Cameron, Paige - The Billionaire Cattleman Wins a Wife [Wives for the Western Billionaires 4] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic)

by Paige Cameron

  After putting on her flannel nightgown, she went to the window. The moonlight lit the darkness. The snow had stopped.

  Between the trees, she saw the faint light from Ty’s windows.

  Turning off her lights, she huddled under the covers and imagined she was cuddling into his strong arms against his hot body. Heat raced through her veins, and deep inside she ached.

  * * * *

  Ty saw her lights go out. He’d been staring out his window at the house. When he first got home, he’d gone to his liquor cabinet and taken out a bottle of bourbon. It was unopened, had been for several years. He’d gotten a glass and started to break the seal, shook his head, and put the bottle back.

  Then he’d gone to his bedroom closet and pulled out a box of pictures. He kept telling himself he’d get rid of all but a few. He hadn’t. There they were at a barn dance on their first date. Had he ever been that young? They were grinning at each other, love evident in their eyes. He’d been so horny in those days, he kept a perpetual hard-on for her, only her. Right from the first they’d talked of a future together, marriage, college, and then family. No waiting, rush it all along, as though unconsciously they realized their time had been limited.

  She’d been beautiful in her wedding gown and in her maternity clothes. She’d looked great in anything, or nothing at all. The dark cloud on the horizon had never darkened their days together.

  If only he’d stayed with her that last day, when she was in labor. She and the doctor had both said to go and work. Come back later. A first baby took hours to get born. Her mom and his had stayed with her.

  He’d left and never forgiven himself. When they called he’d hurried, but he arrived minutes too late. The years had dimmed the pain, but it was still there, waiting inside him, to spring out and attack. As he’d attacked Lily tonight. How dare she try to tell him how to handle grief. How dare she be so beautiful, so full of life, how dare she try to bring him into her sun-filled world. Everything around her glowed, her hair, her sparkling eyes, the air around her.

  Carefully, he replaced the box in the closet. He went to his storage shed outside, switched on the light, and looked at the piles of things that had been his life. He’d marked each box with what was inside. Maybe he’d call her parents tomorrow. He’d ask how they were, and see if they’d like to have some of the items he had packed away.

  It was a big step. He wasn’t sure he could take it.

  Chapter Three

  Moira had been happy to hear from Lily and was glad to have her come to California for a visit. Lily packed one small bag. Later, she’d have the rest sent to her. It was ten o’clock. Ty and Dirk would be off working somewhere on the ranch.

  She stepped out into the cold. No snow fell, but the ground was covered and there were patches of ice on the porch. Lily took her time trying to miss the icy patches. The roads on the ranch had been cleared early. She’d heard the snow plow.

  Ty had left his keys in the ignition. When the truck started, she noted it had a full tank of gas. Good, she wouldn’t have to worry about getting struck on the side of the road. She backed up and started down the two-lane road leading to the entrance and onto a two-lane blacktop.

  Lily had taken a map she found in Ty’s office. The nearest town looked to be about thirty-five miles away. Hopefully she could get a bus out of there to a city where she’d catch a plane. She had a long trip ahead of her. In the rearview mirror the ranch house gradually faded in the distance. A tear trickled down her cheek. Ahead of her the future looked bleak and lonely, but she had her pride. She’d stand on her own, find a job, make her way. She’d show Ty.

  As she turned onto the blacktop her confidence rose. She could do this. She’d left a message for Ty about where to find his truck. He’d be pissed. That was all right. He stayed angry most of the time.

  Ten miles, fifteen, nothing around but open prairie and mountains in the distance. Hopefully she was going in the right direction. There hadn’t been any signs.

  She never saw the patch of ice. The steering wheel was useless. She tried to correct the slide, but the truck went hard to the left and hit a snow-covered bank. The air bag released and hit her face and chest. She hurt from the force of the bag. Steam rose from the radiator, and her purse had fallen under her feet. Struggling around the steering wheel, she managed to get the purse. It was open. The better to reach her phone if needed, but now the phone was gone and she didn’t know where. The truck was tilted, making it difficult for her to search for the cell phone.

