Wyne/Wine and a Giveaway by Donna Michaels

**My Winners are...

Debby  and Jannine!

Congratulations! Sorry for the delay! Wine and Dine is on its way!

Thank you all for commenting. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

*******

Hello everyone, I’m excited! In eight days the third book in my Citizen Soldier Series, WYNE AND SONG releases, and a month later the fourth book in the series WINE AND HER NEW YEAR COWBOY releases in the RING IN A COWBOY boxed set!

This series is special to me because it features National Guard heroes and heroines, and as you know, my husband has been in the National Guard for over 30 years. It’s my honor to portray these brave men and women, and their support on the home front.

I’d like to share some Wyne and Wine and offer a giveaway at the end.

Book 3/Ethan features my single father who surprised me. I usually have pretty much alpha heroes, but Ethan has a little beta going on, too, and I enjoyed every bit of that aspect of him.

WYNE AND SONGCitizen Soldier Series
Book 3/ Ethan
Releasing 11/24/15 Available NOW for Pre-Order!

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B016UV023W

 Single father Ethan Wyne’s trust in women stopped when his cheating wife died while he was deployed. Dating and relationships are in the past. His son is his life now and he’s proud of the stable home he’s created through hard work, determination, and support. But when a family celebration in NYC leads to a moment of weakness with a vivacious beauty, he’s tempted to rethink his reasoning. Especially when she turns up in the Poconos. Can he take a chance again when more than his heart is at stake?

Phoebe Weston’s temporary gig in a summer production in the Poconos is just what the Broadway star needs to keep busy while awaiting a Hollywood screen test. The magic of the show reawakens her passion for the basics, and her frequent encounters with the handsome, single father of a young friend awakens something more.

But Ethan’s made it clear he’s not looking for permanent, and for the first time in her life, Phoebe’s not looking for temporary. Maybe what the jaded father’s locked up, guarded heart needs is a little song.

***********************

When I was asked to be in the RING IN A COWBOY boxed set featuring cowboys set around New Years, I knew I wanted to bring a cowboy from my Harland County Series up to the Poconos and create a Citizen Soldier/Harland County Crossover for the set. I immediately thought of Harper, one of my Texas cowboys, then I chuckled gleefully and rubbed my hands together imagining some fun for the displaced cowboy stuck in the snowy north.

WINE AND A NEW YEAR COWBOY
Citizen Soldier/Harland County Series
Crossover Novella
Book 4/ Lucas

Texas cowboy, Lucas Harper relocates to the Poconos when he’s named guardian of a teenager in the will of a father he didn’t know existed. With a new job, new Guard unit, new house, and a new sister, he’s reached his ‘new’ limit, until he meets his sister’s new boss.

A magnet for Mr. Wrong, pizza shop owner, Evie Martelli makes an early New Year’s resolution to go ‘no male’, but the sexy older brother of her employee puts that resolution to the test. Good thing her brother has a ‘no dating rule’ concerning the guys from his unit.

But, everybody knows rules are meant to be broken, and resolutions rarely last more than a few days…

WINE AND HER NEW YEAR COWBOY is part of the
RING IN A COWBOY Boxed Set
Rel. 12/28/15
Available NOW for PRE-ORDER for .99cents at:

AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B016SIV2T0
iBOOKS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1047805946
B&N http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ring-in-a-cowboy…/1122768892
KOBO: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/ring-in-a-cowboy

Authors:

Kathleen Ball
Rhonda Lee Carver
Amanda McIntrye
Hildie McQueen
Donna Michaels
Lexi Post
Tori Scott
Gem Sivad
Victoria Vane

***GIVEAWAY***
In honor of my upcoming Citizen Soldier releases, I’m giving away 2 eBooks of the first book in the series WYNE AND DINE! Just answer the following question:

What is your favorite wine?

Two random names will be drawn from the comments tomorrow. Good luck!

Each book is a standalone, but as with any series, I think you get more out of the books if you read each hero’s story.

