The Cowboy's Gamble: Destined For Love Series (10 page)

“I now pronounce you man and wife,” Reverend Wilcox stated, closing his bible and glancing down at the newly married couple. “You may, ahhh . . . kiss your bride.” His uncertainty over the situation was apparent in the way he stumbled over the final part of his service.

The customary kiss loomed in front of them. Josie took a visible step back, establishing her own boundaries and silently proclaiming that she had no desire to engage in such a public display of affection. Their circumstances were anything but ideal or romantic, but judging by Kellie’s delighted expression, she fully expected them to partake in the traditional sealing of wedding vows.

Not wanting to disappoint the young girl, or pass up the chance to rattle his new bride’s prim composure, he tipped his Stetson back and lowered his head toward Josie’s. Her gaze widened, startled that he’d be so bold. Just as his mouth would have touched hers, she turned her head so his lips skimmed her soft cheek.

He chuckled deeply; he couldn’t help himself. It was so like Josie to best him at the last moment that he should have anticipated her move. He straightened, and noticed that she looked entirely too pleased with herself for evading his more intimate kiss.

He leaned close, so his mouth was near her ear. “I’ll collect plenty of kisses tonight to make up for that one loss,” he promised in a husky murmur.

Her face turned a warm, flustered shade of pink, and fire flashed in her eyes. Mindful of their audience, she didn’t issue a sassy retort like he knew she would have if they’d been alone.

Reverend Wilcox smiled, the gesture full of relief that his part was done. “Congratulations to the both of you.”

Seth reached out and shook the other man’s hand. “Thank you.”

Kellie wrapped her arms around Josie and hugged her tight. “Wow, you’re really married!” she said happily.

Josie returned Kellie’s embrace. “Imagine that,” she quipped, her voice lacking her daughter’s excitement. She glanced at Seth, her business-like gaze meeting his from over Kellie’s head. “Ready to head home?”

Home.
His chest swelled with indescribable emotions. He’d fulfilled his end of the bargain he’d struck with Jake McAllister. He’d married Josie, promised to take care of her and her daughter, and gained the Golden M. It was heady to realize he now had a place to call his own, but he suspected the battle with Josie had just begun.

Seth thanked Reverend Wilcox for performing the ceremony on a weekday and with only a few days notice, then the three of them headed down the aisle to the front of the small chapel with Kellie skipping ahead. Seth brazenly touched his hand to Josie’s spine, his fingers caressing that sensitive spot through the thin material of her dress. Her breath caught, and she attempted to move out of his reach, but he lightly grasped her elbow, keeping her by his side.

She glared up at him, and he bestowed her with a charming grin. He stroked his thumb along the silky soft skin under her arm—slow, sensuous circles that made the pulse at the base of her throat flutter, despite her attempts to remain aloof to him. And then there was the tell-tale way the tips of her lovely breasts tightened and pushed against the front of her dress.

It was a start.

“I’m a man who likes plenty of physical contact, Josie, darlin’” he drawled, his tone low and intimate. “As my bride, you might as well get used to me touching you.”

Casting him a sideways glance, she batted her lashes at him. “Why, Seth, that’s like asking me to get used to the touch of a snake.” The smile curving her mouth managed to combine innocence and a more insulting element. “I despise snakes.”

His deep laughter followed them out of the chapel. “We’ll see about that, bride.”

Determined to treat her marriage as nothing more than a business deal that had been transacted, as soon as they arrived back home Josie headed up to her room to change into jeans and a casual blouse. She planned to spend the rest of the afternoon in the office down in the stable so she didn’t have to be around Seth.

Just as she was struggling with the zipper at the back of her dress her bedroom door opened. She spun around, her breath catching sharply as Seth strolled in, bold-as-he-pleased.

His audacity irritated her. “What do you think you’re doing?”

A slow grin lifted his mouth. “Don’t worry, Josie, it’s early yet to request my husbandly rights.” His gaze traversed the length of her, making her traitorous body tingle from head to toe. “Though that would be an enjoyable way to pass the afternoon . . .”

The thought of heated bodies and tangled sheets flitted through her mind, and her heart tripled its beat. “Forget it.”

He chuckled, and advanced toward where she stood by the large four poster bed, his steps slow and predatory. “I suppose I can wait until tonight. That’ll give you all afternoon to anticipate what’s to come.” He trailed a finger along her cheek and across her bottom lip, bringing nerve endings to life with that tender touch.

Her stomach tumbled, and she summoned the willpower to push his hand away before she succumbed to his shameless seduction. “More like time to dread our wedding night.”

“Ouch.” He feigned a wince. “You sure know how to damage a man’s ego.”

Not in the mood for his sensual sparring, she moved away from him. The whirlwind events of the past week had her strung tight emotionally. “What do you want, Seth?”

“Just thought I’d unpack my belongings.” He dropped the duffle and garment bag he held in one hand onto her bed, then shrugged out of the sports coat he’d donned for their wedding. “Did you make room for my things?”

She rubbed the slow throb beginning in her temple. “No.” She’d agreed to allow him his conjugal rights, but she hadn’t made any concessions to him occupying the same bedroom. This was her sanctuary, a place for her to escape and be alone, and she didn’t want to share it. Especially with him.

She pasted on a smile. “I don’t suppose you’d consider sleeping in the guest room, and keeping your personal things there?”

