Her Cowboy Christmas (Naughty List Ranch #4)

Chapter 1

ONE

Blair

“Have a good night!” Larsen calls.

I smile, waving goodbye as she heads to her car, and I walk off down the sidewalk.

I walked to work today. The weather is good, and I’m trying to take advantage of the slightly warmer days whenever they come along.

I’m still getting used to the cold and living in Wolf Valley.

I moved here four months ago when the position at the bank opened up.

I had just graduated from college and was looking for a smaller city where I could make my home.

I grew up in Los Angeles, and I hated it. I never felt at home there. Maybe it’s because I was always plus-size and surrounded by models and actresses. I mean that literally. The school my parents sent me to was filled with celebrities or their kids. I stood out like a sore thumb.

I was the odd one out in my family, too.

My older brother and sister were top of their classes.

They were class presidents and star tennis and lacrosse players.

I was clumsy and fat, and I struggled in school.

My parents were in denial, and it wasn’t until I turned thirteen that a kind teacher suggested I be assessed for dyslexia.

That diagnosis changed a lot for me. It helped me understand that I wasn’t stupid, I just needed more help than the other kids.

That helped a lot with my self-esteem. Unfortunately, it only made things worse at home and school.

My parents and siblings treated me like I was damaged goods, and my classmates like I was some kind of freak.

I spent most of my childhood alone as a result.

College was a little better. I got to pick my studies, and I loved my classes.

I was always good at math, probably because I didn’t have to read much, and I earned a double bachelor’s in accounting and economics with a minor in computer science.

For a while, I considered working for a tech startup, but I didn’t want to live in a big city.

When the job posting came out for this little bank in Wolf Valley, I jumped at the chance to apply and was thrilled when I got it. I moved up here, leaving California and everything I knew behind.

My family doesn’t understand my choice, but I’m used to that. They don’t understand me, and they’ve never really tried to. We haven’t talked once since I moved here, and I hate to say it, but I don’t really miss them.

I love Wolf Valley so far. It’s a small, close-knit town, and I feel like I could make my home here. I love my job at the bank. I even made my first real friend in Larsen. She’s been my other half since I started working at the bank with her.

My stomach growls as I stop outside of Nosh Diner, and I make a spur-of-the-moment decision to get dinner out tonight. I head inside, blinking at all the people. The diner is slammed, and I move out of the way as a couple leaves.

“Take a seat anywhere!” one of the servers calls.

I nod, making a beeline for the only empty table in the joint.

Sliding into the booth, I grab a menu. I’m grateful for the crowd as I read the meal choices.

Usually, I go to the same places because I know what I like there and don’t have to struggle to read a menu.

Here in Wolf Valley, though, I haven’t been to many places.

I shift in my seat, growing anxious as I stare at the jumble of words.

My heart races, and I feel like everyone is staring at me as I scan the menu.

Grabbing my silverware, I unroll it and arrange it just so.

I take a deep breath as I spread the napkin over my lap.

My dyslexia gets so much worse when I’m anxious or overwhelmed, and I know I need to calm down so I can focus.

I’m about to bolt before I embarrass myself by ordering something that doesn’t exist or asking the server for help when the little bell jingles as the door opens. I look up, and my eyes lock with Cole’s.

Goddamn it.

He stares at me for a beat, then looks around the restaurant, his eyes flicking over the crowd. Then he looks right back at me.

I’d never admit it to him, but I think Cole Hunter might be the most handsome man I’ve ever seen. The first time I saw him, it was like getting electrocuted. He stopped me in my tracks. He had me blushing and squirming with one look.

Then he opened his mouth and ruined everything.

Our first interaction didn’t go great, and the few times I’ve seen him since have gone the same way. I thought maybe we had an unspoken rule to stay away from each other, but that might be because he lives west of town, and I’m either at work or home, so we don’t run into each other.

And he’s headed my way. Great.

I frown at him, but that doesn’t stop him.

“So, favor?” he grunts.

I blink. “What?”

“I’m starving, and this place is slammed. Can I share your table with you?” His stomach growls, and he gives me a pleading look.

I sigh. “Fine,” I reluctantly agree.

“Thanks.”

He slides in across from me and grabs a menu. We’re silent as we look over it, and I’m able to calm down enough to read that they have a BLT here. I decide to order that and slide my menu back behind the napkin holder.

