She walked out into the clear, bluish-green water until she was waist high, and then swam around in the cove area. When the sun rose higher, she decided she’d better head back before she burned.
Entering the house, she smelled the bacon frying. Dirk stuck his head out of the kitchen. “I saw you coming up and started breakfast. You have time for a quick shower.”
“Good. I’ve worked up an appetite.”
The cool shower refreshed her. She put on jeans and a sleeveless yellow shirt.
Dirk looked around when she entered the kitchen. He handed her a glass of orange juice. “You look bright as sunshine yourself, with that yellow shirt and your red hair.”
“Thanks.” She held up her glass. “This is good.”
“Freshly squeezed from one of the trees right outside the kitchen door.”
“A handy man to have around. I’m getting spoiled.” She walked to the back door, deliberately turning her back to him. “I’m ready to leave. I can’t hide forever.”
There was silence behind her for several minutes. She heard him putting the toast down and cracking the eggs. Turning, she watched his well coordinated movements.
“Aren’t you going to say anything?”
“I thought I’d wait and talk after we have breakfast. If you feel ready to go, then I’ll call for the plane.” He turned back to finishing his cooking.
Chelsea strolled out to the veranda and sat in a shaded chair. What he hadn’t said gave her an uneasy feeling. She wasn’t sure why, but she didn’t think she was going to like it.
Dirk brought breakfast to her on the rolling trolley. She ate all the bacon, eggs, and toast, and some of the fresh fruit he’d cut. When they’d both finished, she sat back and looked at him.
“There’s something you want to tell me. Say it.”
“I called Ty this morning while you were at the beach. Your name and disappearance is still big news at home. Plus, although they got all the men who might have seen you when you were kidnapped, I’m still uneasy about you integrating back into society so quickly.”
“I have to at some point.”
“Yes. But I have a suggestion for the interim.” She started to speak, and he put up his hand. “Hear me out. Please.”
He poured them another cup of coffee before speaking.
“We can fly Drake’s jet back to his friend, Jackson’s, private landing strip. Then in disguise fly out of Dallas back home. Ty would pick us up at the airport.
“People will recognize my name on the manifest.”
“Not if you’re listed as my wife.”
“How would we pull off that scam?”
“We can be married at Brent’s home like Ty and Lily were.”
Chelsea stared at him. “You’re serious.”
“I’ve given it a lot of thought. It’s the best solution.”
“I’m not a good bet for a forever partner. I’ve never seriously considered settling down.” Liar. I did once after a rendezvous I had with Dirk in Greece.
“We’d marry with the understanding that after a year if it’s not working out, we’ll end the marriage. We’ll tell our friends and family we made our decision in haste when we both weren’t thinking clearly.”
“You can say that again. You aren’t thinking straight now. What’s in it for you? During this coming year you might meet the girl of your dreams.” Part of her wanted to be that person, but she was too mixed up to know which way to go at this time.
“What I want is your agreement to let me try to convince you to make our marriage permanent. This will be a real marriage for this year, at least.”
She saw the earnest expression on his face, and her heart softened. “Can I have time to think about all of this?”
“Sure. I’m going to pack a lunch and go hiking to the north end of the island. I’ll have to walk quite a distance, and some of it uphill. I’ve heard it’s beautiful. Want to go along?”
“No pressure?”
“None.”
“All right. I can’t imagine it being anymore gorgeous than this place, but I’m interested in seeing it. I’ll help with the picnic lunch.”
After packing the lunch, Chelsea slathered on suntan lotion and wore jeans and a white shirt over her bathing suit. The sun was high when they started walking. Dirk led the way.
Chelsea was glad she’d brought the big hat she’d found in her bedroom. Perspiration trickled down her neck and between her breasts.
“Not far now,” Dirk said. “See those trees? We’re headed up that hill. Most of the way will hopefully be shady.”
They turned a little to the right and walked over a gentle slope that leveled off for a short distance. Then they began to climb. The trees were much thicker, and a cool breeze blew through the branches. Chelsea began to feel the strain on her muscles.
Dirk motioned for them to stop. Barely any sunlight came through the canopy of trees. Chelsea sank down under the tallest one and took a drink out of her water bottle.
“We won’t stay here long. We’re pretty close to the top.”
Chelsea looked all around. She saw wild orchids hanging from several of the nearest trees. “This really is a paradise. Can you imagine owning this place? I’d never leave.”
“What about the excitement of your work and the big city?”
“I don’t know. Leave me here alone for a month or so and come back.” She laughed. “I’d know my answer then. I’d either be stark raving mad or singing and dancing in the nude.”
“That last part sounds very interesting. Maybe I can convince you to go nude our last day here?”
“I don’t think so.”
“Too bad. Let’s walk.”
Chelsea picked up her backpack and followed Dirk upward.
At the top, thick trees made a ring around a small lake. A waterfall cascaded down the mountain into the water. Sunlight made the drops sparkle like colored jewels. They stepped between the trees to the outer edge and were surrounded by a view of white sand, blue water, and sky as far as the eye could see.
