Bachelor's Bought Bride (7 page)

“As ready as I’ll ever be.”

Panic and excitement tingled to Bree’s toes and fingers as they stepped out onto the hotel’s terrace. Glorious
sunshine lit up the simple gazebo where the officiant waited for them. Gavin tightened his reassuring grip on her hand, and shot her an encouraging glance. Petunias spilled from carved pots and planters, and ribbons festooned the table holding the official paperwork.

The hotel’s manager walked up to them, followed by a pretty blonde holding a boutonniere for Gavin. “Welcome, and congratulations on your special day.” The speech sounded a little canned, Bree thought, then cursed herself for the petty thought. They were just being polite, and trying to make them feel at home.

She glanced out at the impressive view over the bay, where sailboats scudded over the dark water. It was a lovely spot to get married. Perfect, even. Besides, the whole point was to join herself to this wonderful man and begin an exciting new chapter in her life.

Still, her breathing came a little shallow as they walked toward the gazebo where the officiant stood waiting.

Could something that came together this quickly and easily really be permanent? Despite Gavin’s strong and soothing hand in hers, Bree found herself pestered by doubts.

Maybe Gavin thought he was marrying the ringleted temptress Elle had turned her into, rather than the real her. What would happen when he discovered he’d married a dull mouse rather than the exciting woman of his dreams?

“I love you, Bree.” His whispered words banished her worries like a strong breeze.

“I love you, too, Gavin.” She rasped the words back with conviction. How had he known to turn and reassure her at just the right moment?

Because he was perfect—for her.

A few pleasantries were exchanged, and before she had a chance to gather her wits, the ceremony was underway.

“Do you, Bree Kincannon, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, to cherish and love, as long as you both shall live?”

“I do.” She spoke the words clear and loud, determined not to let any lingering doubts become evident to the witnesses, even if they were strangers. Gavin said his vows with a reassuring, deep voice and an expression of honest enthusiasm that almost made her laugh aloud.

“You may now kiss the bride.”

In front of the assembled strangers, Gavin eased his arms around her waist, pulled her close, and kissed her—gentle, yet firm. Heat shimmered through her from head to toe.

“We’re married,” he whispered. “I’ve never felt so excited and happy in my whole life.”

“Me, either.” Bree spoke the truth. A whirlwind wedding to the most gorgeous man she’d ever met was unquestionably the high point of her quiet life so far. “It’s all happened so quickly, I can’t quite believe it.”

“When something’s right, it’s like all the forces in the universe converge to make everything come together. That force has been in motion since the moment I met you.”

“Even though I was wearing that horrid gray dress?”

Gavin laughed. “An ordinary dress can’t hide the light that shines from inside you, Bree. I could tell right away that you were special. And then when we danced…” He let out a low whistle that tickled a laugh from down
deep in her belly. “We’re definitely going out dancing later.” Then he hesitated. “Or maybe tomorrow. It’s our wedding night and I have some very detailed plans for it.” A slightly raised brow made desire quiver in Bree. The promise of sensual pleasure thickened her nipples under her silky dress.

She almost slid her hand inside his jacket to enjoy the hot hard muscle she knew lay under his elegant tux.

Then she remembered they still stood in the middle of the hotel terrace, under the professional gaze of the “witnesses.”

She glanced around and took a step back. “Perhaps we should go somewhere more private?”

Back in their comfortable suite, which also featured breathtaking views of the bay, Gavin had the whole evening arranged down to the finest detail. Even the cats were settled near the sofa with gourmet meals and plush cushions. A knock on the door confirmed that everything was happening according to plan.

“That must be dinner.” He kissed Bree’s sweet lips one more time before heading for the door to their suite. He’d secretly placed an order for the hotel’s finest meal, for them to enjoy in the privacy of their suite.

Only the best for Bree. Not because she was an heiress and accustomed to it anyway, but because he truly did want to cherish her, and to see that pretty face light with its familiar glowing smile.

“I’d just assumed we’d go out.” Bree glanced at the door.

“On our wedding night? I prefer privacy.” He shot her a teasing glance.

