Wrangling Wes

by Thomas, Jacquelin

“Make love to me,” she whispered between kisses. Lydia no longer cared that Samara was just down the hall.

  “You don’t know how badly I wanted to hear those words come out of your mouth,” he confessed. “My body yearns for yours.”

  Wesley bent his head and captured her lips in a demanding kiss.

  Locking her hands behind his neck, Lydia returned his kiss, matching passion for passion.

  He helped her undress. His breath seemed to catch when he glimpsed her in her underwear.

  “You are so beautiful,” Wesley said, his voice filled with a reverent awe.

  He undressed and then joined her in bed.

  Wesley’s mouth covered hers again hungrily.

  Lydia answered his kiss with a desire that belied her outward calm.

  Moaning, she drew herself closer to Wesley as his hands explored her body. He moved his mouth down the column of her neck, teasing with his lips against her sensitive skin. Lydia fought a shiver as his mouth found her collarbone.

  Lydia marveled at the way Wesley made her feel. The way their bodies connected and became one in a fluid motion. Nothing had ever felt this perfect. Or so right.

  She loved him with her whole heart.

  And then she loved him some more.

  Lydia matched her breaths to his until they both were breathing in a normal rhythm.

  “We are perfect together,” she murmured, as Wesley settled next to her, with one arm thrown over her body in a protective gesture.

  “I was actually thinking along the lines of earth-shattering.”

  Chapter 15

  “I have to head out to the ranch, but I’ll give you a call later,” Wesley announced as he got dressed.

  She ran her fingers through her curls. “I can’t wait for this interview to be over. Maybe I’ll find out how much longer Samara plans to be in town. She’s been pretty vague each time I’ve asked.”

  “Do you think that maybe she wants to have the movie filmed in Granger?”

  Lydia hadn’t considered that possibility. “That could be it,” she responded. Maybe she wanted to use the BWB Ranch as the setting. This would certainly explain her interest in the Broward family.

  He kissed her. “I have to get going. I love you.”

  “I love you, too.”

  An hour later, she and Samara walked out of the hotel and got into a limo.

  “How did you sleep?” Lydia inquired.

  “Quite well, actually.” Samara glanced over at her and asked, “What about you? You weren’t up most of the night working, were you?”

  “No,” Lydia responded with a secret smile. “I went to bed shortly after I left your room.”

  They were directed to the greenroom as soon as they arrived at the television station. Lydia took a seat on the black leather sofa while Samara was having her hair and makeup done.

  She did not feel as antsy as she had in the beginning. Lydia decided that she had overreacted where Samara was concerned.

  Her eyes traveled to the clock on the wall. It was almost time for the actress to go on the set. She got up to make sure Samara was ready.

  Watching from the greenroom, Lydia admired the way Samara handled herself during the interview. She talked about her current movie role.

  “I loved playing Jaden,” she was saying. “I enjoy playing strong women.”

  “So tell us, what brings you to Granger?” the host inquired.

  “My interest was piqued when I read about the town in a travel magazine,” she admitted. “But I fell in love the moment I stepped off the plane and glimpsed the mountains, the trees, fresh air and the town itself. It’s so beautiful here.”

  Lydia could understand because she felt the same way.

  “We are thrilled to have you visit with us. How long will you be staying?”

  “I’m actually planning to move to Granger,” Samara announced with a grin. “I’ve already found a lovely ranch outside of town that’s absolutely magical. Of course, there are a lot of renovations that have to be completed, and when they’re finished the place will be perfect.”

  Lydia gasped in surprise.

  When did Samara decide this? she wondered.

  “I knew the moment my real estate agent emailed me the photos that this was the perfect place for me to live and raise a family. It reminds me of the house I grew up in,” Samara stated. “Although it was much smaller.”

  “Are you thinking of settling down?”

  Samara smiled. “I am,” she confirmed. “Although I’m still looking for Mr. Wonderful. I wanted to find a place that would be my retreat from the rest of the world. I also wanted a place for my future children to have that experience to play outside...run with the dogs...whatever.”

  What in the world was Samara really up to? Why had she been so secretive about her plans to move to Granger? Lydia felt that initial wave of apprehension wash over her. She had no idea what was going on with her boss, and it made her extremely nervous.

  “Granger’s very lucky to have you as a resident.”

  “Thank you,” Samara murmured. “Once all of the renovations are completed, I’d be more than happy to give you a tour.”

  “Samara, exactly when did you decide you were moving to Granger?” Lydia demanded once the camera stopped rolling and they were in the greenroom. “You told me that this was about a movie role. I’d like to know what’s really going on here.”

  “We’re not going to have this discussion right now,” Samara stated coolly. “Why don’t you take me to meet Wesley Broward? Don’t you think it’s time he and I met?”

  “Why do you want to meet him?” Lydia asked, her arms folded across her chest. She did not like the direction in which they were headed. A part of her wondered if Samara was interested in Wesley. It was the only thing that really made sense to her.

  Samara eyed her for a moment before saying, “You’re acting very protective of this man. Is there something I should know?”

