“I will, but after next Saturday, I’ll have you completely to myself and at my mercy.” His husky voice sent a shiver of desire down her spine.
“Janice is staying the week. She’ll help get everything set for the wedding. She’s the most organized person I know.” Samantha pulled back. “Got to go. See you tomorrow.” She waved before hurrying into the house to find her friend and escape to the quiet of Gramps’ ranch.
“I was ready to go,” Janice said when they were climbing into the limo. “And I’ll be ready as you are to see them fly away.”
“Them? Or him?”
“Samantha, what is it with you? I’ve told you I’m not interested in the man.”
“Ah, but you knew who I was talking about.”
Janice snuggled down in her seat. “Hush, I’m sleepy.”
* * * *
“This is a mad house,” Samantha said. Children ran around the yard, yelling and laughing. Their parents strolled around the house and barn sipping on tall, cool drinks.
Samantha and Janice joined Jackson at one of the barbecue pits.
“After last night, I thought I’d never be hungry again, but that seductive fragrance has my mouth watering,” Samantha said.
Jackson pulled a piece of rib meat from the bone and proceeded to feed her. “Good?”
“Hmm, yes.” She licked his finger just before he pulled it back. She glanced around. Janice had joined some women a few feet to the left. Samantha leaned close. “I think I’ll cover you in barbecue sauce,” she whispered to Jackson, “and lick it off.”
His eyes blazed then went very dark. “Keep tempting me and I’ll carry you away right now.”
Samantha wasn’t sure if he was teasing her or not but chose to change the subject. “You’ll be leaving early tomorrow?”
He nodded. “I’ll call during the week, just so you don’t forget who you’re marrying.”
“Funny.”
“I try. After I decide on a CEO and tell them, I’ll let you know how it went.”
Samantha glanced around. Mr. Greenlee’s boys were standing in line with the other children for a ride on a pony. Mr. Greenlee and his wife stood nearby looking relaxed and happy.
She continued to search the crowd until she spotted Lunette leaning close to Drake while they talked. Today she had dressed in skintight jeans and a loose blouse that still emphasized her full breasts.
“You really don’t like her.”
“Who?” Samantha asked, turning back to Jackson.
“Forget her, let’s go for a hayride,” he said. Pulling Samantha to his side, he walked with her in the opposite direction from Drake and Lunette.
Samantha spotted Janice leaning against a shade tree. Her attention obviously centered on Drake. A frown wrinkled her forehead.
“Janice,” she called out. Janice turned and quickly put a smile on her face. “Join us,” Samantha said. “We’re going on a hayride.”
“Sure.” Janice took one last glance behind her before walking to the wagon filled with hay.
Children clamored to join the adults. Soon little and big kids swarmed around them and on them. Jackson had pulled Samantha down beside him on top of a large pile of hay.
Samantha leaned in close. “Sure you still want children?”
“At least four.” He laughed at her shocked expression. The wagon jerked as they started off. A small hand tugged at Jackson’s arm.
“I’m scared.” Blonde hair fell around her tiny face, and tears ran out of large blue eyes.
Jackson picked her up and placed her between him and Samantha. “Is that better?”
The little girl hiccupped and nodded her head yes. She gave Jackson a big smile.
“I think she just wrapped you around her little finger,” Samantha quipped. She looked over the child’s head and stared into Jackson’s smiling eyes. Her heart lurched. What in the world have I done? She couldn’t deny her feelings any longer. I’ve fallen in love with Jackson.
The rest of the party went by in a haze. All of her denial had been false. Stunned by her realization, she found herself watching Jackson all afternoon. She noted how easy it was for him to move from one group to the next. It was obvious he was well-liked. She admired his ability to talk with everyone, including the children.
Loving him frightened her. She’d wanted a sensible marriage with her here running the ranch and him taking care of his business. Her world had turned upside down. She didn’t want to love him. Everyone I love dies. The thought seared across her brain. Where did that come from? How ridiculous.
“Sam”—Janice touched her arm—“are you all right?”
