Cameron, Paige - A Fling with the Billionaire Cowboy [Wives for the Western Billionaires 5] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) (20 page)

* * * *

Chelsea knocked on Marian’s door. The pizza was hot and smelled delicious.

“There you are. Come in. I was just opening our wine. How does a glass of merlot sound?”

“Heavenly. I’m starved. Let’s eat the pizza and drink our wine while we talk.”

Marian grabbed napkins and paper plates while Chelsea set the pizza box on the large, low living room table. She lifted the lid and the fragrance permeated the small apartment.

“Here are the napkins, plates, and two glasses of wine. Let me get the bottle, and we’re ready for a gab fest.”

When she returned, they both sat on the floor and grabbed a slice of the aromatic pizza. After two pieces and a glass of wine, Chelsea leaned back against the couch.

“This is like old times. I’ve missed you.”

“And me you. But tell me what happened today.”

“Bruce took me to one of the best restaurants, and gave his pitch.

“What did you think? Did you accept?”

“I agreed to a short interview on the morning show. No significant details, to protect the innocent. Then I’ll talk to the man who’s leaving the position. He wants an answer by tomorrow afternoon at five.”

“Not much time to settle what you’re going to do with the rest of your life.” She studied Chelsea. “Do you have any idea what you’ll say?”

“I walked the streets this morning. Do you realize how loud it is out there?”

“Of course. You said you always loved the buzz.”

“Guess I spent too long in the country. I got used to the soft sounds of nature, the slower pace. Isn’t that crazy? Me, liking a slower pace.”

“He must be some guy. Tell me about him.”

She did. She closed her eyes and pictured Dirk. When she finished describing not only his looks, but the type of man he was, Marian reached across and poured them another glass of wine.

“I’m not sure this drink is cold enough to put out the fire. Honey, he is too good to be true.”

Chelsea told her of the first proposal and the second. “This is the last. It’s all or nothing. Career or cowboy husband, how can a woman choose?”

“A small, lonely apartment, early mornings in to work where you seldom get a compliment for your extra efforts, and then back home to that apartment. Occasionally, you get a date. He’s usually a mother’s boy, or a man on the hunt, but not for commitment. Then there’s the suitor who wants you to take care of him financially.”

“It can’t be that bad. Have another glass of wine.”

“Chelsea, we’re thirty. Our biological clocks are running out and our chance to find the men of our dreams is probably one in a thousand or more. You have hit the jackpot and can’t decide to take your winnings. There, I’ve said too much. Got to stop the wine.”

“No. In many, ways you’re right. I hated the country because of the way my dad treated my mom and me. I decided all cowboys were the same. My brother was headed that way. Low and behold he’s met an independent woman, and she has brought him around.”

Marian changed the subject, and they discussed mutual friends and enemies. They laughed a lot, and they finished the bottle.

“Don’t go. Sleep here tonight. I’ll wake you in time to take a taxi to your hotel and change before the show.”

“It’s a deal.” They opened the couch and Chelsea fell onto the bed and went instantly to sleep.

An irritating alarm awoke her. She rushed out, got the cab, and made it to the hotel in time to shower and change. The makeup woman was waiting for her when she arrived at the studio.

* * * *

Dirk was in a lousy mood. He’d finally given in and tried to call Chelsea last night. He’d guessed she’d stay at the hotel closest to her job. Her room phone rang and rang with no answer. He didn’t leave a message.

He made a cup of coffee and flipped on the morning news. The coffee was hot and black. He’d need the caffeine to keep him going today. He’d reached for his hat when he heard Chelsea’s name. There she was smiling from the television. His heart gave a lurch. She looked beautiful, sophisticated, and articulate.

Without giving much information, she assured the audience she was well and strong. She praised her rescuers, but refrained from giving any details. It was a short spot. The interviewer mentioned the two soldiers who had been with her survived. Dirk clicked the television off and stomped his way to the barn.

She wasn’t coming back. He might as well learn to live his life without her. She was perfect in her world. She didn’t need his. He’d been a fool to risk his heart again.

He swung up onto his stallion and took off across the prairie. Fresh air blew in his face, and the thundering hooves were music to his ears. He’d forget her. This was his world, and if he gave it up, he’d grow to resent her. He understood her decision. He just didn’t like it.

Chapter Fifteen

Chelsea had talked to the man about what she’d be doing on the new job. She’d left the building at eleven and walked the crowded streets. People hustled by her. She barely noticed. Her mind was full and aching. She took a taxi to a small, favorite eatery and had a greasy sandwich and fries with a tall glass of tea. The food was great.

She went to Central Park and rode on one of the horse-drawn carriages. The park was green like home, but there were no mountains. She wondered what Lily and Diana were doing today. Had Dirk been eating with them? Had he remembered to water her new garden she’d planted last week?

When she got out of the carriage at the gate, she walked along the sidewalk. The noise and people didn’t jangle her nerves as much as they had yesterday. She stopped at an outdoor cafe and ordered tea. Mentally, she envisioned herself living here, doing her job, meeting friends for a drink after work. She’d have the opportunity to meet the famous and well known. Her dad would finally have to admit she’d made it.

