My Bad Boy's Secret: A Bad Boy Billionaire Romance (87 page)

Chapter Seven

Albert sat by the range, wondering if he should go and see Mariette. He had taken a chance, he had been so sure that he had seen a look of desire, of love in her eyes as he had picked her up and taken her up to rest, had decided he had to take the chance that he had been right. But he had been so wrong. She had been so stunned by his revelation that she hadn’t said a single word. She was well enough now that somebody else could take over her care, he would leave her be.

“Anybody home? Am I safe to come in and see you both yet?” Mariette’s booming voice called through the door. Even in his sadness he laughed. He was still surprised he had forced her to keep her distance this long.

“In the kitchen Mariette, I think you should be safe now. The fever hasn’t returned in over a week though she tires very easily still.”

“Looks like you do to, either that or you have been crying,” she said perceptively. Albert gave her a wry smile.

“Nothing gets past you does it?”

“What? Like the fact you knew I was pregnant, that kind of thing?” she asked with a wink. “How did you know by the way?”

“You are filling out nicely, and you have a bit of a glow Mariette,” he said glad to talk about her rather than himself.

“So, is it exhaustion or something else?” she asked. Clearly he was not going to be allowed to wallow in his pain alone. “No, let me guess. I predict unrequited feelings for your patient?”

“Something like that,” he admitted.

“Don’t be so quick to rule anything out Albert. I know it was some time ago now, but I am sure I saw something in her eyes whenever I mentioned your name.”

“But, she has spent weeks alone with me since then, that is long enough for her to make a more informed judgement and find me lacking.”

“Oh don’t be so ridiculous Albert Dalligan. No woman in her right mind would find you lacking. Just because you choose not to be a cowboy doesn’t make you any less of a man. You could do so if you chose, and a little bird has whispered to me that indeed in one of your many past lives you did just that.”

“Just because I can doesn’t change the fact that I am not a manly man Mariette.”

“Stop feeling so damn sorry for yourself. You choose not to be some kind of meat-headed oaf. So what? I personally prefer a man to have an education and know how to use his mind – no matter what his credentials are on the land.”

“And that is why you are married to an out and out cowboy!” Albert said angrily.

“How dare you, I won’t deny Hardy is beautifully built, but he has a clever mind to go with that body – and I have seen you when you have helped them out, you have just as much strength as any of them, and twice the brains.”

“That may be what you look for Mariette, but I get the feeling that Caitlin, if she is looking for anyone at all, would prefer someone more like Caleb or Hardy than me.”

“I have had enough of this. You go home. I will get someone to come and sit with Caitlin when I can’t. Pull yourself together, and bring back the man I dragged here kicking and screaming to be our School Master. You can be both if you choose, most men do not have that luxury. I would hate to lose you, as would everyone in town – but if you think that you need to become a cowboy again, then do so. Take some time, think about what you truly want. Until you rectify your head you are no good for Caitlin anyway.”

He wasn’t happy to be shunted from the little cottage without even saying goodbye to his patient, and he hated that Mariette was right. He had fought against his own nature for most of his life. He was clearly still haunted by the comments his Father, and so many other men made even now of him when they found out about his love of books and learning. He was expected to be like them, to ride out and herd the cattle. To be tough and strong, rather than tender and caring. He didn’t deserve someone like Caitlin, who knew exactly who she was and had been prepared to head out in search of a place where she could just be herself. He was still trying to please everyone, and failing miserably.

He went to the stables and saddled up Monty. The horse had barely been out since his mistress had taken ill. Mariette had brought him down where he could be cared for. Gamling hadn’t been out either, but he just looked grateful. Monty was fresh, side-stepping and rearing as Albert put on his tack. “Come on boy, let’s go and work this all out,” he said as he slapped his solid neck firmly. Monty whinnied and shook his fine head and the two raced out of town and up into the hills.

Albert didn’t so much as look around him as they raced through the fading light. He just trusted the horse to take him wherever it was he needed to go. Monty finally stopped at the river, and Albert took in the way it wound its way through the landscape. Here there were vast plains, banked with high mountains, lush greens beside the harsh red earth. It was a place of contrasts, of stark and elegant beauty. He dismounted and let Monty dip his head into the river for a well earned drink.

Monty was sweating from his exertions, so Albert rubbed him down carefully. The task was somehow calming. The sameness of the motion and rhythm allowed him to let his thoughts drift. He felt content as he peacefully set about his task. It was the first time he could ever remember feeling that way. “So Monty, what should I do?” he asked the now peaceful horse. Monty just nibbled at a lush outcropping of grass. Albert laughed at himself for talking to a horse, but a thought struck him as he did so, that Monty like all horses knew exactly who and what he was. He had no dilemma to solve about his purpose. It was clear to him, and so he just did what he knew he should.

