Wild Thing: Billionaire Cowboys Gone Wild, #2

By Adriana French

Billionaire Cowboy Houston Parker needs a nanny, but wasn't expecting to find someone so sweet and young—Someone who tempts him to cross a forbidden line.

 

With every innocent stare, every swipe of the lips with her pink tongue, this wild thing tempts me to cross the line into forbidden territory. I knew Nicolette's father; she knew my dead wife. I promised to watch over her, but not like this…

 

This live-in situation is too much for me take. I don't know how long I can hold back with Nicolette living under my roof.

As the CFO of Parker Enterprises, I have a reputation to protect. Throwing it all out the window just so I can have my way with a sexy little thing ten years younger than me should be out of the question.

Unfortunately for me the only question running through my brain is what will I do to her first when I finally have her in my arms?

 

Saddle up, Sugar. A new breed of cowboy-cavemen is here. They're dirty and filthy rich. Houston Parker is an alpha male to the nth degree and another Parker brother to meet in the Billionaire Cowboys Gone Wild Series of standalone reads.

Expect humor, coarse language, graphic and steamy situations, and insta-love. No cheating and a happily ever after.

 

Tropes: Billionaire romance, OTT, forbidden love, age gap, single dad, widower, forced proximity, instalove, western romance, cowboy romance, bad boys, hot brothers, Montana romance, small town romance, steamy!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Adriana French
• Release date: Jun 1, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201580445

Book preview

Chapter One

The sun beats down on my Stetson, making sweat bead on my forehead. My brother Blade and his new wife, Annalisa, left for their honeymoon last night, but the weekend-long party is in full swing. I search the crowded party for a dirty dish, a half-filled glass, something, anything to distract my mother from her current obsession. But it’s no use.

"Well, I think this is a perfect plan." With a devious grin, she folds her arms and leans to one side, zeroing in on her new pet project, Nicolette Bowman. Mom sees a potential nanny for my three-year-old daughter, Mirabella, but all I see is the kind of temptation that will send me straight to hell.

My family adored Nicolette’s father, Billy, and since he passed, my mother has jumped on every opportunity to invite her over to Casa de Estrellas, our family estate just outside of Dallas. I haven’t been the same since I saw Nicolette in that white bikini yesterday. I was so fixated on the sight of her in that tiny wet bathing suit that clung to every curve, I couldn’t think straight.

Don’t you think she’s a little young?

For what? Mom eyes me suspiciously, but I manage to keep a straight face. How is she still able to read my mind?

I don’t know, I say. Just young. Hell, she’s only twenty-one. She can find a better job than being tied down to a three-year-old.

I wouldn’t be so sure. Mom tucks a strand of silver hair into her bun. Her sparkly caftan’s sleeves flutter in the breeze. We promised Billy if anything happened to him over in Afghanistan we would look after Nicolette. She’s been holed up on that old goat ranch by herself. She needs a job, and you happen to need a nanny.

It’s that simple, huh?

It could be. Mom turns to meet my eye. It wouldn’t hurt to give Nicolette a trial run. Mrs. White told you flat out she’s retiring soon.

Unfortunately, she has a point. Belle’s current nanny is only temporary. I rub the back of my neck, feeling the knots tighten. I can’t imagine how hard life must be for Nicolette without her dad. Her mom passed when she was young, and she doesn’t have any family.

She’s vulnerable, Houston. We don’t want anyone swooping in and taking advantage of her.

I narrow my eyes, watching Nicolette weave through a crowd of admiring stares. Is she hanging out with the wrong crowd? Is someone bothering her? Has she said something to you?

No, no. Mom pats my arm. Nothing like that.

Nicolette disappears into the crowd, and I angle my head, keeping an eye on her. The thought of any man touching her makes my blood boil. I might not be able to be with her, but that doesn’t mean anyone else can.

Nicolette. Mom beckons her over from the jam-packed buffet table. Do you have a sec?

Eyes the color of green wheat look over from across the patio. My chest hammers when they lock on mine. Nicolette grins and sets the serving spoon down.

She was probably hungry, I grumble under my breath, gearing up for the pending party in my pants.

Sure, she calls out with a pretty smile. Be right there. Nicolette says something to the woman beside her and then strolls to us.

As she steps out of the shaded tent, her hair shines like golden honey in the sun. Holy hell. I remind myself to keep it together. She might be a tiny little thing, but her long, graceful legs glide over the slate-grey patio like she’s walking on air. Shoulders back, chin high, she makes every man in her vicinity snap their neck for a better look.

Her white jeans fit like a second skin over her perfect round ass, and I’m convinced that thin blouse was made to bring me to my knees. Is she wearing anything at all underneath? I swallow thickly.

It’s been so long since I’ve been attracted to anyone it’s pathetic. Texas Spectator magazine just named me this year’s most eligible bachelor. If they knew I’ve been out on exactly one coffee date in the past two years, they’d take their dubious honor back in a heartbeat.

What can I say? I’m picky.

Hey, Mrs. Parker. Nicolette greets us, smiling, with a bounce in her step, all sweetness and light. Hey, Houston.

Good to see you, Nicolette. You’re looking well.

Anything is an improvement since you saw me at the funeral. She purses her lips. I’m not about to point out that I saw her nipples up close and personal, poking through her bathing suit, yesterday. I was so stunned by her appearance that I didn’t stick around long enough to say hi. Call me Nikki, Houston. Everybody does.

