Wives For The Western Billionaires 6
The Alluring Billionaire Country Doctor
Randolph Brodie had planned his whole life, and then he went in another direction to become a country doctor. He loved the work. But his fiancé refused to consider living in a small town. Rand questioned his feelings for her. He found it too easy to go without her. Now he's looking forward to being free of any commitments.
Then he meets Marian Gaenor. She wants a husband, a home, and family. When they meet for the second time, they both realize the spark is there and they can't ignore it. But Rand wants to have fun and Marian wants more. Rand's receptionist gets sick and Marian fills in. They're thrown together in a different setting, and Rand is impressed with her work. But Rand's friend keeps reminding him to play the field. After Marian leaves without telling him, Rand fears he's let the best thing in his life go.
Genre: Contemporary, Western/Cowboys
Length: 36,674 words
THE ALLURING BILLIONAIRE COUNTRY DOCTOR
Wives For The Western Billionaires 6
Paige Cameron
EVERLASTING CLASSIC
Siren Publishing, Inc.
www.SirenPublishing.com
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A SIREN PUBLISHING BOOK
IMPRINT: Everlasting Classic
THE ALLURING BILLIONAIRE COUNTRY DOCTOR
Copyright © 2012 by Paige Cameron
E-book ISBN: 978-1-61926-917-0
First E-book Publication: July 2012
Cover design by Les Byerley
All art and logo copyright © 2012 by Siren Publishing, Inc.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission.
All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.
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DEDICATION
To my nephew, who knew what he wanted and
moved from sunny Florida to cold Montana and is loving it.
THE ALLURING BILLIONAIRE COUNTRY DOCTOR
Wives For The Western Billionaires 6
PAIGE CAMERON
Copyright © 2012
Prologue
Randolph Brodie wandered around the people gathered at his brother’s wedding reception. Dirk and Chelsea had said their vows at the small church in Frontier City. Their reception at the ranch was a large barbecue. Children ran around playing while their parents and other guests enjoyed visiting.
Dr. Neels strolled over to him. “Let me introduce you to some of the townspeople. If you’re really serious about joining me, then they’ll want to have a look at you.” He grinned. “We’ll start with the most difficult, Mrs. Lacey. She’s a determined, nosy old lady, but you’ll come to love her as I do.”
Rand followed Dr. Neels, and he introduced Mrs. Lacey. She was sharp tongued, gave him a once-over, and told Dr. Neels he could do worse.
“At least he’s easy on the eyes,” she said. They were both chuckling when they moved on.
After meeting too many people to ever remember all their names, Dr. Neels took mercy on him. “I see a pretty girl standing alone under that tree.” He nodded to the right. “If I was young, I’d go introduce myself.”
Glad to have a chance to wander off, Rand headed toward the blonde who’d stood up with Chelsea at her wedding.
“Hello,” Rand said. “I’m Rand Brodie.”
“Marian Gaenor.” She put out her hand. “Chelsea’s my best friend.”
He wrapped his hand around hers and stared into sherry-brown eyes. She smiled, and his body jumped to attention. Her sweet floral fragrance blew across his face. He suddenly wanted to pull her body close against his.
Wow, he hadn’t expected such a response. He liked women, but this was different. He dropped her hand like it was a hot potato.
“It was a nice wedding,” he said. His brain was refusing to work on all cylinders.
“I’m happy for her. Your brother, Dirk, is a great guy. I think they’ll be very happy.”
Rand glanced at the newlyweds. They were glowing and staring into each other’s eyes. Friends and family looked on, smiling. He turned back to Marian.
“If you’d like, I’ll introduce you to some more of my family.”
“Please do. I’d love to meet them. I arrived late last night and missed meeting everyone at the rehearsal dinner.”
He watched her as he made the introduction to his mother and Clay. Actually, he couldn’t take his eyes off of her. He managed to stay at her side while they meandered around the yard. But then, when they got to Dirk and Chelsea, Marian stood to the side to talk with Chelsea, and Dirk turned to Rand.
“I’m sorry Anna couldn’t come.”
“She had previous plans.”
“You still planning to move here?”
Chelsea and Marian had been talking, but he knew they heard his and Dirk’s discussion. Marian glanced his way. His brother had burst his balloon. Not on purpose. “Yes, I’m pretty certain I’ll take the job.”