**Citizen Soldier Series**
Book 1/ Ben – Wyne and Dine
Book 2/Mason – Wyne and Chocolate
Book 3/Ethan – Wyne and Song
Book 4/ Harper – Wine and Her New Year Cowboy (Harland County/Citizen Soldier Crossover Novella/Part of the Ring in a Cowboy Boxed Set)

Thanks for reading,

~Donna

www.donnamichaelsauthor.com

Merrily Suited Part Three by Donna Michaels

 

Merrily Suited

Part Three

by Donna Michaels

Talk…

Yeah, Lauren would get right on that once her heart dislodged from her throat and her voice returned. She was lucky she even remembered how to breathe with the gorgeous cowboy standing so close that his wonderful, spicy, ocean scent teased her senses.

Trent smiled and gently tugged her hair. “You can’t keep running from this, Lauren.”

She managed to clear her throat and tip her chin. “From what?”

“Us,” he replied. “And what happened when we kissed.”

Oh, that. Yes, she could.

His smiled deepened to reveal those dang, sexy dimples—the ones that made her knees weak. “No, you can’t,” he said as if reading her mind. “And you can’t tell me you didn’t enjoy our kiss.”

She grew up in a disciplined household and learned at an early age to bury her wants and needs in order to achieve success. This was no different.

The elevator opened to her floor. Grabbing Trent’s hand, she freed her hair before releasing him. “I did enjoy the kiss. Very much. But I love working for you and your brothers and will not jeopardize it by mixing work with pleasure. I’m sorry. I hope you understand.”

Without waiting for a reply, she exited the elevator and was relieved when he didn’t follow. It wouldn’t have taken much persuasion on his part to make her change her mind. Her heart sat like a piece of crushed lead in her chest as she let herself into her room.

Why did Trent have to be one of her bosses? She really wanted to pursue the crazy feelings he induced. But she just couldn’t bear to put herself out there only to end up like Sandy.

The vibrating of the cell phone in her pocket signaled an incoming call seconds before the ringing filled her room. Apprehension tightened the muscles in her neck. God, she hoped it wasn’t Trent. Walking away from him had been the hardest thing she’d ever done.

Glancing at the caller ID, she smiled. Sandy. She flopped on her back on the bed. “Hey.”

“Hey, yourself. How’s your weekend with Trent?”

She stiffened. “It’s not like that.”

“Too bad. It should be.”

Lauren sat up and blinked. “What?”

“You heard me. The two of you have been making googly-eyes at each other for years. I thought for sure, once you were alone this weekend, you know, the sparks would fly, clothes would fall, to all a good night.”

“I…” She wanted to set her friend straight and tell her she was wrong.

But Sandy was not exactly wrong, so there was no setting straight.

“Uh oh. Something happened. What is it? Spill.”

Again, the urge to deny was strong. Lauren had even gone so far as to shake her head, but the words wouldn’t form. Instead, she sighed and did as told. “We kissed under the mistletoe.”

“Sweet!”

“No, it wasn’t sweet. I mean, it was, but…darn it, Sandy. I don’t want to be attracted to him. I don’t want to like his kisses, or enjoy the feel of his arms around me.” Or get lost in his scent; Want his embrace to go on forever.

“Why not? Trent is one of the good guys. And believe me, they are few and far between. The two of you are perfect for each other. You're suited.”

“But he’s my boss.” There, she said it. “I don’t want to end up like y—” She stopped herself, but shouldn’t have bothered.

“Like me, you mean?” Sandy asked. “Oh, hun. Don’t let what happened to me with that jerk two years ago stop you from taking a chance on what could be the real deal with Trent.”

“But what if it isn’t?”

“What if it is?” Her friend countered. “Besides, I do not regret what happened.”

“You don’t?”

“No. Getting fired was the best thing that happened to me, because I met my fiancé at my next job.”

Fiancé?

Lauren inhaled. “You’re engaged?”

“Yes. That’s why I was calling. To tell you Paul proposed.”

“Oh, I’m so happy for you, Sandy. Congratulations. Paul’s a great guy.”

“Yes, he is, and he’s also my boss. Remember?”

She sank onto the bed and blinked. That’s right. Her friend had gotten a new job, and within a half a year, started to date her new boss.

