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

here.”
    She saw his desire for her in his darkened blue eyes, and the set of his jaw. Heat spread across her body, and for a second she started to walk back to him. Tension held them still.
    A dog’s bark broke the spell. Dirk shrugged, then grinned. “Go get on those boots.”
    “I will.” Chelsea hurried out of the room. Her emotions and thoughts were a jumble of contradictions. But a different type of excitement began to come alive in her. This brief break from her usual life might be more than she expected.

Chapter Eight

    The horse Dirk had saddled for her was a lovely brown mare with a white star on her nose. He helped her into the saddle, and they rode slowly down a nearby path.
    Chelsea studied Dirk’s land. Wide areas of prairie with wildflowers blooming stretched far out in front of them. About a mile from the house they came to where a stream ran swiftly over rocks and curved in several spots. Tall trees grew near the edge of the water, making the area shady and cooler.
    “We’d better turn back for today,” Dirk said. “Another time I’ll show you a spot where the river forms a natural swimming pool. We’ll bring our suits and swim.”
    “Great. I like to swim. But I do believe I’ve gone far enough this time.”
    They rode back in companionable silence until just before they got to the house. Dirk pulled his horse up and turned to face her.
    “Do you want to visit your parents this weekend? I checked the map. It’ll take us about four hours to get there, if we do it all in one day. It would be a long and tiring trip. So I’ll take off early tomorrow. We can drive almost all the way and stop for the night. Then we won’t have to ride far the next day before we get there.”
    “If it wasn’t for Mom, I’d say no. But I heard the worry and concern in her voice when we talked on the phone. She needs to see that I am all right.”
    “Then we’ll plan to go.”
    They started onward toward the house. When they got there, they stopped at the front door. Chelsea got off, and Dirk took hold of her reins.
    “See you later this evening,” she said.
    “Don’t worry about dinner. I’ll cook,” Dirk said, waved, and headed to the barn.
    “Humph, he doesn’t believe I can cook. I’ll show him,” she mumbled to herself as she checked the refrigerator and cupboards. First she’d change, and then get busy. Dirk was in for a surprise.
    Back in the kitchen she found a defrosted chicken in the refrigerator. She turned on the oven. Next she checked for spices, then potatoes. The cupboard held all the ingredients for green bean casserole.
    After she had the chicken prepared and ready, she put it in the oven to bake. Next she mixed the casserole and placed the dish into the fridge until time to cook it.
    Now what was here that she could make for a dessert? Nothing. She’d call Lily and borrow a few things.
    Chelsea surprised herself with how much she enjoyed fixing the meal and mixing and baking the chocolate cake. Lily loaned her what she needed and told her Dirk loved anything chocolate.
    Glancing at the clock, she realized he’d be home soon. She’d set the table with dishes, silverware, and two candles. Her last item to take care of was taking a quick shower and dressing.
    She’d been waiting for the perfect time to wear her sundress and sandals. Tonight seemed right. After her shower she put on the blue-green dress with its heart-shaped top and full skirt. The light-blue sandals matched well. A spritz of perfume on her neck and shoulders, a comb through her hair, and she was ready. Glancing in the mirror, she saw her hair was getting longer. Maybe she’d let it grow.
    The ding on the oven had her hurrying into the kitchen. As she pulled the green bean casserole out, she saw Dirk drive up.
    Her heart pounded, and she felt her face flush as he came to the door.
    “Hi, I”—Dirk stopped and looked around the kitchen—“It smells good in here.”
    “I thought I’d surprise you. Dinner’s