A Covert Cowboy Christmas by Carol James

Author:Carol James [James, Carol]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Holiday Fiction, inspirational fiction, Clean and Wholesome, Religion and Spirituality, Christian fiction, Christmas romance, Inspirational Romance
ISBN: 9781522303596
Publisher: Pelican Book Group
Published: 2021-10-25T00:00:00+00:00

7

Ethan threw back the curtains. Light from the full moon puddled gray across the bed and floor. Outside, the nighttime landscape glowed silver blue, reflecting the true calm after the storm, a peacefulness missing from his heart.

For the last couple of hours—since Ken called and woke him—he’d tossed and turned, chasing sleep that refused to be caught. He’d met her only days ago, but his heart had hoped for her, prayed for her most of his life. And now this. More than anything, Ken’s call motivated him to make this his last film.

Mom’s insomnia remedy called to him. He cracked open the door. All was quiet—except for Braden’s snoring. He padded down the hall to the loft area overlooking the living room and then headed downstairs toward the kitchen. Mom always insisted a bowl of oatmeal or oat cereal and bananas would do the trick.

Marilyn lay curled up on the rug in front of the fireplace. Embers left over from last evening glowed deep red-orange. He walked toward the fireplace, drew back the screen, and poked the coals. A timid flame reawakened, so he added a couple of small logs. He’d make his cereal and then come watch the fire. Its warmth and coziness would help soothe his heart and mind.

Marilyn whined and nuzzled his hand. He rubbed her ears. “Hey, girl. I’ll be right back.” He turned toward the kitchen.

“Hi.” Rebekah lay snuggled under a velour throw on the couch.

“Oh…hi.” His face warmed. He hadn’t expected to run into anyone this time of night. Or morning. He’d have put a shirt on if he’d realized she was down here. He grabbed a throw off the back of one of the chairs and draped it over his shoulders. Then he dropped into one of the chairs.

She raised up and patted the spot next to her on the couch. “Couldn’t sleep, either?”

“No.” Sitting beside her right now would only be asking for trouble. “Be right back.”

He charged up the stairs to his room and grabbed a t-shirt out of the drawer. He pulled it over his head and made his way back down the stairs.

He sat beside her and grasped her hand. He would miss this.

“You didn’t have to put on a shirt for me.” She leaned her head on his shoulder. “It’s not like I haven’t seen you shirtless before. Remember? Plus I, along with half of America and all of the ladies at my office, have seen Agent Jack Thorne shirtless multiple times on the big screen.”

He rested his head on top of hers. “This is gonna sound really weird. But those times, even cutting down the tree, were work…performances. He wrapped his arms around her and drew her near. “But this time…this time is personal. Very personal.”

She drew away and kissed his cheek. “I’m glad.”

“So, despite what you might think, yeah, I did have to put on a shirt.”

The fire cracked and hissed. He brushed a kiss on the top of her head. “Came downstairs to get some cereal and bananas.

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