A Cowboy to Marry (10 page)

She looked into his blue eyes. And felt yet another whisper of desire.

“So,” Holden said as soon as their drink and appetizer orders had been placed. He looked directly at Miss Mim, “I scouted around, just like you asked, and here's what I've been able to find out from the county commissioners.”

“The news is bad, isn't it?” she fretted.

Holden nodded. He leaned back as tall glasses of mint-flavored iced tea were delivered, and baskets of fried onion rings and Southwestern egg rolls were put in the center of the table.

When the waitress had disappeared, he continued, “The estimate on the repairs needed to remove the asbestos and reopen the library has come in at close to a quarter of a million dollars.”

Miss Rosa gasped. “That's more than our bare-bones operating budget for one year! It doesn't even include the purchase of new books or magazines.”

“Let me guess,” Libby said. “The county doesn't have the funds.”

“And things are so tight right now there's no way to get them. So the plan they are going to present to the public, and vote on in January, is to keep the facility closed for one year, stockpile the unused operating funds and then start the repairs—which are estimated to take anywhere from three to six months—in December of next year.”

“That's unacceptable!” Libby cried.

Holden gestured. “I told the commissioners the citizens weren't going to like it. They don't feel they have any choice.”

“There's always a choice,” Libby said, unable to contain her fury.

All eyes turned to her.

“Maybe the county doesn't have the funds, but that doesn't mean we have to sit back and take it,” she fumed.

“We could try and raise the funds privately,” Miss Mim offered.

Miss Rosa sighed. “But that would take a long time, too.”

“And that's the other bad part,” Holden said, looking at the young woman, who was just out of college. “They may have to let the entire staff of paid employees go, too.”

“So I could be looking for a job.” Miss Rosa burst into tears.

“Don't you worry about that,” Libby said fiercely.

Holden nodded. “We'll all work together to find you something here in Laramie, with equitable pay, until the library does reopen. And the same goes for all the hourly employees. How many are there?”

“Three.” Miss Rosa relaxed in relief.

Silence fell.

“Maybe we could approach some of the various charitable foundations in Texas to help us,” Libby said. “We could start a letter-writing campaign, tell them what the community has already been willing to do to keep our library going. Who knows? Five thousand here, another two or ten there—if we can get enough help from all sorts of sources, we might just reach our goal.”

Miss Mim smiled. “That's the spirit! I knew we could count on you. You always know what to do. There's no one better to lead a crusade.”

And, Libby thought, if she sold her business as planned, she would definitely have the time to take it on.

The rest of the meal was spent brainstorming various ways to start the fundraising process immediately. By the time Miss Mim was ready to be driven back to her apartment in the Laramie Gardens Senior Center, they had a game plan to execute.

Libby started to rise.

Miss Rosa lifted a staying hand. “I'll drive her home.”

“Yes, dear,” Miss Mim ordered, with a wink aimed Holden's way. “You two stay here and enjoy your coffee.”

The two librarians left.

“I think Miss Mim is matchmaking,” Libby said.

The corners of Holden's lips turned up. “I think you might just be right,” he drawled.

“I also think you might have something to do with it.”

He chuckled. “I think you're right about that, too. Although, I did want to be here tonight for the library's sake, too. It's an important institution. It means a lot to the people of Laramie.” His expression turned tender as he covered her hand with his. “The way you handled that crisis was quite impressive.”

Libby blushed. She didn't know why his admiration meant so much to her. It just did. Modestly, she replied, “I haven't really done anything yet.”
Except maybe fall a little harder for you….

She swallowed emotionally. “You were great, too, by the way.”

“We make a good team,” he said with a gleam in his eyes.

They were certainly beginning to, Libby thought wistfully.

“Let's celebrate.” He tugged her by the hand, took her onto the dance floor and spun her around.

“Holden?”

“Hmm?” His hand tightened around her waist, and he pressed his cheek against hers.

Libby sighed and tried not to feel too comfy. It was, as she might have predicted, a losing battle. Using her elbows, she wedged a bit of space between them. “The band hasn't started yet.”

He glanced up at the empty stage. “Oh, yeah.” With a bemused look on his face, he let her go. “Wait here.”

