A CHRISTMAS AS BIG AS TEXAS!

His entire town was counting on Chase Langtry to win the championship title. Instead, the injured bull rider is slinking back to the family ranch. But how can he stay out of the spotlight with relentless reporter Nola West following him home from Vegas? His humiliating loss just can’t be her next story!

Nola’s attraction to the youngest son of Ramblewood’s First Family is shaking her hard-won confidence. And it looks like the only scoop she’ll get is covering the Mistletoe Rodeo charity event. She’s never been a big fan of the holiday. Until Chase vows to show her a Christmas she’ll never forget...

ALSO INCLUDED IN THIS VOLUME

A Home for Christmas by Laura Marie Altom

“What’s so funny?”

Nola leaned in and playfully pushed at his chest. She didn’t expect him to snake his arms around her waist and tug her flat against him.

“Mr. Langtry,” Nola said in her best Scarlett O’Hara voice. “I do declare.”

“I’m sorry, ma’am, but it’s tradition,” Chase replied with a pretty good Rhett Butler impression of his own.

“Tradition?”

“I do believe I spotted some mistletoe in this here tree earlier today.”

“Mistletoe? Above us, right now?”

“Why, surely, ma’am. ’Tis the season and all. You wouldn’t want to break a long-standing tradition now, would you?”

“No,” Nola said. “I wouldn’t want to do that.”

A hairbreadth away, Chase moved even closer, his lips brushing hers. Afraid he’d pull back, Nola laced her fingers behind his neck and deepened their kiss. Her lips parted, inviting him in, not the least bit shy about having a taste of Chase for herself. So much for her earlier decision not to be brazen.

Dear Reader,

I am a firm believer that Christmas should be about family. When I began the Welcome to Ramblewood series, much of it centered around my own family, especially Joe Langtry, whose legacy is the driving force behind these books. Joe Langtry in real life was my Grandpa Joe, who died when I was sixteen. Writing about him and my Grandma Kay, who we lost a few years ago, helps me keep their memory alive.

Chase Langtry has been surrounded by family his entire life, especially around the holidays. While an over-the-top traditional Christmas was the norm for him, Nola West has never really celebrated the day, let alone experienced the weeks of festivities Ramblewood has planned.

Each of us has our own holiday traditions we pass down through the generations. Nola doesn’t have any. As an outsider, she’s taken aback by the sheer magnitude in which the entire town celebrates. She’s a little hesitant at first, but who can resist some Ramblewood Christmas cheer?

Mistletoe Rodeo is the sixth book in the Welcome to Ramblewood series...where the door is always open.

Feel free to stop in and visit me at amandarenee.com. I’d love to hear from you.

Happy reading!

Amanda Renee

Mistletoe Rodeo
Amanda Renee

www.millsandboon.co.uk

AMANDA RENEE was raised in the Northeast and now wriggles her toes in the warm sand of coastal South Carolina. She was discovered through Mills & Boon’s So You Think You Can Write contest and began writing for the Mills & Boon American Romance line. When not creating stories about love, laughter and things that go bump in the night, she enjoys the company of her schnoodle, Duffy, photography, playing guitar and anything involving horses. You can visit her at amandarenee.com.

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For Grandpa Joe

Your legacy lives on in each of us

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Introduction

Dear Reader

Title Page

About the Author

Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

Unbelievable!

Chase Langtry had thought the baseball cap and hoodie would be enough to elude overly ambitious reporter Nola West. He’d managed to dodge her for the past twenty-four hours, but now here she was standing in the aisle of his first-class cabin. Without even looking past her narrow waist and shapely hips, he knew it was her. Nola was tall, fit and taut in all the right places. Chase deemed himself an expert on her form, considering he’d been studying it for the past two and a half years, but the last thing he needed was to stare into her forget-me-not blue eyes. He’d be a goner for sure.

Scooting down farther in his seat and turning toward the window, Chase hoped Nola would get the message and leave him alone. He was tired, sore and still a bit hungover after blowing it in Las Vegas. Chase had headed into the National Finals Rodeo with a chance of winning it all. Only he’d reinjured his shoulder after his first ride had tossed him faster than tumbleweed in a tornado. And apparently his run of bad luck extended to his flight home because Nola settled in beside him, her arm brushing his.

The cords in his neck stiffened, aggravating his shoulder injury.

“Are you kidding me?” Chase straightened his spine and turned to confront her, immediately regretting the action when she lifted her face to his. She tucked a long strand of honey-blond hair behind one ear and narrowed her gaze.

“Geesh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to encroach on your armrest space.” Nola’s sarcastic tone was all too evident. “I’ll try to be more careful next time.”

“That’s not what I meant,” Chase growled through clenched teeth, more frustrated than angry, thanks to the glimpse of bare thigh he’d just caught. “I’m talking about you—here—next to me—on this plane.”

“Relax, Chase. We’re flying home together—nothing more.” Nola followed his eyes and tugged on her skirt hem.

“KWTT must really want this story if they’re willing to upgrade you to first class. But let’s get things straight—regardless of how nicely you ask, I’m not giving you an interview.”

“I’m not asking for one.” Nola fastened her seat belt and removed her iPad from her bag, paying Chase no further attention.

“No?” The porcelain glow of her skin caused Chase’s fingers to ache, wanting to feel the softness of her cheek. He mentally kicked himself for allowing her presence to upset him. “You always look this stunning at two o’clock in the morning? Traveling in a skirt, high heels and full makeup?”

“You think I look stunning?” Nola glanced sideways at him. “Thank you...I think.”

As if she didn’t know how beautiful she was. Nola West was the last thing Chase needed right now. The past couple days had been bad enough, and now he had to endure four hours on a plane next to the woman he’d thought about almost daily since they’d met. It didn’t help that her lips glimmered with newly applied gloss, which he thought definitely needed to be kissed off. Chase groaned inwardly.

“I’m willing to bet George has a handheld camera and microphone pack in his carry-on in case you snag an interview when we get off the plane.”

“We cover the news.” Nola didn’t look at him, which only confirmed he was right. “We always travel prepared.”

“Why’d you leave George in business class?” This was the first time he’d seen Nola without her ever-present cameraman sidekick. “Shame on you, and shame on the studio for not upgrading him, too.”