“So, you see? It is possible to keep your job and have a relationship with Trent.”

If only…

“Promise me you’ll think about it.”

“I promise.” No way would she be able to think of anything else. 

***

The outdoor holiday gala was in full swing with vendor tents, food stands, face painting, and a visit from the big man himself. Seasonal music blared from speakers placed around the grounds, and families and people walked around with hot apple cider, hot chocolate and coffee, enjoying pumpkin rolls and pecan pie donated by the pretty chef from the Texas Pub up in Harland County.

Everyone was having a great time. Not Trent. Not really. He was going through the motions, even managed to paste a smile on his face as he helped people on and off the Santa-horse wagon while the driver remained on the buckboard seat. Everyone's happy faces and excited banter would normally warm his heart, but the darn thing didn’t seem to be working that day. It was kind of numb and reeling.

He’d foolishly thought once he got Lauren alone and away from the main store she would open up and admit her feelings. Dummy him. Her upbringing had kicked in and kicked him out.

“May I ride next?” A familiar, sweet voice asked from behind.

Lauren.

His pulse kicked into gear. Look at that. His numb heart sparked back to life. He’d seen her today, but hadn’t really talked one-on-one with the woman. What was the point? Even though her gaze had been friendly and smile warm, he didn’t want her to feel badgered, and the invisible bands squeezing his chest did not need more encouragement.

Keeping his smile in place, he turned to face her and blinked. Close up, her gaze was more than warm and friendly. A spark of interest lit those mesmerizing green depths. His heart jerked behind its invisible restraints, and then did something none of the happy people could manage to make it do—warmed at the blush creeping into her cheeks.

“Of course,” he answered, treading lightly, grabbing her hand to help her into the wagon.

Maybe the tightness in his chest prevented oxygen to his brain and he was seeing things he wanted to see.

“Good,” she replied, tugging on his hand when he made to release his hold. “Will you join me?”

His head reeled back. He hadn’t expected that question. He also wasn’t slow on the uptake. “Sure.” He quickly hoisted himself into the wagon and settled next to her on the bench.

As the driver made a clicking noise and urged the horse forward, she snuggled closer, causing his ears to ring and eyes to cross.

He cleared his throat and stared down at her. “Uh, Lauren, not that I’m not enjoying having you close, because I really do, but I’m a little confused. The last time we talked you said you didn’t want to mix business with pleasure.”

She tipped her head and stared up at him, that blush deepening along with her smile. “Let’s forget that talk. It never happened. I was stupid. Scared. Not thinking straight.”

“And now?”

“Now, I’m still stupid and scared, but I know what I want. I’ve thought about it all night.”

His heart rocked so hard in his chest he physically moved. “And what do you want, Lauren?”

“You, Trent,” she replied, heart in her eyes, stealing his breath which had already disappeared at the sweet sound of his name on her lips. “You were right. That kiss was amazing. And I think you’re amazing. I have for some time now.” She held up a hand when he opened his mouth to respond. “I meant it when I said I enjoyed working with you and your brothers. But, again, you were right. I can’t keep running from my feelings.”

Joy and happiness mixed to curve his lips into a grin he couldn’t hold back. “I don’t want to run from mine anymore either, Lauren. I know it’s a risk getting involved with a coworker, but it’s one I’m willing to take. You make me feel things no one has ever made me feel before. And I like it. A lot.”

“Yeah?” Her eyes were big and round and full of wonder.

Adorable.

“Yeah.”

A thousand watt smile lit her face. “Same goes,” she said, reaching up to cup his chin. “You’re definitely worth the risk.”

And as the Santa-horse wagon ride rolled on, Trent pressed his lips to Lauren’s, sealing a promising future his dad had set into motion nearly a decade ago.

~♥~

 Come back tomorrow for the start of another FREE Holiday story from Alison Henderson! The Rose of Prose will be posting free holiday stories using the same opening line all month long!

Don't forget my brand new release! HARLAND COUNTY CHRISTMAS is a prequel novella to my Amazon Best Selling Harland County Series! Read the first cowboy to fall...

