He shrugged off her invitation with a grin. “It’s summer, Sylvia. No one would buy that line.”
“It’s the nineties, Brett. Your family would understand if we slept together.” She pulled his head down for another kiss.
Brett accommodated her, but what enthusiasm he’d had was waning. He was a nineties man, true, but he still preferred for the man to do the chasing. And so far, it seemed to him, now that he came to think about it, that Sylvia had done all the pursuing.
He hadn’t mentioned to his brothers that Sylvia had proposed to him. He told himself it really didn’t matter. After all, he’d enthusiastically accepted.
Thinking about that moment, he realized his enthusiasm wasn’t what it had been. Was he that fickle? He hadn’t changed his mind, had he?
“What’s wrong, lover?” she asked, pouting again. “Don’t you want me?”
He noticed her lipstick wasn’t as bright as it had been. That probably meant he was wearing part of it. “Do I have lipstick on me?”
“Of course. Don’t you like my brand?”
The response that rushed into his head wasn’t lukewarm or halfhearted. Nor diplomatic. He substituted that response with a more appeasing one. “I don’t think lipstick is appropriate for any man, sweetheart. Even an engaged one.”
“You’re probably right. If I promise not to leave a trace from now on, will you forgive me?”
She puckered up again, and Brett began to feel trapped. He took her shoulders and moved her away from him. “It’s time to eat. I’ll see you downstairs.”
“But what about our sharing a room? I don’t want to sleep alone, Brett.”
“We’ll see,” he promised as he escaped through the door, leaving her staring after him. As well she might. He’d never been slow to hold her, touch her. Why now?
What was happening?
JAKE SURVEYED THE TABLE with satisfaction. They’d all decided to wait until Brett and the two women arrived to eat. Their first meal should be together.
They’d even invited B.J., Mildred and B.J.’s son, Toby, to eat with them. After all, Mildred had spent the entire day helping Red. It only seemed fair.
Conversation flowed around the table, and Jake watched the interchange. His smile gradually disappeared as he realized Sylvia seemed to be ignoring the women at the table. True, she’d been quite charming to him, and she was working hard at charming his brothers, but she seldom spoke to his sisters-in-law.
Even more troubling, she ignored Red and Mildred.
“Mr. Jake?” a little voice called, intruding on his thoughts.
He turned to the four-year-old he’d insisted sit beside him. “Yes, Toby? Need some more roast beef?”
The boy nodded, and Jake served him, then leaned over to cut the meat for him.
“I can do that,” B.J. insisted. She was sitting beside Toby.
“I’ve got it. Enjoy your meal.” After one swift glance, he avoided her warm smile.
“Brett tells me you’re a veterinarian,” Sylvia said with a small smile to B.J.
“Yes. We moved here around the first of the year.”
“It seems an unusual occupation for a woman. So—so dirty.” Sylvia shivered dramatically.
Jake stiffened, hoping B.J. didn’t take offense. He might avoid the woman himself, because for some unknown reason she made him uncomfortable, but her work was excellent.
“I happen to like animals,” B.J. said calmly, continuing to eat her meal. “Red, your roast is excellent. I hope you gave Mildred the recipe.”
“It’s not as good as that apple pie Mildred made for dessert,” Red said, smiling at Mildred.
“Wait a minute. How do you know it’s good since we haven’t had dessert yet?” Chad demanded.
“‘Cause I had an early sample, boy. Privilege of the cook.”
“I need more iced tea.”
Sylvia’s announcement stopped the good-natured teasing. Everyone turned to stare at her. She was looking pointedly at Red, whose cheeks flushed as he leapt to his feet.
“Sit down, Red,” Jake said, standing up. “You’ve more than done your share. I’ll fetch refills for everyone.”
Sylvia looked surprised. “Oh, I’m sorry. Does Red not serve at dinner? I just assumed…Please forgive me, Red.”
Jake looked at Brett, and his brother didn’t disappoint him.
“Red takes care of us, Sylvia, but he’s not a maid. He’s—he’s more like a mother,” Brett explained. He turned to grin at Red. “Except he doesn’t wear pearls like Beaver’s mom.”
