Cameron, Paige - The Alluring Billionaire Country Doctor [Wives For The Western Billionaires 6] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) Read online

  When she reentered her living room, Mozart’s music soared to the ceilings. No, Rand Brodie was not the man she thought she knew. He had a firmness she’d never expected. The man she wanted would be easily molded into the right husband.

  Anna went in the kitchen and checked her freezer. She grabbed a frozen dinner and put it in the microwave. She’d make a new plan. In the dermatology group she was going to join, she might find just the type of man for her. One of the partners had already made overtures. She’d flirted back.

  She got the dinner out of the microwave, poured herself a glass of iced tea, and sat at the small kitchen table. Her appetite was returning. She was back in control.

  Still, she’d teach Rand a lesson. She wouldn’t let him out of his engagement. Not yet. Only after she’d found the right person to replace him. Rand was such a nice man. He’d go along with their engagement, for a while, to please her.

  And when the time was right, she’d be the one to end their relationship. Rand Brodie was not the man for her to marry. But she’d make him pay first before setting him free.

  Chapter Two

  Four Months Later

  Marian Gaenor shut her office door. She was bone tired and wished she hadn’t promised Bob, the man she’d been dating casually these past three weeks, that she’d go out with him tonight. Maybe she’d call and cancel.

  She’d grab the subway home and curl up with a good book. But it was her thirty-first birthday. She should celebrate.

  All the way home she debated canceling or going. Her phone was ringing when she got to her door. Rushing inside, she picked up the receiver just in time.

  “Hi, girlfriend, have any pizza?”

  “Chelsea. It’s great to hear your voice. I have wine but no pizza. Wish you were here.”

  “I am. I’m at the airport. I’ll get the cabbie to stop for pizza and be there shortly. You don’t have other plans, do you? I should have checked, but I wanted to surprise you.”

  “No. Come on. I can’t wait to see you.” As soon as Marian hung up, she called and cancelled her date. Ah, that felt good and freeing. She’d change into jeans and open the wine she’d been saving for a special time.

  An hour later, Chelsea was at her door. “I’m here.” Her arms were full of a large pizza box and a cake box. “I saw a cake place. The cabbie agreeably stopped.”

  “Wow, I’m shocked and pleased. This is my best birthday in years. Come on in.” Marian took the cake box, and they walked into her tiny kitchen. She opened the lid. “‘Happy birthday to my best friend.’ Ah, thanks.” She hugged Chelsea, trying to hide her tearful eyes.

  “Are you OK? I don’t think I’ve seen you cry except at sad movies.”

  “It’s nothing. Well, it is something. I’m thirty-one. My clock is definitely winding down.”

  “Come to Montana. There’s lots of handsome cowboys around. You’d have them fighting over you.”

  “I’d settle for one. I’m not greedy. One good man. That doesn’t sound like too much to ask for. Let’s carry our food into the living room. Then you can tell me how you got off for a night without your husband.”

  They sat around the low living room table and ate pizza. Marian handed Chelsea her wineglass. “I can’t drink wine. Water will be fine.”

  “No wine?”

  Chelsea smiled. “No. I’m pregnant.”

  Marian ran around the table and hugged her. “How are you feeling?”

  “I’m more tired than usual. But we’re so happy. We wanted to begin our family right away. Dirk is bursting with pride.”

  “How about you?”

  “Me, too. I’d be more scared, but we’ve had some experience with Ty and Lily’s baby. Dirk will be a wonderful daddy. And I’m getting more confident about my skills as a momma. I’m going to drive Lily crazy asking questions.”

  “I’m so happy for the two of you.”

  “Thanks. But I hate seeing you so down about yourself and about not having a husband and baby. You’ll find the right person. I know it.” Chelsea took a bit of her pizza. “I do love these evenings of pizza and talking. Wait, I know just the guy for you. If he wasn’t engaged. Dirk’s brother, Rand, and you would be the perfect match.” She waved her hand before Marian could speak. “The good news is I think the engagement will end soon. He’s moved to Montana to be a country doctor. His fiancée isn’t happy. She’s made two short visits since he’s been there.”

