Only Forever With A Billionaire (Only Us Billionaire Romance Book 3)

by Ellie Hall

  She read a few of the titles. In her hasty departure, she forgot to bring a book to read. Though the nap on the airplane had been refreshing and kept her mind from dwelling on how much money Wyatt must’ve been spending with every kilometer they traveled. She felt slightly out of sorts. Or maybe it was jet lag.

  Most of the titles had to do with finances and law. She stopped at a couple of framed documents propped up against the back of the shelf and stifled a gasp after reading the content of the college diploma with Wyatt’s name followed by a certificate from the state of Texas authorizing him to practice law.

  “You went to law school? You’re a lawyer?”

  “Don’t sound so surprised.” He said around a mild shrug.

  “I just didn’t know that about you.”

  “Do I not seem like a lawyer?” With the jeans that fit him like a glove and the short-sleeved white T-shirt, no, he didn’t.

  She bit her lip. “Will never mentioned it, not that it would’ve come up.” Though, he had told other, less savory stories.

  He flashed a cocky grin. “I’m not a defense attorney, but I thought it best to fully understand, um, my affairs.”

  Her eyes widened.

  “Not with women, Charlotte.” He shook his head. “Get your head out of the gutter.” His smirk grew.

  “I wasn’t thinking that. You’re the one who said it.” A blush rose to her cheeks.

  “You’re the one whose eyes bugged out of her head.”

  “I’m just surprised, that’s all.”

  “I wanted to learn the ins and outs of finance, tax laws, that kind of thing. In college, I minored in finance but then decided it was in my best interest to take it a step further. I keep up with all of my requirements. Although if you want to hire me because a horse escapes its pasture and had a field day with Mrs. Arnold’s laundry line, you’re out of luck.”

  “Did Mrs. Arnold try to sue the owner of the horse?”

  Wyatt brought his finger to his lips and he nodded. “Shh. It was one of my horses, but she doesn’t know that.”

  “You’re a cowboy, lawyer who likes fast cars.”

  “I’m Wyatt Jones. Yes, a cowboy and a lawyer and my do I love fast cars. But I’m many other things as well and not all of them have to do with what I do. I’m a man of faith, honesty, and loyalty.”

  His eyes flicked to hers, tightening the tension that burned between them: it was present in the hallway at her house, on the plane, and growing larger, stronger every minute they’d spent together. She tried hard to ignore it.

  “I’d like to visit the horses.”

  Wyatt led her through the house, pointing out a few things along the way: the stairs to the indoor pool on the lower level complete with sauna and hot tub. “Riding is good exercise but can be tough on the body,” he commented.

  He also pointed down the hall toward several doors. “The guest bedrooms. Have your pick. You can get settled in now and freshen up or join me in the stables.”

  “I don’t think Birdie would forgive me if I didn’t say hello to the horses first.”

  “My kind of girl.”

  The comment sent a shiver through Charlotte and she wasn’t quick enough to hide it.

  Wyatt’s lips twitched with amusement.

  They continued on down the hall, down a few steps, and out the back door of the walkout basement. A covered walkway wound toward an enormous barn. It was down a slight hill so it hadn’t been visible from where they’d parked and was at least double the size of the house.

  “Wow. You love horses.”

  “I sure do.”

  “Birdie is going to be so jealous.”

  “That’s why I’m sending that jet back to get you guys at the end of the summer before she goes to school.”

  Charlotte stopped short and Wyatt bumped into her. He reached out, catching her wrist so she didn’t fall. His mighty fingers wrapping around her soft skin caused tingles to rush through her and not because she’d lost her footing.

  His eyes skimmed her. “You alright?”

  Her arms crossed in front of her chest. “No. I am not. You will not send for us on a private plane, Wyatt. That’s ridiculous.”

  His lips dipped as though she’d stolen his favorite toy. Then what appeared to be confusion about her refusal was quickly hidden under a stony expression. He tore his eyes from her. “Okay. If that’s what you’d prefer.”

