The Billionaire Cowboy's Christmas Surprise [Wives for the Western Billionaires 10] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) Read online

  “It wasn’t his fault. I spilled coffee on his jacket, and then we bumped heads when I reached to get it off the floor from where he’d dropped it.” The words spilled out of her in a rush. She blinked to keep the tears from falling.

  Mrs. Brodie started laughing. “I’m sorry. I find your story delightful. You are what Clay needs. He keeps these prim and proper people around him and all his women have fawned over him. You are like a breath of fresh air.”

  “But I’m not his girlfriend. I’m his secretary.”

  “It’s too bad you aren’t. I’m going to order something deliciously fattening and bad for me.” She winked at Susie. “You do the same.”

  “I can’t afford to gain another pound. My sister says I’m too heavy and need to lose at least five, preferably ten pounds.”

  “Why do all the women in this town want to look like skeletons? You’re perfect as you are right this minute.”

  The waiter came to their table. Mrs. Brodie looked at the menu and quickly gave her order. “I’ll have the Reuben sandwich, fries, and a chocolate shake.”

  Susie liked Clay’s mother and decided she’d splurge, too. She’d need fortification to put up with Mrs. Brodie’s son this afternoon. “I’ll have the same.”

  Chapter Two

  “How’s your day going?” Heath Garrison asked as they started eating. “You looked a bit hassled when you got here.”

  Clay took a sip of his tea. “I was. Sondra is almost ready to have her baby. Her sister came into the office today to be oriented to the job.”

  “So, what’s the problem?” Heath took a bite of his chicken marsala.

  “She’s the secretary from hell. In a few minutes she’d poured my coffee over my suit jacket and bumped heads with me.”

  “How did that happen?”

  “I see you want to laugh. She giggled, and said I had no sense of humor.”

  “You don’t. You work too hard and take life too seriously.”

  “Like you’re the one to talk. You seldom relax and only with old friends. We’re both workaholics.”

  “And yet you’re planning to move to your ranch and, from your description, live in a house built in an uninhabited area. How will you manage all your spare time without going crazy?”

  “I’m not sure. As I mentioned, I’m opening an office for financial planning, perhaps in Wagon Wheel. It’s a little farther up the road, but a larger town.”

  “I give you six months. You’ll be back here.” Heath turned his head. “Is that your mother over by the windows?”

  Clay turned in his seat and groaned. “Yes, and she’s with my new secretary. I’m almost afraid her life might be in danger,” he said with a smile. “There’s no telling what Suzette might do next.”

  “Suzette is a pretty name, and from here she looks attractive.”

  “Stop kidding. She’s a little overweight and that gray suit does nothing for her figure.”

  “You’ve dated too many skinny models. She looks quite curvy from here. Introduce me on the way out.”

  “You aren’t serious.”

  “I am. Why do you care? You don’t want her.”

  “She’s an innocent from some little town in New Mexico. You are not the man for her.”

  Heath put his hand on his heart. “You wound me deeply. I date my women friends longer than you.”

  “Well, I’m not looking to date her either.”

  “I think you protest too much.” He studied Clay. “I’ll bet within the next three months while Sondra’s off, you’ll fall in love with Suzette.”

  “How much? That’s a wager I can’t lose.”

  “How about I get to use your black stallion for stud if I win? If I lose, I’ll pay you ten thousand dollars.”

  “Hell, this is easy money. I hate to rob you.”

  “I’m not worried. I can afford it.”

  Clay glanced at his mother’s table again. There was no way he was falling in love in three months and especially not with her.

  “Okay, it’s a deal.”

  Heath insisted they stop by Clay’s mother’s table on the way out. Clay preferred to pretend he didn’t see them.

  Why? I’d never usually avoid my mother. I’m being overprotective toward Suzette. Heath has a reputation of being a lady’s man. She’s new to the city, and he’d eat her up. But it’s none of my business.

  “Mrs. Brodie, it’s nice to see you in the city,” Heath greeted her warmly.

