Cameron, Paige - The Billionaire Cowboy Takes a Wife (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) by Paige Cameron

shoulder blades. She forced herself to show no reaction. There wasn’t anything the woman could do but talk, and she suspected most people would disregard what she said as the ranting of a jealous woman.
    A waiter came by carrying a tray of white wine. Samantha took a glass and headed outside. She spotted Jackson ’s head in a group of men standing by the far end of the pool. To the right was the large lounge chair where she and Jackson had made love under the night sky. Her face warmed at the memory. To take her mind off those thoughts, she looked for Janice.
    Janice stood in a shadowy corner with Drake. He towered over her friend and appeared to be conversing seriously about something. Janice shook her head, stepped around him, and walked toward the lighted area. Samantha waved, and Janice headed toward her.
    She grabbed a glass of red wine from a waiter’s tray and handed it to Janice. “What’s wrong? You look upset.”
    “That man is the most egotistical, arrogant—well, I won’t go over all the superlatives to describe him. He’s annoying and makes me angry quicker than anyone I’ve known.”
    “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you really angry.”
    Janice stopped a waiter and took a small plate of roasted oysters and grilled mushrooms off his tray. “Let’s sit here.” She pointed to a round table right behind them. “We’ll eat some appetizers and maybe feel better.”
    They stepped back to the table. Samantha grabbed a plate of cheese and apple slices and joined Janice. The delicious fragrance of roast beef came from the kitchen area. “ Jackson is busy socializing. His cook obviously has everything under control so we get to relax and talk. The rest of the weekend will be full. He’s planning a huge barbecue tomorrow. His staff is doing a wonderful job, which frees me from having to do much.”
    “You can be lazy tonight, but we still have your invitations to send out, and we have to complete all the plans for your wedding before next weekend,” Janice reminded her.
    “Keep her at it, Janice,” Jackson said as he leaned down and brushed a kiss across Samantha’s cheek. “Are you two enjoying yourselves?”
    “It’s lovely, Jackson ,” Janice said.
    “Mind if I take Samantha away for a few minutes?”
    “Not at all. I’m going to sit here and enjoy the sunset.” Janice smiled as Jackson pulled out Samantha’s chair and put his arm around her waist.
    “I’ll see you inside shortly,” Samantha said.
    Jackson pulled her closer and whispered in her ear. “Let’s walk around the side and go down to the barn. I want to ask you to do me a favor.”
    She looked at him, puzzled by his words. “You had most of the afternoon to ask me.”
    “True.” He smiled. “But my attention got diverted to other matters.”
    They slipped out a side door and walked briskly across the yard to the stable. Inside, except for a dim bulb in the back, the area was dark and smelled of horses and hay. A pleasant odor to Samantha.
    Jackson turned her toward him and kissed her forehead. Samantha stepped out of his arms.
    “If we get started, you’ll forget to ask me your favor.”
    “Sad, but true. I’d like you to watch my associates and their families tonight and tomorrow during activities. Next week I’ll be making my decision. I’d like your input.”
    His words pleased her. “I wasn’t sure you were serious about wanting my opinion,” she said.
    “Why not?” He hugged her close again. “I’ve always considered you observant and smart about people, except for your poor choices in male friends. That is except for me of course. I have three senior associates. You’ve met two. I’ll introduce Paul Thomas to you tonight, although he’s too close to retirement. I’m really considering either Charles or Lunette.”
    Samantha hesitated. She already knew where her vote would go. “I think you should ask someone else for input.”
    Jackson leaned back, trying to see her expression. “Really?