  Cold seeped into the truck. She zipped her jacket up. Thank goodness she’d worn heavy slacks and socks. Ty would find her. But she wasn’t sure how long it would be before she was missed. He wasn’t going to be happy.

  * * * *

  “I think we’d better head back to the barn,” Dirk said. He glanced at the sky. “We’ll be getting more snow before long.”

  “Guess you’re right. The guys have it all under control. They’ll be going back to the bunkhouse right after we leave.” Ty turned Night Star toward home. The stallion took off. “You don’t need any encouragement, old boy,” he said and smiled.

  He felt better this morning. In some strange way last night had been a catharsis for him. He’d called his in-laws early. They’d been happy to hear from him and did want whatever items of Candice’s that he could part with. In fact, they told him they’d be coming to the area to visit friends in a few weeks. They’d pick up the boxes then. He just hoped he didn’t change his mind by that time.

  Next he had to see Lily and apologize for his temper last night. He wasn’t sure what to do about her and the feelings she stirred inside him. He rode into the barn from the back entrance and took his time rubbing Night Star down. He forked hay into the stall. Anything to put off seeing Lily. Coward. Yeah, he was.

  The first thing he noticed when he walked out toward the house was his truck wasn’t where he’d left it. He glanced around and realized it was gone. Taking long strides he hurried into the house calling Lily’s name. Fear had a tight grip on his chest. The place felt empty, and she wasn’t responding to his voice. Taking the stairs two at a time he charged into her room and saw the note.

  Damn, she’d taken the truck and left. His heart sank. The roads would hopefully be cleared all the way, but there was still ice, and glancing out the windows, he saw the snow beginning to fall.

  He raced down the stairs and ran to the barn. Dirk had just finished with his horse and was starting out. “What’s wrong?”

  “Lily is gone. She took my truck.”

  “We’ll go in mine,” Dirk said.

  Snow came down harder as they headed down the blacktop road. “With my snow tires and the four-wheel drive we should be able to get through to her and get back before it starts snowing harder. That is, if she hasn’t been gone too long.”

  “I’m afraid she left right after we did this morning. This is probably a fool’s run. She’d be in town by now, and maybe on a bus headed farther south.”

  “I doubt the buses are running. We’ll catch her.”

  Ty’s heart beat double time. He had a bad feeling. The windshield wipers swished the snowflakes back and forth, and it was looking more like dusk than the middle of the afternoon.

  “There’s the truck ahead, in that snowbank.” Dirk slowed and carefully pulled to the side of the road.

  Ty jumped out and rushed to the passenger side. Lily shivered, and her lips were blue. He saw the steering wheel had curved toward her, blocking her movements. She hadn’t been able to reach the emergency supplies on the backseat.

  “Lily, we’ll have you out of there in a moment.”

  She gave him a weak smile. “I’m all right, just cold.” Her voice shook.

  Dirk and Ty fastened a chain to the back bumper, pulled the truck away from the bank, and then between the two of them pried her door open. Working with the seat latch, they both pulled until there was enough room to get her out. Ty carefully picked her up in his arms and put her on Dirk�
��s backseat. He climbed in and knelt by her.

  “We can worry about my truck later. Let’s get her home. I’ll contact the doctor to come see her.”

  “You think he’s out and about?” Dirk asked.

  “He will be. Do you hurt anywhere?” Ty asked as he put two blankets around her.

  “My whole body aches, but I don’t think I’m seriously injured.” Her body kept shaking.

  “Move over just a little,” Ty said. He scooted onto the seat and wrapped his arms and legs around her. Gradually his body heat slowed her tremors. “You’re safe now.”

  “Until I get to the ranch and you holler at me for wrecking your truck.”

  “I’ll let you recover first,” he said and grinned.

  She stared at him. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you smile. You should do it more often.” She closed her eyes and snuggled closer.

  He heard Dirk chuckle and say, “She’s right, you know.”

