Catch Me a Cowboy (Wattle Valley, #1)

by Jacquie Underdown

  All her expectations were being surpassed—the beauty of the location, the grandness of the farmhouse, and not to mention the integrity of the cowboy.

  After letting go of her hand, he grabbed a face washer from a small cupboard and handed it to her. ‘Please, take some time to clean up. I’ll wait for you in the living room.’

  Emily smiled more genuinely now. He didn’t need to be so attentive, he could easily play along with the angle the directors were taking. He hadn’t needed to give the director a piece of his mind, but he had and she was impressed and grateful.

  Or was this all part of the game? In the end, there were television ratings at stake here.

  After cleaning up as much as she could, though her shirt would be ruined, she met with Wil in the living room. Wil’s smile was wide and warm and had a hint of cheekiness. She smiled back, her heart melting more so. He met her in the middle of the room with a kiss on her cheek. Though brief, the light brush of his warm lips, the prickle of his stubble, and the scent of pure man was enough to overload her senses. And the size of him, the presence he had, did crazy things with her hormones. Without permission, her eyelids closed for a moment longer than usual.

  When Wil stepped back and set his blue gaze on hers, her heart stuttered and her breath caught. This man was doing wickedly wonderful things with her biology. Emily had never been this physically attracted to a man before. Ever. It was distracting and titillating. She was losing her train of thought … whatever she had been thinking was important, wasn’t.

  ‘Feeling better?’ he asked.

  She nodded, smiled, and forced her mind to remember how to speak. ‘Yes. I appreciate your help in the matter.’ There was an incriminating tone in her voice, intended for the director standing at the back of the room.

  Wil pressed a hand to her shoulder and Emily hid the shudder that surged through her to feel his big hand so comfortable on her body. He gestured towards the lounge with the other.

  They took a seat side by side with a polite distance between them.

  ‘Welcome to the Parker farm, Emily,’ he said.

  ‘Thank you for having me here. It’s absolutely stunning, more so than I could have ever imagined.’

  ‘I’m extremely proud of it,’ he said. ‘So tell me a little about yourself?’

  She took a deep breath in and folded her hands on her lap. ‘I’m from Melbourne. I’ve lived there my entire life. I’m a real estate agent.’

  He rested his elbows on his knees and leant closer. ‘Now that would be an interesting job.’

  She giggled. ‘Extremely.’

  ‘Both rewarding and trying, I’d assume?’

  She nodded. ‘A bit like farming, I’m sure.’

  He sat straighter then and laughed. ‘It’s not without its challenges. So tell me, what are you interested in outside of your career?’

  Emily opened her mouth, only to close it. She didn’t have a pat answer for that question. Nor did she have many interests outside of real estate—aside from her cat and finding herself a husband, but she was not going to tell him that. ‘To be honest, I’ve invested a lot of my time into my career, unfortunately at the expense of outside interests. I hadn’t realised …’ she finished with a quiet voice and focused on her lap rather than those eyes of his.

  ‘There are no wrong answers here, Emily.’

  She lifted her gaze to meet his. His expression was serious but gentle and kind.

  ‘We are what we are,’ he said. ‘I’m happy you were truthful about that because I’ve been known to invest too much energy in this farm.’

  Her shoulders settled more naturally. ‘So, tell me about you? How old are you, Wil?’

  ‘I’m twenty-nine.’

  ‘And has farming always been what you wanted to do?’

  He nodded. ‘Since I was a kid, I knew this was going to be my life. I took a short hiatus with a gap-year after high school, then went, ironically, to the city to study Agricultural Science at university.’ He sat up straighter again and leant back against the couch. ‘What made you come on this show?’

  My best friend roped me into it. ‘I’ve had a rocky history with love. I’m ready for something lasting, you know what I mean?’

  He nodded. ‘Yeah. I do. Do you mind if I ask how old you are, Emily?’

  ‘I turned thirty last month. Maybe that milestone has had a lot to do with my change in attitude.’

  ‘How so?’

