The Chef Chases his Cowboy Dream (Silverstone Ranch Book 3)

by April Murdock

  Mia and Christian’s Beginning

  Chapter One

  The whole date was absolutely ridiculous. Why was Wesley pretending he wasn’t absolutely in love with Lily?

  Mia glanced over her shoulder as her two best friends sat awkwardly on a bench in front of the eighteenth hole. They looked about as comfortable as a pair of teens on their first date. But the problem was, they weren’t on a date with each other.

  She blew a strand of blonde hair out of her eyes. There had to be some way to push them together without them knowing she was behind it. Mia leaned against the stone shack as she waited in line to return their clubs and golf balls. Wesley’s older brother, Christian, stood in front of her, staring at his phone. He seemed to be enjoying his date with Lily. Could he see what Mia saw?

  He was a tall drink of water. He hadn’t been around much when she’d dated Wesley. Their conversations never lasted more than half a dozen words. Could he tell Lily wasn’t into him either?

  She nudged him with the end of her rubber club. “Psst.”

  Christian jumped and turned around. “What?”

  Mia jerked her chin in the direction of the love birds. “Please tell me you see it too.”

  He scratched his cheek. “What exactly am I looking for?” He narrowed his eyes when he turned to look over at his brother and his date, who were obviously flirting. Lily laughed, sitting on her hands and swinging her legs as she stared at the ground.

  “Come on. You don’t see how much they like each other?”

  Christian shrugged his shoulders. “They’re best friends.” His blond hair was mussed from the muggy temperature. His blue eyes were bright, despite the sun having gone down an hour ago. He cocked his head slightly.

  How had she not noticed he could have been a demi-god? He was built like Hercules, thanks to the work he did on his ranch. His jaw was sharp and he was so tall. Mia swallowed hard. Christian gave her a crooked grin and her heart did a little flip.

  “Yeah. I think Wes has had a crush on Lily since they were just out of diapers.” He chuckled. Lifting a brow, his gaze softened. “Sorry, are you—”

  Mia sliced her hand through the air. “Don’t worry about me, stud. I’m fine. I got over him when he moved across the country. In fact, I thought for sure he’d come back for her.” She stared at Wesley and Lily again. “Why are we even on this date?”

  Christian leaned on his club. “Because sometimes people can’t see the forest for the trees.”

  She scrunched up her nose. “What does that even mean?”

  He shrugged again. “Heck if I know. I just thought it sounded smart.” Christian winked at her.

  The beating of her heart increased slightly. What was she thinking? She was on a date with Wesley. She couldn’t be entertaining the idea of dating Christian. Besides, he probably didn’t want to date someone who was involved with his little brother.

  Gesturing to the couple on the bench, Christian glanced at her once more. “So, what do we do about it? I bet you anything Wes is too much of a chicken to tell her how he feels.”

  “Would you do it?”

  His brows pulled together. “Tell Lily how Wesley feels?”

  She giggled. “No. If you were in his position, would you tell the girl?”

  “Darn tootin’. If I loved a girl, there would be nothing in the world that’d stop me from letting her know exactly how I felt.” He folded his arms. “Nothing.”

  Her heart fluttered again. “You’re saying if you were head over heels for someone and you didn’t know if they felt the same, you’d risk it all and tell her? Because if what you’re saying is true and Wesley has loved her that long, he’s risking more than a broken heart.”

  “How do you figure?”

  “They were best friends, Christian. He’d be losing that part of their relationship too.”

  He shook his head. “A love built on friendship is special. If it were me, I’d risk it all for something like that.”

  Christian was a romantic. Huh, she never would have pegged him as such. She’d heard all kinds of stories about how he was a big flirt. Maybe he was just trying to find love.

  Mia pressed her lips together. “You know what we should do?”

  “Go get our dates back?”

  She snickered. “No. We should get them together once and for all. They’ve carried on like this for long enough. It’s time they bite the bullet and accept they are meant to be together.”

