Best Man Under The Mistletoe

He’d been a damn special agent and still he couldn’t figure out how someone as smart-mouthed and difficult as Chelsea had gotten under his skin. He could find any woman to scratch his itch, but he wasn’t that guy anymore. In his twenties, he’d been selfish, falling into the bed of any willing woman. He was more particular now, definitely busier with work. And no one had pulled at him like Chelsea Hunt. So, no. No other woman would do.

But right now he had a few other pressing matters. Several of his clients had questioned him about his connection to his uncle. He’d already spoken with quite a few of them and he wasn’t done yet. Gabe planned to spend the rest of his day running interference and hopefully smoothing ruffled feathers.

He grabbed his hat and headed out the door of his loft apartment. He loved the prime location in downtown Royal. There were shops, restaurants, and it wasn’t too far from the Texas Cattleman’s Club. He planned to head over later to get some riding in. Getting on the back of a horse and taking off into the fresh air always calmed him and helped to clear his mind.

The only drawback to living in a loft in town was that he couldn’t have his own horses. Growing up outside Dallas on a working farm had been every little boy’s dream, and riding had been a staple in his life. At least being a member of the Texas Cattleman’s Club offered him anything he could want, including access to the club’s stables. So he had the best of both worlds right now.

Gabe’s cell vibrated in his pocket as he headed to the garage beneath his loft apartment. Pulling it out, he glanced at the screen and swiped to answer.

“Shane. What’s up?”

“Just checking in on you, man. How are you holding up with all the fallout from your uncle?”

Gabe tightened his grip on the phone and resisted the urge to groan. “It’s been a bit of a nightmare, but nothing I can’t handle.”

“Brandee and I are here for you, whatever you need. We know you’d never have a hand in anything this scandalous and cruel.”

Gabe slid his sunglasses from the top of his head and settled them in place. “I’m doing damage control with the company. There’s not much else anyone can do. I appreciate the offer.”

“Of course. I hate how all this is happening on top of the wedding details,” Shane added.

“Not a big deal. Like I said, nothing I can’t handle.”

“Speaking of wedding details, my fiancée is not happy.”

Gabe laughed as he settled in behind the wheel of his truck. “Sounds like your problem, not mine.”

“Oh, it’s every bit your problem,” Shane corrected. “Were you in the dressing room at the bridal shop with Chelsea? Wait, I know the answer to that. What the hell were you thinking, man?”

Blowing out a sigh, Gabe started the engine. “Does it matter? Nothing happened. Her zipper was stuck, that’s all.”

Well, that was all he’d own up to. Whatever was brewing between Chelsea and him was their business. As much as he’d like to claim there was more, things hadn’t progressed near to where he wanted them. This was the slowest form of torture and foreplay he’d ever experienced in his life.

“Listen, whatever you do with anyone else is fine.”

“Glad I have permission, Dad.”

“But,” Shane went on, “Chelsea is different. After what she’s been through and with her being Brandee’s best friend, this is a little more delicate than you just messing around with any other woman.”

“I’m well aware of how vulnerable Chelsea is.” Anger simmered as Gabe clenched the steering wheel. “And we’re not messing around. How the hell did you find out anyway?”

Because he knew for a fact Chelsea wouldn’t have run to Brandee and spilled. Even though this was perfect girly gossip, Gabe liked to think he knew Chelsea pretty well and this wasn’t the type of chatter she’d take part in.

“You think a shop full of teens and their mothers didn’t know you or Chelsea?” Shane asked in disbelief. “This town isn’t that big, man. And if I know about it, you don’t think Daniel hasn’t heard by now?”

Daniel Hunt, Chelsea’s brother. Chelsea’s older, overprotective brother. He and Chelsea had been through so much with the loss of their parents. Everyone knew their mother had run out on them and their father had passed a year later, some said from a broken heart. Was it any wonder Chelsea was so closed off, so leery and untrusting? Add in the scandal over the photos and she’d had quite a bit thrown at her. More than most people should endure. And other than Daniel and Brandee, who did she have to lean on?

“I’m not worried about Daniel,” Gabe said as he put his truck in gear. “As much as I’d love to continue this cheery conversation, I have other things to get done. Even in death, my uncle is ruining my reputation.”

