The Billionaire Cowboy's Christmas Surprise [Wives for the Western Billionaires 10] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic)

by Paige Cameron

  Then he cupped her breast and sucked on her nipple. Desire went straight to her core. Heat blasted through her body and a wave of rapture transported her out of herself. She yelled his name as she shook and her pussy clenched him tight.

  Clay lifted her hips and moved faster in and out. When he yelled out his release, he buried his face in the curve of her neck and held onto her tight. Her pussy trembled around his cock and her orgasm lasted longer than usual. The rasp of their breathing filled the silent air.

  Clay rolled off of her and put his arm across his face. She put her head on his chest and heard his heart thumping.

  His hand rubbed over her hair. “We should ride back. It’ll be dark soon and get lots colder.”

  Susie sat up. “I’ll get dressed.” He watched her while she put on her bra, panties, shirt, and jeans. She faced him. Had their lovemaking formed a slender thread of connection between them? If so, would it last? His changeable behavior kept her on edge.

  When she was ready, she strolled to her horse. Clay joined her.

  He’d left his shirt open. The sight of his wide chest and low-hung jeans made her mouth water. If they did an ad of what a cowboy should look like, he’d be a great model. The wind had ruffled his hair and his face had a sleepy, sensuous look. She buttoned his shirt while she breathed in his musky scent.

  Clay put his hands around her waist and lifted her onto the horse Sam had loaned her. “I’ll take you to Mom’s to change clothes. Afterward, we’ll go out to dinner. There’s a restaurant about four miles out of town. They serve the best steaks.”

  “It sounds great. I’m hungry.”

  They rode the horses to the ranch’s barn and unsaddled and cared for them before leaving.

  Clay left her at the front door. “I’ll be back in about an hour.”

  Susie waved and went inside. Mrs. Brodie came to the door of the study. “How are you?”

  “I’m okay. But Clay is the most confusing man.”

  “He didn’t used to be that way. Stick with him if you think you love him. You’ve made a dent in his armor. You must be hungry.” She started to walk to the kitchen.

  “Clay’s taking me out to dinner.”

  “Wonderful. Have a good time.”

  “I told him about my plans.”

  “How did he react?”

  “At first he listened, but then he got upset when I talked about changing the looks of Frontier City. He’s threatened to bring other men with him to the meeting.”

  “I love it. This will be the most rousing council meeting in years. I can hardly wait.”

  “I have to get ready. I’ll talk with you tomorrow.” Susie went to the bedroom and stared at her image in the mirror. With wild, windblown hair and her puffed, rosy lips, she looked thoroughly kissed and loved.

  She jumped in the shower, washed her hair, and blew it dry. She tied it back with a red scarf and put on a red-and-white shirt with a new pair of jeans. She finished her makeup just in time. The doorbell rang and she heard Mrs. Brodie’s voice.

  Hopefully tonight would go well. She glanced in the mirror on her way out and grabbed her jacket. Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes sparkled. Her stomach dipped at the thought of dinner with Clay. You’d think I was eighteen and this was my first date.

  When she joined Mrs. Brodie and Clay in the study, her heart jumped and his nearness had her senses spinning. Clay came to her side.

  “You look beautiful.” He kissed the back of her hand.

  I’m in deep trouble. My feelings for him have nothing to do with reason and being smart enough not to fall for a man who may leave me with a broken heart. It doesn’t matter. It’s too late for me to regret the plunge.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Clay opened the truck door and took her hand to help her down. They walked to the log building’s front door. It didn’t look like a restaurant from outside, but inside there were dim lights, the faint sound of silverware and muted voices, and soft music played in the background.

  The hostess smiled at Clay. “Welcome home, Mr. Brodie. It’s good to have you join us.”

  “Teresa, this is my assistant, Susie Nyland.”

  “Hello, it’s nice to meet you. I hope you two will enjoy your dinner.” She led them to a table by a window and handed them menus. “The Chef’s special tonight is the peppercorn rib eye.” She left them and went to greet another couple.

