Her face heated at the thought. What was the matter with her? She didn’t usually have such erotic daydreams about someone she hardly knew.
Still, even at the wedding, when their hands connected she’d felt a buzz go through her body. And if she wasn’t mistaken, she’d seen a spark in his eyes. Then she’d heard him and his brother talking about Anna and later discovered he was engaged. Bummer. From what he said, he hadn’t broken off his relationship with her. She must have a strong hold on him, since they were living in separate states.
Marian glanced at the clock. She’d put on her walking shoes and go for a brisk hike. She needed to stretch her legs. When she returned, she’d shower and dress for the evening.
Outside, the cool air perked her up. She’d been sleepy. This was better than lying down. In New York she didn’t get near enough exercise.
Her mind went back to the handsome Dr. Brodie. Chelsea had said there were other options, other cowboys. I’ll concentrate on them and forget the doctor. Liar. I admit it won’t be easy. But I have to try.
Hopefully we won’t see much of each other after dinner tonight.
* * * *
“Rand, I’m glad you could make it. All’s quiet out there?”
“For the present. Dr. Neels is covering for me for the next few hours.”
“It’s nice you have him available. When is he fully retiring?” Chelsea asked.
“In about nine months. I need to find a partner by then. I don’t know how he did it alone all these years. He said he and the doctor in the next county covered for each other. Apparently he tried several times to get new doctors to join him, but they all said no after riding with him for a day or two. I may have the same problem.”
“I hope not. Wasn’t there anyone else in your class who might be interested in this type of medicine?” Chelsea asked. She pulled the chicken out of the oven and placed it on the counter. The green beans were bubbling.
“Hi, all.” Dirk breezed into the kitchen. He stopped to pull Chelsea into his arms and kiss her. “I missed you.”
She grinned at her husband. “I missed you, too. I don’t know what it is about cowboys. Once you love one, you can’t get him out of your mind.”
“It’s our lethal charm, darlin’.”
“Get out of here, big head. Go shower. We’re embarrassing your brother. Supper won’t be long. Marian will be here any minute now.” Chelsea glanced out the window. “Why don’t you go to the cabin and tell her to hurry?” she asked Rand.
“Sure.” He strode out and along the path to the cabin. Marian was coming out the door as he arrived.
“I’ve been sent to bring you to dinner.”
“I went for a walk and then lay down for a minute that ended up much longer. The excitement about my first vacation in ages kept me awake last night. It caught up with me after the fresh air and exercise.”
“Your cheeks are pink. You got some sunburn.”
“I didn’t think about using sunscreen with it being so cool. But I ought to have known better.”
He walked slowly back to the big house. “You were good with the Nettles children. Thanks again for the help. You seem comfortable with kids.”
“Thanks. I like babies and children. Although living in New York I don’t have a lot of contact with them. My brothers and sister all stayed in North Carolina. I try to visit twice a year to get my nieces-and-nephews fix.
“I’m the next to oldest of seven. Mom had her hands full. I was the first girl, so I learned a lot early on.”
“Is that why you became a career girl? To get away from domesticity?”
“No. I’d fantasized about working and living in New York for years. And at first having my own apartment, no matter how small, was a treat. The major delight was not having to share the bathroom.”
“Believe me, I fully understand. My small place in town is the first time I’ve lived alone. I’ve been at home or in school with roommates up until now. I’m a late starter.”
Chelsea came to the door. “You two are the slowest walkers I’ve seen. Dinner’s ready.” She grinned and held the door open. When Rand walked past her, he glanced back and saw Chelsea wink at Marian.
Dirk came into the kitchen. His hair was still damp. He’d changed to a clean pair of jeans and a dark-green shirt.
“You two look like a couple,” Dirk teased.
Chelsea swatted him with a kitchen towel. “Be good. You’ve embarrassed our guests. They’re both blushing.”
“No way. Rand never blushes. But I do apologize if I embarrassed you, Marian.” His eyes were lit with mischief.
