Discovered by Her Billionaire

by Sophia Summers

  “Okay, I’ll get the trainer horse. I don’t normally shower until the day’s work is finished.” Carson smirked as he walked by.

  “Well, you don’t normally spend most of your life in an office either. I can do my fair share of the work. I just enjoy starting clean when doing it.” This humidity left a dirt paste on his skin everywhere. It felt wonderful to wash it all off regardless of Carson’s shower routine.

  Carson stopped and looked him in the eye as he passed. He raised his eyebrow, smiled, and tipped his hat to him. Jack took this as a good sign, but he wasn’t entirely sure it was. They worked hard that afternoon. Jack took on the toughest jobs. After all, he was much younger than Carson, but he was sure Carson could hold his own with much younger men. At the end of the day, just as Maggie was driving into the ranch, they put the last horse in the holding stall.

  Carson came over and shook Jack’s hand. “It was a pleasure working with you, Jack. Thank you.” He tipped his hat again. This must be a good sign.

  “I enjoyed it. I don’t often get down and dirty on the ranch. It felt good.”

  Maggie walked over, looking beautiful and smiling like she just won the Kentucky Derby. “Hey, y’all, looks like I got here just in time.” She chuckled as she walked over to admire the mustangs in the holding stalls. “You’ve been working hard. The horses look good.”

  Carson walked over and stood next to his daughter. “Jack is going to take that paint on the side there. He’s a good one.”

  Maggie leaned into her father as he put his arm around her shoulders. “That’s great. You know I love you, Dad. Thanks for everything.”

  “What’s this all about? Are you okay?” Carson looked concerned.

  “Dad, sometimes it just dawns on me all you have done for me. It must have been hard without Mom, and I want you to know how much I appreciate the great life I’ve had.”

  Carson looked away and patted Maggie’s arm. “Let’s go eat dinner. Mary said she had something special for tonight.”

  Jack walked behind the two of them. Maggie looked at her father with such love; Jack could almost swear he saw a tear in Carson’s eye. “Maggie, I could change my plans and leave a little early for Rio. This way, I would have more time to sightsee if you would be interested. Would this be a problem with your schedule?”

  Maggie turned around and gave Jack a look. “Well, no, not really. When are we talking about?”

  “Well, it would work best for me if we could leave tomorrow evening, but I can wait another day and leave then if that’s too early for you.” Jack felt the Rio trip was an opportunity for him to work on a plan of his own with Maggie, and the more time, the better.

  “No, I could leave tomorrow evening. It’s exciting for me to meet with Brazilian oceanographers. I’ve been sharing research with them for years.” She turned back around but then said over her shoulder, “I have some shopping I want to do in Rio as well, so this is perfect.”

  The next day was busy. Maggie was nervous about the whole idea, but what she was more nervous about was the conversation her father had with her the night before. He had come up to her room and knocked on the door. “Hey, Dad. What’s up?” It must be serious if her Dad made a special trip over just to talk.

  “Well, Missy, I am a little concerned and wanted to give you the whole picture on Jack so that you know what you’re up against.”

  “Dad, I am not up against anything with Jack. What are you talking about?”

  Her father took the chair by the French doors to the deck. “Come and sit down here a minute, and we can talk.”

  “Okay, Dad, so what didn’t you tell me about Jack?” Maggie was resigned to hearing him out.

  “Well, everything I found was just as I told you. However, there is a person in his life he seems to be close to. Her name is Meredith Perkins; she works with him in the oil and gas industry. They are close according to the rumors, but you know rumors are just that. They may not be true. I just didn’t want you in a position to become hurt.” Maggie wiped her hair back away from her face and blew out air.

  “Okay, so Dad, why didn’t you add that little tidbit into the report, and furthermore, why in the world did you bring him here to the ranch?” Maggie almost glared at her father. This was his problem in a nutshell; he was always messing around with her life as if he knew what was best. Yet his own life left little to be emulated when there was a woman he probably loved, working all alone in Brazil of all places, and without him.