“You’re cranky and full of assumptions tonight, aren’t you?” Nola glanced at him, one perfectly groomed brow arched higher than Chase would have thought possible.

“Not that I would expect you to notice, but there’s a woman traveling with George and me on this trip. Unbeknownst to the studio, he brought his wife along—which we’d like to keep secret, if you don’t mind. He wasn’t about to upgrade his ticket to first class and leave her back there. Some people think of others, not just themselves.”

Chase gripped his thighs. Was this a jab at him? Just because he was goal oriented didn’t mean he was selfish. He fought to ignore Nola’s comment. Getting into a war of words with her wouldn’t make the flight any easier.

“I’d ask why you’re not staying until the end of the competition, but I already know the answer. You’re focused on my failure.”

“You didn’t fail, Chase.” Nola huffed in the same exasperated tone Chase’s mother used when her grandkids acted up. “You had a bad night. It happens to the best of them. You’re right—I was in Vegas to cover you for the local news, and I’m leaving because you are.”

“I can see the headline now.” Chase sagged into the seat. “Hometown Hero Humiliated at National Finals Rodeo.” He’d been pegged to win the World All-Around Champion Cowboy title.

“Was this a pity party? Because I forgot to bring a gift.” Nola sighed. “It’s not the end of the world. You’ve known me for a while now. Have I ever cast you in a bad light? No, I haven’t. I’ve always covered you and your family in a respectful way. Besides, I can spin the story so it doesn’t look as bad as it really is. Wait—I didn’t mean it like that.”

Nola reached for his arm but he shook her off. He didn’t want anyone’s pity. “I know exactly what you meant.”

Chase watched the lights of the Vegas strip fade as the plane lifted off. He was heading home a failure, and no matter how Nola spun the story, it wouldn’t change the fact that he’d blown it. His entire hometown of Ramblewood, Texas, had counted on him to bring home the coveted championship belt buckle. And not only had he not won, but he also had left the competition early. He could thank his stubbornness for leading him straight to a disastrous finish on day two. Chase had known when he’d pulled the ligaments in his shoulder two weeks earlier that he should have bowed out of the competition. But too many people had invested in him, and he’d refused to let them down. His doctors had cautioned him that one more injury could end his career. And yesterday’s ride had probably done just that.

His older brother, Shane, hadn’t helped matters by constantly pushing Chase into the spotlight. The World All-Around title had been Shane’s dream, but he’d given up his own chance to compete so he could devote more time to his son’s rodeo schedule. In the end, Chase could’ve said no, but he hadn’t, and there was no one to blame except himself.

Chase and Shane jointly owned the state-of-the-art Ride ’em High! Rodeo School. Having a world champion on the roster would’ve been great for business. Not that they were in need of more students; since their doors opened a few years ago, the school has been booked full every session. Chase felt as if he’d failed not only his family this week but his students, too.

As if things hadn’t been bad enough already, sitting next to Nola—as savvy as she was sexy—unnerved him more than the final seconds atop a bull before the chute gate swung open. Chase was determined not to let her get the better of him.

“I spoke to your mom before she flew home yesterday,” Nola said. “Regardless of what happened in the competition, she’s really proud of you.”

“You interviewed my mom?” Chase shoved his hoodie back and faced her. Going after him for an interview was one thing—his family was another.

“Of course not.” Nola met his gaze, her annoyance evident. “I saw her in the lobby as she was leaving.”

The lengths reporters went to in order to get a story irritated Chase. But Nola’s pursuit tried his patience even more and he wasn’t sure why. “In other words, you were stalking me in the lobby—waiting for me to come down. I bet if I ask my mother, she’d confirm that George was by your side.”

“He was.” Nola ran her palms slowly down the front of her skirt. “And I was waiting for you, but it was out of concern. You took a hard hit out there. When you got injured, I genuinely cared.”

Nola’s words softened with her admission. Chase swallowed hard, afraid he’d say too much. “The only thing injured is my pride,” Chase lied and turned back to the window. “Thank you for your concern.”

“Don’t mention it.” The natural lilt of her voice returned. “Your mom is really excited about Christmas this year. All the grandkids must be getting big. I haven’t seen them in a year, at least. I bet your house is packed over the holidays.”

There lay the other reason Chase hated to go home. He’d considered changing his flight to meet up with some of his friends in Cancun, but the thought had been short-lived. Once his mother had gotten wind of it she’d threatened to tan his hide. In the Langtry household, Christmastime was family time. Every year his mother would decorate the ranch from the entrance to the stables in a display guaranteed to delight the electric company. The rest of Ramblewood had nothing on her. She’d even spread the holiday spirit to the stables by placing small wreaths on each of the stall doors and insisting on red or green halters and blankets for the horses. Once night fell, the ranch glowed so brightly that he and his brothers swore it must be visible from outer space.

Chase loved his family, but they were a constant reminder of what he didn’t have—a wife and kids of his own. With his wealth and status, it had become increasingly difficult to tell if a woman was interested in him or his bank account. It always hit him harder this time of year, especially now that all of his brothers were married with children. The irony of the situation was that none of his brothers had even wanted to settle down. Chase, however, had always envisioned a house full of children running around, much like the one he grew up in.

Chase hated to admit it, but he was envious of his three older brothers. Their children were their greatest accomplishments. Jesse and Miranda’s twins, Jackson and Slade, had turned two this past July; his niece Ever was seven; and his fifteen-year-old nephew, Hunter, was well on his way to becoming a champion rodeo competitor himself. By the time Chase got around to having children, their cousins would be married with kids of their own.

Turning thirty in a couple of days only added to his frustration. Chase wished he’d said yes to Cancun and was headed to Mexico rather than sitting next to a woman he’d much rather ask to dinner than argue with. But a date with Nola was out of the question. She had an air of worldly sophistication about her and would surely prefer someone who had a lot more going on than a rodeo cowboy, regardless of his wealth. Besides, the only time Chase ever saw her was when he or his family were part of her news coverage. No, the attraction was definitely one-sided.

“Please don’t take this personally, but I’m not up for talking tonight.” It was better to end the conversation now before he became even more aggravated.