“Would you like a beer, Rand?”
“I’ll take a soft drink. I might get a call later.”
“All right.” Chelsea handed him a can and shooed him and Dirk out of the kitchen. “I’ll call when dinner is on the table. Marian and I are going to visit and finish your meal.”
Dirk and Rand took their drinks and left the kitchen.
* * * *
“They look a lot alike.”
Chelsea nodded as she started cutting the chicken. “They all resemble each other. The sister is dainty and a blonde, and the younger brother has light-brown hair, but you’d still know they were all from the same family. You’ll see tomorrow. And,” Chelsea added, “I’ve heard Anna is actually going to be there. I haven’t met her yet. I’m glad to see you and Rand are getting along great.”
“Don’t start putting us together. Remember there’s a third, his fiancée.”
“Not for long. See if I’m not right. Here, whip up the potatoes. I’ll put the chicken on the table.”
Dinner was delicious, and Marian enjoyed watching the camaraderie between the three others at the table. When Rand excused himself to leave, Marian said she’d go, too. “It’s been a long day. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Wait, I’ll get my flashlight and walk you to the cabin.” Dirk started out of the kitchen.
“I’ll drive her,” Rand said.
“Good idea.” Chelsea put her arm around Dirk, who’d come back to her side.
Rand helped Marian into the truck. Then he went around and got in on the driver’s side. It was total darkness in the direction of the cabin.
“I’m sorry to put you to this trouble.”
“It’s only a minute drive to your door.”
“But for a city girl the darkness would be scary. I can’t believe how quiet and dark it is. Just a sliver of moon but millions of stars. In the city you forget stars are even up there.”
“After being away except for short visits from college and medical school, I experienced some of the same reactions. I’ve done some readjusting myself.” He stopped in front of the cabin’s door.
Marian turned in his direction. “Have you regretted taking this job? I’m sure you must have had offers to join profitable groups in the city where you trained.”
“No. I love my job. I won’t make as much doing this work, but I don’t really need the money. I want to do something meaningful.” He spread his hands to encompass the vastness of the area. “This is home.”
“You are a very nice man.”
Suddenly the air went still. Rand stared into her eyes and then at her lips. Marian’s heart skipped a beat. For a second, she thought he might lean forward and kiss her. But he blinked his eyes and looked out the windshield.
“Wait until you get to know me. I’m sure my fiancée wouldn’t agree at this point.” His words yanked them both back from the precipice.
“I’d better get inside. Thanks for the ride.”
“I’ll watch until you turn on the lights.”
Marian flipped the first switch by the door. She waved as he drove out of sight. Her face felt hot and her body frustrated. She had wanted his kiss and his touch. It was difficult to keep reminding herself he was engaged. She’d better get Chelsea to introduce her to a different cowboy, very soon.
* * * *
Rand drove slowly back to town. This evening had been fun.
In fact, the whole day had been better since Marian Gaenor arrived. She was a pretty, enticing woman. He’d been very tempted to kiss her rosy lips. Her light floral fragrance fit her, and a hint still lingered inside the truck.
He laughed again, remembering her comment about the big truck. He’d like to show her something else big of his. His dick throbbed with the desire to sink into her pussy. This was probably an overreaction to his celibacy of late. But he remembered he’d felt much the same at Dirk’s wedding when he first met her.
Tomorrow, Anna was going to be here. They needed to talk. She wasn’t going to move to Montana, and his feelings hadn’t changed about his job or her since their last conversation. He’d realized just in time that marrying her would be a mistake. Moving home had changed his outlook on his life. He’d given Anna enough time to adjust to what he’d said. He was breaking the engagement. She hadn’t given this place a chance. She’d visited two days since he moved. He was glad it was almost over.
Just as he reached town, his phone rang. Surprisingly, it was his old friend Andy. He answered as he parked his truck by the upstairs apartment he’d rented over his office.