Laughter removed the awkwardness.
“Well, I considered them, but I figured they’d get in the way of all the cookin’ I have to do to feed this bunch.”
“And we’re growing all the time,” Jake chimed in as he moved around the table, refilling iced-tea glasses. “We might even have to add on rooms if Brett and Sylvia are as eager to begin a family as you others.”
“Like you’re complaining,” Chad teased.
Jake grinned. Everyone knew he’d done some matchmaking so they’d have the next generation of Randalls underfoot.
“Oh, that won’t be necessary,” Sylvia announced, silencing the laughter. “Brett and I won’t be living here on the ranch.”
Chapter Six
Anna watched Brett from under her lashes. She’d been right when she’d deduced that Sylvia had no intention of living at the ranch. Had Brett suspected as much, too?
Brett sat frozen as his family stared at him. Finally he turned to look at Sylvia. “I don’t think we’ve discussed that decision, Sylvia.”
She trilled a laugh that didn’t bring a smile to a single member of her audience. “Silly me. I was thinking ahead. Daddy and I made such great plans for my and Brett’s future, but I forgot we haven’t had a chance to talk about it.”
“No, we haven’t,” Brett said, his voice even, but everyone could see the control it required.
When Brett didn’t ask her any questions, Jake leaned forward. “What plans are those, Sylvia?”
Seemingly unaware of the wariness emanating from those around her, Sylvia beamed as she explained. “Daddy has created a position on his staff for Brett. He’s going to be his personal assistant. We’ll go to Washington when Congress returns to session. By the time Daddy is ready to retire, Brett will be prepared to step right into his shoes. May I present your next senator from Wyoming, Brett Randall?”
Whether or not she expected applause, what she received was a tense silence.
Brett was the first to speak. “Sylvia, I explained to you that I don’t enjoy political games. I appreciate your father’s offer, but I’m not going to take it. Nor am I ever going to run for the Senate. I’m going to be a rancher, right here, with my brothers.” He sat back in his chair and crossed his arms over his chest.
Intractable was too soft a word for Brett’s attitude. Along with everyone else, Anna watched Sylvia for her reaction.
“I—I’m sorry, Brett. I thought you’d be pleased— I’m so sorry. Can’t we—I mean, it’s my life, too, surely—Oh!” Covering her face with her hands, Sylvia leapt from her chair and ran out of the kitchen.
“Damn,” Brett muttered, his cheeks red. Then he, too, departed the kitchen without saying another word.
BRETT HURRIED up the stairs after Sylvia. He didn’t want to talk to her right now, but he had no choice. Only a jerk would leave her alone. She’d closed the bedroom door behind her, and he rapped before opening it.
“Sylvia?” Expecting her to be on the bed, crying, he was surprised when she stepped from behind the door and wrapped her arms around his neck.
Automatically his arms came around her, but he didn’t tighten the embrace. “Sylvia,” he protested as she almost choked him.
“I’m so sorry, Brett. Please forgive me. I was only trying to help, to build us a brilliant future. I thought you’d be so proud of me.”
Brett took her shoulders and pushed her away from him so he could see her face. She certainly
sounded upset, but he noticed she hadn’t shed any tears.
“Look, Sylvia—” he began, almost ready to voice the feeling that had been growing in him all day. She would call him fickle, but whatever emotion had led him to accept her proposal, it wasn’t there now.
She pressed her hand across his mouth. “Please forgive me, lover. I’ll agree to whatever you want. I only want you to be happy!” Then she leaned into him again, her lips covering his.
Again Brett held her at arm’s length. Things were growing more awkward by the moment. How could he bring up his indecision when she was being so self-sacrificing? “Look, Sylvia, maybe we’d better—”
“Make love to me, Brett. Take me in your arms and make me forget everything. I promise to make you happy!” She pushed against his hold, reaching out for him.
“Now? Sylvia, the entire family is waiting downstairs, wondering what’s going to happen. We can’t—”
“Let them wait. We’re more important right now. We’re going to become one, to form a family, to have children. Don’t you see, Brett?”