  Christian’s eyes landed on the source of their conversation again. “Okay, yeah. But it’s not gonna be easy. Wesley’s pretty stubborn.”

  “So is Lily.”

  “If we’re gonna do this, you have to let me do things my way. I know Wesley better than anyone, and he’s not gonna just go along with what we say. It has to be his idea. Something he’s fighting for.”

  Mia chewed on the inside of her cheek. Already this didn’t sound like what she had in mind. “Shouldn’t we just tell them to meet us for a date at some restaurant and when they show up and we’re not there, they’ll just… get the point?”

  He placed his hand on her shoulder. Sparks trailed down her arm with his touch. He patted her shoulder and his hand dropped. “You don’t know my brother very well. He’s fought for everything he’s proud about. If we just let this fall into his lap, it’s not going to be a well-earned accomplishment.”

  “I guess I can see that.” She stared down at his large hand. It would probably engulf hers so fully she’d feel dwarfed by him.

  “What do you think, Mia?”

  Her eyes shot to meet his. “What do I think about what?”

  “My plan.”

  She cleared her throat and wrapped a strand of hair around her finger. Shoot, she had totally spaced out.

  A slow smile spread across his lips. “You weren’t listening, were you?”

  Heat filled her face and she looked away. “Yeah, well, I’m a little distracted. What did you have in mind?”

  “I’m going to ask Lily out again. That will really irritate him. The more time I spend with her, the madder he’ll get. I guarantee you he’ll do something about it and take charge.”

  Her features pinched. “You want to make him go after Lily by getting him jealous?” Did that sort of thing actually work on guys? “What if it doesn’t work?”

  “Oh, it’ll work. When he was little, he said he wanted a bike for his birthday. He never rode it. So I got on it and took it for a spin. He didn’t care for that too much. He actually pushed me off the bike and told me I wasn’t allowed to ever ride it again. This will be the same thing.”

  Mia shook her head. “No. I can’t pretend I’m all in when I’m not. Besides, I know Lily better than you. She won’t give Wesley a chance if she thinks he’s involved with me.”

  “Then tell him you don’t want anything serious. It’ll be fine. Just follow my lead.” Christian grinned and reached forward.

  She stiffened as his hand came toward her face. His thumb gently grazed her jaw. “Sorry, you had something there.” His hand dropped and he grabbed her clubs. “Let’s get going. They’re probably wondering what’s taking us so long.”

  Mia nodded. Her mouth was dry and her tongue felt hot and heavy. His touch had caused her blood to sizzle. No matter how much she held Wesley’s hand or looped her arm in his, she hadn’t felt that kind of heat. What was going on? Her body was a traitor, that’s what. She couldn’t fall for Christian Hall. What would the women in town think?

  Chapter Two

  Christian watched with keen interest as Wesley took Mia up to her door. The woman was beautiful. No, gorgeous. How was it his little brother had managed to snag the interest of two of the most attractive women in their small town? Granted, with their five-year age difference, they had been in widely different dating pools, but that had all seemed to even out.

  Mia smiled at Wes as they said goodnight. Lily squirmed in the seat next to him. Yes, it had been completely obvious the moment they sat down at the table for dinn
er that there was something between his date and his brother. And yes, he did want to help his brother gain the confidence he needed to fight for the girl he wanted.

  But to be fair, Wesley had all but dragged him on a date with someone who had zero interest in being with him. He could have been out at the local bar flirting with someone new. Then again, if he’d been doing that, he wouldn’t have become reacquainted with Mia.

  He couldn’t stop himself from wondering how different the night would have been if he’d been on a date with Mia instead.

  It was wrong. He knew it like he knew how many head of cattle were on his ranch. Going for his brother’s ex-girlfriend was against some kind of code. But if Wesley gave his blessing…

  Christian gave a sharp jerk to his head. Nope, he couldn’t think like that. This thing with Mia was a partnership to help out his brother, nothing more. Afterwards, they’d go their separate ways. He’d have to be good with that.