  “I remember him from your wedding.” And I haven’t been able to forget him. “He’s a handsome man. But I can’t wish for someone to break up. And there’s no guarantee he’d even be interested in me if he was free.”

  “You really are down. I think you’re ready to hear my suggestion.”

  “What is it?” Marian asked.

  “You always have lots of vacation saved. Come for a long visit. Dirk has a small cabin he lived in until our house was built. You can stay there and have your privacy. We can visit every day. I’ll show you around and introduce you to some cowboys.” Chelsea grinned.

  “The offer is tempting. I have six weeks saved.” Marian took another sip of her wine. Chelsea ate another piece of pizza while Marian thought about taking a vacation.

  “I’ll do it.” She jumped up and got a calendar. “Let’s see. If I put in for the month off on Monday, then my boss will have plenty of time to get over his snit before I leave. I’ll plan on arriving on Saturday, two weeks from now.”

  “This is great. On that Sunday we’re all going to see Dirk’s mom. You’ll get to meet the clan, as I call them. I wasn’t sure I’d be able to convince you to take me up on my offer.”

  “You caught me in a weakened state, depressed and tired. I need a break. Of course the boss will holler, but I’ll shout back.” She laughed. “This calls for a shopping trip. More fun. Chelsea, you’re my best friend. I’m so lucky to have you. But don’t forget the hunky men, or I’ll put you down to second-best friend.”

  “I knew you couldn’t stay sad for longer than a second,” Chelsea said. “I suppose I’m sleeping on this couch tonight.”

  “No way. You’re a pregnant lady. You get the bed.”

  “I was teasing.”

  “I wasn’t. But let’s not go to sleep yet,” Marian said. “There must be a good horror flick on.” She turned on the television and went to pop the popcorn.

  * * * *

  Two weeks later, as planned, Marian got off the plane and looked around for Chelsea. It was a small airport, and there weren’t many people waiting. She’d started toward the baggage area when a tall cowboy came striding in the door. He had on a light-tan cowboy hat, gray shirt, and jeans that hugged his slim hips and long legs. It took her a second to realize it was Rand headed in her direction.

  “Marian, welcome to Montana.”

  “Thanks.”

  When he swept his hat off and gave her his lopsided, dimpled grin, her heart fluttered. “I hope you don’t mind me picking you up. Chelsea called and said she was having a difficult morning. I told her I’d be glad to take her place.”

  He glanced around. “We’d better get your luggage. I could get beeped at any moment.”

  Marian had to take quick double steps to his one as he strode off to the luggage area. There were only a few bags left on the rotating belt.

  “Mine’s the two red ones.” He raised an eyebrow and gave her that heart-stopping smile. “Bright red, so you can’t miss them. I often have periods of flamboyancy. I’ve been known to dye my hair pink, dress in red, and wear platform shoes.”

  “In red I suppose?” he spoke dryly.

  “Oh my, no. Far too much red. They were in pink to match my hair.”

  Rand studied her for a moment and then laughed out loud. Several people looked their way, but it didn’t seem to bother him. Still chuckling, he grabbed her bags and led the way outside to the parking lot.

  “My truck is the black one.” He nodded his head to the right.

  Marian followed him. She was quite enjoying hersel
f, more than she had in a long time. He opened her door, and she swung up into the big monster.

  Rand put the cases in the backseat. He opened the driver’s side and got in. Soon they were on a two-lane highway. He’d slipped on dark glasses and gone quiet.

  “Why do men have to have such huge vehicles? I think it must be a sexual thing. ‘Look at me. Mine’s bigger and better than yours.’” She heard a choking noise. “Are you all right?”

  He howled in laughter. “Do you always say exactly what’s on your mind?”

  “It’s a bad habit of mine.”

  Rand chuckled again. “Thanks for the laughs. I tend to be the opposite. My family says I’m too serious.”

  “I’ll be happy to cheer you up anytime you need it. Just call. If I’m at work, I’ll leave a recording of jokes.”

  “Now I know what Chelsea meant when she said you could be incorrigible at times.”

