Samantha took out her cell phone and punched in the number. Janice came right to the phone.
“Sam, where are you? Jackson called, frantic. He said Mrs. Murphy told him you’d left early for the hospital, but you never arrived.”
“I arrived just in time to overhear Gramps and Jackson’s conversation.” Samantha started to cry. “He married me for the ranch. In fact, Gramps bought me a husband.”
“You’re talking crazy. Tell me where you are, and I’ll come and get you.”
“If I do, you mustn’t let anyone else know.”
“Jackson’s worried, Sam. Your grandfather will be, too, if you don’t get over to the hospital. Sam?”
Thoughts went round and round in her head. She didn’t want Gramps to have a relapse. “Meet me across the street from the hospital at the coffee shop. We’ll talk. You can tell them I’m all right, and I’ll be along later. Don’t say where you’re meeting me.”
“I don’t like it, but all right.” Janice rang off.
Samantha backtracked. The next few hours were going to be the hardest when she confronted Jackson. She’d been so sure he loved her. But, he couldn’t. Not to have agreed to being given controlling interest in the Riley ranch. He had to know how hurt she’d be. She understood Gramps. He wanted to see her safe and wed.
Janice parked at the curb just as Samantha had found a quiet table in the back of the shop. Samantha noted the worried expression on her friend’s face. Spotting her, Janice walked around the mostly empty tables and dropped into the seat across from her.
“Have you lost your mind?” Janice asked. “Jackson adores you. And he’s rich. He doesn’t need the ranch.”
“You’re wrong.”
“No, you are. You may be my best friend, but right now I’m really angry with you. Talk to Jackson, hear his side.”
“I hurt so bad. Ever since I heard them talking.”
“Did you listen to the whole conversation?”
“I arrived toward the end. It doesn’t matter. I heard enough.”
Janice groaned and shook her head. “Did you have a good time on your trip?”
“Yes.”
“And Jackson was attentive and loving?”
“Of course, it was a honeymoon.”
“Well, if you’re right then he didn’t have to be. He had what you say he wanted as soon as you became his wife.”
“Not really. He has to stay around until Gramps dies.”
“Listen to yourself. You’ve known Jackson for years. Do you really think he’s capable of such devious behavior?”
Samantha’s hot tea began to warm the cold spot inside her. She thought about what Janice said. Truly, the Jackson she thought she knew would never even consider being devious or deliberately hurting anyone. She remembered what Mr. Greenlee and his wife had said about him.
Janice reached out and touched her hand. “Talk to him. I’ll call and ask him to come here.”
“Thank you. I don’t know why I reacted so strongly. The news shook me. Why did Gramps do it, if not to get me a husband?”
“Think about how your Gramps sees the world. I’ve got to go back to work. Call me later.”
“I will.”
The waitress brought her a fresh pot of hot water and another tea bag. She heard each long minute as the hand of the old clock scraped across the surface. Traffic buzzed by. She’d looked down to add sugar to her tea when she sensed him there.
He stood inside the door staring at her, his eyes dark as night and his face pale. Slowly, he walked to her table and sat.
“You gave me a scare.” The words came out flat and hard. All the planes of his face were etched with worry and, underneath, anger. The anger, a pulsing entity around them.
She didn’t know what to say to him.
“I saw my attorney. You can have a divorce. If I haven’t been able to convince you of my love by now, nothing will.”
He scraped his chair back and stood. His hand reached into his suit jacket and pulled an envelope out. He laid it in front of her.
“I had this drawn up before our wedding. Your grandfather wouldn’t let me tell you about his will. I begged him not to do what he did. He’s an obstinate old man.” A half smile curved his mouth. “He swore me to secrecy. I knew this day would come, sooner or later. I’d hoped later. I believed, no, hoped, you’d come to me at the time, talk with me, give me a chance.” His shoulders slumped as he turned and slowly walked off.