Nola shrugged and refocused her attention on her screen. Chase popped in his earbuds and turned up the volume of his iPod, drowning out the world around him. Closing his eyes as he settled against the seat, he pulled his hat down lower.

Nola deserved better than his ornery attitude. If he hadn’t found the reporter so attractive, maybe he could find a way to be more cordial to her. But that was the problem—she was a journalist above all else, and anything he did or said would appear in her next story. Nola West made no apologies for her persistent climb up the network ladder, and Chase refused to be one of those rungs.

The woman was too perfectly poised. Chase would like to get her dirty—show her what it felt like to be out of her element and relinquish control to someone else. If circumstances were different, he’d love to help her find her wild side for an hour or two. He gave his head a shake. Nola needed to remain off-limits.

* * *

REPORTING FROM THE side of a war-torn highway in Kuwait had been easier than tracking down Chase Langtry in Nevada. He’d managed to avoid her at every turn. Her studio had shelled out big bucks for Nola to secure the interview, although they had anticipated it would be about a local cowboy making good. Once her news director had heard of Chase’s disastrous ride, he’d dangled the upcoming KWTT co-anchor position in front of Nola. He had warned her if she ever expected to get anywhere in this business, she had better start bringing in some harder-hitting stories. The rise and fall of the rodeo star was a start.

When she had seen Chase drowning his sorrows in the hotel bar last night, she’d felt a tinge sorry for him—but it had been short-lived. Based on everything her cousin Kylie had told her about the Langtrys, the four brothers had had their lives, and then some, handed to them on a silver platter. The famously rich “First Family of Ramblewood” had it all. If losing the championship at the National Finals Rodeo was the worst thing that had happened to Chase, then he needed to count his blessings. She’d seen people take some serious knocks in life, and losing a rodeo competition didn’t even come close.

Nola had first interviewed Chase and the Langtry family two and a half years ago at the grand opening of the Ride ’em High! Rodeo School and Dance of Hope Hippotherapy Center. While Nola had simply adored the mother, Kay, she’d thought the brothers were a little over-the-top and too entitled.

“Would you care for a drink?” a flight attendant asked.

“Scotch, please.” No girly drinks for Nola. She’d learned how to drink around military men, and unless it burned on the way down, it didn’t classify as a drink.

They both looked at Chase when he didn’t respond, but he was oblivious with his headphones tucked firmly in place. After a quick nudge from Nola’s elbow, Chase turned the music down long enough to order a bourbon and then quickly resumed sulking in the corner.

Nola had known Chase would travel first class and had convinced her news director, Pete, to approve her ticket upgrade only to discover she was seated a few rows behind the cowboy. After a little flirtation with the man originally assigned to her seat, Nola had managed to finagle her way beside Chase.

If he’d remove those damn things from his ears and talk to her, she might have something worth reporting. A brooding cowboy didn’t make much of a headline, but a man battling his inner demons might be enough to satisfy both the station and Chase. After all, there were two sides to every story, but Chase needed to open up in order for Nola to save his reputation and possibly his wounded pride.

So Nola did what her seven years in the Army had trained her to do. She improvised. When the flight attendant handed Nola her drink, she purposely bumped it so it spilled on Chase’s iPod.

“Oh, you’re good.” Chase pushed back his ball cap, exposing more of his tousled blond hair. He stared at her with a piercing turquoise glare that would’ve intimidated most people, but Nola had covered the news from the landmine-ridden Persian Gulf countryside and had witnessed the other side of evil. Chase didn’t come close.

“I’ve got to hand it to you, Nola—I didn’t see that one coming.”

Nola had to hand it to him. He didn’t get mad or even swear. He just quietly tossed everything into an airline barf bag, earbuds and all.

“It was an accident.” Nola fought to squelch her guilt. “Don’t you carry a spare iPod with you?”

“No, I don’t carry a spare iPod with me,” Chase mocked. “Who would? And please don’t play coy. I don’t believe that was an accident. You’re too precise and calculating for that to happen.”

Nola recoiled at his remark, though it wasn’t completely off base. She had learned to maintain discipline out of necessity and survival. There had been a time in her life when Reckless was her middle name.

“Okay, you have my attention.” Chase dabbed at his jeans with the tissues she handed him from her bag. “What do you want to talk about? I already told you no interviews, so I hope you don’t think this will change anything.”

“Do you have any plans for the holidays?” Nola had covered Chase enough times to know the way to his heart was through his family. “I bet Kay goes all out, doesn’t she?”

“Even more now that she has the grandkids around.” Chase’s broad shoulders relaxed a bit and he settled back as he spoke, confirming to Nola that she knew how to read her interviewees. “It’s not only my mother, though. The entire town goes a little overboard,” Chase said drily. “Haven’t you ever been to Ramblewood over the holidays?” He paused. “I just realized I don’t know where you live.”

“I have a small condo in Willow Tree.” Even though she only lived a half hour from Ramblewood, Nola purposely avoided the town during the holidays despite Kylie’s best efforts to persuade her to join the annual festivities.

“Willow Tree, really? Nice place. You know, you’ve interviewed me a dozen times and I know absolutely nothing about you. Let’s try this a different way. If you’re game, why not let me have the honor of interviewing you for the rest of the flight home?”

Nola wasn’t used to someone turning the tables on her and it made her a tad uncomfortable. That and the fact that her Spanx was cutting off her air supply. She didn’t normally wear the Lycra from hell when she traveled. Standing in it was bad enough, never mind sitting for hours, but she had put it on anticipating an interview when they landed. The camera really did add ten pounds.

Beads of sweat began to form across her forehead. Not many people knew Nola the person. It was the nature of the job—she asked the questions, not the other way around. Nola’s growing attraction to the bachelor cowboy compounded her discomfort. The close quarters only added to her interest in the man. Chase grinned and Nola found herself unable to say no.

“Fine.” Nola shrugged and braced herself. “Ask me anything you want. It’s only fair.”

“How did you know I’d be on this flight?”

Nola laughed, expecting a completely different line of questioning. “It was a hunch. I figured you’d want to avoid everyone back home, so you’d book a red-eye flight. Looks as if I was right.”

“Your perception is dangerous.” Chase’s smile told her he was teasing but his deep, throaty voice hinted at its own danger.