  “She did?” Marian put her hand up to her chest and pretended to be surprised. “Wait until I see her.”

  A beep sounded loud in the cab of the truck. “Not good,” Rand commented. He pulled to the side of the road. “Excuse me. I have to make this call.”

  “Go ahead. No problem. I’m going to stretch my legs.” She got out as he punched in some numbers. She walked along the roadside. In the distance were snow-covered mountains and trees losing their colorful leaves. Fall was here and quite cool in Montana. She buttoned her light jacket.

  Rand drove his truck forward to pick her up. “Get in. We have to make a stop on the way to Chelsea’s.” As soon as she shut the door, he took off.

  “An emergency?” she asked.

  “Yes. I’ve told them to call 9-1-1, but we’re closer. We’ll get there first. A farmer cut his arm. He’s bleeding pretty bad.” He glanced her way. “You can stay in the truck if you want to.”

  “No, I’d like to get out. Maybe I can help calm the family. They’re probably hysterical.”

  After riding about six miles, they turned down a two-lane dirt road. Chelsea held onto her door handle as the truck bumped over the ruts. Rand slammed on the brakes. He got out, grabbed his bag, and ran toward the barn area.

  Chelsea got out more slowly. She stood still for a second to catch her breath and settle herself. Then she started walking to the farmhouse’s porch. Three children huddled around each other and stared across the yard in the direction Rand had gone.

  “Hi, I’m Marian.” She moved slowly. They turned and stared.

  Marian sat on the step closest to them. “I’ll bet you’re worried, but Dr. Brodie’s here now. He’ll take care of your father. It is your father who’s hurt?”

  A little blonde girl about four years old came to sit beside Marian. “Daddy’s hurt. Mama’s with him.” Her little forehead wrinkled. “Teddy”—she nodded to the taller boy—“said Daddy’s bad hurt?”

  “Dr. Brodie is taking care of him. He’s a good doctor.”

  “Daddy told Mama Dr. Brodie is young and has a lot to learn to catch up with Dr. Neels,” the taller boy spoke, obviously reciting words he’d overheard.

  “Dr. Brodie has good training. He’ll get the experience.”

  “What’s exper—whatever that word was?” the small boy asked.

  “Experience is learning by doing. Dr. Neels has been a doctor for many years. He’s learned as he’s worked. Does that make sense?” Marian asked. The two boys had come closer. The younger one, about five or six, sat on her other side.

  “Are you the doctor’s wife?” the older boy asked.

  “No. I’m a friend. He picked me up at the airport. I’m here to visit my best friend, Chelsea Brodie.”

  The sound of the siren had them all looking at the road. An ambulance came barreling down the rough terrain and drove straight to the barn. Shortly afterward, they carried out a stretcher, and sirens howled as they headed back down the road. A short, brown-haired woman and Rand walked toward the porch. Rand ruffled the younger boy’s hair and then picked up the little girl.

  “How’s Susie today?” he asked. Susie threw her arms around his neck.

  “Is Daddy dead?”

  “No. He’ll be fine, sweetheart. He hurt his arm, but they’ll fix it at the hospital. He’ll be home in a day or two.”

  Susie kissed his cheek. “Thank you.”

  Rand smiled and sat her down. “Mrs. Nettles, do you need anything?”

  “I can’t thank you enough for getting here so fast. We’ll be fine. My neighbor will take the kids for the night. I’ll join Clyde at the hospital.”

  “All right. I’ll be there myself later today. Marian, are you ready?”

  She turned to the three children. “It was nice meeting you all.” Susie motioned for her to bend down. Marian did, and the little girl kissed her cheek.

  Susie looked up at Rand as Marian straightened. “I like your friend,” Susie said.

  “Me, too,” the little boy piped in, and the older one nodded.

  “I’m glad,” Marian said. “I like you three also.”

  They waved and walked to the truck. Rand opened her door and put his hands around her waist to lift her onto the seat. “You are full of surprises, Marian Gaenor.” He winked and went around to get in. “Next stop Chelsea’s.”

