Cameron, Paige - A Fling with the Billionaire Cowboy [Wives for the Western Billionaires 5] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) (13 page)

The phone rang. “Hi, this is Chelsea.”

“Lily here. I’ve taken a coffee cake out of the oven and thought what fun it would be to have you join me for coffee and cake. How about it?”

Chelsea glanced at her watch. “I have some time. I’m taking Dirk’s lunch to him at one.”

“That sounds like fun. Ty and I do that occasionally. But you’ll join me first?”

“Let me pack the lunch in the cooler and I’ll head your way.”

Chelsea went to the side kitchen door and knocked. The smell of cookies baking wafted out the screen.

“Welcome.” Lily unlocked the door and held it open. “You’re just in time. Diana has woken from her nap. She’ll have milk while we have the coffee and cake.”

“Won’t she cry seeing us eat?”

“No. She’s had her bottle. Her cup has a little more milk in it. She’ll probably spill most of that.” Lily kissed the top of Diana’s head.

Diana waved her hands around and smiled at Chelsea.

“She’s hoping to entice you to pick her up.”

“Can I after we eat?”

“Sure. She loves attention, but she’s not spoiled. She’s a mellow baby. Mrs. Terrell said Ty was that way. It’s hard to believe the way he used to be, but he is much mellower since our wedding.”

“Were you used to living in the country before you married Ty?”

Lily laughed. “I grew up in Philly. The first ranch I ever lived on was this one. I love the wide, open spaces, the quiet, and being surrounded by nature. It surprised me how much I took to the differences in lifestyle. How about you?”

“My home is about four hours from here. We lived on a smaller farm. I grew to hate the work, and the monotony. My father was not an easy man to live with. He had high expectations. There wasn’t time to enjoy the quiet, wide-open spaces or nature.”

Lily had started to pick up her cup. She studied Chelsea. “That’s why you went as far away as you could get?”

“I suppose, and the work fit my personality. I tend to be restless.”

“Maybe being here will change your mind.”

“There’s little chance. I’ll inevitably get antsy. But I’ll miss Dirk when I leave.”

“He’s a wonderful man, kind and polite. He’s there when he’s needed. Some lucky girl will marry him one day. He’s said he is ready to settle down and have kids.”

Chelsea’s coffee cake stuck in her throat. She took a quick drink of coffee to send it on down. Intuitively, she’d turned to look at Diana. Her two little, fat hands held the baby cup by the side handles. She was banging it on the high chair feeding tray. Milk splashed out of the cup spout, and she laughed.

“I never saw myself with babies or small children or as a wife. To me it looked like too much unappreciated work, and babies are noisy.”

“That they are. But her giggles, and snorts, even her crying tells me my baby is near. I love her. Ty is very appreciative about all I do. He helps with Diana at night, and at least once a week he cooks dinner. We have a date night where we dress up and go to town. It’s romantic.”

“Who cares for Diana?”

“One of our cowboy’s wives has a nine-month-old baby. We occasionally exchange a night with each other. And as I mentioned before, Dirk will help if needed. That way Ty and I get to go out for a special night. When Ty’s mom is here during the summer and fall, we could go out every night if we wanted. She and Mr. Terrell love their grandchildren.”

“You make it sound idyllic.”

“It can be if you’re in love. You still have to like ranching some. Here, hold Diana while I clean her chair and tray.” Without waiting for a response, Lily placed the baby in Chelsea’s arms. Diana gave her a toothless smile and took hold of her nose.

Lily bent over in laughter. “If you could see your face.”

She wiped her eyes and went to get a dish cloth.”

“There are my two favorite girls.” Ty walked in the kitchen with Dirk behind him.

Dirk raised his eyebrows when he saw Diana in Chelsea’s arms. “And there are my two favorite girls,” he said.

Ty kissed Lily and patted her butt. “Watch it,
fella
. We have company.”

“They aren’t company. They’re family.” He gave her one more pat before turning to greet his daughter. As soon as Diana saw him her little arms went up.”

“She’s such a girl,” Chelsea said. “Here she is already deserting me for two handsome cowboys.”

“What can we say,
darlin
’,” Dirk teased. “All the women want a cowboy.”

“Right. I should puncture that balloon head of yours. It’s getting too big. And I thought I was bringing lunch to you?”

“I called the house and didn’t get an answer. I took a chance you’d come to visit Lily. We decided to break earlier. We’ll still go on our picnic.”

“We’d better. The cooler is packed.”

Dirk surprised her by leaning down to kiss her. “You taste like Lily’s cinnamon coffee cake. Can I have some and coffee, Lily?”

“Sure. Both of you sit down. I’ll get it for you.”

“No, you won’t.” Ty handed Diana to Dirk. “You sit. I can tell you’ve been cooking all day. And your bell just rang for whatever you have in the oven.” He grabbed a pot holder and pulled out a sheet of chocolate cookies. Ty glanced at her and Lily’s face blushed red. “Does all this baking of sweets indicate something I should know?”

