Fake Christmas Date Cowboy, page 1
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This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locale or organizations is entirely coincidental.
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Fake Christmas Date Cowboy
WEST Protection
Book 14
Copyright Em Petrova 2023
Ebook Edition
Electronic book publication 2023
Cover Art by Bookin’ It Designs
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WEST Protection Sentry
LONG ARM OF THE COWBOY Lexis’s Story
COWBOY BREAKING POINT Quaide’s Story
SHOTGUN WEDDING COWBOY Julius’s Story
JUSTICE FOR THE COWBOY Jennings’s Story
West Protection
HIGH-STAKES COWBOY Prequel Noah’s Story
RESCUED BY THE COWBOY Ross’s Story
GUARDED BY THE COWBOY Boone’s Story
COWBOY CONSPIRACY THEORY Mathias’s Story
COWBOY IN THE CROSSHAIRS Silas’s Story
PROTECTED BY THE COWBOY Josiah’s Story
BRAVO TANGO COWBOY Corrine and Panic’s Story
BREAKING IN THE COWBOY Casey’s Story
SHIELDED BY THE COWBOY McCoy’s Story
CLOSE RANGE COWBOY Landon’s Story
ZERO DARK COWBOY Judd’s Story
TOP SECRET COWBOY Jace’s Story
COWBOY UNDER SIEGE Jaren’s Story
FAKE CHRISTMAS DATE COWBOY Declan’s Story
She’s single. He’s single. They can be single—and STEAMY—together.
Declan Finch has already proved his worth to the WEST Protection team. Now with the holidays here, he’s called to help with a big charity bash on the ranch. Watching over rich people should be a breeze, but suddenly he’s looking out for—and hooking up with—a quirky loner attending the couples’ event. Somehow the weather feels much warmer now that he’s cozying up to Belle…
After an ugly breakup, Belle attends a charity weekend to raise money for the families of special needs kids. But once she spots her ex and his new fiancée, her relaxing getaway is about to be ruined… until she finds that saving a horse and riding a hot cowboy might be just the fix she’s been looking for.
Amid enough heat between them to melt the Montana snow, Declan and Belle discover that dark activities are shadowing the party. With danger lurking around the corner, they fight to uncover the truth before WEST Protection is sabotaged. Working together brings a whole new level to Declan and Belle’s Christmas playtime, leaving them both wondering if this relationship isn’t so fake after all.
Stolen kisses in the falling snow and a smoldering-hot hookup under the twinkle lights mix with this smoldering holiday action and adventure. The team you love binge-reading is bringing all the feels to this sexy romance! 1-click FAKE CHRISTMAS DATE COWBOY now and read the entire WEST PROTECTION series!
FAKE CHRISTMAS
DATE
COWBOY
by
Em Petrova
Table of Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Epilogue
Chapter One
“Watch your step, rookie. Manure piles are disguised by fresh snow.”
Declan Finch snorted. “I might be a rookie, but this ain’t my first rodeo. My momma taught me to watch where I step when she slipped my first pair of boots on my feet.” Avoiding the pile of manure left by the cattle that the Wynton Ranch was known for, he lengthened his strides and—respectfully—left his new teammate in the dust.
He was easygoing by nature. Getting razzed for being new was one thing. But being called “rookie” was starting to get on his nerves. The minute he signed his contract with WEST Protection, he quickly learned just how many smartasses there were working for the security agency.
Working for several notable people as a bodyguard had taught him that it was always best to ease into a new role. There was no place for emotions to rule in this game.
As the team filtered through the big double doors into the enormous building, Declan relaxed. Ranch life, he knew. Growing up on a big spread in Kansas had given him the work ethic that landed him every job he ever applied for. And his training backed him up, at least in the eyes of his new boss.
Whether the rest of the guys saw that he brought a huge skillset to the team was yet to be determined.
The high ceilings of the outbuilding had exposed wood beams typical to most farm buildings, but the light and airy remodeled space didn’t resemble any barn he’d been in.
Aged hardwood plank floors were clean of manure, scattered hay or even dust. The tables and chairs that were to be soon set up leaned against the far wall, and a wood platform near the bank of tall windows suggested there would be live entertainment.
Ross Wynton twitched his head for them to follow him into the center of the room. The large team was reduced to ten or so. Many agents were out in the field working as bodyguards or in WEST’s cybersecurity division.
Each man wore heavy jackets. December in the Montana mountains was a lot colder than Kansas, but he’d come prepared with Carhartt jackets and down vests. He’d also brought his tuxedo and best suit. In this business, blending in with any crowd was a must.
Declan took a position on the outer circle, ready to receive his orders.