Mariette, Hardy, Caleb, Susannah, even Annie were like that. They knew who they were. What they did came as naturally to them as breathing. Caitlin too. So why was he different? Why did he question his every decision so? He thought back over his life, the bullying from not just his schoolmates for being smaller and quieter than they were – but from his Father for not being the manly and bold adventurer he had wanted him to be.

Oh he had tried to please him. He had come out West. That had left his Father speechless, for a short while at least. He had tried his hand at prospecting, ranching, mining – all the manly pursuits he knew his Father wanted him to succeed at. But it had been his work in the hospital, and now here with the children that truly made his heart sing. But his taking such positions had resulted in a torrent of abuse, and finally a silence from his family that hurt him more than he had ever admitted to himself. His Mother he knew would only want him to be happy, but he had clearly managed to burn all bridges with his Father.

But did that matter? If he was so foolish as to disown his son for helping to protect the health and wellbeing of others, or improving their minds surely that was his loss, and not Albert’s? Albert loved his work, both with the children and when he was called upon for his expertise in healing around the town too. Why should he be ashamed of that? Why did he continue to believe that he would be happier if only he could please his Father? He knew that in order to do so, he would have to give both up, to be a man he didn’t like.

He thought about the first night he had met Caitlin, her admission that she had left her brother’s oppressive regime, finally winning his respect by telling him she couldn’t fit herself into the box he wanted for her. He wanted that freedom, wanted to let his Father know that no matter what, he was his own man and would define his own success or lack of it from now on. Quickly he leapt onto Monty’s back and raced towards Fort Worth. He had a train to catch.

Chapter Eight

Caitlin sat in the rocker on her porch, and looked out at the field of horses that were now hers. She couldn’t help but see the one that was missing, her beloved bay Monty. She would have been happy to give him to Albert, for everything he had done for her, but she felt a little hurt that he had just taken him and disappeared. Nobody had any idea where he had gone. He seemed to have taken nothing with him. Both Caitlin and Mariette were very worried about him. Caitlin had told her friend of the last conversation they had shared, and Mariette had told her of the talking to she had given him immediately afterwards. Both now felt guilty that he had left them, and the town altogether.

She had brought Gamling up to the farm with her. He seemed to love his new home, and every day as she fed and groomed the old horse Caitlin prayed that his owner would one day return. She sighed and got up. This would do no good, she had work to do. She trudged to the stable, picked up her fork and started to muck out the stalls. It was dull work, and the smell was never pleasant no matter how many times you did it, but it had to be done and it could pass the time quickly when you had things on your mind. She was soon lost in her task, and didn’t hear the approach of hooves up the driveway.

“Caitlin? Miss Macgregor?” Startled by the voice she had so longed to hear, she almost fell into the pile of manure she had just dumped onto the large heap outside so it could rot down and be of use to her vegetable patch. She heard a chuckle she knew almost as well as she knew her own and her legs gave way beneath her, and she found herself on her backside in the stinking mess.

“Albert? Mr Dalligan?” She struggled to her feet, feeling highly self conscious. She must look a complete state, covered in muck and stinking as she did. What a way to welcome him home? “Monty!” she cried as she saw her beloved bay walking behind the man she adored. She ran to him, knowing he wouldn’t care how much dirt or dung she had been rolling in, he would always love her. She clasped her arms around his neck, and nuzzled with him happily. “I thought I would never see you again.” She said it to her horse, but she meant both of them. She could feel the tears pouring down her cheeks.

“Here,” Albert said as he took out his handkerchief and wiped them away. “I think we should get you into a hot bath and soon,” he said with a smile.

“We were all so worried, where have you been?” she cried, wanting to hold him, to tell him how she felt. But so long had passed since he had left believing she didn’t care for him, and she didn’t want to soil him as well as herself. He looked so handsome in his smart suit and new hat.

“I had to visit my family. I needed to tell my Father who I was, and that whether he wanted that or not I was not going to change for him.”

“That must have been difficult. I know how hard it was for me to tell my brother that I couldn’t be the woman he wanted me to be, I cannot imagine how much harder it must be for a son to say that to his Father.”

“I was surprised. He took it better than I thought, once he finally let me in to see him that is,” Albert chuckled. “He just wanted me to be man enough to be honest with him. Everything is always a test with my Father, it turns out I have finally passed it.” Caitlin could see in his eyes just how much of a strain it had been on him, there were lines that had not been there before and there was a film of moisture that she knew would not take much to fall in a cascade down his cheeks.

“There was something I wanted to tell you before you went,” she said bravely summoning up the courage she knew she must, just as he had done. Even if he had changed his mind she needed to tell him. “I love you. I am so sorry, I tried to say it then but you had already left the room and I was just so tired, my throat so sore.” He looked at her incredulously, and the first of the tears beagn to wind its way downwards.

“You love me,” he said happily.

