Wicked Cowboy (Steel Series Book 4)

by Victoria Pinder

  Chelsea pushed her spoon and empty ice cream bowl away from her and stood fast. “I’m not moving to Pittsburgh. I am not leaving my parents.”

  Ridley sunk into the seat beside her and waited until Chelsea settled into hers. Then she said, “I… was best friends with your mom. I never traveled here, but you must have heard my voice many times before when she put me on speakerphone.”

  I held still as Chelsea stared at her with thin lips. Then her face went white and her head lowered. “Yeah, you and mom talked a lot about… dinner.”

  Ridley put her hand on the table. “We talked about everything, including her dreams for you to go to college and have that opportunity to have more than she’d had.”

  Chelsea wiped her eyes. “I miss them.”

  “I miss them, too,” Ridley whispered.

  Damn. My heart twisted that Chelsea’s emotional well-being was my responsibility now. I’d never intended to marry any woman, but Bernie’s girl needed my help.

  Besides, Ridley was more than a beautiful woman. She’d be a perfect fill-in mom and was sexy as fucking hell.

  Chelsea took Ridley’s hands. “Dad told me that Carter was like his brother and he’s all I have left now...”

  Ridley wiped a tear from the girl’s eyes. “It’s okay. We don’t need to rush to any decisions.”

  My heart swelled. In the will, we’d been directed to share. I’d follow Bernie’s wishes. It was like my best friend knew who I needed. I blinked, and Ridley’s white face caught my attention. Very few women in the world would drop everything for a friend’s child. She had a good heart and that was rare in my world. I pressed my hand on my dad’s shoulder when I said, “Ridley, I think you should also meet Hudson Rockson.”

  She took a deep breath and then nodded as she said, “Nice to meet you, sir.”

  I gently pushed him forward. “He’s had two heart attacks and he’s under doctor's orders to change his life.”

  She put her arm on her hip and shook her head as she sized up my father. “So you’re one of the stubborn patients who eventually show up in my ER and make my life miserable from the second you check in.”

  My pop asked, “What do you do, Miss?”

  “ER nurse,” She said and gazed at him, “And, you seem like you don’t follow orders well.”

  “True,” Pop answered fast.

  My spine lightened at the idea someone might see exactly who my father was. She’d be a perfect choice for a wife.

  "Changing the topic," Ridley turned her pretty brown eyes up to me and asked, “When did you leave the SEALs and move back here?”

  “Less than a year ago. Chelsea and her parents have come over many times.” My lips tingled. If she said yes, I’d find out how sweet Ridley’s kiss might be. “We’d had a barbeque a few weeks ago.”

  She lowered her lashes, masking her pretty hues from sight. “I see.”

  Chelsea was my responsibility now, but Ridley had come out of a good heart. I waved for her to get up when I said, “It was fun to see my friend and his family. Let’s go talk.”

  She hugged Chelsea and then shook hands with my father. Then she fell in step with me as we marched down the hall. This time, I directed her to my office.

  If I was behind my desk, maybe I’d keep myself in better check. She took her seat and waited until I sat down and then said, “Carter, you are qualified to watch Chelsea. I shouldn’t have made assumptions about you.”

  The space between us seemed like a mile, so I stood and walked around my desk to lean against it. “We’re all going through the motions right now, but you and I were both named as co-parents in that will. I didn’t want to consider that before we met.”

  She cupped her cheek and refused to glance up at me. “Me, too. I assumed we’d fight.”

  My eyes went to her large breasts and heat rose in my face. I pivoted to get away and moved a side chair and sat beside her when I said, “Not at all.”

  She took my hand. “I came here to help Chloe’s daughter, but I should have visited more often. Chelsea knows you.”

  I gently squeezed her palm, but the same pulse raced through me, when I said, “I need help.”

  Her pretty lips widened as she asked, “What?”

