A Cowboy Under the Mistletoe (16 page)

Hank nodded and shifted position slightly, so the natural thing for Ally to do was let her head rest on his broad shoulder. “It's much nicer.”

Relaxing all the more, she cuddled against him and admitted, “It makes me want to keep going. You know, redo the kitchen—at least the countertops, floor, and appliances—and bring in some better furniture, like the kind I have in Houston.”

“So it'll feel even more like home to you,” Hank guessed, regarding her in a reverent, possessive manner.

Ally studied his expression—aware she hadn't dared share the solution forming in her mind with anyone just yet. “You know, don't you?”

Blue eyes crinkling, he looked over at her as if he wanted
nothing more than to make love to her, as thoroughly and ardently as he had the evening before. He took her hand in his and kissed the inside of her wrist. “Know what?”

Ally tingled with a longing for him that went soul deep. She savored the warm seduction of his touch. “That I'm having second thoughts about selling the house,” she explained.

His expression sobered.

She pushed on. “Not the ranch land—that still has to go. But I'm beginning to think I might want to keep the house and the barn and ten acres or so around them. Just sell the other three thousand nine hundred and ninety acres.”

The joy she had expected to see on his ruggedly handsome face did not materialize.

Hank took a moment to absorb what she'd revealed, then replied in a low, implacable tone, “Corporate Farms is going to want the whole thing.”

Determined to do the right thing, for everyone involved, Ally retorted, “Corporate Farms is going to want a lot of things they aren't going to get.”

Hank went very still. “You've decided not to sell to them?”

Ally's stomach fluttered with a thousand butterflies. “I'm not doing anything until I see what all my options are.” And that included whatever it was Hank—and/or possibly Lulu Sanderson—were getting ready to propose to her.

Hank nodded with a mixture of approval and relief. “The important thing is, you don't have to rush to make a decision now.”

“That's true.” Ally traced the knee of her jeans. “Now that I know I still have my job, I do have some time.” And the opportunity to develop the plan of her own, that had been brewing ever since Marcy Lyons had set her straight
on the financial inadvisability of a traditional sale by broker….

“And we do need to sit down together and have a serious talk about it,” Hank stipulated, smiling broadly, as if he had a secret. “Say, tomorrow at noon?”

Ally wanted to do that, too. She only hoped that he would be as open to a nontraditional arrangement as she was, at this point. Because she knew now, more than ever, that he was the one who should run cattle on Mesquite Ridge. A twinge of uncertainty tightened her middle. Would the ranch finally help change her luck—and bring her happiness at long last?

She searched Hank's expressive blue eyes. “You're okay with the two of us having a business meeting on Christmas Eve?” If anything could tempt fate…

He captured her hands with his. “When it's this important to both of our futures, absolutely.”

His words hinted at a permanence Ally found very exciting.

“But right now,” Hank continued tenderly, using the leverage of his grip to bring her even closer, “I have something even more important to ask.” He shifted her onto his lap. “I know you're due at work on the 26…and I respect that. But I'm hoping you'll stay and spend Christmas with me.”

For the first time in her life, Ally found herself looking forward to celebrating the holiday, with nary a bah humbug in sight. “I'd love to.” She smiled and reached for the buttons on his shirt. “In the meantime, though, we have much more important things to do…”

Hank groaned in pleasure as she undid them, revealing his powerful chest and spectacular abs. While her hands explored the chiseled contours and warm satiny skin, he
bent his head, and slowly kissed her neck. “Looks like the celebrating is starting early….”

And celebrate they did, with tender kisses and hot caresses. And a roll in the sheets that was completely devoid of words—and utterly glorious.

Ally had never realized lovemaking could be so incredibly fulfilling. Never knew touch alone could communicate so much! Or guessed that anyone could make her feel so warm and safe, and so wanted and revered. Was it any wonder she was driven to take their pleasure to a new plateau, and make love over and over again?

Before long she was giving herself over completely, tempting him to do the same. Until at last she knew what made their connection so special. It wasn't just that she had finally given her whole heart and soul to Hank. It was that he made her feel he had fallen impossibly, irrevocably in love with her, too.

