A Cowboy's Recipe for Romance: Billionaire's Venture, #1

By A.B. Proebstel

He's the prodigal son. Her first love is music. When he brings home a gold digger to meet the folks, will the hired help put a song in his soul?

Randy Easton is a rancher at heart. So when the wealthy Texan decides to propose to his high-maintenance girlfriend, he takes her to the family homestead hoping she'll embrace the quiet wide-open spaces. But after her loathing for horses shatters his dreams, he finds himself drawn to a melodious singing voice coming from the kitchen.

Becky Monroe has found her groove as personal chef to rich cattlemen. But the aspiring songwriter's perfect pitch screeches out of tune when the ruggedly handsome heir rides in, accompanied by a backstabbing spitfire. And when her employers leave on an extended vacation, she's trapped serving the hunky cowboy and the vegan vixen with a predator's thirst for the kill.

Though Randy strikes a fast friendship with the country-gal cook, he struggles to search for his suddenly missing parents while keeping his would-be bridezilla happy. And as Becky does her best to maintain a professional distance, she can't help but feel that falling for the boss's gorgeous son has all the ingredients for happily ever after.

Will this star-crossed couple discover that together they hit all the right notes?

A Cowboy's Recipe for Romance is the charming first book in the Billionaire's Venture series. If you like endearing heroes, scheming villains, and Lone Star love stories, then you'll adore A.B. Proebstel's sweet ride into the sunset.

Enjoy A Cowboy's Recipe for Romance to sing a sizzling duet today!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cavaliers Publishing
• Release date: Oct 21, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201576509

Book preview

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Chapter 1

Randy

With each passing mile, Randy felt a sense of ease settling over him, like a weight lifted off his shoulders. Escaping the hustle and bustle of Houston and returning to the ranch he loved was a breath of fresh air for his soul.

The familiar scents of the countryside surrounded him as he drove down the dirt road leading to Sweet Creek Ranch reminding him that he’d been too many years away from home. The earthy aroma of open fields, the sweet scent of hay, and the comforting musk of cattle and horses greeted him like old friends. He couldn’t help but smile, feeling a deep connection to this place that held so many cherished memories.

Glancing at Katy, he noticed her tense grip on the handle of the Range Rover, and he chuckled softly. Hang on tight, Katy. We’re almost there, he reassured her.

Katy’s response was laced with a hint of impatience. Thank goodness, Randolph. Don’t these people believe in paving roads?

Randy grinned, knowing his city-dwelling girlfriend wasn’t used to the rugged charm of country life. I’ll have to bring the tractor out to grade this road again. It’s a bit rough, but it’s home, he said proudly, scanning the landscape for the familiar sight of the old homestead.

The house is just over there, he pointed, expecting Katy to be excited to see the ranch home.

However, Katy seemed disinterested, not bothering to look. It can’t come soon enough if you ask me, she replied.

Randy chuckled at her candidness. Haven’t you ever ventured out of the city, Katy? he teased gently, knowing that this was all new territory for her. He couldn’t wait to show her the beauty of life on the ranch and how it had shaped him into the man he was today.

Not if I can help it, she mumbled, turning her head to look out the window at the desolate landscape which seemed to go on forever. Don’t you have any neighbors? I haven’t seen any other houses for miles.

Thankfully not. Sweet Creek Ranch is one of the largest ranches in the world with eight hundred and twenty-five thousand acres, which is an area larger than the state of Rhode Island. We need the room for the thirty-five thousand cattle and over two hundred Quarter horses. Our nearest neighbors are quite far away. Just saying it made him swell with pride. This was his family legacy.

As they approached the homestead, a flood of memories washed over Randy. The long nights spent herding cattle, the camaraderie of working the land with his family—those were some of the best times of his life. This land was more than just property; it was a part of his soul, and being back home filled him with a profound sense of contentment.

Though Katy seemed unimpressed with the dirt road leading up to the ranch, Randy held onto the hope that she would see its true beauty once they stepped inside the house. Over the years, the entire place had been lovingly updated and expanded, transforming it into a veritable estate. It was a testament to his parents’ dedication to creating a home that was both welcoming and elegant.

His father joked about him now being the king of the castle, but it had made his mother happy to keep having new places to decorate. His dad would do anything to make his mother happy.

As they arrived near the front of the house, the sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a golden glow over the sprawling estate. Randy parked the vehicle, his heart swelling with pride as he turned to Katy and asked, What do you think now?

Katy’s eyes widened in amazement, and a smile tugged at the corners of her lips. It’s amazing, Randolph! Why didn’t you say it was a mansion? I had no idea we’d be staying in such a grand place. I thought it’d be a run-down log cabin from the way you described it, she exclaimed. Katy eagerly pushed open the door and practically hopped out of the vehicle.

Randy couldn’t help but chuckle to himself. She was always predictable in her love for the finer things in life, and he tried his best to provide them for her. He stepped out of the truck, reaching to the back to grab their bags.