  She huffed, unable to accept such outrageous gifts from him, from her brother, and Sydney. She could take care of herself.

  A different kind of tension wedged itself between them as they continued toward the barn.

  The scent of hay and manure and something Charlotte never smelled in the city filled her nose. It was Wyatt’s scent: fresh and outdoorsy, like the wind. It was the smell of freedom, open air, endless prairie. She breathed deep.

  Wyatt must’ve done the same because the pressure between them dissipated as quickly as it had sprung up. With far more enthusiasm than the brief house tour, Wyatt told her a bit about the horses as he doted on each one. They’d only gotten to about nine of them when one of the caretakers approached.

  “Howdy, Wyatt. How was your trip?” A stout man who must’ve been older than Sydney asked as he shook Wyatt’s hand.

  “It was terrific, Norm. I have a photo of a McLaren to show you later.”

  “A new one to add to your collection?” Norm asked.

  Wyatt shook his head then eyed Charlotte. “Let me introduce you to Charlotte Wheaton.”

  Norm lifted a tufty white eyebrow. “Pleasure is mine, Miss.”

  “She’s Will’s sister.”

  “Were you a model as well?” he asked.

  Charlotte’s forehead crinkled.

  “He’s going to follow up by saying you’re beautiful enough to be one. Norm’s a flirt,” Wyatt explained.

  “What? I can’t help it. I’m an old man. Doris passed three years ago and I hang around with horses all day.” He had a twinkle in his eye that reminded her of the Santa Claus she and Birdie visited every Christmas.

  The three of them laughed good-naturedly, but the way Wyatt had said that she was beautiful echoed in her ears, in her mind, and then crash-landed in her chest. No one had ever said that to her before, well, except Will, but that didn’t count.

  “We’d better get back to doing our rounds,” Wyatt said.

  “Kingston is saddled for light duty if you’d like to take the little lady out the back forty.”

  “More like four hundred acres, but that’s not a bad idea.” Wyatt lifted his eyebrows a fraction.

  Norm winked and led them on to a handsome and massive palomino. He was a former workhorse and waiting patiently outside his stable.

  Wyatt kicked up and over then held his hand out to Charlotte.

  “What?” she asked.

  “Come on.”

  “Last time you said that I flew across the country with you and if I recall the time before we ended up doing well over a hundred on a speedway—in a model car that apparently you have a collection of.” She eyed Norm to confirm his earlier comment.

  Wyatt answered, “My McLaren is an older model and it’s just the one. I also have a Ferrari and a Lamborghini though.”

  “Don’t tell me an Aston Martin too.” Charlotte clicked her tongue. Those were her brother’s favorite.

  “Actually,” Wyatt pointed, “Her name is Aston.” A beautiful and older roan mare let out a soft whiny. “And that is Martin.” Wyatt gestured to a deep brown horse with a bit of a limp in its gate and led by another caretaker.

  Charlotte shook her head. “You’re unbelievable.”

  “I prefer to think of myself as incredible, but I’ll take what I can get.”

  Norm chuckled.

  Wyatt held his hand out again. “And this time I’d like to take you on a ride and I promise, no speeding.”

  “Wyatt is very skilled. Been riding his whole life.” Norm nudged his chin as though to encourage her.

  She
shifted from foot to foot then sighed. “Fine. But I’m only doing it because Birdie would have kittens if I declined a ride on one of your horses.”

  “That’s the spirit,” Wyatt said. “And we’re not going far.”

  The two men helped her up. Charlotte hadn’t been on a horse since she was a girl and had taken lessons. As she hung onto Wyatt’s back and Kingston slowly loped toward the field, the movement returned to Charlotte’s muscle memory. However, the feel of Wyatt’s firm back as she held on from behind was brand new. Warmth radiated from him and she fought the urge to squeeze tighter.

  “This works out well,” he said as they moved on a well-worn path through a field. “There’s a patch of grass back here Kingston loves to nibble and we’ll get to see the sunset.”

  The horse brought them to a rise and sure enough, the sun started to dip between two perfectly placed hills in the distance. They dismounted as Kingston fed on the grass, all too happy to be munching away.

