* * * *
Samantha paced across her bedroom. Outside her window the sun set with colors of gold and red painting the sky. She glanced at her watch, five forty-five. Jackson had been due at six, but she’d heard him arrive five minutes ago. He’d greeted Gramps while she stood nearby, unseen. When the study door snapped closed, she tiptoed back to her room.
She’d hoped to have a few words with Jackson first. Too late now. This was one time her impetuous behavior had gotten her into a situation where she saw no way out.
“Sam.” Maria called out her pet name and then knocked on the door. “Your grandfather wants you to join him and Jackson in the study.”
Samantha slid her hands over the short, champagne-colored dress she wore. She’d left her hair hanging loose. She opened the door.
“Tell Gramps I’m not quite ready.”
“You look beautiful,” Maria said.
That was the problem. “This is too dressy. I don’t know what I was thinking.”
Maria shook her head. “I never thought of you as a coward.” She took Samantha’s hand. “Come on, you know Mr. Riley will get annoyed if you hold up dinner.”
Reluctantly, Samantha followed her. The study door stood slightly ajar. She heard male voices talking quietly on the other side.
Samantha pushed the door open. Both Jackson and Gramps stood at her entrance.
“Samantha, why didn’t you tell me the good news earlier today?” Smiling broadly, Gramps walked around his desk, his arms outstretched. She walked into his hug. His fragrance of Old Spice with a hint of his cigar smoke surrounded her. An unexpected rush of love and sadness had her blinking her eyes.
Gramps stepped back still holding onto her shoulders. “You’ve made me very happy.” He glanced across at Jackson. “Jackson’s already almost like a son to me. He’ll keep you and the ranch safe.”
For the first time since she’d entered the room, Samantha looked at her prospective husband. Standing quietly to the side, he watched the two of them intently. His blue eyes had darkened, and his expression gave away none of his feelings. When his eyes connected with hers, a slow smile crossed his face. He took a leisurely survey of her from her head to her toes peeking out of gold sandals. A rush of heat went straight to her face.
“Darling.” He strolled toward her. Then he leaned down, brushing her lips with his. A shiver ran across her shoulders and down her spine. “I know we talked about waiting to tell your grandfather. But I had to ask for his permission to marry you before we fly to Houston tomorrow to choose an engagement ring.”
“Tomorrow? We’re herding the cattle from the west range. I can’t possibly go until later this week.”
“Nonsense,” Gramps said. “This is much more important. I have plenty of help.”
“I’ll send two of my men over, just in case they’re needed,” Jackson said.
“Fine. See, Samantha, you have nothing to worry about except your wedding.” Gramps nodded at her. “You’ll need to get used to the men doing the hard work. I’m sure Jackson has other plans for his wife.”
Jackson had a devilish grin on his face. Samantha frowned at him. She’d better set this matter straight right now.
“My future husband has agreed I can run the ranches while he travels with his business. That will work best for both of us.”
Gramps frowned at her and Jackson. “What foolishness is this? Jackson, did you agree to this?”
“It’s not decided yet, Sir.”
“We did decide,” Samantha snapped.
“We’ll talk later, darling.”
“Don’t darling me.” Samantha began to pace around the room.
“You’ll have your hands full, son. Still, few people know her better than you.”
“We’ll do fine, Mr. Riley.”
“I expect you will. Too bad my wife didn’t live to see this happy day. She was very fond of you. Enough discussion for now. We’d better head to the dining room. There’s no need to let Maria’s good food get cold.” Gramps slapped Jackson on the shoulder. “This good news has given me an appetite.”
They both turned to let Samantha lead the way. Frowning at both men, she stomped down the hall. Just wait until she got Jackson alone. She’d rip him a good one.
Chapter Two
Dinner went by quickly. Gramps and Jackson discussed ranching issues. Samantha would have usually jumped into the conversation, but she was too flustered and instead picked at her food.
