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

by Paige Cameron

  “Only from exhaustion. She’s been through a lot and tried to act like she was fine.”

  Mrs. Brodie pulled the covers back and Clay gently placed Susie on the bed. Then he covered her.

  “I’m going to call Rand and ask him to come by. I need to know for sure she’s okay.” He pushed the number on his cell for Rand.

  “Hi, what’s up?”

  Clay told him what happened at the table and what their mother said. “I want her checked anyway.”

  “No problem. I’m on my way out of the office. I’ll stop be at your place shortly.” He chuckled. “You have it bad. I never thought I’d see the day a woman had you tied up in knots. I’m just glad it’s someone as nice as Susie.”

  He ended the call.

  Clay frowned at his phone. “I don’t see the humor in all of this.”

  “You will later. Let’s go in the living room and let her sleep.”

  “If you don’t mind, Mom, I’ll sit here in this chair by the bed. I have a book I’ve been reading.” He held it up. “I’ll read and keep my eye on her.”

  His mother’s lips began to curve into a smile. She stopped herself. “I’m sorry. You’re right. This isn’t funny. Call me if you need me.” When she got to the doorway, Clay stopped her.

  “Thanks, Mom, for all you do for us.”

  “You are very welcome.” Her eyes filled with tears.

  Clay rushed around the bed and pulled her into his arms. “Don’t you dare cry, or I’ll be a basket case for sure.”

  She sniffed and hugged him back. “You might as well get used to it. We women tend to be emotional.” She put her hand on the side of his face. “And you might have a daughter. They definitely get emotional.”

  “Keep talking, Mom, and my hair will be gray by the time Rand gets here.”

  “I’ll shut up and go watch the evening news.”

  “Good.” Clay walked around to the lounge chairs and pulled one close to the bed. He held his book in his hand, but he didn’t read. Instead, he stared at Susie and wondered how she’d gotten past all his defenses to his heart.

  He took her small hand into his and kissed the palm.

  Susie stirred and opened her eyes. She smiled at him then went right back to sleep. Warmth filled his body in reaction to the tenderness in her gaze. He swallowed tightly around the lump in his throat.

  What happened? He didn’t even know himself. He’d never been one to let himself feel too deeply, not since his father’s death. He’d pretended to be cool and collected at the funeral service and afterward when he took over the family’s finances. But he’d been angry at his dad because he’d died and had left Clay all alone to help Mom. At least that’s what I told myself. I didn’t allow myself to grieve. I had to be strong.

  He realized since then he’d never allowed himself to care that much for anyone. Even with his family he’d kept a certain distance both mentally and physically. But he’d started to change when he decided to come home. When his life had become empty and he wanted to be closer to his growing family. He raised his head when he heard a knock on the door.

  Rand stuck his head in. “May I enter?”

  “Certainly.”

  “Has she awoken since you called me?”

  “Once, very briefly. But she smiled and went back to sleep.”

  “I’ll check her. Send Mom in and you wait outside.”

  “I’ve seen her undressed. I want to stay.”

  “No,” Rand said. “When you saw her undressed, she was awake and willing. She might not want you in here, so go get Mom.”

  “It’s hard to leave her, but all right.”

  Clay paced the floor while he waited for his brother and mother. When his cell rang, he answered it with a growl. “Hello!”

  “You don’t have to snap my head off. This is Sondra, in case you don’t remember the sound of my voice. We had a tailwind and got here a little early.”

  Clay looked at his watch. “Is it six fifteen?”

  “Yes. Are you and Susie all right?”

  “I think so. My brother, Rand, stopped by to check her on his way home. I’ll send Sam for you. You met him once when he came to the city.”

  “I remember. He’s a nice man.”

  “And I’m not?” Clay snapped.

  “Sometimes,” Sondra said. “When you don’t holler.”

  “See you soon.” Clay clicked the phone off and called Sam.

  “Sylvia and I will drive to the airport,” Sam said, “but we won’t come in. You’ll have enough company.”