Libby had no doubt Holden knew how to turn on the music. His mother owned the restaurant and dance hall, and he—like the rest of his siblings—had grown up working here, whenever they weren't toiling on their dad's horse ranch.

Seconds later, dance music poured from the speakers.

Libby flushed as he rejoined her and took her in his arms. “Am I supposed to be getting a message from all this?” she asked.

“I sure hope so.”

Her heart skipped another beat as Lady Antebellum sang, “All I want for Christmas is you.”

“That was some romantic gesture,” Libby remarked several fun-filled hours later. Way past midnight, the Laramie streets were quiet. A full moon shone overhead in the black velvet sky. Christmas wreaths decorated the light posts all along Laramie's historic Main Street. Every storefront and business was decorated to the hilt, adding to the festive air. But best thing of all, Libby thought, was being here with Holden.

Just the two of them.

He smiled down at her. “I'm glad you liked dancing with me.”

Libby shivered as the cold winter breeze blew against them. “You didn't have to keep spinning me around for the last four hours.” They had closed the place down, which was another first for her. Leaving only when the rest of the staff bailed, too.

Holden tucked her into the curve of his body. “You know us Texans.” Lazily, he guided her toward the parking lot. “Do it up big or don't do it at all.”

Libby laughed and ducked her head, resting her cheek against the solid warmth of his chest. “I'm beginning to get that sense of you,” she murmured.

Finally, they reached her Range Rover, with his pickup
truck several rows over. Standing in the parking lot, Libby wished Holden would build on what they had started and kiss her passionately.

Instead, he stepped back, shoved his hands in the pockets of his leather bomber jacket and said, “What are your plans for tomorrow?”

Libby blinked. “Tomorrow?”

“Saturday. You know.” He spoke clearly, enunciating every word. “Do you have to work?”

Brought swiftly back to reality, Libby sighed. “Unfortunately, I do. Jeff Johnston is coming by the dealership with his accountant and his lawyer to take a look at our books and get more information, so he can estimate the value of Lowell Ranch Equipment and formulate a formal offer.”

Holden ran a palm beneath his jaw. “You could do that for him, you know, simply by putting a price tag on the business.”

Libby rocked forward onto the toes of her suede boots. “I'd rather he take the lead.”

Holden's lips quirked in amusement. “So you can counter.”

She preened. “I have learned a thing or two since I started working there, many moons ago.”

Holden sobered. “I guess you have.”

Silence filled with longing followed. Still he didn't kiss her, didn't make a move. Doing her best to stifle her frustration, Libby continued, “And then I promised to work a booth at the Community Chapel bazaar.”

Holden inclined his head. “The kissing booth?”

If only,
Libby thought. She gave him a droll look. “You know they don't have kissing booths at the church. In fact,
I don't think they have them anywhere anymore. Too many germs.”

He nodded, deadpan. “It is flu season.”

Libby smiled. She didn't know what his deal was. All she
did
know was that she couldn't get enough of him—and she sensed that this malady was only going to get worse.

“Which reminds me,” Holden continued, looking down the street at the now-closed pharmacy. “I need to get my shot.”

Libby winced. “So do I. I haven't had time for that, either.”

Holden quirked a brow. “Want to do that together?”

Libby scoffed, not sure whether he was joking or not. “Get our flu shots?” she echoed, more intrigued with the cowboy in front of her than ever.

“We could keep each other on track. Stop the procrastination!” he teased.

“I guess we could at that,” Libby drawled.

Serious now, Holden said, “They offer them at the pharmacy, you know. We could go over after the bazaar. Say around six? I'll even let the pharmacist know we're coming.”

He meant it! About protecting them both from illness and spending time with her. “You'll make reservations,” she repeated.

“Like I said.” He shrugged easily. “It will keep us focused.”

They needed that. “All right,” Libby said impulsively. “You're on.”

Hand to her spine, he guided her toward her car. “And after that, we'll see.”

Libby rummaged for her keys and hit the unlock button on the pad.

Heart racing, she slanted Holden a sideways glance. “See what?”