“Anna’s agreeable?” Dirk asked and raised an eyebrow.
“Maybe. Well, actually, I haven’t told her yet.”
“Ah!”
“I’m g
oing to tell her as soon as I get back to the city.” When Rand glanced toward Chelsea, he saw Marian had walked off.
“She has to catch a plane in a few hours to get back to New York for work tomorrow,” Chelsea said. “She said to tell you good-bye.”
He could run and catch her. But for what purpose? He was still engaged, and she was too appealing. He had enough problems to work out without adding temptation to the list.
Chapter One
Randolph Brodie dreaded the upcoming date with his fiancée, Anna. He’d been back a few days since the wedding, and because he and Anna were both busy they hadn’t had time for any long discussions. She wasn’t going to be happy with his plans. He parked in front of her apartment building and went inside, up the elevator, and knocked on her door.
“Rand darling.” Anna drew him inside. “I’ve missed you. This past week has been rush, rush, rush. Sit and I’ll pour you a glass of wine.”
She went to the small bar built into an alcove off to the side of the living room and filled a wineglass from an open bottle of zinfandel. “Enjoy. I’ll just be a moment then I’ll be ready to leave.” She started to walk toward her bedroom.
“Anna, please join me. Before we go out I need to talk with you about something.”
She sat across from him on the sofa. “You look worried. Don’t tell me you haven’t decided between the two offices you looked at last week.”
“I’m not going to get an office here in the city.”
Anna frowned. “I don’t understand.”
“As you know, I’ve made several visits home in the past few months. I’ve been stopping in to see Dr. Neels.” He stopped and took a swallow of his wine.
“The country doctor that took care of you and all your family. I remember you mentioning him in the past.”
“Yes. He’s gotten older. He’s going to fully retire in another year or so. I rode out with him on some calls, and I realized I want to be a country doctor. It’s so different. You really know your patients, and every day is interesting and challenging.” The shock on her face did not bode well for him.
“You’re kidding.”
“I’m sorry, but I’m not. I hope you’ll come with me.”
“To live and practice in the middle of nowhere.” Her voice rose to a high pitch. She jumped up and paced across the living room floor.
Anna was a beautiful woman. Her long blonde hair swished around her. She was tall and had lush curves. Any man had to be insane to take a chance on losing her. But he’d thought about his decision for several months and had applied for his Montana license. If he gave up this opportunity for Anna, he wouldn’t be happy. Eventually their relationship would suffer.
She stopped pacing and sat down. Her porcelain skin had turned a rosy red. “I will not live on a ranch or in a tiny town. My job is here. You know I’m considering an offer from one of the top dermatology clinics in this area.” She put her hands out toward him. “I’m sure you enjoyed seeing the old doctor. It’s natural you had a sudden thought that you might like to work with him. In a week or two you’ll realize what a big mistake that would be for your career.” She got up. “I’ll finish my makeup. We’ll go on to dinner.” Stepping in front of him, she leaned down and kissed his mouth. “Wait and see if I’m not right.”
It had not gone as he’d expected. Surprisingly, she had not thrown her ring at him. In a way he wished she had. This was going to be much more difficult.
Still, she might be right. He doubted it. Anyway, he’d wait as she said for a few more weeks. Then, if he still felt the same, he’d call Dr. Neels and accept the job.
* * * *
Rand’s best friend, Andy Joyce, had invited him to lunch in the hospital cafeteria. Andy had chosen a small table in the back of the room. Evidently he wanted privacy. Anna must have asked him to talk to Rand.
“Thanks for the invite to such a luxurious eatery,” Rand said, putting a teasing note in his voice, hoping to ward off any serious conversation.
Andy grinned. “I know it’s your favorite place.”
Rand put his plate on the table and then set the tray to the side. “How are you doing?”
“Been busy as we all have since finishing our residencies. I’m thinking of joining one of the internal medicine groups here in the city,” Andy said.
“They’d be lucky to get you. You’re a damn fine internist.”
“How about you? How long are you going to work part-time in the emergency room? I know you’ve had several lucrative offers.”
“Anna called you.”
“She begged me to talk with you. You know I’m a pushover for any woman who gets tears in her eyes. Have you changed your mind?”
