“Your money doesn’t matter to me.”
“Then if I give it all away, would you still want to marry me?”
“Don’t be silly. You won’t give it away.”
“No. And you won’t get a cent of it either. I’m sorry this had to end this way. You set me up at my party knowing I couldn’t say no. I don’t love you, Fred. We’d make each other miserable.”
“You can’t end the engagement now. Wait a few months. I’ve told my boss and my friends. I’ll look like a fool. I won’t stand for it.” His voice raised and several diners glanced their way.
Mac pulled out his recorder. “Don’t let him sucker you in out of pity or concern. You don’t need to worry about him or his family. I have his statement recorded about him taking his ring back.”
Fred went red in the face. He grabbed the ring and stood. “You’ll be hearing from my lawyer. I plan to get a lot of your money.” He snatched the gown off her lap and stormed out the door as the maître d’ came to the table to find out what was happening.
“Madam, what is the problem. Our other patrons are being disturbed.”
“We’re sorry. We’re leaving. Mac, are you hungry?”
“Yes.”
“I know a place down the street that has the best burgers in town. Will you join me and explain how you happened to be in this restaurant at this time?”
Mac shrugged his shoulders. “Sure. Lead the way.” He handed the affronted maître d’ money for the wine and a large tip for his trouble. Then he followed Grace out of the hotel.
They walked down one street, turned the corner, and went in another much smaller restaurant. “All the food here is good in case you don’t want the burger.” Grace followed a waitress to a back booth and they sat. “I’m sure you must work for Gab. He’s the only one who knew about my dinner appointment, and the only one who would have had someone watching me.”
“You’re right. He asked me to find out the restaurant and to be there in case you needed me. I came early and got a table. When I saw you walk in and sit, I asked the waiter to move me to the table next to yours. It had recently been vacated. He accommodated me. I must admit it worked better than I expected. The stars must be shining down on you. When your ex-fiancé raised his voice, I decided to interrupt.”
“I’m going to wring Gab’s neck. But I am glad you came to our table.” She looked at the menu. “I usually eat salads, but I’m going to have their big hamburger, fries, and a thick milkshake.”
“I’ll have the same. It sounds good.”
They ordered, and she sat back and studied Mac. “How long have you known Gab?”
“We were in the service together. He mentioned you to me several times and described you. His description was accurate. You’re a beautiful lady.”
“And you can sweet talk the same as Gab.”
Mac grinned and changed the subject. “You picked the perfect spot to confront him. He’d be less likely to completely let go and act out in the middle of a room full of other diners.”
“Exactly. Of course your arrival made all my planning unnecessary.”
“In this world, a woman always needs an escape plan. Remember, watch yourself, and if possible don’t get in a vulnerable position.”
“Do you think I may have more problems with Fred?”
“I didn’t like him. He won’t give up your money easily.”
“You don’t know him.”
“I know his type. Don’t underestimate a scorned man any more than a scorned woman. He’s not through with you yet. Be cautious.”
A shiver ran down Grace’s spine. The last look Fred gave her had been one of hate. She feared Mac might be right.
* * * *
Grace had liked Mac. He’d seen her home after their meal last night. She hadn’t been sure whether to be mad at Gab or glad for his interference. She didn’t like him thinking he could involve himself in her life after she’d said no. They’d get that straight tonight. Her chores were done, and it was time to get ready for her date. Grace tried not to be excited, but it was a losing battle.
She chose to wear a rose-pink V-neck dress with quarter-length sleeves. The skirt was above the knees, and she wore nude-colored heels. Her only jewelry was a thin, gold chain and gold earrings. She spritzed her cologne on and carried her purse that matched her heels.
Gab rang the bell right at seven o’clock. When she opened the door, his blue eyes darkened as he studied her from head to toes.
“You expect me to be good after watching you all evening in that outfit? Every man you walk pass will be staring at your long, long legs.”
“Shall I change?”
“Hell no. I’ll be proud as a rooster to walk at your side.”
“Spoken like a true country boy. Are those flowers you’re carrying for me?”
He glanced at the bunch of pink baby roses. “You surprised me. I forgot I was holding them.” He handed her the flowers.
“You remembered these are my favorites.”
“Darlin’, there isn’t much I’ve forgotten about you. I was telling the truth when I said you were seldom out of my mind.”
“And you always were a sweet-talking devil. Come in. I’ll put these in water, and then we can leave.”
Gab put his hand at her back when they walked to his car. He helped her in the Camaro and went around to the driver’s seat.
“I have a friend who owns an Italian restaurant. It’s small and intimate, and, most of all, the food is excellent.”
“Do friends eat at intimate restaurants?”
“If the food is worth it. This is.”
“Hmm, we’ll see. I do love Italian food and Italian men.” She glanced at him, trying to keep a smile off her face.
But he surprised her. “You’ll love Enrico. He’s short, plump, and charms the ladies. His wife is the cook, and she’s short, plump, and scares the ladies off.”
Grace found herself laughing and realized how long it’d been since she really enjoyed herself. Gab was good company, and she’d relaxed since all her chores were done and tomorrow night she’d be home.
