The Billionaire's Cowboy Groom (Sweet Billionaires Book 4)

by Lorana Hoopes

  Cal placed his hand on Carrie’s. “Carrie, I’m sure your dad is proud of you. You are an amazing woman.” His other hand stroked her face, and she leaned into it. Oh, how Cal wanted to kiss her. He wanted to hold her in his arms and kiss all the hurt and pain away. It made sense now, this drastic change from the carefree girl he had married to the focused woman in front of him now.

  As if Carrie sensed his desire, she pulled away from his touch and stood up. “Anyway, enough of my past. We should head back to the inn. Maybe we can help Dixie out.”

  Disappointment flooded Cal, but he nodded and stood. He would continue trying. Whatever it took, he would keep trying.

  * * *

  The ride back into town was quiet, but Cal pointed out a few of the more memorable places on the outskirts of town, like Norma’s and Fannie’s place before continuing to the inn. Carrie hoped Dixie would need some help. She needed a break from Cal and his magnetism.

  She’d almost kissed him back there when he’d asked about her father. The moment had been perfect with his hand on her cheek, but then she’d thought of Philippe. Philippe had never inquired about her father. Of course, to be fair Philippe hadn’t known her before her father passed away, but he had never asked about any of her family.

  A touch on her elbow brought her back to the present. “We’re here. You ready?”

  “Yeah.” Carrie tucked her hair behind her ears and pulled back her shoulders. She could do this. She could get through the evening without thinking about kissing Cal.

  Inside, the inn was a flurry of activity. Carrie almost didn’t even recognize the place. The furniture in the living room had been pushed to the walls to open up the floor and beautiful flower arrangements filled the room.

  “I can see Rose has been here,” Cal said with a slight chuckle as he scanned the room.

  “Who’s Rose?”

  “She runs the local flower shop. Ironic, right?”

  Carrie grinned at him. “Um, that’s not really irony, but it is interesting.”

  Tiny creases erupted at the top of Cal’s nose. “What’s irony then?”

  “Well, there’s three types but the one you mean is situational irony. That’s when an event is contrary to what one expects and is often amusing because of it.”

  The creases deepened. “And that’s not the same thing as Rose running the flower shop?”

  “Not quite.” Carrie smiled and swatted his arm playfully. “Let’s go see if Dixie needs any more help.”

  They found Dixie in the kitchen surrounded by piles of goodies. “Oh good,” she said when she spotted them, “I’m not sure where the rest of my helpers went. Can you two bring all this to the dining room? We’re going to set it up on tables and let guests grab what they want.”

  “Sure, Dixie, we’d be happy to.” Cal picked up a few of the trays and Carrie followed suit. They passed through the swinging door and into the dining room where a woman was hanging a sign that read ‘Happy 100 Years!’

  “Hey, Rose,” Cal said as he placed a tray down on one of the tables. “The living room looks great.”

  “Thanks.” She finished attaching the last corner of the sign and turned to them. “Next time, I hope Dixie gives me more notice though. I had to freehand the sign.” She glanced at Carrie. “I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Rose.”

  “Carrie.” Carrie shook her hand. “I’m a friend of Cal’s.”

  Rose shot Cal a look but to Carrie she said, “Nice to meet you. Why don’t you two go into the living room? I can help Dixie finish in here.”

  “No one was in the living room,” Cal began but the sound of music cut him off. “I stand corrected. Apparently, there is now. Shall we, Carrie?”

  “Sure.” Carrie followed him out of the dining room and back toward the living room where an older couple now danced slowly around the floor. Other guests?

  “I’d love to fill your dance card. What do you say?” Cal’s eyes sparkled in the light, and tiny gold flecks appeared that reminded Carrie of fireflies though it had been ages since she had seen one.

  Fireflies rarely appeared in New York, but Carrie remembered one summer when her parents took her camping. Out in the dark, they had zipped back and forth amazing and delighting her with their color.