  As the sun melted, little more than a puddle atop the hills, the golden light spilled over them, softening the tension between them. Beside her, Wyatt’s shoulders settled and he let out a long exhale that bordered on a yawn.

  “It’s beautiful here,” Charlotte said then yawned. Apparently, the deep feeling of relaxation was contagious.

  “All the more since you’re here. I hope you weren’t offended by Norm. He means well.”

  Charlotte tossed her hand. “I’ll take the compliments when I can. They don’t come often. And if the best I can do is a seventy-year-old man with white hair then I count the day successful.”

  “Actually, I was the one who said you were beautiful and Norm is eighty-one.” Wyatt made a clicking sound and Kingston ambled over. He showed the horse some love and then led him along the path as twilight descended.

  Charlotte trailed after them, hearing the word beautiful, not in her mind that time but all over. Like Wyatt had kissed the word onto her skin.

  Her cheeks as they flushed with warmth.

  Her chest as her heart throbbed.

  Her belly as it dipped and lifted with excited little flutters.

  He thought she was beautiful?

  She joined Wyatt in the barn as he helped close up for the night, but she was in a daze. Her thoughts only went into focus when Wyatt pointed to the door and then walked back to the ranch house.

  “I called ahead and had the kitchen stocked. I didn’t want to come home to an empty fridge. What can I make you for dinner? Your choices are—”

  “I thought you were a hazard in the kitchen.”

  When they entered, Wyatt gestured at the granite counter tops, the Viking appliances, and solid wood cabinetry. “I’m not a hazard in this kitchen.”

  “You’re a cowboy, lawyer who likes fast cars and can cook.”

  “Sounds like you’re making a list.”

  “I just mean that it’s impressive.”

  “You think I’m incredible and impressive.” His lips quirked.

  “I didn’t say you were incredible, you did.” But she was starting to see that he was that and so much more.

  “Hey, I’ll take what I can get,” he said, echoing her words.

  Chapter 14

  Wyatt

  Although Wyatt had enjoyed his time in the UK, he was glad to be home. In fact, he had no words to describe the peace that had settled over him upon arriving home at Rolling Hills Ranch. Since watching the sunset, Charlotte seemed more comfortable too. She sat across from him at the center island while he whipped up a cold pasta dish perfect for the warm summer night. He used fresh herbs and vegetables from the ranch garden, olive oil from Italy, and topped it with a piece of burrata cheese.

  “Can I help with something? Make a salad or—” she asked.

  “You can make me promise you’ll have dessert.”

  “By the smell of it, dinner is going to be delicious so if I don’t have room—”

  “It’ll be small and sweet. So do you promise?”

  She lifted a shoulder in a half shrug. “Sure.”

  Wyatt barely concealed his private smile. He’d noted the ways she’d slowly relaxed. For one thing, a few strands of her hair were out of place thanks to their ride on Kingston. There were some sticky burrs attached to the hem of her pants from their walk back along the trail, and the fatigue in her eyes had more to do with jetlag and fresh country air than her trying to shore up the leaks in her life, namely Fabian and that good for nothing ex-husband. The man made Wyatt burn with anger every time he thought of him leaving that little girl and her beautiful mother.

  He’d said she was beautiful and he’d meant it. Although Will might frown upon his comment, it was the truth. Seeing as Wyatt was a grown man, he didn’t think there was anything wrong with telling the truth to a woman who deserved, possibly even needed, to hear it.

  The more he got to know Charlotte, the closer to her and more protective he felt—not only from her father and ex but from further damage to her fragile heart.

  She was confident, but he had a sudden and undeniable desire to make her feel magnificent, exceptional, special, and at the center of the world. His world. He jolted at the thought. As Wyatt tossed the pasta with the vegetables, a red pepper flew through the air and landed on the place setting.

  “Do I look that hungry or are you trying to start a food fight?”

  He laughed but didn’t dare confess his train of thought.

  Charlotte arranged the silverware and got them each another bottle of sparkling water.