“You have no idea how dangerous I can be,” she answered. What am I doing? Flirting with an interviewee was not a good idea. It wasn’t forbidden, but it wasn’t professional, either.

“I know Kylie and your aunt and uncle, but I don’t remember you when we were growing up. Is your family from Texas?”

“My family is from everywhere,” Nola answered. “I was raised in the Army, born in New Orleans—my name is an acronym for New Orleans, Louisiana—and I’ve lived in seventeen different countries and can speak eight languages rather fluently.”

“I’m impressed. So you’re a military brat?” Chase nodded and smiled, a hint of laughter bubbling underneath. “That explains your precise and calculating nature.”

“Well, that and the fact that I’ve served in the Army myself. I did three tours on the front lines and I’m still on inactive duty for the next year.”

Nola enjoyed watching the smile slide from Chase’s face. She wanted to tell herself that it didn’t matter what he thought, but it stung a bit to know he wasn’t the least bit interested in her. If he had been, he would’ve taken the time to read her bio on KWTT’s website. Nola’s military past was all there.

“I had no idea.” Chase flagged down a flight attendant. “May I have another round of drinks for myself and my traveling companion here?”

The flight attendant quickly returned with fresh glasses of ice and tiny airline bottles. “What are you doing?” Nola asked.

Twisting off the tops of both, Chase poured the amber liquid into their glasses. He lifted his in the air. “Here’s to you, soldier. Thank you for your commitment and sacrifice for our country.”

“Thank you.” Nola touched her glass to his. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were trying to get me drunk. This is my limit. I have to drive home once we land.”

“Maybe I just wanted to relax you enough that you’d stop thinking about the interview you’re not going to get.” Chase laughed. “In all seriousness, though, Nola, I applaud your bravery. When I was in high school I considered enlisting, but I chickened out. What division were you in?”

Chase’s admiration should have flattered Nola, and it would have if she had joined the Army willingly. But it had been either the Army or jail, and the military had seemed like a much better option.

“You mean what division am I in. I’m a public affairs broadcast specialist, and they can call me to active duty at any time.”

“Are you scared?”

Nola detected genuine concern in Chase’s voice, and the unexpected tug at her heart knocked her slightly off-balance.

“Believe me—I understand the definition of the word scared. When I was in the Middle East, I covered the most gruesome stories you could imagine. Aside from that, active duty would derail my career. By law, the studio has to hold my position, but that doesn’t mean they won’t find someone better in the meantime. I can receive new orders with only a couple of days’ notice to get my affairs in order and be ready to go. Yes, it makes me nervous, especially whenever I hear they’re sending more troops overseas. I’m sure I’ll remain that way until Thanksgiving Day next year.”

Once that day finally rolled around, Nola’s sentence would be complete. At least the physical one. She’d have to live with the reality of what she’d done—the life she’d taken—forever.

* * *

AN UNSETTLED FEELING washed over Chase when Nola mentioned that active duty was a real possibility. A softened, unsteady tone replaced the matter-of-fact, in-control voice she usually had. He felt like a moron.

“Are you smirking?” Nola asked, slightly defensive.

“I have a confession. When you sat down earlier, I thought how nice it would be to get you dirty and show you what real work was like. Now I’m thinking you could not only teach me a thing or two, but you could probably kick my ass.”

“I’ll drink to that.” Nola raised her glass. “And yes, I probably could.”

The more she told him about her army life, the more Chase forgot she was a reporter. She was easy to talk to.

“Is your family stateside?” Chase felt like a fool for not knowing more about Nola. It wasn’t as if he hadn’t had the opportunity over the past year. She’d covered every local event he’d been in and she’d been out to his family’s ranch numerous times. But he’d always been the focus of the conversation. Chase cringed. Nola was right—he had only been thinking of himself.

“My parents are stationed in the Netherlands and my brother is in Germany with his family. I have nieces and nephews I’ve never met. We lived in Texas for a year when I was in high school. Of all the places we’d been stationed, it was my favorite. With the Army’s assistance, I completed my education and took a position at KWTT.”

There it was again. A touch of sadness, only this time it appeared when she spoke of her family. Chase couldn’t fathom not having his ever-multiplying and perpetually boisterous relatives nearby.

“I bet the holidays were exciting when you were growing up.” Chase attempted to lighten the mood. “With you living among different cultures and traditions and all.”

“They were anything but.” Nola shifted in her seat, seemingly a little uncomfortable with his line of questioning. Chase wondered if that was how he appeared when he was interviewed. “We didn’t see my father for months at a time, sometimes longer, and I can only remember a handful of Christmases where we were all together. Mom was usually depressed over the holidays, so they weren’t a big deal to us kids.”

Chase turned farther in his seat to face her. Despite her indifferent tone, he noticed a slight pulsation in her jaw. Christmas should be a happy occasion for every child. “Tell you what, I’ll grant you an interview if you focus on the Mistletoe Rodeo and the charity auction instead of me.”

Chase thought it was a cardinal sin that Nola hadn’t experienced an old-fashioned Texas Christmas. If he kept himself occupied with showing her some down-home holiday spirit, maybe he wouldn’t feel so lonely this year. Besides, who didn’t love a good Christmas story? Her viewers should eat it up.

“You want me to do a feature about a Christmas show?” Nola looked down at her hands. “No offense, but in the industry, we call that a puff piece.”

Not quite the response Chase had expected, but he was quickly learning that nothing with Nola was predictable.

Chase winced as pain crept into his shoulder again. At this rate, he doubted if he’d even be able to perform in the Mistletoe Rodeo in a couple of weeks. Although it was only an exhibition event, Chase needed to be in much better condition before he could even consider it. As it stood, he was potentially facing surgery.

“How bad is it?” Nola asked as Chase rubbed his shoulder.

“I pulled ligaments a few weeks ago and it still hasn’t fully healed.” Chase nonchalantly lowered his hand, afraid Nola would pick up too much from his discomfort. His doctor had prescribed pain relievers, but he wasn’t a big fan. He hated the side effects, preferring pain to the feeling of being out of sorts, especially when on top of a one-ton animal.

“You competed injured?” Nola asked. “Why would you take the risk?”

He ground his teeth. “Nola, we agreed not to discuss this.”