“I love you,” she agreed. “I always did. From the moment you stood up, but especially when I saw your beautiful, ink-stained fingers. There was something so soft, yet so very strong about your hands.” Albert laughed aloud, and ignoring the dung that was staining her clothes he picked her up and whirled her around. Holding her tightly he slowed, and kissed her deeply. She wound her arms around his neck, finally able to curl her fingers into his hair keeping him close to her. He put her down

“I definitely think we need to get you that bath Caitlin,” he said with a teasing tone in his butterscotch voice.

“I’m well enough to do it myself now, but I would be glad to have some help,” she said brazenly. “After all, there is little of me you haven’t already seen, and I am rather hoping that you intend to marry me as soon as possible?” She laughed at his stunned expression.

“I should have expected that,” he said wryly. “I love you Caitlin Macgregor, and I have the strangest feeling that nothing in my life will ever be the same again.”

“I certainly hope not. How dull would that be?” Caitlin asked as she led him into the house, and put on a kettle of water. She pulled out a large tin bath, that he suspected just might be big enough for them both, and moved towards him, her hips swaying sensuously.

He took her in his arms, and kissed her neck, nibbling little kisses from her collarbone up to her ears. She delighted in the sound of his breathing as it grew faster, and louder. She ran her hands up his torso, revelling in the taut, flat belly and the tightly muscled chest. She began to fumble at his buttons, and he at hers. The kettle started to rock as the water inside began to boil. Reluctantly she moved from his embrace, and poured it into the bath, quickly adding another. She turned to find he had already begun to remove his clothes. He was bare-chested, gentle hair curling against his skin, and leading in a perfect line to where he was unfastening his breeches.

Caitlin sighed, and began to hurriedly undress herself. She threw her pants, and the soiled shirt out of the door onto the porch, quickly removing her undergarments until they both stood in front of one another, with nothing between them. “You are beautiful,” Caitlin said to him as she drank in his lithe body. She knew from experience how strong he was, and she longed to be held tightly in his arms again. She moved towards him, and kissed him passionately on the lips. Their lips parted, their tongues meeting, tasting, teasing. He ran his hands down her back, and on down to cup her buttocks he lifted her up, and pulled her tight against him.

She could feel his manhood, strong and proud against her belly. She gasped as he kissed he neck, a suckling bite that almost took her breath away. She pushed him away and made him settle her back on her feet. She filled the bath with the second kettle, and then topped up the bath with some cool water. She passed him the soap, and a wash cloth and grinned. “What a way to start a relationship?” he said in wonder. She got in the tub, and encouraged him to follow her.

He took the cloth and wet it thoroughly. He ran it over her body, from top to toe, covering every inch with kisses. He took the soap and lathered it against her skin, she shivered with pleasure. Slowly and thoroughly he rinsed her off, and bent to suckle at her perfect raspberry pink nipples. “Oh Albert,” she cried with pure abandon.

“My darling girl, we really should wait until we are married,” Albert said, but Caitlin could see in his eyes he was only giving her the chance to say no should she wish to. He no longer cared one whit what anyone thought of him. He loved her, intended her to be his wife and so had no need of anyone’s approval but hers.

“Not a chance,” she said cheekily as she mimicked him by suckling at his tiny, tight little nipples, delighted that he seemed to find it as deliciously pleasing as she did. “Now, I believe it is your turn,” she said as she took the soap and washed him as clean as he had done for her. “Now, shall we go upstairs my love, or is here on the kitchen floor good enough for you? I’m not sure I can wait any longer!”

They clambered out of the bath, and Albert gently laid out a bath sheet on the floor and helped her down onto it. He caressed her tenderly, his hands were warm and aroused her every sense. He let his hand drift slowly towards her mound, she was almost ashamed that he would find her so wet there, but he seemed to not mind, smiled contentedly as he ran his strong fingers gently between her slick folds. She writhed under his touch, her hips pushing towards him. “I am yours Albert, please,” she moaned. He pushed her thighs gently apart even further, and poised his throbbing member at the entrance to her womanhood. She grabbed at his buttocks, and pulled him inside herself impatiently. At last, they were one, and they rocked together until they reached a climax, the like of which Caitlin had never imagined to be possible.

“I love you Caitlin. I will never leave you again,” Albert promised.

“I know, because you won’t ever leave yourself again now either,” she said as he cradled her against his chest. “You are Albert now, aren’t you?”

“I am indeed, and you are Caitlin. I didn’t know I was looking for you, but I think you have been haunting my dreams my entire life.”

“I know just what you mean. I dreamed of my farm, of being just like the cowboys I read about in the newspapers, and I dreamed of being loved for the person I was. I never thought I could have any of it. But look at us now, I have my rough and tough life, I am a cowboy, and I have found the most perfect man in the world for me.” She kissed him fiercely, knowing she would never let him feel he wasn’t enough ever again.

BONUS BOOK 5

Alone With A Cowboy

Mail Order Bride

By: Avril Adams