  “Do you have any lemon or lime?”

  Wyatt pointed to a basket and she cut up a few slices of each, adding them to the water.

  “This looks perfect. Thank you,” she said as they sat down.

  “Thank you for coming here and for trusting me.”

  She nodded slowly.

  Wyatt lifted his glass. “I say we toast to the next few days being a break from responsibilities and a time for relaxation.” They clinked glasses.

  Although he’d intended the words to uplift, if not set her up for an easeful visit, her posture stiffened. She was quiet as they dug into the meal.

  “What do you think?” he asked.

  She set down her fork and leaned back in the chair. “I just can’t stop thinking about all the court fees and being dragged through the mud again.” As she spoke, she glanced down at the bowl of pasta for a beat. “Oh. You meant what do I think about the meal. Not what I’m thinking about.” Her cheeks went red like the tomatoes from the garden.

  “That is what I meant, but unless the meal is awful, I’d rather hear you tell me more about what’s actually on your mind.”

  “It’s absolutely delicious. Rivals Sydney’s—” She swallowed thickly.

  Wyatt set down his fork. “Charlotte, forgive me for being forward or overstepping, but it seems to me you have three things going on in your life that have gotten more tangled than Norm’s reins.”

  Her eyebrows bunched together.

  “It’s an old expression. First, you have a father who never knew about you, who abandoned your family, and through doing so probably caused you a great deal of heartache. He shows up and for all intents and purposes seems like he’s stalking you and attempting to go after your inheritance.” Wyatt shook his head. “Then Sydney, who was like a father to you and then became a best friend. The pain tugs on your heart in ways that only those of us who’ve lost loved ones can possibly understand.”

  She gave a small nod.

  “Then there’s your ex, who, pardon my saying is a first-class numpty. He gives his daughter toys instead of his attention and affection. He’s—”

  “He’s never gotten on the floor and played with her. In fact, he hasn’t properly seen her since she was two. He came to a dance recital but left before she came off the stage. He’s—”

  “He’s not getting anything else from you or her as far as I’m concerned.”

  “But he’s trying. He has lawyers and—” She paused, probably at the dar
k shadow Wyatt knew crossed his features. It was one of stony determination.

  “I’m well versed in international law as far as finances go. Although I cannot represent you, I know people who can. And what I am one hundred percent certain of is neither your ex nor your father can have a dime of yours.” Wyatt had not read the details of the letter from her ex’s lawyer, but had ascertained the guy was a good for nothing, money grubbing loser.

  “That’s sweet of you, Wyatt. But Will has already offered. It’s not about the money. For all I care, they can have it. I just don’t want the stress of being in and out of the courtroom again. The divorce was bad enough.”

  Wyatt had the urge to reach across the table and draw her into his arms. To hug her. He wasn’t sure why she didn’t like money and was willing to give it all away, but he did understand why she didn’t want to go through the legal process. He’d been there and it was no ride on a trail to watch the sunset.

  “My offer stands. If you’d at least like me to look things over for you, review the terms, and point you in a direction—or, I’d be happy to show either of those two men lefty and righty,” he mumbled, tightening his fists.

  Charlotte’s eyes widened.

  He was only half joking and showed her that half with a soft smile. “Don’t worry, I wouldn’t hurt anyone, but I hate the thought of either of them hurting you.”

  Her striking eyes flickered with warmth and then she flicked them back to her plate of food. “I have copies in my phone, so I’ll take you up on that. Thanks, Wyatt.”

  He clapped his hands together to loosen the tension. “Now, how about that dessert.” From his bag, which was still on the floor in the entry, he produced two silver foiled candies and tucked them in his palm.

  Charlotte set the dishes in the sink.

  Then he led Charlotte over to the large windows overlooking the ranch. “Before we have dessert, I have a promise to make you. Well, two. One: I will do whatever I can to make sure neither your father nor your ex-husband causes you more trouble. Do you accept that?”

  “Do I have a choice?”

  “Always but this seems pretty straight forward.”

  “Okay. Yes. Thank you.”