The Cowboy’s Mail Order Bride (BBW Romance - Billionaire Brothers 5)

by Jenn Roseton

  Her fingers touched the buttons on the keyboard, bringing up her file on the plants she’d researched. But … what popped up on the screen wasn’t her file. The document wasn’t about plants at all.

  CHAPTER 1 was emblazoned across the screen. This was Mitch’s laptop. She hadn’t been aware he owned a laptop, she’d always seen him working on the desktop computer. Looking guiltily around the room, as if Mitch would spring up at any moment, she gave into temptation and started reading.

  By the time she’d reached Chapter 2 of the thriller, she knew Mitch had talent. Real talent. No wonder he made a living with his writing. Although it was a little different to the fiction she usually read, she was sorely tempted to continue reading.

  But she couldn’t.

  This was Mitch’s work. He’d never invited her to read any of his writing - heck, he’d barely told her anything about it.

  Sighing, she shut down the laptop and returned it to its spot on the table, trying to place it exactly as she remembered seeing it. All she wanted to do was tell Mitch how much she’d enjoyed reading his work, but she couldn’t. He was intensely private about it, and she already felt guilty about reading something she shouldn’t have, even though mistaking his laptop for hers had been an honest mistake.

  So … where was her laptop? She looked around the kitchen/study area but couldn’t see it at all. The last time she had it was … when?

  Covering her mouth with her hand as a yawn popped out, she tried to think. She hadn’t been sleeping well lately - how could she, when all she could think about at night was Mitch and the way his kisses made her feel? With the manual work she was doing in the garden, she should sleep like a log every night, but instead, she usually didn’t drop off until after midnight.

  Resolving not to think about Mitch right now, she concentrated on finding her laptop. She must have left it in the guest cottage.

  A few minutes later, she returned to the kitchen, this time with her laptop. She’d just switched it on and brought up the plant list when the back door opened and Mitch walked in.

  Guilt swept through her. She was sure he’d be able to tell she’d read his work just by looking at her. Sophie kept her gaze glued to the computer screen.

  “Hey.” He sat down opposite her, a mug of his percolator brew in his hand.

  “Hi.” Trying to be casual about it, and hoping he couldn’t read her mind, she glanced up. “I need to talk to you about the plants for the east side of the garden. I can’t get the two plants you chose, so what would you like instead?” She swiveled the laptop screen around to him. “I’ve made a substitute list. Any of these should work well.”

  Mitch frowned at the screen, then came around to her side of the table. “I can see better from here.” He reached over her shoulder and swung the laptop around so they could both view the screen. “That’s much better.”

  Holding her breath as his strong arm almost grazed her shoulder, Sophie tried to concentrate on what he said. But all she could think of was the temptation to reach out and stroke the back of his hand that lay on the table next to hers.

  “What about this one?” He pointed to the second plant on the list.

  “That’s …” she cleared her throat. “That’s a good choice. It will provide nectar for the bees and should grow well in that part of the garden.”

  “And this one?” He pointed to the fourth plant on her list.

  “You might need to give it some extra water, but it should attract butterflies.”

  Mitch asked her about every plant on the substitute list. At first, she was pleased with his interest, but as he asked more and more questions about each one, she grew a little suspicious.

  She’d already spoken to him about the substitute list a couple of days ago and had shown him images of each species on the list. It was good that he cared about each type of plant she could replace for the two varieties she couldn’t get hold of, but surely this was taking things a little far?

  Awareness rippled down her spine at his close contact. His body almost touched hers, his chest to her back. They’d been discussing the substitute plants for ten minutes now, and the list wasn’t very long.

  By now, she should be used to him standing so close to her, but the opposite was true. Every minute, every second he continued to stand behind her, she grew more and more flustered.

  All she could think about was the touch of his lips on hers. The way he’d kissed her out in the yard, as if he couldn’t get enough of her. Of what might have happened if Alex’s phone call hadn’t interrupted them. And, what might have happened if she hadn’t lost her nerve after Alex’s call.

  Her eyelids fluttered closed for a split-second as she lost herself in the memory of that kiss.

  “Sophie?”

  His voice was so close to her ear. His breath sent spirals of sensation all the way down to her lower body.

  Her eyelids jolted open. “Yes?” She’d been so lost in her naughty thoughts that she’d missed what he said.

  “I said, ‘I’ll have the Shrubby Potentilla and the Oregon Grape.’”

  “Great.” She forced enthusiasm into her voice, busying herself with typing notations on the list, hoping he wouldn’t notice her trembling fingers. “I can buy them tomorrow.”

  “Sounds good.”

  He hadn’t moved.

  She planted her feet on the floor. She had to get a grip. Nothing could come of her attraction to the man. She had curves. She lived in San Diego. How could they afford to see each other? If he wanted to see her again, when the garden was finished.

  She could save up but it might be a few weeks at least before she had enough to cover the cost of the flight. Even if she put it on her credit card, it would take a little while to pay off.

  And if Mitch wanted to visit her, how could he afford it? From what she’d observed, he didn’t seem to have much spare money, even if his brother was a billionaire, and what money he did have, he used to rescue horses. How could she ask him to spend money on a flight to see her, when it might mean he couldn’t afford to save the next horse that needing rescuing?

