The Intriguing Billionaire Cowboy [Wives for the Western Billionaires 8] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) Read Online Free

called to something in him. If he didn’t at least try to win her, he’d regret it.
    His mom went to the counter and got a plate filled with tuna salad and chips. She placed it on the table by a tall glass of tea. “Sit. We need to talk.”
    “Mom, I’m not a teenager anymore.”
    “No, but you may be acting like one. I know you’re very attracted to Sylvia, and she’s a nice young woman.”
    “But?” Her words had him straightening his posture and pushing his shoulders back.
    “She’s a city girl.” His mother sat across from him. “You won’t change her. You’ll get hurt.”
    “I realize the chance I’m taking. I’ve chosen to pursue her in spite of her warnings to me. I wish all the women in my life would quit trying to protect me. Do I seem so soft and weak that I can’t take care of myself?” Sam frowned and felt the muscles in his body tightening.
    “Of course not. But a mother hates to see her children get hurt, even when they’re adults.”
    Sam raised his chin. “This is something I want to do. I have to pursue this, or I’ll regret it the rest of my life. You’ve always trusted my judgment. Don’t stop now.”
    He was angry, but he tried to hold it in. Actually it wasn’t so much anger as hurt. He recalled talking with Rand. They were all concerned. Part of his pride had been knowing his family saw him as strong, realistic, someone they could rely on. But was it all a façade? Now, the first time he made a decision they didn’t agree with, they were treating him as the youngest son and brother?
    “Sam, did you hear what I said?”
    “No, Mom. I was thinking.”
    “I’m sorry if I’ve upset you. I won’t mention this to you again.”
    Sam gave her a curt nod and started to eat. Mom wouldn’t mention it, but he knew she’d still worry.
    His plans to move into his new home next week came at just the right time. He needed to be on his own completely and should have made the move much sooner. But he had hated to leave Mom alone. Perhaps living here had added to his family’s impression that he wasn’t ready to be independent.
    Obviously, he had work to do to show them he was his own man, and he didn’t need the family protecting him from Sylvia. He’d made his own decision to go after what he wanted. It was up to him to make it happen.

Chapter Three
     
    Sylvia felt the tension in the air as soon as she entered the kitchen. Mrs. Brodie stood at the sink washing a few dishes, and Sam was busy eating. He glanced up at her and smiled.
    “Join me. Mom has made some really good tuna salad.”
    Mrs. Brodie brought a plate to the table and placed it to Sam’s left. “Sit and enjoy.”
    “Thanks. I finished the flowers, but I wasn’t sure where to put the vases.”
    “I’ll go put them in the different rooms.” She walked out quickly.
    “Your mom’s upset.”
    “Yes. She’ll be all right.”
    “I’m causing trouble between you and your family. I’m going to pack and call Gina. I’ll ask her to come get me. I can stay at her house the few weeks until my rehab is done.”
    “No.” Sam put his hand on hers.
    “Yes, Sam. It’ll be better that way. We can still see each other away from your mother’s home. I can’t stay here and see her worry. If I do stay, then I won’t see you privately at all.”
    Sam stared hard at her. She didn’t look away.
    “All right, if that’s what you want.” He pushed back from the table and stood. “I’ll see you, sometime.” His fast-paced stride had him out the door in seconds.
    She forced herself to eat the salad. It was good. Then she cleaned the kitchen. When she went down the hall, she didn’t see Mrs. Brodie. She’d pack and call her sister before telling Mrs. Brodie her plans.
    After her bags were packed, she found Sam’s mother in the study. She accepted Sylvia’s decision.
    “I think it might be best. I’m sure it’s rather awkward for you and Sam with both of you living here. Please don’t think that I don’t like