The waiter wheeled in a cart laden with pretty
Mediterranean pottery, then congratulated them and left. Bree lifted the lid of the first dish to reveal a rush of steam and the tempting scent of delicate hors d’oeuvres, two of each, an array of tiny pastries and bite-sized morsels.

He fed them to Bree, and she returned the favor, both of them laughing. When had he ever done anything this simple—this silly—with a woman, and had such a great time?

Never. That’s when.

Bree’s easy, drama-free approach to life was so refreshing. Even if one million big ones weren’t currently winging their way into his bank account, he’d be very pleased with his choice of a life partner.

The soup was creamy vichyssoise sprinkled with fresh chives. Tender steak tips, baby vegetables and new potatoes in a rich gravy made a satisfying main course, and he was sure he couldn’t eat another thing until they uncovered the desserts—tiny éclairs and profiteroles, delicate tarts and hand-decorated cakes. He licked cream off Bree’s lips and toasted their marriage with a glass of Moet.

“I think we should retire to the bedroom.” He picked up the champagne and their two glasses. “We’ll be more comfortable there.”

He waited while she stood, looking radiant, glowing like a movie star in her wedding finery. So different from the quiet, almost apologetic woman he’d met that first night at the gala. She’d blossomed magnificently since he met her. Eyes darted toward her wherever they went, taking in her statuesque beauty, and she looked quite comfortable and assured under the gaze of all those envious males.

The bed was turned down, fresh white sheets gleaming in the soft light. Bree settled herself gingerly on the edge and accepted the offered glass of champagne.

Gavin sat down next to her and pulled a pearl-tipped pin from her chignon. “Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair.”

She giggled. “Wouldn’t it be a shame to undo all the hairdresser’s hard work?”

“But I can’t run my hands through your tresses when they’re all piled up on your head.” He pulled out another pin, this one with a spray of baby pearls around a tiny diamond. A single coiled ringlet tumbled free.

Bree tugged gently at one end of his bow tie. It slid apart and she pulled the black silk loose from his collar. “Two can play at that game.” Her green eyes glittered, pupils wide and dark.

The flame of desire burning deep inside Gavin all day roared through his muscles. But he kept his cool and slowly pulled another pin from Bree’s shiny updo. A thick lock of luscious dark hair fell to her shoulder.

Bree reached for the button on his collar and pulled it loose. She undid the next one and ran a cool finger along his chest between his pecs.

Arousal snapped inside him. He lifted the fallen lock of hair and found the delicate shoulder strap of her dress. Pushing it aside, he kissed her shoulder and neck, inhaling the rich scent of her and burying his face in her hair. “Bree, you drive me crazy.”

“Crazy enough to make you marry me, apparently.”

“I’m the luckiest man alive.” He found the zipper on the side of her dress and tugged it down gently. “To have the woman of my dreams right here in my arms.”

Or in his hands. He let them roam, shameless and hungry for the touch of her after a day of restraint. His palms cupped her full, heavy breasts, sending desire pounding through him like a drumbeat. He slid his hands to her hips, to enjoy the lush curves draped in seductive satin. Breathing ragged, he pressed a hot kiss to her mouth.

Bree pushed herself against him, breasts crushing against his chest, her hands tangling under his jacket. “Your clothes are in the way,” she gasped, when they broke for air.

She shoved his jacket off onto the floor and yanked at the last buttons on his shirt, then pushed it back over his shoulders.

Half blind with desire, Gavin helped Bree out of her shimmering dress until she lay sprawled on the bed, a vision of lush skin and delicate white lace underwear. Her hair tumbled about her face in gorgeous disarray.

Her tugged her bra straps down one at a time, then unhooked the bra to reveal her tight, pink nipples. He eased her panties down inch by inch, enjoying the soft curves of her hips and thighs. Her skin tasted honey sweet, like nectar against his tongue.

Bree wriggled under his teasing tongue until she reached up and grabbed him around the waist. They met, skin to skin, in a delicious collision. Hard and ready, he kissed her as she welcomed him into her slick warmth.

She arched her back and made a tiny sound as he sank into her, a murmur of pure pleasure that filled him with joy. “I love you, Bree,” he rasped, meaning every word.

