How ironic. Within the first ten minutes of meeting Hayley’s dad, Badger had established an easy camaraderie that he’d never achieved with his own father. Then again, the two men couldn’t be more different. Hayley’s dad was open and curious about life, whereas his father was closed off to anything that didn’t fit his rigid worldview. He rarely smiled or laughed and yet that seemed to be Warren Bennett’s default setting.

As for Warren’s daughter, Badger was having very inappropriate thoughts about her thanks to that mistletoe encounter. She’d given him a definite buzz and she hadn’t even used her tongue. He wanted more of that, and yet this romance was only pretend, right?

“Can you be here Friday night, Badger?”

He brought his attention back to the conversation and Virginia’s question. “That should be fine. Nothing was mentioned about Friday night. I think it’s clear.”

“That’s good, because Luke’s coming in Friday afternoon. You’ll want to meet him.”

“I’m looking forward to it.” Who was Luke, again?

“Can’t wait to see that brother of mine,” Hayley said.

Thank you, Hayley. “I’m eager to meet him.”

Virginia looked at her daughter. “Did you tell Luke about Badger? I know sometimes you and your brother tell each other things you don’t tell your dad and me.”

“I didn’t say anything to him, Mom.”

“Then isn’t he going to be surprised?”

Her dad finished off his coffee. “You’ll like him, Badger. Luke’s a good guy.”

“He must be if he’s part of this family.”

Virginia beamed at him. “What a lovely thing to say. So, we’re set for Friday, and I assume we’ll all be going to the talent show at the Guzzling Grizzly on Saturday night. There’s a candlelight service at the church Sunday night.”

“Sounds nice.” He’d always been fond of going to church on Christmas Eve.

“I behave myself for that one,” her dad said. “It’s special.”

“I’m sure it is.” He was looking forward to all the events, which beat any Christmas he’d had in a long time, maybe ever. The only downside was that he and Hayley would be in a crowd the whole time. He’d like to find out if that kiss was a fluke but he didn’t see any opportunities lurking in the schedule.

“I don’t know how you’ll manage Christmas Day, though,” Virginia said. “We’d love to have you here, of course, but I’m sure you’ll also want to spend time with Ryker and the rest of the McGavins.”

He took Hayley’s hand again and glanced over at her. “We’ll figure it out, won’t we, darlin’?”

“Absolutely. Listen, you’ve had a long day. What time is it in Atlanta, now?”

“Two hours later than here.” Hayley might be wanting to shuffle him out the door and catch her breath. He was okay with that, although tonight had been more fun than he’d expected.

“Oh, my.” Virginia stood. “I forgot about the time difference and travel can really tire you out. We shouldn’t keep you any longer.”

“I’ve enjoyed every minute.” He got up and so did Hayley. “It’s been a pleasure meetin’ y’all.”

“The pleasure’s ours.” Virginia walked over and hugged him.

“My wife is right, as always.” Warren left his chair and laid a hand on his shoulder. “Like she said earlier, Hayley’s taken her time finding someone. I’m glad she waited until you came along, son.”

“Thanks.” Badger’s throat tightened, which was stupid. He cleared it. “I’m mighty glad she did, too.”

Hayley touched his arm. “I’ll walk you out.”

“That would be great.”

After he’d said more goodbyes and he and Hayley had put on their coats, he followed her through the front door with his jacket unbuttoned.

Big mistake. An icy breeze sliced through his cotton shirt in two seconds. He quickly let go of her hand so he could remedy the situation.

Her laughter created a tiny cloud in the freezing air. “It’s cold in Montana.” She’d zipped up her fur-lined parka to her neck and put up the hood. The breeze turned her cheeks and her nose pink. Cute as hell.

“Guess I should start listenin’ to you.”

“You definitely should.” Hands shoved in her pockets, she started down the steps. “How did it go at the ranch? I’ve been wondering how everything turned out with Ryker’s family.”

“Fine.” Bits of ice crunched under his feet as he followed her over to the driveway. “Shouldn’t be any issues there.”

“Good to hear. I see you managed to get some wheels.”

“Kendra’s truck. She was nice enough to loan it to me. She said I could have it whenever I needed it. There are several vehicles at the ranch so it’s not a problem.”

“That’s handy.” She paused beside the truck and gazed at him. “Good job in there, by the way. My folks really like you.”

“I like them, too. But I can see what you mean about your momma. Her comment about the invitations clued me in. She’s really focused on the weddin’ end of it.”

“I predict she’ll have more to say on the subject as the days go by. She’s convinced you’re head over heels in love with me.”

“That’s what we want, right?”

“Yep, and you’re very convincing. Did you take drama classes in school?”

“No, no classes.” The discussion irritated him a little. “Just so you know, it’s not totally fake. I don’t want you to think I’m forcin’ myself to do this. You’re very attractive. Don’t forget that I was goin’ to ask you out before we settled on this idea.”

