The Christmas Cowboy: (Sweet Western Holiday Romance) (Rodeo Romance Book 1) Read online

  He glanced at Kenzie. By the tense set of her shoulders and the way she tightly pressed her lips together, the women didn’t impress her.

  “Some of your devoted fans?” Her tone sounded edgy and laced with disapproval when she finally spoke.

  “Occupational hazard,” Tate said with a flirty grin, trying to make light of the matter.

  Annoyed, Kenzie huffed, shutting down her laptop and putting it in her bag. She pretended to ignore Tate as the warmth of his arm brushed against hers. Another shiver raced over her when his delicious scent floated around her and his minty breath blew across her cheek.

  “You want your own autograph? Is that the problem?” Curious, he wondered what she’d do if he placed a kiss on her delicate neck. Her skin looked so soft, beckoning to him.

  As often as the woman paraded through his thoughts since she kissed him for good luck the other day, he was amazed he’d been able to stay on the horse at the rodeo, let alone ride it as well as he had. Even sleeping, Kenzie’s face floated into his dreams, right along with the scent of her alluring fragrance.

  “Certainly not,” Kenzie said, whipping her head around to find Tate’s teasing lips just inches from her own. Unprepared for the desire to kiss him racing from her head to her mouth, she leaned back and glared at him. “I’m not one of your… those… women.”

  Tate chuckled and took Kenzie’s hand in his, giving it a squeeze. “I’d never confuse you with one of them, Dewdrop. You’re a fine lady. I was just teasing.”

  “Oh.” In all fairness, Tate hadn’t seemed particularly interested in any of the women, sending them on their way as quickly as he could. Deciding to give him the benefit of the doubt, she relaxed against her seat and asked him questions about the rodeo.

  Although they didn’t sit together on the flight back to Pasco, Tate talked her into giving him her cell number before they boarded the plane. He kept them both entertained with a stream of funny text messages.

  A comment he sent about the obnoxious person sitting next to her made Kenzie laugh aloud, drawing the attention of those around her. Tate looked at her over his seat and winked. She shook her head at him, but couldn’t keep from smiling.

  After they landed, she walked through the Pasco airport to baggage claim and found Tate waiting for her. Playfully, she smacked his arm and gave him a reproachful look.

  “You’re awful, you know that?”

  “I kept you entertained, didn’t I?” Tate asked as they waited for the baggage carousel to start rotating.

  “That’s beside the point.” The heavy bag she carried dropped to the floor as the luggage began to appear on the carousel.

  “Which one is yours?” Tate asked as Kenzie watched for her suitcase. “I’ll grab it for you.”

  She stared at him as if he started speaking in foreign tongues. Did gentlemen really still exist?

  A bright pink suitcase caught his attention. He grinned when she nodded then lifted it as if it weighed nothing, setting it next to her.

  “Thank you.” Surprised by his nice manners, she pulled out the handle and draped her shoulder bag over it.

  “I knew it had to be the pink one.” Tate hefted a large duffle bag off the carousel. Easily hefting his bag over his shoulder, he pulled Kenzie’s suitcase toward the door. “Is someone meeting you or did you drive?”

  “I’m over in long-term parking,” Kenzie said, trying to take her suitcase from Tate. The look he gave her made it clear he was hauling her suitcase to her car.

  Rather than voice a snappy comment about managing for herself, she walked beside him, pointing to her car. He placed the suitcase in her trunk and opened the door for her.

  Not quite ready to say goodbye, she stuck out her hand and Tate eagerly took it in his. Instead of shaking it, his thumb rubbed soft circles across her palm. Kenzie couldn’t ignore the sparks shooting up her arm from the contact.

  Tate’s fingers felt so big and strong and perfectly right holding hers. She would have pulled her hand back, but it seemed to have a mind of its own as it nestled against his.

  “I’m sure glad we met on this trip, Kenzie Beckett.” The dimples popped out in his cheeks as he smiled at her.

