Cameron, Paige - A Fling with the Billionaire Cowboy [Wives for the Western Billionaires 5] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) (11 page)

“I doubt it. Not with all the work you all do around here. But I might.”

Dirk got up and pulled her out of her chair. “Join me.”

He sat and put her on his lap. “Relax. We won’t do anything you don’t want.”

The temptation was too great. Chelsea let herself relax against his hard body. His strong arms wrapped around her, and his chin rested on the top of her head. The fire crackled. Soft music played faintly in the background.

His hand smoothed her hair down. “Have you ever worn it long?” he asked.

“When I was little.”

“It’d be a good disguise. I’d expect most people wouldn’t recognize you.”

“Just tonight I was thinking about letting it grow. That’s a good idea.”

“How do you like the ranch and the house so far?”

“Your home is lovely. I snooped around to see the whole layout today.”

Dirk laughed. “Snoop all you want.”

“I wondered why you hadn’t finished furnishing the loft.”

“I’m not sure. I guess because I wasn’t sure what I wanted to use it for. Do you have any ideas?”

“Well, the front windows and the windows in the loft give it a lot of light. If I had my computer I’d do some writing there.”

“There’s nothing to sit on.”

“No problem. Remember I’ve written reports in all kinds of places. The loft would be like a palace.”

“Do whatever you want. I give you free rein of the house.”

“It’s a good thing I’m not a typical woman or you might come home some night and find the whole inside repainted with new furniture.”

“Believe me, I know that’s a dangerous statement. My sister would do just that. She changes her rooms at home every six months or so.”

Suddenly, Chelsea realized how comfortable she felt on his lap. The warmth of his body encouraged her to cuddle. Not sure if she was ready to step over the line and have them become lovers again, she pulled back and got up.

“I’m tired. I’ll see you tomorrow.” She started to gather their cake plates, but Dirk stopped her.

“I’ll take care of them. It’s the least I can do after you cooked.”

Her body was yelling
stay, stay
, as she walked out of the room. But he wanted forever, and she wasn’t a forever girl.

* * * *

Dirk watched her walk away. She wasn’t going to make it easy for him, but he didn’t intend to give up. He was glad they were going to see her parents. Their interaction would tell him a lot about her. The more he knew, the better chance he had of seducing her to his way of thinking. He wanted a wife, but not just anyone. He wanted Chelsea.

Patience was one of his strong suits, but it did have a limit. His body ached to hold her, to touch her, to kiss every spot on her luscious body. His cock seemed to stay perpetually hard, and he was sick of cold showers. He’d wait, but if she didn’t give him an opening soon, he’d make one.

Chapter Nine

They’d stopped for the night, and Chelsea had asked for two rooms. Dirk had shrugged his shoulders and paid for them. This morning, well-rested, he drove the last few miles in an hour and a half. Chelsea sat beside him looking out the window. She hadn’t spoken since they’d started on the last leg of their journey. He glanced at her and saw she’d leaned forward staring toward the wood frame house coming closer every second. Her body had stiffened, and she clenched her hands. He hoped bringing her here had been a good idea.

“I grew up in that house, and now it belongs to my brother. I guess he’ll marry and his family will live there. Mom and Dad moved to a smaller house that they built several acres over. Mom said Dad couldn’t handle the day-to-day work anymore. But, I bet Mom’s keeping the place looking nice for Bill.

A woman, wearing a blue polka dot dress, came out on the porch. She stared at the car as they pulled into the curved driveway.

“Momma.” As soon as the car stopped, Chelsea was out and running into her mother’s arms. The screen door opened, and a tall, lean, brown-haired man stepped out. He stood looking at the two women. His face was weather-beaten from years of working outdoors, and showed no expression.

Chelsea stepped around her mother and stood in front of her father. The two stared at each other, neither willing to move forward. Dirk got out of the car and walked quickly to Chelsea’s side.

“Hello. I’m Dirk Brodie. You must be Chelsea’s dad.”

The man’s attention turned to him. “Who the hell
are
you?”

“Dad, he’s one of the men who rescued me. He and his cousin own the TRC ranch.”

“Thank you so much, Mr. Brodie, for helping to save our daughter.” Chelsea’s mother had touched his arm. She smiled at him, and he saw a reflection of her daughter.

“There was a whole team, but for safety’s sake we don’t want to be identified.”

“I understand. We won’t mention your name in that regard,” she promised him. “Please come in the house. Our son is in the barn. He’ll be here soon.” She put her arm around Chelsea. Dirk and her father followed them inside.

It was a homey living room. It didn’t look as though many changes had been made over the years. But the furniture shone from being polished, and the air was scented with a flowery potpourri.

“Sit. I have coffee and cake made. Chelsea, do you want to help me serve?” Chelsea got up to go with her mother into the kitchen.

“If she hasn’t forgotten how to do any housework,” her father mumbled.

Chelsea heard him. She stopped and her shoulders stiffened. Dirk thought she was going to turn and say something to her father. Instead, she went on into the kitchen.

