by Chloe Lang
Then a thought shot through her head like a bullet. This was Wilde, Nevada. Women didn’t have to choose. They could have it all.
God, what a place.
Chapter Eight
Craig held out the reins of his mother’s horse to Mary. “Rosie is gentle.”
“She might be, but she also looks like she weighs a thousand pounds to me.” Mary’s eyes were wide with nervousness and awe. Clearly, she was a city girl. It would be fun teaching her about ranching. It would definitely give him and his brothers more time with her.
“Actually Rosie is about twelve hundred pounds, but she doesn’t want to hurt you.”
“That’s yours?” She pointed at his horse tied to the post.
“That’s Captain,” he said with pride. “He and I are good friends, just like you and Rosie will be. I want you to just walk around the pen with her for a bit. Get comfortable with her before we put you in the saddle.”
Mary patted his mom’s horse. “Rosie, I don’t know a thing about riding a horse. You and Craig will teach me, won’t you?”
When Rosie’s ears twisted around and her head bobbed up and down, Mary laughed.
“You’re a natural. Take her around a few times.”
“My pleasure.” She led the horse around the fence. She leaned in and whispered, “I’m a little nervous, girl. Please be patient with me.”
He grinned. “You’re doing great, Mary. Rosie already seems to like you. One more time around and we’ll get you up in the saddle.”
“How about two more times?”
He laughed. “You’re stalling. But if another round makes you more comfortable, be my guest.”
“It would.” Mary continued whispering to Rosie, but now he couldn’t hear what she was saying to the horse. Whatever it was, by the time she stepped next to him she and Rosie appeared to have bonded with each other.
“You’re doing great.” He couldn’t stop staring into her beautiful eyes. She’s the one. No doubt about it. “You mount a horse from the left side. All you have to do is put your left foot in the stirrup, grab the saddle horn, and swing your leg over.”
She nodded and took a deep breath. “Ready, Rosie?”
His mother’s horse once again bobbed her head up and down, making him believe that Mary and Rosie were actually communicating. Without another word, Mary jumped into the saddle as if she’d been riding her whole life.
“How did I do?” she asked.
“Perfect. You hold onto the horn and I will lead you and Rosie around the pen for a bit until you get comfortable in the saddle.”
“Okay,” she said softly.
When he pulled on the reins, Mary grabbed the horn and held tight.
“Sorry, Rosie. I’m just a little nervous. But you and Craig are making me feel much better about this. Thank you.”
“You’re ready to take the reins.”
“Oh no I’m not.”
In a firm tone, he said, “No more stalling. You’ve got this. You’re a natural. Just ask Rosie.”
“What do you think, Rosie? Is he right?”
Once again, his mother’s horse bobbed her head.
“Okay. If you say so, girl.” Mary looked at him. “I’m ready. Give me the reins.”
He smiled and got up behind her on the saddle. He loved the feel of her body next to his.
“What’s this about?” she asked.
He inhaled her sweet aroma. “Part of the lesson. I’m going to show you how to use the reins. Put your hands here. That’s it.”
In no time she had it down, but he just couldn’t bring himself to let her go solo.
“I think I’ve got it now, Craig,” she said. “You and Rosie have been amazing teachers.”
He gave Rosie a little kick, and she started walking. “Just a couple of times around the pen first. You’re driving. I’m just in the passenger’s seat.”
“Oh, I get it. This is a test.”
He smiled. “Yes it is. And so far you are passing with flying colors.”
After a couple more times around the pen, Mary seemed to get more and more comfortable.
“Whoa, Rosie,” she said. “Oh my God, this is fun.”
“Wait until we leave the pen. It gets better. You think you’re ready to try this on your own now?”
“I do.”
He instantly imagined her saying that to a minister about him and his brothers. She’s the one.
He dismounted. “You are ready, Mary. I’ve never seen anyone learn so quickly before. Let me get Captain and then we can head to my house.”
“I can’t wait to see it.”
“And I can’t wait to show it to you. I’m looking forward to your interview.”
“Are you?” She smiled. “You might want to hold back your verdict until after we finish. I have some tough questions for you.”
“Should I be worried?”
“Maybe. Outside of this place, your family will be seen as quite unusual. In fact, in many states your parents might even be arrested.”
“Then it’s a good thing that they live in Wilde, not someplace else.”
She laughed. “I suppose so. Tell me a little about the town.”
“Folks here don’t judge who and how people choose to love. Happiness comes in many shapes, shades, and sizes. We support each other.”
“Really sounds more like a family to me. Or at least what a family should be like.”
“You nailed it, Mary. That’s really how Wilde is. The whole community is bound together. Like you said, what happens here is unusual to most. Embracing those differences is what makes my town what it is. The best place in the world to live.”
“I can tell you that I am already falling in love with Wilde.”
That’s only the beginning, sweetheart. “We’re going to take the path to the right up ahead. There’s an overlook that I think you will enjoy. You can see a creek below.”
They rode up the path side by side.
When they came to the overlook, he dismounted and offered her his hand.
