Cameron, Paige - The Alluring Billionaire Country Doctor [Wives For The Western Billionaires 6] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) (4 page)

Marian watched until he was out of sight.
I’ve got to get him out of my head. That cowboy might easily steal my heart.
She’d walk down the path and see Chelsea. She closed the door and pocketed the key left in the lock for her.

A cool breeze blew across the prairie. The place was all wide-open spaces and vast stretches of blue sky. Insects buzzed around the few fall flowers, and a lone hawk circled the sky above his prey. What a difference from her noisy days back home. Her shoulders were already relaxed. This was what she needed to regroup.

Chelsea saw her and came flying out the door. She grabbed Marian, and they hugged. “We’re going to have so much fun. I thought you’d never get here.”

“We’re late because Rand had an emergency stop. A man had been injured. His wife was taking care of him, so the children were left alone and had huddled together on the porch. I talked with them to calm their fears. They were afraid their father would die. It felt good to be able to help.”

“But, how about you? You must be feeling better.”

“I am. The morning sickness comes and goes. Some mornings I’m fine and others not so much. But this worked out good. You got to meet Rand again. And see you’d make a perfect doctor’s wife.” Chelsea led her into the kitchen and poured two glasses of iced tea. The room smelled of baking chicken.

“I hope you aren’t putting yourself out for me by cooking when you’re not well.”

“Surprisingly, I love to find new recipes and try them. Who’d ever suspect I had such hidden talents?” She grinned. “Dirk says I’ll have him fat if I don’t stop.”

Chelsea sat a bowl of green beans on the table and snapped the ends off then split them in half. “How long can you stay?”

“I’m taking a full month. I still have two weeks’ vacation left. The boss ranted and raved then threatened to fire me if I ever take this much time again. As you know, he’s more hot air than real threat.”

“We have to find you a job here at the ranch or in town.”

“I can’t imagine what it would be,” Marian said.

“Give me time. I’ll think of something. You keep your office staff in fine order. There are several businesses in town. One must need a manager. I’ll ask around.”

“Chelsea, you don’t have to try and fix me up with a job or a man. That was all teasing. I’m not sure I’d like living here full time. Let’s relax and see how things go.”

“All right, but I am going to call Rand and invite him to dinner.” She held up her hands. “That’s all, I promise.”

“Yeah, right. I see the matchmaking twinkle in your eye. Just because you’re so unbelievably happy doesn’t mean you have to marry off all your friends.”

“Only you. I miss you. It’d be such fun to have you as a neighbor. And if Rand isn’t the one, I know several other good candidates.”

“Stop.”

Chelsea laughed. “All right, already. I’ll zip my lip.”

The rest of the day went by fast. Marian helped cook and, around two o’clock, insisted Chelsea rest. “I’m going to the cabin. I’ll be unpacking if you need me.”

“Be back here at six.”

“I will.”

The cabin was small but cozy. It didn’t take long to clear her two suitcases. She’d brought jeans, warm shirts, sweaters, a pair of boots, walking shoes, and one pair of sexy high heels. A woman couldn’t be blamed for hoping for at least one hot date during the month.

She knew just who she’d love to have that hot date with. Dr. Brodie. He sent her heart to fluttering every time his silvery-blue eyes looked at her. When he’d put his hands around her waist to help her in the truck after his doctor’s visit her body pulsed with the desire to feel him touching her in much more intimate places.

Her face heated at the thought. What was the matter with her? She didn’t usually have such erotic daydreams about someone she hardly knew.

Still, even at the wedding, when their hands connected she’d felt a buzz go through her body. And if she wasn’t mistaken, she’d seen a spark in his eyes. Then she’d heard him and his brother talking about Anna and later discovered he was engaged.
Bummer.
From what he said, he hadn’t broken off his relationship with her. She must have a strong hold on him, since they were living in separate states.

Marian glanced at the clock. She’d put on her walking shoes and go for a brisk hike. She needed to stretch her legs. When she returned, she’d shower and dress for the evening.

Outside, the cool air perked her up. She’d been sleepy. This was better than lying down. In New York she didn’t get near enough exercise.

Her mind went back to the handsome Dr. Brodie. Chelsea had said there were other options, other cowboys.
I’ll concentrate on them and forget the doctor. Liar. I admit it won’t be easy. But I have to try.

Hopefully we won’t see much of each other after dinner tonight.

* * * *

“Rand, I’m glad you could make it. All’s quiet out there?”

“For the present. Dr. Neels is covering for me for the next few hours.”

“It’s nice you have him available. When is he fully retiring?” Chelsea asked.

“In about nine months. I need to find a partner by then. I don’t know how he did it alone all these years. He said he and the doctor in the next county covered for each other. Apparently he tried several times to get new doctors to join him, but they all said no after riding with him for a day or two. I may have the same problem.”

“I hope not. Wasn’t there anyone else in your class who might be interested in this type of medicine?” Chelsea asked. She pulled the chicken out of the oven and placed it on the counter. The green beans were bubbling.