  Chapter Three

  Rand parked in front of a small cabin. Marian loved the setting. She couldn’t help but have a great vacation. It certainly started out right being met at the airport by Rand, and soon she and Chelsea would have a nice long chat.

  “This is where Chelsea said you’d be staying. You can see the big house from here. I’ll take your suitcases in, and then I have to go.”

  Marian jumped out of the truck. “Thanks for the ride.”

  He put the cases inside the door. “Sorry about the stop, but those types of situations happen when you’re the only doctor around.”

  “My grandmother used to talk about doctors who made house calls. It’s nice. You get to know the people you take care of in a different way.” She shrugged. “Not so impersonal, as most things are today.”

  “Exactly. I tried to explain that to my fiancée, but she doesn’t get it.” His expression changed as though he wished he hadn’t become personal. “See you.” He waved, got in his truck, and turned to get back on the road.

  Marian watched until he was out of sight. I’ve got to get him out of my head. That cowboy might easily steal my heart. She’d walk down the path and see Chelsea. She closed the door and pocketed the key left in the lock for her.

  A cool breeze blew across the prairie. The place was all wide-open spaces and vast stretches of blue sky. Insects buzzed around the few fall flowers, and a lone hawk circled the sky above his prey. What a difference from her noisy days back home. Her shoulders were already relaxed. This was what she needed to regroup.

  Chelsea saw her and came flying out the door. She grabbed Marian, and they hugged. “We’re going to have so much fun. I thought you’d never get here.”

  “We’re late because Rand had an emergency stop. A man had been injured. His wife was taking care of him, so the children were left alone and had huddled together on the porch. I talked with them to calm their fears. They were afraid their father would die. It felt good to be able to help.”

  “But, how about you? You must be feeling better.”

  “I am. The morning sickness comes and goes. Some mornings I’m fine and others not so much. But this worked out good. You got to meet Rand again. And see you’d make a perfect doctor’s wife.” Chelsea led her into the kitchen and poured two glasses of iced tea. The room smelled of baking chicken.

  “I hope you aren’t putting yourself out for me by cooking when you’re not well.”

  “Surprisingly, I love to find new recipes and try them. Who’d ever suspect I had such hidden talents?” She grinned. “Dirk says I’ll have him fat if I don’t stop.”

  Chelsea sat a bowl of green beans on the table and snapped the ends off then split them in half. “How long can you stay?”
<
br />   “I’m taking a full month. I still have two weeks’ vacation left. The boss ranted and raved then threatened to fire me if I ever take this much time again. As you know, he’s more hot air than real threat.”

  “We have to find you a job here at the ranch or in town.”

  “I can’t imagine what it would be,” Marian said.

  “Give me time. I’ll think of something. You keep your office staff in fine order. There are several businesses in town. One must need a manager. I’ll ask around.”

  “Chelsea, you don’t have to try and fix me up with a job or a man. That was all teasing. I’m not sure I’d like living here full time. Let’s relax and see how things go.”

  “All right, but I am going to call Rand and invite him to dinner.” She held up her hands. “That’s all, I promise.”

  “Yeah, right. I see the matchmaking twinkle in your eye. Just because you’re so unbelievably happy doesn’t mean you have to marry off all your friends.”

  “Only you. I miss you. It’d be such fun to have you as a neighbor. And if Rand isn’t the one, I know several other good candidates.”

  “Stop.”

  Chelsea laughed. “All right, already. I’ll zip my lip.”

  The rest of the day went by fast. Marian helped cook and, around two o’clock, insisted Chelsea rest. “I’m going to the cabin. I’ll be unpacking if you need me.”

  “Be back here at six.”

  “I will.”

  The cabin was small but cozy. It didn’t take long to clear her two suitcases. She’d brought jeans, warm shirts, sweaters, a pair of boots, walking shoes, and one pair of sexy high heels. A woman couldn’t be blamed for hoping for at least one hot date during the month.

  She knew just who she’d love to have that hot date with. Dr. Brodie. He sent her heart to fluttering every time his silvery-blue eyes looked at her. When he’d put his hands around her waist to help her in the truck after his doctor’s visit her body pulsed with the desire to feel him touching her in much more intimate places.