“Yes, but I can’t ride far, because I haven’t been on a horse in a few years. I don’t want to be too sore.”
“We’ll stay around this area today. Tomorrow, I’ll drive you around the ranch.”
“Let me get my boots.”
“I have an extra hat my sister leaves here for when she visits. I’ll get it.”
Chelsea started to hurry out of the kitchen. His words stopped her.
“I’m glad you’re here.”
She saw his desire for her in his darkened blue eyes, and the set of his jaw. Heat spread across her body, and for a second she started to walk back to him. Tension held them still.
A dog’s bark broke the spell. Dirk shrugged, then grinned. “Go get on those boots.”
“I will.” Chelsea hurried out of the room. Her emotions and thoughts were a jumble of contradictions. But a different type of excitement began to come alive in her. This brief break from her usual life might be more than she expected.
Chapter Eight
The horse Dirk had saddled for her was a lovely brown mare with a white star on her nose. He helped her into the saddle, and they rode slowly down a nearby path.
Chelsea studied Dirk’s land. Wide areas of prairie with wildflowers blooming stretched far out in front of them. About a mile from the house they came to where a stream ran swiftly over rocks and curved in several spots. Tall trees grew near the edge of the water, making the area shady and cooler.
“We’d better turn back for today,” Dirk said. “Another time I’ll show you a spot where the river forms a natural swimming pool. We’ll bring our suits and swim.”
“Great. I like to swim. But I do believe I’ve gone far enough this time.”
They rode back in companionable silence until just before they got to the house. Dirk pulled his horse up and turned to face her.
“Do you want to visit your parents this weekend? I checked the map. It’ll take us about four hours to get there, if we do it all in one day. It would be a long and tiring trip. So I’ll take off early tomorrow. We can drive almost all the way and stop for the night. Then we won’t have to ride far the next day before we get there.”
“If it wasn’t for Mom, I’d say no. But I heard the worry and concern in her voice when we talked on the phone. She needs to see that I am all right.”
“Then we’ll plan to go.”
They started onward toward the house. When they got there, they stopped at the front door. Chelsea got off, and Dirk took hold of her reins.
“See you later this evening,” she said.
“Don’t worry about dinner. I’ll cook,” Dirk said, waved, and headed to the barn.
“Humph, he doesn’t believe I can cook. I’ll show him,” she mumbled to herself as she checked the refrigerator and cupboards. First she’d change, and then get busy. Dirk was in for a surprise.
Back in the kitchen she found a defrosted chicken in the refrigerator. She turned on the oven. Next she checked for spices, then potatoes. The cupboard held all the ingredients for green bean casserole.
After she had the chicken prepared and ready, she put it in the oven to bake. Next she mixed the casserole and placed the dish into the fridge until time to cook it.
Now what was here that she could make for a dessert? Nothing. She’d call Lily and borrow a few things.
Chelsea surprised herself with how much she enjoyed fixing the meal and mixing and baking the chocolate cake. Lily loaned her what she needed and told her Dirk loved anything chocolate.
Glancing at the clock, she realized he’d be home soon. She’d set the table with dishes, silverware, and two candles. Her last item to take care of was taking a quick shower and dressing.
She’d been waiting for the perfect time to wear her sundress and sandals. Tonight seemed right. After her shower she put on the blue-green dress with its heart-shaped top and full skirt. The light-blue sandals matched well. A spritz of perfume on her neck and shoulders, a comb through her hair, and she was ready. Glancing in the mirror, she saw her hair was getting longer. Maybe she’d let it grow.
The ding on the oven had her hurrying into the kitchen. As she pulled the green bean casserole out, she saw Dirk drive up.
Her heart pounded, and she felt her face flush as he came to the door.
“Hi, I”—Dirk stopped and looked around the kitchen—“It smells good in here.”
“I thought I’d surprise you. Dinner’s almost ready. I just have to put it on the table.”
Dirk glanced at the dining room right off the kitchen. Candles were lit and soft music played in the background.
“This is great. Let me wash my face and hands. There isn’t time to shower. You’ll have to take me as I am. I’m not letting that wonderful dinner get cold.” He stepped closer to her and sniffed her neck. “You are beautiful and smell good.”
Laughing, she pushed him back. “Go. I want to eat.”
He hurried out toward his room. Her heart swelled with warmth. He liked it. He’d been appreciative. In a glow of happiness she put all the dishes on the table and poured their iced tea.
When Dirk came back, he held her chair for her. Then instead of sitting across the table, he moved his dishes and sat beside her.
“This is really wonderful and smells delicious.”
She served them, and as they ate, he told her about his day around the ranch. He added several funny stories and had her laughing.
Candlelight made his black hair glow and etched his cheekbones in the light. Dirk was a handsome man. A man with many facets to him. He could rescue her from the middle of a war zone and yet be a gentle man who loved the land, the animals, and most of all his family.
“I’ve bored you with my stories,” Dirk said, breaking into her thoughts.
“I was thinking about the many contradictions of you.”
“Do you mind me asking what you mean?”