  She shrugged. ‘I’m at that age where love games are no longer appealing.’

  He chuckled. ‘So you come on Catch Me a Cowboy?’

  She lowered her gaze, grinning bashfully. ‘I know. What was I thinking, right? I say no more love games and I sign up for the biggest one of my life.’

  Both of his brows arched then lowered quickly back into place. ‘Could be the last one you get to play. So go out with a bang, right?’

  She nodded. ‘That’s a positive way of looking at it.’

  ‘That’s a wrap,’ said the director.

  Emily leant into him, smiling, and whispered, ‘Thank you.’

  He winked. ‘And thank you. I’ll see you at dinner tonight.’

  ‘Minus the mud this time,’ she said, giggling.

  ‘Barely even noticed.’

  When Emily went back outside, she had a grin from ear to ear. She was walking on clouds. Cowboy was nothing like what she had expected. No, he was much better and the tingling, buzzing sensation in her veins was evidence of that.

  As she passed Amber, who was making her way in to see Wil, she contemplated shoving her to the ground and pushing her face into the mud. See how she liked it. But she decided against it because she was bigger than that.

  ‘Muddy, much?’ said Amber with smug superiority.

  Cheating bitch, much? Emily could have said it out loud, but she was here to win, not fight with the other contestants. So instead, she smiled even wider and made sure Amber saw it.

  That evening, Emily found her designated place at the long table set up outside under a sparse cluster of trees that were threaded with twinkling fairy lights. The table was stunning, decorated with a white runner, pastel-coloured bunches of native flowers, and shiny tableware.

  A chill chased the slight breeze that gave forth scents so distant from the city—dirt, grass, animals—yet pleasant and calming. Emily settled into a seat and watched the sun sink behind the distant mountains and listened to the chirping insects, mewls from cattle, and squawks from great flocks of birds that flew overhead seeking their beds before nightfall. There were no distant sounds of car engines, truck brakes hissing, or incessant beeping. The country was quiet and peaceful. Her company on the other hand …

  Emily was anticipating elbows and scratches from the other women as they all fought to sit beside Wil, so she was grateful to find their seating positions were pre-designated. She was in the centre, not a distance that was adequate for a conversation with Wil who would be seated at the top end of the table. Glancing at Amber, who was beside Wil’s currently empty seat, she wondered if there was a reason for each contestant to be placed where they were.

  Did Wil request certain women to be seated closer?

  Her eyes narrowed all of their own accord when she had this thought. Despite how lovely Wil had seemed during their introduction earlier today, she did wonder if the personality he presented was, in fact, well-rehearsed disingenuous charm. Or pity for the older, fatter contestant who was shoved into the mud.

  Emily quickly shook those thoughts away, because never in her life had she worried about such nonsense. She had to keep an eye on that type of thinking in the future, or this show was going to eat her alive.

  Up towards the farmhouse, Missy was talking to the camera. Emily could barely make out what she was saying: Twenty gorgeous girls and one hunky cowboy are about to have dinner under the stars. But by the end of the night, ten of the contestants will be going home. Who will be cut? And who will stay for their chance to win the heart of their very own cowboy?<
br />
  Then Wil was on his way, and Emily’s tummy fluttered. He wore jeans, but a dressier shirt tonight, crisp white, along with boots and his white cowboy hat. His gait was long and relaxed as he strode across the field to the table.

  Despite her doubts, her body’s reaction to him couldn’t be ignored. On a biological level, she was looking forward to seeing him again.

  Chapter 11

  Wil strolled down the field. After spending the day with the contestants, who were all lovely and easy to talk to, he was more at ease than he was earlier that morning.

  Wil smiled. ‘Good evening,’ he said tipping his hat.

  The girls replied with a mixture of smiles and pleasantries. Wil noticed the empty chair set at the head of the table for him and irritation struck him. It was bad enough he was the only man here, accompanied by twenty women, let alone being placed at the head of the table as though he was some grand residing patriarch. He lowered his head, shook it, and stood behind Daniella. Placing a hand on her shoulder, he gestured towards his designated chair with his free arm.