“How gorgeous.” Mary took his hand and got down on the ground. “This is fun.”
“Yes it is.”
“Captain is a pretty horse. How long have you had him?”
“Seven years. I got him when I turned nineteen.”
She nodded. “You’re three years older than me. What about Dan and Dillon? How old are they?”
“Dan is twenty-seven, and Dillon is twenty-four.”
“Dillon is the youngest? I would have guessed him to be the oldest.”
“Why?” he asked, though he already guessed what her answer would be.
“I don’t know. He just acts like he would be the oldest of the three of you.”
“So Dan and I have been told many times.” Watching her take in the beauty of the ranch, he stood next to her. He put his arm around her. “What do you think of Wilde Ranch, Mary?”
“I’ve never seen anything like it. It’s a little piece of heaven on earth, isn’t it?”
“That’s how my family feels about it. Let’s get back on the horses. My place is a mile up the path.”
Once they were back in the saddles, Mary said, “Tell me something, Craig. What’s it like having four parents?”
“So the interview is already starting?”
“Why not? It’s a beautiful day. I’m on this gorgeous horse. The more questions I get answered the better my article.”
And the more time I spend with you, the closer I get to winning your heart. “My parents have always been great. Growing up in their house was the best. I am proud to be their son.”
Mary sighed. “You’re very lucky.”
“What about your parents? What can you tell me about them?”
She shook her head. “I’m the one doing the interview, mister.” She grinned. “I’ll be the one asking the questions.”
He liked her fire and moxie, but he sensed there was something painful behind her teasing.
They came around the b
end, and his home came into view.
“That’s my home sweet home.”
Her eyes were wide. “You built it when you were eighteen?”
“Started it when I turned sixteen. Took me two years to build. I was still in high school, so I could only work on it nights and weekends. Dan and Dillon helped me, just like I helped them with theirs.”
“It’s beautiful. I love its subtle Asian esthetic.”
“I’m surprised that you caught that.”
“How could I not? The dark wooden deck in the front with the ornamental plants and the pond. Are there koi in it?”
He nodded. “I’ve always been attracted to all things Japanese.” He dismounted and helped her off of Rosie. “Let me get these two to the barn and then I’ll give you the tour.”
“I would like to see the barn, too. The more I immerse myself in your world, the better my article will be.”
“Immerse away, sweetheart.” They led Captain and Rosie into his barn. “It’s small but functional enough for me.”
“It’s incredibly organized. I’m surprised. I thought you were the crazy one of the Wilde brothers.”
“I am,” he said, grabbing her hand and squeezing. He saw her cheeks turn a sweet shade of pink. “But I do like things in their place. Dan and Dillon are the same. We’re products of our parents. We were making our own beds before we were five.”
“So was I, but I imagine it was for different reasons.” The regret in her voice returned.
What kind of childhood had she experienced? He wanted to ask but knew it was too early to push her.
“Should we take off their saddles?” she asked.
“No, but I will give them some water.” He put the hose in the trough and began filling it up. “I’m thirsty. How about you?”
“Very,” she answered.
Chapter Nine
Standing in Craig’s barn, Mary couldn’t get over how comfortable she was being with him. She couldn’t get over his muscled body. That had to be a product of working in his family’s businesses—the mine and the ranch. Hard work but the results were a chiseled frame, nice biceps, and a butt that filled out his jeans so nicely.
“I’ve got beer, wine, or pop.” He led her into his house.
The living room was stunning. The floors were dark solid wood. A large red carpet anchored the black sofa and two chairs together. The floor-to-ceiling windows looked out onto a garden that was just as meticulous as everything else she’d seen of Craig’s, including the barn. Two Asian paintings on silk flanked the fireplace, which was clad in gray stone.
“Wow. This is impressive.”
“Let me show you the rest of it.” He led her into the kitchen, which was sleek and modern. It had an island with barstools. There were no upper cabinets due to the windows that gave a spectacular view to the mountains off in the distance.
“Do you cook?” she asked.
“I do. In fact, I was planning on preparing something for your lunch. Are you hungry?”
She’d never had any man make her a meal. There was something quite attractive about a man who knew his way around a stove. “A little.”
What kind of pop do you like?”
“Just a cola. Any brand. Doesn’t matter to me.”
“Coming right up.” He opened his refrigerator and got out two cans of pop.
She took a sip. “Perfect. Can we finish the tour before lunch? Would you mind if I took some pictures?”
“For your article?” He grinned. “Knock yourself out.”
The house was compact but very efficient—one bedroom and one bath, neat as every other space in the home.
He opened the closet. “I’m really proud of this.”
It was a walk-in with windows. “Craig, this is very organized. I’ve never seen anyone color-coordinate their shirts before.” It was obvious that no woman lived here with him. Though she shouldn’t have cared, knowing he lived alone pleased her.
“That’s the entire tour. Well? What do you think of my place?”
“If you ever want to change careers from mining and ranching, I know some people back in Missouri that would hire you on the spot to design their homes and businesses. This is gorgeous. You sure you didn’t have any help?”