“Are you all right?” Gramps asked, turning his attention to her.
“I’m not hungry.”
Gramps grinned at Jackson. “Too much excitement.” Then they continued talking.
Samantha looked across the table and watched Jackson’s fleeting expressions as he listened to Gramps. The old chandelier, made of cow horns, hung directly over the dining room table, and the light brought out the gold in Jackson’s hair.
He used his strong, capable hands to describe something to Gramps. Samantha found herself imagining him touching her, sliding his fingers along her neck to her breasts. She blinked. What was wrong with her? She never fantasized about a man making love to her. The talking had stopped. Both men stared at her.
Gramps reached across and touched her forehead. “You’re flushed and you feel hot. I hope you’re not getting sick.”
“I’m fine, Gramps, really, but it is warm in here. If you two will excuse me, I’ll step outside on the porch to cool off.”
Jackson shoved back his chair. “I’m finished. I’ll join you.” A teasing light shone in his eyes.
Surely he had no idea of her thoughts. She’d die of embarrassment. He pulled her chair back and followed her out the front door. At least now she’d have a chance to talk with him. Renewed anger at how he’d rushed things tonight began to build inside her. She walked to the far corner where they had more privacy. Jackson followed and stopped right behind her.
Whirling around, she confronted him. “Why didn’t you wait? I told you I’d just been my emotional self and said things I didn’t mean.”
“The reality is you need a husband, and I want a wife. Your grandfather is pleased. We’re good friends. What can be wrong with the outcome?”
“That’s just the trouble. We are friends. I can’t imagine us being more.”
“Oh, I believe you can and did back there in the dining room.”
“How ridiculous. I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Well, if your only concern about us is as a couple, let me put your mind to rest.” His big hands cupped her face. Startled, she gasped and stared up at him as he slowly lowered his head.
His mouth softly brushed across her eyelashes, whispered along her cheek, before settling on her lips. His tongue moved along her tightly closed mouth until she opened for him. He pulled her closer into his warm embrace as his tongue tangled with hers then moved along the edge of her teeth.
Her tingling breasts were tight against his firm chest. With one arm, he anchored her lower body against his hard arousal. She went weak, and heat flashed over her. Without thought, her arms went around his neck, and she moaned. Abruptly, he dropped his arms and stepped back. She swayed. He reached out to steady her.
“See. You don’t need to have any concerns about us.”
Samantha took a deep breath, giving herself time to pull her thoughts together. “This proves nothing. I’ve responded to a few of the men I’ve dated, but the very few who I’ve been intimate with have left me questioning what all the fuss is about. Sex is definitely overrated.”
Jackson’s laugh startled her. “I’m serious, Jackson. You don’t want to be married to a cold woman.” She found her cheeks heating again. Although they’d been close friends, she and Jackson had never discussed sex.
Jackson pulled her back into his arms, but more of a comforting hold this time. His hand ran through her hair. “Don’t worry. I’d never describe you as cold. Trust me to take care of any doubts you may have.”
She pulled awa
y. Part of her had wanted to stay enclosed in his arms, but she mustn’t. She would not allow him to make her weak. “This is all becoming much more than I’d planned.”
He moved to her side and stared out in the distance. “And your plan was what?”
“That we’d have a business deal, a sensible marriage.”
Turning to face her, his finger tipped her face up. “I will not agree to anything less than a committed marriage with, hopefully, children. Do you want to tell your grandfather the engagement is off, or shall we leave it that if you are at the airfield at seven tomorrow, you are agreeing to my terms?”
His eyes were hard and his expression stony. She knew he meant what he said. At least he’d given her tonight to think and to talk with Gramps once more.
“If I’m at the airport, then I’ve agreed with your terms.”
She walked to the front door and went inside.
* * * *
Jackson let out his breath. He’d put her in a corner, which had never been wise, but he had no intention of agreeing to a business marriage. At least not with Samantha. When she’d walked into the study earlier, all his blood left his head and went straight to his cock. Thankfully, Samantha and Gramps didn’t look at him until he had better control of himself.