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O3PON5G




I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!

Merrily Suited Part Two by Donna Michaels

Merrily Suited

Part Two

by Donna Michaels

“Your room okay?” Trent asked, stopping beside Lauren in the middle of the bustling lobby.

She nodded, then headed for the exit with no intention of talking, stopping, or breathing, until she was outside and mistletoe free. Too dangerous. She scooted around a pack of incoming guests and pushed through the door into the cool winter’s night air…and underneath more mistletoe, haphazardly dotting the hotel’s grand, wrap-around porch.

It was a conspiracy. Everywhere she turned there was mistletoe. The urge to stomp her foot shook through her boot. This was not here when they’d first arrived.

“Excuse me, honey,” a little old lady called from down on the sidewalk, pushing her walker to the stairs. “Can you help me up?”

Before she could answer, Trent appeared and was at the lady’s side, escorting the beaming woman to the porch. Something inside Lauren’s chest cracked open as he gently placed the woman’s hand on her arm while he went back down for the walker. He was always helping, putting other’s first. It was one of the things that attracted her to him the most.

Dang it.

He needed to stop. Do something mean. Say something obnoxious.

Why did he have to keep being so sweet? Didn’t he know she was having a hard enough time talking herself out of liking him?

“Aw, what a sweetheart. You have yourself a good man, honey.” The woman grasped the walker with one fragile hand and patted Lauren’s arm with the other. “And I think it’s positively perfect you’re both standing under the mistletoe. Go ahead, young man. Do your duty. Kiss your pretty lady.”

Lauren’s heart shot for the stars, via her throat, where it lodged, pounding away her breath. No way was she going to turn to him. No way. But, she needn’t have worried. The handsome cowboy stepped to the smiling, older woman and dipped down to kiss her cheek.

“You young, whipper-snapper. Not me.” The woman giggled, pointing at Lauren. “Her. Go ahead. Don’t mind me. Kiss your girl.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he said, turning to face Lauren, dusty cowboy boots standing toe to toe with hers.

She knew this because it was safer to stare at the porch. Not his face. Definitely not his face.

“Lauren.” His voice was low and deliciously sexy.

He’d spoken her name for the first time. Ever.

Goose bumps raced down her arms. She had been right. Her name sounded darn good on his lips.

“Look at me.” Two big, strong, calloused hands cupped her face and gently tipped her head until she finally met his gaze. “You and I both know this has been a long time coming.”

More than a little shocked by the blatant admission he’d wanted to kiss her for awhile, she couldn’t stop her mouth from parting, or the soft ‘oh’ from leaving her lips.

Then all thoughts ceased, and everyone and everything faded from view as he slowly lowered his head.

Work didn’t matter.

Her bosses didn’t matter.

Sandy and her bad relationship didn’t matter.

Only the here and now, and the great smelling cowboy holding her close. Her pulse pounded out of control, growing louder and louder while her heart rocked hard in her chest. An unknown feeling fluttered in her belly while their breath mingled a second before their lips finally met.

Firm and warm, his mouth sent a tremor straight to her toes, and she reached out and slid her arms around his back to hold on since her knees where suddenly too weak to hold her weight. He smelled of the outdoors, and ocean breezes, and male. Very male.

Just like in his business practices, he was thorough, kissing her slow and deliberate, leaving her under no illusion that he indeed had wanted to kiss her for a long time.

When he finally lifted his head, he had her so mixed up she had no idea if they’d kiss for ten seconds or ten minutes. Time had ceased, along with her breathing.

And common sense.

She pulled out of the embrace, vaguely aware of the older lady smiling.

“It’s wonderful to see a nice, young couple fated to be together. Bless you both.” The woman nodded then pushed her walker toward the hotel door.

When Trent rushed forward to hold the door open for the lady, Lauren took advantage of his absence and raced down the steps, needing to put some distance between her and the hot cowboy. Gulping in air, she willed her brain cells to return to working order.

What the heck had she just done?

***

“What in the world did you do?”

Trent had no idea what his brother Cordell was talking about on the phone later that evening, and would’ve told him, if the idiot would’ve quieted down long enough to let him get a word in on their conversation.

