Wives for the Western Billionaires 4
The Billionaire Cattleman Wins a Wife
Lily Yannell is staying temporarily at the Terrell ranch. While there, her heart and body's sensuous response to Ty increases. Ty Terrell doesn't appear to reciprocate the feelings. He still grieves the loss of his wife and unborn son during childbirth, and rejects the emotions Lily stirs in him.
When Ty's parents go south for the winter, Ty feels responsible for Lily. He doesn't understand how she manages to frustrate and confuse him. His hair-trigger temper keeps distance between them.
Lily believes Ty doesn't like her. When she receives an anonymous phone call, she says it was probably a reporter seeking her whereabouts. She doesn't admit the gruff voice sent chills down her spine.
When Lily disappears, Ty is shocked by his true feelings. He calls everyone to search for her. But once they have her back, he plans to send her away. His fear of love and loss are intertwined.
Genre: Contemporary, Western/Cowboys
Length: 43,351 words
THE BILLIONAIRE CATTLEMAN WINS A WIFE
Wives for the Western Billionaires 4
Paige Cameron
EVERLASTING CLASSIC
Siren Publishing, Inc.
www.SirenPublishing.com
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A SIREN PUBLISHING BOOK
IMPRINT: Everlasting Classic
THE BILLIONAIRE CATTLEMAN WINS A WIFE
Copyright © 2012 by Paige Cameron
E-book ISBN: 1-61926-328-9
First E-book Publication: January 2012
Cover design by Les Byerley
All art and logo copyright © 2012 by Siren Publishing, Inc.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission.
All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.
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Siren Publishing, Inc.
www.SirenPublishing.com
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DEDICATION
To all my friends and family who believed in my dream of being a writer even before it became a reality and who encouraged me all along the way. Thank you.
THE BILLIONAIRE CATTLEMAN WINS A WIFE
Wives for the Western Billionaires 4
PAIGE CAMERON
Copyright © 2012
Prologue
Ty Terrell watched the plane carrying his brother, Brent, and his new bride, Angie, until it took off and was a speck in the distance. He wanted to turn the rental car in and fly back to Montana right now, alone. But his parents were at the Dedricks’ home, where Brent and Angie were just married. Lily Yannell, Angie’s sister, was also there. They all planned to travel back to Montana with him.
He took long strides toward the car. Usually, in a few months, his parents would be headed for Florida. His mother’s concern regarding Lily, whose father had just recently been arrested, had made her decide to hold off on going to their winter retreat until much later. His dad didn’t mind. Joseph Terrell loved Montana in all its seasons, but the cold weather was harder on him and Mom than it used to be.
Lily would be staying in the ranch house. She stirred him up, and he didn’t like it. How the hell was he going to manage with her just yards away from his cabin? He’d have to watch out for her when the winter hit hard. Montana winters could be dangerous to novices.
Frustration, irritability, and something else he refused to recognize swirled around inside him. He shouldn’t have to babysit a woman he didn’t even know and preferred not to.
He intended to stay far away from the ranch house, as much as his mother would allow. Once his dad and mom left for Florida, it would be soon enough to worry about having to deal directly with Lily. Just thinking about her name brought the vision of her into his mind. Her creamy skin, golden hair, and lilac scent had haunted him from their first meeting.
Ty didn’t need or want a woman in his life. Candice had been his first love. He’d lost her and their unborn child. He promised himself he’d never let love in his heart again. He’d never risk the pain he had endured these past lonely years. Never.
Chapter One
Six Months Later
Lily Yannell stood at Ty’s side and watched his parents’ jet take off. The sky was clear and blue. It was one of the few days the weather had permitted them to leave. She knew they’d stayed for the holidays to keep her company and keep her spirits up. But when the worst of the cold hit, they decided to head south. She’d grown very fond of Mr. and Mrs. Terrell. Without them, she was scared and vulnerable.
Ty had been polite but distant since she’d moved to the ranch. Today was no different. Whereas every time they met, her body got hot and flustered, he was cool and withdrawn. No approach she’d tried had made even a small dent in the wall he’d built solidly around him.
“It’s cold out here. I’ll take you back to the ranch house. I’ve got work to do.”
