“Sorry I snapped at you, Mom.”
“It’s all right. Times are changing, and it always creates tension for a little while.”
Sam put the glasses on the table and sat. “How did you get so wise?”
His mom smiled. “From living and from raising six children. You learn all along the way. Now eat while it’s hot.”
“Yes, Mother.” He grinned and dipped his spoon into the thick, hearty soup.
* * * *
It had been a slow, quiet weekend. Sylvia was glad to see Monday come. She hadn’t heard from Sam. It had hurt more than she’d expected. She liked his teasing and his attention, if she was honest with herself.
Finally, this morning, she started her new job. “What do you think is the appropriate attire for the sheriff’s office?” she asked Gina and Graham at breakfast.
Graham stopped eating his eggs and stared at her. “Nothing flashy, good old jeans, a shirt, and a vest or jacket is all you need. Oh, and leave the high heels off.”
“I thought I’d wear my satin dress with sparkling heels and a new jacket.” She gave Graham a smug smile.
“All right you two, don’t start at each other. I’ve never seen two people more ready to irritate the other one. Be nice. And Sylvia, Graham’s suggestion was right for where you’ll be working.”
“Don’t worry about us, love.” Graham looked across the table at Gina. “We like irritating each other. It’s fun, but not if it upsets you. I’ll try to do better.”
“Me, too, sis. But Graham’s right. It is fun. We’re not really mad at each other or being mean.”
“I know, but I like harmony in my house.”
Graham came around the table and picked her up in his arms. “Then that is what you’ll have. I’m going to set you in your favorite chair in the family room, and I’ll do the dishes for penitence.”
Sylvia heard her sister’s laugh as Graham walked away carrying her. She saw Gina touch the side of his face and found herself envious. I’m being silly. She glanced around at the house. This wasn’t what she wanted. She wanted to work. Well, Gina worked, too, but she went in at nine, not eight.
Sylvia grabbed Gina’s keys. Gina was loaning her her car, and Graham was driving Gina to work. Sylvia went upstairs to finish dressing, and then she’d head to town. She felt a flutter of excitement in her stomach. This was good. She liked being busy.
When she walked into the sheriff’s office, he got out of his chair to greet her. “Punctual, I like that. I’ve been anxiously waiting for you. Now I can get out of the office and visit the businesses. I’ll check on you later to see if you have any questions. If you’re doing all right, I might drive out of town and visit some of the outlying ranches.”
“Where do you want me to start?”
Sheriff Grady swung his arm wide. “Filing, answering the phone, anywhere you want. Here are the numbers of all our cell phones. You just hit the number one twice for me, and two twice for Billy. He’s covering the east and south side of our territory, and Lou is covering the west and north. Lou is double three.”
“Got it. Get out of here, Sheriff, and have a good time.”
Sheriff Brady chuckled. “You sound just like my wife, Sallie.” He waved and strolled out.
She stood in the center and looked around. The place needed plenty of work, especially in organizing. She’d start with his desk and work from there. For the first time in many weeks she felt an eagerness to start a project. She practically skipped to his messy desk, then sat and blew out a long breath. What a job, but she was happy to be have something to do. She smiled and started to work.
* * * *
“Graham, can we meet for lunch? I have to pick up some items in town and thought it’d give us a chance to talk.” Sam sat on his horse and looked across the pasture.
“If this is to talk about your love life, I’m no counselor. Rand came to me and filled my ear. I am not going to be the go-to guy for advice,” Graham grumbled.
“You must have gotten up on the wrong side of the bed this morning. I haven’t heard you grumble since you married Gina.”
“Her sister is here. I don’t like company. I haven’t changed in that way. But we do need to meet. There’s something I want to tell you. I’ll meet you at Millie’s around noon.” Graham hung up.
Sam looked at his phone and grinned. He was glad Graham hadn’t changed too much. He liked his brother just the way he was with a few of the rough edges rubbed off by his lovely wife. Sam rode across to his foreman.