“If I can explain, I will. Most of the men I meet are rough and tough and focused in one direction. It may be as a warrior, or a photographer or reporter. You don’t think of them as having a gentle side. I realize now they must. Circumstances make a person behave according to the demands at that time. It’s not necessarily their real self.”
“That’s true. And we’re all a mixture of our environment and how we were raised.”
“My dad and brother never had but one way, theirs. As an adult I expected the men I met to be the same. We lived isolated. They were my examples. I couldn’t wait to leave home and go far away. I hated the ranch and ranch life.
“My surprise was how much I enjoyed fixing dinner. I did it because I wanted to. No one had ordered me.”
Dirk took her hand in his. “You never have to do anything you don’t want to or don’t feel like here, ever.”
Chelsea blinked the tears away. “Let’s talk about something happy and enjoy our meal.”
“I’m all for that. This is too good to waste.”
* * * *
“You’ve been holding out on me. I never dreamed you could cook this well.”
“Don’t get spoiled. I’m not doing this every day.”
“How about we take turns?”
“I’ll consider it. I wondered if you’d let me ride along with you some days. I’d like to see how a ranch works. Dad said the ranch was men’s work. He made me stay in the house, except for chores or an occasional horse ride.”
“Shame. I’m not only going to show you, I’ll teach you some of the jobs so you can help if you’d like.”
Her eyes glowed like a little girl who’d received a present. He realized these were important issues they’d never shared with each other.
When they’d had a few days off overseas, they got together and the time was filled with fun and hot sex. He’d grown to love her, but no wonder she’d refused his proposal to be a cowboy’s wife. Her impression had been distorted by her parents’ behavior. And he’d better not forget she had loved her job. But did she after what happened?
He wanted
her for his wife, and he’d do whatever it took to get her to say yes. Seducing her might work. It would certainly be fun trying.
Chelsea started cleaning the table. “You go in the great room and start a fire. It’s cool tonight. I’ll bring coffee and dessert.”
“Dessert, too?” He leaned forward and kissed her. “What a treat. I’ll have a fire going when you come in.”
* * * *
Chelsea found herself humming as she rinsed the dishes and put them in the dishwasher. There was chicken left, and some of the casserole. Dirk had eaten all the mashed potatoes. A warm glow had centered in her chest. She couldn’t wait to see his expression when she carried in the cake.
First, she took in their coffee cups. She instructed him to close his eyes, and she carried in two plates with cake slices on them.
“Open your eyes,” she said. His plate was right in front of him.
“I smelled the chocolate. I love chocolate cake. How did you know?”
“Lily. I had to borrow the mixings from her.”
“I have to thank her.” He dove into his cake and in minutes had it eaten. He strode into the kitchen for seconds.
When he had finished, he sat back. “Your chocolate cake was delicious. If I ate like this every night, I’d get fat.”
“I doubt it. Not with all the work you all do around here. But I might.”
Dirk got up and pulled her out of her chair. “Join me.”
He sat and put her on his lap. “Relax. We won’t do anything you don’t want.”
The temptation was too great. Chelsea let herself relax against his hard body. His strong arms wrapped around her, and his chin rested on the top of her head. The fire crackled. Soft music played faintly in the background.
His hand smoothed her hair down. “Have you ever worn it long?” he asked.
“When I was little.”
“It’d be a good disguise. I’d expect most people wouldn’t recognize you.”
“Just tonight I was thinking about letting it grow. That’s a good idea.”
“How do you like the ranch and the house so far?”
“Your home is lovely. I snooped around to see the whole layout today.”
Dirk laughed. “Snoop all you want.”
“I wondered why you hadn’t finished furnishing the loft.”
“I’m not sure. I guess because I wasn’t sure what I wanted to use it for. Do you have any ideas?”
“Well, the front windows and the windows in the loft give it a lot of light. If I had my computer I’d do some writing there.”
“There’s nothing to sit on.”
“No problem. Remember I’ve written reports in all kinds of places. The loft would be like a palace.”
“Do whatever you want. I give you free rein of the house.”
“It’s a good thing I’m not a typical woman or you might come home some night and find the whole inside repainted with new furniture.”
“Believe me, I know that’s a dangerous statement. My sister would do just that. She changes her rooms at home every six months or so.”
Suddenly, Chelsea realized how comfortable she felt on his lap. The warmth of his body encouraged her to cuddle. Not sure if she was ready to step over the line and have them become lovers again, she pulled back and got up.
“I’m tired. I’ll see you tomorrow.” She started to gather their cake plates, but Dirk stopped her.
“I’ll take care of them. It’s the least I can do after you cooked.”
Her body was yelling stay, stay, as she walked out of the room. But he wanted forever, and she wasn’t a forever girl.
* * * *
Dirk watched her walk away. She wasn’t going to make it easy for him, but he didn’t intend to give up. He was glad they were going to see her parents. Their interaction would tell him a lot about her. The more he knew, the better chance he had of seducing her to his way of thinking. He wanted a wife, but not just anyone. He wanted Chelsea.
Patience was one of his strong suits, but it did have a limit. His body ached to hold her, to touch her, to kiss every spot on her luscious body. His cock seemed to stay perpetually hard, and he was sick of cold showers. He’d wait, but if she didn’t give him an opening soon, he’d make one.