“I love you, too.” Their bodies tangled along with
their words, hot and heartfelt, in a dance that celebrated their whirlwind affair and wedding.

No matter how it started, this romance would take them both to the stars.

B
reakfast in bed followed by slow, lazy lovemaking was a great way to start the day. Bree brushed croissant crumbs from the sheets, then trailed her fingers over Gavin’s chest. Oddly enough, being married to him felt totally natural. Maybe all the hot, sticky sex had somehow glued them together.

“Why are you laughing?” His chest rumbled under her fingers.

“Private joke.”

“Shouldn’t those be shared between husband and wife?” He cocked a brow at her.

“I don’t know. I’ve never been married before.” She grinned.

“Me, either. I think that means we get to make up all the rules as we go along. Rule one, we should take a shower together.”

Bree smiled. “That shower is big enough for two.” Gavin whisked her off the bed and carried her in his arms into the shimmering white marble bathroom. He opened the glass door of the shower and adjusted the controls, all while holding her crooked between his arm and knee.

“You’re making me feel downright dainty.”

“You’re downright delicious.” He nipped at her neck with his teeth and laid a trail of kisses to her mouth. Warm water splashed from the gold faucets and spattered them both with tiny droplets. Bree licked some off his chest. His skin tasted salty and savory, and soon she was on her feet, kissing him hard, with water raining down over both of them.

They lathered each other with silky jasmine scented soap and rinsed by hand, until each individual body part was squeaky clean. With Gavin’s hands on her, and his eyes greedily reveling in the way the water cascaded between her breasts, she felt like a goddess.

Desire shimmered in every cell of her body, keeping her in a constant state of peak arousal. Gavin was as hard as a Renaissance statue, built with curves and angles every bit as artistic. Water poured over his olive skin and trickled along the line of dark hair that enhanced the sculpted muscles of his chest.

His hands roamed over her, soapy and slick, treasuring her like a precious object. She still couldn’t believe her luck. Apparently he couldn’t get enough of her. And the feeling was entirely mutual. She’d never imagined wanting to spend a whole morning kissing and making love—after a full night of the same. The sheer pleasure that tingled through her was an addictive drug that made her crave Gavin’s skin on hers.

They teased and touched and licked each other until the intensity of the arousal became overwhelming. Groaning with sheer relief, Gavin entered her and they both reached their climax almost immediately, under the soft rain of water.

“You’re perfect, Bree. Perfect,” he moaned, shuddering in her arms as they leaned heavily against the tiled wall. It was all Bree could do to stay upright. Her muscles had turned to water and her brain was too light with joy to form thoughts.

“You’re…amazing.” She couldn’t even come up with a description for the man who’d turned her life inside out and made her…happy. Happier than she’d ever imagined possible. Dreams really did come true, just when you least expected it.

They spent that day and the next enjoying the sights of Sausalito. A boat ride on the bay, an exquisite French meal and a night of dancing in a steamy local club.

Everywhere they went people seemed to smile at them as if they glowed with some special newlywed happiness. Which they probably did.

It’s all too good to be true. He’s too good to be true.

Whenever the sneaky doubts crept around the edges of her brain, Bree banished them with a swat. It was just the old insecurities creeping back, the years of being an ugly duckling, attractive to men only for her money.

But Gavin didn’t need her money. He seemed to have no interest in it at all. He was successful in his own right. She could be as poor as a church mouse and it didn’t make any difference to him.

She laughed aloud. Gavin, marching up one of the
punishingly steep hills next to her, turned and squeezed her hand. “This time I won’t even ask why you’re laughing.”

“Why not?”

“Because I know.” A broad smile lit his handsome face. “I feel exactly the same way.”

Back in San Francisco, Bree went to her apartment to pack a few necessities into her car and bring them to Gavin’s. His apartment was roomy enough for all of them—her cat Faith wound herself around Gavin’s legs, purring, then settled happily into a sunny spot by the living room window. Even the more reserved Ali seemed calm and quickly claimed a big soft armchair as her new home.

Now they officially lived together.

“Do you realize I never had the opportunity to live in sin?” She poked him gently with her finger as they lay in his bed, after their first night in their temporary home.

