In this scene from Falling for a Humbug Cowboy, Drake Vargas decorates the Christmas tree with his new, bubbly barista, Candi Kaine. It doesn't go exactly to plan.
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After she hung the last ornament, Candi turned those sparkly blue eyes on him. “Time for the topper?”
He nodded sharply.
“Which is?”
“A star,” he said as he unwrapped it before handing it to her. The vintage metal and crystal star showed its age with some of the sheen worn away. Every year since he ran the Christmas decorating, he considered replacing it. Except it held so much history. His great-grandmother purchased it back in 1962 on the tenth anniversary of the Vargas Ranch grand opening.
Candi stopped a few rungs from the top of the ladder. Once Candi snicked the plug into the lights, the antique topper illuminated her skin, making her look radiant. As she reached toward the tree, standing on her tiptoes, Drake noticed the ladder bobble. She stretched out her arm to place the star on top. He quickly steadied the ladder, which threw Candi off balance. When she let out a yelp, two thoughts flew through his mind simultaneously. One, he should have placed the star on the tree despite his fear of heights. Second, so much for no OSHA violations for the day.
Drake stood, positioned to catch her. Amazingly, he caught her in his arms, her coppery hair floating around her face. One of her arms landed behind his neck. Her other hand rested on his shoulder. His mouth went dry as he blinked.
At least that’s what could have happened if he wasn’t the asthmatic, weak Vargas brother. Had he been Derin, yeah, it would have turned out alright.
Instead, in his attempt to rescue Candi, he acted more like one of those air mattress things stunt people landed on, with far less cushioning or air. Candi dropped like a rock, the ladder falling away from them. She landed on Drake, knocking him to the ground, his head hitting the concrete floor hard. His arms wrapped around the fragile pixie.
As his head swam, two more thoughts danced across his mind. One, she felt totally perfect in his arms, even if she sprawled over him like a sack of potatoes. Two, she had the most amazing lake blue eyes. Must be why he felt like he was drowning.
About the Series
Love is in the air at the Vargas Guest Ranch & Resort near Wickenburg, Arizona. The Vargas family lives and breathes their family motto: We do not deviate from the Lord’s plan. Five brawny brothers keep the ranch and resort running while life lassos their hearts in this epic contemporary cowboy romance series.
Falling for a Real Cowboy (Book 1) - Dalton Vargas
Release Date: November 21, 2023
She’s trying to resurrect her career. He’s sworn off women. Will this city-meets-country duo find love where they least expect it?
Falling for a Shy Cowboy (Book 2) - Dylan Vargas
Release Date: December 19, 2023
She’s a single mom with a disabled son. He’s been in love with her since high school. Will this shy cowboy finally win her heart?
Falling for a Bossy Cowboy (Book 3) - Derin Vargas
Release Date: March 26, 2024
She’s famous and nearing the end of her career. He’s blunt, bossy, and downright annoying. Will these two find the perfect balance between truth and love?
Falling for a Smart Cowboy (Book 4) - Devon Vargas
Release Date: June 25, 2024
She’s an orphan on a mission to change children’s lives. He’s an overwhelmed overachiever and her boss. Will these two learn to work together and find love in the process?
Falling for a Humbug Cowboy (Book 5) - Drake Vargas
Release Date: November 5, 2024
She’s the happiest person he’s ever met. His world has turned upside and he is in no mood for the holidays. Will these coworkers find middle ground as they head into the holidays?
Falling for a Devoted Cowgirl (Book 6) - Solana Vargas
Release Date: 2025
They’ve secretly loved each other for years. He can’t get past their age gap. She can’t get him to see her as woman she’s become. Will they let go of their fear to find true love?
Falling for a Pregnant Cowgirl (Book 7) - Renata Vargas
Release Date: 2025
She’s pregnant with someone else’s child. He’s falling for her when he shouldn’t. Can he learn to trust her with his heart?
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