What have I done? Samantha’s hand touched the envelope. Part of her was afraid to read what lay inside. She pulled out the paper and unfolded it. At first, the dark letters blurred. She blinked, and as her vision cleared, she read the short, official contract.
He’d signed fifty-one percent of his ranch over to her a few days before their wedding. Her heart sank. She’d been stupid and overreacted. In the end, she’d allowed her fears to help her lose the best thing she’d ever had, Jackson’s love.
Chapter Eleven
Samantha kissed Gramps’ cheek. “I’m going for a ride. Do you need anything before I go?”
“No. Stay outside awhile. You look pale, worse than me.” He smiled and patted her hand. “You’re sure Jackson doesn’t mind you staying here? After all, you two are newlyweds, and I already interrupted your honeymoon.”
“He’s fine with it,” Samantha lied again. She was becoming good at telling false tales. She hadn’t seen Jackson since the day at the coffee shop. She’d heard he visited Gramps at the hospital, but never when she was there.
She’d made up the story of them deciding for her to stay at Gramps’ and help Maria until he was able to get out and about. Her days consisted of seeing he got his walks and that he wasn’t lonely. Once a day, she went out for a ride. Every day she had to fight the temptation to ride to Jackson’s. She would if he was there, and she knew what to say. As far as she knew, he had stayed in Houston.
She saddled her mare, Princess, and headed out. Overhead, the sky had a rich blue color that reminded her of Jackson. A few wisps of clouds slowly moved across, and a slight breeze ruffled the leaves in the oak trees. She kidded herself that she let the mare lead the way, but every day she ended in the same place—her outdoor cathedral where they had wed.
Samantha dismounted and tied Princess close to the small stream where she could drink. Nothing around her had changed since they’d had their wedding here. Everything had changed for her, and not the way she’d expected or hoped. Of course, the chairs and decorations were long gone, and the days were hot now. Here, the shade and water kept the area a bit cooler. She sank onto the ground beneath the trees and cried. She’d held in the grief around Gramps and Maria. Only here could she release the pent-up pain.
After her cry, she leaned her head back and stared through the tree branches to the sky. This wasn’t like her at all. She went after what she wanted. Sitting here feeling sorry for herself accomplished nothing. She’d created the problem. She’d fix it.
She straightened her shoulders. She knew what to do. She might fail—no, she refused to consider any result but success.
Eager to put her idea to action, Samantha mounted Princess and rode quickly back to the ranch. Gramps was much better. He’d be pleased to think she was going to spend a few days with her husband. By afternoon, she’d be on her way to Houston.
* * * *
Jackson paced around his townhouse. He’d helped Greenlee as much as the man wanted. He knew his new CEO was ready to do his job on his own. For Jackson to stay here any longer would give the impression he didn’t trust the choice he’d made. Sooner or later he had to return to the ranch. He’d been so anxious to do that just a few weeks ago. Without Samantha, though, the idea wasn’t as pleasing.
He loved ranching, so he’d just bury himself in the work. If only she’d tried to contact him. Still, he hadn’t received any divorce papers, which was the only thing that gave him hope.
He’d phone Mrs. Haverty and tell Anna, who was in the kitchen cleaning, to plan o
n moving to the ranch anytime in the next few weeks. There were several available homes on the ranch, and they’d each chosen one to live in.
But first, he’d call Fred, his pilot. He answered on the second ring. “Have the helicopter ready to take off tomorrow morning, early,” Jackson said.
“Yes, Sir. Is seven a good time?
“Fine. I’ll meet you at the airport.” Jackson put down the phone. He’d leave tonight, but he’d accepted an invitation to a cocktail party at Mr. Greenlee’s home. He’d surprise his new CEO and let him know he was finally leaving him on his own.