  Yet, as Mia turned her head at just the right moment so Wesley’s kiss landed on her cheek, all thoughts of staying away from her lifted. If Wesley was preoccupied with Lily, who was to say things couldn’t go further with Mia?

  They hugged and a spark of irritation flickered to life within him. Was he jealous? He barely knew Mia. They hadn’t exactly spent a lot of time together when she dated Wes. Maybe it was the connection they’d made over their matchmaking scheme. Mia wasn’t interested in him. She was just trying to help her friends.

  Mia’s eyes darted to the car. Christian looked away. Did she catch him staring? That was impossible. It was too dark. Right?

  He dropped Lily off at her home, then he and Wesley drove home in silence. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d seen his brother this upset. What did the guy have to be grumpy about? He had the attention of two women, and one of them was trying to set him up with the other. If anyone should be feeling low, it was Christian.

  For the first time in his life, he wanted something more. A relationship had been the furthest thing from his mind, until Mia poked him with that club of hers. Her smile and her laugh filled his thoughts. She was so genuine. Why couldn’t she have been just a few years older? Then they would have met in high school instead. Who knew, maybe if they’d met when he was a little younger, he wouldn’t have wasted all those years dating around getting a reputation that was only half deserved.

  Christian put the truck into park and climbed out. Wesley was already inside by the time he made it to the porch steps. Rustling from the shrubs near the side of the house gave him pause. Critters? He looked around. There were no vehicles. He shrugged and climbed the first step of the porch. The wood creaked beneath his feet. A rock tumbled out into the middle of the path. “What in the…” That wasn’t a coincidence. He stepped down and cautiously approached the shrubs.

  They weren’t rustling anymore. Christian kicked at the rock by his toe. It skittered toward the bush. No animals made their escape.

  “Psst. Christian.”

  He yelped and stumbled back a few steps, his boots catching on the dry earth. Arms flailing, he fought for balance but lost. Christian peered into the darkness until Mia’s face made an appearance. Her head was bathed in light, but the rest of her was cast in shadow, giving the illusion she was floating.

  She snickered. “You okay?”

  Christian got to his feet. His attention whipped around to the front of the house as he stormed toward her. He grasped her upper arm and pulled her around so her back was against the side of the house. “What do you think you’re doing?” They were so close, their chests almost touched. He stared down into her face, only partially visible in the shadow of the house.

  Her eyes grew wide. “I realized I didn’t have your number and if we’re going to make this work, we need a plan. I’m going to the city next week. That could make things difficult.”

  She smelled sweet, but not floral. It was something else he couldn’t put his finger on. He took in a deep breath and stepped back. How had they gotten so close? Wait, he’d done that. Rubbing the back of his neck, he pulled his brows down over his eyes. “Mia, I’m not sure any of this is necessary. If you’re going to be gone, then that might be just the thing that will push this over the edge.”

  Mia shook her head. “You seriously don’t know your brother all that well, do you? Wesley won’t go off and be with Lily if he thinks I’m pining for him. He’s never been the type to pursue multiple conquests.”

  The comment stung. Was she referring to him? He wouldn’t call the women he dated conquests. Getting serious just wasn’t something he had been ready for. He let out a sigh. “Then what’s your plan?”

  She grinned. “I already told him I don’t need anything serious. I thought I’d just be direct. I’ll let him know to go for Lily. Maybe that’s all he needs.”

  “And what about Lily? You think she wants this as much as he does?”

  Mia flicked him with the back of her fingertips. “Were you not on the same date as I was tonight? Their hearts practically bled for each other.”

  “Then I guess that settles it. You do your thing, and I’ll hang back.” That would be for the best anyway. Already he was letting his thoughts drift. Her smell had permeated the space between them. It would be so easy just to pull her close and explore every curve of her face with his fingers. He could press a soft kiss to the spot just below her throat. And…

  And he needed to get his mind out of this fantasy. Now.

