Page 19 of A Cowboy Holiday

“Are you sure? ’Cause?—”

“Yes, I’m sure. But…it’s complicated.”

“Not really. It’s just biology.”

That made me laugh. “Just so we’re clear, I have no qualms about kissing a guy. I’m bi.”

“Same here. I’m just a couple of decades out of practice,” he admitted, finally turning to face me.

“Decades?”

He nodded. “We can forget about it if that’s easier, but…I don’t want you to avoid me. I like you, Tanner and…well, I hope I didn’t blow it. That’s all.”

My grin practically split my face in half. “You like me, huh?”

Axel rolled his eyes. “Yeah. I do. I’m not suggesting we…you know…date or anything. I don’t even know what that means, and I’m a single dad with?—”

“Hey. It’s okay. You don’t have to explain. I won’t get ideas, but you know what could be fun?”

“Uh…you look a little devious. I’m not sure I want to know.”

“Christmas Town.”

Axel blinked. “No.”

“Yes. Let’s go this weekend.”

He furrowed his brow. “Why?”

“ ’Cause it’s harmless and fun and you can bring your daughter. Kids love Santa.”

“How did a kiss turn into a trip to see Santa?”

I winked. “The world works in mysterious ways. Are you in?”

Axel’s lips curled at one corner. “I’m in.”

Christmas Town? After that kiss? What was I thinking?

It was as if my brain and my mouth were working independently. Spending time with Axel away from the ranch could either be completely harmless…or a total disaster.

Wish me luck.

CHAPTER 6

AXEL

Christmas Town had to be experienced in person.

Tanner suggested we drive together as the parking situation could be dicey due to the parade. Since the ranch was on the way, I told him we’d pick him up. He’d beamed one of those ear-to-ear radiant grins that left me feeling a little dizzy. Then he gave a thumbs-up and reminded me to wear a Halloween costume.

Yeah, not gonna happen.

I was glad we’d cleared the air yet nervous that this jaunt to Christmas Town might feel like some kind of “date,” and I didn’t date…ever. But I didn’t think he’d have included Phoebe if he was expecting something more.

No, I had a feeling this was just Tanner being Tanner. A nice guy who had no idea what it was like to hang out with an excitable five-year-old on her way to a parade.

“I like this song,” Phoebe exclaimed from her car seat, wriggling excitedly as she straightened her crown. “Do you like this song?”