  And, perhaps most important of all, she wasn’t who he thought she was. She wasn’t qualified to design his garden. Even if it was a lie by omission, it was still a lie. And Sophie didn’t like lying. At all.

  But despite trying to convince herself it was useless to pursue her attraction to Mitch, she knew if he swept her into his strong arms and kissed her senseless again, she wouldn’t deny him. Couldn’t deny him.

  Heat swept through her, all the way down to her lower body. He was still there, standing behind her. What would he do if she stood, spun around and launched herself at him? Would he catch her? Would he welcome her pouncing on him? Or would he back away?

  It was the image of him rejecting her that kept her firmly in the chair. Even if he was attracted to her, she’d never made the first move with a guy before. And literally pouncing on him … she would be too embarrassed if Mitch didn’t welcome her making that kind of move.

  She had a task to finish. The business depended on her doing a good job. She had to stay focused on that. And forget all about her feelings for Mitch.

  ***

  He had to make her stay longer at the ranch. Much longer. It was torture standing behind her, breathing in the enticing lilac scent of her hair, and not touching her. He’d had to restrain himself from running his fingers through the silky smooth ash blonde strands, but he didn’t want to scare her off.

  She would be finished with the garden soon. If he didn’t come up with an idea, and fast, then she’d be out of his life forever.

  He could fly to San Diego to see her - hell, he’d do it every day if he had to - but pursuing her that way would be even more difficult than it was now. If he couldn’t make her see how attracted he was to her here, when they spent half the day in the same room, then how could he achieve it when she returned to California?

  He could ruin the new garden - that would make her stay, because she’d
have to redo it - but no matter how desperately he wanted to keep her here, he couldn’t do that. Even if he pretended it was the work of wild animals in the middle of the night, he couldn’t bear to see the look of hurt on her face when she saw the desecrated plants.

  There had to be another way to make her stay. And he was determined to find it.

  CHAPTER 8

  Sophie finished packing her suitcase and locked it. Looking around the guest cottage for the final time, she checked to see if she’d missed anything. Nope. She had everything she needed. Except Mitch.

  She’d finished the garden. Mitch had grinned his approval when he’d seen the completed result and for a second she thought he’d hug her, but the moment passed and they’d stood there awkwardly, smiling at each other.

  That was late yesterday afternoon. Now, this morning, she was all set to drive to the airport and catch her flight back to San Diego.

  Picking up her suitcase, she trudged to the house. How could she say goodbye to Mitch?

  Why hadn’t she been brave enough to tell him how she felt? To reach up on tiptoe and kiss him firmly on the mouth? Heck, even to pin him against the wall and kiss him senseless.

  There was still time. She could make her move before she got in the car and drove away - forever. But was she brave enough?

  “Hey.” Mitch stood at the back door. “All set?”

  She nodded, afraid her voice would wobble if she spoke.

  “I’ll take this to the car for you.“ He reached down and took her suitcase, as if it weighed nothing at all.

  He heartbeat fluttered as she watched him stride to the garage. Could she do it? Kissing him goodbye would be the polite thing to do. And if a little goodbye kiss turned into something more … well, maybe a long-distance relationship could work. She’d certainly be willing to try. But would Mitch?

  Sophie trailed after him, trying to prolong the last few minutes of her time at the ranch. She hadn’t even said goodbye to the horses - Hero, Gracie, and Thor. All three had appeared in the pasture nearest the front garden sometimes when she worked there, as if taking an interest in her work. But right now, that part of land was bare. All the horses must be grazing in the far corners of the property.

  Mitch waited inside the garage, his hand held out. She squinted, then realized he was silently asking for the car keys. Digging them out of her purse, she handed them to him.

  “Thanks.” He opened the trunk and placed her suitcase inside. “Sure you haven’t forgotten anything?” He looked at her enquiringly.

  “No.” She shook her head, her plan to kiss him goodbye - really kiss him goodbye - suddenly seeming stupid. He didn’t seem very upset that she was leaving. In fact, he acted as if she were just going to town to get some groceries.

  He didn’t care if she left. He was probably glad.

  Once she was out of his hair, he’d be able to get back to his writing without anyone bothering him. Or kissing him. Perhaps their brief make out sessions had just been a pleasant interlude for him. While for her, it had been more. Much more.

  She might as well face it. She’d fallen in love with him. But how could she tell him, especially now? She had to catch her flight home.

  Why hadn’t she told him how she felt about him before?

  Because she hadn’t known it would be such a wrench to leave.

  “Okay, then.” He handed her the keys. “Have a safe trip back to San Diego.”

  His fingers grazed hers. She stifled an indrawn breath and looked up into his eyes. If he’d felt a jolt of electricity when his fingertips had brushed hers, the expression on his face didn’t reveal it. Her heart sank. It looked like any romantic feelings he might have harbored toward her had vanished.

  “Well … goodbye,” she murmured.

  “Goodbye.” He opened the car door for her.