  ‘Please,’ he said to Daniella. ‘You take my place. It doesn’t sit right with me that in 2016, the man is still expected to take the head of the table.’

  Daniella, a little flustered, pushed her chair back and made her way to his seat. Meanwhile, Wil sat in her spot, removing his hat and placing it on his lap. The cameras rushed to be repositioned at the silent behest of the director. He had no sympathy because he had already warned them not to portray him as an egocentric arsehole.

  ‘That’s better,’ Wil said, grinning. ‘Not so much the centre of attention now.’ But he couldn’t avoid, head of the table or not, that every pair of eyes was focused on him. This was going to take some getting used to.

  He met Emily’s gaze and smiled. ‘Nice to see the mud didn’t cause any lasting damage.’

  ‘No. But my clothes didn’t fare so well.’

  He grinned. ‘Some minor carnage—’

  ‘Good to see you again, Wil,’ said the brunette beside him, who was a weather girl for a local television station.

  ‘Jennifer, you too.’

  ‘You’re looking rather handsome tonight,’ said the redhead to Wil’s left, curling a long strand of hair between her fingers.

  ‘That’s very kind, Becky.’

  Amber, who had shocked Wil during their private introductions by her forthrightness, leant forwards, so her low-slung top teetered just above her nipples, and said, ‘Ten girls will be leaving after tonight. I’m curious who’s going to survive this cut and who isn’t. What exactly are you looking for in a woman?’

  Wil smiled. ‘Fair question. After all, that’s why we’re here.’ He glanced at the hat on his lap, then lifted his gaze to meet Amber’s. ‘I’m looking for someone who’s kind, intelligent, down-to-earth, and doesn’t mind getting her hands dirty.’ His attention flickered to Emily as he said that last point. His heart thudded because he tried his hardest to avert his attention from her, though, mentally, she was who he was focused upon. Emily was different from the other ladies—unassuming —and he liked that.

  ‘So no specific look? Like blondes or brunettes?’ asked Rachel who was seated beside Emily.

  Becky added, ‘Or redheads?’

  Wil laughed. ‘No, hair colour isn’t a deal breaker.’

  Amber chimed in again, her voice loud but melodious. ‘What would be a deal breaker?’

  ‘You ladies sure are direct.’ He’d never met women like them. But he knew the answer without a doubt. After his marriage ended in betrayal and outright lies, he detested dishonesty more than anything else. ‘Dishonesty would be a deal breaker.’ He pressed his palms to the table and looked around at his table of guests. ‘It’s just as important that you’re happy with me. So what do you all want in a partner?’

  Becky jumped in quickly. ‘Humour.’

  ‘A gorgeous smile,’ said Georgie. ‘Your smile is perfect, Wil.’

  ‘What about you, Amber?’ Wil asked.

  Her lips curled and her blue eyes sparkled under the twinkling fairy lights in the branches above. ‘Tall, blond, with blue eyes. Looks great in a cowboy hat.’

  His cheeks warmed under the heat of her candour. He turned from Amber’s intense gaze and focused on Emily. ‘And what about you?’

  Emily hesitated a moment, as though choosing her words just right. She smoothed her hair and met his eyes. ‘I want someone who’ll make my heart flutter when I see him. Who I can be myself around. I want someone who is thoughtful, ambitious, yet generous with his time and love. I want a man I can see myself loving for the rest of my life.’

  He held her gaze for a long moment, then smiled. That was a good answer.

  A line of waiters rushed past then, filling their glasses with champagne, except for Wil who was poured a beer. The other girls took turns declaring their desires in a partner until their entrees were served—beef cheeks, fresh from the farm, slow braised and served with cauliflower puree. Thankfully no one was vegetarian, or if they were, they were not admitting to it.

  As they ate, the ladies wanted to know about him, and he found it disconcerting. But he had signed up for this show knowing too well his private life was going to be pulled apart, scrutinised. But easy does it, Wil.

  ‘Why farming?’ asked the short-haired blonde sitting across from Amber.