“This is strictly off the record,” Nola insisted. “Does your family know? Did your team and your sponsors think it was a good idea?”

“This wasn’t exactly my first rodeo,” Chase countered. “I’m also smart enough to know nothing is ever off the record when it comes to the media.”

They sat in silence for the next few minutes. Chase was tired of the constant scrutiny he received from the news outlets, but that was what the rodeo was about—someone was always judging your performance. Chase had made his decision the moment he’d hit the dirt facedown in the middle of the Thomas & Mack Center arena. It was time to retire and devote his attention to the rodeo school and his family’s ranch.

“Nola, I’m sorry. I’ve had a rough couple of days and I’m taking it out on you. You don’t deserve it.”

“No, I understand. I came after you like a barracuda. I didn’t mean to insult you with my puff piece comment, either.” Nola rested her hand on his. The warmth of her touch made him instantly grateful they weren’t alone. As luxurious as flying first class was, it was far from a romantic setting. “The station expects me to come back with a story and I don’t have one. Sugarplums and mistletoe won’t cut it, but if you let me tell them you fought through the pain and were determined not to let your hometown down, it would put you in a better light.”

Chase withdrew his hand and faced the darkened window. “Does it really look that bad?”

“It’s not that it looks bad. It just—it could be better if you let me spin it.”

Chase squeezed his eyes shut. He wanted nothing more than to find a way to ease the disappointment his hometown felt over his loss. “Why should I trust you?”

“Oh, Chase, why shouldn’t you? I’m not out to hurt you and this is the nightly news, not TMZ. I’ll tell you what.” Chase heard Nola’s nails click against her iPad screen. Curiosity got the better of him and he faced her again. “What if I agree to cover the Mistletoe Rodeo and you allow me to do a brief interview about how you were injured before the competition? And just to prove to you that we won’t take anything you say out of context, we’ll do an interview when we land. It will be a lead-in to the Mistletoe Rodeo story.”

When Chase had suggested the Mistletoe Rodeo and charity auction to Nola, he’d hoped to deflect the community’s attention away from his recent failure. But he knew that avoiding the subject wouldn’t make the town forget it happened. Spending time with Nola was either an unexpected bonus or a curse. He hadn’t quite made up his mind yet.

“I guess that’s fair enough, but no interviews when we land. How about you and George come out to the ranch tomorrow—well, later today, at this point—and Lord willing we’ll get an interview with my mother since she’s chairing the event. She seemed at ease with the other interviews you’ve conducted with her, so it shouldn’t take too much persuading, although she may shoot me for the short notice. Too bad school’s still in session or I’d tell George to bring his children along with him. Maybe I’ll even put you to work with the horses.”

“You’re not going to make this easy on me, are you?” Nola’s laugh was contagious. Chase had to keep his head straight and remind himself this visit was for an interview and nothing more.

“For a military girl like you, a day at the ranch should be a cakewalk. I expect you to be in jeans tomorrow—not all perfectly coiffed.”

“Coiffed?” Nola snickered.

“Hey, my sisters-in-law have taught me a thing or two about the female persuasion.”

“You’ve got a deal, cowboy.” Nola offered her hand and they shook on it.

Chase held on longer than he probably should have, but he suddenly found himself looking forward to the holidays at home. He was aware that Nola had only agreed to cover the Mistletoe Rodeo, but in that moment, he had an incredible desire to show her a Christmas she’d never forget.

Chapter Two

Nola dreaded the holidays. They were lonely and depressing. One of the drawbacks of military life was that most of Nola’s friends were scattered throughout the world. Even though her cameraman, George, had said she was more than welcome to join them for the holidays, she didn’t want to intrude on his family time. His wife was cordial enough, but Nola got the distinct impression Betty would prefer her husband spend a little less time around his female colleague.

When their plane touched down, the reality of what she’d agreed to began to set in. More time with Chase Langtry meant having to endure an extended Hallmark moment at the Bridle Dance Ranch. His home life was sweet, touching and idyllic, and Nola wanted it for herself. In all her travels, she’d never met people like the Langtrys. No matter how many times she had interviewed them, she always walked away yearning for a place to call home and a family with which to share her celebrations.

It wasn’t only Christmas—it was birthdays and anniversaries, too. Being alone was hard, and while she had some family relatively nearby, they hadn’t been close when Nola was growing up. She felt like an outsider every time she visited.

After agreeing to meet George later for their interview at Bridle Dance, Nola said goodbye to him and Betty. Chase walked with her to the parking area but stopped abruptly and looked around.

“What’s wrong?” Nola asked. “Did you forget where you parked?”

“No.” Chase took off his ball cap and raked his hand through his hair before tugging his cell phone from his pocket. “I forgot that when I sent Shane and my mother home ahead of me, I told them to take the Navigator. I guess I’ll call car service.”

“Chase, you live more than an hour away from here. Let me give you a ride home.”

“I can’t ask you to do that.” Chase scrolled through his phone.

“Why not? I have to drive past Ramblewood anyway. Come on. I won’t take no for an answer.”

Nola continued walking toward her car, not bothering to wait for Chase. She figured he’d eventually follow. Waiting for car service was ridiculous when they were headed in the same direction.

“You have to let me pay for the gas, at least.” She heard the sound of Chase’s boots trudging after her.

“Deal.”

The sun rose over the interstate, creating what Nola deemed a romantic ambiance inside her vintage red Volkswagen Beetle. When Nola was a girl, she had fantasized about riding in an old pickup truck with a bench seat and a cowboy at the wheel, his arm draped across her shoulders. She didn’t need a knight in shining armor—her fairy tale was much simpler. Not that Chase could be a part of that fairy tale. He was definitely eye candy, and when he wasn’t grumpy from losing, he was generally pleasant to talk with. But he also came from a respectable family—one that wouldn’t want anything to do with her past.

“I’m sure you’re tired, but would you allow me to buy you breakfast as a thank-you?” Chase broke into her thoughts.

“I could eat,” Nola agreed. “Where did you have in mind?”

“The Magpie?”

Of course. Instead of somewhere less cozy like the Waffle House, it was just like Chase to choose the quintessential luncheonette in the heart of the quintessential town. She loved the quirky little place, but whenever she left it, she found herself yearning for something she didn’t have. Nola didn’t want to be that person who always wanted more. She was grateful for what she had in life—especially the second chance she’d been given.