  She slid into the driver’s seat, as slowly as she could. Perhaps he would lean in and kiss her farewell. Then she could wrap her arms around his neck, pull him closer and--

  “Seat belt.” His word snapped her out of her fantasy.

  Blinking, she looked at him, puzzled.

  “Fasten your seat belt.” He pulled it toward her.

  Grabbing it from him, she hastily buckled it into place, hoping he wouldn’t notice the tinge of heat on her cheeks. She jammed the key into the ignition and started the car. Or tried to.

  Nothing happened.

  She turned the key again.

  Nothing.

  “It won’t start.” She looked up at him, her brow furrowed. Hope blossomed inside her. She would be able to spend a little more time with Mitch.

  “Let me try,” he murmured, turning the key.

  Nothing.

  “Hmm.” He looked thoughtful. “I guess I could drive you to the airport.” He looked at his watch. “You won’t have time to wait for a cab to come out all the way here.”

  “Really?” She tried not to look too pleased at the prospect of a long car ride with him. Perhaps by the time they arrived at the airport, she’d have the courage to confess her feelings to him.

  He nodded. “Come on.” Striding over to the trunk, he got out her suitcase and placed it in the rear of his gray SUV.

  “What about my rental car?” She glanced over her shoulder at it. “I was supposed to return it at the airport.”

  “I’ll take care of it when I get back.” He opened the car door for her, settled himself behind the wheel, and turned on the ignition.

  Nothing.

  Sophie stared at him. His car wouldn’t start either? How would she get to the airport? She’d miss her flight and--

  “Damn.” Mitch tried again. Shrugged. Cast a side-long look at her. “Sorry. It looks like you won’t be catching a plane today.”

  Her first reaction was one of panic. She was due at the office tomorrow. Her second reaction was completely different. She’d have more time with Mitch.

  “What should we do?” She tried to make her voice sound normal, not as if she was pleased that both cars wouldn’t start.

  “We’ll have to call for road service for my car and the rental agency about yours. And you should cancel your flight. And call your boss. You won’t be able to go back to work tomorrow.”

  She crinkled her brow. Was there a satisfied tone in his voice? She’d told him last night that now the job was over, she was expected back in the office the day after she arrived home.

  Shouldn’t Mitch be upset that his car wouldn’t start as well? Not just taking all this in his stride?

  He took out her suitcase and started toward the house. Sophie scrambled out of the SUV and followed him. Casting a glance at the sky, she stopped in mid-stride.

  It hadn’t been this dark when she’d woken up, had it? But now - she shivered as a sharp gust of wind cut through her - it looked like it might snow any minute. Snow in early June? Don’t be crazy.

  What about the newly planted garden? Most of the plants she’d suggested to Mitch were weather resistant but she hadn’t expected such severe weather in summer.

  “Mitch.” Her voice sounded sharp with worry.

  “What is it?” He turned around.

  “The sky.” She looked up once more at the dark clouds.

  He followed her gaze and held out his hand. “We better get inside.”

  Electricity shot up her arm when she placed her small hand in his large, tough one.

  “The sooner we’re inside the better.” He towed her toward the house.

  Sophie had never seen the sky like this before. The weather had changed so quickly. Perhaps it was just as well both cars wouldn’t start. Even with Mitch driving, she would have been anxious all the way to the airport with the sky looking this scary.

  Once inside the kitchen, Mitch closed the back door, taking another look outdoors. “There was nothing about this on the weather report last night.”

  Sophie sank into a solid kitchen chair. I guess I better call the rental agency.” She searched in her purse for her phone and the card. D
ialing the number, she hoped it would be a while before the rental agency was able to give her another car. Then she could spend more time with Mitch.

  Dead silence met her ears. She peered at the screen, noticing she had no signal. Tilting the phone this way and that didn’t help either.

  “What’s wrong?” Mitch appeared at her shoulder.

  “No signal.” She held out the phone.

  Snow splattered against the kitchen window, making her jump. The house suddenly grew chillier, making Sophie want to don a sweater.

  “Oh!” She stared at the white flakes swirling around outside, then turned to Mitch.

  “Looks like a snowstorm.” He nodded toward the snow pelting down.

  Her eyes widened. Thank goodness the cars wouldn’t start. There was no way she’d want to be outside right now, even with Mitch by her side.

  “We’ll just have to wait it out.” He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

  Sophie leaned into his touch, although she told herself not to. “How … how long do you think it will last?” she finally asked, loving the fact that his hand warmed her flesh through the cotton fabric of her blouse.

  She heard him shrug. “Hard to say. Maybe until tomorrow.”

  “Tomorrow?” She swung around to face him.

  “Could be longer.”

  “Longer?” Studying his face, she noticed that he didn’t appear to be worried about the situation. Like she was.

  “Don’t worry. We’ve got everything we need. And if the power goes out, I’ve got plenty of flashlights and candles,” he said reassuringly.

  She hadn’t even thought about the power cutting out.

  “But if don’t turn up to work tomorrow and my boss doesn’t hear from me--” Worry etched her face.

  “Try the landline.” He gestured to the phone on the kitchen wall.

  Sophie hurried over to the phone and picked up the receiver. “No dial tone.” She furrowed her brow.