  I let go of her and sat straight in my chair. My instincts said she belonged here, and I'd learned long ago to listen to that voice. So I said, “Look, my dad is sick and I’m confident I can protect Chelsea, I’m not so sure how to raise a girl. I’m not overly emotional and I grew up being taught I was the center of the universe.”

  She side-eyed the gold-encrusted paneling of the window. “I can see that.”

  My mother had been over the top. I’d not changed too much around the house to keep my father calm. I’d come home because he needed me. If not for him, I’d never be here at all. My chest swelled a little. “I did all I could to help and be the best version of myself in the SEALs, but that doesn’t apply to children or helping an old man.”

  She let out a little whimper. “You let me cry on your couch. You’re not so bad.”

  The initial plan to buy her off had been wrong. She needed to be here, too. I swallowed. “Look, I have money.”

  She hugged her waist like she was nervous but then bowed her head. “Clearly, and I’m not going to fight this.”

  No more tears. I scooted closer and whispered, “Chloe trusted you to help with her daughter. We’re both named in the will, and I need help.”

  She sucked in her bottom lip and then I saw her eyes were glistening. She let her lip free. “I’m listening.”

  Adrenaline rushed through me near her. I ran my hand through my short hair. “My father needs a nurse and he’s chased off two I hired this month.”

  The idea coming out of my mouth might work. We’d fit together. However, she sat back in her chair like this was an everyday conversation for her. “I’m sure there are more nurses in Texas.”

  I folded my hands and my skin singed with her nearness. “You’re tough enough to face me head-on, and besides my father is ornery and he needs someone strong willed and not easily offended.”

  Her lips curled higher. “But I’ve been defensive without even talking to you first or seeing your life first.”

  “I was wrong to assume I could just buy you out fast.” I licked my lips, wishing I could kiss her to know how she tasted. “But back to the point of our conversation. You have the girls’ best interest at heart.” I squared my shoulders. This was a mission I was on and wayward thoughts weren’t helpful. “I’d like to hire you to stay.”

  She tapped her arm like she assessed my plan. “You want to hire me as a private nurse?”

  My heart thundered, but I continued when I said, “And, nanny for Chelsea.”

  Her entire face turned red and she shook a little. “I… ha… where would I live?”

  I waved both hands toward either wall. Our house had ten bedrooms. “Here.”

  She gripped her seat and then stood. Her face relaxed. “This is silly. I have retirement benefits, family. I’ll do what I can for Chelsea, but I’m not sure I can move here immediately. My license would need to be changed and I don’t know where I’d live. There are a million details I’ve never thought about.”

  If she left, somehow, I’d have this gnawing sense I’d let her go. I jumped up to stand in front of her. “Then, how about we get married?”

  She stepped back and almost tripped over my desk. “Wait. What?”

  I reached out and that small touch sent a searing spark in my soul. “As my wife, I can pay you a six-figure allowance, health care, and retirement benefits.”

  She avoided my gaze and stared at my shirt. “What about love and sex?”

  I waited until I saw the ember in her eyes. “Sex is part of the discussion.”

  Her face had a bright blush and her hands were fists at her side. “You don’t even like me.”

  I used my thumb and pushed a stray hair out of her face and realized how delicate her skin was. “That’s untrue
.”

  She lifted her chin and my lips ached to kiss her. “I don’t want to be a stopover and be a temporary wife that you toss out in a year or so.”

  I’d not dated anyone in a long while and it had been years since I was this attracted to anyone. I remembered walking next to Ridley years ago like it was yesterday. I didn’t want to break the connection. It was like I held an angel when I said, “I… can offer fidelity provided your offering the same and the bedroom is open.”

  Her face was piqued. Her hands curled around my waist. “Give me one reason why I should take this seriously?”

  I came closer to taste her. Our faces were inches apart and a shiver of anticipation rushed through me. “Because we both want the same thing for that little girl and her parents must have had a reason for naming us both. You flew thousands of miles and you were right that I’m not equipped to raise her, though she’s not going anywhere as she’s my responsibility.”