“Don't know.” Mischief sharpened the attractive lines of his face. “But it's a magical time of year.” He looked deep into her eyes and contented himself with a light, friendly peck on her head. “Anything can happen.”

 

“I
HEARD WHAT WENT ON
at the Lone Star last night,” Paige said the next day, when she met up with Libby at the community center where the bazaar was being held. She playfully elbowed her. “Dancing without music?”

Libby tied on her change apron. “I know it sounds lame. It was actually…romantic.” Unable to help herself, she flushed self-consciously.

Paige moved in for a closer look. “You both have it bad, don't you?”

Libby started straightening the boxes of donated chocolate candy and fruit baskets. “What do you mean?”

Her friend shrugged and set up the cash box. “I've never known Holden to make a fool of himself over a woman. Even with Heidi he was somewhat restrained in his affections.”

He hadn't been restrained at all when Libby and he had made love. On the other hand…

Figuring she could use some perspective from a friend who had the happily-ever-after thing down pat, Libby remarked, “He was restrained last night.”

Paige glanced at her, curious.

“He walked me to the parking lot.” Libby winced, recalling. “But not even a kiss good-night.”

Paige chuckled. “Second rule of male courtship—leave 'em wanting more.”

Or maybe, like Percy, he didn't want her at all….

Libby pushed the disturbing thought away.

“He's being respectful of you,” Paige said.

Libby harrumphed, thinking of the beautiful night and full moon and perfect opportunity that had gone to waste. “I didn't want gallant last night,” she muttered in frustration.

Paige drew her to a corner of their booth, well out of earshot of others setting up. “Is that what you said to him?” she whispered.

“Well, no,” Libby admitted, wondering if she would ever be able to go after what she truly wanted.

Still studying her, Paige stated, “So in other words, Holden is sticking to the prescribed plan laid out by you.”

I guess.
“Speaking of which.” Having figured out Holden's lack of action was her own fault, Libby pushed on with the rest of her confession. “He asked me to go with him tonight to get our flu shots.”

Her friend blinked in surprise. “The couple that vaccinates together, stays together?” Her eyes twinkled. “It's good, though. He lined up the next date. That means he is serious.”

Libby pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. She had hoped for romance, but now that she had it, she didn't know what to do. “I'm very confused.”

“Don't be.” Paige hugged her. “Just go with it. Let fate show you what will happen next.”

 

F
OUR HOURS LATER
, the church bazaar was over and Libby headed to the pharmacy. Holden got out of his pickup just as she pulled up beside him in the parking lot.

Looking handsome as ever, with his dark hair ruffled from the winter wind, he shoved his hands in the pockets of his bomber jacket and gave her a teasing once-over as she joined him.

“You're not going to faint on me, are you?” he asked.

Libby rolled her eyes and resisted the urge to lean in close to the protective shield of his tall, strong body.

Still feeling a little peeved that he hadn't given her a proper good-night kiss the evening before—no matter what she had said days earlier—she shoved her own hands in the pockets of her sophisticated red down jacket. “No. Of course not.” Unable to resist, she slanted a mocking glance his way. “Are
you
going to faint on
me?
”

Holden rubbed his palm contemplatively along the rugged line of his jaw and peered at her in concern. “Maybe we should have some smelling salts on us, just in case.”

Libby couldn't tell whether he was joking or not. She did know he had worked just as hard at the booth he and Kurt had run, as she and Paige had at theirs.

She slowed her steps as they reached the entrance, delaying the moment they actually went inside. Burning with curiosity, she asked, “Why did Kurt slap you on the back like that when we were leaving?”

Holden turned toward her and tucked an errant strand of her hair behind her ear, the backs of his fingers caressing her cheek slightly in the process. Then he shrugged. “Why do men always slap each other on the back?” he asked, all innocence.

“I don't know.” Libby rocked forward on her heels and propped her fists on her hips. “Encouragement?” she guessed.

Holden nodded. “Exactly.”

Libby told herself the satisfied gleam in his eyes had nothing to do with the passionate way they'd made love to each other a few nights earlier. “Why do you need encouragement?” she pressed.