“Why does Lauren want to come home?”

“What?” His heart dropped to his boots, and he stopped pacing in the executive office of their Texas City store. “She said that?”

“No, not exactly, but it was implied.”

“Define implied.”

“Indirectly. In a round-about way. To—”

“I know what implied means, you goof,” he interrupted his older brother, trying hard not to give into the frustration clawing his spine. “Did Lauren really call and ask to return home?” His chest hurt at the thought, and he rubbed the tight spot over his heart as if it would ease the ache.

“No,” Cord replied. “She called and asked if it was necessary for her to be down there since Trent was more than capable of handling things himself.” His brother used a girly tone to finish the sentence.

Trent wasn’t amused, but he was relieved. Lauren hadn’t specifically asked to go home. She wanted to bolt. Like she’d done from the porch. Running scared he could handle.

After he’d turned around from helping the nice older lady into the hotel, he’d hoped to get things out in the open with Lauren. Discuss the skirting-around-each-other tactics they’d both deployed over the last few years.

No more skirting.

And after that kiss, they definitely needed to clear the air.

Brew’s sweet lips may not have said the words, but he knew from her response to his kiss, and the way she’d melted into him, that she was more than a little attracted to him.

Which was great, since he was a darn sight more than a little attracted to her.

 “So?” Cord asked. “What did you do?”

It was now or never. He took the bull by the horns and spilled the truth. “I kissed her under the mistletoe.”

Standing stalk still, he waited to see if Cord was going to go ballistic over the fact he’d put the moves on the sweet girl his brothers had always considered their little sister.

“’Bout dang time. Don’t tell me you did that wrong. Do you need pointers?”

He blew out a breath. “No, I didn’t do it wrong. And you can keep your pointers” Trent smiled, despite his frustration. “What do you mean, ‘bout dang time?”

“Did I stutter? It means, about dang time the two of you stop circling like vultures and admit you like one another. Sam and I are getting right tired. It was amusing at first, but after two years it gets old. Fast.” Cord paused, then his tone grew serious. “We love Lauren like a sister, Trent, you know that, but she’s a darn good worker, too. I hope you didn’t screw things up, or cost us one heck of a manager.”

“I haven’t.” He hoped.

“You better make it right.”

“I will. Don’t worry,” he reassured before hanging up, a plan already forming in his head.

Just the fact that Lauren had wanted to leave proved her feelings for him were strong. He knew she didn’t want to jeopardize her job. So he was going to prove to her she could have her job and him.

***

Lauren avoided Trent most of the night, using work as an excuse. There were still a lot of little last minute things to do to get ready for the holiday gala the next day. She helped the workers stuff stockings for the children with donations from local companies, sometimes working right next to Trent. His gaze kept straying to her, she could feel it willing her to glance up. But she couldn’t. Wouldn’t. He’d want to talk about the kiss. The kiss that was incredible and still had her lips tingling.

Yeah, not going to happen.

Two hours later, she breathed a sigh of relief as the hotel elevator doors opened. The stockings were stuffed, and even though Trent had ushered everyone back to the hotel for pizza and beer in appreciation of a job well done, she had managed to avoid being alone with the man.

And being under more mistletoe with him.

A small triumph, despite knowing she would’ve enjoyed every bit of another kiss. But that was how it had to be. So she ate, drank, socialized, and was relieved to say her goodnights and head up to her room.

Only one more day to go.

She punched the button to her floor in the empty elevator, then bit back a few choice words when Trent stepped on before the doors closed.

Sealing them inside.

Alone.

Dang it.

“I’m glad I caught you,” he said, facing her, standing close enough to twist a piece of her hair around his finger, gaze warm and interested. “We need to talk.”

~♥~

 

Come back tomorrow for the conclusion!

And if you're in the holiday reading spirit, don't forget about my brand new release!!! HARLAND COUNTY CHRISTMAS is a prequel novella to my Amazon Best Selling Harland County Series! Read the first cowboy to fall...