“Hi, what’s up?” Rand asked. He unlocked his door and went inside.
“Are you sitting down?”
“I am now.” Rand sank into his only lounge chair.
“I was going to tell the internist group I interviewed with about a month ago, yes. They’d asked me to return for another meeting and I did. Then I went home to visit my folks.”
“I’m certain they recommended you accept the offer.”
“They did at first. But I told them what I’d really like to do.”
“What?”
“Care to have a visitor? I landed about ten minutes ago. I’ve rented a car, and I’ll head your way.”
“Wow, I’m surprised but pleased you’re visiting me in Montana. Especially since you must be right in the middle of negotiating your future job. I’m anxious to hear all about what you want to do and what your parents said. You remember I’m on the main street. My place is above the office.”
“I know. See you soon.” Andy clicked off.
Within an hour, they were sitting at Rand’s kitchen table drinking coffee. “Tell me all,” Rand said.
Andy stretched out his long legs. “After you left I was at loose ends. We were roommates all through college and medical school. Now you live hundreds of miles from me. Your taking a leap and doing something different appealed to me. I thought, what the heck, maybe I’m ready to do the same.”
“Just like that?”
“Yep. You know I’m a creature of impulse.”
“Which sometimes leads you astray.” Rand refilled their coffee cups.
“True. This is different. I flew here a couple of weeks ago.”
“You didn’t call me.”
“No. I wanted to make my decision on my own. Be sure it was right for me.”
“What decision? Get it out.”
“Can’t you guess? I’m asking for a spot as your partner. Yours and Dr. Neels until he leaves.” Andy put his chin up. “I am good at my job.”
Rand had tilted his chair back. At Andy’s words, he fell forward. “You certainly are. We’d be lucky to get you. But you’re not serious.”
“I am. I sent off my application for licensure in Montana a month after you left and put down Dr. Neels’s name as my supervisor and your name second. Dr. Neels called me and said they contacted him. He explained he’d notify them of my exact start date. I told him you didn’t know about the application and I’d rather tell you myself. After I made my final decision. Just in case I decided on changing my direction.”
“What? You didn’t give yourself time to think about it or check out the town.”
Andy shrugged. “I did the checking later. It never hurts to be licensed in two states. Aren’t you pleased? We’ll make a great partnership.”
“Of course I’m happy, but I hope you haven’t made a mistake.”
“I think I suggested the same to you.”
Rand grinned. “You did. But I’m from this area. You’ve never lived in a small Western town.”
“I’m that rich Eastern snob you called me shortly after we met, and I’d had enough drinks to punch you in the nose.” He grinned. “Then we became friends. I do know how to ride. I’ve visited Texas and Wyoming. I like the looks of this area.”
“Boy, you’d better be sure. We’re going to sign you up on Monday before you have time to change your mind. Tomorrow I’m going to take you with me to my mom’s. The family hasn’t seen you in ages. They were asking about you recently.”
“You won’t get a fight from me. Your mom is a great cook. But you don’t have to sign me up. Dr. Neels did that two weeks ago.”
“Then let’s turn in. I have two bedrooms, luckily, or you’d be sleeping on my lumpy couch. Tomorrow will be a hectic day.”
“Are you off?”
“Dr. Neels is filling in. He knows Anna is coming for the day.”
“I’d have thought that would be over by now,” Andy said.
“It is. All but the shouting.” He hoped he was wrong about the shouting, but he doubted it considering Anna’s temper.
Rand hadn’t made a firm decision until today. How much influence did meeting Marian have on his determination to end the engagement? None, he hoped. Andy warned him months ago not to jump back into the fire too soon. He’d better remember his advice.
Chapter Four
Marian got into the back of Dirk’s truck.
“I don’t mind riding in the back,” Chelsea said. “You’re our guest. Dirk can point out places of interest.”
“You said it wasn’t far. I’ll be fine. I’m not going to split up the lovebirds,” she teased.