Ally awakened slowly. Late afternoon sunshine poured across the rumpled covers of the bed. She could hear the shower running across the hall. Knowing she had never been so thoroughly loved, she stretched languidly. Then burrowed even deeper in the sheets, the crisp percale shifting smoothly across her bare skin.

A minute later, the water shut off and the shower curtain was swept back.

Ally opened her eyes and propped her head on her upraised hand. Smiling, she watched Hank saunter into the room.

Towel knotted low on his waist, he padded barefoot to the bed. As he sank down by her side, his towel-clad hip nestled warmly against her thigh. “How's your head?” he asked, running a hand down her arm.

Beginning to regret the morning lazing around, imbibing peppermint schnapps, but not what happened afterward, Ally groaned. “Throbbing. Yours?”

Hank grinned. “Better since I took some aspirin.”

He lifted a staying hand, then went back to the bathroom. He returned, bottle of aspirin and water glass in hand. “This will help.”

Ally took two pills before lying back among the pillows, as eager to make love again as she had been the first time.
She waggled her eyebrows at him. “So would not getting up at all.”

Briefly, Hank looked tempted. Very tempted. “We'll have to work on that part later.” He bent and kissed the curve of her shoulder. “We've got an open house to go to tonight.” He straightened while she was still tingling. “Remember?”

At his parents' ranch.

His eyes spoke volumes as they locked on hers. “I really want you to be part of my family's annual Christmas gathering.”

Two weeks ago, Ally would have been totally intimidated by the notion of going to Greta and Shane McCabe's open house. Now she was looking forward to it. Hoping that someday she would be part of the loving clan…and not just an invited guest. The telling expression on Hank's face indicated he felt that way, too.

Bursting with joy, Ally flung back the covers. “I'm headed for the shower right now.”

An hour later, they were heading out the door.

“One question,” Ally said, when they arrived at their destination. She knew what their relationship felt like in private, but in public she needed to be clear—in case questions arose. “As far as everyone else is concerned…are you just my ride for the evening?” Or was he as ready as she was to go public with their romance?

Hank's gaze drifted over her before returning ever so slowly to her face. He made no effort to hide the emotion brimming in his eyes. “Are you kidding?” He pulled her close and kissed her tenderly. “You're a lot more than that, Ally Garrett. You're my future.”

And you,
Ally thought,
are mine.

Smiling, he took her hand and led her toward the front door.

Moments later, they were mingling inside.

Ally couldn't help but note that Lulu Sanderson kept catching Hank's eye. Every time the divorcée did she flashed a secret smile. The confident way Hank looked at her in return told Ally there was
something
going on between him and Lulu.

Pushing aside the niggling feeling of uneasiness, Ally continued making her way among the guests, at first with Hank, then by herself after his father asked for his help bringing in more firewood.

Hank's mother appeared at Ally's side. Looking as beautiful and put-together as always, Greta engulfed her in a hug. “How are you doing, darlin'?”

Ally basked in the easy maternal affection and smiled back. Greta would be a dream mother-in-law. Not that anyone was anywhere close to talking marriage yet.

“Good,” Ally replied.
At least I was before we walked in the door and I saw whatever-it-is going on between Hank and Lulu again…. Whatever he's chosen not to share with me. Again….

Greta arched a silver-blond brow. “That son of mine treating you right?”

Ally noted the matchmaker's gleam in her eyes. Obviously, Hank's mom had either been told or figured out on her own that Ally and Hank were romantically involved. That had to be a good sign, didn't it?

Greta clasped her arm and leaned in close to confide, “Just so you know, honey…I haven't seen Hank this happy in years. And it's all due to you. So keep up the good work. It's about time someone put a spring in that boy's step and a light in his eyes.”

I hope it's all due to me,
Ally thought, looking at Lulu, who was standing next to a group of her old high school friends at the buffet table. But what if it wasn't? What if the
real reason behind Hank's happiness was the ranch? And the fact that she couldn't sell it via the traditional route, and had decided not to sell to Corporate Farms?