  The restaurant was getting full fast. “This appears to be a popular place to eat.”

  “People drive quite a ways to enjoy the chef’s fine cooking. Charles and I graduated in the same class in high school. He’s been well-trained before moving back to Montana and opening this place.”

  Clay was attentive all through dinner and Susie began to hope he’d had a change of heart. They decided to share a dessert of coconut pie with their coffee. A few couples were dancing on the small dance floor to their left.

  “Would you like to dance?” Clay asked.

  A spark of excitement stirred in her. “Yes.”

  He put out his hand to lead her to the dance floor. When his large, warm hand wrapped around hers, she felt a tug at her heart.

  Clay held her close as they moved around the other dancers. She loved being held in his embrace. The scent of his cologne made her want to snuggle her nose against his neck and kiss him there.

  She glanced up and the soft look on his face sent a tingling to the pit of her stomach. Her feet seemed to barely touch the floor.

  “Clay, what a surprise running into you.”

  The jarring female voice brought Susie right out of her dream state and back to reality. His old girlfriend stood by the dance floor with an older couple. “You remember my parents,” Gloria said to Clay. “And this is his assistant,” she added to her parents. “What was your name?” she asked Susie.

  “Susie Nyland.”

  “Susie is helping Clay setup his office in Wagon Wheel,” Gloria explained to her mom and dad. “Then I guess she’ll be going back to New York.” Gloria had a smirk on her face.

  “No, I won’t.” Susie loved seeing the confusion and concern in Gloria’s eyes. “I’m opening a bookstore on the main street of town.”

  “Oh, I’m so glad,” her mother spoke up. “I love to read and have longed to see Frontier City get a bookstore. When will you open? I’ll tell my friends.”

  “Give me your address. I’ll mail you a personal invitation. I have to get books and furniture first.

  “I also plan to have a coffee shop with pastries on one side.” Susie smiled at Gloria’s father. “And if you don’t like books, the hardware store is right next door.”

  He grinned. “I like to read, too. But it’s good to know I can check out the other store if my wife wants to linger in your shop for a while.”

  “We need to go to our table and let you two enjoy your dance.” Gloria’s mom urged her husband and frowning daughter forward.

  When Susie looked at Clay, she sensed his disquiet. “What’s wrong?” she asked him after they sat at their table.

  “You are really serious about the shop.”

  “Of course, I told you about it.”

  “We’ll see if you follow through. To get it up and running will take a lot of money. I hope you don’t think my mother will loan you start-up cash.”

  “She offered and I refused. And before you ask, I am paying her for any baked goods she brings to the shop.” Susie swallowed around the lump in her throat. “You can’t think much of me to ask such a question. Please take me to your mother’s house. I want to get up early and pack to move into my new apartment. Then you won’t have any say about what I do.”

  “You still have to help me with my office.”

  “No, I don’t. I quit.”

  If she hadn’t felt so sad, she’d have laughed at his surprised expression.

  “You can’t do that,” he protested.

  Susie grabbed her purse and stood. “I just did. I’ll see you at the car.” She rushed out of the rest
aurant and blinked back tears. He’d never change. His moods were as mercurial as the weather. But she’d have her shop and live in Frontier City. Clay wouldn’t stay long. She predicted he’d move back to the city within a month.

  Clay didn’t speak when he strode to his truck. He unlocked her door, but she jumped up and in before he touched her.

  She sensed the waves of anger pouring off of him. It didn’t take long to get to his mother’s. Susie got out as soon as he stopped and ran to the door. Clay squealed the wheels on his way down the ranch road.

  Susie let herself in with the key Mrs. Brodie had given her. It wasn’t late. Mrs. Brodie stood in the doorway to the study.

  “What happened? I thought you’d be arriving back much later.”

  The tears Susie had held back ran down her face. Mrs. Brodie hugged her.

  “Come into the study. We’ll have an after-dinner drink. You can tell me what my stubborn son did this time.”

