Cameron, Paige - The Billionaire Rancher Buys a Wife [Wives for the Western Billionaires 2] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) (12 page)

Judge Dedrick had been at one of the few law conferences which Drake attended. The man had perfect posture, perfect attire, a commanding voice, and seldom smiled. He intimidated most of the men around him. When he looked at Drake, Drake had given him a casual nod and smile. The man’s eyes were cold, and Drake glimpsed anger at his casual response to the important man. To further infuriate him, Drake had shrugged, turned, and strolled off.

He didn’t expect her father to be overjoyed to have him as a son-in-law. Drake glanced back at Janice and wondered what type of home she grew up in. Shaking his head, he walked to the door and headed back to the kitchen.

“She asleep?” his mother asked.

“About to drown herself in the shower when I rescued her. I got her into bed, and she went fast asleep.” Drake glanced around the familiar room. “Everyone else gone to bed?”

“Brent had a call to make, and then he’ll be going to his room. Your dad and Ty went to the barn to check a mare about to give birth.”

“How’s Ty doing, Mom?”

“The same.”

“You think me bringing Janice here will make it worse for him?”

“No. He wanted to meet her, the same as we all did. She’s the one?”

“Yep.”

“I heard a rumor you’re buying a ranch.”

“It’s a surprise for Janice.”

“I suspect she’s not a cowgirl.” His mother cut him a big piece of pie, and herself a smaller piece.

Drake got two cups of coffee and they went to the table. “She gave me an ultimatum shortly after I met her.”

“Really? I like her even more.”

He laughed. “I thought you would. She’s a lot like you. Anyway, she told me she was looking for a relationship, not a fling.”

His mother choked on her coffee.

“You all right?” Drake asked and started to go to her side.

“Fine, at least I will be.” She cleared her throat.

“Maybe I’d better start at the first, at the auction. Don’t drink any more coffee until I finish.”

He told her about the ten thousand dollars, the ultimatum, and his realization she might be the one for him. Then he explained about what she’d said concerning a ranch. “I’m going to present her with the ranch, and me, and hope she’ll take us both.”

“She’s an expensive choice.”

“Not her fault. I chose to spend the money. But”—he gave a half laugh—“when you look at it that way, her bride price has been pretty high. Maybe I should check her teeth, like you do a horse to be sure I’m getting a healthy one for the money.”

His mother swatted him on the way to the coffeepot. “I hope she understands your sense of humor. I expect she’ll be lost on the ranch, at first.”

“I’m teaching her about my humor, and I’ll teach her about the land and the ranch. Like you said Dad did for you.”

She smiled, remembering. “He had his hands full. Not only did I know nothing about being a rancher’s wife, but I also had a bad case of homesickness.”

“What kept you staying here and not running back to your family?”

“My love for your dad. And the love grew for the land, too. Of course, you came along, and there was no looking back.”

“Have you ever regretted your decision?”

“To marry your dad?” He nodded. “Not for a minute. I’m going to skip this last cup of coffee and go to bed.” His mother patted him on the shoulder. “It’s good to have all my boys here at the same time.”

“Night, Mom.” Drake swallowed the last bite of pie and took his coffee cup and plate to the sink. He walked outside onto the back porch. The smell of the land, cattle, and a light scent of early wildflowers tickled his nose. He always enjoyed coming home.

This is what he wanted for his wife and children. He had a strong desire to go back to working the land and raising cattle. A love of nature had been ingrained in him and both his brothers.

But was Janice serious about him buying a ranch? Would she accept him and his plans? And who in the hell was trying to kill them?

Chapter Eight

Drake woke her early. “Get up. I have lots to show you.”

She looked at the clock on the bedside table. “Seven! This is my vacation.”

“And it’s time to start vacationing. We’re going riding.”

“As in horses?”

“Yes.”

“I don’t ride, well, I don’t if I can avoid it.”

“Why? Did you fall off one time?”

“I don’t like the feeling of being vulnerable. All the horse has to do is throw me. I’m a long way from the ground.”

“You can’t be a cowgirl without riding. We have the perfect mare for you. We all learned to ride on her, and she’s much older now, just plods along.”

“Why do I want to be a cowgirl?”

“Because when Prince Charming comes along and marries you, and takes you to his ranch, you have to be able to ride.”

“What ranch? You’re confusing me.”

“Trust me. Get dressed to ride. I’ll be in the kitchen fixing your breakfast.”

Janice grumbled to herself, but got out of bed. She dressed in jeans, a long-sleeved yellow shirt and took her jacket downstairs with her.

Drake took one look at her feet and shook his head. “I don’t suppose you have any boots? We’ll drive into town and get you a pair later. For now, those shoes you have on will do.”

“I’m hardly going to need boots for a two-day visit. You said we were going on to
Texas
. I never ride there.”

“You will this time. Sit. Eat.”

“Yes, master.” Her mocking voice had him smiling.