But I’m not everybody, now, am I? And I’ve never called you Nikki. The words fly out of my mouth before I have a chance to think. Instinctively, my gaze sweeps over every inch of her insanely hot body. I shift my eyes to the buffet table to divert my attention from the mouthwatering sight. If you don’t mind, I’d rather call you Nicolette, I mutter, watching one of my mother’s friends help herself to a wedge of lemon pie.

I can’t call Nicolette Nikki. The name doesn’t suit her. Nikki sounds tomboyish to me, and Nicolette is all woman, soft and sweet with pillowy, kissable pink lips, and shit. I can’t even think straight around her. She was a wild little thing in high school. Her dad was so worried about her getting into trouble, but she turned out just fine.

No, Nicolette is fine, she says. I detect a blush.

Well good, Mom interjects sarcastically. It looks like we finally have our names squared away after all these years.

Nicolette bites her lip. So, how’s everything going with the new business in Montana?

Not well. Mom shrugs. We still haven’t found a full-time nanny for Mirabella, which makes traveling difficult for Houston. Mrs. White’s been helping out, but her knee is giving her problems, and she’s retiring soon. She’s not in any shape to be chasing around after a three-year-old.

Just to clarify, I add, giving Nicolette one of my signature smiles, I’m fully capable of finding a nanny for Mirabella, but we’d rather have someone who knows the family, someone we have a history with, to take care of my little girl.

Of course. Nicolette nods. That would probably be the best scenario.

Glad you agree. Mom rubs her hands with a satisfied grin. We were hoping you would consider the position.

Me? Nicolette takes a full step back. No. I don’t think I’m the right fit.

But why not, dear? The whole family will have moved to Montana by month’s end. You’ll be all alone here in Texas. Mom reaches out and warmly clasps Nicolette’s hands. Wouldn’t you at least consider a trial run?

Nicolette’s face twists as she turns to me in confusion. The Montana project must be going like gangbusters.

Most of my work is behind the scenes, but I’d like to be more hands-on while we get the new operation off the ground. I’m the CFO of Parker Enterprises, I point out, wondering why the fuck I’m trying to impress her. Everyone in the country knows what I’m capable of.

Wild Cat Ridge, our housing development, is almost fully sold out. Mom scoots between us, caressing Nicolette’s arm. The restaurant, spa and dude ranch are up and running. We need Houston in Montana, and I’ve seen you with my granddaughter. Mirabella adores you.

Mom’s laying the charm on so thick, she now has me convinced Nicolette could be the one to get us out of our bind. After all, I’m not an animal. I should be able to control myself around her.

A trial isn’t a bad idea, I offer, If you don’t have any plans, maybe you could babysit for a couple of days and see how it goes.

Nicolette squints up at the sun, wheels spinning behind her sparkling emerald eyes.

It’s a live-in, full-time position with a great salary, Mom jumps in, then passes the baton to me with a closed-lipped smile.

I’d appreciate it if you’d give us a try. I catch Nicolette’s eye. That is, if you have any interest whatsoever in being Mirabella’s nanny.

She furrows her brows. Well. I’ve never thought of being a nanny before. But I do love Belle, she quickly adds. And I have been looking for a job. She lowers her voice. My new jewelry line isn’t going as well as I’d hoped. I mean, I have to do something since ... you know, since Dad passed. His ranch isn’t what it was.

Fuck. We shouldn’t be pressuring her so much. Her eyes are welling up with tears now.

Hey. I reach out, unconsciously rubbing her silky-smooth arm. It kills me to see her upset. You don’t have to make a decision right this second. We don’t even have to talk about this if you’re not up to it.

Nikki! my daughter shrieks in delight behind us, dragging Mrs. White by the hand over the grassy area near the main house. Her nanny winces in obvious pain and lets go of Mirabella.

Belle’s auburn ringlets dance on her shoulders. Sunshine mixed with hurricane, she charges across the lawn straight to Nicolette, who has her arms wide open. I watch the scene play out, shocked. Nicolette squats to Belle’s height and wraps her arms around her like a long-lost friend she hasn’t seen in years.

How was your nap, sweetheart? Nicolette coos.

Belle’s dimples pop in her rosy cheeks. I don’t remember what I dreamed about, she says, nodding excitedly. But it was a good one.

That’s all that matters, sweetie. Are you hungry? Nicolette points to the buffet and turns to me. Do you mind if we get a little snack?

No. I shrug. Fine with me. Nicolette grins and escorts Belle, who’s apparently forgotten that her dad likes after-nap hugs too, to the buffet. I turn to Mrs. White. She’s finally made her way to us, but she’s still grimacing. Why don’t you go ahead and take a break? I don’t think you’ve had one all day.

Thank you, Mr. Parker. If I could just get off my feet, I’ll be good as new in about ten minutes. She limps to a nearby bench.

Take your time.

See what I mean? Mom points to the buffet, where Nicolette and Belle have their backs to us. They’re like two peas in a pod.

I do. I didn’t realize how much they’ve been seeing each other, or how well they get along.

I think my work here is done. Mom grins. You should be able to wrap this up with Nikki today. See? Nanny problem solved, and Nicolette will be with the family where we can help her. Killed two birds with one stone. Before I have a chance to get my two cents in, she waves to a group of friends and takes off to join them.

I edge through the guests to the tented buffet table and feel immediate relief in the shade under the misters. Nicolette’s spooning potato salad onto Belle’s plate. I slide in next to her.

So, how often have you been seeing my daughter? I chuckle. You seem to know each other very well.

She flashes a smile and scoots to the fruit platter. "Your mom is so sweet and keeps inviting me over. Whenever Mirabella’s here, we have a chance to visit. Don’t