“Be careful.”
“I always am.” Drake sipped his whiskey and studied his friend. “You gave up a lot to move back here.”
“No. I gained a lot.”
“You don’t miss the rat race?”
“Not a minute.”
“Neither will I. All I have to do now is convince Janice she won’t miss it, either.”
Jackson finished his drink. “Let’s go get the girls.”
Samantha and Janice had fallen asleep on the couch. Jackson scooped his wife up and took her to bed. Drake carried Janice to their room, placed her in bed, and moved his body against her sexy backside.
“Go back to sleep, honey,” he whispered in her ear when she stirred. “We have a big day tomorrow. You get your surprise.”
“I know, it’s probably a horse. I have to learn to ride,” she mumbled the words.
He chuckled. Her eyes closed. Drake bent forward and breathed in her sweet scent. He was excited about showing her the ranch, and worried about her reaction. His arm wrapped around her middle. She was his. He’d win her heart. He never lost when he wanted something or as in this case someone so much.
* * * *
“We’re going by truck to get my surprise?”
“Jackson’s loaned us his big, bad, black truck. Get in.”
“This is all very mysterious.” She stepped onto the running board and swung into the leather seat. Drake went around to the driver’s side.
“Is my surprise far?”
“It’s a few more miles than if we rode across the fields.”
“Hmm, that’s not much of a clue.” Janice stared out at the wide pastures as they rode along a paved, two-lane road. Wildflowers stretched across the land. Their scent blew in the open window. In the distance cows huddled together under a small spot of shade. The road curved around, and they crossed a short bridge over a narrow river.
“I don’t know why, but I thought we’d be heading toward town. What kind of surprise might be way out here?” And yet her heart pounded, because she suspected he had very much taken what she said to him seriously. She was sure of it when they turned into a long, tree-lined drive. The driveway curved to the right, and then stopped in front of a large ranch house.
Wide verandas circled the white, wood-frame house. The paint looked new, and four rockers stood guard at the front. Hanging baskets of mixed flowers lent color to the porch.
Drake turned to her. “And I quote, ‘you’d have to buy a ranch, change your career, want children to make me believe you were serious enough for me to take a chance.’ Is this enough to convince you? I bought this for you. Town folks call it the old Simpson place. We’ll have to come up with another name.”
He nodded toward the house. “I’m going to be a rancher. I want children, more than ever since holding Jessica last night, and most important, I love you.”
Janice was filled with conflicting emotion. She wanted to throw herself into his arms and yell yes, yes. But could a man change this much in a few months? He’d break her heart if he changed his mind months from now, or worse, years.
“I’ve surprised you speechless. Come and look inside.” Drake came around and opened her door. When she started to step down, he swung her around and set her feet on the ground. His hands cupped her face, and he kissed her. “I do love you, for now, forever.”
She stared deep into his dark eyes. She’d never seen him look so serious. Dare she put her heart into his hands? Did she have a choice since she was already in love with him?
“Show me the house,” she said.
He took her hand and led her to the front door. “I’ve had some painting done. We can change anything you don’t like, but it needed cleaning up before you saw the place.”
They moved into a large living room. One wall had bookcases on either side of a huge fireplace. The other wall had three windows letting in lots of light from the south.
Next to the living room was a study done in dark wood with shelves for books and a desk at one end. Behind the desk were more windows, showing a neglected garden area.
“A perfect place for you to work at the end of the day,” Janice commented.
He took her hand and they passed a large dining room on the right and then entered a long, wide kitchen. “It’s been gutted. I thought you’d like to decide on what you want in here.”
Janice walked to the side door and unlocked it. She looked out the screen door. In the back she saw a garage and further along a barn. Trees grew in rows to the right of the house. She turned to face Drake. “Fruit trees?”
“Yes, I’m not sure what kind. We’ll find out. I have to hire staff and buy cattle, horses, all that’s needed.”
“A big investment. You’ll lose lots of money if you change your mind.”
“I’m not going to ever change my mind.”
“Show me the upstairs.”
They retraced their steps to the stairs leading off the living room. Side by side they climbed to the second floor.
“There are four bedrooms, two on either side. One has a private bath. The others share the hall bath, that’s the third door down on the left.”
“And the door at the end?”
“Our room.” He pulled her along and swung the door open. It was a good-size room, not as large as he had in his house in Houston or at the island. But a cozy room. The walls had been painted a light green with new, darker green carpet on the floor.
Janice slipped off her shoes and stepped onto the plush rug. She crossed and looked out the window. A grove of oaks grew close and the limbs moved in the breeze. Sunlight cast light across the leaves, making then shine a glossy green. Two other windows on the right looked out over empty fields.
“You’ll have a lot of work to do to get this place going.”
“I will. I’m looking forward to it.”
She loved the feeling of the thick, soft carpet against her toes. She strolled across and looked into the adjoining white bathroom.
“An old bathtub with curved feet. I love it.” She saw the two pedestal sinks, and in the corner, a separate shower, but designed to fit the style of a farmhouse.
Drake leaned against the doorframe, watching her explore. “What do you think?”
