The Texan's Contract Marriage (9 page)

In a short time they were in the limo headed to her condo. “Can you go at ten in the morning to look at rings?”

“Yes,” she said.

He half turned toward her and folded her hand in his. “If you want to call me during the night, I don’t care what hour, go ahead. If you have questions, worries, let me know.”

“Thanks. I have a million questions. Will this work out? How will I get through giving up Noah? Will he be happy?”

“Ashley will still be with him.”

“Right now, I’d rather be his nanny and have her be the singer.”

“Do either of your sisters sing?”

“No. Stephanie, absolutely not. Ashley has a nice voice but not a strong one, and she doesn’t have the drive to want this. She loves children, wants to be a teacher. We’re all rather different.”

“As different, I guess, as Kern, Ginny and I are. I wish I could take away your worry, but I can’t. The money was supposed to help. This goes way beyond money, which becomes insignificant.”

She had to smile. “Millions do not become insignificant,” she said. “Well, maybe the thrill of the money does diminish next to the rest,” she admitted.

“I know it does. It shows in every way. If I told you I’d changed my mind and didn’t care and was going to stay out of your life and take my money, your only feeling would be relief. I don’t have to ask if I’m right.”

She looked outside at the busy thoroughfare and again had to fight tears. He was right. The millions meant nothing next to letting him have so much of Noah.

They rode the rest of the way to her condo in silence. On her porch, he placed his hands on her shoulders. “Camille, I’ll repeat—I’m thrilled beyond measure over your acceptance of my proposal. I promise to try to keep you and your sisters happy. I’m thrilled and excited over the prospects and we’ll get along in this quasi marriage.”

“I hope so,” she said. “I pray this is good for Noah. That’s the one thing I really cling to. The money will benefit me and my family in several ways, but it’s the thought that you’ll be good for Noah that really makes this acceptable. It’s what I wanted in the first place.”

“I’ll do everything in my power to make it good for him.” Marek’s brown eyes were unfathomable as he studied her. “When we wed, we’ll kiss in church. I don’t want that to be our first kiss,” he said, his dark gaze focusing on her mouth. Her heart drummed so violently she hoped he couldn’t hear it. His announcement that he intended to kiss her caused every nerve to come alive. Why was it so enormously unsettling? His kiss should be meaningless.

As his arm circled her waist, she could barely get her breath. He drew her closer, and she rested her hands lightly against his upper arms.

When he leaned down, she closed her eyes, tilting her face up to his. His mouth covered hers lightly, then pressing more firmly, warm, sexy, tempting. Her lips parted and then his did while his tongue slipped into her mouth. The first stroke changed their relationship for her forever. No more was he a new acquaintance becoming closely involved with her. He was an appealing, sexy man she would be entering into an intimate relationship with. Slowly, with deliberation, he kissed her while he drew her up against him. Feeling the bulge of hard biceps beneath her hands, she stood quietly. Leaning over her, he tightened his arm around her.

She kissed him in return, tumbling into an abyss that made her stomach flip and her heart pound faster. Without thinking about what she was doing, she slipped her arm around his neck, and then she realized how she had responded. She leaned away and gasped for breath.

“Now we’ve kissed,” she whispered, feeling stunned because his kiss had been sexy, possessive—a hot kiss that conveyed he cared while that wasn’t actually the situation.

He gave her another inscrutable look and said nothing.

“Good night, Marek.”

“I’ll see you for dinner tomorrow night and we can firm up plans, call parents and whoever we need to tell while we’re together. I’m happy, Camille,” he said, smiling at her.

He turned away to get into the waiting limo while she went inside, her heart pounding. His kiss had melted her, shaken her and set her on fire. Could she live with this? How long would it be a marriage of convenience only?

She would lose Noah part of the time. Now another threat loomed that she might fall in love with Marek and complicate her life in every way possible. She had known that was a risk, but it had seemed slight. His kiss had smashed that opinion to bits. Her lips tingled, and she shook her head.

“I can’t fall in love with him,” she whispered. Yet her heartbeat still raced from his kiss and she would remember forever the look in his eyes afterward, a heated, possessive look, a look that clearly expressed that he saw her as a desirable woman.