  At least that was an easy question to start with. ‘It’s in my blood. My grandfather started this farm. He cleared the land by hand. Built the road into the place. But, my farming practices are different.’

  Emily narrowed her eyes, leant a little closer across the table. ‘How so?’

  ‘I’ve slowly made changes so it’s now fully organic. My grazing techniques are different. I’ve replenished the soils. Made grass a priority in an attempt to drought proof the station …’ He stopped himself, knowing he could go on about this for hours and bore them all to death. He smiled. ‘It’s important to me.’

  ‘You’ve never done anything else?’ asked Becky.

  ‘I spent twelve months backpacking across the globe. I lived in Melbourne while I studied Agricultural Science. I lecture at the local universities every now and then. But no, other than that, my life is here.’

  Amber flicked her long blonde hair behind her shoulder and smiled cheekily. ‘Have you ever been married?’

  His stomach clenched, as it always did at the mention of his marriage. He wasn’t proud of it. He was certainly not proud of the way it ended. To have the woman he loved cheat on him was not only heartbreaking, it was a massive blow to the ego. For so many years he wondered what he did wrong, where he lacked. Eventually, though, rationality reigned and he knew Billi did what she did for many different reasons, not all were about him. They married too young. And Billi always wanted to leave the country for the city. Wil should have listened. She was never going to be happy out here. And, in the end, never was.

  Wil took a deep breath and pushed a hand through his hair. ‘Yes. I married my high-school sweetheart. But it didn’t work out in the end.’

  ‘How long have you been separated?’ asked an Asian beauty.

  ‘Divorced for three years.’

  ‘So, you’re the marrying type?’ asked Georgie.

  Wil’s gaze met Emily’s as he answered Georgie’s question. ‘Most definitely. Marriage is what I’m after.’ Though it was something he wouldn’t easily fall into again.

  Did he seriously believe this dating show would help him find a wife? Not really. Yet, when he peered at Emily, something inside him felt differently about that. Something inside him said there was potential between them. If he had met her in the local pub, or at a dance, he knew he would have pursued her. Without a doubt. Good old-fashioned chemistry zapped between them and it reared its head the first moment he looked into her honey-brown eyes.

  He also knew, after meeting all of the contestants, that some of them were here for their fifteen minutes of fame, or to further their careers. Many would not move to the coun
try to make a life with him. And that was okay. He’d expected that. And, it made it a little easier to know who to eliminate tonight.

  Chapter 12

  Decision time crept up and was upon them. The contestants formed three rows on the grass where they were for hours earlier that morning. Emily’s muscles were ticking. This was unlike her, but standing here, anticipating going home, had her stomach in knots.

  Wil stood beside Missy, looking deeply apologetic, as he called out ten names. Including Emily’s. Her stomach sank. Her ego was dented to know that she had not lasted a single day. But, then again, she was different from the other girls. They were all barely out of nappies and had resumes that said model, personal trainer and weather girl. One woman was even an ex-Playboy Pet.

  Emily and the nine girls were asked to stand in a group to the left of the other contestants. The corner of shame. Looking across at Wil, a pang of disappointment pulsed through her because she wouldn’t get to know him further. Despite this being a reality dating show, he seemed genuinely like a nice man. And when Emily had signed up for this show, that was the last thing she thought she’d be saying.

  She glanced sidelong at the winning group of women—Amber the busty blonde included. They didn’t appear to be the type of women Wil would choose, based on the small glimpse of his personality he offered her today.

  But men were men.

  No changing that.

  ‘Thank you, ladies, for coming to my home and sharing the day with me,’ said Wil to the winning group of women. ‘You were all truly wonderful company and I regret, deeply, that I’ve had to make this difficult decision after a short space of time. But, unfortunately, you ten ladies will be going home tonight.’

  It took a moment for Emily to realise that Wil was still addressing the other group of women. They were the contestants going home tonight. Not Emily. She gasped and covered her mouth with her palm. Relief flooded her veins—more so than she could understand why.