Dirk stood behind her, so close all she had to do was take one step backward and be in his arms. His spicy cologne floated around her body. A yearning to have him touch her tempted her to give in. It would be so easy to say yes to his proposal and enjoy a year with him. But for her it would be a fling, wouldn’t it? She didn’t know the answer. She wasn’t certain of anything.
“Hungry, or do you want to swim first?”
“A short swim, and then eat.” She glanced at where the sun was beginning to sink in the west. “I don’t want to have to walk back in the dark.”
“I have a big flashlight.”
“My Boy Scout.”
“No, my mother and father. They tried to teach us to always be prepared.”
Chelsea found a shady spot and took off her outer clothes. She dove into the cold water before Dirk. When she surfaced, she shivered. “This is icy.”
“Especially when you were already hot.” Dirk stepped in and swam to her side. “We can cuddle afterward to get warm.”
Dirk chased her around in the water. He teased her and splashed water at her. It was fun. Chelsea realized she almost felt like her old self. Hungry, she made for the edge of the lake. Dirk followed her.
She spread the blanket and set out the food, fruit, olives, cheese, and a loaf of French bread. Dirk grabbed the bottle of white wine he’d put in the water to chill.
“This lake is fed by a natural spring, and with the shade it’s never very warm,” Dirk said.
“There’s not a place on this island that isn’t divine. You must thank Drake and Janice for me. Or better yet, give me their address and I’ll write them.”
“Or you can thank them at our wedding.”
* * * *
She lowered her head and went silent.
“I’m sorry. Sometimes things slip out that I don’t mean to say.” He started to pick up their trash to take back with them.
After what was only a few minute
s but seemed much longer, Chelsea stood to help. When they’d finished and put their backpacks on to start the climb down, she put her hand on his arm. He looked into her sea green eyes.
“I’m not ready to face everyone and all the questions I’ll get.” She hesitated.
He waited, holding his breath. This would be his last chance to convince her she loved him.
“This whole idea seems unfair to you. There’s no guarantee I’ll want to stay. You can end up hurt.”
“I’m choosing to take the risk. If you leave, I’ll get over it. I’ll be free to find someone else. But since the last time we were together, I haven’t been able to put you completely out of my thoughts. It’s my gamble.”
“All right.”
“All right, what?”
“I’ll marry you for a year.”
Chapter Six
Dirk took a sip of bourbon. It sent warmth running through his veins after his midnight swim. He stared out at the sea. The moon cast a silvery glow along a strip of water. He heard the waves rolling to the shore.
They’d walked back to the house, showered, and changed. Then ate a dinner of grilled steaks and baked potatoes. Chelsea said she was tired and went to bed after they cleaned the kitchen.
Dirk had called his cousin, Drake. The jet would be here in the morning. He didn’t tell Drake about his and Chelsea’s impending marriage.
“Can I join you?” Chelsea interrupted his thoughts. She was standing in the doorway wearing the short towel robe she’d found the first day here. Her hair was a riot of red curls around her head. Long, slender legs glowed like porcelain in the moonlight.
Dirk’s cock roused to attention. He got up and pulled another chair beside him. “Sure. Want a bourbon?”
“Why not? Maybe it will help me sleep.”
He strode into the kitchen, found a whiskey glass, and refilled his and put a generous portion in Chelsea’s. He carried the glasses out to the veranda. She was staring at the stars.
Heat rushed to every spot in his body. He wanted her more than anyone he’d ever known. Hopefully his plan to marry her and seduce her would work. He’d spoken glibly today about getting over her if she left. But he was aware it wouldn’t be easy. Was he a fool to marry first and hope to find love later?
Chelsea turned her head and smiled. His heart sank. It was way too late to worry about his heart getting broken. He handed her the glass. Then he took his seat.
“Did you call Drake?” she asked.
“The jet is due here around eleven. We’ll do as I said and land at Jackson’s landing strip.”
“Did you mention us getting married?”
“I thought I’d leave that surprise for when we got there. Do you want to call your parents in the morning before we leave?”
“No. I’ll wait.”
“Do you want your parents at the wedding?”
“Probably not. Mom won’t come without Dad. He gave up on me when I refused to marry my local boyfriend and instead moved to the big city.”
“How could he give up on his daughter?” Dirk was curious. His mom and dad had been loving, and wanted their children to find their own way. They wanted them to do what they loved.
“I wasn’t a boy, for starters. It didn’t take me long to realize a boy would have been another hand to help out on the ranch. Girls can help, too, but Father saw them as homemakers. He expected my mother and I to have the meals on time, the house spotless, the cows milked, a garden growing, and to take care of the chickens. He never said thank you.
“And most of all, when I was eighteen and graduated from high school, I was expected to marry and set up my own home. One less mouth to feed.”
Chelsea took a large swallow of bourbon after she’d rattled off all the things she obviously hated about living on a farm. No wonder she’d never considered marriage.
“Your father must have been delighted to have five boys and only one girl?” Chelsea asked.