  “Wes and I are seeing each other,” Lydia announced after a brief pause. “We have grown really close, and I really care about him.”

  “That’s so sweet,” Samara cooed. “Honey, you don’t have to be jealous of me—I assure you that I’m not interested in Wesley romantically.”

  “You’re also not here to prepare for a movie, so what is really going on?” Lydia wanted to know. “I don’t understand all of the lies. I deserve to know why you really had me come to Montana.”

  “Instead of asking all these questions, you really should be thanking me, Lydia. After all, you never would’ve met Wesley Broward if not for the assignment I gave you.” She folded her arms across her chest. “You’re welcome.”

  Lydia was not satisfied with Samara’s lack of response to her questions. “You’re going to have to come clean, Samara. I’m not going to take you to meet Wes until you tell me the truth.”

  “I can’t tell you anything right now, but I promise that you’ll understand everything really soon. I need you to trust me on this, Lydia.”

  Samara was not budging, so they were at a standstill.

  “Fine,” Lydia responded, but deep down she felt anything but fine.

  She called Wesley and asked, “Do you have some time to join us for lunch?”

  “Sure,” he responded smoothly. “When and where?”

  “Las Margaritas around noon,” Lydia murmured. “Samara loves Mexican food.”

  “I’ll see you there.”

  “I had no idea when I sent you here that you would manage to fall in love with Wesley Broward. Imagine that. Maybe I should become a matchmaker.”

  Lydia did not utter a response.

  * * *

  Although Samara said that she wasn’t interested in Wesley romantically, Lydia wasn’t sure that s
he believed her. Especially from the way the woman was fawning over him. She seemed to be working awfully hard to garner his interest. They had not been seated more than five minutes when she started coming on to him.

  Boss or no boss, Samara had no right to blatantly flirt with the man involved with Lydia.

  “I’ve been told that all of the Broward men are charming,” Samara said with a smile. “I haven’t met the rest of your family, but they were certainly right about you.”

  “Why, thank you, ma’am,” Wesley uttered.

  Lydia bit back a chuckle at the expression on Samara’s face. She definitely did not like Wesley referring to her as ma’am.

  Samara sent her a sharp look, but Lydia did not care. The self-absorbed actress was making a play for her man.

  She boldly met Samara’s gaze.

  Lightly fingering a lamp on a nearby table, Samara said, “Lydia’s told me so much about the BWB Ranch that I’m dying to see it for myself.”

  “It would be an honor to have you visit,” Wesley said, his tone polite and formal.

  “I can’t wait.”

  Lydia stole a peek at Wesley. He appeared to be studying Samara. She was relieved to see that he was not buying her act completely.

  They made small talk while they ate.

  When Wesley signaled for the check, Samara told him, “No, this is on me. Please don’t refuse me.”

  He would not hear of it. “I will take care of payment.”

  “Is today a good day for that tour?” Samara inquired. She flashed him a sexy grin.

  “Wes is a very busy man,” Lydia quickly interjected. “I don’t think we need to take up any more of his time.”

  “You’re right, Lydia. We should let him get back to what he does best—ranching.”

  “It’s real nice to meet you, Miss Lionne. How long will you be staying in town?” Wesley inquired. “I want to make sure we get you out to the ranch.”

  “Don’t you worry about that,” Samara said smoothly. “We have plenty of time.”

  Confused, Wesley glanced over at Lydia.

  “Oh, I’m not in Granger for a visit. I’m moving here. Well, just outside of town.”

  Lydia met his gaze. “I just found out this morning.”

  “Wesley, I bought a lovely little property in Hastings,” Samara announced. “I think it was called the Hastings Dude Ranch. I’m changing the name, of course.” She clasped her hands together in glee. “I can’t wait to start the renovations. This is going to be so much fun.”

  “The Hastings property,” Wes repeated slowly. He looked from Samara to Lydia in disbelief. “Please tell me that you had nothing to do with this.”

  Bewildered, Lydia shook her head. “No, I had no idea about any of her plans.” She glanced over at Samara and then back at Wesley. “I found out about this just now. She mentioned earlier that she found a place, but she didn’t say anything about the name or location. Wes, I was kept in the dark about this.”

  “The place is perfect for what I have in mind,” Samara continued to gush, seemingly oblivious to Wesley’s anger.

  “I own that property,” Wesley uttered. His eyes grew cold as he stared at Lydia accusingly. He had told her about his plan to sell it. She had to have mentioned it to Samara. She was the only one outside of his family who knew of his desire.

  “You did own it,” Samara corrected. “I own it now. What a coincidence. I think it must be fate.”

  Wesley glared at Lydia. “I find it hard to believe that you had no idea what was going on, especially since you were there when I decided to sell.”

  “Wes, I assure you that I had nothing to do with Samara buying that property,” Lydia stated. “Believe it or not, Samara does not fill me in on all of her plans.”

  “So why did you really come here?” he demanded. “Were you really doing research for a movie role?”

  Lydia glanced over at Samara. “I don’t know the real answer to that question, I’m afraid.”