Chapter Nine
They’d stopped for the night, and Chelsea had asked for two rooms. Dirk had shrugged his shoulders and paid for them. This morning, well-rested, he drove the last few miles in an hour and a half. Chelsea sat beside him looking out the window. She hadn’t spoken since they’d started on the last leg of their journey. He glanced at her and saw she’d leaned forward staring toward the wood frame house coming closer every second. Her body had stiffened, and she clenched her hands. He hoped bringing her here had been a good idea.
“I grew up in that house, and now it belongs to my brother. I guess he’ll marry and his family will live there. Mom and Dad moved to a smaller house that they built several acres over. Mom said Dad couldn’t handle the day-to-day work anymore. But, I bet Mom’s keeping the place looking nice for Bill.
A woman, wearing a blue polka dot dress, came out on the porch. She stared at the car as they pulled into the curved driveway.
“Momma.” As soon as the car stopped, Chelsea was out and running into her mother’s arms. The screen door opened, and a tall, lean, brown-haired man stepped out. He stood looking at the two women. His face was weather-beaten from years of working outdoors, and showed no expression.
Chelsea stepped around her mother and stood in front of her father. The two stared at each other, neither willing to move forward. Dirk got out of the car and walked quickly to Chelsea’s side.
“Hello. I’m Dirk Brodie. You must be Chelsea’s dad.”
The man’s attention turned to him. “Who the hell are you?”
“Dad, he’s one of the men who rescued me. He and his cousin own the TRC ranch.”
“Thank you so much, Mr. Brodie, for helping to save our daughter.” Chelsea’s mother had touched his arm. She smiled at him, and he saw a reflection of her daughter.
“There was a whole team, but for safety’s sake we don’t want to be identified.”
“I understand. We won’t mention your name in that regard,” she promised him. “Please come in the house. Our son is in the barn. He’ll be here soon.” She put her arm around Chelsea. Dirk and her father followed them inside.
It was a homey living room. It didn’t look as though many changes had been made over the years. But the furniture shone from being polished, and the air was scented with a flowery potpourri.
“Sit. I have coffee and cake made. Chelsea, do you want to help me serve?” Chelsea got up to go with her mother into the kitchen.
“If she hasn’t forgotten how to do any housework,” her father mumbled.
Chelsea heard him. She stopped and her shoulders stiffened. Dirk thought she was going to turn and say something to her father. Instead, she went on into the kitchen.
“You don’t approve of your daughter’s career choice?”
Mr. Pearce swung his gaze around to Dirk. “It’s stupid and dangerous. A woman’s place is in the home, taking care of the house and having children.” He snapped the words out.
“And keeping the garden, taking care of the hens, and not expecting a thank you,” Dirk added.
Her father glared at him. “Yes, and all those things. The man is breaking his back out on the farm trying to support a family. It’s the least the wife should do.”
“You must know your attitude has made her determined not to marry.”
“She was always rebellious. I gave her a good home. A nice man wanted to marry her. She turned him down. She was foolish. What has she got now?”
The man’s attitude pushed Dirk’s control to the limit. He’d like to punch him, but he’d been well taught by his mother. You didn’t hit older men, regardless.
“For one, your daughter is well respected as a war correspondent. She’s gone far in her field.”
; “No decent man will ever want her. No telling what all she’s done out there in that desert with all those men.”
“You sanctimonious—” he stopped before he said the word “bastard.” Dirk stood, took a deep breath, and walked out the door. No wonder Chelsea didn’t trust any man. He strode off to the right. He needed to walk and think and cool down.
In the distance, he saw a barn and a tall, dark, redheaded man striding toward him. In looks, except for the hair color, he was a replica of his father. Dirk stopped and waited for him.
The man put out his hand. “I’m Bill, Chelsea’s brother.”
Dirk introduced himself. “I noticed you came out of the house kind of fast.” He chuckled. “I guess my Dad was on his best behavior.”
“Best?” Dirk frowned at him.
“I was being facetious. My father is a difficult man at the best of times.”
“Your sister indicated you were a lot like him.”
“I was. But I’m trying to change. I’ve met someone I care about, and she’s not about to take anything from anyone.” He grinned. “She won’t marry me until she’s sure I’m serious about being different than my father.”
“Good for you. I hope you succeed.” They walked on together toward the house.
“Are you interested in my sister?”
“I love her. But she’s another difficult woman. She has a hard time with trust. Don’t worry, though. I intend to win.”
“I think I might like you for a brother-in-law.”
“Don’t tell your sister or she’ll run for the hills.” They were laughing when they came in the door. Dirk saw the surprise on Chelsea’s face, and the bigger surprise when her brother hugged her.
* * * *
Chelsea ate her cake and observed the interaction between her family and Dirk. Her father didn’t like him. That was a plus in her mind. She’d be worried if he did. Her brother had surprised her with the hug, and the news about his having found an independent woman he wanted to marry.
Cameron, Paige - A Fling with the Billionaire Cowboy [Wives for the Western Billionaires 5] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) Page 7