Just what were they jabbering about all the time anyway? Noelle saved him from finding a topic.
“So is my sister driving you crazy with all this wedding stuff? Are she and Brody disgustingly in love and all kissy-kissy with each other? Don’t be afraid to make her sleep in your barn. I assume you have a barn?”
Cam smiled. She was funny as well as beautiful and polite.
“A couple, actually. The wedding stuff hasn’t been too bad. Brody isn’t a kissy-kissy type, but Abby is very affectionate. He seems to enjoy it.”
Cam had been a little envious that Brody had a woman who loved and cared about him that much. It had been a very long time since Cam had a special woman in his life. The older he got, the more he wanted to settle down with one woman he could make the center of his world. Someone who would submit in the bedroom and challenge him everywhere else.
“Well, I hope they like the rings I designed for them. A wedding ring is so personal, and they just told me to do anything I liked. It was kind of nerve-racking. I don’t want them to be disappointed.”
Noelle brushed past him as she set the bowls and silverware on the table. Her skin was warm, and her tantalizing scent teased his nostrils.
“I’m sure they’ll love what you’ve done. I’d love to see it.”
“They’re locked away in my luggage. Speaking of luggage, will they be safe in my car all night? I suppose I’m asking a little late in the process. I was so happy to see you, I didn’t even think to grab them.”
“You had other things on your mind. They’ll be fine. The road is private. No one should be on it unless they’re headed to the ranch, and no one would be headed to the ranch on a night like this.”
“Except me.”
“Except you. But I can’t say Abby didn’t warn us about you. She said you’re a full-speed-ahead type of person. Fearless , I believe is the word she used.”
He turned off the stove and pulled open the oven. “I think this stew is heated up. The biscuits are ready to come out of the oven. I’m starved, and you must be, too. Let’s get you fed and in bed.”
He could have bitten off his tongue as he watched the heat flood Noelle’s face. He tried to smooth it over and pretend he didn’t notice.
“You must be exhausted. You can take the bedroom, and I’ll sleep out here. The couch folds out.”
Noelle shook her head. “You should take the bed. You rescued me, after all.”
She didn’t know him very well, but she would need to learn he didn’t say or do things he didn’t mean. He also found himself wanting to coddle and protect, and dominate this tiny woman. His Dom instincts were in overdrive—the protective, the disciplinary, and the sexual. There was something about this woman that brought them to the fore. He knew she wasn’t normally this easygoing. Abby’s tales of Noelle’s stubbornness and her gorgeous red hair spoke of a woman who needed a strong man to love and care for her. He wondered if she had such a man in her life. He doubted it since she had no problem picking up her life and coming to Montana to help her sister.
He’d been alone a long time, and he was honest enough with himself to admit she was the first woman in years who interested him on more than just a sexual level. He wanted to get to know her better. A lot better. Luckily, she was staying for several weeks to help with the wedding. Was she submissive, too? Could he be that lucky?
“No, you’ll take the bedroom. I’ll be fine.” She opened her mouth, but he held up his hand. “No arguments. I insist.”
He used his best Dom voice, and she quickly acquiesced. Interesting.
“Well, thank you. You certainly are a gentleman. I’m not sure I remember spending time with a man as chivalrous as you are.”
“Perhaps you’re spending time with the wrong kind of men. Here in Montana, we take care of our women. Now let’s eat and you can tell me all about you and Abby growing up.”
Cam smiled inwardly. He