Holidays on the Ranch (Burnt Boot, Texas #1)(72)

“Does that mean you’re askin’ me out again before you even see if you get lucky tonight?” she teased.

“I’m already lucky. I get to walk into that place with you on my arm,” he said.

“Now that, darlin’, is a lovely pickup line.” She giggled.

He pulled the truck under a covered portico, and two valets appeared from just inside the door. His door and Callie’s opened at the same time. He handed his keys to the young man and hurried around the truck to Callie’s side.

Tucking her arm into his, he whispered, “Dammit! I was hoping we’d have to park out in the pasture, so I could carry you inside. That would show those cowboys that you are mine.”

“I already feel like a princess with you escorting me. And it ain’t the cowboys I’m worried about. It’s Honey and Betsy trying to seduce you that scares me.”

Declan Brennan met them at the door and shook hands with Finn. “Merry Christmas, and welcome to River Bend. Please go right on in and visit until we’re ready to sit down to dinner. Afterward there will be dancing, and may I say, Miss Callie, that you look absolutely ravishing tonight? Save me a dance or two or a dozen.” He bent at the waist and kissed her hand.

“Thank you, and I will save you a dance,” she said.

“I’d planned to monopolize your time and dance every dance with you,” Finn said.

“We have to play nice with the host, Finn. While I’m dancing with Declan, you should dance with Leah Brennan, but if I catch you with Honey, know that your luck has run out.”

As if on cue, Leah Brennan crossed the room and picked up both of Callie’s hands. “Thank you so much for coming, and thank you for what you are doing for the O’Malley kids. That is so sweet of you. I’ve had them in my Sunday school class since they moved here.”

“It’s a two-way street. They make us happy, too,” Callie said.

“Come on. I’ll introduce you to the ladies.” She grabbed a tall, blond-haired, green-eyed cowboy and said, “Finn, this is Quaid. Quaid, Finn. Don’t know if you’ve met before, but you have now. Quaid, honey, take charge of Finn and make him known to all the menfolk. Go talk cows and hay and bad weather while I steal Callie away for a while.”

Callie was introduced to half a dozen women all with the last name of Brennan. She spotted Honey across the room, sidled up to a fellow in a three-piece suit, a hundred-dollar haircut, and a flashy ring on his finger that looked like a sports ring from where Callie stood.

A blond wearing hot-pink satin with sparkling diamond drops in her ears, a diamond choker around her neck, and high heels that probably cost more than Callie made in a month at her old job at the gym tapped her on the shoulder.

“I have a question. Are you and Finn an item, or is this just a Christmas date? We don’t see a diamond on your finger or a wedding band either. So what’s the deal over on Salt Draw? I heard that Verdie is back playing nanny to all those children. That true?”

“Verdie is definitely back, and we’re so glad to have her. I’m Callie Brewster, and you are?”

“Kinsey Brennan.”

“I thought Honey was the Brennan interested in Finn and Salt Draw,” Callie said.

“She is, but I damn sure like the way he fills out those jeans.” Kinsey smiled.

“No honor among thieves?” Callie asked.

“That’s beside the point. Now about you and Finn?”

“We’re not engaged, and we’re not married,” she said.

“And?” Kinsey asked.

“But?” Honey said right behind her.

“But I’m more than a hired hand, and if anyone tests me, I have a license to carry a concealed weapon, and I’m not afraid to use it to protect what is mine,” she said.

Kinsey laughed so hard that Finn caught Callie’s eye and raised an eyebrow. “Me and you could be friends, Callie Brewster. Let’s go get some punch. Anyone want to go with us?”

“I wouldn’t cross the floor with that…” Honey’s mouth clamped shut.

“I still haven’t had that rabies shot,” Callie said.

Honey turned around and went back to her football feller who was sipping whiskey in the corner.

Kinsey looped her arm in Callie’s. “Is your gun in that little red evening purse?”

“I wouldn’t dream of taking Finn out in public without it, and before you ask, yes, it’s loaded. What good is a pistol with no bullets?” she answered.

“Anyone tell you about the feuding history?” Kinsey changed the subject.

“I’ve heard a little bit, but refresh my memory while we walk. I assume we’re going to the bar?”

“No, darlin’. This is the Brennan party. We only get a little champagne at the dinner toast. Back in the beginning days of Burnt Boot, old Grampa Brennan was a preacher man.”

“And?” Callie turned the tables.

“And there’s someone I have to talk to over there. I hate to leave you alone, but I have to go. We’ll talk about the feud later,” Kinsey said.

“I’ll introduce her,” Polly said right behind them. “Come on, let’s get some punch, Callie.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Callie said.

“You can carry a pistol, but I carry a pint of high-grade Patrón. That tends to cut the sweet in that punch bowl and give it enough kick to get us through the evening,” she whispered. “I will say this for the Brennans. They throw a decent party and they serve up a mean steak that will melt in your mouth. If you weren’t involved with Finn, I’d tell you to make a play for Quaid Brennan or maybe Declan.”