  “Thanks.” Clay paced a few minutes more before Rand came into the room. “How is she?”

  “Sit. You look worn out,” Rand instructed. “Mom is helping her undress and get into her nightgown. She’s doing fine. There’s no inflammation at the wound site. She has no fever, and her vital signs are good. All she needs is to rest. She held herself together for you and Mom as long as she could. This is all reaction from the traumatic day she’s had.”

  Clay collapsed on the nearest chair and bent over holding his head in his hands. “Thank goodness.”

  Rand sat beside him. “You’re exhausted, too. Tomorrow you’ll both be better.”

  “I don’t know if I will. Her sister and mother will be here shortly.”

  Rand grinned. “I wish I had the time to stay and see their arrival, but Marian is keeping dinner warm for me. By the way, tell Susie when she’s ready Marian and the rest of the wives will help her get the shop arranged.”

  “She’ll appreciate the help. Go home. I’m calmer now.”

  As Rand walked out, he glanced back. “Make a good impression on your future in-laws.”

  Clay groaned thinking about the challenge ahead.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Susie took after her mother. They had the same build and Mrs. Nyland’s eyes were violet. She smiled and took Clay’s hand.

  “I’ve heard so much about you. I feel I know you already.”

  “I’m sure it was nothing good.” Clay pretended to frown at Sondra.

  Mrs. Nyland leaned closer. “Just wicked enough to make my old heart go pitter-patter.”

  “Mom!” Sondra looked shocked at her mother.

  “I love your dad, but it doesn’t mean I’ve gone blind.” She looked Clay up and down his tall frame. “Clay’s gorgeous.”

  Clay threw back his head and laughed heartily. “I know who Susie gets her feistiness from.”

  “You must take after your dad in looks and personality,” he said to Sondra.

  “I do. Dad, my two brothers, and I are more cool and calm than my mom and sister.”

  “Come in. I’ve kept you standing in the foyer.”

  He said good-bye to his mother after a quick introduction to Susie’s family. She was tired and ready to go home.

  “I’ll show you where to put your suitcases before you see Susie.” Clay led them through the living room, into the hallway, and to the first bedroom on the right. “If you’d rather not share a room, my mother has said you can stay with her. She has lots of bedrooms and loves company. I don’t have furniture in the front bedroom. I’m planning to turn it into a home office.”

  “No problem,” Mrs. Nyland assured him.

  “Where’s the baby?” Clay asked Sondra.

  “Home with Daddy. I can’t stay but this evening. I fly home tomorrow morning. I wanted to see Susie and Mom settled.”

  “I’ll go check on Susie. She’s been sleeping a lot.” Clay started down the hallway.

  “If she’s asleep, don’t wake her,” Mrs. Nyland said.

  Clay peeked in the bedroom door. Then he walked around to the side of the bed Susie was facing. He sat in the chair where he’d sat earlier.

  He liked her mother, and he and Sondra had always gotten along. Having them for in-laws might not be so bad.

  Susie’s eyes opened. “Hi,” she said in a soft voice. “Have you been sitting here all this time?”

  “No. Your mom and sister arrived. I’ve b
een talking with them. Do you feel well enough for visitors?”

  “They aren’t visitors, they’re family. I want my mom.”

  Clay went to the door. “Mrs. Nyland.” He saw her waiting patiently near the room. “She wants to see you.”

  “Momma.” Susie put out her arms when her mom got to the bedside.

  “Be careful of that wounded arm,” her mother said.

  “It’s a little sore, not bad. Sit by me.”

  Clay slipped out the door and shut it. He found Sondra walking around the house.

  “I hope you don’t mind. But I couldn’t wait to see how it had come out.”

  “Do you like it?”

  “Yes. It’s a home, not glitzy like I expected.”

  “Sondra, do I look like a glitzy person?”

  “You have at times, but you seem a bit different today.”

  “Come in the kitchen. Mom made tea when she was here.” He fixed them each a tall glass of iced tea.

  “This is good. I was thirsty.”

  “Your mom and Susie may be also. I’ll take them a glass.” Clay filled two more glasses.