Ross’s gaze swept the group. Every one of them wore the white Stetson that set WEST Protection apart. All except Declan. And the reason he hadn’t yet received his hat was one that the guys hadn’t let him live down.
“As you all have heard by now, this is a big weekend on the ranch. My family’s hosting a weekend dude ranch experience. The goal is to raise money for kids with special needs. The money goes for therapy or to purchase them equipment. First and last, it’s a big charity event. But much of the reason people attend is to have the ranch experience.”
Several of the guys nodded that they understood. Declan braced his legs wider and settled in to listen and observe. He wasn’t a guy to add to a discussion unless it was asked of him. He preferred to watch and generate his own thoughts.
Ross shifted his weight into a similar stance and folded his arms across his chest that sported the WEST Protection logo. “First order of business—confiscate all spurs. I’m not sure our insurance is prepared for a bunch of rich people—who are never around animals—actually riding horses.”
Declan grunted in amusement, as did several others.
“Second, you know our rules about weapons and knives on the ranch. Josiah and Noah”—he looked at two of his brothers—“you’ll be stationed at the gate when the guests arrive to check for those items. The rest of you will be on the lookout for concealed weapons. I don’t give a damn if they have a permit to carry or not—no weapons are allowed on the ranch this weekend.”
Ross’s other brother Boone cleared his throat. “Do we search their personal belongings too? Luggage and RVs?”
“If you feel there’s just cause to do so, yeah. It’s our prerogative; every person attending signed a contract giving us that right. With that said, we probably won’t have issues. I expect people to drink too much and an occasional argument to break out. Remember, these people come from positions of power and wealth. Many of them are acquainted with each other and bring old animosities with them.”
Everyone nodded that they understood.
“Any questions?” Ross glanced around the group.
“I got one.” Boone looked straight at Declan. “Is the story true? What you did last week?”
Damn. He hated being in the spotlight. Part of his love of this business was being able to fade into the background.
Josiah wagged his head side to side. “Man, that was some impressive response time.”
Beside him, Judd Abel clapped him on the shoulder. “Only a week on the job and you’re already getting pats on the back.”
Declan pressed his lips together and gave a nod of thanks. He hoped this meeting wrapped up quick so he could get out of here and move forward with his day.
But the guys kept up their praise.
“That was wildly impressive work, Finch,” one of the others added.
He dipped his head in a nod.
“Guess we should all be looking to the rookie for advice.” Noah offered him a chin lift of respect.
Okay, he was finished here. He didn’t need—or like—people talking him up for doing his job.
Widening his stance, he hooked his thumb in his front pocket, and out of habit, scanned the front windows and then the entrances, letting more praise for his first op roll off him.
Ross took control of the group again. “The guests will be arriving within the hour. The cocktail party kicks th
They all nodded in understanding.
When Ross dismissed them, everyone headed for the far wall to grab the tables and start setting up.
Declan tore his focus from the snowy landscape beyond the windows. So far, the ranch activity was normal, but within the hour the place would be crawling with security risks. Wealthy people seemed to be some of the worst he’d encountered in his career, since many brought a sense of entitlement or believed they were above the law. They also got easily bored, which meant they took risks.
Noah grabbed one end of the long, heavy table and he took the other. They carried it a few feet away and extended the metal legs.
Corrine Modeen arrived just in time and stood in the middle of the room, directing them all where to place the tables. When he ducked past her, she stared at him.
Great. He thought that listening to praise for that op was bad. Now this.
Was it his imagination or was she staring at his head?
She strode his way. “I’m sorry we didn’t have a hat for you in the closet, Declan.”
“It’s fine.”
“We had no idea we needed to order a Stetson in that size.”
Noah snorted, and Declan swung his gaze to him, piercing him in a flat look that more than one person had told him was colder than a polar bear’s nuts.
His teammate didn’t get the memo. “What my sister is tryin’ to say is that we had no idea that your head would be too big for any of our hats.”
He leveled him in his stare. “Wow. How funny are you?”
Noah’s eyes creased as he chuckled. “No hard feelings, Declan. Just teasin’ ya.”
He let his lips twist at the corner with dry amusement.
Despite his annoyance with them picking on him about the size of his head, he saw the good nature of everyone on the WEST team. They were raised with morals that went above and beyond, and their characters showed true grit.
Declan knew no one meant the teasing and he wasn’t taking offense. But he was starting to get a complex about just how large his head was after trying on every Stetson in the closet and needing one his size special ordered.
After the tables were all set up in the places Corrine dictated, he headed back to his quarters.
The Wynton family had given him a cabin on their property to use until he got settled in Stone Pass. The quaint log structure looked rustic but had every amenity needed for a comfortable stay. He had plenty of hot water and a full kitchen, as well as a freezer full of prime Wynton beef. So far, he hadn’t gotten around to cooking any of it, but he hoped to and soon.
