Buch lesen: «Marriage At Any Price»

One

It all happened in the blink of an eye.

There was a blur of motion to Seth Masters’s right as a woman on a large thoroughbred came out of nowhere. She gave a cue, and the immense muscles in the animal’s hind legs propelled the steed and its rider up and over the hood of Seth’s low-slung sports car. He fought to bring the car to a screeching halt, narrowly missing one of the pines that grew on both sides of the country road. The rider stopped as well, turned the chestnut around and headed back to the car. She didn’t look happy.

“You’re an idiot!” she said as she brought the horse to a stop a few feet from the car. “Didn’t you see the signs saying Slow Down, Bridle Path Ahead? Can’t you read? You almost got us killed! Who goes eighty on a one-lane backwoods road?”

“I wasn’t going eighty.”

“Couldn’t prove it by me!”

Seth was flooded with emotions: shock, relief that no one was hurt, an underlying sense of unease that he’d been driving too fast. But through all the self-recrimination, one thought stood out: the woman was magnificent. Rich auburn hair swirled about her almost angelic face, and though her green eyes sparkled with anger, they were stunning. Her slim, beautiful body seemed too slight to control the huge thoroughbred that tossed his head and pawed the ground, pulling air into its massive lungs. Obviously she was an expert rider, something Seth was enormously grateful for right now.

He opened the door and pushed out of the Ferrari. What could he say? He’d been so wrapped up in his own thoughts he hadn’t paid any attention to the signs.

“I apologize. Sincerely. I hope you weren’t hurt.”

“Just slow down. The riding path crisscrosses the road several times over the next few miles. Needless to say, the next time you might not be so lucky.”

Even in anger her voice was clear and attractive.

“Point taken.”

She homed in on his face and tipped her head as a frown crossed her fine features.

“You’re not from around here.” It was a statement as much as a question.

“Los Angeles.”

She opened her mouth as if she was about to say something else then must have thought better of it and shook her head.

“Could you tell me how far out I am from Calico Springs?”

“By the posted speed limit, about twenty minutes.”

“Thanks,” he replied, taking in her sexy-as-hell physique as she turned the stallion around and headed back in the direction they’d come, disappearing into the trees.

Seth returned to the car and started the engine. He hoped this wasn’t a sign of what was in store this trip. He had to remember this wasn’t LA—it was rural Texas, and things worked at a slower pace. Still not able to completely shake off the close encounter, he eased back out onto the narrow road and continued in the direction of Calico Springs.

Attorney Ben Rucker’s office, an old Victorian house just off the town square, was easy to spot. It fit in perfectly with the other buildings along Main Street. Calico Springs was quaint. Innocent. Like a town out of the past. There were planters filled with flowers and wooden park benches in front of most of the stores and shops. After parking the car, he made his way inside the lawyer’s air-conditioned office and gave his name to the receptionist.

“Of course, Mr. Masters. Mr. Rucker has been expecting you. I’ll let him know you’re here.”

Minutes later Seth was seated across from the elderly attorney.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Masters. I take it this is the first time you’ve been to Calico Springs?”

“Actually, I’ve been here several times. I met my half brothers and enjoyed the area when I was a young boy. I’ve been back a dozen or so times since then. The last time was about five years ago.”

The attorney chuckled. “You certainly carry the family resemblance. You are most definitely a Masters.”

“I wanted to come down early and see the ranch again. Do my brothers know I’m here?”

“I told them you were coming. Chance and Cole are in New York, and Wade and his wife are in London. They will all be back next week for the probate of the will.”

Seth nodded. He’d been brought up the only child of a single mother. Then when he was six years old, his father had insisted he come to the ranch and meet his half brothers. Even at that age, he’d been nervous. But they had taken the news of his existence better than he’d hoped and welcomed him into the family. Those dozen or so summers he’d spent on the ranch were wonderful memories, and he looked forward to seeing everyone again.

“I must admit I’m curious about the will.”

“I can understand.” Mr. Rucker sat back in his leather chair. “Did you know your father very well?”

Seth shrugged. “About as much as anyone knew him, I guess. I saw him maybe a dozen times in my life. Mother wouldn’t talk about him. I never saw or heard from him again after I entered Stanford, although I always suspected there was communication between him and my mother.”