“The Magpie sounds wonderful.”

Once they arrived and Chase had endured a couple rounds of “you’ll win it next year,” they slid into the booth farthest away from everyone’s stares.

“Are you sure you want to stay here?” Nola asked.

“I promised you breakfast, and I keep my promises.”

Nola glanced around, feeling as if they’d time-warped into a Christmas episode of Happy Days. The fifties-style luncheonette was draped from top to bottom in holiday kitsch. Festive songs played merrily in the background while glittery garlands danced above archways. Little Christmas trees were tucked wherever there was a free corner and snow globes decorated every table. The waitresses wore red dresses with white aprons and Santa hats, and Nola could swear she spotted the cook in an elf costume. She couldn’t help but wonder what the rest of the places in town looked like inside. Chase wasn’t kidding when he said everyone went all out.

Over a breakfast of gingerbread-flavored coffee and eggnog pancakes, Chase practically had Nola in tears as he described the previous Christmas morning when his mother’s dog, Barney, had attempted to climb the fully decorated tree.

“The poor thing must have thought it was one giant squeaky toy.” Chase laughed. “Everything toppled over, but luckily the presents cushioned the fall and very few ornaments broke. This year Mom said she’s anchoring the tree to the wall with fishing line.”

Nola couldn’t remember the last time she’d put up a tree. There was no sense in having one in her condo when no one else was there to enjoy it.

“I bet there’s never a dull moment in your house.” Nola’s family life had been just the opposite. Nola and her brother had never been allowed to play inside or make any noise. Children were to be seen and not heard in the West household. Having a lieutenant general for a father meant always having to be an example for other children on base.

“The Ramblewood Winter Festival is this weekend. You should come,” Chase said. “It would be a great opportunity to interview some people about the Mistletoe Rodeo.”

“Oh, I don’t know.” As much as she appreciated the invitation, Nola feared she’d feel out of place in what she considered a family event. “I don’t want to intrude. Thank you, but I’ll pass.”

“Nonsense.” Chase reached for her hands across the table and held them in his own. “It’s no intrusion. There’s no such thing as an outsider in Ramblewood. Everyone’s welcome. Promise me you’ll think about it.”

Nola stared down at their hands. His warmth was comforting, the invitation tempting. Between the flight and the drive from the airport, Chase had unexpectedly managed to charm his way through Nola’s outer shell, which was no small feat. When she had wormed her way beside him in first class, she’d had a completely different agenda in mind. Now she found herself more interested in the man than the story she was pursuing. She couldn’t afford to blur those lines.

The problem was, a Christmas piece wouldn’t help Nola secure the co-anchor position on the KWTT Evening News. It was between her and Dirk Stevens, another on-the-scene reporter. Dirk was good, but Nola was determined to be better, to make sure that it was her name they would announce for the position on New Year’s Day. It may not be the big leagues, but at twenty-five years old, it was a step in the right direction toward the ultimate victory: a job at CNN. She’d just have to focus on her work and dig elsewhere for an award-winning story. There was no time to daydream about Chase Langtry.

* * *

CHASE CAUGHT A ride home with his sister-in-law after he ran into her at The Magpie. It should have dawned on him earlier that she might be there since her mother owned the place. Even though he’d been tempted to spend a few extra minutes with Nola, he was relieved at Tess’s arrival.

As he entered the house, Chase heard humming and was surprised when he realized it was his own voice. Nola had succeeded in relieving his apprehension about facing everyone, if only for a little while. He was immediately ambushed by his mother’s black standard poodle and took a moment to give Barney some playful pets before making his way upstairs.

Chase closed his bedroom door, kicked off his clothes and jumped into the shower, eager to wash away the remains of the flight and quell his thoughts of Nola.

He was the last of his four siblings to remain in their childhood home. That wasn’t to say some of them hadn’t still been living there into their thirties, But Chase had become more conscious of it now that his birthday was looming.

After their father’s death a few years back, the brothers had collectively decided to remain on the ranch so their mother wouldn’t feel so alone in the stately house. As his brothers married, they left the house one by one, leaving only Chase and Kay. When his rodeo schedule kept him on the road, his brothers would arrange for the grandkids to sleep over. His mother knew what they were up to, but she didn’t complain. She welcomed the company. During the day, the brothers, their wives and their children filled the house with laughter, but the nights were deafeningly quiet once everyone left.

After a shower and change of clothes, Chase was surprisingly alert. He didn’t know if he was still amped up from his disastrous showing in Las Vegas, or if it was the anticipation of Nola coming to the ranch that afternoon.

“I thought I heard you come in.” His mother greeted him as he entered the kitchen. “We weren’t sure when you’d return. How are you doing?”

“I’m surviving. Sore more than anything.” Chase gave his mother a hug. “But I still don’t want to talk about it. I do have something to ask you, though.”

“Whenever one of you boys begins a sentence that way, I know I’m in trouble.” Kay pulled out a kitchen chair and sat with her hands folded in her lap, waiting for a bomb to drop.

“Mom, it’s not bad.” Chase eased into a chair across from her. “Nola West is coming here this afternoon to ask you a few questions about the Mistletoe Rodeo and charity auction. Are you willing to do an on-camera interview?”

Kay’s eyes narrowed suspiciously. “When did you and Nola have a conversation? The last I saw, you couldn’t get away from her fast enough.”

“We ended up sitting next to each other on the flight home.”

“Uh-huh.” Kay continued to scrutinize him. “I think there’s more to the story than you’re telling me, but I’ll agree to an interview. I’ve always liked Nola. And I’ve always liked her for you.”

Chase rolled his eyes. “Mom, please don’t play matchmaker.”

“Why not? You could use some romance in your life.” Kay rose and pushed in her chair. “Well, I guess I should find something to wear.”

Chase shook his head and stood. “Nola’s not coming until later this afternoon. You have plenty of time.” He helped himself to a freshly baked apple-pecan muffin from a plate on the counter. “Please promise me you won’t try to push Nola and me together.” Chase thought his mother was about to argue with him when he caught a glint in her eyes. “What are you up to?”

