Page 89 of Noel Secrets

He turned to her. “Ma’am.” He shook her hand warmly. She noticed some scars on his forehead that his hat had shadowed. “You’re going to love Coleville Ranch. My mama will make sure you feel right at home.”

“Thank you.” She buried her hands back in her pockets. The welcome meant a lot, especially as it was Christmas time and she was horribly displaced. Her home blasted and burned. Far away from family. Stuck with a man she wanted but couldn’t have. She risked a glance at Price. Those dang soulful dark eyes threatened to yank her in. She focused on Easton instead. “You’re some kind of heroic and charming bull rider.”

“You don’t have to glaze me but yes, ma’am, I am.” He beamed.

Paul groaned.

“He’s also married,” Price pointed out, glancing at Easton’s wedding band.

She shot Price a glare. “I wasn’t hitting on him, just pointing out the truth. What does ‘glaze me’ mean?”

“Bragging me up.” Easton poked out his chest. “It doesn’t matter the hordes of women who hit on me; I’m a hundred percent committed to the most beautiful angel on earth, my Cassie.” He seemed to be bursting with pride. “She’s the best wedding planner this side of the Mississippi.” He glanced between Price and Addie. “When you all get hitched, I’ll have her give you a discount.”

“We’re not …” Addie trailed off and shook her head, her cheeks hot, the cold air forgotten.

Price gave her a cautious smile.

“I also have a little girl. Presley.” Easton distracted her from Price’s smile. “You’ll love her.”

“I’m sure we will. How old is she?”

“Five. She’s almost as hilarious as her Pops.”

Addie laughed. “I also had a teasing and fun dad. Your Presley is lucky to have you.”

“That’s what I tell her and her mama every day. Some days multiple times.” He winked again.

“He has to remind Cassie all the time,” Paul said, laughing. “I need to get going. Plus I’m freezing.”

“Plus you can’t keep up with my banter,” Easton teased.

“Right you are, my friend.” Paul grinned and shook Price and Cassie’s hands, getting a manly backslapping hug from Easton.

“Thank you,” she and Price said.

“Have a good Christmas. Give Shay our love,” Easton called.

“I will. You do the same. Tell Cassie sheislucky to have you.”

“Ha!” Easton crowed. “That’s right!”

Paul hurried back into the plane and the door closed. Easton gestured toward his truck. Price walked her around and openedthe passenger side door for her. She climbed in quickly so he wouldn’t have to assist her. Knowing she’d never feel his touch again made her crave it even more. The feeling went against all that was smart for her heart and damaged trust and pride.

Price shut her door and climbed into the backseat, hefting his duffel bag into the middle.

The truck was warm, and she unzipped her coat. Easton drove them out of the airport. He asked them about themselves and talked about himself, his wife, daughter, his family, bull riding, and the Coleville Ranch.

The cowboy could talk, and he could brag. The drive passed quickly with the gorgeous scenery of a canyon, snow and pine tree covered mountains soaring on each side, the sun rising bright in the sky, and the quick wit and nonstop conversation from Easton. He attempted to draw both of them out but, sensing their obvious reluctance, he filled the silence. Addie was more than happy to ask him questions and keep him talking. It was a relief as being stuck alone with Price would’ve been a nightmare.

She liked hearing Easton and Cassie’s story. Apparently Cassie had broken his heart when they were young and chose her slime-ball ex over Easton because of a misunderstanding. After years of pain, she’d come back to the valley. Easton had become a huge playboy as no woman could resist his charm, and he was heartbroken. Cassie didn’t trust him at all. It was a crazy story about Cassie’s ex-husband killing her mom and then trying to kill her so he could steal their daughter Presley. Easton had of course rescued her like the ‘hero he was’.

Addie loved that Presley was Easton’s daughter even if she hadn’t been born his. She wasn’t so certain about the story of Cassie learning to love and trust him again. It was a good story, but she wasn’t in any frame of mind to let her anger at Price go anytime soon, let alone learn how to trust him again.

They pulled through a massive wrought-iron gate with tall fences arching from each side. A guard came to greet them. As they pulled through, she whistled. “You are serious about security.”

“Oh, ma’am, you have no idea. If I was a bragger, I’d tell you about all the famous people I’ve personally protected at our top of the line and ultra-secure ranch.”

“Ifyou were a bragger.” Addie started laughing and found she couldn’t stop.