Mistletoe Hearts: A Christmas Romance Novella (Harts of Idaho Book 4) Read online

  Tori and Piper looked at each other. Both had goofy grins.

  “Duke Landon is the most eligible bachelor in Piper Ridge.” Tori’s eyes twinkled.

  “Not just Piper Ridge. Duke’s a wanted man around the country,” Piper said next. “Have you been on his fan page? Shoot. Women around the world want him.”

  Why had Cherish asked about Duke? It made her stomach sour to hear he was a wanted man.

  “Don’t listen to Piper. She’s exaggerating.” Tori nudged Piper’s arm. “Duke is a sweet, handsome man. Would you like me to introduce you?”

  Cherish’s face heated.

  Piper nodded. “No joke. Duke is great. We’ve known him for years.”

  “My brothers know all the band members.” Tori bobbed her head. “Zeke, the band leader, his daughter is in my preschool class. I’m close friends with her momma, Zoey.”

  “I’ll get Zoey. She’ll talk Duke up if you’re interested in him.” Piper shimmed her shoulders excitedly.

  Whoa, this was moving too fast. Cherish was only curious. Nothing more.

  “Oh, no. That’s okay. I was just asking…” Cherish’s voice trailed, making her wish she hadn’t inquired about him.

  “So you’re not interested in Duke?” Her cousin furrowed her brow as if disappointed.

  Her face burned with embarrassment. Tori, of all people, knew Cherish didn’t want to fall in love and get married. Some people weren’t made for marriage. She was one of them. Or so she believed. The emptiness inside her was about never having a momma. Not a man, right?

  “You’re not interested in me?”

  Tori’s and Piper’s eyes lifted above Cherish’s head. Had Duke heard what they said?

  Cherish’s heart stopped. Slowly she tilted her head to see over her shoulder. His blue eyes were studying her with an intensity that tickled her ribs.

  “What do you say, beautiful? You interested or not?” He crouched beside her. With not an ounce of shame, his hand went behind her neck and pulled her toward him. “I’m waiting.” His lips ghosted across hers.

  Piper gasped. “Holy shit, Duke!”

  “Have we missed something?” Tori asked.

  “Not sure,” Duke replied, holding Cherish’s gaze. “What say you, beautiful?”

  This beyond-gorgeous man had rendered her speechless. Where were her words?

  “I—”

  He claimed her lips before she could finish saying, don’t know.

  “Damn, I missed your soft lips the last two hours,” Duke murmured into her mouth. His hand cradled the back of her neck, drawing her in to deepen the kiss. He didn’t get carried away, but she sure wished he had.

  Pure magic was how it felt being possessed by this unapologetic man. His forwardness might offend or scare off some, but not Cherish. To have a man act on his desires in such a passionate way in a crowded room made her melt.

  “You’ve kissed her before?” Tori’s shocked voice made Cherish’s ears perk up.

  “What in the hell is going on here?” Brady exclaimed.

  Cherish reared back, ending another titillating kiss with Duke.

  Brady’s arms were crossed over his chest, with one dark eyebrow hiked. “I’m waiting, Miss Cherish.”

  “So are we,” Tori and Piper said in unison.

  “Oh my… Cherish?” Auntie Elise joined the inquisition.

  This scene knocked Cherish off-kilter. Nothing like this had ever happened before. PDA wasn’t her thing, especially not in front of her relatives.

  “I’ve got ya, beautiful,” Duke whispered. “I met Cherish earlier,” he told the others. “Before the reception. We… hit it off.”

  “Why didn’t you say anything?” Tori asked, directing her question to Cherish.

  “Honestly, Duke overwhelms me.” She noticed a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Control yourself,” she quietly reprimanded.

  Duke took her hand and tugged her to her feet as he stood. “Sorry about that.” He winked and removed her coat from the back of her chair. She easily slipped into it. He seemed to want to get her out of the building. He’d get no resistance from her.

  “Where are you two going?” Aunt Elise asked. “I mean, we all like you, Duke. But this is my girl. Conway is protective of this one.”

  Oh boy. I hope Uncle Conway doesn’t embarrass me. Not like the others aren’t doing an excellent job on their own.