  “She came here because I told her to,” Samara interjected. “That’s all you need to know, Mr. Broward.”

  “Now, see, that’s where you’re wrong,” he responded angrily. “You bought that ranch under false pretenses. It was a fraudulent transaction.”

  “I merely disguised my identity from the seller,” she said with a shrug. “I didn’t want it publicized that I was buying property here. That’s all.”

  “Wes...”

  He glared at Lydia. “Jameson said that you were trouble. Maybe I should have listened to him.”

  “Excuse me,” she responded. “Your brother doesn’t know me well enough to have any opinion.”

  Her eyes flashed in her anger. “I can’t believe you, Wes. You of all people should know that I wouldn’t do something like this.”

  He shook his head. “I don’t know what to believe.”

  Before she could say anything, he stalked off, walking briskly toward his car.

  Lydia was stunned. She wasn’t sure what had just happened. Everything had been going so well. But now...

  Samara was unfazed. She chattered nonstop it seemed during the ride back to the hotel.

  “What is your problem?” Samara demanded when she realized that Lydia had not said a word to her.

  Her temper flared and Lydia did not bother to disguise her feelings. “I don’t have any idea what you’re up to, but I don’t want to be a part of it.”

  “It’s too late, don’t you think?” Samara asked. “You became a part of my plan the moment you set foot in Granger.” She paused a heartbeat before adding, “Lydia, don’t you worry about Wesley Broward. Mark my words...that cowboy of yours will come to his senses and will be knocking on your door. Just wait and see.”

  She glowered at her and turned away. Lydia was breathless with rage.

  “In the meantime, there is a lot to be done to prepare the Hastings property. You’re going to be so busy, you won’t have time to think about the man. Oh, I’m giving you a big, fat bonus. Is this great news?”

  Lydia continued her silence.

  “Did you hear me?”

  “I heard you, Samara, and you know something—I really don’t care.” Rancor sharpened her voice. “You can keep your bonus.”

  “You can’t be serious.”

  “Oh, I’m very serious,” Lydia responded, flashing Samara a look of disdain.

  They did not speak during the rest of ride back to the hotel.

  Lydia jumped out with the intent to head straight to her room.

  Samara caught up with her at the elevators.

  “When we get upstairs, I need you to—”

  Lydia cut her off by saying, “I’m going to my room, and I don’t want to be disturbed.”

  Samara paled. “Excuse me?”

  “I mean it,” she uttered. “I’ve had enough of you for one day.”

  “I know you’re upset over this cowboy, but if Wesley Broward cares for you, he will be back, Lydia.”

  “I’m not having this conversation with you of all people.” Her voice was quiet yet held an undertone of cold contempt.

  “I really don’t care much for your tone, Lydia. Apparently, you’ve clearly forgotten who you are working for.”

  “Trust me, I haven’t forgotten, Samara.”

  They rode the elevator in tense silence.

  When the doors opened, Lydia stepped out first.

  Samara caught up with her. “Look, I know that you’re upset over the way I handled this situation, but don’t say something you might regret.”

  “I’m going to my room, and I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  Samara blocked her path. “Lydia, I’m not done. I need to go over what I want for dinner.”

  “I’m afraid you are going to have to
make the call yourself,” Lydia stated as she made her way to the door. “I mean it. I’m not doing anything else for you. I just need to be alone.”

  “I can’t believe you’re being so silly where Wesley’s concerned.”

  “I really care about him,” Lydia stated, turning around to face Samara.

  “And if he truly cares about you, he won’t let me come between you two.”

  Lydia quickly unlocked her door. She needed to get as far away from Samara as possible. When she first landed the job as her assistant, Lydia could not have been more pleased. But now...she was so angry that she could spit nails.

  * * *

  Wesley was furious with himself.

  He could not believe that he had freely given his heart to Lydia—a woman he knew nothing about. Jameson had said all along that she could not be trusted, and clearly he was right.

  She had been lying to him all along.

  “What’s wrong with you?” Jameson asked. “You’ve been in a bad mood since you came back from town.”

  “It’s nothing I want to talk about,” he muttered.

  “Have you met Samara Lionne, the woman Lydia works for?”

  “Yeah,” Wesley growled. “She’s nothing like the woman I thought she would be.”

  “Did something happen?”

  “Samara bought my property in Hastings,” he announced. “I never intended to sell it to some stuck-up actress.”

  “I suppose Lydia had a hand in this,” Jameson said.

  Wesley nodded. “She says that she didn’t, but I told her about the ranch. I really thought she could be trusted.”

  “I’m sorry, bro.”

  “Lesson learned,” he uttered with a shrug.

  Chapter 16

  The next morning, Lydia’s sorrow had been replaced by anger. She was furious with Samara for her deception and angry with Wesley for his distrust. Mostly, she was mad at herself for getting in the middle of this mess.

  Lydia opened her suitcase and began packing. She didn’t care how much money Samara was paying her—this job had already cost her too much. It wasn’t just the loss of Wesley, but the loss of her dignity.

  She made arrangements to drop her rental car off at the airport.