Chapter 10
Rockin’ Around The Kissmas Tree
I sink deeper into the pillows, breathing in the familiar scent of musk and leather.
Maybe I should be mortified that I’m in Shep’s bed, but I rather like it.
I clench my thighs at the thought of having him beside me later tonight.
We’re tiptoeing dangerously close to the edge of temptation, but that didn’t stop me from making the suggestion.
Somewhere between being cradled in his arms and him feeding me lunch, I concluded that our brewing attraction is mutual and couldn’t let the opportunity pass.
Maybe it was Gemma teasing me about wanting Shep or knowing that he might have discovered my toys that gave me the courage to act.
Regardless, it won’t deter me from seeing how this plays out.
However, I’ve got more pressing matters to address—like my ankle throbbing from rolling over in my sleep, my full bladder, and a warm bath calling my name.
I’m tempted to call for Shep like I promised, but I decide against it.
I’m already imposing. Besides, he’s probably in the barn checking on the animals or in his workshop.
Determined to do this on my own, I switch on the lamp and slowly swing my legs over the edge of the bed, pressing my palms into the mattress for support. I push to stand, a sharp cry escaping my lips as pain shoots through my ankle, and I sink onto the bed, leaning back on my hands with a groan.
Within seconds, hurried footsteps reach the door, and Shep bursts in, panic etched on his face as his eyes find me.
“What’s wrong?” He rushes to my side, his gaze sweeping me from head to toe. “Are you hurt?”
I shake my head. “I tried to stand so I could get to the bathroom to take a bath, but it was painful so I’m nervous to try and put pressure on my ankle again.”
He folds his arms across his chest, frowning. “You should’ve called for me.”
“I wanted to do it on my own.”
“Why do you insist on being so hardheaded?” he mutters under his breath.
I straighten my spine. “Oh, please. If it were the other way around, you’d drag yourself to the bathroom before letting me step in.”
Shep scoffs. “I wouldn’t be in this situation, because I would’ve listened when you told me to get off that rickety stool.”
I roll my eyes. “Bullshit. You’re way more stubborn than I am.”
“Dammit, woman, I’m half tempted to bend you over my knee.” His face drains of color when he realizes he spoke out loud.
God, the thought of it sends heat racing through me, thinking of being bent over his strong thighs, and the feel of his calloused hands on me… inside me… punishing me.
His eyes lock on mine, all the unspoken words lingering between us. I fidget with my bracelet, noting the blush covering his face, refusing to be the one to break eye contact first.
Shep clears his throat before effortlessly lifting me into his arms. I cling to his neck as he carries me to the bathroom, savoring the warmth of his embrace and his masculine scent.
His tight, long-sleeved shirt stretches across his broad chest, emphasizing the curve of his biceps.
My eyes shift to the patch of hair peeking out above the open button at his collar, and my fingers itch to trace along his bare chest, trailing down to his V-line in teasing strokes.
When we reach the bathroom, he shifts his hold on me to hit the light switch, gently setting me on the closed toilet lid.
The walls are slate gray, and the space smells faintly of pine and soap. A porcelain sink is set into the countertop with an oval mirror hanging above, and a shower-tub combo positioned next to the toilet.
“Thank you… Aren’t you going to leave?” I ask when Shep doesn’t move.
“Figured you might need a hand preparing the bath.” He nods to the cabinet, likely holding toiletries needed. “Not sure how you’d manage on your own, seeing as you can’t stand.”
I roll my lip between my teeth, overwhelmed by the flood of emotions crashing over me. I could try it alone, but the faucet is out of reach, and the flimsy towel rack won’t support my weight. It’ll be much easier with help—especially with a scalding bath calling my name.
My eyes dart to Shep, who patiently waits for my reply. The concern in his expression makes my cheeks flush—not from embarrassment, but from the fact that he cares enough to make this easier for me.
“Help preparing a bath would be nice, thank you,” I say quietly.
“How hot do you want the water?” he asks.
“Hot enough to rival a volcanic spring and leave me looking like a lobster,” I offer with a cheeky grin.
Shep chuckles under his breath, nodding. “Let’s compromise and go with toasty, no lava burns included.”
I drum my finger against my chin. “I think that could work.”
He moves to the tub and turns on the faucet until steam begins to rise.
