Chapter 29
Shadow Valley, Texas 1870
It was Christmas Day, and Buck had given his ranch hands the last couple of days off. Alone, he tackled the chores, the frigid air was invigorating, despite the sweat clinging to him. He wasn't doing any extra work, just the necessities, but feeding and cleaning all the animals alone was a full day's job and he was trying to hurry up to be done and clean up before dinner. As he turned to unlock the corral gate, a vision cut through the gentle flurries of snow. Halona walked from the house, a plate and glass balanced on a tray.
"You didn't think I'd let you skip lunch, did you, cowboy?" She teased.
"Thanks. I was just trying to get this finished before dinner."
"I figured." She set the tray on a hay bale, deftly taking the rake from his hand. "But you should eat something."
Buck leaned against the barn door, a playful glint in his eyes. "What's that smirk for?"
Halona took a step closer, her voice dropping to a husky whisper. "Maybe I just appreciate a hard-working man."
Before he could respond, she surprised him with a soft kiss, her lips tasting of cinnamon and coffee. A spark burned through him, momentarily erasing thoughts of chores.
"I'm all sweaty," Buck mumbled, self-consciously pushing a strand of hair back.
"I don't care," she countered, her smile widening. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him into a deeper kiss.
The heat of her body pressed against his, a stark contrast to the cold winter air. His hands found their way to her lower back, pulling her closer. The kiss grew heated a delicious mix of need and affection.
Suddenly, a shrill cry broke the spell. "Hallie! The cookies are done!" Isaac's voice echoed from the porch.
"Duty calls, cowboy." Halona pulled back reluctantly, her breath ragged. She nipped playfully at his bottom lip, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Don't be too long out here."
Buck grinned, watching her walk away, his heart pounding a happy rhythm against his ribs. "Yes, ma'am," he chuckled, the simple command laced with warmth.