“You don’t approve of your daughter’s career choice?”

Mr. Pearce swung his gaze around to Dirk. “It’s stupid and dangerous. A woman’s place is in the home, taking care of the house and having children.” He snapped the words out.

“And keeping the garden, taking care of the hens, and not expecting a thank you,” Dirk added.

Her father glared at him. “Yes, and all those things. The man is breaking his back out on the farm trying to support a family. It’s the least the wife should do.”

“You must know your attitude has made her determined not to marry.”

“She was always rebellious. I gave her a good home. A nice man wanted to marry her. She turned him down. She was foolish. What has she got now?”

The man’s attitude pushed Dirk’s control to the limit. He’d like to punch him, but he’d been well taught by his mother. You didn’t hit older men, regardless.

“For one, your daughter is well respected as a war correspondent. She’s gone far in her field.”

“No decent man will ever want her. No telling what all she’s done out there in that desert with all those men.”

“You sanctimonious—” he stopped before he said the word “bastard.” Dirk stood, took a deep breath, and walked out the door. No wonder Chelsea didn’t trust any man. He strode off to the right. He needed to walk and think and cool down.

In the distance, he saw a barn and a tall, dark, redheaded man striding toward him. In looks, except for the hair color, he was a replica of his father. Dirk stopped and waited for him.

The man put out his hand. “I’m Bill, Chelsea’s brother.”

Dirk introduced himself. “I noticed you came out of the house kind of fast.” He chuckled. “I guess my Dad was on his best behavior.”

“Best?” Dirk frowned at him.

“I was being facetious. My father is a difficult man at the best of times.”

“Your sister indicated you were a lot like him.”

“I was. But I’m trying to change. I’ve met someone I care about, and she’s not about to take anything from anyone.” He grinned. “She won’t marry me until she’s sure I’m serious about being different than my father.”

“Good for you. I hope you succeed.” They walked on together toward the house.

“Are you interested in my sister?”

“I love her. But she’s another difficult woman. She has a hard time with trust. Don’t worry, though. I intend to win.”

“I think I might like you for a brother-in-law.”

“Don’t tell your sister or she’ll run for the hills.” They were laughing when they came in the door. Dirk saw the surprise on Chelsea’s face, and the bigger surprise when her brother hugged her.

* * * *

Chelsea ate her cake and observed the interaction between her family and Dirk. Her father didn’t like him. That was a plus in her mind. She’d be worried if he did. Her brother had surprised her with the hug, and the news about his having found an independent woman he wanted to marry.

Her father had huffed and said a few snide words. Bill had ignored him and gone on talking. As usual her mother hung back, but gave Chelsea loving smiles. It was worth the trip to see her and to see the changes in Bill. Would they last? She hoped so for his sake.

“Honey, let’s go for a walk. The exercise will be good for you before you have to start your long drive back,” her mother said, and stood, reaching out to take her hand.

“Sure, Mom, if there’s time.” She glanced at Dirk.

“Enjoy yourself. There’s no rush,” Dirk said.

“Dirk and I will walk out to the barn,” Bill said. “I’m thinking of doing artificial insemination with some of my cows. I wondered if you had any advice. Dad, you want to join us?”

“No. I’m going to the new house. I’ll leave all that foolishness to you two. You can bring your mother home later.” He glanced at his daughter. “I hope you’ve come to your senses about that crazy job.” He didn’t speak to Dirk, but went out and got in an old truck and drove away.

“Go on your walk.” He gave her an encouraging smile. “Bill, I’ve been reading up on that subject. We’re thinking of doing the same thing on a small scale to start. Ty’s father hadn’t been particularly keen on the idea, either. I’d like to see your cattle and hear your ideas.”

Chelsea and her mother walked in a different direction than the barn. The fields were ablaze with color. A breeze blew in their face.

“How are you doing, Mom?”

“I’m fine since the surgery. And with the smaller house I don’t have so much to do. Your dad has a garden. He has to do something or go crazy, but his arthritis has slowed him down.”

“If I settled down somewhere, would you come and live with me? I’d see you had an easier, more pleasant life.”

Her mother stopped and patted her cheek. “You’re a sweet girl. I know your father is hard to understand. He’s had a difficult life eking out a living on this farm. I’m glad to see Bill is going to modernize the place. It’ll be more profitable and not beat him down as it has your father.” She started walking again, looking straight ahead. “I’m used to your father, and he wouldn’t do well without me. I expect I wouldn’t do well without him. We’ve been together too long to go our separate ways.”

Shocked at her words, Chelsea said, “You love him?”

“Of course. What you saw as hard work was for me doing something for the man I loved. I tried to tell him to be gentler with you two, but he wanted you to be strong and successful in life.”

“Yeah, his idea of successful was for me to marry and have children.”

“He’s old-fashioned in his ways. His thought was you’d be taken care of and safe. When you were captured, he paced the floors night and day until he heard you’d been rescued.”