“Of course, why do you ask?”
“Well you’ve been standing in the same spot for the last ten minutes and frowning at that poor horse inside the corral like you’d like to kick him.”
Samantha shook herself. “I must be tired. Isn’t it time for this party to end?”
Janice looked at Samantha with a worried expression on her face. “I think it’s time enough that we can leave. Let’s go to the car. I’ll drive.”
“Sounds wonderful. But, I have to be polite and tell them all good-bye.”
“Then I’ll walk with you. We’ll make it short.”
After endless handshaking, a few hugs, and a kiss from Jackson, Samantha climbed into the passenger seat of her car. She closed her eyes. “Thanks, Janice. Did I do the good-byes all right?”
“Don’t worry. You fooled everyone but me—and Jackson.”
Later that evening, Jackson called. He was concerned about her since she’d left the barbecue early. Samantha appeased him by telling him that something she’d eaten hadn’t agreed with her, but the sick feeling had passed.
Janice, being in the same room when Samantha answered the call, gave her a wry smile when she hung up. “You might fool him with that story. Not me.”
They’d dressed in their pajamas and sat curled into soft leather chairs in the family room. The muted TV flashed the only light in the room. Gramps had retired much earlier.
Taking a handful of popcorn from the bowl on the table between them, Samantha faced Janice.
“I love Jackson.”
“Well, I hope so. You are marrying him next Saturday.”
“This wasn’t supposed to happen. I wanted a convenient, sensible marriage.”
“Why? I’d think loving your husband would be much more preferable.”
“I don’t know. I had the weirdest thought just before you rescued me and took me home.”
Janice didn’t speak. She waited patiently.
“It was that I didn’t want to love anyone because the people I love die. Isn’t that stupid?”
“Not really, it’s what I’ve suspected.”
“What?”
“Sam, the few men you’ve had serious relationships with have been good men. But, you always found some fault in them and ended things.” She held her hand up when Samantha started to speak. “Let me finish. I’ve never had the nerve to say this. If I stop now, I won’t.
“The attraction between you and Jackson has been evident for years to others, and yet you took care to run away if he looked like he might respond to you.
“My belief is that the losses in your life have affected you more than you’ve been willing to admit. You lost your parents at a young age, both suddenly. Your grandmother died of an unexpected heart attack. You took her loss hard.”
“Why didn’t you suggest this to me before?”
“It was only my supposition. You’d have denied it. You had to make the discovery yourself.”
“I said the thought crossed my mind. I didn’t say I believed it.”
“You do. Quit trying to fool yourself. The man loves you, and you love him. How lucky can you get? Don’t let the past ruin your future.” Janice stood and stretched. “I’m going to bed. I probably don’t know what I’m talking about.” She leaned down and kissed the top of Samantha’s head. “Tomorrow we start to seriously work on your wedding.”
&
nbsp; “Good night.” Samantha watched as her friend left the room.
Janice’s response to what she’d said had not been what she expected or wanted to hear.
What do I do now? I wish I could bury that thought—never think of it again. It was too late. Admitting she loved Jackson had her feeling shaky and exposed.
No, vulnerable and scared.
Chapter Nine
Samantha and Janice had taken a trip to San Antonio. Samantha drove into a parking place behind the house. “I wonder if Gramps is in from the fields. I worry about him. He’s been looking more tired lately.”
“It’s probably just all the excitement about your engagement and upcoming wedding. He seems very happy you’re marrying Jackson.”
“He let me know how pleased he was the night Jackson came to dinner and asked for my hand.” Samantha chuckled. “He was tickled that Jackson asked him. An old-fashioned tradition, but then Gramps would expect it.”
“Your Gramps is a sweet man.” Janice opened the car door. “I’m glad our trip was successful and didn’t take too long. We found you the perfect wedding gown.” She climbed out and stretched. “I’m going to shower and change before supper. See you later.”
