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Skylar rolls her lips together, shaking her head. “I’m not really sure I can be bothered with it either … All the day usually does is remind me of being single, and it’s just another day where everything seems to be about buying shit they don’t need and spending time with people they don’t want to be around.”

Ain’t that the fucking truth.

“So my stupid little grilled cheese and a tree that my son insisted on inserting in my house and decorating—that’s enough Christmas spirit for you?”

She hums while breaking off a corner, letting the melted cheese stretch out between the pieces with a smile that I don’t deserve to be enjoying so much. “Look, I’m nothing but a hazard in the kitchen. Anyone who can make me a meal that tastes this good is a saint in my eyes.”

“Do you not cook for yourself?” My brows crease.

“No, either I’m too tired or too busy, or I find it easier to get takeout.” She mulls over a mouthful, and then her blue eyes roll at me. “Don’t give me the dad look of judgment either.”

“Well, what do you expect me to say? You’re not taking care of yourself.”

“I’ve never been any good at cooking, and it’s just so hard when your business is new.” Skylar brushes some additional crumbs from the corner of her mouth with a thumb.

I get it. I really do. There have been plenty of times on this ranch when work or the horses have come first, and my own needs a distant second. Even so, it chafes me to know this girl has been potentially working herself to the bone with no one there to take care of her.

“No one’s been there to help you?” I want to fucking punch whoever she’s been allowing in her life. Clearly, the asshole she was with didn’t know shit about how to keep such a perfect girl.

His loss.

My gain.

She takes another mouthful, avoiding my eyes as she chews. The fireplace pops and hisses to fill the silence. “Turns out I let the wrong kind of asshole into my life, and I should have listened to Brad a long time ago,” she eventually admits. “But, is it okay if we don’t talk about that?”

“Fine by me. I probably shouldn’t be threatening to break anyone’s jaw, seeing as it’s Christmas and all.”

Skylar gives me a small smile. “Cooking for me and defending my honor. Where have you been all my life, cowboy?”

I know she’s teasing, but hell, if it doesn’t make me wonder the same thing. How the fuck has this girl been in my life all these years, yet only now are we discovering this spark between us?

Especially when I know there’s only a matter of time until that snow is cleared and she’s gone again.

“You’re letting me help with the horses tomorrow. End of story.” Skylar drops her Kindle into her lap and pouts at me when I walk back into the lounge.

I’ve been out getting all the basic shit done down in the stables but insisted that Skylar didn’t need to help me.

Besides, I’d never have gotten anything done anywhere near as quickly if she’d been there alongside me. Not because she’s incapable, but because I wouldn’t have been able to keep my hands off her.

I tug my hat off my head and run my fingers through my hair. “Ahh, but that means putting clothes on, and I much prefer the idea of coming back in from the cold to find you naked on my couch, sweetheart.” I lean a shoulder against the wall and touch my tongue to the front of my teeth, eating up the way she flushes perfectly under my words.

“I’m serious.” She tugs the blanket tighter around her shoulders, and I fucking love that she’s stayed right here, without anything on, settled in front of my fire all afternoon.

“Okay, fine, you can come scoop horse shit to your heart’s content tomorrow. Does that make you happy?”

“Very. Thank you.” She gives me a satisfied little smirk and then picks up what she was reading. Only, as I go about stripping out of my jacket and boots, I feel her eyes straying my way.

“Good book?” Once I’ve hung everything up, I cross the room and bank the fire with more wood. Purposely taking my time.

“Mhmm.” She sinks her teeth into the plump curve of her lower lip, trying extremely hard to keep her eyes focused on the screen.

“Not too boring for you, I hope? Being stuck in here all day with only a book to keep you occupied.”

I’ve got plans to make this much more interesting.

“Nope, it’s kinda perfect.” Her tongue darts out to wet her lips. Pink spots deepen, high on her cheeks, and fuck, she looks so sexy.

“You’re welcome to put a movie on … if you prefer?”