  “It was very nice to meet you, too,” Kenzie said, genuinely pleased he sat beside her the other day as they waited for their flight to Denver. It would be so easy for her to fall for the handsome, charming cowboy, but Kenzie didn’t intend to make that kind of mistake.

  After today, she’d probably never see him again anyway.

  “Maybe I’ll see you around sometime.” Tate didn’t want to let go of Kenzie’s hand and walk to his truck, but he needed to get on the road home.

  “Maybe.” Finally mustering the strength to pull her hand from Tate’s grasp, she smiled at him. “Good luck with the rodeo season.”

  “Thanks.” He started to walk away then stopped, unable to leave without tasting her lips. Suddenly dropping his bag, he took a step back and put his hands on either side of her face.

  Gently rubbing his thumbs across her incredibly soft cheeks, he moved closer until his belt buckle brushed against the front of her suit and peered into her eyes. Fully expecting to see disapproval or surprise, he smiled when he recognized a look of invitation.

  He whispered “for good luck,” right before his lips settled on hers in a demanding kiss that took her breath away. Unable to think of anything except how right it felt to be with him, she lingered in his embrace.

  Lost in the sensations produced by his insistent mouth, her hands wound around his neck, while his wrapped around her waist, pulling her flush against him. Abruptly, reality washed over her and she pulled away.

  Stunned for a moment by the impact of the kiss, Kenzie tried to regain her mental footing. Tate dropped his hands and stepped back.

  She watched him stride across the parking lot to his truck, making her wish he’d give her another kiss.

  When he turned and winked at her, she waved, cheeks blushing a bright shade of pink almost the same color as her bag.

  If she had any sense at all, she’d never see him again, banish him from her thoughts. When it came to gorgeous cowboys, though, Kenzie didn’t always do the smart thing.

  Chapter Three

  Tate wiped the sweat off his forehead with the back of his gloved hand and glanced at his watch. He’d have to hustle if he was going to catch his flight on time.

  The prospect of running into Kenzie made him grin. Since meeting her the previous month, he’d seen her three times at the airport, and twice they’d been on the same flight.

  Thoughts of the lovely city girl filled his head. If he weren’t careful, she’d be wrapping herself around his heart.

  The fascination he held for Kenzie was something new and completely alien to him. If he didn’t think of her as his personal good luck charm, he wouldn’t allow himself to get so distracted by her apple cheeks, expressive dark eyes, and soft lips that quirked up at the corners like she was about to laugh or had some secret she was keeping.

  Kenzie was intelligent, funny, and sweet, as well as professional and driven. She was everything Tate never realized he’d been looking for in a woman.

  From their conversations, he knew she had two half-sisters, twins, who were ten going on twenty. She adored her mother, liked her stepfather, and talked with fondness of her friend Megan.

  He also knew she seemed to despise cowboys in general, although he sensed her warming toward him a little at their last encounter.

  Each time he stole or charmed a kiss from her for good luck, he placed first at the rodeo where he competed. If he could, he’d kiss her before each ride, and not because he thought it would help him win.

  Tate entirely liked the idea of Kenzie kissing him for no reason at all, other than to feel the jolt of electricity that shot between them when they got within touching distance.

  Expertly pounding the last staple into the post, he made sure the barbed wire stretched tight along the fence he mended. Tate gathered the fenci
ng supplies, started the four-wheeler, and headed back to the house.

  The ranch foreman, Monte, waved as he crossed the ranch yard. Tate reminded him that he needed a ride to the airport. He didn’t like the idea of leaving his truck unattended in long-term parking when he’d be gone for more than a week. Monte would drop him off at the airport then pick up a load of supplies at the feed store before making the drive home.

  In a rush, Tate took a shower and shaved then slapped on cologne in hopes of seeing Kenzie. He sent her a text message yesterday to see if she had any upcoming travel plans, but she hadn’t replied. In the past month, they texted back and forth any number of times, but she often took a few days to respond.

  Tate tried not to think about the fact the one woman who captured his attention didn’t seem to be attracted to him.