“I’m not sure. Get your coffee and cake, and Dirk’s.”

Ty winked at her before turning to his task. “We’ll talk later.”

Chelsea was mesmerized by the way Ty and Lily treated each other. It was obvious they were much in love and respected and cared for one another. Ty had no problem jumping in to help his wife, as Lily had said earlier. It was a partnership. Not one man commanding the rest of the family.

Dirk was playing with Diana, and the baby giggled in glee. The whole scenario ran in front of her like a movie of what life could be like instead of what she’d seen all her years growing up. But was it too good to be true? The ultimate question was, would it last?

* * * *

After his cake and coffee, Dirk suggested they leave.

Ty was going back out to work with the men.

“I’ll leave my horse here, Ty. Chelsea can bring me back after our picnic. I’ll ride south and meet up with you and the guys.”

“No rush. Enjoy your picnic. I’m taking Lily on one next week. Maybe Chelsea would keep Diana for us for the few hours we’re gone?”

“You know I haven’t the faintest idea of what to do with a baby.”

“Looked like you were doing all right when I walked in. It isn’t difficult, feed her, change her, and put her down for a nap. See you two.” He rode off before she could find another reason why they shouldn’t leave their baby with her.

“You have to make him understand. I’m not a baby person,” she said to Dirk.

“I don’t suppose most women are until they have one of their own. This will give you practice.”

Chelsea decided nothing she said was going to change their minds. She’d handle it. After all, she’d been in the war zone. How much trouble could one little baby be?

They’d ridden quite far when Dirk took a right onto a rutted dirt road. The SUV bounced from one bumpy spot to the next.

“Where in the world are we going?”

“To one of my favorite spots on the ranch.” Dirk slowed as they approached several large rocks, taller than the nearest tree, and sitting at the bottom of a mountain. He parked. “This is where we get out and walk.”

“Up the mountain?”

“No, around the side of those rocks.” Dirk grabbed the cooler and handed her a blanket. “Let’s get going.” He led the way.

They circled two rocks and went between the second and third. Chelsea followed him through the narrow opening.

“I’m not sure how you got that cooler—” She stopped and stared at the setting in front of her. Nestled between the rocks was a pool of clear water. Bushes and flowers bloomed around the edges. One spot had a sandy opening as though waiting for a person to walk into the pond. The blue sky and white wispy clouds overhead added to the beauty of the area. Sunlight sparkled off silver streaks embedded in the rock’s surface.

“A fantasy world,” Chelsea mumbled.

“Yes. And all ours for this moment. Shall we swim before we eat?”

“You didn’t tell me to bring my swimsuit.”

“Who needs one? No one can see us. There’s not a rider, a house, or a plane in sight. Be wild and wicked.” He grinned at her, and started to remove his boots and the rest of his clothes.

She enjoyed watching him. His tanned skin shone in the sunlight. Light sparked off his midnight black hair. He had blue eyes that rivaled the sky. He was all strong muscles, wide chest, and flat six-pack, and with the face of a dark angel. Her heart fluttered at the thought of him touching her, making love to her. Desire made her pussy clench.

“Are you going to stare at me or join me?”

“It’s pretty good just staring.”

“No fair. If you aren’t undressed in five minutes, I’ll dunk you in with your clothes on.”

“You would, too.” She quickly stripped, then swung her hips as she walked to the edge of the water.

“I think I hear a horse.”

Chelsea flew into the water up to her neck. “See, I told you.” She stopped and stared. Dirk laughed until he had tears in his eyes.

“I knew that would get you in the rest of the way.”

“What a silly, dirty trick.” She stomped toward the shore. Dirk reached out and grabbed her.

“Let me down this minute.” Chelsea pretended to be mad. But her body was on fire for the tall cowboy.

“Certainly.” Dirk let her slide along his front as he gradually let her feet touch the sand. He released her. “Are you sure you want to get out?”

His hard cock pulsed against her. His eyes had darkened to a deep blue. His musky cologne and man smell weakened her knees.

She ran her fingers across his taut shoulders. “I may need help getting out.”

A flash of light gleamed in his eyes. “I’d be most happy to assist you.” He swung her up into his arms and walked to shore where he laid her on the blanket.

“You planned to seduce me all along. You don’t even care about eating.”

“Yes, I’m seducing you, but you’re wrong. I am hungry, for you.”

He stood above her as the sun warmed her skin. “Beautiful. Where shall I start my banquet?”

Chelsea shivered. He reminded her of the old stories about men battling for their woman. His long legs were on either side of her. His face was hidden by the shadows.

She put her arms up to him. “Come to me, my love.” She startled herself when she used the word love. She was always so careful to keep it out of her vocabulary.

He didn’t say anything, but he knelt and kissed her chest in the valley between her luscious breasts. His hands cupped them. Then he tasted her plump nipples. Gradually he let his whole body cover hers. He held his weight off her by his elbows.

“Where shall we start, my love?”

Chelsea pushed him, and he rolled onto his back. “I want to be in command.”