Wild Horses by Denise L. Wyant Read Free Book Online Page A

was gay. No one would think of messing with the mountain of a man. “ Feliz Navidad, mi amor .”
    Georgia couldn’t help blushing. The man was a sexy tease. The first time he learned her name was Georgia, he started. She couldn’t help that her parents weren’t more creative and named her after the state where her dad was stationed while in the military. She had been a surprise pregnancy, but her parents loved her unconditionally. Her mom used to say she came at the perfect time. Georgia’s eyes filled with tears as she remembered her mom.
    Manny’s dark eyes met hers. “Hey, no tears on Christmas.”
    She brushed a hand under her eye, catching a stray tear. No, she wouldn’t cry. Her mother would be disappointed if she was upset. Georgia took a deep breath and changed the subject. “How about those drinks?”
    “Yeah, about that,” Harry started, a wicked smirk curving his lips, “what’s with that girlie drink, Officer Palmero?” Harry punched Manny in the shoulder as he walked by.
    Oh boy, here they go . Georgia walked behind the counter to prepare their coffees.
    “You’d just better watch, old man. I could kick your ass whether I’m drinking coffee that puts hair on your chest or something fruity.” Manny planted his feet shoulder-width apart and crossed his arms over his chest. Menace, although it was more playful than serious, radiated from his face.
    Harry turned and studied the pose just a moment. He laughed heartily, “You’re absolutely right. It’s my job as your mentor to make sure you can. Don’t want you getting hurt once I retire.”
    Manny let loose with a musical laugh, one that was at complete odds with the man. “Knock it off, Harry. You aren’t going anywhere.”
    “You guys have time to stay and enjoy your coffee?” Georgia slid their cups across the counter.
    “Sure do,” Harry answered while pulling out a stool at the bar. Manny sat next to him.
    The conversation was easy and stayed away from the topic of Georgia’s mother. The men were complete opposites and enjoyed teasing back and forth. Their radios chirped; apparently duty called even on Christmas morning. Manny answered for the pair in a string of codes that meant nothing to Georgia.
    She raised an eyebrow at Manny, waiting for an explanation. He shook his head, “Nothing major. Sounds like Van Morrison is harassing some tourists.”
    Okay, that was as clear as mud . “If you say so . . .”
    Harry chuckled, “Van Morrison is a nickname we gave to a homeless guy. More often than not he’s intoxicated and being stupid. Thank goodness he’s harmless.”
    “Ready, kid?” Harry asked.
    Manny shot Harry a sideways look. Georgia wasn’t sure what it meant. Manny stood from his stool and asked, “Mind coming around here for another hug?”
    Georgia shrugged. The men were usually affectionate, but this was more than normal. Must be because it’s Christmas . She walked around the counter to where they stood.
    Manny reached into his jacket pocket and removed a plain white envelope. He handed it to her, grinning sheepishly. “Harry and I wanted to do a little something for you.”
    She accepted the envelope, tears suddenly threatening. “You guys didn’t have to.”
    Harry wrapped his arm around her shoulders and squeezed. “We know we didn’t, but we wanted to. Now, are you going to open it?”
    She looked at Manny who just nodded. She carefully tore the back of the envelope. Inside was a handmade Christmas card. Georgia looked up, her eyes meeting Manny’s.
    “I didn’t make it. That part was Chad’s doing.” Manny wasn’t shy about his relationship with his partner of five years; Georgia had met Chad on several occasions. She always chuckled. Chad was also an artist and his white blond hair and pale blue eyes were in stark contrast to Manny’s Latino features.
    “I wondered . . .” she said. Opening the card, she saw a gift card for the local photography shop. It was for a hundred dollars. “Guys,