Best Man Under the Mistletoe

Chelsea opened her mouth to reply, but Brandee squeezed her hands and shot a look over Chelsea’s shoulder.

“I better go talk to the other guests,” Brandee stated. “I’ll see you in the morning at the church.”

Chelsea watched as her friend went to talk to a couple of the other bridesmaids. The outdoor rehearsal dinner at Hope Springs Ranch was perfect. With the temperatures hovering around fifty, they were able to have the event outside in comfort thanks to the heated tents.

This laid-back atmosphere was perfect before the rush and drama of tomorrow. The caterers had done a phenomenal job; of course, they’d used some beef tips from Hunt & Co. for the main course.

Strong hands curled around Chelsea’s shoulders and she didn’t even hesitate when Gabe eased her back against his chest.

“These little dresses of yours drive me out of my mind,” he growled into her ear. “I think you enjoy teasing me.”

Chelsea smiled and reached up to cup her hands over his. “I love wearing dresses with boots when the occasion calls for it. Driving you out of your mind is just a bonus.”

“What are you wearing under this? Something else new?”

“Perhaps.”

She’d put on the slinky teddy with him in mind, and had been counting down the time until they could leave so he could take it off.

“We practiced coming down the aisle and going back up, plus we’ve eaten.” He nipped at her earlobe. “Are we done here yet?”

Chelsea turned in his arms. “You know, if we keep leaving parties early, people are going to know what we’re up to.”

His hands settled easily on her waist. Those gray eyes she’d come to love sought her from beneath the rim of his black hat.

“I don’t care what people think,” he told her. “I care about you and that’s it.”

He cared about her. Not quite a declaration of love, but it was more than what they’d originally started with. Hope blossomed.

“We should at least say goodbye to our friends,” she told him.

“Fine. Say your goodbyes. Be quick.” He smacked a kiss on her mouth and stepped back. “Be at my place in fifteen minutes.”

Chelsea laughed. “It takes me fifteen minutes to get there from here.”

“Then you better just wave goodbye instead of saying

it.”

He turned and headed toward Shane. Chelsea watched as they did the one-armed man hug and then Gabe headed off toward the field where they’d all parked their cars.

“I imagine you’ll be leaving, too.”

Chelsea turned to see her brother eyeing her with concern. “I am,” she confirmed.

“You’re going to get hurt, Chels. I know guys like Walsh. Hell, I know Gabe. I can see the hearts in your eyes.”

She attempted to tamp down her anger as she crossed her arms over her chest. “You’ve tried to warn me before. Do I look like I’m hurt? Don’t interfere, Daniel. I’ve got this under control.”

When she started to turn away, he grabbed her elbow and forced her to focus on him. “I hope your eyes are wide-open here. And I hope that he feels the same way as you do because you’re in deep.”

She hoped Gabe was on the same page with her feelings, too.

With a simple nod, Chelsea pulled her arm from Daniel’s grasp. She knew he was just looking out for her, but this was ridiculous. No one was going to come between her and what she wanted—and she wanted Gabe Walsh in her life.

By the time she made it to his loft, her entire body was humming. Chelsea smiled at the doorman as she entered the building. The elevator ride seemed to take forever, then finally she was at Gabe’s door. She didn’t bother knocking as she turned the knob beneath her palm and eased the door open.

The only light in the loft was the sparkle from the Christmas tree and the city lights streaming through the wall of windows.