  “I’m just taking her out for a drink. If we run off to elope, we’ll call you after I’ve sealed the deal in making her my wife.” The amusement in Duke’s voice was so not funny.

  They all laughed except Cherish. She cut her eyes to Duke, who had a devilish smile.

  “I’m just teasing, cupcake.”

  Cupcake?

  She exhaled a nervous breath. “Okay. Enough of this. We’re leaving.” Somehow she needed to regain control over the situation. She wasn’t usually unable to speak her mind, but Duke seemed to make her tongue-tied.

  “Well, I’ll wait up for you,” Brady told her, his dark eyes narrowed on Duke. “Just because you’re a member of the Zeke Medina Band, which I think is freaking awesome, it doesn’t give you a free pass with my cousin.”

  Aunt Elise elbowed Brady. “Brady will do no such thing. I trust you, Duke. You two have a good time.”

  Cherish kissed her aunt on the cheek and whispered, “Thank you.”

  As the two scurried out, curious glances were shot their way. The most intense was from her relatives. She was confident Tori and Brady would spread the word about the kiss they observed.

  Butterflies took flight in her stomach. She hadn’t felt this way since high school. It excited her being led out of the armory by someone all the girls wanted. It felt a bit like she was doing something naughty. Of course, she wasn’t. She was a grown woman.

  And if Auntie Elise trusted Duke, so would Cherish.

  She clutched her handbag to her side, feeling the mistletoe ball she’d taken as a keepsake. It was probably silly, but she would’ve been disappointed if she hadn’t and something became of her and Duke.

  Outside the doors, Duke tucked her into his side. It strangely felt natural, like they’d been doing it for decades. “Are you okay?”

  She nodded, smiling at him. “Better. I don’t do so well in large groups. I shut down.”

  His glittering blue eyes appraised her. “Good to know. I like the idea of having you all to myself. One on one…”

  Why did his words make her shiver?

  Maybe it was the frigid temperatures.

  “My truck is right here.” It was already running. He must’ve had a remote starter, a luxury she never could afford. “It should be warmed up nice and toasty for you.” He helped her into the cab, then darted to the driver’s side.

  He was certainly thoughtful. Cherish rubbed her hands together, wishing she’d brought gloves.

  He situated himself in his seat and turned to face her. “Any idea where you’d like to go? We can keep it public or—”

  “Or what?”

  “We could go for a drive or go to my place.”

  She bit down on her bottom lip, thinking it through a bit while he drove out of the parking lot.

  “Just talking and a drink, right?” If he had something more in mind, like sex, she’d insist they go somewhere public. She didn’t give up the goods on the first date—not that she thought of drinks with Duke as a date. Okay, maybe she did a little.

  “Yes. I’ll keep my distance if that’s what you want.” He winked playfully, maneuvering the truck onto the street.

  What did she want? To be alone with Duke. To find out if what she felt would be fleeting.

  “Let’s go to your place. Just be on your best behavior.”

  He shot an adorable smile her way as he raised three fingers. “Scout’s honor, I’ll be a perfect gentleman.”

  Yes, but would she be the prim and proper lady her grandparents and daddy raised?

  Something told her if the chemistry she felt with Duke continued,
she may not be able to keep her hands… or lips to herself.

  Four

  “WHEN YOU SAID drinks, I didn’t think you meant alcohol-free. Whipped cream and peppermint sticks also didn’t enter my mind.” A jovial smile graced her pretty face.

  Duke enjoyed the sight of Cherish sipping the homemade cocoa from his favorite Christmas mug. She sure was a beauty.

  “I can spike it for you if you’d like.” He took a drink of his own.

  “Oh, no. It’s perfect—delicious as-is. You made it from scratch, huh? I wouldn’t have guessed it. All I use is a store-bought cocoa mix.”

  He set his on the coffee table. The fire he’d started in the hearth was crackling and warming his living room just right. His Christmas tree added to the holiday vibe he hoped Cherish appreciated, like he did.

  “It’s my grandma’s recipe. Every year, I make up a canister of it the day after Thanksgiving. It carries me through winter. It also reminds me of her.”

  “Oh my gosh, you are a sentimental man on top of being handsome.”

