CHRISTMAS AT THE CARDWELL RANCH by B.J. Daniels

wedding.”
    “And you didn’t hit him the moment you saw him?”
    She shook her head. “I’m a perfectly reasonable woman. I don’t hit people.”
    “I would have hit him.”
    She rose to put away the first-aid kit, but stopped. “Are you all right?”
    He realized he’d been staring at her, wondering how some goofy older guy like Gerald had gotten a beautiful young woman like Lily to even look twice at him. “Fine. What were those pills anyway?”
    “I think I’d better drive you to the hospital or at least down to the clinic. Just let me put this away—”
    He caught her arm. “I’d rather hear about this code you told me about.”
    “I think it’s a list of names. I’m still decoding them. If Gerald hadn’t shown up when he did...” She glanced toward the door and he saw pain in her expression.
    The man had hurt her. Tag really wished he’d slugged him. Was it possible he’d been driving the car that had run him off the road? “He didn’t give you any indication why he came up here tonight?”
    She shook her head.
    “Because I interrupted the two of you. I’m sorry.”
    “Don’t be. I’m not sure there is anything he could say under the circumstances.” Her smile was filled with sadness.
    “Look, he’s bound to have realized what a fool he was. He probably came here tonight to beg you to take him back. Maybe you should call him and—”
    “Six months ago, he left me at a church filled with our relatives and friends on our wedding day. Apparently he didn’t have anything to say that day. I’m sure whatever he plans to say now can wait a day.”
    If Tag had been up to it, he would have gone after Gerald and kicked his sorry butt. He couldn’t believe it had taken the man six months to come back. “I’m sorry he hurt you like that,” he said, taking her free hand. She didn’t pull away. “Are you sure you want to take him back? You deserve a lot better.” He caressed the back of her hand with his thumb pad. Her skin was so warm and smooth.
    His gaze went to her mouth. It was a Cupid’s bow, as kissable as any mouth he’d ever seen. “Lily—”
    “I really should drive you down to the clinic to make sure you don’t have any internal injuries,” she said.
    “You’re not driving anywhere in this storm. I hope Gerald is staying on the mountain and not planning to drive all the way to Meadow Village tonight.” Lily said nothing. Nor did she draw her hand back. “I’m afraid we’re snowed in,” he said, lulled by the pain pills she’d given him and this woman.
    “I should show you the code I worked out so far on the data from the thumb drive,” she said, and started to pull away, but he drew her back. “Or should we call the marshal first? You really should report the accident.”
    “Do you still love him?” Tag asked as he got to his feet and, taking the first-aid kit, put it aside. He felt a little woozy.
    “Gerald?” she asked. “I don’t know. You should sit back down. You’re hurt.”
    “Tell me you haven’t been waiting around for the past six months for him to come back.” He saw the answer in her eyes and swore.
    “Tag.” His name on her lips was his undoing. Outside, the storm raged. Inside, he threw caution to the wind as he drew Lily to him.

Chapter Eight
    Tag woke naked and smiling. Without opening his eyes, he felt across the bed for Lily, remembering last night and their lovemaking. Finding the bed empty and cold, he opened one eye. No Lily.
    He couldn’t help being disappointed. Last night had been amazing. He hadn’t expected that kind of passion in her, he thought as he touched his shoulder and felt scratches. He chuckled to himself. She’d been wild, surprising herself as well as him, he thought. But there had also been tenderness. Lily McCabe was all woman, as sexy as any he’d ever known.
    “Lily?” No answer. His heart kicked up a beat. She wouldn’t have tried to leave this morning on her own? Or worse.
    Swinging his legs over the