by Roxy Wilson
Yet, something about Paige told him that his life wouldn’t remain the same. She captured his heart, his soul, and the most irritating thing was that she did it unknowingly. He didn’t want to let her know how he craved her. The previous night, he barely slept because he kept thinking about getting his hands on her. Luckily for him, the work tired him out today and kept his mind on other matters. He was in a good space; he could control his emotions.
Now, when he knocked on the door, he was determined to be suave and calm.
When she opened the door, he couldn’t be more surprised at his reaction to seeing her, despite all his self-talk on his way over.
“Hi,” she said. “You’re early.”
“Perdón.”
“No, no, please. Come in. I was expecting Shayne and Juston to show up at any time. Juston is making dessert, and I was hoping to take a sneak peak at it,” she went on as she closed the door.
They stood in the foyer, both of them not quite at ease.
“Who is it, Paige?” Jackie came out of the kitchen. “Oh, glad to see you Lando.”
He remembered the wine in his hands. “For you.”
“Thank you. How sweet,” she said. “Why don’t you come in the living room?” Jackie turned to her daughter. “Paige, could you please go and check if everything is all right in the dining room?” She handed the wine bottle to her. “And take the wine with you.”
“Sure, mom.”
With regret, he watched her leave. Lando then followed Jackie in the living room. The space was decorated nicely with artifacts. He saw an Indian dagger on the wall and went to take a look. “This is very nice. Original, too, I believe.”
Jackie looked at him with admiration. “You have a good eye for detail. It’s indeed original. Belonged to my husband’s great grandfather. It has been passed down the generations, and one day, I’ll hand it over to one of the girls. If you like something like that, I know a great place where they sell genuine pieces at a good price.”
Paige walked into the room.
He made an effort not to look at her. “Thanks. I’ll go there,” he said to Jackie.
“Paige can take you. She knows the place. The owner is a friend of my late husband, and if she’s with you, you’ll get a good price.”
“Muchas gracias, Jackie.” He sat on the couch while Paige took a seat opposite him. “You’re too kind.”
“Oh, it’s nothing. I want you to feel at home here. Lord knows, it must be hard to come to a new place and start all over again. My Paige did it and I was proud of her but it wasn’t easy. I was happy when she decided to come back, although I didn’t have a doubt that she would. This girl was all for the farm ever since she opened her eyes as a babe.” Jackie chuckled. “I used to walk around and do my chores with her strapped to my back in a baby carrier, and she was snug as a bug. Never cried, never complained. And when she was a toddler, it was hard to keep her inside. All she wanted to do was to go outside and play with the animals. I used to worry that she would get hurt or come under the horse’s feet, but she took to them like a pro.”
“She does seem to have an affinity for the animals,” he noted.
“It’s not something you can instill in someone. It’s either there or not,” Jackie explained. The doorbell rang and she stood. “I’ll get it. It’s probably Juston and Shayne. They have the dessert and I know what you have in mind sweet daughter. No tasting before dinner.”
Paige sighed and shook her head. “Every time,” she muttered. “How does she know what’s on my mind?”
“Mothers are like that. Mine can look at me and tell if I am worried, hungry, thirsty, or tired,” he admitted.
Graeme and Cullen came in. “Hi,” they both greeted him and Paige.
Once everyone was seated, he was charmed to see Cullen hold Graeme’s hand. They were really going strong, and he looked forward to the wedding as much as the family. It was going to be the highlight of their winter events. “How are the preparations going?”
Cullen smiled. “Everything’s done.”
“Really?” He was surprised to hear that because he knew just how hectic wedding preparations could be. He’d once been the best man at his friend’s wedding and the chaos was terrible. “That’s great.”
“She’s only saying that because she has no clue what’s going on,” Shayne said with a smile. “I’m in charge of the decorations. Mom and Juston have taken over the food, and Paige is doing all the arrangements for the guests and helping me with seating arrangements.”
Cullen chuckled. “And I’m lucky to have such fine sisters who are willing to take the headache out of my wedding and allow me to only have memorable moments.”
Paige stuck out her tongue. “Lucky indeed. If we left it up to you, you would probably exchange vows in a meadow while you both wore jeans and t-shirts.”
“Love doesn’t need anything material,” Graeme interjected as he raised Cullen’s hand and kissed it. “But we’re super grateful that you guys are doing so much.”
Jackie came back in. “Come on, everyone. Dinner is served.”
They all went in the dining room while Paige helped Jackie bring the dishes out. From the aroma, Lando could tell that the meal would be delicious. He was lucky to be a part of this group because they made him feel right at home. If it wasn’t for this crazy attraction for Paige, he would be right at ease. Earlier it was a game, something fun. But now he was worried.
Was he really falling for her?
If so, what could he do about it?
This was insane. He barely knew the woman but every time he looked at her, he instantly got hard and his heart pounded in his chest. Yes, he wanted her. A lot. There wasn’t much he could do about this strong desire that gripped him, so for the moment, he tried to concentrate on the chatter.
