Cameron, Paige - The Billionaire Cowboy Takes a Wife (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) (13 page)

Samantha watched them blend back into a group standing near the open door to the patio and pool. Glancing around, she realized Janice had slipped away. She’d get a drink and find her.

“You really think this marriage will work.” Lunette walked up behind her. “It may take me a while to convince him he’s made a mistake, but he will come to that realization.” Her eyes shot darts of anger at Samantha. “Don’t underestimate what I will do, to have whatever it is I want.”

“Excuse me, Lunette. I’m going to get a glass of wine.” She deliberately walked in the opposite direction from the woman and her cloying perfume.

Samantha felt the heat of Lunette’s glare burning between her shoulder blades. She forced herself to show no reaction. There wasn’t anything the woman could do but talk, and she suspected most people would disregard what she said as the ranting of a jealous woman.

A waiter came by carrying a tray of white wine. Samantha took a glass and headed outside. She spotted
Jackson
’s head in a group of men standing by the far end of the pool. To the right was the large lounge chair where she and Jackson had made love under the night sky. Her face warmed at the memory. To take her mind off those thoughts, she looked for Janice.

Janice stood in a shadowy corner with Drake. He towered over her friend and appeared to be conversing seriously about something. Janice shook her head, stepped around him, and walked toward the lighted area. Samantha waved, and Janice headed toward her.

She grabbed a glass of red wine from a waiter’s tray and handed it to Janice. “What’s wrong? You look upset.”

“That man is the most egotistical, arrogant—well, I won’t go over all the superlatives to describe him. He’s annoying and makes me angry quicker than anyone I’ve known.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you really angry.”

Janice stopped a waiter and took a small plate of roasted oysters and grilled mushrooms off his tray. “Let’s sit here.” She pointed to a round table right behind them. “We’ll eat some appetizers and maybe feel better.”

They stepped back to the table. Samantha grabbed a plate of cheese and apple slices and joined Janice. The delicious fragrance of roast beef came from the kitchen area. “
Jackson
is busy socializing. His cook obviously has everything under control so we get to relax and talk. The rest of the weekend will be full. He’s planning a huge barbecue tomorrow. His staff is doing a wonderful job, which frees me from having to do much.”

“You can be lazy tonight, but we still have your invitations to send out, and we have to complete all the plans for your wedding before next weekend,” Janice reminded her.

“Keep her at it, Janice,”
Jackson
said as he leaned down and brushed a kiss across Samantha’s cheek. “Are you two enjoying yourselves?”

“It’s lovely,
Jackson
,” Janice said.

“Mind if I take Samantha away for a few minutes?”

“Not at all. I’m going to sit here and enjoy the sunset.” Janice smiled as
Jackson
pulled out Samantha’s chair and put his arm around her waist.

“I’ll see you inside shortly,” Samantha said.

Jackson
pulled her closer and whispered in her ear. “Let’s walk around the side and go down to the barn. I want to ask you to do me a favor.”

She looked at him, puzzled by his words. “You had most of the afternoon to ask me.”

“True.” He smiled. “But my attention got diverted to other matters.”

They slipped out a side door and walked briskly across the yard to the stable. Inside, except for a dim bulb in the back, the area was dark and smelled of horses and hay. A pleasant odor to Samantha.

Jackson
turned her toward him and kissed her forehead. Samantha stepped out of his arms.

“If we get started, you’ll forget to ask me your favor.”

“Sad, but true. I’d like you to watch my associates and their families tonight and tomorrow during activities. Next week I’ll be making my decision. I’d like your input.”

His words pleased her. “I wasn’t sure you were serious about wanting my opinion,” she said.

“Why not?” He hugged her close again. “I’ve always considered you observant and smart about people, except for your poor choices in male friends. That is except for me of course. I have three senior associates. You’ve met two. I’ll introduce Paul Thomas to you tonight, although he’s too close to retirement. I’m really considering either Charles or Lunette.”

Samantha hesitated. She already knew where her vote would go. “I think you should ask someone else for input.”

Jackson
leaned back, trying to see her expression. “Really? Why?”

“It’s a woman thing. She irritates me. I’m sure it’s mutual. My vote would definitely go for Mr. Greenlee. I liked his family a lot. They’ll keep him grounded.”

“Interesting. Has Lunette said something to upset you?”

“Let’s just leave it with what I said. We’d better go back. I’m sure the efficient Mrs. Murphy has dinner on the table.”

Jackson
started to speak, but instead he put his arm through hers, and they strolled back through the dark to the lighted house.

The dinner went well. All the guests chatted happily, and the food was delicious. When Samantha thought enough time had passed, she found
Jackson
to tell him good night.

“I’m tired. Tomorrow will be another busy day.”

He pulled her outside and wrapped his arms around her. “I’m going back with Drake Sunday. There’s a lot to be done before I can pick a CEO and resign. I want it finished before our wedding.”

Samantha leaned her head into his chest. She breathed in his scent. Her lips kissed his chest where his shirt was unbuttoned. He pulled her tighter, and she felt his arousal.

Lifting her head, she smiled. “You’ll miss me?”

“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.”