  “Hello, Heath. How is my favorite rascal?”

  Heath chuckled. “You know me. I’ve been home for a visit. It’s quiet on the ranch, and I need the noise of New York.”

  “Heath, I’d like to introduce you to Susie Nyland. She’s going to work for Clay, temporarily.”

  “I’m glad to meet you. Clay told me all about your morning. I hope he didn’t hurt you with his hard head.”

  “Not much, and I didn’t put a dent in his.” Susie smiled at Heath.

  Clay groaned at the joke, but did smile. “My mother says I’m the hardheaded one in the family.”

  “Thank goodness, I’m not sure how she’d survive if all six of you were the same.” Susie snapped out the words.

  Clay laughed out loud. They all looked at him.

  “What? I laugh sometimes.”

  “Much too seldom,” his mother said.

  “I’ve got to go.” Heath pulled out his wallet and handed Susie his card. “If you don’t mind, I’d like your telephone number. Mrs. Brodie can vouch for me,” he said and winked at her.

  “He’s dangerous to women,” Mrs. Brodie said with a twinkle in her eye. “But if I was younger, I might take a chance on him.”

  Susie looked from Heath to Clay, and then smiled. Clay frowned when she wrote her name and number on Heath’s card and handed it back to him.

  “Thank you.” He waved and strode off. Clay hesitated.

  “A word of warning, he eats little women like you for breakfast.”

  “What does that mean?” Susie asked.

  “See, you’re an innocent and not his type. Steer clear.” Annoyed, he stomped out of the restaurant.

  Why the hell didn’t I keep my mouth shut? She’s nothing to me, and Heath isn’t really such a bad guy. But I don’t want her to date him. It’s none of my business. I certainly am not attracted to her.

  He walked briskly along the sidewalk toward his workplace. His foul humor came from not dating for a while. As soon as he got to his office he’d call Claudine and ask her out. Suzette Nyland had to do better the rest of the week, or he’d find someone to replace her.

  * * * *

  Susie had enjoyed her lunch until Clay stopped by with his friend. She liked Heath, but hoped he didn’t call. Clay had been right. Heath was much too sophisticated for her. Talk about clumsy. If they went to dinner, she’d probably knock his plate of food in his lap.

  This was going to be a long three months. She already regretted letting Sondra talk her into working for Clay. She’d heard enough about him to be forewarned. But she hadn’t realized how attractive he’d be. If he ever directed his attention to her as a woman, she’d melt into a puddle of desire.

  Susie shook her head. His noticing her wasn’t going to happen. Don’t get those thoughts in your head. She’d do the work, get the experience, and then decide whether to stay in New York or go home. This next three months were to help Sondra out. When he got annoying, she’d remind herself of her goals.

  Mrs. Brodie insisted on paying for lunch. “It’s the least I can do after your difficult morning.” She smiled and patted Susie’s hand. “Please give him more time before giving up and running out of the office. I’m looking forward to having your company. I get lonely at times since my youngest son moved out. But I know that’s silly. All my children, except Clay, live close and he’ll be nearby soon. I’m blessed.”

  “Don’t worry. I’m not a quitter, and I promised my sister I’d fill in for her.” I hope I’m not lying. Her son may be the biggest challenge
I’ve had yet.

  They walked backed to the office building. “Thanks for my lunch,” Susie said. “Shall I wave a taxi over for you?”

  “I can manage. See you soon.” Mrs. Brodie moved to the curb.

  When Susie walked in the building and looked back, a taxi had stopped for her.

  “Did you have a good lunch?” Sondra asked. “Clay stormed in a few minutes ago. He said he’d seen his mother and you at the restaurant. I hope you didn’t spill anything on him. He’s in a grouchy mood today.”

  “Not since this morning, but I’d like to.”

  “You really don’t like him?”

  “Not much. But I like the work.”

  “That’s a relief. I thought you were going to say you couldn’t work for him.”

  “No, he won’t run me off that easy. Go to lunch.”