Brett had thought a number of times about having children, like his brothers, but this was the first time Sylvia had ever mentioned that possibility.
“You want children?”
“Of course! Don’t you?”
“Yes, but—but I have to go downstairs right now. I can’t leave them all thinking I’m moving to Casper.”
“I know you’d like it there, Brett, if only you’d—”
“No. That’s not going to happen, Sylvia.”
“Whatever you say, lover,” she said, uncommonly docile as she laid her head against his chest.
Brett stared across the room, confusion in his head. Finally he broke free from her. “I’m going downstairs.”
“But you’ll come back later? I want you so!”
He reached the door before she could grab him again and tried to leave with a noncommittal answer.
Sylvia had one last question, however. “I don’t even know where your bedroom is, Brett.”
It struck him as revealing that he didn’t want to tell her. That was stupid. “The second on the left in the other wing.”
Closing the door behind him, he headed down the hall to his bedroom. He needed to do a little thinking before he faced the others.
AN UNEASY SILENCE took over as everyone concentrated on dinner. Finally Chad asked Jake a question about the branding, and others picked up the strand of conversation. Anna, however, said nothing. All she could think about was the conversation taking place upstairs.
After the apple pie had been served, without the appearance of Brett and Sylvia, Megan and Janie offered to clean up. They were immediately joined by B.J. and Anna.
Once the kitchen was cleared of guests and family, Janie turned a triumphant face to the other three. “See? Already we’ve won! I bet Brett takes her back to Casper tomorrow.”
“Do you think so?” B.J. asked in surprise.
“Yes! We didn’t think they’d be compatible. Anna had the idea of asking her to come here so Brett would discover it for himself, and it worked. You’re brilliant, Anna!”
Anna didn’t feel too brilliant. She found herself wanting Brett happy, even if it meant he married Sylvia. He deserved happiness. And it wasn’t as if Brett’s decision affected her, she hastily reminded herself.
“Anna?” Megan questioned, watching her, “Is anything wrong?”
“No, of course not. I’m not sure—maybe they’ll work it out.”
“Could be,” B.J. contributed. “After all, you other two ladies went through some hard patches with Chad and Pete.”
“Surely you’re not hoping they’ll marry?” Janie demanded. “B.J., can’t you see she’s all wrong for us? I mean, look at the way she’s treated Red…and Mildred.”
Anna saw B.J.’s shoulders stiffen. Like the Randalls, B.J. protected her own, and she loved Mildred dearly. “I don’t like Sylvia, Janie, but Brett isn’t going to choose his bride based on my likes or yours.”
Anna carried a high stack of dishes to the sink. The sooner they finished the chore, the sooner she could retreat to her bedroom. She didn’t want to be involved in this discussion.
Megan began rinsing the plates, and Janie started putting away the leftover food. B.J. joined Anna in her job.
“I know he’s not going to choose his wife because of us, but you could see how upset he was.”
“She did apologize,” Anna murmured in spite of herself.
“Anna! You’re not supposed to be on her side.”
With a sigh, Megan turned from the sink. “I don’t like it, but Anna’s right. We shouldn’t be taking sides. This is Brett’s decision. But we’re not doing anything wrong, B.J. All we’re doing is trying to help Brett make an informed decision.”
B.J. nodded. “And if he still chooses to marry her, you’ll welcome her into the family?”
“Of course,” Megan said. Janie nodded, and Anna grabbed another plate.
Just as she turned toward the sink, Anna heard footsteps coming to the kitchen. The door opened, and Brett stood staring at them. “Where are the others? Is dinner over?”
“Yes, but we saved you some apple pie,” Megan assured him, smiling.
“Thanks, but, uh, Sylvia wants me to apologize for her. She didn’t realize how set I was on living here at the ranch. She’s agreed that we’ll start our married life here.”
“Oh…that’s good,” Janie said. Her enthusiasm sounded hollow, but Brett didn’t seem to notice.
Anna hoped no one noticed her reaction, either. It wasn’t that she expected Brett to turn to her if he broke his engagement with Sylvia. Of course she didn’t. It was just that she wanted what was best for Brett.