As he’d grown older, Seth had begun to realize that the home where he and his mother lived and the cars she drove were beyond the means of a single working mother who had no advanced degree. There had to be another source of funds. And though he’d been awarded a partial scholarship to attend Stanford, it hadn’t nearly covered all the expenses. Yet when he needed money, it was always provided.

“From what little I know,” Mr. Rucker said, “you would be right. Your father spoke highly of you when we were drafting the will. But he was never a man comfortable with family. Either of his families, as it turns out. His work always took priority. I guess he had his own reasons why he couldn’t relate.”

“I guess.” Seth nodded. “The reason I mention the will is I sit on the boards of two regional hospitals, and a new research facility focusing on leukemia is on the table. The more funding we can get for it, the better. If I stand to inherit anything, it will certainly help me move things along.”

The attorney nodded then seemed to hesitate. “Mr. Masters, you understand I cannot discuss the will without all heirs being present. But that said, I feel it only fair to ask if you’re married.”

“Married?” The question seemed odd. He’d come close once. It had ended badly. He’d given his heart to Gwen Jeffers, and she’d returned his love by having an affair with another man. He hadn’t thought of getting married to anyone since. He liked life in the fast lane. Free of responsibility to anyone but himself and his companies. “No,” he replied. “Not me. Why do you ask?”

“Well, there’s a stipulation that needs to be met by the time we’re in probate, so I’d better discuss this with you. One of the requirements of the will is that each of you boys be married. Mr. Masters never explained his reasoning. It may have had something to do with his own experiences in life. I’ll never know for sure. But, of course, he had the right to set any conditions he wanted. If any of you aren’t married by the day the will is probated, you’ll be dropped from the will, and any financial assets or land holdings will revert to the other married sons or, in specific circumstances, to charity. As of now, you’re the only one who doesn’t meet the requirement.

“I tried to call to discuss this with you a few weeks ago, but you were out of the country. I left several messages with your office. I asked your brothers if they knew your marital status, but they couldn’t say for sure—apparently you haven’t been in touch recently.”

“I see. Yeah, I have a boatload of calls I need to return. I regret not getting in touch sooner. This news is disappointing.” And that was an understatement. “But—it is what it is. I look forward to seeing my brothers again and meeting their wives. It isn’t every day I get to spend time with them.”

“That’s true.” The lawyer chuckled. “It’s too bad about the will. It sounds like the research center is a worthy cause.”

“It is.” Seth stood up from his chair and shook the lawyer’s hand. “Well, thank you, Mr. Rucker. I appreciate you letting me know.”

“Of course, Mr. Masters. You do have ten days or so. Perhaps you know someone who’d consider becoming your wife. There’s still time.”

“I don’t think so, but again, thanks.”

Seth stepped out of the lawyer’s office with Mr. Rucker close behind him just as the front door opened and in walked none other than the horsewoman he’d met on the road. Her surprise at seeing Seth was immediate. But she quickly put it aside and turned toward Mr. Rucker.

“Did you get an appointment?”

“Ally, why don’t you come back after lunch and we can discuss it in private.”

“I have to go back to work. All I’m asking for is a yes or no.”

“I’m sorry.” He smiled at her and slowly shook his head. “I’m trying to get in touch with Wade or Cole, since they handle the company’s finances. Wade is out of the country. Cole and Chance are in New York doing double duty while their brother is gone. Why don’t we step inside my office for a moment?”

“I don’t have time,” she insisted. “You will excuse us, won’t you?” she said looking at Seth, then turned back to Mr. Rucker.

The elderly gentleman held up his hands to Seth in a gesture of helplessness.

“It’s okay,” Seth said, grinning. “I’ll be going.”

“I managed to speak with Chance,” Mr. Rucker said to the young woman, “and he said he knew nothing about it and we would have to wait until Wade returned.”

“And when will that be?”

“When his business is finished, I gather. I believe he has an appointment here in the latter part of next week.”

Seth heard her sigh behind him. Whatever they were talking about appeared to do nothing to improve her state of obvious frustration. She must be having a really bad day.