“By the way, Mac is resourceful. Do you pay him enough for his talents?”
“Probably not, but don’t tell him I said so, or he’ll ask for a raise.”
“His timing last night was impeccable.”
“We discussed where you might be meeting your ex-fiancé for dinner. He checked around and found the right place. I preferred you have someone to protect you in case Fred went off-the-wall crazy.”
“Mac said Fred wouldn’t give my money up easily.”
“I’m afraid he’s right. Fred is a little man inside and thinks he deserves more than he has. You took away his pot of gold. That type of man doesn’t forget rejection.”
“And you took control and made all those plans after I told you to not interfere.”
“You told me I couldn’t be there. I wasn’t. I sent Mac.”
“We’ll discuss this later. I won’t have you twisting my words to justify what you want to do.”
People were standing outside, waiting for a table. Gab had pulled over and parked in front of a small restaurant while she was talking.
“It must be good,” Grace said.
Gab helped her out of the car and cupped her elbow in his hand. “Don’t worry, Enrico is saving us a table.” He led her past the crowd and walked inside the dimly lit room.
“Gabriel, my friend.” A short man with a boisterous voice greeted them. “Come in. I have your special table waiting and Mama is fixing your favorite dish. Who is this beautiful lady?” Enrico asked and kissed the tips of her fingers.
Gab grinned. “Grace Brodie, meet the extravagant showman, Enrico. He’s the owner of this wonderful establishment.”
“Madam, it is my pleasure. I will send Mama out later to meet you. This must be the one, my friend.” He handed them their menus and rushed off.
“Why did he say I was the one?”
“Because I’ve never
brought a date here, and I told him if I ever did she would be the one.”
“Gab, you’re moving fast, too fast. Even if I said I’d date you, and that’s a maybe, marriage is out of the question for a long time. My trust in men is around zero right this minute.”
“I know. We’ll take it slow and easy. We have to get to know each other as adults. Although we both thought we were mature when we first dated, we weren’t. At least I wasn’t. But I know what I want in the present, do you?”
She took a deep breath and his scent, which had driven her crazy in the close confines of his car, wafted across the table. He smelled manly and sinfully sexy. Whatever he wore should be sold in every store. But she knew from the past that much of his scent was his own, not store bought.
He waited patiently for an answer to his question. “I want to design clothes and perhaps do some decorating of houses. Other than those desires, I want to lie low, relax, and decide what all I want to do with my life.”
“May I be allowed to persuade you?”
“No. If I’m what you want, then don’t push so hard. It’ll work out, or it won’t. I don’t want my heart broken like before.”
“Fair enough. Nevertheless, I want to date you, see you, make love to you, and when it’s time, ask you to marry me.” He reached across the table and took her hand. “I promise I won’t break your heart.”
“I don’t plan to let you. So watch out for your own.” She pulled her hand out of his grasp.
Enrico delivered a bottle of rose zinfandel wine and bread with lumps of soft butter on a side dish. “Enjoy. Mama will bring your plates out. She’s anxious to meet your lady.”
“You ordered for us?”
“I know you like lasagna. Rosita makes the best in town.”
“From the luscious scents floating in the air, I imagine all her food is the best.”
They talked and drank their wine, ate their salads Enrico had brought to them, and the wonderful slices of homemade bread. Grace didn’t know where she’d put the lasagna.
Her body and mind relaxed. Gab always had had that effect on her. She’d forgotten how easy it was to be with him.
“You are really moving back to Frontier City, too?” she asked.
“Yes. Mom and Dad need me. And after living all over the world, I’ve found home is the best place. As I said I’m having a house built about a mile from my parents. It’s almost completed. I meant it when I said I’d like you to do the decorating.”
“What about your business here?”
“I kidded with you about Mac. He actually owns fifty percent of the company. He’ll handle things in New York and do most of the cases. If he needs me, I’ll help. In a few years, he’ll buy me out.”
“Are you all right with just being a cowboy rancher?”
“I think I will be. No, I know I will be.”
“My favorite young man.” A woman, about the same height and size as Enrico, greeted Gab. She put down two steaming plates. “They’re hot. Be careful.” Then she gave her full attention to Grace. “Ah, yes. She is the one. She will make you a good wife and give you many bambinos.”
Grace blushed at her words, and Rosita laughed heartily. “She is shy. Good. Not many women are these days.”
“Rosita, this is Grace. We grew up in the same small town in Montana. Grace, this is Enrico’s wife.”
“I’ve heard much about your food. Lasagna is my favorite Italian dish. I’m sure I’ll enjoy the meal.”
“It is very nice to meet you. You two must invite Enrico and me to the wedding. Now I have to go cook.” She hurried back to the kitchen.”
“Did you tell them we were marrying?”
“No, but to them if I’ve found the one, then marriage follows.”
“You have colorful friends. And I swear if your mother shows up with a wedding gown, I’m leaving.”
Gab threw back his head and laughed. “Mac told me all about the dress. I promise when we marry you can make all the plans including choosing your dress.”
“We aren’t going to marry.”
He winked at her. “Time will tell.”