She followed his brisk steps to the car. Being only five foot four inches to his six foot two, she had difficulty keeping up with him. He opened the truck door for her, an impatient look on his handsome face.
The truck’s heater felt good. She put her gloved hands up to the vent.
“You need warmer gloves,” Ty said.
“Your mom and dad said the same. I haven’t been anywhere to buy new ones. Your mom told me to use hers, but I might damage them.”
“Nonsense. Most of her gloves are worn anyway. Don’t be silly. Wear them from now on.”
Lily glanced across at him. He’d pulled off his hat and his light brown hair was mussed. She was tempted to reach across and smooth the silky strands into place. As usual his jaw was clenched and his lips held tight.
“Why don’t you like me?”
He looked in her direction for a second. “I don’t dislike you. I really don’t know you.”
“You’ve stayed away from the house. I don’t think you want to become better acquainted.”
“I’m busy, especially in the winter. I can’t take time to socialize and leave all the work to my cousin, Dirk.”
She’d met Dirk a couple of times. He was a quiet man, but unlike Ty, he smiled easily and had a much more relaxed manner about him.
Ty stopped the truck in front of the house and started to get out.
Lily reached for his arm, stopping him. “Please, stay where you are. I can manage on my own.” She opened her door. “Would you come for dinner tonight? There’s something I’d like to discuss with you.”
He frowned. A muscle in his cheek pulsed. She waited for his answer.
“This once, I’ll join you. But don’t expect me every night.”
“Of course not. You’re a very busy man.” She smiled and walked toward the house. The biting cold nipped at her cheeks, but it wasn’t any more frosty than the stare she felt at her back. He didn’t drive away until she’d gone in and shut the door.
Her hands trembled as she fastened the lock, but not from the cold. She hated the effect he had on her body. With one glance he made her aware of herself as a woman. Her nipples tightened and desire coiled in her abdomen. She didn’t want to be attracted to him. Her mind and body were not in sync.
She had enough problems with her father. His impending trial hung over her head like a black cloud. The last thing she needed in her life was a stubborn, irritable, handsome, enticing man, filled with grief, to appoint himself her caretaker.
She’d set down some ground rules this evening and hopefully get him to agree to let her do some work for the corporation. After all, she had a graduate degree in accounting. She’d seen his cluttered desk and suspected his financial papers might be in the same condition. Taking over the paperwork and accounting would keep her busy. And in a way, it would pay back the Terrells for giving her a safe haven to hide in until after her father’s judicial proceedings were all over.
Lily went into the kitchen and surveyed the refrigerator and pantry. She’d better get started on dinner and make it a good one. If the way to a man’s heart was through his stomach, maybe she could soften Ty Terrell up enough for him to agree with her plan.
* * * *
Ty arrived just on time. Lily had pulled the roast out of the oven and had mashed the potatoes. She carried the bowl to the table. She’d added a red plaid tablecloth and napkins to make the kitchen more festive. The dining room was too big for two.
“It smells almost as good in here as when Mom is home and cooking.”
Lily’s heart warmed at his words. His face had a relaxed look for the first time. He’d obviously showered and changed before coming over. His collar-length hair looked soft and shiny. His blue flannel shirt brought out the color of his eyes, and his jeans hugged lean hips and long legs. Her cheeks heated when she looked back at his face. In his eyes she saw a flash of fire.
He walked to the table. “You didn’t want to use the dining room?”
“It’s so huge for just us. This seemed cozier.”
Ty frowned. “We’re here for dinner and you said you had something to discuss. Cozy has nothing to do with us.”
She never knew what made her do it, but she couldn’t resist the urge. She stepped into his space and looked up at him.
“Don’t tell me a big, strong cowboy like you is scared of being alone with a little woman like me,” her voice purred at him. She watched closely for his reaction. When he stepped back and frowned, she had to laugh.
His eyes darkened. “What’s so funny?”
“You. You’re scared of me.”
“The heat in the kitchen must have gone to your head. There’s not a thing left that can scare me.”
Sudden sadness swamped her. “No, I guess not. Once you’ve lost someone very important in your life, there isn’t much the world can do to you that can hurt any worse. Sit. I’ll put the vegetables on the table and join you.”