His mood wasn’t the best for a party. He didn’t plan on staying long. Since the day he’d last seen Samantha and handed her that envelope, his heart had been heavy with pain. Aloneness had never bothered him before, but now he had to stay busy or go crazy wandering around the rooms in his townhouse. He hadn’t had one good night of sleep, and he knew it was beginning to show. Hurt and anger still warred inside him. He had difficulty believing how quickly she’d thought the worst of him. So many times he’d been tempted to fly to the ranch, demand to see her, and take her home to his ranch. He’d make love to her, talk to her, not let her go until she knew how wrong she’d been.
In the end, he’d always worry what would happen the next time she thought she had a reason to doubt him. So, he waited, for her, and he’d not heard a word.
Reluctantly, he went to his bedroom to pack and change for the party. In here he had the most difficult time keeping her out of his thoughts. Everywhere he looked, he saw her, remembered the softness of her skin, the taste of her. Her particular special scent lingered in his mind. Damn, get dressed and get out of here.
Tomorrow, he’d start fresh. But, she’d still follow him. There were even more poignant memories all around him at his ranch.
* * * *
Samantha had made two phone calls before she left. One to Janice to arrange for a place to stay for the night, in case she needed one. The other call was to the office. Mr. Greenlee told her Jackson had not been in but was expected at the cocktail party he and his wife were giving. Of course, he’d invited her.
The pieces were falling into place for her plan to begin. Her heart beat rapidly. This had to work. She went directly to Janice’s when she arrived. The drive to Houston had given her plenty of time to think.
Janice had arrived home just before Samantha got there. “I’m glad you’ve finally come to your senses.”
Samantha put down her luggage. “I came to them the day he met me at the coffee shop. I just didn’t know what to do about the situation.”
“Are you going to call him or what?”
“I’m going to a cocktail party. I’ve been assured he’ll be there.”
She’d brought the dress she’d worn to the other party, the bronze-colored cocktail dress. When she put it on, Janice laughed. “You know, I almost feel sorry for him. He hasn’t a chance when he sees you in that outfit.”
Samantha added the oval diamond necklace and matching earrings. She spun around. “How do I look?”
“All the wives will hate you. No one wants such a stunning woman anywhere near their husbands.”
“Too much?”
“Oh, no. Just what you need to catch and hold his attention.”
“He might give me the cold shoulder.”
Janice laughed. “If he stares blankly, it’s only because all his blood has gone straight to his cock.”
“Janice!”
“Crude, but honest. Go get him.” Janice urged her forward. “You know where the Greenlees live?”
“Mr. Greenlee gave me instructions. Funny, he didn’t seem surprised I wasn’t coming with Jackson.”
“I’m sure all the staff is aware something happened. I ran into Jackson earlier in the week. He looked awful. I started to call you, but thought better of it. You two have to fix this yourselves.”
Samantha hugged Janice. “You are so wise. How is your love life doing?”
“I don’t have one.”
“You haven’t heard from Drake?”
“Oh, him? He’s pestered me a few times.”
“He won’t give up trying.”
“I won’t give up saying no,” Janice said.
“Silly girl.” Samantha waved on her way out the door. When she got into the car, she sat a minute. A wave of nausea came over her. Nerves. She took a deep breath before starting the car. Her heart pounded. Her future hung on how she handled this evening.
* * * *
Jackson recognized her the minute he stepped inside the Greenlees’ large living room. Her golden hair brushed across the bare skin of her back and that sweet ass sent his heart rate straight up and his blood straight down.
What was she doing here? He was afraid to hope he might be the reason. Then she turned and smiled.
He’d seen that open, joyous smile the first time years ago. They’d been riding around the two ranches and stopped in a wide open pasture. She dismounted and stood among the bluebells blooming across the land for as far as they could see. In the wind, the flowers rippled like waves on the ocean. The sunlight and the bright blue of the sky were almost blinding.
She’d thrown her arms open to hug the world.
“Isn’t this the most beautiful day you’ve ever seen?”
It was, and she was part of that gorgeous scene forever etched in his memory. Now, she started slowly walking toward him. He barely took a breath while watching her. Hope began to fill his heart. She stopped close, staring directly into his eyes.