  Her Dad wiped the sweat from his brow, wincing. “Maggie, Jack is smitten with you, and I like him.”

  “Well, Dad, that’s nice, but did you wonder if I might like him as well?”

  “I know you like him, Maggie. It’s written all over your face when you are with him. I want you to be happy, and I think Jack is the man you can be happy with.” Carson squirmed in his chair as if he was planning to bolt.

  “Well, Dad, that’s the problem. I think that is a decision I get to make. I know you love me, Dad, but I’m pretty independent, somewhat like you, and this irks big time.”

  Her father raised both palms and gave her somewhat of an apologetic smile. Then he got up and left the room.

  Maggie continued sitting in the chair thinking about her conversation with her father. When her father tells her what she is up against that means he wants her to win. It’s a contest in his mind, and he is giving me the tools I need to win. The first thing she needed to find out is what was up with Meredith. She was not going to hook up with a guy who was being unfaithful to his girlfriend, that was for sure. Her first impulse was to rebel immediately and go back to the cabin herself. Life was simple there, and she was happy. At times, men were a major pain, and her father was sometimes included in that analysis. Maggie went to sleep angry until Timber got up on the bed and nuzzled her. She had to smile. She had forgotten Timber smelled her moods, and he would not leave her alone to sleep until she calmed down.

  “Okay, Timber, I guess it’s not that bad. You like Jack, so we will see what happens with that man.” This next week would give her some important time to analyze her feelings and his. She decided she would google Miss Meredith Perkins in the morning.

  The sun came up, and Maggie got out of bed and went to shower. She loved the showers at the ranch house; it was like entering a car wash. She barely had to do anything besides walk through. The lavender oils and soaps were wonderful, and she did feel calmer as she dried her hair. She put on the lush robe provided by the hotel and went to her computer. As she typed in Meredith Perkins, three different women came up. As she scanned down looking at the pictures she was hoping this Meredith was not the very beautiful third one listed.

  Maggie sighed. Well, it wasn’t the first two. She started reading her bio, and even though she was predisposed to not like this woman, she couldn’t help but be impressed. Meredith had grown up in western Colorado on a ranch bordering the Green River, close to the Dinosaur National Monument. She had her doctorate in Geology from MIT in the Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, and she was a mountain climber. The sad truth was she would probably like this woman, and it sounded like she and Jack did have a lot in common. There was no way she was planning to break up a relationship if there was one, and if Jack was that kind of a man, she didn’t want to be involved with him anyway. But in her heart, she really felt he was free. Maybe this Meredith would like to have Jack, but so far, he was a free man.

  Maggie got up from the desk and pulled out her suitcase. She laid out all the new clothes she purchased and smiled. She would look great in these outfits. It had been a long time since she had purchased new clothes, and she couldn’t wait to wear them.

  So, I wonder if every woman feels the same when they kiss Jack. Her heart started pounding faster, just thinking about it. She decided her purpose in going was to find Raelyn for Dad. Hopefully, it would work out. Nothing was going to happen with Jack unless he was free as far as she was concerned. But it was all a mystery at this point. At least
, as my father pointed out, I know what I am up against. Maggie smirked and put on her jeans and boots. I need a nice fast ride on Stacy.

  At breakfast, Jack was already there, eating with other guests. “Hey, come sit by me. I have an idea.”

  Maggie raised her eyebrows and filled her plate at the bar and sat by Jack. She was hungry and excited for the trip. “So, what’s the idea?”

  “You need to snap a few pictures of your father and the ranch just to give her an idea of the place.” Jack leaned back.

  “I can take a few of the pamphlets at the front desk, but yes, some pictures of Dad would be a great idea. After all, we have pictures of her. I will get them in a moment. I am going riding this morning as I need to get rid of this stress. Do you want to join me?” Maggie flashed her eyes at Jack.

  “To tell you the truth, I need to pack, and I have had just about all the time I want on a horse for now.” He laughed and arched his back with a pained look.

