A Cowboy's Christmas Eve by R. C. Ryan

Author:R. C. Ryan
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Published: 2016-12-06T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

There’s a plate of cheese and some tuna salad.” Anita turned from the fridge. “My uncle’s favorite snack. Also a longneck he stashed behind the jar of mayo.”

“Sounds perfect.”

“There’s bread up there.” She pointed to a cupboard. “And plates and mugs up here.”

He reached over her head at the same moment she turned.

Their faces were mere inches apart, and Colin nearly bobbled the plates in his hand. The need to touch his lips to hers had him sweating.

He stepped back and carefully set the dishes on the small table, cursing his bad timing and wishing for a replay of the moment. He’d gladly sacrifice a few plates for a chance to kiss that tempting mouth.

With a wicked smile he muttered, “Can I get a do-over?”

She arched a brow.

“That missed opportunity.” He gathered her close and covered her mouth with his, drawing out the kiss until they were both struggling for breath.

He drew a little away. “Thank you, ma’am.”

“Anytime.” She drew in a deep draft of air. “Would you like another?”

Without a word, she lifted her face to his and he kissed her with a thoroughness that left them both trembling.

Anita was the first to step back. With a hand on her heart, she sent him a smoldering look. “If we’re not careful, we could starve to death.”

“It would never happen.” He caught her shoulders, running his hands up and down her arms. At her questioning look, he grinned. “All of a sudden, I believe in the old expression of living on love.”

“I believe in food first.”

“Spoilsport.” He released her.

They worked companionably together, spreading tuna salad on bread, cutting slices of cheese. Minutes later they sat across from each other, enjoying a snack while sharing her uncle’s longneck.

“I’m sorry you have to eat such plain food on Christmas. Uncle Leonard said your family’s meal would be a feast.”

“There’s no doubt of that. With Yancy in the kitchen, it’ll be fancy.” Colin sat back. “What were your holidays like in Boston?”

She smiled. “When my mother was alive, they were really special. She always cooked a turkey and made a special oyster stew for my father.”

“When did she die?”

“Just as I started college.”

“Was she a doctor?”

Anita shook her head. “She was a high school teacher. She always hoped I’d follow in her footsteps, but I’ve been drawn to medicine since I was a girl going with my father to his clinic.”

“You dad’s a doctor?” He paused before asking, “Why aren’t you working with him?”

“I always thought I would. But while I was doing my internship, he met someone and married again. They moved across the country to be closer to her family.”

Colin saw a hint of pain in her eyes. “You didn’t want to join them?”

“I didn’t really know what I wanted. While I was trying to figure out where I fit in, Uncle Leonard called to ask me if I would help him here in Montana, and I honestly felt he’d thrown me a lifeline. I had no idea what to expect, but I knew I had to give it a try.

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