Samantha opened the trunk and took out her dress. She was thrilled with her choice and couldn’t wait to see Jackson’s expression on their wedding day. It still felt unreal that they would be man and wife in three short days. She went in through the kitchen to show Maria what she’d bought, but no one was around. Gramps’ study door stood half open and the room empty. He wasn’t home either. Suddenly, a flash of yellow fur came rushing at her. Sunshine jumped up and down at her feet and barked.
“Where did you come from?”
Her grandfather’s foreman stuck his head in the door. “She’s been missing you folks. I brought her from the barn.”
She picked the puppy up, and Sunshine licked her face. Samantha smiled. “Thanks. I think we both need each other.” The foreman waved and walked toward the corral.
“I’m leaving you,” she said to the puppy. “Just for a moment.” Starting to climb the stairs, a let-down feeling washed over her. She was tired and disappointed that Jackson hadn’t called the last few days. I’m being silly. I refuse to mope over not getting a phone call. Samantha hung her gown in her closet and headed for the shower.
At six, when neither Maria nor Gramps had appeared, Samantha began to worry. She sat in Gramps’ study. The scent of his cigar and Old Spice made her lonely. Sunshine had cuddled in her lap.
Gramps and Maria hadn’t expected her and Janice back until tomorrow, but since they’d found the dress so quickly they’d cut their trip short. Still, where could they be? Samantha reached for the phone just as it rang. She jerked back then took a breath and answered.
“Sam,” Maria said. “I got a call from the foreman that you’d gotten home early. I hope you didn’t worry.”
“I was beginning to. Where are you and Gramps?”
“Your grandfather gave me the time off while you were gone. He said he planned to visit a friend in Houston. We’ll both be returning tomorrow.”
“That’s strange. I didn’t know Gramps had a friend in the big city. Thanks for calling, Maria. See you tomorrow.”
Samantha hung up the phone. She’d known Maria long enough to hear the hesitation in her voice. There was something she didn’t tell her. Before she moved from the phone, it rang again. No calls for two days and now the calls came one after another.
“Hello,” Samantha said.
“Miss me?”
“I haven’t had time. I’ve been busy,” she fibbed. Jackson’s low, husky tone made her toes curl.
He laughed. “You’re annoyed because I haven’t called. The past few days have been so hectic. But I’ve decided on my CEO and made the announcement today.”
“Who?”
“Your choice, Mr. Greenlee. He was totally surprised and pleased.”
“I imagine Lunette was also surprised and not pleased.”
“You’re right. She didn’t take it well at all. Surprisingly, she thought you had something to do with my not choosing her. I told her I’d made the final decision. I did offer for her to be the head consultant on the overseas accounts. She refused and stalked out of my office. I’m sure she’ll get and take an offer from my number one competitor, Scott Perkins.”
“Can she hurt the business?” Samantha ran her fingers through Sunshine’s fur. The pup laid her head down, about to go to sleep.
“Maybe a little. Not much though. One of the reasons I had several associates was so no one person knew everything. Because of that, I may need to come in for a few weeks after our honeymoon to tie up any loose ends and make sure Greenlee has all his questions answered.”
“Where are we going on our honeymoon?”
“You’ll be surprised, but, believe me, not disappointed.”
“I don’t like surprises. I won’t know what to pack.”
“You only need the dress you wear on the plane and one to return in. I intend to keep you naked most of the time.”
Her face flushed hot from the heat his words triggered in her body. Her heartbeat pounded at the thought. “Dream on. I’ll pack casual, and if it isn’t appropriate, it’s your fault.”
“I’m going to make you eat those words. Got to go. See you Friday for the rehearsal dinner. Mom and Dad will arrive that afternoon. Bye.”
Janice knocked on the study door. “From the heightened color in your face, I’d say you just talked to Jackson.”
“And Maria. She and Gramps won’t be back until tomorrow. Let’s drive into Saddle Creek and get pizza.” Samantha took Sunshine and placed her in her bed in the kitchen.
“Sounds good. We’ll go over the list of things to do. I think we can check off most everything as done.”
