THE BILLIONAIRE'S DANCE(Billionaire Bachelors #2)(26)

“I’m not sure if I’ll be able to attend tomorrow but if you want to have your parents stop by and grab Jacob that would be okay,” she tried to say nonchalantly.

Alex stared at her for a few moments before responding. “Look Jessica, I understand my family can be overwhelming and you’re still trying to get used to everything but they would be hurt if you didn’t come. Your parents will even be there. Can you please just forget about everything else going on for one day and come enjoy yourself?” he asked, while never breaking eye contact.

Jessica knew once again she’d been defeated. Her parents would drag her there anyway if they saw she didn’t show up. She could try and fake an illness but her mother knew her more than anyone. She would take one look at her and it would be over.

“I just had to work on an article I was writing but I’ll do it the next day,” she finally conceded, hoping he bought her story. She didn’t want him to know she was really just a coward.

Alex continued to look at her for a while before he nodded. She knew he didn’t buy her story but thankfully he was man enough to not call her on her lies.

“I’m going to head up to bed and read for a while,” Jessica finally said, having lost all of her appetite.

“I have some work to finish up. I’ll join you in a while,” Alex replied before getting up and heading out of the room.

Jessica wanted to talk to him about her feelings and try and make the marriage about more than just their son and sex but she didn’t know how to bridge the gap. She was afraid if she brought anything real up, he would run from her.



Chapter Six

“Surprised you could climb out of the newlywed bed long enough to join us,” Mark took a shot at his brother, while punching his arm. “Heck we didn’t see Lucas for at least six months,” he continued.

“You’re lucky you’re seeing me now. Amy’s about to have the baby,” Lucas said, while looking down at his phone for the hundredth time.

“Trust me; your ringer is working just fine. If anything happens you will be the first one who knows about it,” Mark laughed.

“I know. I know. I worry so much about her being so pregnant. I know she’s with mom and dad but man, it’s hard to be away from her right now,” he smiled sheepishly.

“Thank the lord I’m still single. You two are just a little too gushy for my tastes,” Mark sighed before jumping the fence.

Lucas and Alex were right behind him. “You’ll be next you know. We both thought we would hold out and look at us. Not only are we married but fathers as well. Your day is coming,” Alex grinned at his younger brother.

“No way man, I’m a confirmed bachelor and that’s how I would like to keep it. I have my hands full with all of these animals. I don’t have any time for women or babies in my life,” he added.

Lucas and Alex just looked at each other and smiled. They knew their younger brother would fall and it would be their pleasure to watch it happen. “I thought you said there was some work to be done,” Alex goaded him.

“You’ll be begging me to stop by the end of the day. I bet you fall over and embarrass yourself in front of your bride,” he said with a hopeful wink.

“Bring it on little brother,” Alex replied, accepting the challenge.

If an outsider was looking at the trio of men they’d think they belonged on a ranch. No one would be able to tell Lucas and Alex both worked in offices and flew around the world on Jets. Mark, of course was a full time rancher but it was by choice. He’d decided early on in his life office work wasn’t what he wanted to do.

Their father, Joseph loved his boys intensely and supported their decisions. When Mark decided to ranch he supported him one hundred percent.

Lucas, Alex and Mark looked dashing in their worn Stetson hats and boots and painted on jeans. They rode the horses around like rodeo champions and literally stopped women in their tracks when they went by.

The brothers spent the afternoon bringing the cattle in and branding them. Mid afternoon they stopped by the lake for some lunch and basked in the summer heat.

“Any time you boys are ready to trade in your suits and run the ranch with me, you know you’re welcome,” Mark said with a cheeky grin.

“You know I love the land and helping you out here is a little slice of heaven but it wouldn’t take long before the appeal of travel and a nice clean suit would be calling my name,” Alex said.

“You know dad would lasso you up for trying to take me away from the office. He’s retired and doesn’t want to go back,” Lucas added.

“I’m just saying…” Mark left the sentence unfinished.

Lucas and Alex both sighed in unison.

“Ok last one in has to do the grilling,” Mark said while stripping down to his boxers in record time and diving into the lake.

“Ah crap,” Alex yelled while trying to yank his boots off. He glanced over and saw Lucas had the lead.

Lucas dived in about two seconds before he did.

“I think you guys cheated again,” Alex laughed. “You know you just want me grilling because I’m the best one at it. You guys always burn that beautiful Angus Meat,” he added.

“Hey, when you’re right, you’re right,” Mark said before sending a slew of water right into Alex’s face.