Cameron, Paige - The Billionaire Cowboy Takes a Wife (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) (4 page)

“We are sometime today. I don’t intend to sit around too long waiting for him to remember me.”

“Check with
Jackson
. If you’re free, how about meeting at our favorite Italian place?”

“Great. Unless I call back, plan on seeing me at noon.”

“It’s a date.” Janice hung up just as
Jackson
came striding through his door.

“This is going to take longer than I’d thought. I’ve called my housekeeper, Anna Murphy. She’ll be waiting for you at my townhouse. My chauffeur will drive you there.”

“Whoa. Housekeeper and chauffeur? What’s wrong with me taking a taxi?”

“Why?”
Jackson
gave her a puzzled look.

“Because I’m not used to all of this.” She spread her hands to encompass the lovely room. “I’m a plain cowgirl, remember?”

He ignored her comment. “I have one more surprise. You have an appointment at the spa, downstairs from my condo apartment, to have a massage and facial in an hour.”

“I’m meeting Janice for lunch at twelve.”

Jackson
raised an eyebrow, but the arrival of his secretary stopped him from whatever he planned to say. Mrs. Haverty had a tray with coffee, juice, and toast.

“Thanks, Mrs. Haverty. See that she eats and then have the car brought around front for her.” He turned back to Samantha. “We’re going to a fancy party tonight. If you didn’t bring a gown with you, go shopping and put it on my card.” He went to hand her his credit card.

Samantha backed away. “We aren’t married yet. I can buy my own clothes.” She found herself frowning at his back and listening to his laugh as he strode quickly into his office and closed the door.

The coffee and food did make her feel more like herself. Mrs. Haverty very efficiently had her in the car and headed to
Jackson
’s townhouse in no time. The car slowed and parked in front of another impressive, tall building. The front double doors had elaborate etching on the glass panels. Her chauffeur opened the car door, and she stepped out. Glancing at her watch, she saw it had only taken fifteen minutes to get here.

The doorman greeted her by name and opened the doors to the lobby. Mrs. Haverty must have called ahead. Samantha’s head spun with all this attention. She’d never suspected
Jackson
had such prominence in the business world. She had always been single-minded concerning ranching and living in the country. Even if she did begin to have feelings for
Jackson
, she doubted she’d ever get used to or like living in the city.

Large vases of mixed flowers and some of orchids were scattered around the palatial lobby, sending a sweet fragrance into the air. The doorman directed her to a separate elevator.

“This one goes straight to the penthouse. Mrs. Murphy is expecting you.”

“Thank you...” She glanced at his name tag. “Harold.”

She stepped into the mirrored elevator, and it shot smoothly to the top, leaving her stomach behind. She really didn’t like all these high buildings. The doors slid open to a large foyer. Highly polished dark wood covered the walls. Another vase filled with long-stemmed red roses sat on a small table by the double doors, which stood open. A tall, broad-shouldered woman with gray hair and friendly brown eyes stood at the entrance, smiling at her.

“You must be Miss Riley. Come in. Mrs. Haverty called ahead to tell me to expect you.” She opened the door wider, and Samantha moved inside. The living room looked like something out of one of the house and garden magazines. A soft blend of yellows and blues welcomed her. To the left, a long line of patio doors stood open to a wide balcony.

“Why don’t you look around while I get you some tea?” Mrs. Murphy looked at her watch. “You have about a half hour before your massage appointment.” She walked briskly along a hallway and turned right.

Samantha followed her and saw a gleaming white kitchen. She continued to stroll along the hall, noticing a study on the left and two bedrooms on the right. At the end were another set of double doors. This must be the master bedroom. Her hand hesitated on the door knob, but curiosity got the better of her.

The doors opened into a cozy sitting room. One wall lined with books, and on the other side a large television. A single door on the left led into the enormous bedroom. Shades of gray and blue color were integrated into the walls, the curtains, and the bedspread, giving a soothing ambiance.

Drapes covered the right wall. When she pushed a round, silver button located right beside them, they slid back, exposing another set of doors which opened to a smaller balcony. From here, a wide, expansive view of the city spread out before her. She stepped outside. Wind blew her hair wildly around her. Cautiously, she moved forward. It really was a wonderful panoramic view.

“Your tea, Miss Riley.” Anna had stepped out behind her. “Perhaps you’d like to sit here for a few minutes.” She motioned to a chair by a small table. “
Jackson
likes to start his morning reading his paper out here.” She smiled, in a motherly fashion, each time she spoke of
Jackson
.

“No. I’ll be right back inside.”

“Take your time.”

Samantha started to follow her when she saw another door on the other side of the room. She walked across the deep, plush carpet and pushed the door open, exposing a luxurious bath. The tile was a dark green and white. In one corner was a large shower with mirrors all around and several showerheads set at different angles. Across the room, a long vanity held two sinks and to the right, opposite the shower, was a huge, sunken, jetted tub. It was really quite decadent and nothing she would have expected of
Jackson
. She’d begun to wonder if she knew him at all.