  The afternoon went by quickly. Susie answered the phone, greeted staff that had appointments with the big guy, as she’d named him in her mind, and she filed.

  Sondra took mercy on her. When Clay called about something late in the afternoon, she went into the lion’s den. After she came out they took turns filing and answering the phone.

  “Time to go home. It’s five o’clock. You survived your first day,” Sondra teased.

  “With your help. Next Monday will be the real test.”

  “Remember he’s all talk and no bite.”

  “You can believe it’s so, but he likes you.”

  They’d gotten their purses and started out the door when a tall blonde wearing a tight black dress walked in.

  “Clay’s expecting me,” she said to Sondra. She glanced at Susie and gave her a quick once-over glance.

  “Claudine, this is my sister, Susie. Claudine is a friend of Clay’s,” Sondra said.

  “He called. We’re going to dinner. I’ll go on in.”

  Sondra stopped Claudine. “I’d better let him know first.” She went to her desk and buzzed Clay.

  “Yes, we’ll be out the door in a minute.”

  “Don’t tell me you’re afraid of my little sister,” Sondra teased.

  Claudine heard Sondra’s end of the conversation. “Who’s he afraid of, not her?” she said in a disparaging tone.

  “Go on in, Claudine. We’re out of here.”

  On the elevator, Susie confronted her sister. “What did he say?”

  “He was teasing. He wanted to be sure you were going home with me.”

  “See, he doesn’t like me at all.”

  “You two are acting like children. I’d like to bump your heads together again. If I didn’t know better, I’d think the two of you were attracted to each other in a weird way.”

  “Absolutely not.” Susie folded her arms across her chest. “He’s the last man I’d be interested in.” When Sondra only smiled, Susie frowned. This was the worst first day at a job she’d ever had. Not that she’d had many. Well, one other, to be exact.

  As soon as they arrived at her sister’s home, Susie went to the kitchen to start dinner. She liked to cook. Sondra didn’t, and being so pregnant, she was more tired at the end of the day.

  “You are a blessing. Cooking looks so easy when you do it. I’m going to lie down. Mark called. He’ll be home in about an hour.”

  “Dinner will ready soon after he arrives.”

  Susie breathed a sigh of relief. Having the quiet kitchen all to herself calmed her nerves. She cut up vegetables for the casserole and browned the meat before mixing it all together. Once it was in the oven she cut up vegetables and fruit for a salad. She’d turned on the radio and hummed as she worked. The hour flew by and the scent of the casserole and homemade rolls cooking had Susie’s stomach growling.

  She had poured herself a glass of Chablis when Mark stuck his head in the door.

  “Can I have a glass of wine?”

  “Sure. Come in and join me. I peeked in on Sondra a few minutes ago. She’s sleeping. We’ll let her rest for a bit longer.” Susie poured Mark a glass of Merlot, his favorite.

  “Tell me how I got the sister who hates to cook and missed you.”

  “Because you took one look at Sondra and fell hard. There was no one else around for you after you two met.” She smiled at Mark. They liked teasing each other. He and her sister had a solid, good marriage and were happily looking forward to their first child.

  “How you’ve stayed single this long is amazing to me.”

  Susie told him about her first day. “If I see an attractive man, I become the clumsiest person in the room.”

  “But why? You have a lot to offer. You’re attractive, intelligent, have a good sense of humor, and the food you cook is heavenly.”

  She kissed Mark’s cheek. “Thank you. We’re friends and you see the best in me. Others see a slightly overweight, plain woman who’s awkward.”

  “We have to change your style.” Mark studied her. “Your gray suit is terrible. It’s too loose and longer than needed. And those eyeglasses have to go. With contacts and clothes that fit, I’ll bet the men will give you a second and third look.”

  “Heath Garrison took my phone number today. If he calls for a date, which he won’t, I’ll do as you suggest.”

  “The Heath Garrison?”

  “I don’t know. He’s a friend of Clay’s. They stopped by our table at lunch to say hello to Mrs. Brodie.”