Holden grinned and leaned in closer still. Almost close enough for them to kiss. “Why do you think?”

This flirting was beginning to be fun. It was also showing her a whole new side to Holden McCabe.

Maybe he wasn't so guilt-ridden and far too responsible for his own good, after all.

Maybe she had been wrong to insist on a sexual timeout….

He opened the door to the pharmacy and ushered her inside. Ten minutes later, they had both filled out their forms, paid the fee and received their injections. Band-Aids on, they were free to go. “So now what?” Libby said as he helped her with her coat and slipped his on, too.

Holden's hand moved to the small of her back as they made their way toward the exit.

Unfortunately, the aisle they had randomly chosen was filled with contraceptives and sexual aids and lotions. Appearing oblivious to the products lined up to the left of them, Holden leaned in closer and murmured in her ear, “Well, if we were still rebound dating, I know what we'd do.”

So did Libby, unfortunately. If she spent any time at all alone with him, she would undoubtedly end up in his bed, enjoying herself every bit as much as she had before. Consequences be damned!

Trying not to flush, she hurried on down the aisle toward the safety of the greeting cards stacked at the other end. Then, taking his hand, she hurried Holden out the door and across the lot to their vehicles.

Only when they had were safely out of earshot of everyone did she release her grip on him.

Their eyes met, and she felt a heady sensation deep inside her. “You're trying to get me to change my mind,” she accused.
About everything.

“I'm trying to get you to take us off Hold.”

Here was her chance.

She could play it safe, the way she had been.

Be loyal to everything she had known in the past.

Or take a risk.

 

A
S THE SECONDS TICKED BY
, Holden wasn't sure what Libby was going to do. He could see she was as deeply conflicted as he, that she didn't want to risk their fast-growing friendship with a more intimate relationship that might or might not work out, for even the short run.

“On one condition,” Libby said finally, beginning to smile. “It has to be something fun. And holidayish.”

Holden's tension eased. Playtime was something he could handle. Especially with Libby.

Given where they were standing, it didn't take long for the next idea to hit. “How about some holiday greenery for the front grilles of our vehicles?” Decorating your ride was a fine Texas tradition. One, as far as Holden knew, that she had never participated in.

“You're serious.”

Having picked a winner, he raised his shoulder. “We'll make it a contest.”

She slapped her thigh. “Now you're talking!”

Enjoying the lively spark in her dark green eyes, he continued the challenge. “Whoever has the best-decorated wreath wins.”

Her lips curved in a delicious smile. “The winner—?”

Remembering the silky feel of her skin, wishing he could forgo convention and kiss her again, Holden decided, “The winner gets the meal of his or her choice. The loser cooks said meal.”

Libby propped her hands on her hips and challenged him with a tilt of her chin. “Can you cook?”

He waggled his eyebrows. “There's one way to find out.”

Laughing and teasing each other good-naturedly, they headed for the Kiwanis lot. It was crowded with people selecting trees, garlands and wreaths.

Holden and Libby concentrated on the latter.

Soon after, the next debate began.

She shook her head disparagingly at the wreath he was looking at. “Having one that large is ridiculous.”

But Holden liked it. It wasn't sissy—it was man-size. He chucked her playfully on the chin. “Haven't you heard? In Texas, everything that is bigger—is better.”

Libby struggled not to laugh. “I don't think that's exactly how the saying goes.” She pursed her lips thoughtfully. “That medium size would be perfect for my Range Rover.”

“I don't have a problem with that, as long as I get the large one for my pickup.”

“Then size can't matter in the final analysis,” Libby bargained.

Holden's eyes lit up in a way that told her he had found another meaning for her words. “I'm sure it won't,” he said smoothly.

Libby flushed. “You're not going to behave yourself at all this evening, are you?”

She made it damn hard not to think about making love. “Hey—” Holden angled a thumb at his chest “—I figure
as long as we're spending time together, we may as well be ourselves.”

 

H
OLDEN HAD A POINT
, Libby knew.

For reasons she chose not to examine too closely, she wanted to drop her guard, too. Even though she suspected where that would likely lead. “Then I'll take the Mama Bear size and you can take the Papa Bear size,” she said.