-brimmed hat. His cream-colored shirt and leather vest are paired with dark jeans, and a faded red bandanna is tied loosely around his neck.
He stops short when he spots me standing so close to Shep, his gaze darting between us with an amused curve of his mouth.