Jackie joined them. They said the grace, and food was served.
“Muy delicioso,” he declared after the first bite. “As good as any restaurant I've been to in Madrid.”
Everyone paused to stare at him.
Jackie grinned at him. “You’re too kind.”
“I’d heard that your cooking was amazing, but I didn’t know it was this good. You could beat any chef who runs a restaurant.”
“Between her and Juston, you can bet the food will be outstanding,” Cullen agreed. “I’m looking forward to that at the wedding.”
“Oh, and not getting married to me?” Graeme teased.
Cullen reached over and caressed his cheek. “That too, darling, but you’ve got to admit, even you’re eager to taste the food they’re cooking for the wedding.”
Graeme laughed. “Yep, that’s true.”
“So where are you guys going for your honeymoon?”
“Hawaii,” Graeme replied. “We’ll take off two days after the wedding. That should give Cullen enough time to wrap things up here.”
“But before the wedding, we’ve got to do something about the charity drive Roma keeps pestering me about,” Jackie piped in. “She’s thinking we should do a yard sale for the tornado victims up north.”
“Who is Roma?” he asked.
“Mom’s friend,” Paige answered. “She works in the grocery store in town. Her idea is good, but I don’t know if a yard sale is the way to go. We need something with more of a spark.”
“How about a charity dance at the ranch?” Lando suggested. “We’ve got the perfect place. We could set up a dance floor and music can be easily arranged. We’ll keep the food simple and invite everyone to buy tickets and also donate as much money as possible.”
Once again, everyone stared at him.
“That’s actually a great idea!” Jackie exclaimed. “The food should be simple enough to handle. We could make it at home.”
“I’ll help, of course,” Juston added.
“And I can construct a dance floor and set up music if anyone of you has speakers,” Lando offered.
“I have a good system,” Graeme replied. “And we could easily make arrangement
s for seating. I think we would get an excellent response if we did something like that.”
“Yeah, it’s a fabulous idea,” Paige stated. Her eyes sparkled. “I have a lot of friends who would love to come.”
Jackie passed on a platter of vegetables to Graeme. “Lando, I’m impressed. It’s a wonderful idea, and it’d just the thing we should be doing before a wedding. It will bring in a lot of people and we would be able to raise tons of money. Also, it would give us a lot of publicity which I’m sure would delight Paige. And it’s always good to do something philanthropic before the wedding. It’s good karma.”
“I didn’t know you believed in karma, mom,” Paige said as she took second helping of the mutton.
“I believe in all kinds of things.” She nodded her head.
Suddenly Lando was reminded of the conversation they had the day before. Two of her sisters got involved with men they met just months ago, and maybe there was some kind of a fatalistic destiny at work. Maybe she was also supposed to find a guy soon. His gaze met hers, and he could see that she was also thinking along the same lines. Before he could wink at her, she quickly turned her gaze away and he swallowed a laugh. It was sure going to be fun to remind her of that again.
Of course, if that were true, then it meant that he was next in line to give his heart. The thought sobered him. He couldn’t imagine Paige with another man, and if he was the one she fell in love with then he was surely in for a treat, but at the same time, he would lose his previous independence that he relished so much. Perhaps he was not ready to think about destiny. Lando focused on the conversation that was going on about the charity gala. It seemed that everyone was excited. He felt glad they would be doing something like that. It was a major break from the routine work, and it was bound to be a night to remember.
“I’ll have to plan my outfit,” Paige said.
“The barn we’re building for the sheep would be completed by then,” Cullen suggested. “I don’t want the guests to see half-finished work.”
Lando glanced at Paige a few times but she seemed to be lost in her own world.
They all voiced their ideas and soon, a date was decided.
“Lando, why don’t you come in tomorrow to the office, and we’ll finalize the work that you’ll be doing,” Cullen said. “A lot of supplies will need to be purchased but Graeme can go with you. We have accounts in all the local stores and they’ll happily provide whatever we want. I would like to start distributing flyers in a few days, so we can let as many people know as is possible.”
“Sure. What time?”
“Around ten?” she said.
“Great.”
Since the date they decided on was barely a week away, they would have to work fast but he was up for the challenge. When dinner was over, Juston brought out the profiteroles, cream puffs that were filled with ice cream. The warm chocolate sauce on them made Lando’s mouth water. They were as delicious as they looked.
“Thank you for inviting me, Jackie,” he said when dinner was over and coffee was served. “Maravilloso! I had a wonderful time, and this is a meal I will remember for a long, long time.”
“You’re most welcome to drop in anytime. Most nights, it’s just Paige and me. We sure could use some company at the dinner table.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
After he said goodbye to all, Lando glanced at Paige. “Could you come outside for a minute? I need to talk to you.”
She looked taken aback, as she stood. “Sure.”
He walked out with her. Every time he gazed at her, his mouth watered with the same need he felt when he saw the profiteroles. He wished he could devour her in the same manner but it was, of course, impossible. She was a sensible, grown woman and she would come into his arms when she was good and ready. But he sure hoped that time would come sooner rather than later. “I wanted to ask if you would like to be my date at the dance.”