  “Yep, that’s him. From what I’ve heard, he and Clay are best friends. His family owns one of the biggest cattle ranches in the west and they also raise horses. He came to New York to handle the family’s vast fortune. They have their fingers in many pies.”

  “Here are my two favorite people.” Sondra walked in the kitchen. “It smells wonderful in here. Let’s eat. I’m starved.”

  “Hi, honey.” Mark bent down and kissed Sondra. Then he rubbed her belly. “How’s our baby doing today?”

  “Active. I don’t know if that’s a sign it’ll be soon or not.”

  “Please not before Friday. I’m not ready to be alone with your boss.”

  “But did I hear you mention Heath Garrison? You want to be ready if he calls for a date. I’ve suggested before about how you can be more attractive to men. I’m making you an appointment with my eye doctor. First, we’ll get your contacts, and then we’ll look at clothes.”

  “See?” Mark said. “My wife and I think alike.”

  “What if I don’t want to attract men? I had a boyfriend in New Mexico, but he was more interested in me than I was in him.”

  “If you have a chance of going out with Heath Garrison, you need a makeover.” Sondra followed Susie into the dining room and sat to the left of Mark. Once Susie was seated, Sondra added, “I’ll do my best to make it to Friday, if you let me start helping you with the changes we think you need.”

  “Number one, you have no control over when your baby will come. Number two, coming to New York was your idea. I’m not sure it’s the right place for me.”

  “What’s number three?” Mark asked.

  “It’s when I give in and do as my older sister says.”

  “Watch that older bit. I’m just two years your senior.”

  “Eat before all this food I cooked gets cold. I’ll think about the makeover.”

  * * * *

  Tuesday and Wednesday weren’t difficult. Clay spent most of both days at meetings in other places. Susie followed Sondra around and took notes of all she needed to keep up with.

  But early Thursday, Sondra woke her. “Mark’s taking me to the hospital.”

  “You’re having the baby?”

  “Don’t look surprised. Two weeks from now was my due date. First babies can come early or late. I prefer early.”

  “But what about the office?”

  “You’re ready. Relax and you’ll be fine. And don’t forget to call Mom after eight and let her know what’s happening.”

  “Good luck. Tell Mark to call me.”

  “Don’t worry. He’ll call you and dozens of family members and friends.” She grinned. �
�See you this evening.”

  With great trepidation, Susie headed to work. Thankfully she arrived early and had time to get organized before Clay breezed into the office.

  “Where’s Sondra?”

  “Having a baby.”

  “Really? Already? You got here just in time.”

  “I’ve made coffee. Can I pour you a cup?”

  He eyed her and the coffee. “I’ll get it myself.”

  “I won’t spill it on you. I promise.”

  “I don’t know. I like this suit. I’d rather not take a chance.” He went to the coffeemaker and filled his mug and then took a sip. “This is good. I mean, better than any I’ve had since being home.” He looked hard at Susie. “Did my mother give you her secret of how to make wonderful coffee?”

  “No. I have my own secrets.”

  He shook his head at her and walked on into his office. Susie glanced at the clock. It was nine, only seven more hours to go.

  * * * *

  Clay leaned back in his chair and looked out his window. He was restless. It wasn’t for a lack of dates. He’d taken Claudine out to dinner, and the next night he escorted Myra to a play. He groaned remembering tonight Claudine expected him to attend an art show with her. Not that he didn’t like art shows, but he recalled now why he’d broken off with her. She talked about nothing constantly.

  He took a long drink of coffee. Damn, this was as good as Mom’s. His phone rang and Suzette’s voice came across the line. “Claudine is calling to speak with you.”

  “Put her on.”

  “Darling, I wanted to ask you to come early tonight. We can have a nice drink and some hors d’oeuvres before the art show.”

  “I was about to call you. Sondra is in delivery. I need to go by the hospital this evening. You’ll have to give me a rain check.”

  “Surely you can see her and the baby tomorrow night.” He heard the irritation in her voice. “She’ll be tired and not looking for visitors this evening.”