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O3PON5G

 

Merrily Suited Part One by Donna Michaels

Merrily Suited

Part One

by Donna Michaels

She'd never seen a Santa suit used in quite that way.

On a horse…pulling a red wagon decorated to resemble a sleigh with green garland, twinkling white lights, and silver bells. Because that was normal. Lauren Brewster smiled. It was for her bosses. Her three handsome bosses who owned a chain of feed stores throughout southern Texas. 

       The free Santa-horse wagon rides the guys started today were a big hit with the customers. A brilliant idea from three equally brilliant brothers. Born with good looks and brains, the Callahan boys also inherited their father’s sense of business and keen knowledge of their customer’s needs. It was never a dull moment at the store, and she enjoyed her job.

Hired right out of high school seven years ago by their late father, Lauren was lucky to work for the fun, smart, sexy cowboys. Her extended family. Brothers. Well, two of them. The third one, the middle one…not so much. Six-foot-one with powerful shoulders, dark brown hair, quiver-inducing chocolate brown eyes—milk chocolate, her favorite—Trent Callahan elicited absolutely no sisterly feelings from her whatsoever. Nada. Zilch.

He was hot.

She was sunk.

Especially now. They were both single. At the same time. Something that had never happened in all the years she’d known the charismatic man. And the fact she was accompanying him to Texas City for two nights to help oversee the big, outdoor, holiday charity bash the store sponsored every year was going to test her resolve.

And confirm her stupidity.

Spending two days in close proximity to the irresistible cowboy without his brothers around…yeah, not smart.

Inhaling, she parked in her usual spot behind Callahan Feed, and blew out the breath. Everything was going to be fine. Just fine. She’d managed not to act on her attraction to Trent for years now. This weekend would be no different.

Feeling better, she got out of the car as the handsome cowboy lumbered from the back door of the main building, worn jeans sitting low on his lean hips, black T-shirt stretched across the drool-worthy broad shoulders and muscled pecs not so hidden beneath an opened green and black flannel shirt.

“Hey, Brew.” He smiled, revealing dimples capable of reducing grown women into giggling schoolgirls.

She ought to know.

Her heart rocked hard in her chest then fluttered back into place. “Hi, Cal,” she replied in kind, using a variant of his surname.

Not once had either of them ever called each other by their first name. An unspoken rule. A smart one because, given her attraction to the cowboy, saying his first name aloud made it personal, and hearing her name on his lips would surely do her in.

“Ready for this weekend?”

No. Not really. “Yep.” She lied through her smile. Reigning in her feelings was crucial to the success of their trip—and her future—if she wanted to continue managing their main store. And she did. Very much.

“Good,” he replied, taking the initiative to grab her suitcase from the back seat, gaze sparkling with life as he straightened and shut the car door. “Because we’re going to have a memorable time. Trust me.”

***

 Trent Callahan was a patient man; in both his professional and personal life. By no means a slacker, he didn’t believe in procrastination, but there were times in his twenty-nine years when waiting proved smart, and the resulting reward, priceless.

Like now.

He glanced sideways at his silent passenger. A curtain of silky, golden brown hair obscured a face he knew to be beautiful with high cheekbones, mesmerizing green eyes, and full lips always ready with a smile. Except for today. No smile. No friendly chit-chat. Nothing. In fact, the woman who’d worked for the company since graduating high school, the one who’d touched his heart and didn't know it, was unusually quiet, and hugging the door as if he carried the plague.

“Everything all right, Brew?”

She turned to him and blinked. “Yeah, why?”

“You’re getting awfully comfortable with that door.”

Color crept into her delicate face, turning her eyes a deep, emerald, which never failed to take his breath. “I-I’m just sitting.”

He grinned. “Yeah, far away, as if I bite.”

Lord have mercy, her gaze dropped to his mouth and lingered, tempting, teasing, trying to pull the rest of the air from his lungs and force him to reveal his feelings, the ones he’d hidden for awhile now. Feelings he hadn’t recognized as more than friendship until they’d danced at a company Christmas party two years ago. The connection, the chemistry, had zinged through him with an unexpected wave of energy and heat he hadn’t been able to forget, or find with anyone else.