Janice walked right up to him. Her fingers took hold of his top button on his shirt and undid it. “I think I’ll take a chance and marry you so I can have this lovely, wonderful home.”
His eyes darkened to almost black. “And is this”—he moved his hand to indicate the house—“the only reason you’ll marry me?”
She took a deep breath and pulled him, by his shirt, with her into the bedroom. “I suppose the fact that I’m totally in love with you might have something to do with my decision.”
A light flashed in his eyes. “Totally?”
“Absolutely,” she said and grinned. “What are you waiting for? I think we should christen this room by making wild, passionate love.”
“You do have the very best ideas.”
He lifted her into his arms and spun her around, then set her on her feet and kissed her hard. “First, I do have a ring for you.” He handed her a small box. When she opened the lid, a solitaire diamond, in an old filigree setting, caught the light and sparkled at her.
“It’s my grandmother’s ring. As the oldest, Mom saved it for my wife. But if you’d rather have something more modern and bigger, I don’t mind.”
“Never. It’s beautiful and has much more meaning than any other ring could ever have.” She held out her left hand.
Drake slid the ring onto her finger. It fit perfect. He kissed her hand, and then stared into her eyes.
“I, Drake Terrell, do promise to love you for the rest of our lives.”
“Oh.” She rose on her toes and kissed him. Tears of happiness clouded her vision.
“Can we make love now?”
She laughed. “How like a typical male.”
“You suggested it first, my love.”
“I did. This rug
looks soft enough. Let’s try it out.”
“Stand right there,” Drake directed. He sat on the floor and pulled his boots and socks off, and then stood to take off his shirt. She reached out to help and he stepped back.
“No. This is my time to show you how much you mean to me. I’m going to lead all the way.”
His dark brown eyes looked syrupy warm as they gazed into hers. Quickly unfastening his shirt, he let it drop to the floor and his fingers made short work of his jeans snap and zipper. Completely nude, he put on a condom and then reached for her shirt to start undressing her. He undid the buttons, letting his fingers brush across her tender skin.
Her mind focused on the brief touches as he undid her clothes and sent them sailing into a pile next to his. A cool breeze came in the windows but couldn’t stop the heat beginning to kindle deep inside her body. When he had her nude, he held her hands out and moved back a step to let his eyes roam over her.
“Gorgeous.”
He stepped back into her space, and his mouth covered hers. His tongue slipped inside, caressing, discovering every tender, sensitive spot. He tasted of peppermint and her tongue tangled with his, bringing a groan up from his chest.
Gradually, he pulled away from her mouth. He gently placed her on the plush carpet and leaned over her. His lips nibbled along her neck, over her tender, aching breasts, and licked across her abdomen. Liquid desire wet her lower lips.
He passed the junction of her thighs and scattered butterfly kisses on the soft inner skin from her thigh to her ankle. The fire inside her built higher sending heat snapping along her nerves. A slight tremor shook her body.
At her feet, he sat back and stared into her eyes as his hands massaged along her arch and even between her toes. Warm hands rubbed over her ankles as he began to retrace his kisses back to the top of her thighs.
His fingers separated the pink folds covering her nub and his tongue licked across her most sensitive spot, making her body bow with desire.
“Your scent entices me and you taste as sweet as sugar.” He licked all along the folds to the opening to her pussy. Then he slipped two fingers into her. She clenched tight and moaned. His tongue raked across her sensitive clit while his fingers moved in and out of her hot passage.
Molten heat sent fluid gushing between her pussy lips. She begged for him to enter her. Instead, he moved up and fastened his mouth over her breasts, sucking hard and his thumb rubbed across her clit. A sharp zing went straight to the inner walls of her pussy. Her hips bucked as her release sent her into a frenzy of excitement.
She’d barely begun to recover when Drake spread her legs and plunged deep inside. Her muscles grabbed hold of him and tremors raked along his hard cock, sending her into another spasm of pleasure.
* * * *
Drake had forced himself to go slow. To show her how he loved every inch of her. Her sweet taste, her musky, sexy scent tormented him as he held back. He loved her moans, her body movements, her quick, rapid climb and then her wet heat tightening around his almost painfully hard dick. Her tremors drained him. His arms shook as he raised himself over her and stared into the face of the woman he loved.
“That is how much I want you and love you.”
* * * *
Later, showered and dressed, Drake drove them into Saddle Creek. Janice glanced around at the stores.
“It’s not a big town but has most of the stores we’d need on a daily basis. Look, there’s a restaurant. Shall we eat?” Janice asked.
“I need to stop here briefly and sign some papers, and then I promise to feed you.” He parked the truck in front of the bank. “Do you want to go in with me?”
“If you don’t mind, I’m going to window shop. Why don’t we meet at the restaurant? I’ll be walking in that direction.”
Drake gave her a quick kiss on her lips. “See you there soon.”
She waited on the curb while he turned and walked inside. His body had a sensual, sleek way of moving. Faded jeans fit snug across his backside, and his brown cowboy shirt showed off his wide shoulders. He looked handsome and carried an aura of mystery and a bit of danger. Well, she’d better start her walk and not stand here drooling.
Saddle Creek’s shops were quaint, and enticed one to enter and browse. The second door down from the bank housed a bookstore. A bell tingled over the door as she went inside.