  Her eyelashes fluttered closed as she said, “One day, you’ll want love.”

  My lips pressed against hers and my entire body trembled. She’d be mine.

  The kiss ended, and I said, “You’ll be enough for a lifetime.”

  Tears welled in her eyes and she trembled in my arms. “Can I give you an answer tomorrow?”

  Right. Reality. This was too much for her. For me, too. I stepped back and needed to take stock of what had happened. I tapped the desk. “I’ll have a room prepared for you. Dinner is at seven.”

  She let out a small sigh and I knew she’d stay.

  She’d accepted this much. I’d never be forgiven for the sins of my past, but a marriage of convenience ensured the girl had both of us, just as her parents had wanted.

  Ridley might be good for me. I had a sense she belonged here. So I walked out to give her space to find her bearings.

  Chapter 4

  Ridley

  Marry him? My mind raced. Every day of my life, I pictured… nothing for my future. I paced back and forth. My sisters and I were so different. I worked long hours with no plan of ever changing. I wasn’t the one with some life mission like my green living sister Nicole had. I wasn’t maternal like Georgie. Nor was I a go-getter like Indigo or a dreamer like Stephanie or a sweetheart like Olivia.

  I was the middle child who never shone in anything. So I threw myself into helping patients since dating had always ended in disaster.

  Now one of the hottest men I’d ever met just asked me to marry him… and take care of his father and new charge. My ears buzzed, and I questioned if I misheard him, but I hadn't. And my lips still tingled from that kiss.

  For years since that wedding, I'd hoped he’d come to sweep me up in his arms and tell me he was in love, but that was a silly dream. Now I knew, he packed a thrill in his lips. And that pledge of fidelity had made my knees weak.

  In this room with a pale green bedsheet and silver trims, I started to relax. At least this room wasn’t glittering with diamonds and gold.

  I closed my eyes and tossed myself on the bed. I needed grounding. I probably needed sleep too, but for the first time in days, I knew for a fact that girl was in a good home.

  I checked the door was closed and then grabbed my phone out of my pocketbook I’d tossed near the door with my small luggage earlier. Once I had it again, I called my sister, Nicole. Georgie, Indigo, and Stephanie were all in different time zones and I couldn’t be bothered calculating their equivalent times, but at least Nicole would be home.

  “Nicole,” I breathed when she answered.

  “Did you get Chelsea yet?”

  The lightness in her voice made me close my eyes. If I was half as beautiful as Nicole, then maybe I’d have more confidence. I closed my eyes and decided to tell her everything. “There’s been a snag.”

  “What’s going on?”

  Her tone had an inflection of concern. I took a deep breath and said fast, “Chelsea would prefer to stay with Carter.”

  “Did you get another picture with him?”

  My eyes widened and I pressed my hand to my heart. This wasn’t the way to comfort me. Adrenaline coursed through me. “Nicole!”

  She let out a small giggle. “You liked him years ago. Is he ugly now?”

  I never should have shared my favorite photo of us with her. Sure, it had been nice to show off his handsome face. Though, that photo had been taken before special training and muscles that held me tight. I let out a frustrated sigh, “No. He’s even more gorgeous.”

  “Married, with kids?”

  This was it. I tightened my shoulders. “No. In fact, he proposed.”

  “Proposed what?”

  I collapsed onto the pillows on the bed. No one would ever guess marriage. I ignored how my throat grew tight and finished, “Proposed we get married and raise Chelsea together. We’re both named in the will as her chosen guardians.”

  “Wow.”

  Understatement of the year. I opened my eyes and saw the time. It was almost seven. I slumped my way to my bag to find something to wear. “That’s one way to say it.”

  “What are you going to do?”

  This was the question of the day. Did I accept my eventual dying alone, or did I choose a different path? I grabbed my white blouse and capri shorts, which were my only clean clothes left. I hadn’t expected to stay in Texas this long. I needed a laundry room. “I used to say my life was in Pittsburgh with my sisters and family close by, but everyone else is moving to far off places.”

