Best Man Under the Mistletoe

He grabbed his hat and headed out the door of his loft apartment. He loved the prime location in downtown Royal. There were shops, restaurants, and it wasn’t too far from the Texas Cattleman’s Club. He planned to head over later to get some riding in. Getting on the back of a horse and taking off into the fresh air always calmed him and helped to clear his mind.

The only drawback to living in a loft in town was that he couldn’t have his own horses. Growing up outside Dallas on a working farm had been every little boy’s dream, and riding had been a staple in his life. At least being a member of the Texas Cattleman’s Club offered him anything he could want, including access to the club’s stables. So he had the best of both worlds right now.

Gabe’s cell vibrated in his pocket as he headed to the garage beneath his loft apartment. Pulling it out, he glanced at the screen and swiped to answer.

“Shane. What’s up?”

“Just checking in on you, man. How are you holding up with all the fallout from your uncle?”

Gabe tightened his grip on the phone and resisted the urge to groan. “It’s been a bit of a nightmare, but nothing I can’t handle.”

“Brandee and I are here for you, whatever you need. We know you’d never have a hand in anything this scandalous and cruel.”

Gabe slid his sunglasses from the top of his head and settled them in place. “I’m doing damage control with the company. There’s not much else anyone can do. I appreciate the offer.”

“Of course. I hate how all this is happening on top of the wedding details,” Shane added.

“Not a big deal. Like I said, nothing I can’t handle.”

“Speaking of wedding details, my fiancée is not happy.”

Gabe laughed as he settled in behind the wheel of his truck. “Sounds like your problem, not mine.”

“Oh, it’s every bit your problem,” Shane corrected. “Were you in the dressing room at the bridal shop with Chelsea? Wait, I know the answer to that. What the hell were you thinking, man?”

Blowing out a sigh, Gabe started the engine. “Does it matter? Nothing happened. Her zipper was stuck, that’s all.”

Well, that was all he’d own up to. Whatever was brewing between Chelsea and him was their business. As much as he’d like to claim there was more, things hadn’t progressed near to where he wanted them. This was the slowest form of torture and foreplay he’d ever experienced in his life.

“Listen, whatever you do with anyone else is fine.”

“Glad I have permission, Dad.”

“But,” Shane went on, “Chelsea is different. After what she’s been through and with her being Brandee’s best friend, this is a little more delicate than you just messing around with any other woman.”

“I’m well aware of how vulnerable Chelsea is.” Anger simmered as Gabe clenched the steering wheel. “And we’re not messing around. How the hell did you find out anyway?”

Because he knew for a fact Chelsea wouldn’t have run to Brandee and spilled. Even though this was perfect girly gossip, Gabe liked to think he knew Chelsea pretty well and this wasn’t the type of chatter she’d take part in.

“You think a shop full of teens and their mothers didn’t know you or Chelsea?” Shane asked in disbelief. “This town isn’t that big, man. And if I know about it, you don’t think Daniel hasn’t heard by now?”

Daniel Hunt, Chelsea’s brother. Chelsea’s older, overprotective brother. He and Chelsea had been through so much with the loss of their parents. Everyone knew their mother had run out on them and their father had passed a year later, some said from a broken heart. Was it any wonder Chelsea was so closed off, so leery and untrusting? Add in the scandal over the photos and she’d had quite a bit thrown at her. More than most people should endure. And other than Daniel and Brandee, who did she have to lean on?

“I’m not worried about Daniel,” Gabe said as he put his truck in gear. “As much as I’d love to continue this cheery conversation, I have other things to get done. Even in death, my uncle is ruining my reputation.”

Shane blew out a sigh. “Sorry, man. I wasn’t thinking.”

“No reason to be sorry. You and Brandee were victims, as well.”

Hell, there was hardly a member of the TCC who hadn’t been affected somehow by his uncle. Gabe still had no clue as to his motives, but he knew Dusty Walsh had been denied membership to the exclusive club three times over the years. And when women had been admitted, it had only made Dusty’s grudge worsen.

Perhaps this was his uncle’s way of getting back at the club because of the board’s decision. Who knew? All Gabe did know was that it would continue to impact his reputation for some time and he’d have to stay on top of things to keep his security business running.

“Just try to calm down with the public displays,” Shane warned. “Chelsea is dealing with enough and I’d really like this wedding to go off without drama.”

Gabe knew exactly what Chelsea was dealing with and he cursed himself for putting her in such a position. But, damn it, when he was around her, all logical thinking just vanished.

“Your wedding will be drama-free,” Gabe assured his best friend. “Go kiss your fiancée and let her know Chels and I have everything under control.”