  If he’d merely been seeking companionship, he could have his pick of any number of girls from his fans. Schmoozing with them was something he dreaded after the rodeo.

  Rather than put up with their flirting, he and a few of the other guys often employed covert maneuvers that kept them out of sight until they could make an escape from the arena to the safety of their hotels or vehicles. Despite the many offers available, none interested him.

  Tate double-checked the bag holding his gear as well as his carry-on bag, settled his hat on his head and strode out the door. Monte waited at the end of the walk with the air conditioner running in the pickup.

  Mid-June and already blazing hot, Tate dreaded to think what it would be like in August. In all likelihood, he wouldn’t be home for most of the month.

  It was a good thing Monte was very capable at managing things while he was gone, otherwise he’d never be able to pursue his dream of being a world-champion saddle bronc rider.

  On the way to the airport, they discussed ranch details. Monte dropped him at the door with a promise to pick him up in a few weeks. Tate had plans to ride in several rodeos, traveling with his friend Cort. He'd arrive home for a few days of rest before driving to a series of rodeos that would begin with the Fourth of July rodeo in St. Paul, Oregon.

  Routinely checking in his duffle bag, Tate stood in line at security, emptying his pockets, removing his belt, and tugging off his boots. An all-too-familiar scent settled over him. Slowly turning around, he looked into the warm brown eyes that filled his dreams.

  “Hey there, Dewdrop.” Tate gave Kenzie’s cheek a quick peck, wishing he could kiss her lips.

  A becoming shade of pink blossomed across her cheeks. She hid her pleasure at seeing him by picking up a couple of the plastic containers to go through security and taking off her shoes.

  “How are you, Tate?” Kenzie asked as she placed her electronics in one of the bins and removed her watch.

  “I’m doing great. Although I’ll be even better if you tell me you’re going to be on my flight today,” Tate said before being motioned to proceed through security.

  Quickly gathering his belongings, he threaded his belt back through its loops when Kenzie stepped beside him, stuffing her laptop into her bag and snapping her watch into place.

  When she tried to balance on one foot to put on her heel, Tate took her arm to steady her. Appreciative of his help, she quickly put on her shoes then waited while he tugged on his boots.

  “If you’re flying to Denver, you’re in luck,” Kenzie said, checking to make sure she had everything back in her bag as she walked toward two empty seats.

  “Once you get to Denver, where are you headed?” Denver was most often a connection point to somewhere else for them both. Depending on their destination, it was either there or Salt Lake City.

  “Santa Fe.” She sat on one of the plastic seats to wait for the call to board.

  “Is that right?” A grin spread across his face. Kenzie would be his traveling companion for the whole trip this time, since he was going to Santa Fe for a rodeo. Cort would compete with him there then they would drive to Texas for a round of rodeos.

  “That’s right.” Kenzie fussed with her skirt, adjusting the hem. The way Tate looked at her with an intense light in his eyes left her flustered. “Why?”

  “No reason.” He set his carry-on bag on the seat next to Kenzie then walked to the counter at the gate. A few charming smiles and some fast talking resulted in the agent giving him a new seating assignment next to Kenzie.

  Tate returned to his seat grinning like an idiot, thrilled at the notion of spending several hours in her company.

  “What’s got you looking so pleased with yourself?” Kenzie asked as he placed his arm along the back of her seat.

  “Nothing, Dewdrop.” He picked up her hand and held it in his. The contact made his pulse accelerate, and he breathed deeply of her fragrance. It always brought to mind a bouquet of summer flowers.

  Kenzie started to say something then changed her mind. The familiar way Tate held her hand made her think thoughts she knew would only lead to trouble.

  In need of a distraction, she took her wallet from her bag and left Tate to go to the coffee shop. She returned with a bottle of water for her and handed him a bottle of Mountain Dew.

  Tate accepted the soda pop, unscrewed the cap and took a deep swallow. It pleased him that Kenzie remembered his favorite beverage.

  While they waited for the flight, they talked about places they’d traveled in the last few weeks and discussed plans leading up to the Fourth of July holiday.

