Cameron, Paige - The Billionaire Maverick Bargains for a Wife [Wives for the Western Billionaires 3] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) Read Online Free Page A

for dinner.”
    Just the thought had her heartbeat kicking into overdrive and her knees weak. “Let’s pretend you didn’t just say that, and go where you planned to take me.”
    “The lady’s wish is my command.” His hand went to the small of her back as he followed her out and stopped to shut and lock her door.
    He had Drake’s truck. He walked to the side and helped her in. “I don’t have any of my cars with me, sorry. The truck will have to do.”
    “Most everyone has a truck, no problem. How many cars do you have?”
    “I love cars. We all do. I mean my brothers and me. I keep a truck in Montana, but at my place in Florida I have a sports car and a Caddy, plus a renovated Thunderbird.”
    “Must be a man thing.”
    He laughed. “I’m sure it is.”
    She liked his laugh. It was deep and hearty. In fact, she liked everything about him. Did she dare talk to him about step four in her plan?
    “Drake tells me there’s a small diner about ten miles from here along the riverside that serves excellent fish.”
    “He must have been talking about The Log Cabin restaurant."
    “That’s it. Unless you’d rather go somewhere else?”
    “No, it’s fine. They have good food.” Except the place is much too cozy, and I'm in danger of losing my heart . That wasn’t part of the plan. She’d have to shore up her defenses if she wanted to come out of this whole.
    Brent pulled into the almost-full parking lot. “A lot of cars means it must be a favorite hangout.” He got out and came around to open her door. Reaching up, he put his hands around her waist and swung her to the ground. For a moment, he held her there, a slight space separating them. The air sizzled around them.
    “Pansy eyes. I’ll always think of you when I see that flower.” He smiled, tucked her arm around his, and they started toward the entrance.
    The night had barely begun, and she didn’t want it to end. No man had ever affected her insides the way Brent did. She was flustered and hot like an overeager teenager. For goodness’ sakes, you’re thirty-one, cool it.
    They were shown to a corner table with a window facing the river on one side. The waiter handed them menus.
    “Would you like to order a drink?” Brent raised a questioning brow at her.
    “I’ll take a glass of zinfandel.”
    Brent ordered a bourbon and water. “Did I tell you how lovely you look tonight? Although I must admit, I was hoping you’d wear your hair down.”
    “You really have an obsession with my hair.” Angie shook her head and placed her napkin in her lap. When she glanced across at Brent, she found him smiling at her.
    “It bugs you. No one has ever told you how beautiful it is and you are, because for some reason you hid behind a totally different facade. Why?”
    “Did I agree to answer your questions along with my dinner?”
    The waiter placed the wine and bourbon on the table. “I’ll be right back for your order.”
    Brent didn’t let the interruption deter him. “No, but why are you afraid to answer them?”
    “I’m not afraid. It’s none of your business.” She was being rude. He had her flustered. She should have suspected he’d wonder as the others had about the reasons behind her changes. Well, she’d shock him with her answer.
    “The ladies at the beauty shop asked the same questions.”
    “And what did you tell them?” he asked. His eyes watched her intently.
    She looked down to avoid giving herself away, but then couldn’t resist glancing up at the last minute to see his reaction. “They guessed right, that I’m looking for a husband. Do you want to be a candidate?”
    His expression had her laughing out loud. “Don’t look so frightened. What I didn’t tell them is I only want one temporarily.”
    “Really? Why do you need a temporary husband?”
    “I want a child, and it’s more fun that way than going to a sperm bank.”
    This time he spewed out his bourbon and started coughing. His face flushed.
    “Are you all