Oblivious to the troubling nature of Ally's thoughts, Greta checked out the fast-diminishing spread on the buffet with a frown. She propped her hands on her hips. “Speaking of loved ones, have you seen my husband lately?”

Ally nodded, glad to talk about something else. “He stepped outside a few minutes ago with Hank, to get more firewood.”

“Would you mind getting Shane? Tell him to meet me in the kitchen when he does. I need his help carving the brisket.”

Ally nodded. “No problem.”

Given the crowds of people, she figured the easiest way to reach him was to go out the front door and walk around. Ally grabbed her coat and headed outside. She was halfway around the porch surrounding the entire first floor when she heard the rise in men's voices.

“I don't understand why you won't take our money, if the Garrett ranch is what you want,” Shane said, sounding as if he had very little patience left.

Hank harrumphed. “I don't need it, Dad. I've worked out everything on my own.”

“Then the rumors going around town are true?” Shane demanded, sounding even more upset. “You
are
going to marry Lulu Sanderson for her money.”

A brief silence followed. “If I was going to marry anyone for her money, I'd marry Ally Garrett,” Hank snapped. He was obviously exasperated. “But that's not necessary with the plan I have.”

Of course it wasn't, Ally thought, reeling backward in shock. She was ready to give Hank everything he could
ever want, without so much as a promise of a ring on her finger. But Hank didn't know that yet.

Deciding the conversation was over, she started forward once again, only to hear Shane McCabe say, “But Lulu is involved in this plan of yours….”

The grim note in Shane's voice stopped Ally in her tracks once again.

“Not that it's any of your business,” Hank retorted, just as tautly, “but yes, Lulu is an integral part of my future plans, too.”

Ally's heart sank. She ran a trembling hand over her eyes.

“You have to see you can't have Ally and a deal with Lulu, too,” his dad argued.

“I don't see why not,” Hank scoffed, confident as ever.

“It'll never work,” Shane insisted with the paternal wisdom for which he was known.

“Yes,” he argued, as tears misted Ally's eyes, “it will, Dad. The real question is when are you going to start believing in me again—with the trust and faith you gave me when I was a kid?”

And when, Ally mused, was she going to learn she would always—
always
—take second place to the family ranch?

“I do believe in you, son,” Shane insisted.

“Then why are you standing here tonight, trying to loan me the down payment and whatever collateral I need to purchase Mesquite Ridge?” Hank countered bitterly.

And why wouldn't he take the offer? Ally wondered. Surely receiving money from family was better and more honorable than whatever it was Hank had cooked up with Lulu Sanderson.

“Your mother and I want you to be happy,” Shane
soothed. “We want you to have kids. You and Ally seem like a good match.”

Ally leaned against the side of the house.
I thought so, too.
Obviously, she'd been wrong. Otherwise Hank would have confided some of this to her.

The voices came a little closer. “Lulu and I are a good match, too, Dad. Just not in the way you'd expect.”

Or want to hear,
Ally thought.

Realizing she had witnessed enough, she marched briskly on around the corner of the house. Both men took one look at her face and realized she'd overheard enough to be deeply disturbed. Knowing she had to talk to Hank privately first, Ally said quietly, “Shane? Greta is looking for you. She needs your help in the kitchen.”

He nodded briefly at Ally, his glance conveying a thousand apologies as well as compassion. For Shane, too, knew what it was like to be emotionally shut out of Hank's life at precisely the moment when Hank should have been opening up the most. To family, friends and especially the woman in his life. The woman he had pretended meant everything to him! Not, Ally thought miserably, that Hank had ever come right out and said he loved her, either. What if he didn't? What if it was just passion keeping them together? A passion that might not last?

Ever the gentleman and congenial host, Shane said, “I'm sorry if I misstepped or have in anyway said or done anything to make you uncomfortable here this evening.” Shane cast another meaningful look at his son. “I was only trying to help.”