“Sorry about the wait!” our server says as she reaches our table. “What can I get you two?”

Cole nods to me.

I swallow. “Can I get a BLT and a water, please?”

Our server nods, scribbling down my order, then turns to Cole.

“Can I get a water, too, and the bacon cheeseburger with extra pickles, please?”

Dammit. His order sounds better than mine. I wish I’d read that.

“Of course,” our server says, writing his order down before heading back to the counter.

Once she’s gone, Cole and I stare at each other. He clears his throat, and I shift in my seat.

We’re saved from the awkwardness by my phone ringing, and I hurry to answer it.

“Hello?”

“Blair! I’m sorry to call you after work hours,” my boss, Roger, says.

“No worries.”

“I meant to ask you at work today if you would be interested in handling the bank’s stand for the Winter Festival.

Jill was supposed to be in charge, but she went on bed rest, and I completely forgot to ask someone else to take over.

I know it’s short notice, but I’d love it if you could manage that project. ”

Pride swells inside me, knowing my boss thinks I can handle this project.

I smile. “Of course! I’d love to.”

“Great! I knew I could count on you. I’ll email the details to you now.”

“Sounds good. Thanks. I won’t let you down.”

“I know you won’t. You’ve been the perfect addition to our team.”

Kids screaming in the background have me wincing.

Roger sighs. “Sorry, I’ve got to go help Cathy with the kiddos. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“See you tomorrow,” I say, ending the call.

I smile as I tuck my phone back into my purse and look up to see Cole watching me with a smile.

“Good news?”

I clear my throat. “Yes.”

He raises an eyebrow.

I sigh. “I’m in charge of the bank’s Winter Festival booth this year.”

“Congrats.”

“Thanks.”

The server comes back with our waters, and I take a sip.

“What are you doing in town?” I ask him.

“I had to mail out some Christmas gifts.”

I nod and take another sip of my water.

My phone dings with an email, and I pull it out, then regret it. I go to put my phone away when Cole stops me.

“What’s up?”

I glare at him. “Nosey.”

He grins. “Let me see.”

Before I can stop him, he grabs my phone and reads the email. His eyebrows raise.

I shift uncomfortably. “What?”

“This is a lot. Did you know you have to do all this?”

“All what?”

He passes my phone back, waiting while I read the email. My face heats with a fierce blush, and tears sting my eyes. I hate this. I hate feeling so self-conscious.

“Hey,” Cole says gently. “What’s wrong?”

I lick my lips and peek up at him. “I’m dyslexic,” I mumble. “It takes me a while to read stuff sometimes.”

“Oh. Here.”

He plucks my phone from my fingers again and reads the email to me. “The booth should be winter or holiday-themed and kid-friendly. There should be a game/prize of some sort. Attached is a list of ideas. Feel free to pass out candy, other treats, or swag.”

He looks up at me. I nod, and he continues.

“Then there’s a paragraph from your boss that says they want to pass out brochures and pens, but you’re free to include anything else. He also wants to know if you can work the booth on December 22nd. He says you’ll have a helper, and he’ll ask around at work for volunteers.”

Cole returns my phone.

“Thanks,” I whisper.

“No problem.”

The server arrives with our food, and as we dig in, my eyes stray to Cole’s meal.

He smiles as I lick my lips. “Halfsies?”

“What?”

“Trade me half of your BLT for half of my burger.”

“Oh, you don’t have to do that—”

He’s already cutting his burger in half and passing it to me.

“Thanks,” I mumble.

“You should’ve ordered both,” he says before biting into his burger.

“I didn’t get to that part of the menu,” I admit.

He pauses as he realizes why. “What are you going to do for the booth?” He asks, changing the subject.

I shrug. “I’m not sure yet. I’ll have to Google some ideas.”

“I can help you.”

I stare at him in shock. “Why would you do that?”

“I owe you for letting me sit with you,” he says easily.

I frown, unsure what to make of his offer. Is this a peace offering? Or is he genuinely trying to return the favor? I want to believe it’s the latter, but Cole is a good-looking guy. Why would he want to help me? Every time I look at him, I’m reminded of my bullies, and my defenses go up.

I want to trust Cole, but I don’t. Not yet.