“Nothing, dear. Let me go get myself camera ready. It takes me longer these days, you know.”

As his mom headed upstairs, Chase headed outside. Not willing to face any of the rodeo school students just yet, Chase bypassed the indoor arena and made his way to the ranch’s main office in the stables. Every time he walked through the entrance of what his father had affectionately called the horse mansion, Chase swore he could still hear the man’s laughter. This would be their fourth Christmas without Joe Langtry. People said it would get better with time, but it hadn’t. You learned to deal with the pain and move on, but it never seems to get any better.

The Bridle Dance offices were on the second level of the arts-and-crafts style building. Halfway up the open staircase, Chase stopped and looked around. The building had four quadrants, and from his vantage point he could survey each corridor of his father’s masterpiece. The ranch, originally only a handful of acres, had been a wedding gift from his great-grandfather to his great-grandmother. Chase’s eldest brother, Cole, and his wife, Tess, lived in the original cottage. Over the decades, the Langtrys had expanded the property into a quarter-of-a-million-acre estate. Today, Bridle Dance was one of the state’s largest paint and quarter cutting horse ranches.

His father had retired from the rodeo the day before Cole was born. Now the time had come for Chase to make that decision—the hardest of his life. He felt he owed it to his family to devote more time to the business. Hopefully everything else would fall into place soon after.

Chase climbed the remainder of the stairs and was relieved to find Cole alone. He cleared his throat.

“Hey.”

Cole spun around in his chair. “I didn’t expect to see you until much later. I’m surprised you’re still awake.” He rose and gave Chase a manly, back-patting hug.

“So am I.” Chase walked over to one of the windows overlooking the ranch. “Do you have a minute?”

“Sure.” Cole fixed two cups of coffee in the office’s minikitchen and handed one to his younger brother. Chase appreciated not being drilled about Las Vegas. A former rodeo rider himself, Cole was familiar with the disappointment of not winning.

Being the eldest of the four Langtry brothers, Cole had become the patriarch of the family since their father’s death, and Chase wanted to discuss his decision with him before he told anyone else. He took a seat across from Cole.

“That was my last competitive ride.” The relief of actually saying the words was greater than he had anticipated. “The doctors warned me a few weeks ago that I wouldn’t be able to recover from too many more injuries. I’d rather walk away than be told I can’t compete anymore. I already know there’s a good chance I’ll need surgery on my shoulder if the physical therapy doesn’t help this time.”

“I can’t say I blame you for wanting to make the decision yourself,” Cole said. “Do you know what you want to do next?”

“I’m going to continue with the school, of course. Shane could use a break after carrying my weight all this time. But I also want to put in more time here at the ranch. I haven’t been able to do it before and it’s important to me to be a part of Dad’s legacy.”

“There’s certainly plenty of work to go around.” Cole sipped his coffee. “Have you spoken to your agent or your sponsors about this yet?”

“No. I wanted to talk to you first. I don’t even know where to begin.”

Chase wasn’t just walking away from the rodeo—he was walking away from multiple paychecks from the various companies sponsoring him. Luckily, his agent was firm on only signing year-to-year contracts. This being the end of the rodeo season, Chase was free and clear to walk away.

“Financially you’re okay since the balance of your trust comes due on your thirtieth birthday. Call your agent and tell him your decision, but give yourself a couple days before you do. You may even want to wait until after the holidays. Once you tell him, he’ll talk to your publicist and they’ll handle it from there. Be prepared for an onslaught of phone calls. Walking away isn’t easy.”

“Neither is telling Shane.” Chase still wasn’t sure how he was going to break it to him. “He’s been living vicariously through me for the past two years.”

“Shane walked away from the rodeo, too. Granted he didn’t have an injury hanging over his head, but he did it midseason and there were quite a few repercussions surrounding his decision. You have my support, but I mean it when I say take the holidays to come to terms with this and be a hundred percent positive this is what you want before you announce it publicly. Enjoy some downtime for a change.”

Downtime was a foreign concept to Chase. Between the rodeo and the school, he found himself run ragged most of the time. With a handful of days left to this year’s final session, Chase looked forward to a lighter workload. When his mom had asked him to cochair the Mistletoe Rodeo, Chase had hesitated at first and then decided it wouldn’t be so bad working alongside his mother. Over the past few months, he’d helped organize many of the events leading up to the charity auction at the end of the evening. To his surprise, he had enjoyed every minute of it.

“Nola West is coming to the ranch later this afternoon to interview Mom and me about the Mistletoe Rodeo. Do you want to be a part of it?”

“Tess mentioned she saw you two together at The Magpie. I have to tell you, when Shane came home from Vegas he said watching you and Nola was like watching Wile E. Coyote chase the Road Runner.”

“I bet it was.” Chase laughed. “She was a bit relentless and even wrangled a seat next to me on the plane. Did you know she served three tours in the Middle East?”

“No, I didn’t, but I guess it means she’s capable of taking on a Langtry man.”

Chase almost dropped his mug. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Cole eyed him skeptically. “It’s obvious the woman has a thing for you, and the way you pant over her when she’s not looking leads me to believe the feeling’s mutual.”

“I do not.” Chase stood and dumped the remainder of his coffee in the sink, not daring to look at his brother.

“Yeah, okay. Whatever you say. I don’t have time for an interview, though. Do me a favor and run these to the lab for me. Lexi should be down there somewhere. Just don’t take the coward’s way out and have her tell Shane your decision. He deserves to hear this from you.”

Cole knew Chase too well. For a split second, he had contemplated just that—asking Lexi to break the news to her husband. Chase was a rodeo cowboy, and he wasn’t sure if he knew how to be anything else. How would the school fare having two “retired has-beens” who’d never won the World All-Around as owners? That win spoke volumes in the industry and, once again, Chase felt like he’d let everyone down.

* * *

“WHERE’S THE STORY?” Pete Devereaux, KWTT’s news director, boomed through the phone.

“I don’t have it yet.” Nola tried to think of a way to tell Pete he wasn’t going to get the type of story he had expected. “I’m meeting Chase at Bridle Dance this afternoon.”

“We sent you all the way to Las Vegas and back—first class, I might add—and you still don’t have anything. If we wanted you to get the story at the ranch, we could’ve saved ourselves a lot of money.”