  “It was very nice of you to pitch in like that with my father. He likes you.” Maggie leaned back, surveying Jack with new eyes. So, you might have a girlfriend. What do you think you are doing here with me then? It didn’t speak well of him, that was for sure. Her father was right. Jack was smitten, but do his desires for me have lasting power, or am I just another Meredith until the next interesting woman comes along?

  Maggie got up from breakfast. “I’ll see you a little later. What time are we leaving the ranch?”

  Jack looked at his watch. “I’ll have the helicopter pick us up about six pm, and we will be in the air an hour after that.”

  “I think I’m going to like traveling with you, Mr. Sellers.” Maggie gave him her most flirty smile and walked out to the front porch. She could see her father over with the horses, so she snapped a picture from the porch which took in the lake and the stables, with her Dad at the forefront. He looked good with his tall trim figure and his cowboy hat on. Raelyn won’t be able to help but be impressed, Maggie thought.

  She walked over to her Dad, trying to figure out how to get close-ups. “Hey, Dad, I want to take Stacy out for a nice ride before my trip.”

  Carson looked up. “Let me saddle her up for you.” He turned and headed toward the stables. He came walking back out, and Maggie got out her phone.

  “Dad, hold it there. I want a picture of Stacy. I miss her when I’m gone. I need to find a job close by so I can visit often.” She took the picture.

  “It would be best if you could find a country home and keep Stacy with you.” Her father gave her that “I know best” fatherly look. Of course, he was right. And with Timber, that was definitely what she needed. Her father helped her on Stacy, and she took off galloping toward the front unfenced pasture where all the wildflowers grew. This felt wonderful. Her hair was blowing in the wind, and Stacy hadn’t forgotten how much she loved to run. By the time she reached the end of the pasture, she was laughing with pure joy. She bent down and patted Stacy. “I have missed this, Stacey. We are going to find that ranch and do this more often.” She looked up and saw Jack heading to the stable. While she caught her breath, she was happy to see Jack was also saddling a horse. She laughed as he jumped on and galloped toward her. Well, I guess sore muscles weren’t enough to miss this fun.

  Maggie waited. There was a soft breeze blowing from the Gulf. A sea of wildflowers surrounded her, blowing gently in the wind. Jack galloped up and stopped just in front of her. Stacy reared and jumped around with Maggie laughing. “So, Jack, I see there are some things that are more important than nursing sore muscles.” Maggie flashed her eyes and took off, yelling back. “Do you jump?”

  She galloped Stacy toward the creek bed that meandered toward the lake, and Stacy smoothly took the jump as Maggie yelled, “Yeah!” She kept galloping along the path that led back to the river bottom. Jack was close behind her. She could hear him laughing as he took the jump. Maggie pulled up and stopped at the top of the hill. She looked at Jack, thinking. He never looked more handsome as he did now. There was no denying she was attracted to him. He rode up and stopped next to her. “I needed that, and this.” He jumped down from his horse, pulled Maggie down into his arms, and held her close to him.

  Maggie gave him a warning look like don’t you dare.

  Jack held her close, looking into her fiery eyes. “Can’t we just do another tester kiss?” He looked so pathetic with his pleading.

  Maggie leaned back, looked into his eyes, and sighed. “Fine.” Then she laughed and reached up on her tiptoes and kissed him passionately. He pulled her closer as she responded, holding him tighter. Maggie was the first to stop and break away. She smirked. “The magic is still there!” She turned and stepped into the stirrup to mount her horse. Jack did the same, and they both walked their horses down the hill toward the road around the lake. Maggie was happy with the silence. She had a lot to think about. How far did she want to take this romance, and where does Meredith figure in Jack’s plans?” She hoped this trip to Rio would answer those questions.

  At 5:45 pm, Maggie came down the stairs ahead of the bellhop who brought her suitcase. Jack was already waiting in the lobby. He stood to greet her before walking to the table to get one of Mary’s cookies.

  “I have dinner waiting for us on the plane. Our chef has relatives in Rio and was happy to join us on this flight.” Jack opened the porch door for Maggie. He was dressed casually in slacks and a golf shirt. Maggie felt her new outfit was perfect for travel. She had skinny slacks and a long tunic shirt slit up the sides to her waist. She looked good in green and was happy to leave her hair down for travel.