Her thought startled her. Had all her fiery determination been so she could finally say, “See, I’m important. I make lots of money. I don’t need a man.”

Chelsea’s heart jumped. Her thoughts cleared. She knew what and who she wanted. She didn’t need a man, but she loved one, and she wanted to spend her life with him. Fear hit her in the chest.
What if I’m too late?

She’d paid for her drink. Jumping up, she flagged a taxi and went to tell Bruce no thank you. Using her cell phone, she made reservations to leave in three hours time to go home.

Bruce raised his head when she walked in. “I wasn’t expecting an answer so soon, but this is good. We can get right to work.”

“It’s not the answer you’re expecting, Bruce. I’m going home to Montana to marry the man I love.”

“Are you crazy? You’ve been telling me for years you wanted this job.”

Chelsea grinned. “I’m crazy in love.” She hurried out of his office, went down two floors, and knocked on Marian’s door.

Marian took one look at her face. “Can I be a bridesmaid?”

“You can be
maid
of honor. I’ll let you know the date. I just hope I didn’t take too long making up my mind.”

“What happened to help you decide on him?”

“I couldn’t visualize my life without him, and I like the country better than the city.”

“Sacrilege, my dear girl,” Marian teased.

“I know. See you soon.”

On the way to the airport she tried to reach Dirk again. No answer. A heavy feeling settled in her chest. She tried Ty’s number. No one was home. Something was wrong. Her anxiety and fear built, and the plane ride seemed like the longest she’d ever taken. When she came through the gate, his mother was waiting.

“How did you know to meet me?”

“I called your boss and got directed to a nice lady named Marian. She told me your flight.”

Mrs. Brodie walked her quickly to the car. Chelsea was afraid to ask where Dirk was. But she had to.

“What’s happened?”

“Dirk went riding hell-bent across the prairie. His stallion saw a snake and reared up on his hind legs. Dirk wasn’t paying attention and fell off.”

“Is he dead?”

“Oh my goodness, no. I didn’t mean to scare you. He took a hard lick on his head, but the doctor said he was lucky. He’s fine. I took him home from the hospital after he was checked. He’s irritable as a hornet. I don’t usually get involved in my boys’ lives. But you two seemed to fit. I was going to call you, but then I found out you were headed this way. Do you mind coming to my house and talking with him? He’s really all right, just ornery.”

“His horse?”

“He’s fine, too. He went back to the barn. Ty had come to the house looking for Dirk. When he saw his horse, he got a search team together to ride all across the prairie. They found him pretty quick. He hadn’t gotten far.”

“I love him. I came back to accept his proposal, if he’ll let me. I feel terrible about all this grief I’ve caused.”

Mrs. Brodie took hold of her hand. “There isn’t any blame. Dirk’s a good rider, but he wasn’t paying attention. I don’t blame you. I’d rather you’d look at all your options and come to him with a whole heart. He did tell me you’d left, and that you’d had two good job offers.” She patted Chelsea’s hand. “You two will be good together.”

“You think he’ll be all right?”

“He is all right. He just needs to hear those words from you.”

Chelsea nodded. Mrs. Brodie turned into her drive and stopped at the front door.

“Down the hall, third room on the right.”

Chelsea jumped out and ran into the house and down the hall. She couldn’t wait to get to him and tell him she was home forever.

His door was closed. Very quietly, she opened it. Dirk had good ears.

“I’m fine, Mom. I don’t need soup, or a sandwich, or anything. I love you, but please leave me alone.”

Chelsea pushed the door open all the way. He was turned on his side, facing the wall. “I love you, too.”

Dirk rolled to face her. “Where the hell did you come from? Go away. I can’t deal with a woman who can’t make up her mind.”

She stepped in, shut the door, and clicked the lock. “I’m not going anywhere, ever again, without you. It seems I’ve fallen for a moody cowboy with a bad temper. But I know how to get rid of the temper.”

His face showed no emotion. He watched her warily. So he didn’t plan on making it easy for her. Good. Chelsea unbuttoned the top of her shirt. Dirk’s eyes followed her movements as she continued down the row until she shrugged the shirt to the floor.

“You said you liked this lacy, purple bra.” She cupped her breasts and pointed them at him. “When we’re married and I’m home, I might not even wear one. Her fingers unfastened the front opening and shook her breasts free, sending the bra to the floor.

Standing a short distance from him, she raised her arms and stretched. A shot of golden fire flashed briefly in his blue eyes. “See something you like? But we can’t do anything, what with you sick with a concussion and all.”

Chelsea walked to the open window. Cool air came through, and her nipples puckered. Sunlight glowed across her body. She undid her belt and pulled the zipper down on her jeans. Then she slipped her shoes off and took off her jeans and panties in one smooth move.

“Ah, the sun feels good on my skin.”

His eyes darkened, and his jaw was rock hard. “Get away from the window. Someone might see you.”

“What does it matter? You don’t want me anymore. Do you?”