“Not with the furnishings, just the building like I said. Dan and Dillon hammered a lot of nails for me, just like I did for them. But their tastes run different directions from mine.” He smiled. “I’m really glad you like my house. Let’s head into the kitchen and I’ll get our lunch started.”
She nodded and followed him.
“What can I do to help?”
Like his mother had done last night, he declined her offer. “You are my guest, Mary. Just sit down and enjoy your pop. I’ve got this covered.” He pulled out a skillet from a cabinet and some ground meat from his refrigerator. He was moving at lightning speed. He definitely knew his way around a kitchen. “Besides, I want to impress you with my culinary skills.”
“I have some skills of my own.” She took a seat at the island. “I’m just going to have to cook for you and your whole family before I leave Wilde.”
Craig froze in place. “You’re not planning on leaving soon, are you?”
He seemed upset. She wasn’t sure why. “No date is set yet. I want to get your family’s entire story down before I do.”
“How long?” His unblinking eyes locked in on hers.
So intense. “I’ll be here a few days at least. Maybe a week. Your parents are gracious hosts, but I do not want to overstay my welcome, Craig.”
He sighed before returning to preparing their lunch. “Why don’t you start my interview, Mary?”
She brought out her notepad. “Good idea.”
“I know you said that you are the one asking the questions—the reporter. But I have some questions of my own for you. Fair is fair. You ask me one. I’ll give you my answer and then I’ll ask you one. And you give me your answer.”
“You’re used to getting your way, Mr. Wilde. Aren’t you?”
“I am. What do you say? Do we have a deal?”
She thought about all she had left behind in Missouri. She didn’t want to think about the past, only the future. “Depends on your questions, but we can start that way if that’s what you want.”
His sexy smile returned. “Good. You first.”
“Do you know which one of your dads is your biological father?”
He shook his head. “That’s not done in Wilde. All three are my dads. When Dan, Dillon, and I get married, all our children will be just as much mine as they are theirs.”
“I’m sorry to push this, but aren’t you curious which one of them is your real dad?”
“I know it must be hard for someone who hasn’t lived this life, but my brothers and I were raised that they were all three our dads. Me, Dan, and Dillon are their sons. One hundred percent. Pappy Jack, Pop Will, and Dad Tom are equally our fathers to us no matter what. Real dads. It never crosses our mind which of them is our biological parent, as they all play such important roles in our lives and all three show us the same amount of love. Can you see why it wouldn’t matter?”
“The one thing I can see is a generous amount of love, which must be the most important part of growing up in your family.”
“Did you have that kind of love in your family, Mary?”
She felt her eyes well up. His question reached deeply inside her. “My childhood was…was different than yours. Very different.”
“How so?”
She took a deep breath. “That’s another question, but it is my turn. Not yours.”
“No, Mary. You just said ‘different.’ You didn’t really answer my question.”
Might as well answer him. After all, I will be leaving soon and will never see him again. But for some reason that made her sad. “My parents aren’t the affectionate type like yours. They are both lawyers and were always more interested in appearances than in me or my sister Maude. In fact, Maude is only two years older
than me and was more like my mom than our mother was to me. Actually, I was more like her mom, too. We have always clung to each other.”
Craig turned off the stove and came around the island. He put his arms around her and held her close. “You deserve love, Mary.”
She looked up into his eyes. He leaned in and pressed his lips to hers. All the worry she’d been carrying since leaving Springfield melted away in his kiss. She wrapped her arms around his neck. When the kiss ended, the tears that had been dammed up inside her for days could no longer be held back. She felt them stream down her cheeks.
He didn’t say a word but pulled her in tight. She leaned her head into his shoulder and sobbed.
It took her several seconds to gain her composure. “I’m sorry for that, Craig. I must be more tired from my trip than I thought.”
He cupped her chin, and she stared into his unblinking, kind eyes. “I don’t know what the problem is, Mary. But I am here for you. I will always be here for you.”
She didn’t understand how that could be possible. They’d only just met yesterday. But in her heart she knew every word he said was true. She could count on him, no matter what.
Lost to the moment, she tilted her head up and kissed him. The hunger on his lips excited her, adding to her growing desire.
He lifted her up in his arms and carried her into the bedroom. Gently, he lowered her down onto the mattress. He came down beside her and continued kissing her, making her deliciously dizzy. When he started unbuttoning her shirt, she felt tingles spread throughout her body. She wanted this. Needed this. Needed him. On the edge of uncontrollable passion, she unbuttoned his shirt.
When their shirts were tossed to the floor, he removed her bra. “My God, you are so beautiful.” He stared at her with a look of awe, which only made her want him to touch her.
She ran her hand over his muscled chest and six-pack abdomen. “You are, too. Beautiful.”
He pressed his frame on top of her, once again devouring her lips. He sent his tongue deep into her mouth, and she surrendered to his hot kiss. His wicked mouth moved down to her breast, and he swallowed each nipple, one at a time, causing them to tighten and throb. As he circled each bud with his tongue again and again, he removed her jeans and panties.