“That’s true, you were. And I’m grateful that you suggested it. Those plans Mom scrapped were setups. Otherwise she wouldn’t have had to cancel them.”

“I picked up on that.” The jacket kept him reasonably warm but the top of his head prickled with cold.

“So Kendra bought the story?”

“Sure did. Her Whine and Cheese Club was there, so they all got to hear it, too. By now news of our romance has probably spread to—”

“What club is that?”

“Whine and Cheese. Like wine only with an H.”

“I get it. Cute. This little town has a lot of charm to it.”

“I can already see that. If I were into small towns, this would be great, but I’m used to a big city.”

“Me, too. Besides, like I said on the plane, my mom and I would come to blows over this wedding thing if I relocated to Eagles Nest.”

“But we can soak up the ambiance while we’re here.” His forehead was going numb but he was having a good time watching her blue eyes sparkle in the Christmas lights. He hated to leave. He’d warm up once he got back in the truck.

“I think I’ll enjoy soaking it up this year more than I ever did before. I owe you.”

“Nah. It’s fun for me.”

“I hope so.” She moved closer. “Don’t look now, but I think the living room curtain just moved.”

“Your momma’s spyin’ on us?”

“I guarantee it’s not my dad pulling back that curtain. He’s strictly live and let live.”

“So I gathered. He’s a great guy. You’re lucky.”

“I know. But if she’s watching out the window, you should probably kiss me.”

Oh, yeah, life was good. He smiled. “Gee, do I have to?”

“Shut up. You liked the mistletoe kiss. I could tell.”

“I loved the mistletoe kiss. I was hopin’ you might want to try that again sometime.”

“I wouldn’t mind.” She gazed up at him. “And it would be what Mom’s expecting to see.”

“Then let’s give our audience what they want. But first I need to set the stage.” He unzipped her parka.

“What are you doing?”

“We need more body contact. We’ll stay warmer that way.” He unbuttoned his coat.

“We won’t, either. We’ll freeze our—”

“Come here.” Sliding his hands inside her coat, he pulled her close and lowered his head.

“You’re insane.”

“You need to put your arms inside my coat, too.”

“You’ve obviously never made out in cold country or you’d know this isn’t a good idea.”

“I haven’t made out in the cold, but I saw a movie where two people got naked to keep from freezing to death.”

“We’re not getting naked.” She slipped her arms inside his coat and snuggled against him.

“More’s the pity.” He closed the gap and claimed her sweet mouth. The flavors were two of his favorites, whipped cream and pumpkin pie.

But that didn’t explain the jolt of pleasure that traveled along his nerve endings as he began to explore with his tongue. She might have sassed him about the way he’d approached this kiss, but her mouth was hot and eager.

Thanks to eliminating some layers, he enjoyed the sensation of her breasts cushioning the space between them. And he discovered that her heart was thumping as fast as his. When her tongue thrust into his mouth, he grew bold enough to cup her ass and pull her in tight so she’d know exactly how she was affecting him.

She moaned and wiggled closer. Good sign. He delved deeper with his tongue and their rapid breathing fogged the air. Maybe it was still cold outside. He couldn’t say.

He lost track of his surroundings as he immersed himself in her kiss and the heat pouring from her body. He needed her, and she was giving every indication of needing him, too.

Reaching under her sweater, he searched for the back clasp of her bra.

Gasping, she broke away from his kiss and backed up a couple of feet. “Badger!”

He sucked in air. “What?”

“You can’t unhook my bra in the driveway of the parsonage. It’s just not done.”

“Then let’s move to the neighbor’s driveway.”

She stared at him and then she began to smile. “You really are insane.”

He took a shaky breath and smiled back. “You told me to kiss you.”

“So I did.”

“Do you think that kiss will satisfy your momma?”

“I should hope so.”

“Did it satisfy you?”

Her gaze was hot as she zipped her parka. “Not by a long shot.”

“Then maybe we can continue this another time.”

“I don’t see how that would work.” She shoved her hands back in her pockets. “At least not the way we’ve set up our visit.”

“You know what? If we were actually lovers, we would have figured this out. We wouldn’t have come here for Christmas without a plan for bein’ alone at least sometimes.”

“That’s a very good point. Will it make anyone suspicious if we haven’t factored that in?”

“Do you want to factor it in?”

She blushed. “I’d like to consider it as an option.”

“So would I, darlin’. So would I.”

“Maybe we’re dealing with the power of suggestion. We’re supposed to be hot for each other, so now we are.”

“I don’t think so, but we could test it. I’ll just have to kiss you again tomorrow.”

“Might not have a chance.”

“I’ll make a chance.” He gave her a quick peck on the cheek. “See you then.” Climbing in the truck, he closed the door and drove away. He was at least a mile down the road before he remembered to turn on the heater.