Which, of course, didn’t explain the depression that filled her.
Brett didn’t seem any happier than the rest of them. With a dismal look on his face, he said, “Yeah. Well, I’ve got to find Jake.” He backed out of the door, letting it swing shut behind him.
JAKE LAY IN HIS BED, his hands behind his head. It had been a long day, but he had a lot to think about. He’d had his doubts about Sylvia Sanders when Brett had announced his engagement. Her behavior tonight had done nothing to improve his opinion of her.
But if Brett loved her, wanted her, he’d support him to his dying day.
If what Brett said was true, that Sylvia had apologized and sworn she’d be happy living on the ranch, then who was he, Brett’s brother, to complain? And she’d apologized to Red, too. After all, she was used to servants. He supposed her mistake at dinner was a natural one.
But somehow Jake wasn’t reassured.
With a sigh, he settled down against his pillow. The sun rose early in the morning. He couldn’t lie awake all night worrying about his brother’s love life.
A few minutes later, just as he was drifting off, the turning of his doorknob roused him. But he figured if one of his brothers needed him, he’d make a more strenuous effort to awaken him. In the silence, he again sank into slumber.
Until cold, slender fingers ran up his back.
And warm lips traced his spine.
Man, he was having some kind of vivid hallucination, he thought with a smile. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d had such a dream.
A warm body, ripe and voluptuous, rubbed against him, sending an alert signal all over his body. He was just considering turning over, to really enjoy his dream, when a sexy voice whispered in his ear.
“Brett? Why didn’t you come? I’ve been waiting for—”
Jake almost landed on the floor beside his bed. He wasn’t having a dream. Instead, he had a misguided visitor.
He reached for the bedside lamp.
“Uh, Sylvia? I think you’ve made a mistake.”
Sylvia was on her knees on his bed, staring at him in shock.
Man, she was loaded for bear. Jake couldn’t help staring at her. Her robe was hanging open, revealing one of those black lace teddies he’d seen in the stores.
Her breasts were barely covered, and the sides were cut up to her waist.
“Jake!” Sylvia half screamed.
“I think you’ve come to the wrong room,” he said, hoping that was the explanation.
“But—but I counted! He said the second door on the left!”
Jake blew out his breath and wished she’d cover herself. He didn’t like looking at his future sister-in-law in such disarray. “I imagine he forgot to mention the linen closet. He’s in the second bedroom, but the third door.”
“Ooh!” Sylvia exclaimed, frustration filling her voice. She scooted from the bed and wrapped her robe around her, then turned to stomp from the room.
Jake, now that he was alone and thoroughly awake, shoved back the covers and crossed over to close the door. He couldn’t help looking out into the hallway to see Sylvia stomping down it in the direction of her room, not Brett’s.
He guessed Sylvia wasn’t the only one who’d be frustrated tonight if Brett was expecting a visit from his fiancée.
SYLVIA DIDN’T APPEAR at breakfast the next morning. Anna didn’t think anyone was surprised. After all, she was pretty sure Sylvia’s daily schedule didn’t include breakfast at sunrise.
Brett, as he was leaving with the other men, asked Janie and Megan if they would entertain Sylvia today. They both agreed, false smiles on their faces. Brett didn’t seem to suspect how little they were looking forward to that task. But Anna did.
Pete signaled for Anna to follow him to the door.
“Janie didn’t sleep well last night,” he whispered after she stepped outside.
“Thanks for telling me. I’ll keep an eye on her today.”
Brett turned back. “Hey, Pete, you flirting with Anna? I don’t think Janie would approve.”
Pete growled at his brother’s teasing and leapt off the porch to head for the barns.
“You know that wasn’t what he was doing,” Anna scolded.
“I don’t know. You’re pretty hard to resist, little Anna.”
The grin he shot in her direction had her heart turning flips. She gave herself a stern warning. “You’d better be careful yourself. Sylvia might be down to breakfast anytime now. She wouldn’t take too kindly to your flirting, either.”
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