  Carrie blinked to shake the pull of Cal’s gaze. She should say no. It probably wasn’t right for her to be dancing with Cal, especially with the crazy feelings that kept popping up randomly - feelings that perhaps she should be with Cal instead of Philippe. But they were simply that, crazy, impetuous feelings that meant nothing. Those feelings had gotten her married to a stranger in the first place, and she wasn’t that spur-of-the-moment impetuous girl any more.

  “I doubt it is in danger of filling up,” Carrie said with a teasing smile as she glanced around the room, “but sure.”

  Cal chuckled, and Carrie smiled at the sound. It was rich and velvety and relaxed, not at all like Philippe’s laugh which always sounded tight and forced to Carrie. She shook her head as Cal took her hand and led her to the middle of the floor. She had no business comparing Philippe to Cal. Cal was her past and Philippe was her future, wasn’t he?

  As his arms wound around her waist, her thoughts drifted back to Gwen’s wedding. Philippe wouldn’t even dance with her there, but Cal spun her around the small wooden floor as if there was no place he’d rather be. Her mind flashed back even further, and she remembered dancing in Cal’s arms in Vegas. He hadn’t been self-conscious then either. He had twirled her effortlessly around that floor as well. No two left feet for him.

  Her eyes glanced furtively to his face. The dark stubble on his cheeks called to her and before she could stop it, her hand was on his cheek. His feet slowed and then stopped. Time seemed to stand still as his eyes bore into hers. The gold flecks in his eyes danced, and Carrie found herself getting lost in them before her own eyes closed.

  When his lips touched hers, a spark erupted in her soul. Was this what she had been missing the last six years? The reason she had run from every other man? Suddenly, the realization of what she was doing sunk in and she pushed back from Cal. “I’m sorry. We shouldn’t have done that. I need…. I need some time.” The pained expression on his face gave her pause, but she couldn’t focus on that right now. She needed to sort through her feelings or distance herself from Cal, so she could at least think.

  “Wait,” Cal called out. “Can I at least pick you up for church in the morning?”

  Church. Yes, that’s what she needed. Church would ground her and remind her of what was important in her life. Her job, her friends, Philippe. “Sure. See you then.” Then she dashed up the stairs to her room.

  * * *

  “Oh, dear, I certainly wasn’t expecting that reaction,” Dixie said as she came over to Cal.

  “I was. She’s remembering what we had and she’s fighting it. I just need more time.” He looked at Dixie. “I’ll be back in the morning to pick her up for church. Can you make sure she’s ready?”

  “Of course.”

  Chapter 11

  Confusion still clouded Carrie‘s mind when she came down the next morning for breakfast, and she hoped Dixie wouldn’t ask what had happened. After leaving Cal, she had prayed about the situation asking for clarity, but none had come. She still felt torn in two different directions.

  “Morning, Carrie,” Dixie said as Carrie entered the dining room. “What would you like this morning?”

  “Actually, I’ll take the pancakes today.” Comfort food sounded delicious this morning, and she could always work it off later.

  “All right, I’ll be right back.”

  Carrie took the opportunity to fill up a mug of coffee and pick a table. When Dixie appeared a moment later with her food, Carrie motioned for her to join her. “Dixie, I went by the general store yesterday, and you’re right. Their selection is lacking. What kind of clothes would you most like to see if there was a store here?”

  Dixie’s eyes twinkled. “Are you thinking of opening a
shop here, Carrie Bliss?”

  “Not me personally. I have to stay in New York, but I’m thinking of finding someone who might like to open a shop here.”

  “Oh.” The disappointment was palpable in Dixie’s voice, but she quickly mustered a smile. “Well, I guess clothes like you were wearing yesterday. Some flowing shirts, skirts, and pants. And more colors offered. I love plaid, but occasionally I’d like to wear something else.”

  Carrie chuckled at that. “Their selection didn’t give a lot of options in that area to be sure. Well, I’d love to get your measurements later and send you some design sketches. Maybe while I’m working on finding someone to open the shop, I could at least send you some designs to wear to drum up anticipation.”

  Dixie clasped her hands together and smiled. “That would be lovely, and I would happily wear anything you sent.”

  “Okay, this afternoon or evening then.”