“I know.” Nola’s voice went dry. “He refused to give me an interview in the airport. I wasn’t going to hound him like a tabloid reporter. It’s not my style. Besides, the interview at the ranch was his idea.”

“Of course it was. You’ll be on his home turf,” Pete grunted. “You’ve got to bring me something good if you want this co-anchor job. Dirk just locked down an exclusive tell-all interview with Senator Waegle about the alleged prostitute he was caught with. I’m sorry, but you need to top it or he will get the co-anchor position. I’d hate to do that when I know you are more than capable.”

Sometimes Nola hated the news and wished they could call a cease-fire for the holidays. Life went on, wars continued, people died tragically and politicians cheated. She’d witnessed every sin imaginable and had even committed the ultimate one herself.

Shaking her head to erase the memory, Nola ended her call with Pete. She brushed her hair one last time and checked her reflection in the mirror before heading out. This was not the way Nola wanted to start her afternoon with Chase. Correction—with Kay and Chase. It wasn’t a date and she shouldn’t have to remind herself she was working. Besides, George was going to be there, and nothing was more unromantic than having a burly cameraman by her side.

The KWTT news van pulled up in front of her building. Normally she would’ve met George at the studio, but since her condo was on the way to the ranch, there was no sense in backtracking.

George was a friend Nola trusted completely. A veteran himself, George had witnessed more than his share of fighting and tragedy after serving twenty years in the Navy. Unlike Nola, he’d come to town to retire and wind down, not climb the ladder of success. George was one of the few people who knew of Nola’s past and her current fears. Nola regarded him as a pinch-hitting father, and she was grateful George kept her secrets even though it must put a strain on his marriage.

“I see you dressed down today.” George regarded her wardrobe choice and nodded. “I approve.”

Nola looked down at her favorite buttery soft gray T-shirt, semi-faded jeans and cowboy boots. She was comfortable to a point but felt exposed without her Spanx. “I’m not sure how long I’m going to last in these boots. I bought them a couple years ago because everyone said I needed a pair in Texas, but I’ve hardly worn them. I’m going to get blisters.”

George laughed at her. “You need to get out more and do some dancing to break them in.”

“Why? To add blisters on top of my blisters? No, thanks. Besides, I don’t dance.”

“You need to learn,” George said. “But have no fear. There’s still a pair of your nasty old black Converse sneakers in the back of the van. At least I think that’s what I smell.”

“Why, you—” Nola hauled off and playfully smacked him. “That’s not right and you know it. Stop laughing and keep your eyes on the road.”

George composed himself and cleared his throat. “You and Chase looked pretty chummy at the baggage claim.”

“Chummy? How?” Nola hoped she hadn’t looked like a lovesick fan. Chase’s hard, chiseled features had softened during the flight and Nola had begun to see a side of him she hadn’t known existed.

Chase had always come across as the quiet, watchful brother in the background. During the Ride ’em High! and Dance of Hope grand opening, Nola had noticed how Chase allowed the rest of the family to revel in the spotlight, and Nola respected his modesty despite his exorbitant wealth.

The van stopped at a red light. “I do believe you’re blushing.” George lifted his sunglasses and leaned over the center console to take a better look. “You are blushing.”

His encroachment on her personal space snapped Nola back to reality. “What are you doing?”

“Honey, you’ve got it bad.” George whipped out his cell phone and snapped a picture of Nola.

“What was that for?”

“No one would ever believe me if I told them Nola West was not only frazzled, but frazzled over a man.”

“You realize I know over a hundred ways to kill you, right?”

“Yeah, but you won’t.” George chuckled. “Besides you’ll need me to be your bridesman at the wedding.”

“Bridesman?”

“Who else is better suited to stand up for you when you marry Chase Langtry? You don’t have any close friends nearby and you lean toward the unconventional. Instead of a bridesmaid, you’ll have a bridesman. Me.”

“You’re deranged, you know that? I am not marrying Chase Langtry, or anyone else for that matter.” Nola refused to allow herself even one second of imagining marriage to Chase Langtry. “We don’t exactly run in the same social circles.”

“Brace yourself, darlin’. We are about to enter Camelot.”

Camelot was the nickname George and Nola had given Bridle Dance the first day they’d seen the log home whose size rivaled that of a small castle. The horses lived better than Nola did. The familiar entrance to the ranch was majestic with its bronze rearing-horse sculptures on either side of the wrought iron sign. Only they’d never seen them with gigantic red bows around their necks. Nola was willing to bet that once the sun set, the main road would light up like a fairy-tale forest of sparkling lights.

The drive was unpaved and dusty, and Nola loved how the Langtrys had maintained a rustic atmosphere. With the exception of a few side businesses, like the winery and the sod farm, the majority of the ranch was devoted to horses.

“What on earth is that?” George asked.

“It looks like Santa.” Nola peered through the windshield. “Are those real reindeer?”

“I hope not.” George slowed the van as they passed the Christmas sleigh display. “They sure do look like it though, don’t they?”

“That’s borderline scary.” Nola laughed. “I love Rudolph, though. Good God, look at the house. How many wreaths do you think they have on that thing?”

“Forget the house—there’s your Prince Charming.”

Chase waved from the garland-draped front porch, where boughs of holly framed the front door. As he stepped down the stairs, the sun glinted off his golden hair, and Nola thought it was unusual to see Chase hatless. There was nothing shading his gorgeous Caribbean blue eyes. Normally a man without a hat appeared more vulnerable to her, but the opposite held true with Chase. He looked more raw and rugged, and Nola was aching to run her fingers through his hair.

“Like I said, you’ve got it bad.” George parked the van and smiled at her.

“If you do one thing to humiliate me, I promise you’ll live to regret it.” Nola watched Chase walk toward them and prayed she wouldn’t embarrass herself.

Chase opened Nola’s door before she reached for the handle. As he swung the door wide, a crisp breeze swept across Nola’s face and chest. And that was when her body betrayed her. Victoria’s Secret be damned, her nipples stood at attention right through her shirt.

A slow, easy grin spread across Chase’s face. “You might want to grab a jacket if you have one. It’s a bit chilly today.”

So much for not embarrassing herself.

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