She glanced at her watch. She barely had time to drink her tea and get downstairs to the spa. Hurriedly, she retraced her steps to the lounge area.

* * * *

Samantha stepped out of the black limousine in front of the small Italian restaurant she and Janice had found several years ago. It was tucked away on the outskirts of town. Several people glanced at her and the shiny, long car. Tempting smells of pizza and other Italian delights drifted out to the street. Taking off her sunglasses, she strolled into the dining room searching for her friend. She saw Janice wave from their favorite corner booth and headed her way.

“You look great,” Janice said.

“I feel pretty great. I just had a massage and facial which included new makeup for my face.”

“Whoever did the job knew their business. The right colors with a light touch. But you’ve never cared for anything but powder and a light blush.”

“
Jackson
arranged it. Well, I didn’t know about the makeup part, but we’re going to a party. I guess he didn’t want me embarrassing him as the country cousin, so to speak.”

“I doubt that. You always look beautiful. Still, the light colors do bring out your eyes.”

“Enough, please. Tell me how I’m going to get out of this mess. He’s apparently terribly rich. I’ll never fit in.”

The waiter stepped up to their table. “Would you ladies like to order?” They ordered their favorite, a supreme, thick-crust pizza and side salad. Once he left, Samantha stared at her friend, trying to get Janice to give her an answer to the predicament she’d gotten herself into.

“He is very rich and well-respected. I’m not sure if you realize the busy social life he has in town. Women flock to him.”

“Has he ever had a serious relationship?”

Janice nodded. “Several over the years, one woman I thought for sure he’d marry, but he took over his parents’ ranch about that time, and soon after they split.”

“I remember. He brought her to the ranch once. Pretty, blonde, tiny, hung on his every word,” Samantha said.

“That would be her. I believe since you saw her, you must have seen Jackson and her together. Seeing her and you side by side must have made
Jackson
realize he still cared for you.”

“You think he’s cared for me, a long time?”

“I do. And I don’t think there’s any way he’ll let you out of this deal you made.”

Samantha’s head spun with all the surprises she’d discovered today.
Jackson
may have been her friend, but his world encompassed so much more than she’d expected. She’d never fit in. After the party tonight, he’d see how unprepared she was to be the type of wife he needed.

Their steaming hot pizza and small salads were placed on their table, stopping any further conversation while they savored the delicious food. Samantha took a last bite of her pizza and sat back.

“How’s your business?” she asked Janice.

“Good. Actually,
Jackson
sends work my way quite often.”

“Really?”

“Don’t be so surprised. I’m a good corporate lawyer. And speaking of
Jackson
, don’t look now, but he’s headed our way.”

Samantha glanced around and saw him weaving his way around the crowded room in their direction. In a few long strides, he arrived at their table.

“Ladies, I hope I’m not interrupting. How are you, Janice?”

“Busy. I’m glad to see you, but I’ve got to run. You can have my seat.”

“No, Janice, please stay.” Samantha put out her hand.

“Wish I could. Call me later.” She turned and walked briskly off.

Jackson
sat and reached across, taking Samantha’s hand. “Hope I didn’t break up your visit. I got finished early and thought I’d grab a bite to eat with you before our appointment.”

Samantha didn’t reply as the waiter had come to the table to take his order. After deciding on a salad and a small pizza, he glanced across at her.

“I’m having a glass of merlot. Do you want something besides that tea?” He motioned to her glass. “Be daring and join me in a glass of wine.”

Against her will, she smiled. “All right, I’ll have a glass of Riesling.” The waiter nodded and hurried off.

“Did you and Janice have a nice visit?”

“It was too short. But, I’m glad you came. We need to talk.”

Again, he enclosed his fingers around her hand. “Talk.”

She didn’t want to admit she found it difficult to think clearly when he was rubbing his thumb across her palm. Those new jittery feelings swept over her at his touch. She wet her dry lips.

“You never told me you were rich and owned buildings and lived in a place straight out of a magazine. You have a chauffeur!”

He threw back his head and laughed. “Is it a crime to have someone drive me around? I get a lot of work done while I’m traveling from one end of town to another.”

“But can’t you see I don’t fit in? I’ll never be the wife you need.”

He moved quickly from his side of the booth to hers. She slid into the corner. His tall frame hovered over her. His eyes glinted.

“And what type of wife do I need?”

“A sophisticated woman. One that likes parties and socializing. That’s not me. I’d make you miserable,” Samantha said. Her breath caught in her throat. He surrounded her with his strong, masculine aura and the spicy male scent he wore. She both wanted to push him away and pull him forward. Her contrary thoughts had her confused.

He lifted her hand and turned it palm up. His lips brushed across her skin, shooting a needy hunger straight to her core.