  Sondra put her glass on the table. “I want to take the tea to them, so I can see Susie. I’ll be right back.”

  Clay sat and stared out the window at the dark night. Would this visit with Susie’s family work out well for him? He wasn’t sure, but for the first time, he was glad Susie rented the shop. She’d stay in Frontier City for that reason, and it’d give him time to convince her that his feelings weren’t going to change.

  * * * *

  Susie’s mom hugged her, and then sat in the chair Clay had vacated. She took hold of Susie’s hand. “Andrew’s parents called me. They’re so upset by his behavior. His mother blames herself. She said she’d noticed his changes in mood, but never thought he’d shoot you or anyone else.”

  “I think he’s sick. I’m going to ask the sheriff to see he gets a psychological exam. I’d rather see him go to a hospital to get help than into jail.”

  “He was aiming at Clay. He may not feel as concerned about Andrew as you. He’ll likely want him in jail.” Her mother took her hand and leaned closer. “Why did you throw yourself in front of Clay?”

  “I didn’t think.”

  Her mother raised an eyebrow. “I don’t believe that for a minute.”

  “Mom, I love him. I couldn’t stand there and watch him get hurt or killed. I thought Andrew wouldn’t shoot if he saw me moving in front.”

  “I gather it was too late for him to stop.”

  “Yeah.”

  “Why do you look sad when you say you love Clay? I’d guess from his behavior that he feels the same about you.”

  “He thinks he does. What he feels is gratitude. He had plenty of time to be in love with me before, but he kept changing his mind. One minute he couldn’t get enough of me and the next he ran off.”

  “I know what we can do to find out how he truly feels,” her mother said.

  “What?” Susie sat up in bed and stared at her mother.

  “I want you to go home as soon as you can travel. Next week is Thanksgiving. You’ll be with all the family. Sondra, Mark, and Mary Anne are coming, too. You and Clay need time apart to be certain how you each feel. This has happened rather fast.”

  “I’d like to go home. I’ll stay two weeks, and then get back in time to have my shop ready to open the week after New Year’s.”

  “What shop?” her mother asked.

  Susie explained about the bookstore. “It’s another decision I made in a hurry, but I don’t regret it. I’m excited.”

  “I’m happy for you. You’ve been searching for the right job. This bookstore sounds like just the thing. I’ll ask Clay to make our reservations to go home.”

  “Hi, you both must be thirsty. I’ve bought glasses of sweet tea.” Sondra handed one to Susie and her Mom.

  “Where’s Clay?” Mrs. Nyland asked.

  “Waiting for me to rejoin him.”

  “Stay and visit with Susie. We’ve finished talking. You can have my tea. I’ll join Clay.”

  When their mother left, Sondra took her place beside Susie. “What’s been going on since you got here?”

  “We found Clay an office, and I rented a shop. I plan to open my own bookstore. I also rented the apartment above. Clay didn’t like the shop idea, so I quit.”

  “You didn’t. You never called me.”

  “Sis, I’ve missed having you to talk with, but it wasn’t a discussion for a phone call. I think I may love Clay.”

  “Since you threw yourself in front of a bullet for him, I’d say there’s no question about it.”

  “It’s complicated.”

  “Most things are with Clay. But you know his reputation of seeing women for a while and leaving them when it all gets too serious.”

  “Sooner or later he’s going to fall in love,” Susie said. “Why not with me?”

  “He does seem different. Just protect your heart as much as you can until you know he isn’t going to run back to New York.”

  “I’m going home with Mom for a few weeks.”

  “Then we’ll see you at Thanksgiving. I have to return home tomorrow morning.”

  “Sondra, don’t give him a hard time. He’s as mixed up as me. This separation will do us both good.”

  Her sister smiled. “Somehow I don’t see Clay agreeing with us.”

  * * * *

  “She’s going to be in New Mexico for two weeks?” Clay asked. He looked at Mrs. Nyland with a worried expression.

