Cameron, Paige - The Billionaire Rancher Buys a Wife [Wives for the Western Billionaires 2] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) by Paige Cameron Page A

you’ve explained what a woman needs to believe in a man’s sincerity. I’m considering all the information you gave me.”
    She leaned forward and peered into his eyes. “I’m never certain when you’re serious, and when you’re giving me a line.”
    Her hazel eyes were greener tonight, with specks of gold. He hugged her softness, enjoying the feel of her. “You’re beginning to know me. I can’t understand why you’d have any questions about what I say.” He frowned at her, pretending to be offended.
    She giggled into his neck. He loved when she let down her defenses. He saw in a quick moment how she must have been as a young girl. He kissed her neck where he knew she was ticklish. She lifted her shoulders to get away from him and giggled again.
    “I hate to end this, sweetheart, but we have to get back to the main cabin.” He lifted her off him. “Another minute, and I’d have had to take a cold shower.”
    With his hand at her back, he followed her down the hall and back to her seat. He waited at her side to see her belt was fastened.
    Brent quirked an eyebrow at Drake, when he sat in the chair next to him. “I thought I might have to tell the pilot to circle,” Brent whispered, a gleam of mischief in his eyes.
    “Hush up, little brother, and fasten your belt,” Drake said, and laughed at Brent’s frown.
    Janice had opened her purse and hopefully missed Brent’s teasing remark. For a modern, independent woman, she still had a slightly puritanical way of thinking. Drake grinned, but he was making inroads in changing her ideas.
    The plane dipped to the east and began to descend. He hadn’t been home in almost a year. He couldn’t wait to see his folks and Ty, the youngest brother.
    Also, he had to call Jackson and see if the papers for the sale were going to be faxed to him. His surprise for Janice was almost complete.
     
    * * * *

    A tall, broad-shouldered man with salt-and-pepper, short hair, waited beside a large silver truck. Janice saw the resemblance to Drake and Brent right away.
    “Glad to see you boys home,” their father said. Both sons stepped forward and hugged him. “Who’s this pretty lady?” He smiled at Janice.
    “Dad, this is Janice Dedrick. Janice, my dad, Joseph Terrell.”
    She put out her hand. “It’s nice to meet you, sir.”
    Joseph Terrell gave her hand a yank and pulled her into his arms for a hug. “We don’t stand on formality around here, and if my boy has brought you home, then you’re important to him. Just call me Joe.”
    Mr. Terrell smelled of horses and cigars. He kept one arm around her shoulder. “My missus is going to be tickled pink to see you,” he assured Janice. “Get those suitcases loaded up. Momma’s waiting with coffee and sandwiches.”
    Drake and Brent put the luggage in the back. Drake helped Janice into the back seat of the truck. His father drove with Brent in the seat beside him.
    “I hope Mom made one of her famous lemon meringue pies,” Drake said.
    His father threw him a glance over his shoulder. “Do you think she’d miss baking one with you on the way home?” All three men laughed.
    Janice felt off-kilter. Drake’s family was so demonstrative and big, and overwhelming. Her mother and father were reserved at all times. Sometimes she’d longed for them to be spontaneous in some way. It never happened. Vacations were planned down to the last minute. Lives were orderly and moved in an expected direction.
    She’d been coached through life to excel in all areas. When she came home, her mother greeted her and brushed a cool kiss on her cheek. Her father smiled and told her he was glad to see her. She knew they loved her, but too much emotion had been frowned upon.
    “Are you all right?” Drake bent his head to see her face. “You’re very quiet.”
    “I’m absorbing all my initial impressions. Your father is sweet,” she whispered into Drake’s ear.
    Drake chuckled. “Don’t let him hear you describe him that way.”