“I’m going into town. I’ll pick up what we need. Is there anything else you want to add to the list?”
“No, and take your time. It’s good to see you relaxing the reins a bit. I’d begun to think you were never going to trust me enough to give me some responsibility.”
“I always trusted you.”
“It didn’t feel that way.”
“I’ll be damned. I’m learning more about myself every day. Thanks for the input.”
Sam rode to the barn and headed into the house to change. Grace was arriving late today, and tomorrow they’d start working on his house. He was getting anxious to see it completed. It’d feel strange living alone. He never had before. Even in college, he’d had a roommate.
After a quick shower and change of clothes, he headed to Millie’s place. Graham had beat him. He stood at the door waiting for Sam’s arrival.
“Welcome, Sam and Graham,” Millie said. “I always like to see you Brodie brothers. Sam, you don’t come to town often enough.” She led them to a booth.
“That may change, Millie. My foreman told me I don’t take enough time off.”
“He’s right. You’re only young once. You’d better take advantage of it like Graham here. He found a nice woman who can actually put up with him. There’s hope for you, Sam. What will it be, coffee or iced tea?”
“Iced tea for me and one of those great hamburgers,” Sam said.
“Same for me.”
“Got it. Be right back with your drinks.”
Sam leaned back in his seat. “What do we need to talk about?”
“Sylvia.”
“Mom’s not anxious to have her return to the house.”
“Why? Mom always welcomes people.”
“She’s afraid I’m falling in love with Sylvia, and she doesn’t think we’re a good match.”
Graham didn’t speak until Millie set their tea glasses down and walked away. He took a long swallow of the sweet tea.
“She’s right and you know it. I was interested in Sylvia once, but I watched her. Trying to tame her would be like taking a wild horse and trying to break him to the saddle. In the end, he’ll buck you off and hurt you bad. Damn, there I go giving lovelorn advice. Just kill me now.”
Sam laughed. “You’ve sure been tamed. You were the one brother that I never expected to see fall so hard. Hell, I thought you’d end up a cantankerous old man.”
Humor lit Graham’s eyes. “So did I, but Gina saved me. There’s something else we need to talk about. Sylvia received a strange call at Mom’s house the same day she moved to our place. The person didn’t identify herself, but Sylvia said it sounded like a woman.”
“Why didn’t she tell me?” Sam frowned and leaned forward.
“I think she had other things on her mind, mainly the two of you and your relationship. Anyway, we’ve been in touch with the agency where we worked in the past. They think it’s the woman who was here in disguise to try and kidnap Gina.”
“Is she after Gina again?”
“No. This time Sylvia is the target. Apparently they never got along. Sylvia killed the man this woman, her name is Giselle Brinley, thought she loved. She may just want to annoy Sylvia and frighten her, or she could want revenge. If Sylvia had died as a prisoner, that would have given her satisfaction, but Sylvia didn’t.”
“Sylvia has to be guarded at all times. I’ll…”
“Hold on. Our old boss is sending a guard to keep a lookout for her. He�
�s arriving this afternoon. Meanwhile, Sylvia is working in the sheriff’s office starting today. I doubt this woman will come around there to hurt her.”
“Does the sheriff know?”
“I called him this weekend. He agrees she’ll be safe in the office. He plans on being out some today, but he’ll call frequently and check on her. He can use the excuse of her being new. She’d hate to think we all doubted her ability to take care of herself. She has an ankle holster and a gun in it. She’s a good shot.”
“I don’t like it.”
“I didn’t think you would, but if you are serious about wanting her for your wife then don’t come across as too possessive or protective. Respect her skills. Here comes Millie with our burgers before I completely embarrass myself and give more advice.”
As soon as Sam ate, he stood up to go. “I’m leaving you with the bill.”
“I don’t have to ask where you’re headed.”
“Nope. I haven’t been to the sheriff’s office in a while. I’m going to visit.”