Just as he set the bags down, a familiar voice echoed behind him, and Randy turned to greet their butler. James, it’s good to see you. He warmly embraced the old man, feeling a rush of nostalgia for the loyal employee who had been with his family for as long as he could remember.

I wouldn’t miss the homecoming of the prodigal son, James teased, a mischievous glint in his eye. He deftly took the bags from Randy’s hands and sauntered back toward the house. Your mother has arranged for your guest to be in the summer room, he called over his shoulder.

Randy suppressed a grin as he turned to Katy, who was practically glowing with excitement. He took her hand in his and asked, Are you ready to meet my parents?

Absolutely. Katy latched onto his arm, practically draping herself over his side as they made their way up the grand staircase leading to the wrap-around porch. Her eyes sparkled with awe at the sight of the elegant mansion.

Climbing the porch stairs, Randy couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride in his family’s stunning home. He strode confidently, mentally preparing himself for his mother’s typical enthusiastic greeting. Even before they made it to the porch, her squeal of delight echoed toward them, signaling her excitement.

Randy, you’re finally here! His mother burst through the double doors that James had thoughtfully left open. With arms wide open and a radiant smile, she had eyes only for her beloved son. Randy quickened his pace, eager to reach the top before she could tackle him with her affectionate embrace.

Just when they reached the middle of the porch, his mother leaped toward him, expecting her usual hug and twirl. He obliged, setting aside Katy’s hand gently to ensure she wouldn’t get caught in the excitement. His mother felt lighter than he remembered, but her enthusiastic screaming in his ear was more than familiar.

Let the boy breathe, Lucy, his father’s voice rang from the entrance of the house.

Chuckling, Randy turned to face his father. Setting his mother down gently, he grinned and complimented, The place looks amazing, Pop.

Wait till you see how your mom decorated it, his father replied with a playful roll of his eyes, hinting at their long-standing joke.

Finally remembering to introduce his girlfriend, Randy turned to pull Katy forward, but he could already sense her displeasure at being momentarily cast aside for his mother’s affection.

He introduced Katy to his parents with a warm smile, This is my girlfriend, Katy Holmes. He looked at Katy and continued, And this is Randy and Lucy, otherwise known as Mom and Pop.

Katy extended her hand to Randy’s father, but he simply brushed it aside with a warm smile. We don’t believe in handshakes here, Katy. Come give me a hug! He beckoned her forward, his arms open wide.

Feeling a bit awkward, Katy obliged, stepping over to give him a brief hug. Before she knew it, Lucy had wrapped her in an enthusiastic embrace, nearly squeezing the breath out of her.

It’s so good of Randy to bring a lady home. We’re going to have the best time getting to know one another. Come, come; let me show you to your room, Lucy gushed, pulling Katy along.

Katy glanced back at Randy, silently pleading for rescue as Lucy whisked her inside the house.

I see Mom hasn’t changed at all, Randy said to his dad.

Randy grinned at his father, who chuckled in response. Nope, not one bit. I’m just glad she’s got another girl to look after.

Another girl? Randy asked, raising an eyebrow.

Yes, we brought in another cook. Mabel fell and broke her hip, so we had to hire someone temporarily until she’s back on her feet.

I’m sorry to hear about Mabel. Maybe I’ll go check on her before unpacking.

I’m sure she’d appreciate that. She was beside herself that she wouldn’t be able to fix all your favorite meals while you’re here. She always was one to spoil you something fierce.

Nah, she just loved it when I brought in wildflowers for her, Randy chuckled, reminiscing about Mabel’s joy at the simplest gestures.

Pop clapped his son on the shoulder approvingly. Ah, so that’s how you managed it. You always had a way with people. How was the drive?

Brutal. But it’s sure nice to be back home, Randy replied, falling into step beside his father. As they walked, he couldn’t help but notice that he now stood several inches taller than his father. All those years of looking up to him as the biggest man on the ranch, and now he looked down at him.

It’s good to have you here. I just wish we could spend more time with you before we have to leave, Pop said, his tone tinged with regret.

Leave? Where’re you going? Randy stopped dead in his tracks, hardly believing what he was hearing.

We got a phone call earlier today letting us know the yacht is finally ready. We have to go and finish the paperwork and hire the crew to sail it back here.

The news hit Randy like a punch in the gut. He tried to smile and be happy for his parents, knowing how long they had been dreaming of this moment. But inside, he couldn’t help but feel a pang of disappointment. This visit was supposed to be special for him too; he had been planning to propose to Katy and hoped to celebrate with his parents.

That’s been years in the making. I can’t believe it’s finally happening today of all days, Randy managed to say, trying to hide his true feelings.

Yeah, your mother’s been packing all afternoon. She says she wants to take the first voyage around the Caribbean before bringing it home. I guess we’ll be gone for a while, Pop explained.