  Ty didn’t respond. Her sweet breath on his neck, her soft body curved into his, the fine strands of gold lying on his arm had his body burning with heat and his cock hard as a rock. He moved, hoping she wouldn’t notice. He was probably safe. Her even breathing indicated she was sound asleep. What if they hadn’t found her soon enough? She’d have died of hypothermia.

  He moved to get to his pocket and flip his phone open. She stirred then settled back down.

  “Doc, this is Ty Terrell. I know the weather is bad, but could you come to the ranch? Our guest had an accident in my truck and sat in the cold for quite a while before we found her. We’re headed to the ranch house now.

  “Right, you’re at the Dickenses’ place. Good, that’s not far. Sure, you can stay the night if the weather gets worse. Yeah, I know the wife wants you home if possible. See you shortly.” He snapped the phone shut.

  “He’s coming?” Dirk asked.

  “He’s not far. Mrs. Dickens just had her fifth unexpectedly at home. Once he gets her and the baby off in the ambulance, he’ll head this way.”

  When the truck stopped, Ty woke Lily. “Put your arms around my neck.”

  She sat straight. “I can walk.”

  “Perhaps, but I intend to carry you.”

  Frowning, she did as he said. “Has anyone told you you’re very bossy?”

  Dirk laughed. “Not to his face, anyway.” He came around and opened the door. He walked ahead of them to open the house door. Ty strode by him and started up the stairs. “How about making some hot chocolate for her?”

  “Since you asked so nice, I will.”

  Ty carried her into her bedroom and sat her on the side of the bed. “I’ll help you undress, and once the doctor checks you over, I’ll run you a hot bath. If nothing serious is wrong and it’s just stiff muscles, the heat will help ease the soreness.” He unzipped her jacket, pulled it off, and started unbuttoning her shirt.

  Her hands pushed at him. “I don’t need help undressing. Stand back.”

  He glanced at her small hands. “You don’t really think you can stop me?” he asked.

  “You are a gentleman. Your mother brought you up right. When a lady says stop, you do it.”

  “That’s unfair bringing my mother into this. She’d want me to help you.”

  “You have. Now go away for a few minutes.”

  He backed off. “I’ll be right outside the room. If you need me, yell.” He shut the door as he left.

  * * * *

  Even with all her aches and pains, she needed him, but not in the way he meant. Lying on top of his hard, hot body, smelling his masculine scent, and listening to the beat of his heart seemed like heaven. She hadn’t wanted to go to sleep. She wanted to savor the moments, but her body caved in, and the next thing she knew they were back at the ranch.

  “Are you all right? I don’t hear any noises.” His deep, sexy voice spoke through the door.

  “I’m not a loud dresser.” She’d better start changing before he charged into the room. Her clothes were dropped into a pile by the bed. She found a flannel gown in her drawer and pulled a soft, fluffy robe out of the closet. She’d just tied the sash when Ty peeked inside.

  “I was getting worried.” His gaze took in all of her. He grinned when he saw her bare feet peeking out below her housecoat. “Where are your socks?”

  She pointed to a drawer. He picked her up and sat her back on the bed. “Wait here.” After he got the socks, he found her slippers underneath the bed. Kneeling, he put the socks on her and placed the slipper nearby.

  “Can’t I go downstairs?”

  “Maybe, after the doctor checks you. Lie back.” He pulled the sheet and blanket over her. “Get some rest.”

  “Yes, Sir.” She saluted him, as she lay against the pillows and let him tuck her in.

  “I’m going downstairs. When the doctor arrives, I’ll bring him up. Your door will be open. Holler if you need me.”

  She watched him walk out. His broad shoulders were covered in a blue plaid flannel shirt, tight jeans showed off his good-looking butt, and he wore his old boots. He was too good-looking and tempting for any woman breathing.

  “I can feel you staring,” he said as he left the room.

  Her face went instantly hot. He was as mercurial as the weather could be. But she’d never seen him like he was today. He’d smiled, and his voice had a gentle tone she hadn’t heard before. She wasn’t fooled. He would still give her hell about the truck, but not yet. For now, she’d enjoy this new side of him. And if he was dangerous to her heart when he was in a bad mood, she was afraid of the effect he’d have on her today.

