They shook hands, and Fred left angrier at Grace than when he’d arrived.
He went back to work the next day. When his secretary questioned him, he explained his fiancée had gone to see her family to tell them the good news in person. “I’m taking some vacation and joining her this weekend.”
His boss overheard him and insisted he take Friday off and surprise her. “Thank you, sir. I’ll check on flights when I get home tonight.”
The story he’d told saved face for him, and gave him a reason to be gone the next few weeks. He had plenty of vacation. Fred grinned to himself. Everything is going my way.
Thursday evening, Fred bought and used black dye to change his hair color. Then he shopped for jeans, warm shirts, boots, and a hat. When he left for the airport the next morning, he didn’t recognize himself.
* * * *
Grace paced the cabin after returning from town. The man had not been Fred. Sure his height seemed the same, but nothing else reminded her of him. She’d better calm down. There’d be tourists visiting Frontier City, and she mustn’t fall apart every time she saw one.
Maybe working would help. She changed into comfortable clothes and went into Graham’s study.
When she’d moved in, she had put all her equipment, for work, in here. Grace placed all her supplies where she wanted them, mainly her easel and various pens and pencils. Then she sat at the desk with a pencil and a large pad of paper. She’d start drawing some of the ideas she’d had in the back of her mind for her personal line of clothing.
The room slowly grew dark. She glanced up and realized the sun had almost set. It was time to cook dinner and watch television for a few hours. She stretched and went to the bathroom to splash water on her face. Her phone rang when she came out.
Darn, I forgot to have my number changed. She glanced at the number on her screen. It was Graham.
“Hi.”
“Are you all settled in?” Graham asked.
“Yes. I’m unpacked and all.”
“Gina thought you might like to come for dinner.”
“That sounds great. I planned on having a bowl of soup.”
“I’ll come and get you.”
“I can drive over.”
“I know, but I’ll be there in a few minutes.”
Grace chuckled and hung up. Arguing the point was a waste of time. All her brothers were protective. That wasn’t going to change because she’d grown up. If she planned to live here, she might as well get used to it.
In a very short time Graham was at her door. He walked in and looked around.
“Do you miss it?” Grace asked.
“Nope. I’m comfortable and happy where I am.”
“I’m glad. I always thought you’d be the brother who never married, and you’d end up a grouchy old man pounding on his computer. But look, you beat Clay and me to the altar.”
“Gina took me by surprise.” He smiled. “Of course I let her.”
“Of course.”
Graham held the door for her, and they walked to his truck. He glanced at their mother’s truck. “Are you going to buy your own vehicle?”
“Yes. But I haven’t decided what I want, a car or a truck.”
On the way to the house they discussed the various pros and cons of both. “I guess you’re right about Mom’s car being available if I needed it. I might decide on a four-wheel drive truck.”
Gina ran out to greet her as soon as they arrived. “I’m so glad you accepted our invitation. I hated to think of you eating alone your first night in the cabin.”
“Gina, the little mother.” Graham put his arm around her and kissed the top of her head.
A stab of envy surprised Grace. They both looked so happy and good together. Did she want marriage? She had when she was younger, but she’d replaced Gab with her career. All evening, as she watched Graham and Gina, she wondered if she was missing something in her life.
They were having dessert when Graham got up to answer the phone. He glanced at Grace. “It’s for you. I knew I should have kept my number unlisted,” he grumbled.
“Is it Mom?” Grace whispered.
“No.” Graham held out the phone.
“Tell whoever it is I’m not here,” she whispered.
“He heard me say your name,” Graham said with his hand over the receiver. He and Gina looked at her with puzzled expressions.
Grace took the phone, but when she said hello the line clicked off. She dropped the receiver like it had burned her hand.
Graham walked to her side. “You’re shaking. What the hell’s going on?”
“I’ll tell you and Gina, but no one else can know. Mom knows, but none of the other brothers. Understand?”
“I don’t like it, but I agree for now.” Graham frowned at her.
“I was temporarily engaged, and he didn’t take me breaking off our engagement very well.”
“How long did this engagement last?” Graham asked.
She looked down at the floor. “One day.”
“What?” Both Gina and Graham spoke.
“He tricked me.” Grace explained the circumstances.
“I’d have told him hell no and lived with the embarrassment,” Graham said.
Gina walked to her husband’s side. “You’re a man, honey. Most women would react as Grace did.”
“You’re afraid of him.” Graham frowned at his phone. He glanced at Gina. “Tomorrow, we’re changing our number to unlisted. I don’t want any crazy man calling here and upsetting you. You can call your friends and give them the new number.”
Gina nodded, agreeing. Graham leaned down closer to her. “You aren’t giving me an argument. Why?”
“Because you’re right.”
He looked at her skeptically. “Hmm, that was too easy.”
Gina smiled. Grace had been captivated watching their interaction.
“I’m sorry this spilled over to you all,” Grace said.
Graham pushed her into the nearest chair. “Now tell me the truth. How scared of this guy are you?”
“A little.”
“And yet you moved to the cabin where you are all alone.”
“He won’t come here. He has to work, and if he did he’d never find me.”