Lily never tasted her food. They ate silently, like combatants that had called a temporary truce. Even above the fragrant smells of pot roast and apple pie, his scent wafted across the table, arousing her hunger for him. Her fingers itched to touch his skin.
She’d had a few relationships, but only one had been intimate. She’d been disappointed in the experience and hadn’t met anyone since who’d tempted her to let them get close.
Why did the first man to arouse such strong desires have to be the one who disliked her immensely? She didn’t know enough about men and desire to answer that question. If only Angie and she lived closer. Angie would answer her questions.
“Did you hear from Brent recently?” Lily asked, remembering her recent call from Angie.
Ty glanced up from his plate. “He called and left a message to call him back. I didn’t have time before I came here. Why, is something going on?”
“He should be the one to tell you.”
“They don’t have a problem?”
“No, nothing like that.” Deciding it was best to change the subject, she asked, “Can I ask you a favor?”
His forehead wrinkled. “I guess so.”
“I noticed your full desk in your office. Perhaps I might help by doing the paperwork and the accounts for you.” She held her breath, waiting for his answer. From the look on his face, she didn’t expect a positive reply.
“You want to do the accounts for our corporation?”
Lily nodded her head and stared at his flushed face.
“Hell no.”
“Why not? I want to do something as a thank-you for staying here. It will take some work off of you.”
“I don’t need help. Did you do your father’s accounts?” Ty asked.
“No.”
“Then you have no experience. Book learning and on-the-job work experience are two different things. Anyway I just do the basics, and then send everything off to my CPA.”
“I can do the basics for you. I have a head for numbers.”
“So did your dad, evidently.” Ty threw down his napkin and got up from the table. “Thanks for the meal.” He grabbed his hat and stomped out. A rush of cold air blew in before he slammed the door closed.
Blinking back tears, Lily cleaned the table. His last snide remark about her father had been like an arrow shot straight to her chest. She might be able to hate him for that remark if she hadn’t seen him wince and the regret in his midnight-blue eyes. Well, that went well. I might have known he’d be too bullheaded to admit he needs help.
But why did he have to keep throwing anger and mean words at her? Maybe she had been mistaken. Could she have made a nick or two in that stone wall surrounding him? If so, he’d mend the dent in his armor and made it twice as strong. Ty Terrell had no intention of letting her get close.
And she didn’t want to be close. But at least being cordial would be less wearing and not so hurtful. She had to stiffen her spine or by spring he’d have drained away what little confidence she had left. That wasn’t going to happen. The discovery of her father’s secret life had wounded her deeply. She had no intention of letting any man close enough to hurt her that way again.
* * * *
Ty closed his jacket against the bitter, cold wind and headed to the barn. Dirk raised his head when Ty entered and closed the doors behind him.
“Have you been out checking the cattle?” Ty asked.<
br />
“And our men at the cabin. They’re all doing fine and the cattle have plenty of feed. You look angry as a hornet. Dinner didn’t go well?” Dirk hung up his saddle and began to rub his horse down.
“She irritates the hell out of me. She just can’t seem to keep her nose out of my business.”
“I’ve never known a woman to bother you one way or the other. That she riles you is interesting.” Dirk grinned.
“What the hell are you talking about?” Ty would have liked to knock that grin off his cousin’s face.
“Well, seems to me you protest too much.”
“Hell, I’m going home. Maybe tomorrow you won’t be talking in circles.” He stormed out and just caught Dirk’s last words.
“And maybe you’ll stop running in circles and face her.”
Ty started to change his mind and go back to punch Dirk in the nose. Instead, he continued to forge across the path to his cabin. Snow fell in large, soft flakes. A million stars sparkled overhead in the dark sky. The air was cold and crisp. He went inside and lit a fire in the fireplace. As the flames began to flare up, he remembered other cold Montana nights.
When he was little, he loved to sit in front of the fire with his brothers. Mom would give them each a cup of chocolate that had marshmallows floating on top. Dad, who was a wonderful storyteller, held them spellbound with his tales of the Old West. The wind outside would be howling and blowing snow across the windows, but they were warm and safe and loved. He swallowed around a lump in his throat.
Cameron, Paige - The Billionaire Cattleman Wins a Wife [Wives for the Western Billionaires 4] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) Page 1