  “We want her home for Thanksgiving and I want to be sure she’s fully recovered before she starts working in her bookstore which, by the way, I think is a great idea.”

  “I can see she recovers completely.”

  “No, you can’t. She’d ignore you and do what she wants.” Mrs. Nyland stood and patted his shoulder. “It’ll be good for you both. I think you may love my daughter, but you’re still resisting the idea.”

  “I’m not. I do love her.”

  “If it’s real those feelings won’t change. Can you arrange our transportation home for tomorrow?”

  “My brother hasn’t said she can travel.”

  “He will. Have him check her in the morning.”

  “I’ll call the airport and make the reservations, but if Rand says no to her traveling, I’m going to cancel her ticket.”

  “I’d expect you to. I hope we get to see your mother before we leave.”

  “She’s coming over to cook breakfast for everyone in the morning.”

  “Nonsense, she and I will cook together. No need for her to do all the work.”

  * * * *

  After Mrs. Nyland and Sondra went to bed, Clay went to the master suite. He knocked.

  “Who is it?”

  “Clay. Can I come in?”

  “Yes.” When he entered she added, “You don’t usually ask.”

  “You’re going to your home for two weeks.”

  “Mom said you made the reservations for one o’clock. Rand’s to check me first.”

  “He’ll stop by on his way to work.” Clay sat on the side of the bed. “I’d like to get in bed and hold you.” He ran his fingers up her arm. “Is it sore?”

  “Not as much as earlier. I feel quite rested, and I’d like for you to cuddle with me.”

  Clay stripped, gently pulled the covers back, and got in beside her. She rolled toward him with her good arm under her.

  “Kiss me, cowboy.”

  “If I do, I may want more.”

  “I already want more.”

  “You’re injured. I might hurt your arm.”

  “It’s okay. You won’t. Please make love to me, Clay.”

  “I will, but we’ll move slowly.” He pulled her gown carefully over her head. Then placed the front of his body against hers. She leaned forward and kissed him.

  Her soft lips trembled against his mouth. He moved his tongue between her lips and explored the sweetness inside. Clay took h
is time enjoying the velvet warmth and the seductive taste of her.

  Then he brushed a gentle kiss across her forehead and nibbled on her earlobe. He whispered in her ear. “I’ll be waiting for you to come back.”

  She gazed at him. He cupped her breast, and it swelled to fill his hand. Her bluish-violet eyes darkened as his finger rubbed across the tight, pink nipple. Bending his head, he kissed the rosy bud.

  Susie moved restlessly against him and his cock pulsated between them. She gripped his cock and moved her hand up and down his length while he kissed and licked her breasts and nipples. His own passion heightened as he aroused hers. As he continued to kiss her, he told her of her beauty, and how he loved each part of her body.

  One hand slid down her taut stomach to the swell of her hips, and she curved closer to him. “You don’t have to go this slow,” she said.

  “Yes, I do. Don’t you like the way it makes you feel? Still, I’d better sheath my cock. I doubt I can last much longer.” He got up and went in the bathroom.

  * * * *

  When he returned, she answered his question. “I love your slow lovemaking, but my pussy is quivering to have your hard cock in it.”

  Clay rolled her on her back and moved down to her feet. He massaged her arch and all of her foot. His gentleness sent currents of desire up her body.

  As his hands progressed up her legs, her skin tingled and heat smoldered in her core. He kissed her thighs, and then trailed his fingers around her lower lips. She became impatient for his cock to be in her pussy.

  When he got close enough, she took hold of his dick. Clay took a deep raspy breath. He removed her hand. “Next time you can pleasure me. Tonight is for you.” He stared at her as though he wanted to memorize her, like a photo in his mind. His gaze took in all of her.

  Warmth wrapped around her like a snug blanket.

  “I don’t want you to forget me while you’re gone,” he said.

  “The same goes for you.” She swallowed around the lump in her throat. At that moment, she didn’t want to ever leave his side, but she had to. They both needed to be sure their feelings would last.

  Clay nodded at her remark and separated her folds. He licked across her clit and down her labia.