“The man’s resourceful. He found this number, and he knew or guessed you were here. His hanging up was like saying, ‘gotcha.’”
“Don’t make a big deal of it. I can handle myself.”
“I don’t like it.”
“You’re my big brother. I didn’t think you would, and that is why I didn’t want you or the others to know.”
“I’m talking to Mom tomorrow.”
“Fine. Thanks for the meal, Gina. It was delicious. Graham, take me home.”
He didn’t speak until they got to the cabin. But then he got out and went in with her. He searched each room.
“Satisfied?”
“For now. Keep the doors and windows shut and locked. We’ll discuss this more tomorrow. You aren’t going to sleep a wink tonight.”
“Yes, I will.” She stepped into his space and raised her chin at him.
Graham chuckled. “You’re a little spitfire. But you won’t sleep.”
“I’m not little. All you boys are big,” she yelled after him. Ignoring her statement, he walked briskly out to his truck. She locked the door and watched until his taillights went out of sight.
I don’t like to admit it, but he’s right. I’m not going to sleep. I have no doubt the phone call was from Fred.
She stared into the dark night. But did it come from New York or from somewhere around here?
Chapter Eight
Gab had finished his breakfast and was drinking his second cup of coffee when his mother handed the phone to him. “It’s for you.”
He smiled, thinking Grace was calling him. “Good morning.”
“Hello, Gab. Welcome home. This is Mrs. Brodie.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Brodie. I’m glad to be back.”
&nb
sp; “I’d like to ask you a favor.”
“Sure, anything,” Gab said. How can I help you?”
“Can you drive by here, and we’ll talk? I’d like to hire you.” Nothing she said could have surprised Gab more. “Is someone
bothering you, Mrs. Brodie?”
“No. And I’d prefer to discuss why I need your assistance in person.”
“I can come by in about half an hour. Is that soon enough?” Gab asked her.
“Yes. I’ll see you then.”
“Mrs. Brodie wants to see you?” his mother asked.
“She sounds worried, and she wants to hire me. I’d better shave and get over there. I have an uneasy feeling about her phone call.”
“Will you be home for lunch?”
Gab pushed back his chair and stood. “I don’t know. Don’t count on me. Tell Dad to leave the work on the barn. I’ll start on it later today.”
“There’s no rush.” His mother smiled. “We’re just glad you’re home for good.”
Gab kissed his mom. “I am, too.”
All through the time it took him to shave and drive to Mrs. Brodie’s, he worried about what had upset her. He had an empty feeling in the bottom of his stomach. He suspected her concern regarded Grace. But surely if Grace was hurt, Mrs. Brodie would have told him. The drive seemed to take twice as long as usual.
Mrs. Brodie came right to the door. “I’m so glad you came quickly. Come in the kitchen and have a slice of coffee cake with a cup of coffee.”
He didn’t really want the refreshments, but he knew it was part of being gracious to a guest. He was expected to accept.
She didn’t talk much until he was seated and had taken his first bite. “You’re wondering what job I have for you. Before I tell you, you must understand I want this kept secret.”
“All right.”
“I want you to protect Grace.”
“What’s happened?”
“My son, Graham, called this morning.” She explained about the phone call last night. “He’s convinced Grace is scared and won’t admit it. She doesn’t want her brothers involved, so I thought of you. You did a good job with Sylvia.”
“It’s almost impossible to protect someone without them knowing. Grace is smart. She’d figure it out.”
“You like her, ask her out. Keep her close.”
“Mrs. Brodie, I can’t pretend or lie to Grace. I’m trying to win her trust. I will talk with her about letting me stay at the cabin to protect her.”
“And if she says no out of stubbornness?”
“Then I’ll have to find a way to keep her safe without her knowing, but I’ll never get her trust if I do.”
“Tell her I called you, and if she doesn’t let you guard her, then I’m going to tell the rest of her brothers. They’ll take care of the problem and see she’s safeguarded.”
“I’ll call her and say I’m on my way, then I’ll finish this delicious coffee cake.”
Gab punched in his speed dial number for Grace. “Hi, darlin’,” he said when she answered. Mrs. Brodie raised her eyebrow and smiled.
“Hello. Did you enjoy your first evening home with your parents?”
“I did. But now I want to see you and take you to visit my almost-finished house. I’m on my way.”
“I’ll be ready.” She clicked off.
“Done,” Gab said and put his phone aside, then picked up his fork to eat his cake.
“You called her ‘darlin’,’ and she didn’t yell through the phone at you.” Mrs. Brodie raised her eyebrows at him. “You’ve been seeing her in New York.”
“A few times recently. I love her, but she doesn’t trust me.”
“Can you blame her?” Mrs. Brodie sat across from him.
“No. I was a fool, but I’ll spend my life making it up to her.”
“If you hurt her again, my sons will be after you.”
Gab smiled. “I know they would, but it won’t be necessary.”
“I think I’d like you for a son-in-law. You’d fit right in with the family.”
“Thanks.” He glanced around the kitchen. I’ve been at your house so much as a kid playing games with your sons and eating your great cookies and cakes that it became my second home.”