  A broad grin stretched across his face. “You think I’m handsome?”

  “Stop. You know you are. What do you have? A trillion fans? Billions of women screaming for your attention. Yeah, you’re every woman’s dream come true.”

  She sure knew how to stroke his ego. He liked the flirty lilt in her voice. “I only care what you think, cupcake.” He laced his fingers with hers. “Am I your dream come true?” Down, Duke. You’ll scare her off. He had a feeling he wouldn’t though.

  Time was not on his side. The day after Christmas, the band had a gig in Seattle. Cherish would likely return to Nebraska soon. If he wanted to explore things with her, he needed to act quickly. On the positive, Duke was known for being fervid when he wanted something.

  And he never gave up until he got what he wanted. Right now, that was Cherish.

  “Well, Duke Landon, this cupcake can’t be swayed by good looks and sweet endearments.”

  “No? Then help me here, cupcake, so I can win your affections.” Mercy, he couldn’t help himself when it came to Cherish. In all his years, he never once called any woman cupcake. It was what his father called his mom. Duke recalled how Cherish had blushed. He always knew he’d use the term for his own wife one day and had made sure to not use it flippantly. It was shocking how easily the word left his lips for Cherish.

  She giggled, blushing. “You’re too much.”

  “I hope that’s not a bad thing.” He raised her hand and pressed his lips to the back. “You make me want to be your dream guy.”

  She exhaled softly. “You don’t know me. We only shared two kisses. Are you usually like this with women?”

  He shook his head. “No. Never. It kind of freaks me out, if I’m honest.”

  “That makes two of us.” She bit her bottom lip. He’d sure love to sample it again.

  “Tell me about yourself, Cherish Hart.”

  “Not much to tell, really. I’m a small-town girl.” She shrugged and sipped her cocoa. “Spent my whole life on the ranch. Grew up filthy and a bit wild.”

  “I like wild. And small-town girls.” He kissed her hand again. “You clean up well.”

  She shook her head, rolling her eyes. “What about you? Where are you from?”

  “Arizona. Been friends with the guys for more than twenty years.”

  “That’s amazing. I’ve lost touch with a lot of my girlfriends. They moved away. Some went to Chicago, others to New York.”

  “But not you.” He studied the gentle slope of her nose and soulful eyes.

  “Nope. Not me. City life ain’t for me.” She winked, stirring the peppermint stick in her cup. “So do you have any siblings?”

  “No. I’m an only child, raised by my grandparents after my parents died in an auto accident.”

  “Both died?” Her eyes filled with tears. The emotion in them tugged at Duke’s heartstrings. “I’m so sorry.” She squeezed his hand, diverting her gaze to the fire as if trying to hide her feelings.

  “Thank you. It was a long time ago. I miss them, but you just keep moving forward, y’know?” Having terrific grandparents and great friends helped.

  “I suppose. Not everyone can move forward after such a painful loss.” She was holding back. He felt it in his bones. “I’m glad you could.”

  “Do you know that pain from experience?” He prayed she’d open up. More than anything, he wanted her to feel safe with him.

  “Yes. I don’t talk about it much,” she admitted in a quiet voice.

  Duke took her mug, set it on the coffee table beside his, and sidled up closer to her. He put his arm around her. For some reason, he felt the need to comfort her.

  For a long second, he just held her, rubbing his hand over her arm. “I won’t push about it. But if you want to confide in me, you can trust me. I’d never betray your confidence. Whatever you tell me will stay between us.” He meant every word. Duke was a good ole boy at heart. His grandparents raised him to have strong morals and values. To be trustworthy, dependable, and respectful. In his book, he was the cream of the crop when it came to men—with a dash of cocky.

  “Will you kiss me first?” She gazed into his eyes. An electric current zapped his heart, sending it racing off the charts.

  Would he kiss her? Hell yeah, he would.

  Cherish stared into the calmest, most caring blue eyes ever. Her stomach didn’t twist into a ball of twine like it usually did when asked about the loss she suffered. The walls she typically had up with new people weren’t present with Duke. It all perplexed her.