He wanted her with a deep passion. He wanted to breathe in her scent, slide his hands over her golden, tanned skin, kiss those luscious breasts, and bury himself deep inside her. But he’d risked it all on his ultimatum. Knowing Samantha, she was inside now trying to convince her grandfather to change his mind about his demand she marry.
Jackson strode across the porch and out over the lawn to his truck. Tonight, he rolled down the windows, preferring the cool night air to the air-conditioning. As he drove toward his ranch, he breathed deeply and the familiar fragrances of cattle, soil, and the sweetness of the wildflowers mingled together. This was the one place on earth that was home. His fancy townhouse in Houston and the oceanfront home in Florida were places where he resided temporarily. Like the ranch, Samantha was home for him, too. He planned on marrying her, one way or the other.
* * * *
Samantha found Gramps resting in his favorite chair. “Gramps, can we talk?”
“Certainly, but first let Maria know we’ll have coffee and dessert. Did Jackson leave?”
“Yes. I’ll go tell Maria.” She hurried to the kitchen where Maria had just finished cleaning up. “Gramps is ready for dessert.”
Maria smiled and walked over, cupping Samantha’s face in her hands. She bent forward and kissed her forehead. “Congratulations. You’ve made Mr. Riley very happy. Jackson will be an excellent husband for you.”
“How can you be sure? We’ve always been just friends.”
Maria patted her cheek and chuckled. “The love has been just underneath. I’m glad you both finally realized it. What beautiful babies you’ll make.”
“Maria, we aren’t even married yet.”
“I doubt Jackson will let you have a long engagement. I expect he’s been ready for a family for some time.”
Samantha just stared at her. Maria had been their cook, housekeeper, and almost like a nanny to her. Maria’s words stunned her.
“Here, take in the coffee. I’ll bring the apple pie.”
“We only need two servings. Jackson left.”
“What? He’s going to regret leaving early when I tell him he missed my pie. Well, you can take him some tomorrow.”
Rather than say any more, Samantha took the coffee tray and went back to Gramps. She was in a pickle of a fix. Gramps wouldn’t change his mind about his will, and she’d upset him and Maria if she called off the engagement.
She’d call Janice. With her level head and realistic way of looking at situations, she was the best person to advise her. As soon as they had dessert, she’d excuse herself and call Janice from the privacy of her bedroom.
Samantha found something unimportant to talk with Gramps about, and as soon as they finished dessert, she excused herself.
“It’s best you get to bed early,” Gramps said. “Jackson said you’d be flying out at seven. You’ve made me happy and proud. Have fun tomorrow finding the perfect ring.”
“I will,” she lied. “See you after I return.” Samantha waved and walked briskly down the hall and upstairs to her room. She grabbed her cell phone and snuggled into the chair by her window. With all the lights out, except for a nightlight, hundreds of stars twinkled in the darkness.
Hitting the familiar number for Janice, she leaned back in the chair listening to the dial tone. Hopefully, she’d be home.
“Hello.”
“Janice, I’m so glad you didn’t go out tonight.”
“Sam? I noticed you’d called earlier. I planned to return the call, but it’s been a hectic day. I just got home.”
“Got time to talk?”
“Sure, I’ve just poured myself a glass of wine. I’m all ears.”
“I’m engaged.”
“What? To whom? You never hinted you were even close to anyone.”
Samantha told her about Gramps’ demand, and her sudden decision to propose to Jackson.
“Whoa, girl, when you do it, you do it big. You’ve always said you two didn’t feel that way about each other.”
“We don’t. At least I don’t. I’m not sure about Jackson anymore. I tried to retract my offer, but Jackson accepted anyway and told Gramps about our engagement.”
“I see. One of your impetuous ideas backfired on you. Still, Jackson is a very desirable man. There are plenty of women here in Houston that would do anything to marry him. So what’s the problem?”