Mrs. Brodie took his empty plate to the sink. “Go see my girl, and let me know if she agrees. I can’t stop worrying about her. Call it mother’s intuition.”
“I’ll convince her.”
Mrs. Brodie waved from her doorstep as he drove off. He had to get Grace to let him be her protector. He didn’t want to go behind her back. But he believed in Mrs. Brodie’s instincts, and he didn’t like hearing about the phone call last night.
When he knocked on Grace’s door, she was quick to answer. One look at her face told him she hadn’t slept well.
“Come in and join me for a cup of coffee or tea. I’m having tea.”
“I can’t hold another cup of anything. My mother and your mother have me completely full.”
“You’ve seen my mother this morning?” she asked on her way to the kitchen.
“Yes. She called and asked me to come by.”
“Sit.” Grace directed him to the seat across from her. “You can watch me eat my toast and drink my tea while you tell me what she wanted.”
“She wants to hire me to keep you safe. She’d preferred I do it secretly. But I explained we have trust issues, and that wouldn’t be an option.”
“I see.”
“I do plan on protecting you whether you like it or not. Your eyes are puffy. You didn’t sleep last night. Admit the phone call upset you.”
“Graham called Mom as he said he would. Darn, before long everyone will know.”
“As they should. It’s more eyes to watch out for Fred.”
“You think he was calling from around here?”
“I’m not sure, but I have Mac doing some checking. I called him on my way to the cabin.”
“If Fred’s still in New York, I don’t need protection.”
“Yes, you do. He might fly here at any time.”
She’d finished her tea and toast. Gab walked around the table and picked her up and sat down with her on his lap.
“I missed you last night.”
“I didn’t miss you at all. I enjoyed the dinner at my brother’s house. Gina is a good cook.”
“You lie.” He nuzzled her throat. “You missed me.” He placed his hand over her heart. “It’s beating double time.”
“It’s not beating for you. You make me nervous.”
“Your nose is going to grow long from all those little white lies.” He nibbled on the edge of her jaw. “I’ll take you to see my house, but first I’d like to make love to you. It’s been five whole days.”
Grace jumped out of his lap and ran. “Catch me if you can.”
She didn’t have a chance, but she’d give him a good run. She ran out the front door, letting the screen slam shut in front of him, but his long legs were catching up to her.
She ran around a tree and under a tall bush. She used every obstacle in the yard to slow him down. Then she darted to the dirt path toward Graham’s house. She’d only gone a short distance when he grabbed her into his arms.
“I’ve got you.”
“Your heart is pounding, and you’re breathing hard. What’s your excuse. Are you out-of-shape?” she teased.
He’d turned and walked toward the cabin. “I’ll show you how out-of-shape I am when we get inside.”
She giggled and kissed his neck. When she glanced up, his eyes smoldered with lust.
In the bedroom, he dropped her on the bed, and yanked his clothes off, scattering them around the room. She started to climb off the bed, but he caught hold of her foot, pulling her back to his side. He snatched a condom package out of his jeans and tossed it on the pillow. Then he put his leg over hers and straddled her body.
“Where to start?” Gab wiggled his eyebrows at her. “I might not be hungry for food, but I am for you.”
He unbuttoned the front of her blouse, pulled her upright and put it aside. Then he unsnapped her bra and it went along with her blouse. When he laid her down, his hands covered her breasts.
“Silky, smooth, creamy with rosy tips, I can think of a million ways to describe your luscious breasts.” He dipped his head and his teeth grazed across her pebbled nipples. “I’ll never get tired of touching you, tasting you, loving you.” His eyes were heavy-lidded, and his cock pulsed against her lower abdomen.
“You must have gotten tired the first time around.”
“No. I was young and foolish. There was adventure waiting in the unknown. I’m a better man for having got my curiosity about the world behind me. I’ll make you a better husband and be a good father for our children.”
“See.” She pushed him off her. “You jump right to the finish line when I’m still at the start. If you don’t slow down, I’ll get someone else to protect me.”
He lay beside her, casually running his hand along her body. “You have to admit you like my touch and my loving.”
“My body reacts to your touch, but my mind recalls the summer we dated and how it ended.”
“I never made promises that summer. I didn’t say I loved you. I thought you’d have another boyfriend in a few months. Or at least that’s what I told myself.” He grabbed the condom package, ripped off the wrapper, and sheathed his cock. Then he bent his head and took her nearest nipple into his mouth. When he sucked, her body trembled.
A sizzle went straight from her breast to her core, and her body burned with a fever for him. It had always been him. But was he right? Had she heard what she wanted to hear that summer? And had she created unrealistic dreams he wasn’t aware of when he left?
Gab tweaked her nipple and kissed her mouth. “You’re drifting away from me again. I must have lost my touch.”
She started to make a snappy remark until she saw deep in his eyes a vulnerability she hadn’t expected.
“Something you said triggered a thought. My body’s humming for more. Don’t stop.”
Gab nibbled on her earlobe and down her neck. He licked across the spot where her heart beat fast, and then he scraped his teeth along the edge of her shoulders. He moved further down her body and pulled her jeans and panties off.
Enticed by the Billionaire Cowboy [Wives for the Western Billionaires 9] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) Page 7