  “I won’t push about it. But if you want to confide in me, you can trust me. I’d never betray your confidence. Whatever you tell me will stay between us.” The earnestness in his voice and the soft stroke of his thumb over her hand soothed her.

  Even so, talking about her momma wasn’t easy, especially with someone she didn’t know well. But with Duke, everything felt different.

  “Will you kiss me first?” Who was she? Boldly asking to have her needs met was something she never did. She couldn’t explain the way she felt with Duke. All she knew was she wanted to be close to him. Needed a little affection before baring her heart.

  A small smile tugged at the corner of his lip. “I’d be honored to.” He lowered his face toward hers. A hint of chocolate and peppermint on his breath tickled her nose as their mouths connected.

  Cherish melted into Duke’s mouth, losing herself in the taste of him.

  His hand went to her hair, burying his fingers and holding her in place. The move made her skin tingle and her chest quiver. The feelings he stirred in her were unique. She attributed them to Duke being a super sexy country singer, a wanted man, and she was one of the lucky ones.

  Something told her it wasn’t that at all. They had an undeniable connection even she couldn’t ignore. Duke appeared hot to trot to see where this may go. So why would fate pair her with a charming, cocoa-drinking musician living in a different state? It was cruel. And during the holidays no less.

  Bah humbug, fate!

  It seemed neither of them were in any hurry to end yet another magical kiss. Who would end the kiss first? Not Cherish. For most of her life, she’d been starved for affection. Well, that was not entirely true. Before Chance and Cady were born, she got all of Grandma Peggy’s and Granddad Merle’s attention, and that of the ranch hands. Even when her daddy didn’t have it in him to cuddle her, her grandparents were there. After he got married, his focus was on Denise.

  No, Cherish would definitely not be the one to end the kiss.

  After several long, glorious, arousing minutes, she put her hand on his chest and broke their liplock. So much for taking what she needed.

  They both labored to breathe. Duke’s cheeks were slightly pink, while hers were burning up.

  “Wow, cupcake. I sure enjoy kissing you.” He ran his thumb along her jaw. “You taste good too.” He waggled his brows.

  “So do you. Chocolate and peppermint just m
ight be my favorite new flavor.”

  “It’s definitely mine. You taste like a decadent after-dinner mint on my tongue.”

  Cherish tossed her head back, giggling. “Where do you come up with this stuff? I don’t think I’ve ever met a man who talks like you.” But she loved it.

  He placed his hand on the side of her face. “I’m a songwriter. You also bring out the cheesy side in me. Hell, I didn’t even know I had one.” He chuckled and dropped a kiss on her lips.

  “Mmm,” she hummed. “Decadent.”

  “Incredibly delicious.” He pulled her in close.

  She finally felt ready to share her pain. “I never knew my momma. She…” Cherish inhaled and exhaled. Duke held her a little tighter. “She died giving birth to me. She never got to hold or kiss me. It’s been over thirty years. The pain hasn’t lessened even a little. I never knew her like you did with your parents.”

  “Aww, damn, darlin’. My heart breaks for you. I’m so sorry.” He pressed his lips to her temple.

  “Thank you. Sometimes I feel silly mourning a person I never really knew.”

  “No, baby. Don’t do that. Your feelings are yours. Feel them. Don’t ever let anyone tell you it’s wrong.”

  She curled into his chest and hugged him. “That means the world to me. I don’t want this emptiness in me, y’know? But I can’t help but feel robbed of my mother. I don’t want to hear what a wonderful, kind, and loving woman she was. I want to experience it.” Her eyes filled with tears, but she wouldn’t let them fall. Instead, she blinked them back.

  “You both got a raw deal. I’m sure she’s watching over you and proud as hell of the remarkable woman you are.”

  Cherish smiled. Duke didn’t know her… that much. Yet he spoke as if it were the gospel. She more than liked it too. She more than liked him after such a short amount of time. Being with him at his home, in front of a cozy fire, drinking cocoa was easy. Comfortable. She was relaxed in his presence.

  For once in Cherish’s life, she felt open to the possibilities of a man. It didn’t make sense since they’d probably never see each other again after she returned home. That knowledge made her a little sad, but she didn’t need to fear complicating her life. She could let her guard down instead of pushing Duke away like she had done to other men before him.