  Susie took a swallow of the cognac Mrs. Brodie handed her, and then leaned her head against the chair. “For some reason, he doesn’t like the idea of my bookstore.”

  “Don’t you see? If you stay around, he won’t be able to keep his defenses up. He’ll have to admit he loves you.”

  “If this is his way of loving me, I don’t want any part of it.”

  “I understand, but in the morning you’ll feel differently. Next time you two are together, ask him why he doesn’t want to marry.”

  “You know?” Susie asked her.

  “Yes, but he has to tell you.”

  “If doesn’t matter. There won’t be a next time. Tomorrow, I’m moving into the apartment and concentrating on my business.”

  “You don’t have to leave here right away.”

  “It’s for the best.” She smiled wryly. “I quit my job.”

  “When?”

  “Tonight. He was surprised, but it’s something he’s held over my head. If he does have a change of heart, which I doubt, he’ll have to come to me on my territory.”

  “Smart. I like that idea.”

  Susie drank the last of her cognac. “Thanks for the drink and the talk. All the emotion today has worn me out. I’m going to bed.”

  “I’m going to check the doors. I’ll be right behind you.” Mrs. Brodie followed Susie out and walked to the kitchen.

  Susie had bad dreams and woke at four a.m. with tears running down her face. It was definitely time to put space between her and Clay. She got up and started packing. After breakfast, she’d drive to town. She’d go now, but Mrs. Brodie would be upset if she didn’t stay until morning and have breakfast with her.

  A shimmer of excitement gave her a more optimistic attitude. She’d have a shop, her own apartment, and be totally responsible for herself. But she had a lot to do before accomplishing her dream goals. And she didn’t mind the hard work. It was going to be fun.

  * * * *

  Clay took his stallion out for a ride. It was dark, but a full moon gave him all the light he needed. He was irritated with himself.

  I apologized earlier, and then I act like an ass, again. Am I that frightened of marriage? As Mom told me, I’m not my father. Yet I’ve held onto that fear for many years. When a woman got close, I found a way to end the relationship. But Susie has slipped by my defenses more than once.

  He rode at a leisurely pace. The quiet and aloneness relaxed him. Tomorrow, he’d see Rand about a physical, and talk to Graham. I have to ask how he got used to having Gina around all the time. Maybe with those answers, I can decide what to do about Susie.

  Back at his house, he showered and sat on the back patio. Clay visualized Susie sitting beside him enjoying the beauty of the night. Afterward, they’d go to bed and make love. A hot fire of desire burned in his belly. But had he ruined everything between them?

  Chapter Fourteen

  Clay woke early and called Rand. “I’d like to make an appointment to see you today.”

  “Are you sick?”

  “Mom thinks I need a physical.”

  “And you agree?” Rand asked.

  “Do we have to go through a third degree? Can you see me or not?”

  “You’ve been in an irritable mood lately. Maybe Frontier City doesn’t agree with you or a pretty lady must be getting under your skin. I don’t have a cure for love.”

  “Rand, I am not in love. I want a simple physical.”

  “All right. I do enjoy teasing you. Come by at one.”

  “See you then.” Clay hung up and called Graham. He hoped Graham didn’t give him the third degree, too.

  “Hello,” Graham answered on the first ring.

  “You’re quick to get the phone.”

  “I didn’t want our son to wake up. He and Gina are sleeping a little later than usual.”

  “How about I drive to your house and take you to breakfast. I’d guess if Gina’s asleep, you haven’t eaten.”

  “I’m hungry. I’ll accept your offer. I can leave Gina a note.”

  “Doesn’t that bother you?”

  “What?”

  “Having to account for where you are all the time.”

  “Hell, no. I want to know where she is if she goes out. It’s part of a happy marriage. You accept some restrictions. Damn, there I go giving advice. I might as well start a lovelorn advice column in the newspaper.” Graham’s annoyance came through the phone. “Is this about you and Susie? I hope not.”