Deciding to ignore him, she started eating. “This is wonderful.”
“See? I’m right about her food. I can be right about other things.”
“You sound like a broken record. Hush, and eat.”
After they’d cleaned their plates, Enrico insisted they share a chocolate dessert. When he put the plate on the table, they both groaned.
“May we have a box, Enrico? We promise to eat it later.” Grace smiled.
“How can a man resist such a woman? For you my dear, anything.” He left in a flourish and returned with the box. Gab paid him for the meal, and they walked to his car.
“If I’d eaten the dessert, you’d have had to carry me out. I don’t need to eat for two days.”
“You’re too skinny. A little Italian food will do you good.”
“You sound like my mother.”
“That’s the last person I want to remind you of tonight.” He glanced at her as he drove toward her condo. “Especially since I’m hoping to have my way with you.”
Grace didn’t respond. Her body was yelling yes, but her mind cautioned her to remember the past.
At the condo, Gab helped her out and walked her to the door. “May I come up?”
“For a nightcap, yes. No other promises.”
“Agreed.”
At her door, she handed him the key. “I like your setup with the private entrance from the elevator and the fact you can lock your elevator door. You’re good and safe once you get here.”
“The condo was more expensive than others I saw, but Clay insisted. He said if I had to live in the city and wouldn’t live with him, then this condo met his strict requirements.”
“I’d have wanted the same for you.”
“I’ll get us a cup of coffee. Be right back.”
Gab followed her into her shiny, white kitchen with all the most modern equipment. He nuzzled her neck as she opened the drawer to choose a K-cup of coffee for him.
“Be good.” She shooed him off. “What flavor do you want?”
“What flavor are you?”
“I’m a bit bitter. You’ll like this vanilla-flavored coffee better.”
“Don’t you have any man coffee?”
“You mean grounds that have been used twice and taste like dirt?”
“Not quite that bad, but regular stuff.”
“Here’s one, it says very strong.”
“I’ll take it.”
“I’ll have the raspberry coffee.” Gab made a face, and she laughed.
“Where are those brownies? I refuse to believe you ate them all.”
“Look in the cupboard on the left.”
Gab’s coffee was ready when the phone rang. She handed him his cup and put her cup in place, pushed the button, and grabbed her cell without bothering to look at the name.
“You bitch. I saw who you threw me over for, and I’ll make you regret giving me my ring back.”
“Fred, don’t call me again.”
“Hah, I’ll do as I please.”
Gab had taken the phone from her and heard his words. “No, you won’t, or I’ll break every bone in your body. She’s mine, and I protect my woman. If you so much as say a word to her, you’ll regret it.” He clicked the phone off. “You’ll have to change your number to be certain he doesn’t pester you.”
“I will. When I get to Mom’s, I’ll call and have it changed. For now I can put it on the selection to only let family ring through. I’d just changed it back to take all calls today.”
They took their coffee and the brownies out to the balcony. The lights from the city twinkled around them. They sat in companionable silence for several minutes.
“I forgot what a comfortable woman you are to be around. A man doesn’t have to constantly be complimenting you or talking at all.”
“That’s the nicest compliment you’ve given me. My brothe
rs taught me long ago that if I wanted to play with them, I couldn’t chatter all the time. It was a good lesson for life.”
She shivered, and Gab took his jacket off and wrapped it around her shoulders. His scent enveloped her. His hands threaded through her long hair.
“I’m glad you never cut it. It’s soft and luxurious.” He buried his nose in the waves. “You smell of freshness and the sea. I hate heavy perfumes.” He leaned down and whispered in her ear. “I don’t want to go to my place tonight. I want to rub my hands over your soft body, kiss your delectable mouth, and fill your pussy with my hard, hungry cock.” His fingers brushed across her throat and down her neck to slip under the V-opening to her dress.
Her breast instantly swelled to fill his hand, and her nipple peaked. The small fire in her abdomen kindled into a roaring flame, and her desire burst out, rushing through her veins. With his other hand, he tipped her face back and kissed her mouth. When she opened her lips, his tongue glided inside, caressing all the tender places. Then he sucked on her tongue and tightened his fingers on her nipple. Heat flashed between his touch and her core.
Gab pulled back and stared into her eyes. “I want to make love to you. I’ve waited a long time.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck, and he carried her to the bedroom. When he set her feet on the rug, he cupped her face in his hands. “My darlin’.” He touched her trembling lips with one finger. His blue eyes glowed with an inner fire.
Grace couldn’t have moved if she’d wanted to. Her body leaned toward him in supplication. He moved behind her and unzipped her dress and let it slide to the floor. She kicked off her heels and stood in her pink bra and matching bikini panties.
He didn’t take his eyes off her while he shrugged out of his black shirt, slacks, and underwear.
Her heart pounded in her chest as she watched him. She’d seen him shirtless working at the ranch with her brothers, but never naked. He had broader shoulders, and an even more pronounced six-pack. He’d always had a tan. His long legs were muscled and his large cock jutted out and upward toward his abdomen.
Enticed by the Billionaire Cowboy [Wives for the Western Billionaires 9] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) Page 4