“I’m sorry. Can you forgive me? I know it will take time for you to ever trust me, but I promise I won’t doubt you or your integrity ever again. My foolish fears of losing love may have cost me a love I can’t replace. I’ve missed you.” The words rushed out of her.
He forgot all the people around them and pulled her into his arms. “I’ve been miserable without you. Let’s go home.”
She hugged him tight then looked up at him. “Home here or the ranch?”
“The ranch. My real home is anywhere you are.” Jackson glanced around and noticed the guests had quietly moved into the adjoining family room, leaving them to their privacy.
He cradled her head. “I’ll never let you go if you leave with me now,” he said and scattered kisses over her face.
Samantha stood on her tiptoes, her arms around his neck, and she looked him right in the eye. “Good.” She kissed him while she let her soft, curvy body sink into him.
Moving her attention to his ear, she nibbled on his earlobe. “We’d better leave before we embarrass the Greenlees and their guests.”
Jackson hurried them through their good-byes and soon had them headed to the townhouse. “I’ve already ordered the ’copter to take me to the ranch early tomorrow, never expecting I’d have you with me.”
“I drove.”
“I’ll take care of having someone bring the car to us. You’re not getting out of my sight anytime soon. I have plans to keep you very busy.”
She laughed and hugged his arm as they sped through the dark streets. “I do hope those plans include lots of loving.”
They’d stopped at a light. He looked at her. Streetlights reflected across her beautiful eyes, her sweet mouth curved into a tempting smile, and her lovely luscious body called to him on some unseen level. His cock went so hard it hurt. “You aren’t going to get much sleep, my love.”
“Promises, promises.” Her laughter rang out like music to his starved soul.
Epilogue
One Year Later
Jackson and Samantha walked into Gramps’ house. She deliberately let the door slam.
“I always know when you arrive, Samantha.” Gramps gave a fake grumble from where he stood in the doorway to his study. “I thought you’d never get here.”
Sunshine came running from the kitchen. She excitedly barked and jumped against Samantha’s legs. Samantha leaned down to rub her fur.
“I think you just gave me that dog to annoy me,” Gramps
said, but he had a twinkle in his eye. “And if Maria keeps feeding her, she’ll be nothing but a round ball of fur.”
“There you are.” Maria came out of the kitchen drying her hands on a towel. “And you’ve brought the little one.”
“I get to hold him first,” Gramps said.
Samantha walked across to Gramps and settled his namesake, Colin Riley Stone, in his arms. She enjoyed seeing the glow on Gramps’ face every time he saw or held his great-grandchild. His health had improved immensely since his bypass operation.
“You two gave me my wish. I asked for a great-grandchild, and you gave me one. I think you’ll have to have another one, though, preferably a girl, and then Maria will have a baby to hold, too.” He winked his eye at Maria and smiled at Samantha and Jackson. “You’ve made this old man very happy.”
Jackson put his arm around Samantha and pulled her close. “It was really no effort at all, Sir. We’ll get started right away on your new request.” They all laughed when Samantha blushed.
She gazed around the room at all her loved ones. Her son slept comfortably in Gramps’ arms. He was a mixture of Jackson and her, having her blonde hair and Jackson’s eye color.
Occasionally, Samantha’s fear of loss tried to come back. Especially on nights when Jackson and the baby were close by her side. They were all safe and secure inside their home. Her happiness, in those moments, swelled over her like a wave filling her heart and bringing with it just a touch of fear. Jackson always sensed her uneasiness and quickly reassured her. Usually by first talking and teasing her, and then followed with a hot session of sex. That always worked.
Samantha had cuddled against Jackson’s shoulder. She tipped her head up at him. His eyes sparkled with mischief and that tantalizing hint of lust. His lips brushed across her mouth.
Cameron, Paige - The Billionaire Cowboy Takes a Wife (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) Page 12