Irritation sparked in his deep blue eyes. “We’re married, Josie. Husband and wife.” Digging into his duffle, he withdrew a plain blue cotton shirt, and began unbuttoning the crisp chambray shirt he wore. “I’m not about to sneak into your bed every night, then leave before dawn to go to a separate room.”

Every night.
It sounded as though Seth
did
have a healthy sexual appetite. She swallowed thickly at the thought of enduring endless nights of Seth’s slow, silky kisses, his warm caresses, his body possessing hers, and knew maintaining control of her emotions would be vital to protect more vulnerable territory—like her heart.

Disgruntled that he insisted on invading the only personal space she had, but knowing her arguments wouldn’t sway him, she moved to the closet and condensed her clothes to make room for his things. Once she’d given him ample space there, she began clearing out the top two dresser drawers for him to use.

She heard him changing into his casual t-shirt, then unbuckle his belt to tuck the ends into the waistband of his jeans. She gave him enough time to complete the task—she wasn’t ready for the intimacy of watching him change. When she finally turned back around, she caught him admiring the chocolate colored Stetson she’d blasted off his head less than a week ago, and now sported a gaping hole through the crown. It was proudly displayed on her bedpost like a prized souvenir.

He glanced over his shoulder, humor dancing in his eyes. With a flick of his finger, he spun the hat around on the post. “Hmm, nice trophy, Josie.”

“You think so?” She tilted her head, regarding the Stetson appreciatively before transferring her gaze to the new tan one on his head. “I’m considering starting a collection of them.”

His smile widened into a disarmingly flirtatious grin. “This one you’ll have to earn.” He caressed a finger over the brim and winked at her. “Be good tonight and I just might let you put it on your bedpost.”

Infuriated to feel her cheeks glow warmly at his very meaningful comment, she reached deep for a disparaging retort. “I much prefer the thrill of shooting it off your head.”

The rogue laughed, not insulted in the least.

Feeling as though the situation was slipping out of her control—how could she battle with someone when they refused to rise to the bait?—she grabbed a pair of jeans and blouse and stormed into the adjoining bathroom to change.

She didn’t exit until she heard Seth leave the bedroom.

The countdown to their wedding night had begun.

Josie tried concentrating on paperwork for the Golden M, but found she couldn’t keep her gaze off the clock on the wall in her office. Every time she glanced up, which was entirely too often, it seemed some invisible finger bumped up the minute hand half an hour. She’d been sitting behind her desk for almost three hours now, and had accomplished nothing but brooding and worrying.

Blowing out an anxious stream of breath, she tossed the feed bill onto her desk and gave up on her attempt to keep her mind occupied and off Seth. It was no use—the man who’d become her husband, and the night quickly approaching, totally consumed her thoughts until she wanted to scream just to release the tension building within her.

It was difficult to believe how her life had changed, and so suddenly and drastically. In a span of a week she’d lost her father and had no idea where he was or if he’d return, she’d unwilling forfeited half of the Golden M, and she now belonged to a man she had every reason to hate. A man who didn’t seem the least bit discouraged by her aloofness, but accepted her cool regard as a challenge instead.

Feeling restless, she stood and went to the only window in the office, which faced the east pasture and the numerous pens that covered a few acres of land. She saw Seth and Mac standing at one of the fences bordering the corral Seth had put his mare into that afternoon. The two were talking amicably; no doubt Seth was taking advantage of her foreman’s knowledge and familiarizing himself with the operation of the Golden M.

Seth laughed at something Mac said, and her pulse quickened as the unguarded moment transformed Seth features, making him look incredibly young, handsome and kind. Like the boy she’d known in high school before she’d learned his interest in her was all a ruse. Her heart twisted at the bittersweet memories, and she swallowed to ease the huge ache in her chest.

Seth gave the older man a companionable slap on the back, then headed toward the stables. By the time he walked into the office, she was sitting behind her desk, pretending interest in the invoice she hadn’t been able to focus her attention on earlier.

Glancing up, she shot him a piqued look. “Don’t you know how to knock?”

He lifted a dark brow and continued into the office, his masculine presence seemingly dominating the small room. “Is there a reason why I need to?”

“I’m busy and I’d rather not be disturbed.” Her prim tone did nothing to discourage his progress toward where she sat.

Wicked amusement played across his features. “Can’t be all that busy considering I saw you standing at the window a moment ago.”

She scowled, unable to come up with a fitting explanation or caustic response to his observation. He propped his hip on the edge of her desk, sitting so close his leg brushed her thigh. Awareness rippled through her, but he appeared unaffected by their close proximity. As subtly as possible, she shifted away so he was no longer touching her and sending her senses into a tailspin.

He tipped his hat back on his head. “You ready to call it a day, bride?”

Frowning at him, she once again set the feed bill on a pile of invoices on her desk. “Don’t call me that.”

“Why not? You’re my bride until we consummate our marriage.” His voice was low and filled with husky nuances. “After tonight you’ll be my wife.”

“Don’t be so presumptuous about tonight, O’Connor,” she said, thwarting his arrogant statement.

“Making you my wife is not an assumption, but a fact,
Mrs. O’Connor
,” he replied with too much confidence. “Tomorrow morning you’ll wake up a brand new woman.”

She choked on incredulous laughter. “You think you’re that good, do you?”

He leaned close and murmured seductively, “You of all people should know I am. You might have used me eleven years ago for your own purposes, but I believe the pleasure was mutual.”