She licked her bottom lip. “The charity dance?”
He could tell she was nervous. Was it because she was scared of what she felt for him or because she just wasn’t so sure about him? “Yes, it will be fun, and I think it will be more fun if you’re there with me.”
“Another date?”
He waited patiently, knowing he was close.
Finally, she nodded. “Yes, I would like that.”
“Great. I’ll look forward to it.” He put his hand on hers and when she didn’t resist, he tugged her forward. He claimed her lips, without giving her time to think about it. The rush of desire that careened through his body was strong and powerful. Her lips were soft, and his were demanding. He actually felt her tremble as she nestled in his arms. He put his hands on her waist, and the warmth of her skin seeped into his fingers. Thrusting his tongue inside her mouth, he tasted every nook and cranny. She was sweet and warm, and more delightful than the cream puffs he’d tasted.
When he stepped away, her eyes were glazed.
“I’ll see you soon.”
“Yeah.”
He strode away, knowing his heart was now in the hands of the woman who was still making up her mind about him. Lando never came this close to falling in love, and the idea of it scared him more than anything he ever experienced before. Still, it might just be an amazing adventure.
Chapter Five
Time sped by on rapid wings. Paige could barely catch her breath. It seemed like it was only hours ago they were planning for the charity gala, and now she was actually getting ready to attend. Tonight was the night. She could hear the music as it pumped out of the speakers. Everyone had done a wonderful job. She was impressed with the decorations that Shayne dreamt up, and they’d painstakingly made them at the farm in the evenings. Graeme was the one who selected the music and set up the system with Lando. Juston was, of course, in the kitchen with Jackie, while Cullen and Paige looked after the other details.
It was a combined effort, and one she was proud of.
As she inspected her reflection in the mirror, Paige was happy with what she saw. She’d donned a destructed denim jacket and matching jeans.
Jackie strode in. “You’re not wearing a dress.”
They had this argument countless times, while she was growing up. Paige smiled as she put some mascara on her eyes. That and the lipstick was the only concession she made for the event. “No, mom.”
“You would look lovely in a dress.”
“Are you saying I don’t look lovely in this?”
Jackie sighed. Walking over to her daughter, she rested a hand on her cheek. “Of course, you do. You look amazing.”
“Thanks, mom. So do you.”
Jackie was wearing a smart, holly berry colored dress. For someone of her age, she was quite fit and beautiful.
Paige hugged her mother. “You’ve done a good job with this event. We’re all very proud of you.”
“You have all helped, and there’s no way I could have done it without anyone of you. Now go on and have fun.”
“Don’t spend all your time in the kitchen, mom. Dance a little,” she said as she walked out.
When she saw Lando in the foyer, her breath caught in her throat. He was wearing a tuxedo. She’d never seen him dressed formally before, and boy, did he stand out. As his gaze settled on her while she strode down the stairs, her heart hammered against her chest. “You look handsome.”
“And you’re the most ravishing creature I have ever seen.” He took her hand in his and gently planted a warm kiss on it. “Shall we?”
“Yes, let’s go.”
As they stepped outside, the energy of the crowd was contagious. The dance floor Lando constructed was well-sanded, and polished to perfection. It felt good to watch everyone as they danced on the work he created. “You could have made a fabulous living as a carpenter. You’ve got some real talent.”
“But my heart wouldn’t have been in it.”
Graeme drew Cullen on to the dance floor and as she watched them dance, she was overwhelmed by the love that was so
obvious. Her sister was lucky to have found a man who understood and respected her. Together, they looked good. They were perfect for each other, and she had nothing but goodwill for their upcoming marriage.
“Will you dance with me?”
“Cowgirls don’t dance,” she said.
He laughed. “Okay. Maybe then we have a drink first?”
“Let’s head towards the bar.” She could already see that the bar was a hit.
People waited in lines. They had hired two bartenders for the night who were doing a good job of making the line move at a fast speed. It all looked good.
Like the others, they also stood in line and got their beers. Walking to one of the benches that were set up, she sat on it. “It’s a good night.”
“It sure is.”
She watched the people who were dancing on the floor. Everyone was having an amazing time. It was a good turnout. It was possible that they would be able to raise more than double the money they’d anticipated. “This was the most fantastic idea ever,” she said.
“I’m full of fantastic ideas,” he replied with a wink.
She tried to hide her smile then lifted her bottle to her lips and drank. Then she glanced over and said, “I’m sure you are. Do you like to dance?”
“I’m fairly good at it, and yes, I enjoy it but only with the right woman.”
She didn’t want to ask it. No, she shouldn’t. “And I’m the right woman?”
“Oh, yes you are.”
She glanced into his eyes and then quickly looked away. She felt nervous at the look she saw there. She didn’t have to ponder over for it for long because it seemed that Juston had taken a short break from the kitchen to whisk Shayne onto the dance floor. They were awesome.