  “I can’t lie. I have a few questions.” The phone went silent for a second.

  “It’s going to cost you. I’ll order the steak and eggs. The most expensive item on the breakfast menu.”

  “I think I can afford it. Shall I come get you?”

  “Yeah, I’m dressed. See you in ten.” Graham hung up.

  The thought of Graham giving advice to his brothers about love had Clay smiling for the first time that morning.

  Millie’s was crowded, but she had one back booth available. “This is perfect, Millie,” Graham said. “My big brother is coming to me for advice. I doubt he wants anyone to overhear our conversation.”

  “I’ll mark the date on my calendar for you.” Millie winked at Graham. “It’s not often Clay needs help.” She took their order, filled their coffee cups, and walked off with a grin on her face.

  “Why did you tell her?” Clay frowned.

  “To get under your skin.”

  “I don’t know why I thought calling you might help me?”

  “Try me. Why are you so easily irritated lately? Is it because of your feelings for Susie?”

  “She’s my assistant. Why do you all insist it’s more?”

  “Because it’s written on your face when you look at her. Give up the battle, you won’t win. And if you do, it won’t make you happy.”

  “You were so reclusive we thought you’d never marry. How did Gina get behind your walls?”

  “Gradually. I fought the good fight, like you’re doing. But more and more I missed her if she wasn’t around. One day it got through my hard head and I admitted to myself that I loved her. But I took a long time telling her, and I almost lost her.”

  Millie returned with their orders. Clay eyed the steak on Graham’s plate and blurted out. “Don’t you worry about having a heart attack like Dad did?”

  “You think it was caused by steak?” Graham raised his eyebrows.

  “I don’t know what caused it, but he was only fifty.”

  Graham put down his fork. “Is that why you’re scared about getting married?”

  “I’m not scared.”

  “I study people. It helps me build my characters for my books. You’ve been an interesting study over the years. I couldn’t put my finger on what kept you from the altar, but now I know.”

  “No, you don’t.”

  Graham grinned at Clay. “Whatever you say.”

  Irritated, Clay shut up and ate his breakfast. Millie took their plates and poured more coffee in their cups.

  “The place is emptying out,” Mil
lie said. “Take your time talking.”

  Clay stared into his cup. “You’re right. I’m seeing Rand at one today.”

  “Are you having symptoms?”

  “No. Just as a precaution.” He looked across the table at Graham. “I’m as much a loner as you. Don’t laugh.”

  “I know. I told you I’d been watching you. You put on your people face when necessary, but my guess is you’ve missed being at the ranch more than the others suspect.”

  “You’re right, and since I’ve established myself in the financial world, I can keep up my business with twice-monthly short visits.” He leaned across the table toward Graham. “I’m serious. How did you get used to having Gina around all the time?”

  “It was easy once I realized and accepted I wasn’t happy without her. She’s smart and gives me space for my writing. But I really enjoy and love her and the baby. They’re more important than writing or anything else.” He drank the last of his coffee. “This session is at an end. How about going fishing with Rand and I one day? We occasionally fish on one of his days off.”

  Clay paid Millie and they got up to leave. “It sounds like a good way to relax. I’d like to join you two.”

  “We’re planning to get together next Wednesday unless Rand has an emergency. I’ll call you next week to remind you,” Graham said on the way to the car.

  Clay dropped Graham off and drove to town. He thought of an excuse to stop by the hardware store. A man was taking down the For Rent sign on the window next door.

  Clay saw someone walking around inside. He started to go in and stopped himself. He’d wait until he talked with Rand and gave some serious thought to how he wanted to live the rest of his life. Turning, he entered the hardware store instead.

  At one, Clay sat in the doctor’s waiting room. Rand’s nurse came to the door and called him back to an exam room. A few minutes later Rand hurried in.

  “Sorry to keep you waiting, but a child cut his hand and needed a few stitches.”

  “You and your partner have a thriving practice. The waiting room is full.”