Janelle Denison - Christmas Fantasy

A book in the Fantasy for Hire series, 1999

TEDDY SPENCERS two good friends, Brenda and Laura, could always be counted on for a good time, especially when it came to marking a special occasion. It was the perfect excuse for them to get wild and crazy, and although Teddy considered herself the more reserved of the trio, after a few mai tais that feisty, rebellious side of her personality-the one her parents hadnt been able to tame-usually made an appearance.

After spending the past hour and a half at a subdued birthday dinner with her parents at the local country club, and listening once again to her parents favorite speech lately-that she was getting older and needed to settle down like the rest of her siblings had-Teddy welcomed the opportunity to let loose with her friends. She was on her second mai tai, and thoroughly enjoying herself, even if Brenda had embarrassed her by swiping the deejays microphone and announcing to everyone in the Frisco Bay Bar that it was Teddys twenty-sixth birthday. Teddy had thought that fairly obvious by the half-dozen balloons attached to her chair and the Im-the-birthday-girl pennant Brenda and Laura had insisted she wear, but Brenda had a way of coaxing everyone to join in on the fun.

If that hadnt been embarrassing enough, having fifty pairs of eyes watch her open presents from Brenda and Laura brought a warm flush to her cheeks. The gifts had included an array of skimpy lingerie, not to mention other sensual delights. The single men in the room had issued wolf whistles, and Teddy found herself overwhelmed by invitations to model the silky, provocative underwear.

The bartender delivered the chocolate cake Laura had smuggled to him earlier and, as Brenda lit the single 26 candle, the deejay played Happy Birthday. Everyone in the lounge chorused the traditional song just for her.

It was all in good fun, and just what Teddy needed to take a break from the stress she was under at work, and make her forget about her parents quest to diminish the independence shed worked so hard to gain over the past few years. She knew her mother and father meant well. Unfortunately, their views of what was important to her, and for her, varied drastically from her own.

Determined to enjoy the evening, she pushed aside those troubling thoughts. As the lounge settled back to its normal din, and she was able to relax without being the center of attention, Teddy shook her head at her friends. You two are outrageous.

As if Teddy had just issued a compliment, a grin brightened Lauras classical features. Yeah, we are outrageous, arent we?

And damn proud of it, too, Brenda added, her eyes dancing with mischief. Heck, theres no telling what we might do next.

Teddy lifted an eyebrow at the insinuation in Brendas voice, but her friend merely feigned innocence. Suspecting something was up, but unable to guess how they could possibly top the evening so far, she glanced at her cakeand frowned at the inscription theyd chosen.

Happy birthday and congratulations? She looked from one friend to the other.

Brenda nodded. Were combining your birthday and your senior graphic design promotion all together.

Teddy smiled, genuinely touched. Thats sweet of you, but I havent gotten the promotion yet. Whether she did or not wouldnt be decided for another two and a half weeks, just after the new year.

Laura gave Teddys knee an encouraging pat. See how much faith we have in you?

Teddy wished she had that much faith in herself. It wasnt that she wasnt qualified for the job-shed double majored in graphic design and had a masters degree in business administration, not to mention being an exemplary employee. It was her boss, Louden Avery, who was making her advancement within Sharper Image Advertising so difficult.

Come on, Teddy. Brenda nudged her with her elbow. Blow out your candle and make a wish.

Teddy absently toyed with the ruby and diamond band on her left-hand ring finger. It bothered her that she felt forced to wear a ring to discourage Loudens subtle interest in her, and back up the claim that she had a steady boyfriend. But it was the only thing she could think of. Taking a deep breath, she blew out the single flame and hopefully secured her future. Her wish was simple. She wanted that promotion, awarded to her on her own merit.

Wow, Brenda breathed dreamily. If I had to make a wish, he would be it.

Teddy followed her friends line of vision to the entrance of the Frisco Bay, and caught her breath at the sight of a gorgeous hunk making his way through the Tuesday-evening crowd. Every woman in the establishment was staring at him-for two very good reasons. One, his mere presence was captivating, and two, his unusual attire stood out conspicuously against all the power suits filling the trendy bar. He was the epitome of a cowboy, from the beige Stetson on his head, to the pearl-snap western shirt covering a wide chest, to the chaps and worn jeans that molded to trim hips and muscular thighs, all the way down to his scuffed leather boots. He looked as if hed just stepped out of the Wild West, though he didnt appear to be uncomfortable in the ultra-urban setting, surrounded by a crowd of Ivy League patrons.

He sidled up to a vacant spot in front of the bar and ordered a drink. While he waited for the bartender to return, he scanned the people in the lounge as if searching for someone. Annoyingly enough, the brim of his Stetson cast shadows over the upper portion of his face, but Teddy caught a glimpse of chiseled features, a well-defined mouth and dark brown hair that curled over his collar at the nape of his neck.

He turned his head her way. Even though she couldnt see his eyes because of that damn hat, she got the distinct impression he was looking directly at her. The corner of his mouth kicked up ever so slightly in an Ive-got-you-now kind of smile. Her skin warmed and tightened, and something deep within Teddy fluttered with awareness. It was a sensation unlike anything shed ever experienced.

She forced her gaze from him and drew a stabilizing breath. Wow is right, she murmured in agreement, and was a little surprised that shed spoken her thoughts out loud.

Laura issued a reciprocating sound of appreciation and turned to look at Teddy. A sassy grin curved her lips. What do you think, birthday girl? Would you like to take a ride with that cowboy?

Lauras question made all kinds of images spring into Teddys mind. She thought of leather, the scent of hay, the jangling sounds of spurs and the fun shed have if hed let her rideSuddenly, what he stood for had become more erotic than she cared to admit.

Hes kind of out of place, dont you think? she said nonchalantly, trying to keep her friends, the bloodhounds that they were, at bay. San Francisco isnt known for its ranches. Maybe hes lost.

Maybe hes looking for a good time. Brenda wiggled her eyebrows lasciviously. Im sure it gets awfully lonely out on the range.

As casually as possible, Teddy slid her gaze back to the cowboy, hoping hed moved on to peruse another woman, considering any one of the ladies in the lounge would have killed for a smidgen of his attention. But no, he was still staring at her, and as she watched, he tipped his Stetson, then reached beside him for the glass that the bartender had delivered. He saluted her, and took a long drink of the dark liquid that looked like whiskey.

Her own mouth went dry, and she reached for her mai tai. The cool, sweet-tangy mixture did little to extinguish the heat spreading through her.

Didnt you once say you wanted a cowboy of your own, Teddy? Brenda asked.