  As Dixie scooted back to the kitchen, Carrie took a bite of her pancake enjoying the warm buttery flavor of the fluffy flapjack. She’d have to put in an extra workout when she got home, but it would be worth it.

  * * *

  Cal entered the inn unsure of what to say to Carrie. Did he bring up the kiss? Pretend it hadn’t taken place? He didn’t want to pretend it hadn’t happened; he wanted it to happen again and often. But she was still figuring out her heart and as hard as it was, he needed to give her time to do that.

  Carrie, thankfully, saved him the hassle of deciding. She stood in the doorway of the dining room, clearly finished with breakfast and waiting for him. “I hope this will do,” she said indicating her pantsuit. “I hadn’t planned on attending church while I was here, so I didn’t bring my normal attire.”

  “Well, as you may have figured out, it’s a farming and ranching small town community. We’re pretty laid back around here, and while most people dress nicer for the Good Lord, I doubt anyone will say anything to you as a guest. Besides, what you’re wearing now is nicer than a lot of people around here wear.”

  “Good. Now about last night. I let myself get carried away by the music and the atmosphere, but I promise it won’t happen again.”

  Cal nodded and forced his disappointment down. “Whatever you say.” He held out his arm to her, but she glanced down at it and then shook her head. Right, so she didn’t want to touch him. Was that a good thing as it showed he clearly had an effect on her or a bad thing as if she’d reformed her wall and would no longer be persuaded?

  They exited the inn and climbed into his truck. It wasn’t far to the church, but the cool air still lingered after the recent rains. Cal didn’t want to chance Carrie’s catching cold or getting drenched again before they reached the small church.

  As he drove, Cal hoped the Soda Spurs church would appeal to Carrie. He loved the small-town appeal, and he thought if she gave it a chance that she would as well.

  The small parking lot was nearly full when they arrived, and Cal had to circle the lot to find an empty space. It wasn’t usually this full, but perhaps more people had driven today instead of walking as they often did.

  “Huh, I didn’t realize this many people lived in this town,” Carrie said as he parked the truck.

  Oh no, was the snarky Carrie reappearing? He had thought she had gone away after dinner the first night, but perhaps she had just been taking a break. Cal sneaked a glance at Carrie’s face, but the snide expression didn’t reside there. Instead, the corners of her mouth twitched as if she was fighting the urge to smile. Was she teasing him?

  “There’s a lot about this town you don’t know,” Cal said as they approached the front door. “For example, I bet you were unaware we have a real-life billionaire in this town.”

  Carrie’s head whipped his direction, and she turned accusatory eyes on him. “Who told you?”

  “Who told me?” Cal’s forehead wrinkled. That was an odd question for her to ask. “I think it’s common knowledge around here.”

  “It is?” Her voice had a frantic edge to it which he didn’t understand.

  “Yeah, but even if it weren’t, I’m fairly certain I’d know because Sam has worked on my truck.”

  “The billionaire’s a mechanic?” Confusion filled Carrie’s voice, and her head titled to the side as she regarded him.

  “What? No, the mechanic is married to the billionaire. Look, there he is now.” Cal nodded discreetly at the couple approaching on the sidewalk. “That’s Brent McKasson. He used to be an actor in action movies. Played Derek McCloud.”

  “Why would a billionaire actor live here?” Carrie asked.

  “Because he found love.” Though he hadn’t said the words at her, he sneaked a glance to gauge her reaction.

  Her mouth opened, then closed as if she were trying to formulate the right words. Then her eyes flicked to Brent and Sam before darting back. “What does he do now?”

  Cal smiled at the hint of interest he heard in her voice. Maybe if she realized some other city dweller had found a reason to stay here, she might find one as well. “He writes now. Gave up acting and pens novels. And he’s happy.” He added the last part just to emphasize the point a little more.

  Carrie raised an eyebrow at him, but before she said anything more, Tina greeted them at the front door.

  “Good morning, Cal, I see you’ve brought a friend.”

  She was fishing for answers as to who his pretty friend was, and Cal obliged her - to a point. “Hello, Tina, this is my friend, Carrie.”