Randy tried to keep his expression happy, even though his heart was breaking at the missed opportunity. He would have to come up with another plan for proposing to Katy. Well, I’m sure we’ll have a great evening with you both before you have to go, he replied, forcing a smile that felt affixed to his face.

The weight of Pop’s scrutiny felt almost unbearable. But just when he thought he couldn’t take it any longer, the phone rang, mercifully saving him from having to explain himself. Pop rushed over to his office, closing the door behind him. Randy knew his dad was a busy man, always engrossed in numerous business transactions.

Deciding it was a good time to slip away, Randy made his way through the dining room on his path through the kitchen. As he approached the vast space, a captivating voice caught his attention, drawing him in like a siren’s call.

Who could be singing? he murmured to himself, his curiosity piqued. Leaning against the buffet, he closed his eyes, letting the melodious notes flow through him.

Suddenly, the music stopped, and a woman’s startled exclamation broke into Randy’s reverie. He opened his eyes to behold a stunning blonde-haired, blue-eyed woman standing before him. His eyes took in her beauty in one swift assessment, but he quickly met her gaze, offering a lazy smile. Hello.

The woman seemed taken aback, stammering, Um, hi. I wasn’t expecting anyone to be in here just yet. I’ll get out of your way. She began to back away.

Not wanting her to leave just yet, Randy reached out and gently grabbed her arm. No, don’t go. What’s your name? he asked, intrigued by this unexpected encounter.

As Randy gazed down, he realized his hand was still on Rebecca’s arm, and she looked back at him with a pointed glare. I’m Rebecca Monroe, the new chef. Kindly remove your hand from my arm, she stated firmly.

Feeling embarrassed and apologetic, Randy quickly withdrew his hand. I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me. Hey, I’m Randy Easton, he introduced himself, hoping to make amends. I was just coming back to see Mabel. Is she in her room?

Rebecca nodded, her demeanor softening slightly. Yes, she’s in her room. I’m sorry for speaking to you that way. I shouldn’t have been rude. She averted her eyes from his face to look down at the toes of her shoes.

Her reaction to his touch was understandable; he had overstepped, and he regretted causing her any distress. I’m sorry for touching you, Rebecca. I just wanted to find out who you were, Randy said, trying to convey sincerity in his apology.

Randy raised his hand again, stopping short of touching her, and said, Guest or no guest, nobody has the right to touch you unless you ask for it. I hope this kind of thing hasn’t happened to you with any of the ranch hands.

No, no, nothing like that, Rebecca reassured him. I... I’ve got to go check on the roast. With that, she quickly retreated back to the safety of her kitchen, putting some distance between herself and Randy.

Deciding to give her some space, Randy entered the kitchen slowly, maintaining a non-threatening pace as he moved to the opposite end of the room. He wanted to give Rebecca time to compose herself before he disturbed her peace while he made his way to the staff quarters.

Randy took a calming breath before gently tapping on Mabel’s door. When he heard her familiar voice inviting him in, he pushed the door open and greeted her with a warm smile, Do you want some company?

Junior! Mabel’s face lit up with delight, and she clapped her hands. Come in here and give your Mabel a proper kiss! Chuckling, Randy kneeled beside her bed, feeling a rush of affection for the woman who had been like a second mother to him.

I had no idea you’d hurt yourself, or I would’ve come home sooner, Randy expressed his concern.

Don’t trouble yourself one bit, you’re here now, Mabel assured him, pressing her cheek against his and giving him a gentle kiss on the neck. She smelled of baby powder and fresh laundry, bringing back fond memories of their time together.

You look wonderful, as always, Randy complimented her as he took a seat on the edge of her bed. Is this okay, or should I pull a chair over?

You better not; I want you where I can hold your hand and assure myself that you’re really here. It’s been too many years since you came to visit. Tell me all about what’s been keeping you away from me.

Randy happily fell into their old routine of storytelling, sharing the events of his life with Mabel and seeking her wise advice. Time seemed to fly by as they reminisced, and he was just about to reveal his proposal idea when a knock interrupted them.

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Chapter 2

Becky

Becky could have kicked herself for overreacting to the man touching her arm. After all, it was not like he tried to kiss her or anything.

Where did that come from? she asked herself, shaking her head in dismay over how her mind had pictured him doing just as she had thought. I don’t have any business thinking of my employers’ son in such a manner.

Her mind went to how good he looked in his snug jeans, tall and muscular, with his confident walk.

Not that I was looking, she reminded herself.

She reached into the oven to pull out the roast. One of her fingers accidentally touched the hot pan, causing her to flinch in pain even as she maintained her hold on the dish. Almost flinging the offending pot onto the counter, she rushed over to the ice maker and punched the button to dispense the ice.

Of course, it jammed again.

Almost ready to throw something at the absurdity of it all, she pulled the refrigerator door open to access the ice dispenser manually. After grabbing a couple of ice cubes, she sighed with relief to have the burning sensation suddenly stop. Once her fingertip