Chelsea got in the front, and Dirk went around to the driver’s seat. He glanced in the backseat at Marian.
“You met most of my family at our wedding, but today you’ll have more time to get to know them all.”
“I’m looking forward to it.” She sat back to enjoy the ride. Her throat tightened. She tried not to be envious of her best friend’s life. Chelsea was lucky. She had a hunky husband and was expecting their baby.
Chelsea glanced around from the front to see Marian. “It’s quiet back there.”
“I’m enjoying the view. I like this open country.”
“Great. Maybe you’ll settle here.”
“Remember, no matchmaking,” Marian reminded her.
“That’s like asking my darling wife to sew her lips shut. She’ll never be able to keep that promise.” Chelsea laughed and swatted his arm.
The drive didn’t take long. They parked beside several other vehicles and walked toward the front door.
“Mrs. Brodie will be out here before we can knock,” Chelsea said.
Sure enough, she flew out to meet them. “Come right in and sit. How are you feeling?”
“I’m fine, and I won’t break.” Chelsea hugged Mrs. Brodie. “You know that after having six children.”
“Yes, but let me fuss. This will be my first grandchild.”
“And he or she will be spoiled rotten.”
“That’s what grandparents are for, my dear.” She smiled at Marian. “Hello, we didn’t get to talk much at the wedding. I’m Mama Brodie or Jane to everyone. You are?”
“Marian Gaenor.”
“Ah, yes. Sorry I forgot. There were a number of new people, and we didn’t have much time to talk to all of them. Welcome to my home.” Dirk held the door open while his mother motioned them inside.
Mrs. Brodie walked Marian around and reintroduced her to Sam and Grace, whom she’d met very briefly when leaving Chelsea and Dirk’s wedding reception. Then she led her across to where two of the brothers appeared to be in a heated discussion. They both stopped talking and smiled when their mother introduced her.
Clay was movie-star handsome. But she’d noticed he had frowned once or twice during the wedding activities and again today
during his discussion with his brother. Not the best personality of the bunch.
The other brother, Graham, was, according to Chelsea, the eccentric. She saw what Chelsea meant. He looked similar to his brothers, but there were differences. His face was ruggedly handsome, and he had hooded blue-gray eyes. His dark-reddish hair appeared uncombed and longer than the others’. He had the same tall, athletic body, and Marian guessed he might be an inch or so taller than Dirk.
“Everyone is here but Rand. He’s bringing his fiancée and a friend from medical school. They’ll be here any minute,” Mrs. Brodie said. “Excuse me while I check on things in the kitchen.” She rushed off.
“See what I mean about coming here? It’s great and always interesting,” Chelsea whispered. She had walked up behind Marian.
“They are an intriguing family.” Marian heard the door open and looked across the room as a tall, beautiful blonde dressed in a short, slinky, yellow dress and wearing high heels came in the front door. Rand and another man followed her in.
Sam and Grace went to meet them. “I love those shoes,” Grace said.
Sam shook hands with the new man. Rand raised his voice. “You all remember my old roommate, Andy. He’s going into partnership with me.”
“Have you all gone crazy?” Clay’s hard tone had everyone’s attention. “Two fine doctors wasted in the country.”
“You don’t think our local people deserve good medical care?” Rand walked up and stood right in front of Clay.
“Sure. But not from two men who graduated at the head of their class and have unlimited potential. I’m sure your moving influenced Andy.”
“Maybe,” Andy said. “But I wouldn’t have asked for the job unless I was excited about it.”
“Well, I’m glad someone in this family has good common sense.” Anna joined the group around Clay. “I’ve tried my best to change Rand’s mind. He won’t budge, Clay.”
“Too bad we’re all so stubborn,” Clay said. He smiled at his mom. Mrs. Brodie had returned to the room and had a concerned look on her face. “Didn’t we get that trait from Dad?”
Cameron, Paige - The Alluring Billionaire Country Doctor [Wives For The Western Billionaires 6] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) Page 3