After testing the water with his hand, he nods in approval and plugs the drain.
He reaches for a bottle of three-in-one body wash from the corner shelf and pours in a generous amount.
A swirl of cedar and mint fills the air as bubbles rise to the surface.
I make a note to order him some real shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, assuming deliveries exist on the mountain.
Shep shifts around me to the cabinet, retrieves a fresh towel beneath the sink, and places it on the vanity.
He glances back and forth between me and the rising bathwater, concern in his expression. “You need anything else?”
“I’ll make do, cowboy, I promise.”
He gives me a hesitant nod as he turns off the faucet. “Give me a holler if you need anything.”
“I will.”
He gives me a simple nod before stepping out and closing the door behind him.
After some careful maneuvering to get my pants and underwear off, I take care of business before slipping my shirt over my head and unfasten my bra.
I drop both to the floor and ease myself from the toilet to the tub, wincing when my ankle grazes the porcelain.
As I lower myself into the hot water, I sigh with relief, the heat easing the tension in my body.
As I start to relax, it hits me that I never thanked Shep for his help. I’m mortified that he went out of his way, and I didn’t even acknowledge it.
Before I can think better of it, I holler, “Hey Shep.”
I don’t expect a reply, assuming he’s gone off to do something else while he waits until I’m done, so I’m surprised when he answers.
“You alright?” His voice drifts from the other side of the closed door. “Once you’re finished, I’ll bring you some clean clothes to change into.”
I grin, knowing he stayed close in case I needed him.
“I’m fine. I just forgot to say thank you. I really appreciate your help.”
“Anytime, Sunshine.”
I lean back and close my eyes, thinking about everything that’s happened today.
I can’t imagine what I would’ve done if anyone other than Shep had been here.
I feel lucky to have glimpsed a part of him he rarely shows.
His patience and thoughtfulness have my heart swelling with gratitude, and it makes me want him more than ever before.
Shep carries me to the living room after I finish in the bathroom, gently putting me in the middle of the couch. Flames dance in the fireplace, filling the space with warmth. A TV has been set up in the corner, angled for me to watch from where I’m sitting.
“What’s that for?” I ask, gesturing to it.
“I thought we could watch a Christmas movie,” he suggests.
My eyebrows shoot up in surprise. “Really? I thought you didn’t celebrate the holidays.”
“I haven’t for a while, but there’s no reason I can’t start again now.” He turns on the TV and holds a DVD case to show me. “Elf okay? It’s one of the only seasonal movies I have.”
“It’s one of my favorites,” I say with a grin. “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.”
As a kid, my parents and I watched a holiday movie every night from the start of December until Christmas Day.
I tried keeping the tradition going after I moved out, but once my career took off, I’d been lucky to squeeze in one or two each year.
That’s why I treasure spending Christmastime with my family.
Even condensed into a few short days, the holiday magic remains, carrying the nostalgia of the traditions I cherish.
It’s a stark reminder that had my solo trip gone as planned, I’d probably be lying on the bed in tears or halfway back to New York by now. Instead, I’m sharing a cabin with a chivalrous cowboy, wondering if this is where I was supposed to be all along.
Shep switches on the TV and scrolls to the main menu. “I put an egg and sausage casserole in the oven while you were taking a bath. It’ll be ready in half an hour.”
“Smells amazing. I love breakfast for dinner.”
He picks up two pillows from the leather chair in the corner, which he must have grabbed while I was in the bathroom. He sets them on the coffee table and then pushes it closer to me, giving me a place to prop my foot.
“Thank you,” I murmur.
Shep lays a hand on my knee, giving it a gentle squeeze. “It’s nothing.”
But it really is something.
He saw a way to make me more comfortable and acted without asking—a rare quality.
The attention and kindness he’s shown me is unlike anything I’ve seen before.
I like to think it comes from his life experience and a deep understanding of how to respect a woman without expecting anything in return.
Beneath his gruff exterior lies a genuine decency that only adds to his appeal.
“Hey, Shep?”
“Mm-hmm?”
“Is there a reason you don’t celebrate the holidays?”
He’s slowly opening up so I have to tread carefully. He’s like a wounded wolf, sizing me up to see if I’m a friend or a foe. If I push him too hard, he’ll retreat, and I might not get him to let his guard down if that happens.