“Where is everyone?”

“Mom’s in the garden and Dad, Brent, and Ty are out doing work.”

“Gracious, what time do you all wake up?”

“Early, five or so. The animals won’t wait for us to laze around in bed.”

“No one should have to go to work at five.” He put the plate of eggs, potatoes, bacon, sausage, and toast in front of her. “Were you expecting a lumberjack to help me eat this?”

“Eat it all. We’ll be busy.”

“This is not a vacation,” she mumbled.

“I heard that. Eat, hurry.” He strode out, leaving her alone.

“Eat, hurry, we have work,” she mimicked his words.

“I felt exactly the same the first day after his dad and I had arrived on the ranch. I wanted to hit him.” Mrs. Terrell stood in the outside doorway. She crossed the kitchen and put her bowl of fresh green beans in the sink, and then poured herself some coffee. “After thirty-five years, my body won’t sleep past five.”

“That’s a horrible thought.”

“Not really. The early morning is beautiful. I love the sunrises. The sweet smell of the grass and trees, dew sparkling off the leaves. My son said you suggested he buy a ranch and settle down.”

“I was teasing him. He wanted to know how to convince a woman he was serious. Knowing he loved his job and had no intention to settle, I gave him the most absurd suggestions.”

“How interesting. Do you ride?”

“Only if forced. I believe Drake intends to force me.”

“This promises to be a most interesting few days.”

“Hi, Mom.” Drake returned, a broad smile on his face. “Are my two favorite girls getting acquainted?”

“Better than you’d think,” his mother said.

“Good, but we have to head for the barn. Daisy is waiting to be ridden.”

“That old nag. She can barely walk.”

“Right, Mom. The perfect horse for Janie.”

“Janie?” his mother and Janice both said at once.

“I can’t go through life calling you Janice. It’s much too formal a name.”

Janice stared at him. Before she opened her mouth to respond, he took her hand and led her outside. “See how beautiful it all is in the morning.” He waved his hand around.

Wide pastures stretched out as far as she could see, and in the distance were snow-covered mountains. In one area, men on horseback were herding the cattle. Drake led her to one of two barns. Inside were a number of horse stalls.

He asked one of the men throwing hay in the stalls to get Daisy. “You’ll feel safe on her back.”

She didn’t comment. Nothing was going to change his mind at this point. She’d ride, hating it all the way. Here at home, he looked different and she sensed a change in attitude. His old jeans were faded and clung to his muscled thighs. He wore a brown shirt and wool vest similar to the one Ty had worn last night. A cowboy hat sat on the back of his head. Gone was the polished businessman.

His heavy-lidded eyes darkened. He sauntered to her side. “You’re staring.”

“Yes, I am.” Her body reacted to the lusty look he gave her. Heat tingled along her nerves and her body craved his touch.

He bent close to her mouth. “Seducing me won’t make me relent. You have to learn to ride, and enjoy riding.”

“Good luck in succeeding,” she said. Drake stepped away just as the cowboy returned with her horse.

“She looks as tired as I feel,” Janice said.

“Let me show you how to saddle her. If you’re going to be a horsewoman, you first have to learn how to take care of your ride.”

“Cowgirl, horsewoman, you’ve lost your mind.” But she listened and followed his instructions. Finally, they were ready to go. She put one foot in the stirrup and threw the other leg over to settle in the saddle.

“Good girl.”

Janice frowned at him. Her horse might be old and tired, but she still had Janice high off the ground.

“Relax. I see your muscles going tense.”

Drake got on his large, brown stallion and led the way from the barn onto a wide trail. He glanced back to check on her. “You doing all right?” He watched her ride to his side. “You have a good seat. All you need is confidence and practice.”

“There are no horses in
Houston
, or near my house.” He gave her what she called his pacifying smile. He started forward, instructing her to follow. Daisy ambled slowly behind. Drake kept a tight rein on his stallion, holding him back.

“Give your horse a good run. He’s biting at the bit. Daisy and I will mosey along.”

“You’re sure?”

“Yes, go.” She enjoyed watching him and his horse fly across the meadow. He leaned low across the stallion’s neck. Her heartbeat increased and an unfamiliar softness filled her chest. She had it bad. She’d fallen hopelessly in love with him. A man totally different in his ideas, and in his world.

She nudged Daisy to move her along a little faster. She ought to be insulted with this poor horse he’d given her. Even her grandmother wouldn’t fall off Daisy. Daisy moved at a crawl and had a wide girth. Tomorrow, she’d show him she could ride a horse with a little more life left in her.

* * * *

Sailing through the air the next morning, her thought from yesterday mocked her.
Thump
. Her body hit the ground, thankfully cushioned by thick grass and wildflowers. She lay trying to get her breath. Drake’s horse’s hooves pounded on the ground and echoed in her ear, as he rode to her. He flew off and knelt beside her.