  Mia shook her head and grabbed his upper arms. Heat soaked through his shirt where her palms gripped him. His nerve endings woke up and begged for more. What would it feel like to have her touch on his face, in his hair? Focus. She was talking. “Oh no, you don’t. You were the one who said Wesley has to fight for it. I wasn’t sure about it at first, but I see what you mean now. Keep Lily preoccupied. Make sure she’s still thinking about Wesley. And when Wesley sees you two together, he’ll do whatever it takes to get between you.”

  She smiled at him as if triumphant. “I hate to say it, but sometimes jealousy is the perfect thing to push two people over the edge and make them realize they are a good fit.” Her hands dropped and embarrassment flickered across her features.

  Christian cocked a brow at her. His lips pulled into a half-smile. “You approve of the jealously angle.”

  Mia shrugged. “I guess I do.”

  “You want me to make Wesley jealous. What does that involve? Flirting?”

  “Yes.”

  “Dancing?”

  She rolled her eyes. “Of course.”

  “How about a kiss?”

  Mia’s features tightened. “We don’t want her to fall for you. Just make it obvious to everyone that you’re interested so they stay away. Then Wesley will fight for what he wants.”

  Christian leaned toward her. “And what about you, Mia? What do you want?” Some invisible force continued to pull him toward her. She was gorgeous, intelligent, and generous. Wesley was a fool to not see that. Then again, if he had, Mia wouldn’t be available for the taking.

  Her eyes widened and she glanced away, tucking her hair behind her ear. “I don’t know. I’m happy with my life the way it is.”

  He snorted. “I don’t believe that for one second. It’s human nature to want more—to want to be with someone.”

  “Oh yeah? If that’s true, then why aren’t you with anyone?” Eyes flashing with challenge, she lifted her chin. Mia was simply adorable.

  “I’m not immune to the desire to have someone special in my life. I wouldn’t run away if the right one turned up.”

  Her stiff frame relaxed slightly. “I hope you find it.” She held out her hand. “Now give.”

  “Huh?”

  “Your phone. I need to stay in contact with you so we can share updates.”

  Christian pulled his phone out of his back pocket and unlocked it. She took it from his hands, her soft skin brushing his, sending off all kinds of electrical pulses. Mia sent a message from his phone and handed it back to him. “Th
ere. Now you have my number. Let me know if he says or does anything to help our cause.”

  His lips quirked up. “Our cause? Now you’re sounding ridiculous.”

  Mia shrugged and slipped past him. “See you at your mom’s party for Wesley tomorrow.”

  Christian placed his palm against the wood siding, just above where her shoulder would have been. He shook his head. What was he doing? This was a dangerous game. Already he was in deeper than he’d anticipated. Someone was bound to get hurt, and the more he thought about it, the more he worried it would be him.

  Chapter Three

  Mia entered the barn. Music blasted, and the sounds of people talking were more like a heavy hum. Her eyes trailed across the room. Christian stood among a group of girls. They laughed at his jokes and one placed her hand on his arm.

  Heat filled her face as she strode toward them. If anyone saw him flirting with these women, they wouldn’t believe he was interested in Lily. The night had to continue as planned. She grabbed his wrist and spun him around.

  “Oh, hey, Mia.”

  “Don’t ‘hey Mia’ me. Do you realize the damage you’re doing by being over here?”

  Christian gave her a blank stare.

  Mia groaned and pulled him toward the door. “People talk. Already I’ve heard more than one person gossiping about how there might be a big wedding in the future.”

  His brows shot up and he looked around. “Who’s getting married?”

  She whacked his chest. “You and Lily, dummy.”

  To his credit, Christian paled slightly. “No one has ever paid attention to who I talk with. It’s a load of bull.”

  Mia rolled her eyes. “You’ve never been on a date with a Greene girl, either. For some reason they seem to be getting hitched right and left.” She let out a sigh. “Then with you flirting it up, you’re going to be made out to be the town pariah. Maybe wait until Wes and Lily officially get together?”