“I’m so sorry to have deprived you. I’m sure we can come up with some other sins to indulge in.”

“Isn’t it odd how nonchalant my dad was about the whole thing? He didn’t seem at all surprised when I told him we were getting married. He must really like you. He hasn’t introduced me to a man in a long time.”

“He knows a good son-in-law when he sees one.” Gavin’s gray eyes twinkled.

“It’s particularly amazing that he didn’t mind us running off to Sausalito to get married without any big fanfare. He’s usually such a snob about how things are done.”

“Maybe he’s just glad to see you happily settled.” Gavin twirled a lock of her hair.

“I suppose so. Maybe it’s a weight off his mind that I won’t be a bitter spinster living in the garret of his house for the rest of his life.” She grinned. “I much prefer being a happily married woman.”

“Well, your happily married husband needs to get to work.” Gavin eased away from her. Already her skin buzzed with protest, missing the contact with his.

“I’m not sure I can stand to be away from you all day.” She pouted and pulled the sheets over her.

“We could meet for lunch.” Gavin climbed out of bed and strode across the room, all toned muscle and easy grace. “That might be enough to prevent withdrawal from setting in.”

“No. I’ll be stoic.” Bree tossed her head against the pillow dramatically. “I know your work is important to you and I don’t want to be a distraction. Which of your big accounts are you working on today?”

An odd expression flickered across Gavin’s face as he reached for his shirt. “Hmm. Not sure. All thoughts of Maddox Communications have fled my mind.”

“You’d better hunt them down before Brock Maddox realizes. I’m glad I’ve met all the people you work with. Now, when you tell me about your day, I’ll know exactly who you mean.”

“Yeah.” Gavin seemed distracted. Probably getting his head back into business after their weekend of sensual escape. She wasn’t going to be the kind of wife who demanded her husband’s full attention twenty-four hours a day. She intended to be supportive and practical, and make sure she focused on her own business, as well.

A long, happy sigh escaped her lips. “I think I’ll
spend the day photographing couples.” She shot him a smile. “They’ve always been my favorite subject. Now that I’m one half of a couple, I’m even more excited about capturing the glow they share.”

“Do they usually say yes when you ask?”

Bree thought for a moment. “Yes. The happy ones do. It’s the unhappy ones who don’t want their picture taken and recorded for all time.”

“Then I hope you meet a lot of happy couples today.”

“None of them will be as happy as me, that’s for sure.”

Bree sank back into the sheets after Gavin kissed her goodbye and left for work. Maybe after strolling the streets with her camera for a couple of hours, she’d head over to the lab to do some printing. There, in the dark, she could have a silly grin on her face all day and no one would care.

She glanced at the clock—almost nine! Advertising companies must get off to a leisurely start in the morning. Her dad was usually in the office by seven at the latest. But banking was different, and the stock market marched to an entirely different rhythm.

Speaking of rhythm, was that the phone? The sound of tingling music pulled her attention to the living room. She was sure he hadn’t left the radio on. She climbed out of bed and pulled on her light robe. The music continued and she followed the sound to its source, where a green light flashed on a slim cordless phone on Gavin’s desk.

Should she answer it? This was her house now, too. Still, it wasn’t the house line. Gavin must have a separate one for business. She probably shouldn’t answer it. For
a start, she’d have to explain who she was, since hardly anyone even knew she and Gavin were married yet. Probably better to let the machine get it.

While she hesitated, Gavin’s recorded message started to play, followed by a beep. She turned to leave the room, since it really was none of her business. The voice stopped her in her tracks.

“Morning, Gavin, or should I call you ‘son’?” Her father’s familiar gruff chuckle chilled her. Her dad was calling? Well, why not? She turned back to the phone to pick it up.

“The money’s making its way into your account as I speak. One million big ones. I executed the wire transfer five minutes ago.”

Rooted to the spot, Bree frowned at the phone. What on earth was he talking about? Dread crept over her, inch by cold, cruel inch.

“You’re a fast mover, I’ll give you that. I thought you’d have six months of courtship ahead of you. Bree’s a prickly character where men are concerned, but I can see you swept her right off her size tens.”