Not for lack of trying. He’d been in a relationship at the time, but when it had ended, Lauren had already started to see some college professor, and Trent had remained tight-lipped about his attraction.

Until now.

He was single.

She was single.

The time had come to test their chemistry and this trip was the perfect opportunity.

“How about we listen to some music?” He flipped on the radio and a jolly holiday tune filled the cab.

She smiled and settled back in her seat, not so close to the door, relief easing the tightness from her full lips. “Oh, I love this one,” she said, and began to sing along with Alan Jackson.

Sweet and warm, her voice surrounded him like a soft blanket, tugging a grin onto his lips, making him happy to be in her presence. He was always happy around her, but should he try to take that a step further? A relationship was risky, very risky. Lauren was a fantastic asset to the company.

Handpicked by his late father. She loved Callahan Feed as much as he and his brothers, Sam and Cordell. The last thing he wanted was to jeopardize their working relationship. But, the attraction was already getting in the way of work…for both of them, as his siblings had taken delight in pointing it out at their recent monthly meeting, all because he’d handed them October’s spreadsheet instead of November’s.

How his brothers had connected the mistake to his feelings for Lauren was still a mystery, but they were correct. She’d breezed into his office to hand him the day’s receipts, smelling of fresh apples with a hint of vanilla. He must’ve clicked on the wrong file to print when he’d leaned closer to her hair and inhaled deep, because, yeah, he was that far gone.

So, here he was on his way to the Gulf to do something about it. Trent just hoped to God he wasn’t misreading Lauren’s blushes and lingering glances. He’d hate to be in the off-kilter vortex on his own, or worse. Make the woman uncomfortable enough to quit. His father would roll over in his grave, and his brothers would skin him alive.

***

       She knew it. Lauren knew going to Texas City with Trent—alone—was a bad idea. It was a small miracle she hadn’t made more of an idiot of herself during the short drive down to the Gulf earlier that day. But the handsome man had a powerful presence. All consuming. His broad shoulders and solid frame evaporated space in the cab as rapidly as his warm gaze had zapped her brain cells. And what was with his friendly open expression? Darn thing sucked her in, upping her temperature and pulse. She had to cling to the door in order to keep from scooting over to him. The sexy cowboy was like a magnet, and she was a piece of trembling sheet metal.

A weak-kneed idiot.

Exiting the hotel elevator on her way to meet her boss in a lobby decorated in red and green for the holidays, she silently commended herself for having the foresight to book their stay weeks in advance. The place was nearly sold out, and if they’d had to share a room, she would’ve caved to the man’s charm in an instant.

That would’ve been bad.

Sandy bad. Lauren was determined not to end up like her friend Sandy. The poor woman had gotten involved with her boss, and seven months later, was single and unemployed.

Not her. No way.

She weaved through a throng of people waiting in line to check in and passed a group of carolers happily singing in the corner by a brightly decorated, ten foot Christmas tree. Their beautiful voices helped sooth her frazzled nerves, but she nearly stopped dead when she caught sight of Trent pushing from the far wall, staring straight at her, lazy smile tugging his lips. Her heart kicked her ribs then did that flutter in her chest thing.

Why did he have to be so dang good-looking? And why did she have to have this type of reaction to the man? Her pulse never leapt for his brothers. Why him? Was there a cure?

She needed a cure. Pronto.

And a miracle.

Her fluttering heart dropped to her feet when her gaze encountered a bigger problem.

Hanging in the doorway—a doorway they had to pass—sat a huge sprig of mistletoe. Not good. Lauren glanced at the other door. More mistletoe. She hadn’t noticed the twigs when they’d check in, but she couldn’t miss them now.

She was trapped. No matter which door she exited with the cowboy, they’d walk underneath the holiday’s excuse-to-kiss decoration.

Maybe he won’t notice.

~ ~♥~ ~

 Come back tomorrow for Part Two!

Today is release day!!! I have a brand new cowboy holiday release today! HARLAND COUNTY CHRISTMAS is a prequel novella to my Amazon Best Selling Harland County Series! Read the first cowboy to fall...

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O3PON5G