  “What are you doing for the Fourth?” Tate asked as the seating area filled to overflowing.

  “I haven’t decided yet.” She rooted around in her bag until she found a tube of sheer lip gloss. As he watched her apply it, Tate was sorely tempted to kiss it away. Instead, he focused his attention on the passengers impatiently waiting to board.

  “What are the options?” Tate asked as they got to their feet and stood in the slow-moving line.

  “I could stay home and relax before I have to fly to Omaha for our annual convention or I could spend the holiday with Mom, Steve, and the girls.” Kenzie handed her boarding pass to the agent at the gate.

  “If you go see your family, what would you do? Do you have any traditions?” Tate asked as they walked onto the plane.

  “We’d probably have a barbecue, watch fireworks, you know, the usual stuff.” She looked for her row then slid into her window seat. Her jaw dropped when Tate stowed his bag in the overhead compartment and sat down beside her.

  “You’ll start catching flies if you aren’t careful,” he teased as she snapped her mouth shut and buckled the seatbelt.

  “How did you finagle your way into this seat?” She wondered if there was anything Tate couldn’t manage if he wanted it bad enough.

  “All you have to do is learn to ask nicely.” A jaunty smile highlighted his dimples.

  Kenzie wanted to kiss each dimple and then linger on Tate’s tempting lips. Since it was the first time she’d seen him clean-shaven, she spent a moment studying his face until an inexplicable pull tugged her toward him.

  She busied herself digging in her bag to keep from reaching over and running her hand over his taut, tan cheeks.

  “I think it has more to do with your ability to charm the female agents with your smile and good looks,” Kenzie observed, pulling a magazine from her bag before stuffing the oversized catchall under the seat in front of her.

  “So you think I’m charming and good-looking.” He took the magazine from her hand and frowned at the fashion periodical she frequently read.

  “I… um…” It was hard to think coherently with him sitting so close and smelling so delicious.

  Tate laughed and took off his hat, running his hand through his hair to loosen the hat ring around his head. “I’ll let you off the hook this time. Now, let’s talk about these ridiculous magazines you read.”

  “What about them?” Kenzie glanced at the cover of the trendy publication Tate handed back to her. She thought many of the articles were frivolous and outrageous as well, but she liked to keep on top of wha
t people perceived as trends, popular styles, and what personal care products were on the current recommended list.

  Occasionally, Dew’s products were featured and she always made sure to buy extra copies of the magazine to share with consultants she mentored. It gave them a boost to see national publications recommend the company’s products.

  “I don’t really see you as the kind of girl who takes this stuff seriously.” Tate pointed to an article in the magazine about how to create perfectly pouty lips.

  “What type of girl do you see me as, exactly?” Kenzie asked, her tone teasing and light.

  “A very beautiful girl who is driven, smart, and successful,” Tate said, making her blush. “One who is funny and kind, with a terrible aversion to cowboys.”

  She appreciated Tate’s compliments and hoped he was sincere. A part of her couldn’t help but wonder if he was just flirting. He was correct about her aversion to cowboys, though.

  “Don’t look at me like that, Miss Skeptic. I’m telling it like I see it.” As he leaned back in his seat, he took Kenzie’s hand in his. “If you ever decide to quit being a corporate trainer for Dew, I envision you doing something like modeling for Victoria’s Secret or maybe one of those makeup commercials.”

  He leaned back and narrowed his gaze, pretending to study her critically with his hands poised like a camera. “I could totally see you rocking a runway look for a swimsuit company.”

  Kenzie turned to glare at him, realizing he thoroughly distracted her during takeoff. Spared the part of flying she hated most by Tate’s joking comments, she relaxed as the plane gained altitude.

  “Your devious plan worked and I appreciate it,” Kenzie said, squeezing his arm. Shocked by the rock-hard strength of his bicep beneath her fingers, she’d have liked nothing better than to leave her hand lingering there for a while. Instead, she picked up her magazine and started thumbing through it. “So where does your connection in Denver take you?”