  Georgiana was in love with her home in Tulsa with her husband. Indigo was traveling the globe with her new husband. Stephanie was now in London, planning her wedding. And one day Nicole and Olivia would marry too, and I’d be… lonely. Nicole then said, “They are.”

  All my sisters would eventually fall in love, marry, have children, and who knew where they’d settle. Every sister had some sparkle to them. I pressed my hand to my head to feel the heat in my face. “I’m thinking of saying yes to this.”

  “Because you’re mad for him and been in love with him for years now?”

  My feelings on him were based on his good looks, not anything else. I hardly knew him, but this was probably the best offer I’d ever get. This was practical when I said, “Look, I don’t want to be the spinster aunt who falls apart on the couch at Christmas.”

  “That’s a specific fear.”

  Nicole never had to worry about this. I stripped down to my bra and underwear and wished I’d packed more. “I’m not determined like our older sisters or as vibrant as you and Olivia.”

  “We’re not vibrant. You’re dedicated.”

  “I bury myself with work and practically lived at the hospital these past few years.” I checked out my plain clothes and hoped this wasn’t a formal night when I said, “I prefer being useful than sitting around.”

  “My blog is work. It’s just not the kind that makes your body weak from fixing other people’s health.”

  I grabbed my flip flops I packed for a hotel. “I know your followers love you, Nicole. I’m just happy you still answer my calls.”

  “Just remember you’re loved and valued, and you can crash on my couch for Christmas anytime.”

  Now that was why she was a good sister to call. My lips curved higher. “I love you.”

  “I love you, too,” She said fast.

  We hung up and I tossed my door open to this dinner.

  The small, brown-haired, mini version of Chloe almost slammed into me. She wore the same jeans she’d had on earlier, though she had a clean shirt.

  We kept a foot between us when she asked, “Who were you talking to?”

  Had she heard me? I wished there was more I could do for her. “My sister.”

  She stayed in step as she clutched her chest. “I wish I had a sister, a brother, or someone else in my life that remembered my mom and dad the way I do.”

  I stopped in my tracks. “Chloe was an amazing woman and she loved you more than anything else in the world.”

  Chelsea’s face h
ad a flicker, like she’d cry, but then she steeled herself. “Ridley, you seem nice, but I can’t leave here.”

  Fair. I wasn’t here to force her. She was eight already and had her own voice.

  We started walking again, and I said, “I spent the past three days getting the paperwork in order so I can help you. The court awarded both Carter and me your custody, and I want to honor your mom’s wishes.”

  We made it to the dining room. It had huge bay windows that brought in the early evening light that reflected off a crystal chandelier to brighten the room. My heart thumped as she said, “Don’t make me hate you. I will if you force me to leave.”

  “I won’t.” I lifted my right hand like this was a court, and I said, “I want to ensure you’re able to thrive, just like your mom. She became so alive and energetic when she lived with my sisters and me.”

  I glanced at Carter’s brown eyes and strong shoulders as he stood.

  Chelsea took a seat as she said, “I know you were best friends with mom and she considered you and your family her family.”

  Carter, now in a clean white shirt and black slacks, motioned to take a seat next to him. I patted his hand, which was a mistake. Sparks was an understatement for what he did to me. I curled my lips up as a sign of thanks then said, “My parents were big on helping children who needed help, and when your mom moved into our house, she quickly became my best friend.”

  Hudson was wearing a blue tie. He smiled at us.

  Chelsea tugged her own seat in and reached for a piece of bread as she asked, “Why didn’t you come to see us before? I know mom invited you.”

  “I wanted it, but I just got busy and lost track of time.” My temples throbbed, and I noticed Carter’s brown eyes as he stared at me. He scooted closer to me. My father died, and my mom lost the will to live and followed him soon after. Our knees pressed under the table when I said, “After my own parents died a few years back, I didn’t see anyone really other than patients. But I came the second I heard about you because I wanted to help.”