“Hi, all.” Dirk breezed into the kitchen. He stopped to pull Chelsea into his arms and kiss her. “I missed you.”

She grinned at her husband. “I missed you, too. I don’t know what it is about cowboys. Once you love one, you can’t get him out of your mind.”

“It’s our lethal charm, darlin’.”

“Get out of here, big head. Go shower. We’re embarrassing your brother. Supper won’t be long. Marian will be here any minute now.” Chelsea glanced out the window. “Why don’t you go to the cabin and tell her to hurry?” she asked Rand.

“Sure.” He strode out and along the path to the cabin. Marian was coming out the door as he arrived.

“I’ve been sent to bring you to dinner.”

“I went for a walk and then lay down for a minute that ended up much longer. The excitement about my first vacation in ages kept me awake last night. It caught up with me after the fresh air and exercise.”

“Your cheeks are pink. You got some sunburn.”

“I didn’t think about using sunscreen with it being so cool. But I ought to have known better.”

He walked slowly back to the big house. “You were good with the Nettles children. Thanks again for the help. You seem comfortable with kids.”

“Thanks. I like babies and children. Although living in New York I don’t have a lot of contact with them. My brothers and sister all stayed in North Carolina. I try to visit twice a year to get my nieces-and-nephews fix.

“I’m the next to oldest of seven. Mom had her hands full. I was the first girl, so I learned a lot early on.”

“Is that why you became a career girl? To get away from domesticity?”

“No. I’d fantasized about working and living in New York for years. And at first having my own apartment, no matter how small, was a treat. The major delight was not having to share the bathroom.”

“Believe me, I fully understand. My small place in town is the first time I’ve lived alone. I’ve been at home or in school with roommates up until now. I’m a late starter.”

Chelsea came to the door. “You two are the slowest walkers I’ve seen. Dinner’s ready.” She grinned and held the door open. When Rand walked past her, he glanced back and saw Chelsea wink at Marian.

Dirk came into the kitchen. His hair was still damp. He’d changed to a clean pair of jeans and a dark-green shirt.

“You two look like a couple,” Dirk teased.

Chelsea swatted him with a kitchen towel. “Be good. You’ve embarrassed our guests. They’re both blushing.”

“No way. Rand never blushes. But I do apologize if I embarrassed you, Marian.” His eyes were lit with mischief.

“Would you like a beer, Rand?”

“I’ll take a soft drink. I might get a call later.”

“All right.” Chelsea handed him a can and shooed him and Dirk out of the kitchen. “I’ll call when dinner is on the table. Marian and I are going to visit and finish your meal.”

Dirk and Rand took their drinks and left the kitchen.

* * * *

“They look a lot alike.”

Chelsea nodded as she started cutting the chicken. “They all resemble each other. The sister is dainty and a blonde, and the younger brother has light-brown hair, but you’d still know they were all from the same family. You’ll see tomorrow. And,” Chelsea added, “I’ve heard Anna is actually going to be there. I haven’t met her yet. I’m glad to see you and Rand are getting along great.”

“Don’t start putting us together. Remember there’s a third, his fiancée.”

“Not for long. See if I’m not right. Here, whip up the potatoes. I’ll put the chicken on the table.”

Dinner was delicious, and Marian enjoyed watching the camaraderie between the three others at the table. When Rand excused himself to leave, Marian said she’d go, too. “It’s been a long day. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Wait, I’ll get my flashlight and walk you to the cabin.” Dirk started out of the kitchen.

“I’ll drive her,” Rand said.

“Good idea.” Chelsea put her arm around Dirk, who’d come back to her side.

Rand helped Marian into the truck. Then he went around and got in on the driver’s side. It was total darkness in the direction of the cabin.

“I’m sorry to put you to this trouble.”

“It’s only a minute drive to your door.”

“But for a city girl the darkness would be scary. I can’t believe how quiet and dark it is. Just a sliver of moon but millions of stars. In the city you forget stars are even up there.”

“After being away except for short visits from college and medical school, I experienced some of the same reactions. I’ve done some readjusting myself.” He stopped in front of the cabin’s door.

Marian turned in his direction. “Have you regretted taking this job? I’m sure you must have had offers to join profitable groups in the city where you trained.”

“No. I love my job. I won’t make as much doing this work, but I don’t really need the money. I want to do something meaningful.” He spread his hands to encompass the vastness of the area. “This is home.”

“You are a very nice man.”

Suddenly the air went still. Rand stared into her eyes and then at her lips. Marian’s heart skipped a beat. For a second, she thought he might lean forward and kiss her. But he blinked his eyes and looked out the windshield.

“Wait until you get to know me. I’m sure my fiancée wouldn’t agree at this point.” His words yanked them both back from the precipice.

“I’d better get inside. Thanks for the ride.”

“I’ll watch until you turn on the lights.”

Marian flipped the first switch by the door. She waved as he drove out of sight. Her face felt hot and her body frustrated. She had wanted his kiss and his touch. It was difficult to keep reminding herself he was engaged. She’d better get Chelsea to introduce her to a different cowboy, very soon.