  I’ll close my eyes for a second. She let her head sink into the downy pillows. Their voices woke her. They’d just come in her room.

  “Lily, this is Dr. Neels.”

  “I hear you had a little accident. Do you mind if I check you over? This young man”—he nodded toward Ty—“won’t give either one of us any peace until I do.”

  Dr. Neels had white hair and a jolly face. Lily liked him immediately.

  “I don’t mind. But send him downstairs. He’s not going to hover while you do your examination.”

  “You’re quite right.” He turned to Ty. “The lady has spoken.”

  Ty hesitated, then shrugged and went to the door. “I want to talk with you before you leave, Dr. Neels.”

  “No problem. I’ll get a cup of coffee to take with me. I can’t waste too much time talking, though. The weather is getting worse. I want to get home.”

  As soon as Ty left, Dr. Neels took out his stethoscope. He listened to her heart and lungs. “Do you hurt in any particular spot?”

  “No. The air bag deployed and my face burns where it hit and so does my chest.”

  “You have some skin burns from the bag, and bruises, but your lungs sound good.” He poked, prodded, and moved all her extremities. “Ty gets excited when he thinks someone might be hurt. Losing his wife has been rough on him. He seems especially concerned about you.”

  “He’s afraid his mother will be upset with him if anything happened to me.”

  “Maybe. My wife and I have hoped he’d find someone to love again. It’s a lonely life out here without a wife. A person needs to have someone to care about and have them care about you.”

  “How long have you been married, Doctor?”

  He gave a hearty laugh. “I don’t remember not being married. We met in high school, married when I came back with my medical degree, and that was thirty years ago. I’m about ready to retire, but I love my work, and I haven’t found anyone crazy enough to take my practice.” He sat her up and checked her back, then had her walk.

  “You’re going to be fine. Achy and sore, but I’ll give you a few pills to relax those muscles. In a day or so you’ll be as good as new.” He reached in his satchel and handed her a packet of pills. “Take one every twelve hours for the next day or so, until the soreness is gone.”

  “I never dreamed there were doctors who still made house calls and carried pills with them.�
��

  “In the winter I have to be prepared. The weather can make it difficult for folks to get into town for a prescription, so I carry a few medicines for the most common ailments I might see. I’m going to go get that cup of coffee and go home. You call me if any problems arise.”

  “Thank you, Doctor.”

  Dr. Neels smiled and waved as he left. She listened to his heavy footsteps going downstairs and heard Ty’s deep voice greeting him. As she expected, it wasn’t long before Ty came to see her.

  “Dirk sent this hot chocolate for you. Drink it while I get your warm bath ready.”

  She took the cup and sipped the sweet chocolate. A marshmallow floated on top. “I’m only going to obey you when it’s something I want to do,” she said as Ty headed to the bathroom. Ty turned and gave her a slow, sensuous smile. Her toes absolutely curled. She sighed when he went on in, and she heard the water start to pour into the claw-footed bathtub.

  Ty returned and knelt to remove her socks. He started to lift her in his arms.

  “I can walk, undress myself, and drink my chocolate. You’ve been very sweet, but I can handle it from here.”

  “Are you sure you want to?”

  His husky tone sent a shiver up her spine. She stared into his blue, blue eyes, while the air shimmered with electricity.

  “I won’t make love to you, at least not today when you’re tired and sore. I’ll help you bathe and give you a massage. And another day we’ll make love.”

  His words flowed inside her, filling all those aching spots with heat and hunger, making her yearn for his touch. “You are a very dangerous man when you’re being nice.”

  “I’m more dangerous when I’m not nice.”

  His eyes sparked with fire. His firm jaw and beautiful mouth tempted her to touch him, kiss him.

  “Shall I stay or leave?”

  “Look, guys, I’m going to head for my cabin.” Dirk spoke from the open door. He glanced from one to the other. “Sorry, guess I interrupted. See you.”