“I want a businesslike marriage. I’d even thought of having you draw up a contract for us.” Janice’s laughter on the other end stopped her.
“A business marriage with Jackson? Honey, have you lost your mind?”
“This is serious, Janice. I need your advice.”
“Oh no, Sam. I’m not getting into the middle of this. That’s how people lose friends.”
“You’re not going to help me?”
“Nope. Sleep on it. Come into town and have lunch soon.”
“We’re picking out a ring tomorrow.”
Janice went into peals of laughter again. “Go with it friend. Look at the man. Don’t be crazy, grab him. Got to go, love you.”
Samantha stared at the phone. Everyone had deserted her. She’d never sleep. She’d sit right here and find a way out of this mess by morning.
Chapter Three
Jackson didn’t comment when she arrived at the airport, which was just as well. She’d barely slept and had missed her coffee. He helped her into the helicopter and put on her headset for her.
“This is Fred. He’s a good pilot, so try to relax. I remember flying isn’t your favorite thing to do,” Jackson said, giving her one of those smiles that always made her feel better. He settled back in the seat beside her as the blades began to turn.
Samantha tried to relax as the big bird took off, but when the pilot banked the helicopter to the left, she found herself grabbing Jackson’s leg. She snatched her hand back. “Sorry.”
“Don’t be.” He enclosed her hand in his and put their hands back on his leg. The temperature around them rose at least ten degrees.
Trying to ignore him, Samantha glanced out the window. Down below, a carpet of bluebells spread across the wide prairie. If not for her current problems, she’d enjoy the beautiful sight. But, she found the man beside her impossible to ignore. Today he’d dressed as a successful business man—dark brown suit, cream-colored vest, a tie colored in shades of brown and cream. He looked good enough to eat. Now where did that come from? What was happening to her? This was Jackson, her friend.
She was determined to quit thinking about him, but her body was attuned to his every move. When his leg brushed against her, her skin prickled. His scent tantalized her nose. Samantha forced herself to concentrate on the sights below and the beautiful blue sky around her. She might as we
ll relax. The flight usually took close to two hours.
When the pilot banked to head more directly toward Houston, Samantha leaned into Jackson. His arms wrapped around her.
“Are you all right?”
“My stomach doesn’t like sudden moves.”
“Put your arms around me and hang on. We’ll be there soon.”
His heart thumped under her ear. Strong arms held her close, and his musky, masculine scent filled her head when she took a deep breath. She wrapped her arms around his firm body. Lean and hard, he didn’t have an ounce of fat on him. He stroked her hair as her body began to relax against his warmth. She’d barely dozed off when she heard his voice.
“Wake up, sleeping beauty.” Jackson brushed a kiss across the top of her head.
Samantha blinked her eyes. “I wasn’t asleep.”
“You snored, darlin’. You were definitely asleep for a few moments.”
She straightened and then smoothed her blouse and skirt. “Sorry.”
“No problem. You can sleep on my body anytime.” He laughed when the heat rushed to her face.
Before he could say anything else, someone opened the door. “Where are we?” Samantha looked around. They’d landed on the top of a very tall building, clustered in the middle of other concrete structures of various heights. Jackson turned to her and removed her headset. “This is my office building. I need to check in.” He stepped out, and then took her hand and assisted her out.
The wind swirled around the rooftop. She was glad she’d worn slacks. In the distance, she heard the faint sound of a car horn. His building? She’d known he had a successful business, but to own the whole building, in an obviously busy section of downtown, then he must be doing extremely well.
A man, dressed in a dark suit, walked out of a nearby door. He spoke to Jackson and ushered them inside to a small foyer and then into the waiting elevator.
“Samantha, this is one of my senior associates, Oliver Greenlee. Oliver, my fiancée, Samantha Riley.”
Cameron, Paige - The Billionaire Cowboy Takes a Wife (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) Page 2