  “You look great.” Jack was about to stand by her side, but Carson walked through the open door.

  He walked over to Maggie and handed her a card. “I have friends in Rio. If you have any trouble, you can contact them.”

  “Dad, do you foresee any trouble brewing?” Maggie raised her eyebrows as high as she could get them. When her father mentioned trouble, it wasn’t just a taxi mishap. His kind of trouble had a habit of changing your life or ending it, whichever happened first.

  “No, Missy. I think things look good there now, but it’s always nice to know some of the locals when you are out of the country.” Maggie looked down at the card, and there she saw the name, Raelyn Turner.

  “Okay, Dad, thanks. This will be great.” She put her arms around her father and kissed him on the cheek. Jack shook his hand and started to walk out the door, but Carson grabbed his arm to pull him back a little.

  “Keep her safe, Jack.” Jack nodded and walked out.

  “I’ll be fine, Dad, and yes, I’m much less worried when traveling with Jack than if I were going there alone.” She stepped into the truck with Jack. A ranch hand was asked to drive them to the helicopter pad.

  Maggie leaned over to talk with Jack privately. “This could be much easier than we thought.” She turned the card over in her hands, looking at the name Raelyn.

  “Yes, this is a nice turn of events. We might be able to get Raelyn to come with your father’s approval after all.” The ride in the helicopter was nice. Maggie asked him to take a turn around the ranch so she could see it from the air. The lake sat in the middle of the property with the river meandering along the north and west border. She had wonderful memories here.

  After a short ride, the helicopter landed close to the private jet hangar. Jack carried the suitcases into the jet. Maggie was impressed as she walked through the jet. There were two private lounge rooms for sleeping. “This is nice, Jack.” She wouldn’t be wasted without sleep when they arrived in the morning.

  “I often have business meetings in the mornings and then fly back the same day, so this makes that schedule possible.” Jack sat down in the front cabin across from Maggie and introduced his chef to her. “This is Jose Filippo, the best chef we’ve ever had.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Jose.” He handed her a menu. “What do you recommend?”

  Jose smiled. “I would recommend the Brazilian/Ita
lian cuisine listed first.”

  “Sounds very good.” Maggie leaned back in her chair, admiring the leather upholstery.

  Jack looked over the menu. “Make that two. It sounds wonderful.”

  Jose handed them both mango smoothies. “Are you going to have time to sightsee on this trip?”

  Maggie looked over at Jack. “I would love to spend some time seeing Brazil, particularly Rio.”

  “There’s an Italian restaurant in Le Blon, just south of Ipanema. The food is excellent, and my brother owns it. I will be there some of the evenings seeing what new dishes I can learn to create,” Jose said

  Jack set his glass down, looking over at Maggie with raised eyebrows. “I think that’s something we will not want to miss on this trip.” Maggie nodded, excited to finally see a country she had only previously read about. The last time she had a chance to see Brazil, her father had her tucked away at the cabin.

  Jose seemed pleased. Jack leaned back in his chair and looked across at Maggie. He had such a determined and speculative look on his face. It made Maggie nervous. It was like he was evaluating her. She felt like one of the mustangs he planned to purchase. Was he comparing her to Meredith, she wondered? What to do about this? She wasn’t sure if she wanted to bring it up at all. But then she didn’t want to be that other woman either. If they were serious, just what was he doing here with her? Well, she knew what. Her father set him up.

  Jack looked into her eyes and smiled. “My life changed at the cabin in a lot of ways, Maggie. If your father hadn’t asked me here, I would have found a way to see you again before I could go forward with my life.”

  “And now that you have seen me, what’s changed?” Maggie knew she was pushing it.

  Jack looked away again and smiled. “Well, I know what a real kiss should feel like.” He burst out laughing, and Maggie reached over and hit his arm.

  “Jack, there’s more to life than kissing magic.” Maggie flushed and leaned back in her chair, enjoying this conversation more than she should.