  A twinkle flashed in Tina’s eyes, and Cal expected she would want more details soon, but Tina was too poised to say anything to cause a guest discomfort. Instead, she turned her kind eyes and her motherly gaze to Carrie.

  “Welcome, Carrie, I hope you’ll enjoy your visit with us.”

  “I’m sure I will.”

  “Tina is the pastor’s wife,” Cal whispered as he led Carrie into the sanctuary.

  Carrie nodded as two small figures raced toward them. “Uncle Cal,” they shouted.

  “Hey guys.” He dropped to his knees to give his niece and nephew a hug.

  “When are you going to come visit us again, Uncle Cal?” Annie asked. Her light brown hair was pulled into pigtails today, and her bright blue eyes twinkled as she grabbed his hand.

  “Soon, Annie, I promise.”

  “How about for lunch this afternoon after church?” Stacy asked as she approached with Jim right behind her.

  “Stacy, I’ve got company in town.” Cal glanced at Carrie who seemed to be watching the scene with amusement.

  “So bring her,” Jim spoke up. “The more the merrier. Stacy cooks for an army anyway.”

  Stacy swatted his arm playfully. “I’m afraid you’ve got that a little backward - you eat like an army - but we would love to have you, Carrie.”

  “Oh, um.” Carrie looked to Cal as if asking what he wanted to do. Cal wasn’t sure submitting Carrie to his crazy family was such a good idea but declining the offer now would break Annie’s and Tyler’s hearts, and they were already staring up at him with puppy dog eyes. Plus, they were charming. Maybe they could help him convince Carrie to stay.

  “Fine. We’ll come to lunch, but only if Carrie agrees to let me make her breakfast tomorrow.”

  “Cal, I have to be getting back to New York,” Carrie said.

  “Well, you have to eat even if you leave tomorrow. So, what’s the harm in breakfast?”

  Her lips mashed together forming a tight line, and he could tell she was trying to decide how much to say in front of his family. “Fine, breakfast. It will give us a chance to talk.” She flashed a pointed look his direction that told him she was ready for a decision.

  Cal hoped by tomorrow morning they would be talking about starting a life together, but he would have to step up his game. He couldn’t keep her here forever - he knew that.

  “Okay, great,” Stacy said quickly. She must have sensed the tension in the air. “We have to drop these two munchkins off, but we’ll see you this afternoon, okay?�
��

  “We’ll be there.” Cal watched as his sister and her family walked back toward the Sunday school room hallway before turning to Carrie. “I’m sorry. I’ve been promising them I would get over to visit them, and I just couldn’t break their hearts again.”

  “You guys are close then?”

  “Yeah, Stacy is my account manager and she helps out around the ranch. We’ve always been fairly close, but after my parents moved away, we became even closer.”

  “That’s nice, but Cal, we do need to talk about the papers.”

  “Not here though,” Cal said continuing into the larger room. “Right now, it’s God’s time.”

  Chapter 12

  Carrie had thought she would feel uncomfortable and out of place in the little church. After all, the church she attended in New York was much larger and flashier, but she had found the church quaint and friendly. People had greeted her with smiles and warm handshakes and more names than she would ever remember. The music had been nice, the pastor a good speaker, and overall the place had seemed… genuine.

  Carrie’s mind had even wandered at times, conjuring up images of her attending this church with Cal on a regular basis before she shook herself back to reality. She wasn’t staying. She was going home. To Philippe. The need to remind herself of that played over in her head like a broken record. Philippe was her fiancé. New York was her home. Soda Spurs was a momentary bump in her road.

  “What did you think?” Cal asked as he held the truck door open for her.

  “It was nice. Homey. I can understand why you like it.” Though she’d never lived in one, she was beginning to perceive the charm of a small town. At her church, people said hello, perhaps they even gave you their name, but little connection continued beyond that. Here, people knew each other - the good, the bad, and the ugly. Their hellos and handshakes seemed much more genuine and Carrie couldn’t deny there was an attraction to that - to friends who knew you as opposed to fellow believers who greeted you and forgot your name ten seconds later.