Christmas Kisses with My Cowboy - Diana Palmer Page 0,120

her and almost came down to her knees.

Just the glorious sight of her made any questions impossible. He wanted her back in his arms, and if there was trouble coming, maybe he’d just have to deal with it when it exploded in his face, or pray she’d tell him what was going on.

She paused at the side of the bed and looked over at him.

“I’m sorry about that.”

He shrugged. “No worries.”

“I’ve been hoping that Sharon, my neighbor, would let me know if she’d spotted Perry again.”

“Oh, right.” Ted concentrated on sounding neutral. “Did she leave you a message?”

“Unfortunately not.” She sighed and set her phone on the bedside table. “I should just call her, but I’m scared about what she’s going to say.”

Ted felt some of the tension in his shoulders disappear. Whatever was going on, her concern for the momma pig was very like her. Maybe he was overthinking things after all. He set his clothes on the chair and turned to face her, offering her another chance to tell him the rest of it.

“Sometimes it’s better to deal with things head-on than worry yourself to death over them.”

“I know.” She managed a smile. “As I said, it’s complicated. Maybe I’ll call her tomorrow.” She hesitated, her hand hovering over her phone. “Are you still okay with me sleeping here?”

Ted smiled and patted the mattress. “I wasn’t thinking we’d be doing much sleeping, but you’re more than welcome to try.”

Chapter Six

The wedding day started with clear skies and weak sunshine, which settled in, wrapping the small town in a cocoon of white snow and soft light that made it feel almost magical. Veronica leaned against the frosted window, her breath condensing on the glass and allowed herself to imagine living in Morgantown again. Leon wouldn’t be happy, but he’d understand, and what else was there to keep her in L.A.? She didn’t want to be bumping into Jason and his new girlfriend every five minutes. He’d keep on rubbing it in her face if she stayed; he was just that kind of guy.

She could live at her uncle’s place, help him out, and maybe find a job locally. She glanced back at the bed where Ted softly snored, one arm flung out over the pillows as if looking for her. They’d spent the last three days together, and she’d never been happier. She could see Ted every day....

The thought of all that—of having a family again, or being with a man who respected her—was so tempting. But she had to be brave and deal with the mess she’d left behind. At some point today, she was going to call Sharon and find out exactly what was going on.

She grabbed Ted’s soft-lined plaid shirt from the chair and put it on, enjoying the scent of him surrounding her, and went out into the kitchen. It was still early, but she knew Ted had to put in a stint at the gas station before the wedding kicked off at the hotel around two. She’d wait until the wedding was over, when they were curled up together in his big warm bed, and tell him everything. It didn’t feel right him not knowing any more because she wanted them to have a future together.

Veronica let out a long breath. There—yes, she’d said it. She wanted more. And if he found what she’d done unacceptable, then that was okay, too. Except it would break her heart....

“Hey.”

Ted’s sleep-roughened voice came from behind her, and she turned to smile at him. He wore nothing but his boxers slung low on his hips and looked so hot she wanted to jump his bones.

“What?” He cocked an eyebrow at her as she advanced toward him.

“When do you have to be at work?”

He glanced over at the kitchen clock. “In about an hour. Why?”

She hooked her finger in the front of his boxers. “Plenty of time then.”

“For what?”

“This.” She eased down onto her knees, bringing his boxers with her.

He made a strangled sound as she cupped his balls and then went gratifyingly quiet.

* * *

Ted checked his reflection in the mirror and fiddled with the top button of his blue shirt. His new, brown cowboy hat sat on the bed along with his thick winter coat. As transport was being provided up to the ranch after the ceremony, he and Veronica had decided to walk over to the hotel. Ted paused to say a quick prayer that no one would need his services today. Mano was standing by,