“Welcome.” A young, blonde woman smiled from behind the counter. “Can I help you?”
Janice started to say no then thought about how little she knew of the area. “Do you have any information pamphlets or books about the town?”
“A few. Let me show you.” She walked around the counter and pointed out a rack on the back wall to the left. “Anything I have is there. Guess I need to get more. You’re the second person this week to ask me. More and more people are moving here.”
“My fiancé and I will become residents after our wedding. My best friend is Samantha Stone.”
“I know her and Jackson. They grew up here. Welcome to Saddle Creek. Hope I’ll see more of you after you move in.”
“Thanks.” Janice placed two small pamphlets on the counter.
“Those are free. Hope they help.” The woman waved to Janice as she left the store.
Janice glanced in some other windows, but didn’t take the time to stop. She was thirsty, and Drake would be looking for her. She stepped into the cafe. The cool air was a welcome change from the heat outside. Several booths were built along the front wall with windows looking out to the street. One was empty. Most of the tables in the center were also occupied.
“Sit wherever you want, honey. I’ll be right there.”
A tall, buxom woman with a head of bright red hair smiled in Janice’s direction. Janice slid into the empty booth facing the door.
They were here. His hands shook. He’d been waiting for two days to hear word of their arrival and now he was caught in an uncomfortable position. He raised his newspaper. Thank goodness that stupid, loud waitress had brought his food. He’d take his time eating and when necessary use the paper to hide. She’d sat right next to his booth, but with the high backs she’d never noticed him.
If they talked loud enough, he’d hear their plans and make his accordingly. With luck this could work out in his favor.
“Hi, honey. You’re new in town. I’m Billie, part owner, part cook, and part waitress of this fine establishment.” She laughed at her own joke. “What can I get you?”
“A glass of tea with lots of ice. I’ll wait to order when my fiancé arrives. He’ll be here shortly.”
“No problem. Take your time. You passin’ through?”
“Actually, we’re going to be moving here. My fiancé bought the old Simpson place.”
“I wondered who was buying it. Heard someone was doing renovations to the house. Welcome to the community. I’d better get to work.” She waved the coffeepot in her hand and made rounds to all the tables, filling cups.
She was engaged. Fury filled his gut. He’d waited for her and she’d never given him the time of day, but Drake Terrell had money. He should have known when she chose her first fiancé what she wanted. Well, he’d fixed that one before her wedding. This time, though, he’d fix them both and finally be free of her and the men she screwed. His hands curled into fists. He’d kill Terrell and then take his time with her. Maybe he’d get some for himself first, before he took her life. Right, he deserved it. She gave it out freely to everyone else.
“Hi, honey.” Drake slipped into the seat across from her. “That cold tea looks good.” He reached out and took her left hand. “I was beginning to doubt I’d ever get a ring on your finger.” He leaned back against the padded seatback and gave her his sexy smile. “You know, I’ve paid a lot to get you to be mine. Quite a bride’s price, but”—he kissed her hand—“you’re worth every dollar.”
“I hope you still think so after my dad gives you the third degree.”
“Can he or your mother change your mind?”
“No.”
He’d heard enough. He felt sick to his stomach. Hell, they’d never recognize him in this freaking cowboy outfit and hat. He had to get out of here. He pulled the hat low, and sauntered to the cash register. Thankfully, the man took his money. His low voice wouldn’t get their attention.
After he paid, he put his paper under his arm and quickly walked across the short distance to the door. Outside, he turned right to avoid being seen in the window, and hurried back to his rental car. He’d go to the motel, on the outskirts of town, and get ready for his final plan. A thrill swept through him. He’d killed before, and it had given a sensation he hadn’t felt since. It had been much too long since he’d felt that zing. He couldn’t wait to see their faces when he surprised them.
Chapter Ten
Drake stopped at a general store. They bought one large sleeping bag, some extra towels, milk, bread, sandwich meat, mayonnaise, and chips. Janice added sodas, and paper cups and plates to the growing pile.
“This ought to get us by for now. We’ll eat most of our meals with Samantha and Jackson until we head back day after tomorrow,” Drake said. “I got the lights and, as you know, the water turned on the last time I was here.” Drake picked up the check. “Ready?”
“Yes, are we going to Jackson’s place?”
“We are, at supper time,” he said, and pulled her tight against his side as they waited for his change.
“Why not now? I can’t wait to tell Sam about our engagement and show her my ring.”
“First, you and I have to discuss our future.” Drake held the door.
Janice stepped into the noon heat. Heat waves simmered over the two-lane blacktop road leading out of town. “It’s going to be a hot summer.”
“I know just how to cool you off. There’s a stream not too far from the house, and on our property. We’ll go there, swim, and decide on our future plans.”
A narrow lane wrapped around the house and past the garage and barn. Wildflowers and weeds grew side by side in the wide open pastures. Drake took a turn to the left and they were driving toward a hammock of oaks. Behind the oaks the river sparkled like a silver ribbon.
Cameron, Paige - The Billionaire Rancher Buys a Wife [Wives for the Western Billionaires 2] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) Page 10