Cowboy Jackpot: Christmas by Randi Alexander

over his heart, feeling the rapid beats and
his labored breathing. "We'd die happy."
    He laughed, a slow rolling rumble. "You make me happy,
Gigi."
    She snuggled in as her stomach jittered with glee. "I'm
happy, too."
    He sat up. "C'mon."
    "No afterglow cuddling?" She faked a pout.
    He stood and tugged her up with him. "On the
loveseat."
    After a quick stop in the bathroom, they wrapped in their
robes and snuggled in front of the tree as the fireplace warmed the room.
    Her head rested on his shoulder as she took in each one of
the ornaments sparkling in the multicolored tree lights. The little slot
machine they'd picked up at the gift shop had the casino's name and the year on
it, and she reached out and gave it a twirl, watching it reflect the lights.
One ornament seemed out of place. A plain black bag about four inches wide.
    Boone's tension was the giveaway.
    She bit back a smile. "Okay, what is it." She
gestured to the tree. "What did you go spending your money on?"
    He laughed as he kissed her. "Took you long
enough." He bent forward and his long arm reached out and plucked the bag
from the branch.
    The brand name on the front of it had her gasping. "Oh,
Boone. You didn't do anything crazy, did you?"
    "It's Vegas, and I'm a rich man."
    She pulled a three-inch square black box from the bag and
opened it.
    A lovely silver bracelet rested on black velvet. On it, two
charms sparkled.
    She lifted it out. "It's beautiful." Glancing up
at him, she was surprised by the intensity of his gaze.
    "You like it?"
    "Yes. I've always wanted one of these, but thought I'd
have to wait a while." She smiled. "A long while."
    He touched the two charms and sent them spinning. "I
hope you like these."
    She turned the bracelet to see what he'd chosen. "A
birthday cake." The silver three-tiered cake had a little gold heart at
the top. "And a Christmas tree." All silver except for the gold star
on top.
    She brushed a kiss on his lips. "They're perfect."
A lump of emotion clogged her throat. "They'll always remind me of this
time with you."
    His brow furrowed. "I'm not ready to end this,
Gigi." He hefted out a breath. "I know we said we'd give it a little
more time, but I know what I want." He took her hand. "I'll be out
east for a few rodeos in January. I'd like to have you there for as many as you
can."
    She nodded. "I'd love to, if my schedule allows."
She crinkled her nose. "I do have a lot of work to do before I
graduate."
    "I understand. And if it works better for you, I can
come to you."
    "To New York?" She'd never pictured him in her
little on-campus studio apartment.
    "Yeah, to New York." He frowned. "They don't
allow cowboys there?"
    "They do." She laughed. "But only in limited
quantities to save the women from melting into lusty pools."
    "Okay, then. We'll compare calendars later."
    "Okay." So much excitement, she didn't know where
to start. Rodeos and college visits. Life would be complicated but she'd make
it work. He'd make it work. She held up her bracelet. "Will you help me
put this on?"
    He sat up. "Sure."
    He took the jewelry and opened the clasp. "Here's the
thing." He slid it around her wrist and worked to fasten it. "I want
to be able to fill this with charms." He looked at her. "Tokens of
times we've spent together."
    The sweetness of the moment washed through her and moisture
gathered in her eyes. "Could take a long time." She held up her
wrist. "To fill this, I mean."
    He kissed her, pulled her close, and rested his chin on top
of her head. "I'm hoping it does."
    She closed her eyes and gave in to the joy that filled her.
A couple tears escaped, and she let the emotion carry her off into dreams.
    Banging sounded and Gigi startled awake.
    "What the fuck?" Boone sounded groggy, too.
    More banging on the suite door.
    He stood and strode over. Even in a robe, he was all macho
studly. He opened the door.
    Kira burst in and dropped her suitcase. "I'm leaving
this town right now." Her voice sounded frantic.
    Gieselle raced to her,