“Remember what I said,” Graham hollered as Sam rushed off.
* * * *
Sam opened the door quietly. Sylvia was leaning down to pick something up from the floor. Her sweet derriere sent his blood pressure into the stratosphere. He wanted to cup her butt and squeeze the soft cheeks. Suddenly, she straightened and turned.
“You.”
“Better put a bell on this door so you’ll know when someone enters. Another man might just walk up and take hold of your sweet bottom.”
“Another man wouldn’t be having such salacious thoughts.”
“Ah, honey, we’re all men. And we all admire a woman’s body.”
“Hmm, what brought you here? I bet Graham called and complained about having company.”
“Sort of.” He walked close to her and backed her up against the desk. “He also told me about your phone call.”
“Since marrying my sister the man has become a complete chatterbox.”
“Oh, he’ll hate that description. I can’t wait to tell him.”
In spite of herself, she had to smile. “I have a new job.” She motioned to the office around her. “I’ve been working all morning, and it looks better already.”
“I never pictured you in this setting.” Sam glanced around. “But it suits you.”
“I didn’t either, but I’m so happy to be back at work. Being busy makes me feel good. Apparently it doesn’t have to be life-or-death situations, or at least for now I feel that way.”
“My sister is coming in later today. I’d like for you to meet her. How about we three go to dinner tonight? I’ll drive us to Wagon Wheel. They have some very nice restaurants.”
“Won’t your mother want your sister home the first night?”
“We’ll have dinner fairly early. I’ll pick you up around six thirty. Grace can visit with Mother afterward. Mom will see plenty of her. She’ll be here until next Sunday.”
“Then I accept. I haven’t been to Wagon Wheel, but I’ve heard about it from Gina.”
Sam leaned closer into her space. He wrapped his arms around her body. Her soft breasts pushed into his hard chest and his cock throbbed against her abdomen. “I’ve missed you.”
“I noticed.”
“This week my house will be furnished. I’d like you to have some input.”
“Don’t count on me. I’m too confused to know what I want. If you desire a good old fling, I’m your girl. Commitment to anything scares me.”
“We’ll see if I can’t change your mind. I can be very persuasive.” He kissed her and let her go. “Get to work, woman. The sheriff is paying you good money.” Grinning, he sauntered out the door.
Chapter Five
Sam drove to the airport to meet Grace. He tramped through the terminal and stopped to read the gate number where she’d be arriving. Number six was to the right. The plane moved into place just as he got there.
He waved at Grace. Then he noticed a tall, black-haired man steering himself around the crowd and walking off at a brisk pace.
“Was that Gab Forrester?” Sam asked Grace as she got up to him.
“In the flesh. I was surprised when he boarded late and went to first class. He didn’t see me sitting back with the ordinary people.”
“Give me your bag. Do you have any checked?”
“No, that’s it. I have some clothes at home.”
They started walking toward the exit. “Why didn’t you fly first class?” Sam asked. He glanced down at Grace.
“Why waste the money?”
“When have you started worrying about spending money?”
“The man I’m dating is an accountant. He’s very smart and practical.”
“Oh my, what a match.”
“Don’t say anything. You told me on the phone the other night that you’d fallen for someone the whole family felt wasn’t right for you.”
“True, I won’t say another word, but I’ll warn you, Mom might.”
“I don’t intend to discuss my love life with her.”
“You, me, and Sylvia are going to Wagon Wheel tonight for dinner. So dress up and be ready by six. I’m picking Sylvia up around six thirty.”
Grace leaned her head back and closed her eyes. Sam knew she was giving him the signal she didn’t want to talk anymore. She might act like seeing Gab again after several years didn’t bother her, but the guy had broken her heart, and Sam had wanted to punch him out. Grace wouldn’t let him. I wonder what has brought him back to Frontier City and how long he plans to stay?
When he parked at the ranch house, he shook Grace’s shoulder. “You really were asleep. Been burning the candle at both ends?”