“Dad loved his girl, probably better than us boys, if that was possible. He and Mom loved us all equally. My sister was such a tomboy. She rode everywhere with dad, from the time she could sit on a horse until the day he died. In fact, she was with him when he had his heart attack. He died instantly. She was ten years old. It took her years to get better. I’m sure she won’t ever totally forget that day.”
“How horrible for her.”
“Yes, but she said later she was glad he wasn’t alone. They’d been laughing about something, and she’d just told him she loved him.”
“Your family sounds nice.”
“I want you to meet them. You’ll like them.”
“Is that a good idea when I may not stay around?”
“I stipulated it would be a real marriage in all ways while we are together.”
“So you did. I hope we’re not making a serious mistake.”
“I have faith and believe in us,” Dirk said.
Chelsea didn’t answer. She took another swallow of bourbon, leaned her head back, and closed her eyes.
Dirk studied her profile. She had high cheekbones, a turned-up nose, wisps of hair blowing around her face, and an almost square jaw that jutted out when she was making a point. Her luscious, full lips softened her jawline. Whatever the future held, they’d butt heads at times, but he loved her and believed deep down she cared about him.
Suddenly she opened her eyes. “You remind me of a sleek, black panther getting ready to pounce. I could feel your eyes on me.”
“I’d like to pounce, but I’ll wait until after the wedding. Good night. I’m turning in.” If I don’t leave now, I’ll do exactly as she said. His control was stretched to the limit. After the plane landed, he was going to arrange their wedding for as soon as possible.
* * * *
Chelsea had started to say, let’s go make love. She was glad she didn’t. She liked the idea of waiting until after the ceremony. Dirk was really an old-fashioned kind of guy in many ways. Hopefully he didn’t have the same viewpoint as her father, or they might not last even a year. A tiny flicker of hope deep inside her wanted to make this marriage a success.
She finished her bourbon and went to her room. She’d pack and sleep later on the plane. There wasn’t much to throw in the backpack she’d been using. They could give it back to Drake and Janice when they met.
Looking around the bedroom and bath, she didn’t see anything she’d missed. Earlier she’d washed the few things from here that she’d used. The bed looked inviting. She’d lie down for a minute, and then go out to watch the sun come up.
A knock at her door woke her. Bright sunlight shone around the edges of her curtains.
“The plane will be here in an hour,” Dirk called through the door. “Come outside to the veranda and have breakfast.”
“I’ll dress and be there in a second.” Chelsea pulled on jeans and a green shirt. She’d wear the sneakers Janice had sent. She took a moment to gather her thoughts. Today was a step into an unknown future. Concern, fear, and excitement whirled around inside her.
She grabbed her backpack, opened the door, and took a last glance at the lovely bedroom. When she closed the door and turned, she took a deep breath and stepped forward. For better or worse, in more ways than one.
* * * *
Dirk held her in his arms as she slept. He’d have to wake her soon. They’d be landing in Texas in the next thirty minutes. He was pretty certain all his cousins would be there to greet them. They’d been close-knit families with his mother and the Terrell cousins’ mother being sisters. Over the years they’d spent holidays together and sometimes traveled on vacation as a group. It had been fun, and bonded them.
Chelsea stirred. She opened her eyes and smiled. “You make a good pillow.”
“Anytime, my lady.” Dirk winked at her. “We’ll be landing soon. You might want to go back to the bedroom and freshen up in the adjoining bathroom.”
“I will. I must look a mess.”
Dirk studied her face with the lovely gre
en eyes and the matching shirt. Her bright-red hair created a glow around her.
He chuckled. “A lovely mess.”
Chelsea was back in her seat beside him before the seat belt light came on. She clenched her hands tightly in her lap.
Dirk put his hand over hers. “Are you nervous?”
“I’m seldom nervous,” she said, and tilted that stubborn chin upward. “But I don’t know any of these people, and I’m not ready to be greeted by a crowd.”
“Hardly a crowd. Six people at the most. There’ll be Drake and Janice, Jackson and his wife, Samantha, and Brent and Angie. They may not all be there.”
“I hope they’re not.”
“It’s time to start meeting people. Eventually you’ll have to go back out in society a little. I never thought of you as a coward.”
She threw him an angry glance, as he’d expected. Inwardly he smiled when she pulled her shoulders back and straightened her blouse. She’d do fine. A little annoyance went a long way.
The plane door was opened, and Dirk took her hand and led her to the stairs. “You first or me?”
“You.”
He nodded and started down the steps to the tarmac. Chelsea followed him. The people standing at the sidelines started forward, waving and hugging Dirk as soon as they got close.
She deliberately hung back. An auburn-haired woman strode past the crowd around Dirk and came to her.
“Welcome to Saddle Creek, Texas. I’m Janice, Drake’s wife.”
“It’s nice to meet you.” Chelsea glanced past Janice and saw the others were headed toward her.
“Don’t be frightened,” Janice said. “We don’t bite.”
Chelsea stiffened. “I’m not frightened. I’ve been all over the world,” she said in a stiff voice.
“I know, but you’ve also just been through a terrible ordeal that would leave anyone a little shook up.”
Cameron, Paige - A Fling with the Billionaire Cowboy [Wives for the Western Billionaires 5] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) Page 5