“You missed your calling, Janice. You’d have made an excellent wedding planner.”
“Go wash your mouth out. That’d be my last choice.”
* * * *
The weatherman had promised her wedding day would be sunny and warm. Samantha stood at her bedroom window. The sun hadn’t risen yet. They’d planned to have the wedding start just when the sky was beginning to lighten so the sunrise would shine full on them during the ceremony.
Samantha sipped the cup of tea she’d slipped downstairs and made. Yesterday they’d practiced the ceremony and had the dinner at Jackson’s house. She’d been happy to see his parents. They’d always been kind to her and were pleased about Jackson and her marrying.
Jackson had been affectionate, but—Samantha smiled—restrained somewhat around his parents and Gramps.
“You’re awake.” Janice poked her head around the door. “Time to get you dressed.”
“I can manage. Go get yourself ready.”
“All right. I’m so excited for you.”
In a short time, she, Maria, Gramps, and Janice were headed to the place where she’d be married. They’d taken the truck with the windows closed to preserve her hairdo. They had to walk the last part. Samantha had worn jeans, a casual shirt, and sandals until they got to the tent that had been erected to the side and behind the trees. There she’d freshen her makeup and put on her gown. They’d arrived early so no one would see her until she started down the path that had been covered with a thin layer of smooth wood.
Janice peeked out. “Looks like everyone is about here.” She laughed. “Including Sunshine, who’s getting much attention.”
Samantha looked out between the tent flaps. Patio lights had been set up around the walkway to the immediate area, then tall candelabras were positioned along the path to the front where she and Jackson would say their vows. One of the cowhands had made sure the candles were lit. The two violin players were arranging their music.
“The ceremony will start soon,” Janice said and pulled Samantha back to check on her appearance one last time.
“It better if we want to be down the aisle before the sun is completely up.”
> “You look beautiful.” Janice smiled at her.
“Thanks, you don’t look bad yourself. Who would have thought a redhead could wear pink?”
“It’s the shade of pink, and I have auburn hair.”
“There’s the music, our cue. You first, Janice.” Janice nodded and walked out of the tent.
Samantha took a deep breath and stepped onto the wood path. She smiled at Gramps when he walked up to her. “You look very handsome, Gramps.”
“I had to put on my best suit to give my best girl to Jackson. It’s hard to let you go, but time. I can’t wait for all those great-grandbabies.”
“Gramps. Give us time. Don’t rush us.” She kissed his cheek then turned to look at the beautiful scene set out before her. All along the walkway, flowers attached to soft chiffon had been placed at the end of each aisle of chairs. Janice had just arrived at the front where the minister, Jackson, and his father waited.
A breeze rippled through the canopy of trees making a lovely rustling sound. The timing was perfect. As Samantha took her first step, the sun popped up from the horizon flooding the area in light. She heard the murmur amongst her guests of family and close friends. She knew her strapless, cream-colored silk organza gown must be glowing as she’d hoped, especially her beaded satin belt.
She looked at Jackson. His smile warmed her heart. She never remembered those last few steps to his side. She did remember Gramps putting her hand in Jackson’s and the glint in Jackson’s eyes as he looked at her.
He spoke his vows clearly, his voice amplified by the arrangement of the trees, like a cathedral. The sweet smell of pine scented the air, and the sound from the waterfall was fitting music to complement the ceremony just as Samantha had visualized her wedding over the years.
The minister had just turned to her and she’d begun to say her vows when a strident voice spoke from the back.
“You slut. You’ve taken everything from me. You slept with him and encouraged him to not give me the position I deserved. The one I worked for.” Lunette, looking distraught, held a gun pointed at Samantha’s heart. Hate filled her eyes, tears ran down her face, and her appearance, usually so immaculate, was just the opposite. “I will take you from him. Just as he has taken all I wanted from me.” Her hand shook, but she kept the gun aimed right at Samantha.
Cameron, Paige - The Billionaire Cowboy Takes a Wife (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) Page 9