“No, and I’m not going to. When I went home for my brother Dirk’s wedding, I took time to see Dr. Neels again. I went on a few calls with him. I’m convinced the job’s the right one for me. Anna has the perfect job for her here. There isn’t any way to make it work.”
“Bummer. You’ll break the engagement?”
“Hopefully she will. It hasn’t been an easy decision. But I think she and I might have just gravitated together during our medical school years.” Rand took a bite of his sandwich.
“What do you mean?”
“I’m not sure how much true emotion was involved. I took an extra year of residency in gerontology so we’d finish together. We had our plans laid out. It was almost a businesslike decision.” Rand shook his head. “I shouldn’t be able to turn away from it all so easily.”
“Women are different. I doubt she’s going to feel the same.”
Rand took a deep breath. “No. I expect it will get nasty before it’s over.”
“Man, I don’t envy you. I warned you, you needed to take your time before tying yourself down. Play the field, man. Don’t jump into the frying pan for a long time after this.”
“I won’t. Damn, this is a mess. I don’t want to hurt her.”
* * * *
Anna opened the door. She wore a silky blue top, black slacks, and black sandals. Her blonde hair was pulled back into her familiar bun.
“Come in. I thought about suggesting we meet at Manuel’s for dinner, but this is better. We need privacy.” She went to the bar and poured him a bourbon and water and her a martini.
“We’re hitting the hard stuff tonight.” Rand tried to tease and smile, but it fell flat when she frowned.
“Sit down. This is not a joking matter.” Anna sat in a chair beside an end table. Rand took the couch. “I can’t believe you’re going through with this. We’ve planned our lives together. Why are you determined to destroy everything?”
“Anna, did you ever think maybe we’d be better friends than we would be spouses?”
“What? We get along, and we’re good in bed together.”
“Yes, but is there the excitement you expected?” He knew he was on rocky ground and any minute might get her martini in his face. Anna had a temper.
“How ridiculous. Have you been reading romance novels?” She gave a harsh laugh. “All that nonsense about rockets going off and being overwhelmed. It’s all in the writer’s mind. We’re normal, happy people.”
“I went to Dirk’s wedding.”
“I know. I’m sorry I couldn’t go with you.”
“It’s all right. I understood you’d already made other plans. But I watched Dirk and his new wife, Chelsea. They were glowing, and they kept touching each other every chance they got. We’ve never been that way.”
“I’m not a touchy person. You know that.”
“I do. I’ve taught myself to not touch you too much. But I want a wife I can touch. One who’ll glow for me. My hope for you is you’ll find a husband who can make you feel that way. I don’t.”
Anna stared at him, speechless. She gulped her martini and went to her bar and refilled.
“Wait a minute. I thought this started about you wanting to take a job in Montana. Now it’s about us? Is this how you justify ending our relationship?” She took
another swig of her drink.
“I want to be honest. I think we both deserve more. I realized it shouldn’t be easy for me to leave you for a job. That made me think about us.” He started to move closer.
Anna waved him off. “Get back on the couch.”
“Look. Let’s wait a few days and talk again. I really don’t want to hurt you. You’re beautiful, smart, personable, everything a man could want.”
“Except you.” Her face hardened. “Get out. I’ll call you when, or if, I want to see you.”
Rand left. His stomach knotted. He hadn’t handled that well. For the first time in his life he felt like an ass.
* * * *
Anna shut the door and freshened her drink. She intended to get soused. She turned on her classical music, kicked off her shoes, and lay on the couch.
She was a planner, and in a few minutes Rand had torn down every block she’d built in the plan for their life. She ticked them off in her head. They’d be successful doctors in their field, busy with work, and making themselves known in the right circles.
In about five years they’d have their one child. Well, she hadn’t discussed that with Rand. He came from a family of six. Anna shuddered at the thought he might want a large family. She wasn’t fond of children, nor sex really. But she was a great pretender. Evidently she hadn’t fooled Rand.
Good grief, she’d never suspected he wanted fireworks and lots of touching. Anna emptied her drink and walked out on her balcony. Twinkling city lights shone in every direction. The beat of the busy metropolitan area hummed through her. This was where she belonged.
Cameron, Paige - The Alluring Billionaire Country Doctor [Wives For The Western Billionaires 6] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) Page 1