Shane blew out a sigh. “Sorry, man. I wasn’t thinking.”

“No reason to be sorry. You and Brandee were victims, as well.”

Hell, there was hardly a member of the TCC who hadn’t been affected somehow by his uncle. Gabe still had no clue as to his motives, but he knew Dusty Walsh had been denied membership to the exclusive club three times over the years. And when women had been admitted, it had only made Dusty’s grudge worsen.

Perhaps this was his uncle’s way of getting back at the club because of the board’s decision. Who knew? All Gabe did know was that it would continue to impact his reputation for some time and he’d have to stay on top of things to keep his security business running.

“Just try to calm down with the public displays,” Shane warned. “Chelsea is dealing with enough and I’d really like this wedding to go off without drama.”

Gabe knew exactly what Chelsea was dealing with and he cursed himself for putting her in such a position. But, damn it, when he was around her, all logical thinking just vanished.

“Your wedding will be drama-free,” Gabe assured his best friend. “Go kiss your fiancée and let her know Chels and I have everything under control.”

He disconnected the call before Shane could question him further. As much as Gabe wanted to concentrate on Chelsea, on the memory of her sweet body pressed against his and her zipper parting beneath his touch, he had a high-dollar client to see.

Business first. Business always came first. Then he’d check up on his girl.

* * *

“I’ll make sure they’re delivered here if you don’t mind being on hand to put everything away in the freezer. They’ll come packaged with instructions for how long they need to sit out to thaw and the exact way they should be marinated and cooked.”

Chelsea was going over the to-do list for the joint bachelor/bachelorette party with Rose, her contact in the TCC kitchen. Rose smiled and nodded as Chelsea ticked the items in her head off on her fingers.

“I’m sorry,” Chelsea said. “I’m sure you know how to cook a steak and this isn’t the first party you’ve done, but this is my company and my best friend we’re talking about.”

Chelsea may have been the CTO of Hunt & Co., dealing with the computers and the technical end of the business, but she knew how to handle steaks, as well. There were good steaks and then there were Hunt steaks. Chelsea wanted absolutely the best for her friends and that could only come from her family’s company.

Rose patted Chelsea’s arm. “It’s quite all right, dear. I understand.”

Chelsea smiled. “Thanks. I promise I’m only neurotic because I want this to be perfect for them.”

“And it will be,” Rose assured her. “I’ll take care of everything.”

Chelsea headed from the kitchen area. Since her workday was essentially done, she figured she’d take advantage of her club membership and go riding. She needed the break from reality and being on the back of a horse was always so freeing. It helped to clear her head.

She definitely needed her head cleared because for the past two days she hadn’t been able to focus on anything other than Gabe Walsh. The stubborn man wouldn’t leave her mind. He took up entirely too much real estate in her thoughts. She’d tried throwing herself further into the wedding planning. She’d tried reading books. She’d even resorted to her old hacking skills and messed with her brother’s social media accounts for fun. But nothing had taken away the memory of the dressing room.

The Dressing Room.

It was like the title of an epic romance she couldn’t put down. For one, she’d never had a public make-out session. Two, she hadn’t allowed any man to wrap her up so tight she feared she’d spring any minute. And for another, damn it...she just wanted to hate the man. Was that too much to ask? He was egotistical, arrogant...and too damn sexy for his own good.

But she couldn’t bring herself to hate the way he kissed, the way he’d touched her. How was it even possible that he had this hold on her? How could one man invoke so many emotions?

Chelsea headed toward the stables. The fresh winter air filled her lungs. She couldn’t wait to spend the next few hours just relaxing and enjoying her ride.

When her cell vibrated in her pocket, she ignored it. Nothing was going to get in the way of this much needed alone time. Whoever wanted her could leave a message. If it was Daniel again, she’d get back to him. Any Hunt business could wait since it was after hours. And there was nothing pressing for the wedding at the moment.

In no time, Chelsea had chosen a gorgeous chestnut mare and was on her way. Getting back in the saddle felt so good. It had been too long since she’d taken advantage of the amenities TCC had to offer. Maybe she should schedule a massage and some sauna time after the wedding and holidays were over. She could use a good day of pampering.