“When you’re on the bottom of the pile in importance, you get all the lowly jobs and get to work late. If you have a social life, it comes afterward.”
“Do I detect a little of the shine has gone off of living in New York?”
“I’m tired. I’ll get over it. There’s Mom at the door.”
Grace got out and ran into her mother’s arms.
Sam waved and headed to his new house. While in town today he’d bought a few items. He parked and got out the extra-large sleeping bag, towels, and a cooler filled with ice and the food and drinks he’d gotten at the local grocery. His refrigerator wouldn’t be delivered for a few days yet, but he did have electricity. If all went well tonight, he’d bring Sylvia back here, and they’d camp out inside.
He walked by the large fireplace in the living room and went into the master bedroom. Light-blue carpet had already been put down. He spread the sleeping bag on top of it. In the master bath he hung the white towels. The smaller fireplace, in the wall facing the bed, was stocked with wood and ready to light. The scene was set. All he needed and wanted was Sylvia.
He couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt so anxious and hungry to make love to a special woman. I guess not since Camille. The others had been for fun, but he never got serious. He always put them out of his mind when they weren’t around. They hadn’t haunted him like Sylvia did.
He glanced at his watch. He’d better get ready and pick up two of his favorite girls, his mom made three.
* * * *
Sylvia heard the door open and looked around expecting to see Sheriff Grady checking on her again. Obviously, Graham had told him about her caller. But the man entering was much taller. He shut the door and smiled at her. They really bred handsome men here in Montana. His sky-blue eyes and shiny black hair were quite a combination. He put out his hand.
“I’m Gabriel Forrester. You must be Sylvia Rufus. Your old boss gave me a good description. The lady at the restaurant down the street told me I’d find you here. I’ve been sent to protect you.”
“You don’t work for the agency.”
“No, I don’t. I have my own business. But I heard about the job from a friend, and I wanted to come home for a visit. It was good timing.”
“I’m quite capable of taking care of myself, but o
thers don’t agree.”
“It never hurts to have someone watching your back.”
“What training have you had to qualify you to protect me?”
“I’ve been in the Navy SEALs. I left the Navy a year ago and started my own private agency. We protect, rescue, and do numerous other types of jobs.”
“Hmmm.” She grinned. “I guess you are minimally qualified.”
He shouted with laughter. “I’d heard you were one tough cookie.”
“It’s almost time for me to go home. I’m staying at my sister’s, so the first thing we’ll do is move me to a cabin my brother-in-law owns. It’s empty now and there are two bedrooms. We’ll do fine there, and I don’t need to be protected at work. What dummy is going to bust into the sheriff’s office? The caller didn’t make any threats. This may be an overreaction on all our parts.”
“Better to be safe.”
“I’m going out to dinner tonight with some friends. If you’d like to come along, I’m sure they wouldn’t mind.”
“Sounds good. It’s five. Can you leave?”
“Sheriff Grady said to lock up and go home earlier, but I said I’d wait for five. I’m ready.” She grabbed her purse. “Do you have a car?”
“I rented one at the airport.”
“I’ll call Sam and tell him about you. I’ll ask him to meet us at the cabin.” She got into Gab’s rental car and punched in Sam’s number. She explained about Gab and the cabin. When she clicked her phone off, she looked across at her guard.
“What’d he say?”
“He’s looking forward to seeing you. He said to warn you Grace will be with us.”
For a second, Sylvia saw his eyes flash and his muscles tense. Then he shrugged, pulled out of the parking space, and headed out of town. This might be a very interesting evening.
She directed him to Graham’s new house and soon had her few things moved. Graham and Gina had waved them off. Graham had a big smile on his face.
Sylvia took the larger bedroom and quickly got ready for her date. Gab had checked all the rooms before going into the smaller bedroom.
The Intriguing Billionaire Cowboy [Wives for the Western Billionaires 8] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) Page 4