He washed up and stood in front of the long mirror, donning his crisp white shirt and suit pants. With his fly open, he worked at the shirt buttons, concealing the fading tan of his chest and abs he gained from working all summer as a bodyguard in California for someone who enjoyed her time lounging at the pool.
He added cufflinks and meticulously knotted his tie in the Windsor knot he preferred.
When he topped the outfit with his charcoal gray suit jacket, he gave his reflection one more cursory glance, confident that he would pass as one of the guests.
His gaze ticked upward to his head. Even if he had the WEST Protection hat, he couldn’t wear it undercover.
Parties weren’t his thing, but he didn’t dread it as much knowing that he was only there to keep an eye on the guests.
Checking the time, he realized he needed to step on it if he was getting to the venue on time. On the way out the door, he spotted his flask. He wasn’t going to drink on the job, but something told him to grab it anyway.
As he reached the barn again, he found the driveway was dotted with parked trucks and SUVs, each as expensive as the next. He imagined the wealthy people running out to buy vehicles to fit the theme of the weekend.
In addition to the vehicles, several horse trailers were parked to the side. While he watched, one of the ranch hands led a striking mare down the ramp of the trailer to be taken into the barn and for its own weekend of pampering by people who knew horses.
The impressive mare held her head high and proud, as though daring anyone to handle her in a manner that was less than queenly. He had to chuckle at the animal. While he grew up with working horses, he’d seen his share of ones like that.
Yeah, Declan could get into this life. Having the best of his two favorite worlds touching made for one hell of a dream job.
In the time since he’d been in the big barn, it had been completely transformed into a winter wonderland cocktail party. Snow-white tablecloths covered the long tables and chairs sported white bows and sprigs of pine on the backs. Candles in glass jars flickered at regular intervals down the center of the tables.
He looked around to locate his teammates and spotted two positioned near the bar. Catching one’s eye, he gave a nod before heading that way to get a drink into his hand. His instructions were to mingle, to blend.
And to keep his eyes and ears peeled for danger.
A five-piece band was already playing a classic Christmas tune in the instrumental acoustic style that complemented a party of this caliber. Guests were already mingling and talking.
At his approach, the pretty bartender recognized him as security and poured him a soda water. When he reached for the glass, she smiled at him. “You must be Declan.”
His brow arched. “Do I know you?”
She leaned across the bar and whispered, “No, but I heard about your op.”
Christ. Did everyone employed by the Wyntons know about that?
“Ross wanted me to tell you that he wants your presence here tonight, but you’re not on duty.”
Hm, that was new.
“Why?” he asked her.
“I think as a reward for that op.”
Curling his fingers around the glass, he gave her a nod of thanks before moving through the quickly growing crowd.
A few couples drifted to the dancefloor. Most hung out in groups sipping drinks and picking at hors d’oeuvres. He meandered through the maze of people, keeping one ear trained on what was happening in the comms device in his ear. Since it was the first party of the long weekend, he doubted any trouble would arise.
He swung around to glance at the exit. Then he saw her.
A striking brunette standing in front of what he could only describe as a power couple. The man and woman were overdressed for the event, but somehow their overdone appearance made the brunette look more regal.
Her shoulders were drawn back, her head held high.
Declan cut his gaze over the simple fitted green dress that hugged her curves…and ended at her fist balled at her side.
At that moment, she twisted, spotted him and gestured wildly for him to come over.
He took off across the room without even thinking. When he reached her side, she cast a glance at him—then shook herself a little as if he surprised her.
Suddenly, she locked her arm around his back, her fingers digging slightly into his ribs. “Oh, there you are! This is my date—” She gave him a moony look and sported a big, sappy smile.
Without hesitation, he supplied the name she was searching for. Extending a hand to the female of the duo in front of him, he said, “I’m Declan.”
She didn’t clasp his hand but pinched her fingers around his as though calluses gave her an STD. Her smile was far from genuine. Maybe even a little off. But he’d seen women eye him that way before. Many times, in fact.
Pivoting to the guy, Declan offered him a hand.
The tall guy had the build of an athlete and the cocky attitude to go with it. He crushed Declan’s fingers and his eye contact could only be called an intimidation tactic.
“Hi, Declan.”
He gripped the guy’s hand hard enough to feel the bones of his hand grind together. “Any friend of this beautiful woman is a friend of mine.”
She sucked in the faintest of gasps that had his senses prickling.
Declan transferred his drink to his other hand so he could wrap his free one around the stunning brunette…who obviously required a rescue.