Her mouth fell open and her stomach dropped.

Her feet were only size nine. Not that it mattered.

Her throat closed and her heart started to pound.

“So now you can open your own business and support her in the style to which she’s accustomed. I’m sure the two of you will be very happy.” His chuckle sounded more like a malevolent cackle. Bree’s hands shook, but she couldn’t bring herself to grab the phone and ask what was going on.

She didn’t need to. It was painfully obvious what had happened.

Her father had paid Gavin to marry her.

The click and dial tone snapped in the air like a fired bullet. The red light now flashing on the sleek phone told her this wasn’t a figment of her imagination.

It was all fake. Every loving word, every kiss, every caress.

She shook her head as her brain rejected the idea. Hair tumbled into her eyes, and her breathing came heavy and ragged.

Money? Why did he want her money? He had a good job—didn’t he? He must. She’d met all his coworkers. Still, there probably weren’t too many people who couldn’t use another million dollars.

One million dollars. So that was her value. Pretty high, all things considered.

A racking sob exploded through her. Why one million? Why not two? Or just two hundred thousand? Or twenty? Or a slice of pie from Stella’s bakery?

She crumpled to the floor. It was hardwood, and her shins and elbows hit hard as she came down. The sharp pain didn’t mean much, though, as agony soaked through her from the inside out.

How could you be so foolish as to think he wanted you just for yourself?

“Idiot!” She yelled the word aloud, and it bounced off the clean white walls.

She’d been suspicious at first. Wary. Prickly, as her father so astutely observed.

But her doubts and fears had capitulated under his volleys of kisses and flattering words. In less than two weeks he’d seduced her up the aisle, all for the promise of a nice, fat, financial reward.

Bree curled up into a ball on the hard, shiny floor. What now? She couldn’t go home and face the father
who’d sold her like an unfashionable antique he no longer wanted in his collection.

She certainly couldn’t face her friends. She’d proudly called each one of them from their Sausalito hotel room to announce her newly married state. They’d mostly sounded so surprised—and why not? Obviously no one in their right mind would marry boring old Bree Kincannon unless there was a tempting added incentive.

Did everyone at his office know?

No. She drew in an unsteady breath. Unlikely. This must be a private deal between him and her father. It wasn’t the kind of thing you’d want people getting wind of. Marrying a woman for money was…sleazy, to say the least, by today’s standards.

Bree eased herself into a sitting position and hugged her legs. Likely she was the only person who knew, outside Gavin and her father, of course.

And right now it was her little dark and dirty secret.

Tears rolled over her cheeks and splashed in dark spots on her green silk robe. The one she’d bought to bring out the green in her…contact lenses.

A growl of fury slid between her teeth. She’d let Elle doll her up and convince her she could attract a man like Gavin, when all along…

Was Elle in on it? The thought washed over her like an icy wave. She’d been an “instant friend,” in a way that might make more savvy people suspicious. Had she been goaded by Gavin into turning his frumpy future bride into a woman who wouldn’t embarrass him too much in company?

Bree bit her knuckle. It made sense. Gavin had
introduced her to Elle and set the whole thing up. Bree snatched up the phone and was both angry and unsurprised to see Elle’s name right there in the contacts list. She punched the button to dial and rose to her feet, fury flashing through her.

“Elle Linton.”

“It’s Bree.” Her voice was dark and rasped.

“Bree?” Elle sounded surprised. “How are you?”

“How am I?” Bree turned and paced, trying not to let raw fury shut down her brain. “Let’s see. I just found out that my new husband married me for money. How do you think I should be?”

“What?” Elle’s voice rang with fake surprise.

“Don’t pretend you weren’t in on it. I know why you put so much effort into defrizzing my hair and finding me new clothes. Gavin put you up to it.”

“I have no idea what you are talking about. Are you okay? You sound a little—”

“Crazy?” Bree snorted. “Yes. I believe you’re right. And no, I don’t think I’m okay. In fact, I’ve never felt less okay in my life.”

“Hold on a minute, please.”

Bree resisted the urge to slam down the phone. But of course she wouldn’t hang up on someone—she was dependable old Bree and that would be rude.