A Cowboy's Christmas Reunion (The Boones of Texas 1)

He felt her tremble and pulled her close. His lips were firm, parting hers and stealing her breath. She shuddered again, but he didn’t let her go. He didn’t care if they were late for the festivities. Right now, he was where he needed to be.

Chapter Fifteen

Josie rested her head on Hunter’s chest, listening to the thump of his racing heart. Her hand drifted back and forth across his bare chest and stomach, stroking the muscles along his side. He offered comfort and strength, surrounding her with his warmth. She closed her eyes, tempted to stay put. She didn’t really want to ride on the float, anyway. But they were already late. Any later and people might come looking for them.

She sat up, running a hand over her tangle of curls. “We should go.”

“Like this? Lola will have plenty to talk about.”

She giggled. “Um, no. Clothes, taming this—” she pointed to her hair “—and then we go.”

He lay there, naked and gorgeous. “You okay?”

She nodded, enjoying the v

iew a little too much. “Sorry.”

He sat up, smoothing her hair from her face. “For?”

“Crying. Being pathetic.” She shrugged. “Being emotionally overwrought. It was a long day.”

He nodded. “I hear ya.”

She attempted to pull her robe from beneath him. Since he wouldn’t give it up, she stood, bravely walking across the room to pull clothes from her closet. “Anything new at the hospital?”

“A dog. A monster of a dog.” He chuckled. “Two hundred pounds of drool and muscle.”

She pulled her panties up and looked at him. “Two hundred pounds?” She arched an eyebrow. “Are you telling me a fish story?”

He shook his head. “Nope. You should go like that.” He nodded at her pink-and-white cotton undies.

She pulled on her red bra, clasped it in front and saw his frown. “Hunter.” She laughed. “So what does this beast need you to do to fix him, Dr. Boone?”

“He can’t see.”

“Poor baby.” She frowned. “What’s the matter with him? I mean, can you fix him?”

“Yep. The hospital can handle almost anything. He’s got some terrible cataracts, but he’ll be fine.” He pulled his pants on, giving her the most delightful glimpse of his firm rear and muscled thighs. “Speaking of the hospital...”

That doused the rising hunger. She gripped her red sweater, waiting. “Yes?”

“Dr. Lee wanted me to touch base with you about the mural.” He pulled on his undershirt, then started buttoning up his plaid flannel shirt. “You said you wanted to at dinner, but I didn’t want to speak for you.”

She’d thought about it a lot. Working with Hunter was a perk. Doing something for this family, honoring their son, was important. Supporting the school, also significant. She’d made up her mind to do it. But Amy changed everything. “I don’t think I can work there.” And since he wasn’t going to bring it up, she would. “Not with Amy around.” She pulled her brown corduroy pants on and looked at him. “She came by the bakery this morning—”

“I’m sure she did.”

“She had an order to pick up for the hospital.” She ran her fingers through her hair, distracted.

“She’s not happy unless she’s making everyone else unhappy.” There was no mistaking his frustration. “Not the best way to start the day, I imagine.” He brushed her hair from her shoulders, tilting her head back so they were eye to eye.

“She said you got her the job,” Josie whispered.

His eyes narrowed, his brow furrowing deeply. When she slipped from his hold, he didn’t stop her. But she noticed the way his jaw muscle ticked as she met his gaze in the mirror. “You think I got her the job?” he asked.

She picked up a clip, fiddling with the clasp. “It made sense. She’s family. You help your family out—”

“I found out she was working there today.” He came up behind her, slipping his arms around her waist and pulling her against his chest. He spoke clearly, leaving no room for interpretation, “I didn’t help her get the job, Jo. And while it’s generous of you to think I’d be that self-sacrificing, I’m not. I might help her get a job, in Houston or Amarillo. But not here, not now.”