There was no question of the elder McCabe's gallantry. Ally dipped her head in acknowledgment. “I know. I appreciate what you were trying to do, sir.” Even if Hank didn't.

With a last rueful look at his son, Shane went inside.
Ally stood facing Hank. She put her wounded feelings aside and faced him like the savvy businesswoman she still was. “Is it true that Lulu Sanderson is going to be an integral part of the deal you're proposing to me tomorrow?”

Hank shrugged and ambled up the steps toward her. To her amazement, he now appeared to be annoyed with her! “I told you I've been talking business with Lulu.”

Ally warned herself to resist jumping to further conclusions. “I thought—hoped—you were just getting advice from her, or making use of her considerable connections in the venture capital and banking community, since she went to an Ivy League business school and worked in the financial sector before she came back to take over her dad's restaurant.”

Hank stepped closer. It was clear from the look on his face that he wanted to tell her everything but for some reason still couldn't. Or still wouldn't. Frustration welled up inside Ally, as potent as hurt. “I've given you no reason to mistrust me.”

Hadn't he? “Those glances Lulu has been giving you all evening say otherwise.”

Hank's jaw set with the resolve of an ex-marine. “I've told you before. You have no reason to be jealous.”

Ally threw up her hands. Her feelings had been constantly dismissed and disregarded by her parents. No way was she letting it happen to her again.

She regarded Hank coldly. “I have every reason, given how happy Lulu is and how
unhappy
I am right now.”

“It's just business.”

How many times had her parents told her that, while excluding and ignoring her? How many times had she been expected to just go away quietly and wait for the crumbs of their attention? “Then why can't you tell me about it right now?” Ally countered with a burning resentment she
could no longer contain. “Why are you treating me the way you're treating your parents and heaven only knows who else?” Ally ignored Hank's dissenting frown and rushed on miserably. “By only telling us what you feel we have a right to know at any given time, and yet still expecting us to magically understand what is going on in your mind and your heart?”

Hank's spine stiffened. “When you really care about someone, you take things on faith,” he returned gruffly.

Like Lulu apparently was?

“Your dad is right,” Ally warned flatly. “You can't have intimate relationships with both Lulu and me simultaneously.”

Hank folded his arms in front of him deliberately. “I know what you're thinking and you're wrong, Ally. Lulu and I are just friends.”

Maybe not physically…at least not yet…

Ally set her jaw and took a stance. “I saw the way Lulu's been smiling at you all evening, Hank.”

He lifted a hand. “She's excited!”

Jealousy flared inside Ally. “I bet!”

Hank's eyes narrowed. “I need you to believe in me, Ally.”

No doubt he did, Ally thought. But he wasn't the only one with requirements for personal happiness. “And I need a life where I don't feel excluded by ranch business, the way I did when I was growing up!”

More to the point,
she
had wanted to be an integral part of Hank's efforts to purchase and build up Mesquite Ridge. Not Lulu. Ally had even, through clever financial analysis, found a way to do so that would meet both their monetary needs. For all the good it had done them.

Ally gestured dismissively. “Whatever the deal with Lulu is, I won't accept it.”

Hank scowled. “I've spent days working on this,” he warned.

How well Ally knew that! “I don't care. It's pulling us apart, and you have other options.”

A muscle ticked in his cheek. He stared at her as if she were a stranger. “You're not even going to give me a chance to lay out the proposal for you tomorrow at noon?” he asked incredulously.

“Not if the plan involves the participation of Lulu Sanderson or any of her money or ideas.” Because there was no way Ally was playing second fiddle to another woman, or being shut out by Hank and Lulu in the way she had been emotionally shut out by her folks. Especially over ranch business.

Hank studied her a long moment. His expression was grave. “You're serious.”

“Dead serious,” Ally stated bluntly.

Anger flashed in his blue eyes. “I wish you'd made this clear a lot earlier.”

“Me, too,” Ally said bitterly, as the tears she'd been holding back spilled over and ran down her cheeks. “Because if I had,” she choked out, unable to hide the depth of her distress any longer, “you and I never would have made love. We never would have come here together tonight.”