Still, Seth couldn’t help but catch the names Mr. Rucker had tossed out. Wade, Cole and Chance were his half brothers. He was tempted to blurt out his relationship and see if he could help her but at the last second closed his mouth. It wasn’t any of his business.

“Can you schedule an appointment for me then?”

“I’ll see what I can do, Ally. You know I will, but...”

“You think it’s pointless,” she finished.

“I think,” the attorney said, “that you have every right to talk with them. And to that end, I’ll do the best I can.”

“Thanks, Mr. Rucker.”

As she turned to leave, her emerald eyes fell on Seth.

“I see you made it to town, presumably without mowing anyone else down.”

“Miracles do happen. Actually, I did slow down after our encounter and enjoyed the countryside,” Seth said. “Thanks for the tip.”

“Any time.”

He opened the door and she walked through it, turning right and continuing down the sidewalk. Seth couldn’t help but watch as she seemed to glide down the street. She was still wearing the riding pants that outlined every detail of her slim figure. A leather belt emphasized her tiny waist, and her loose white shirt covered full breasts. She had a small, impish nose and lips a man could enjoy for hours. He felt his body immediately react to her, something that frankly surprised him.

It was too bad he didn’t pick up any vibes that she was the marrying kind. He just might be tempted.

“Mr. Rucker, could you recommend a good place to eat?” Seth said, turning back to look at the lawyer.

“Burdall’s City Café, just one block up on the town square. As a matter of fact, I was about to head there myself. You’re welcome to share my table.”

“Thanks. I’d like that.”

It was only a few minutes’ walk to the café, and they just beat the lunchtime rush. Seth pulled out a chair and settled in across the table from Mr. Rucker. He grabbed the menu from between the salt, pepper and sugar canisters and looked it over. It had a pretty wide selection for a small hometown restaurant.

A waitress set tall glasses of ice water down next to them and said she’d be back in just a few minutes to take their orders. But before she could return, they had another visitor at their table.

“Hi.” It was the redhead again. “Do you mind if I join you? There’s a line and I have to get back to work.”

“Of course,” said Mr. Rucker without hesitation. “Ally, have you met Mr. Masters?”

She stilled. “No,” she said, staring at Seth. “Not...formally, at least.”

“This is Seth Masters. Seth, Ally Kincaid.”

“Masters?” She frowned. Her eyes narrowed. “Are you any relation to Wade Masters?”

“Yes. As a matter of fact I am.”

“I knew it. When you almost ran me down on the road. You look like a Masters.” Her eyes rested on him, and she was silent for a few moments. Then, as though she thought better of saying what she had in mind, she changed the subject.

“You said you were from California, right? What do you do there?” she asked as she pulled out a chair and sat down.

“I own several companies, mostly electronics and pharmaceuticals.”

“Huh. Who would have thought? I would have better believed you were a contender for the Indianapolis 500.” She reached for a menu. “I’ll bet your pharmacy comes in handy when you get behind the wheel.”

“I’m just used to moving at a faster pace.”

“Yeah, I’ll bet you are. So, what are you doing in the sleepy little town of Calico Springs?”

“Just enjoying the view,” he replied, looking straight at her.

Seth watched as a light blush ran up her neck and touched her face before he returned to the menu. Her very scent was exciting: a subtle blend of exotic herbs, strawberries and leather. It had his pheromones working overtime. He had never experienced such an immediate attraction to a woman.

“Is everyone ready to order?” The waitress flipped a page in her notebook and took pen in hand.

Ally ordered a ham and cheese sandwich while Mr. Rucker and Seth chose to have steak. Seth glanced at the older man and saw a twinkle in his eyes. He suspected Ben was attuned to the banter going on between him and Ally and maybe had a little subtle matchmaking in mind.

After they had given their orders Ally turned her focus to Mr. Rucker. “So, did you pencil me in?”

“I had my secretary send Wade a text to see when he’s available. Once I hear back, consider yourself penciled.”

“Good. Thank you. I just hope he’s as reasonable as people say he is.”

She wanted an appointment with Wade? Seth couldn’t help but wonder as to the reason.

As though the question showed on his face, she set the menu aside and said flatly, “Wade Masters’s father stole my ranch. And I want it back.”