“I thought I heard you,” Ashley said, coming into the hall from the family room. She was in turquoise pajamas and a matching robe.

“I’m going to marry him,” Camille announced as if trying to convince herself. “I accepted. You know that’s what we decided.”

Ashley shook her head. “I hope you know what you’re doing. I’ll be with Noah, but you won’t be.”

“I’m going to be with him more than I thought at first.”

“All that money, Camille. I can’t even imagine our lives.”

“I think you’ll want to go to school before long. Maybe by next fall. We’ll find a nanny. There’s bound to be another good one in the world.”

“Let’s just take this a little bit at a time. This will change the lives of everyone in the family.”

“Where’s Stephanie?”

“I’m here,” she said from the shadows, coming into the hallway. “I heard you accepted.”

“I’ll go out with him tomorrow night and we’ll call our parents to make the official announcement.”

Ashley walked to Camille to hug her lightly. “I’ll pray this works out.”

“It has to be good for everyone. We’re not losing Noah and he’s gaining a dad and we’re all improving financially.”

“That’s an understatement,” Stephanie said. “I think sleep has gone for tonight for all three of us. While you go change, Ashley and I will get some hot chocolate. We can hear your plans and maybe help you with some.”

“Thanks, Steph,” Camille said, smiling at her sister and thankful that Stephanie was beginning to accept Marek and the situation. “I’ll need help with plans. We’re aiming for a wedding in about three weeks. He’ll pay for everything, he said. I think our whole family will be all for this. If they aren’t, Marek will win them over.”

“I think you’re right. That first night I didn’t think I ever wanted to see him again. Now I can’t help but feel like this may benefit Noah and everyone else. Hurry and change so we can talk,” Stephanie said.

“Sure,” Camille replied and left the room. As she changed, all she could think about was his kiss that had set her heart pounding. It had been sexy, hot and had made her want more. Had Marek felt anything?

*

At home Marek shed his coat and tie and unbuttoned his shirt as he went to the desk in his bedroom. He thought about Noah, remembering holding him and looking into his lively eyes. He already loved the baby, and he could imagine how Camille must feel.

He remembered holding her in his arms tonight when they kissed. He dropped his pen and leaned back to think about her. Her kiss had shaken him because it had stirred him. For the first time since his loss, he had stopped feeling numb. Numbness had been replaced by desire, lust really. That had given him a shock. Because of her kiss, he had no doubt that they could have a successful physical relationship. Would this marriage work? He had been so positive with her, but deep down he now had as many unanswered questions as she did.

The question startled him because up until tonight he had thought about going into this marriage only as something that would revolve around Noah. After their kiss tonight, that expectation had flown away. There would be a physical relationship between them. He was sure of it, and he already wanted it.

Would he fall in love with her? He shook his head even though he wasn’t talking to anyone. He wouldn’t love again. He was as certain of that as ever. But lust was another thing. Could she handle that? As swiftly as the question rose in his mind, the knowledge that she could reassured him. She was tied to only two things: Noah and her career. Since she didn’t want to fall in love, she would be guarding against it as much as he.

He had thought he was in no hurry to rush into an intimate relationship, but her kiss had changed that. Desire was palpable, strong, a torment. With a deep breath, he picked up his pen and began to list what he needed to do in the next few days.

In minutes he again was thinking back to kissing her tonight. For a few moments he was lost in a fantasy about making love to her, holding her close. With an effort he tried to get back to things he needed to do.

He would be with her tomorrow night to make plans together and to tell their families. They could get on Skype and it would be almost like being together. His gaze fell on his brother’s picture, and he picked up the snapshot. Kern had his cocky grin and stood beside his favorite horse.

“Brother, I wish you could see your son. He’s a great little kid. He’s happy all the time and a good baby, but he has a little look in his eyes like you had plenty of times. He’s going to be like you,” Marek said quietly, getting a knot in his throat and wishing Kern had lived to see Noah. “At least you knew about him. I imagine you were planning to marry Camille and you probably had absolutely no doubt whatsoever that you could talk her into it. Kern, I’m sorry for the way things turned out, but I’ll do my best with Noah.”

Marek wiped his eyes. He missed his brother so often. Such a waste! He pulled off his shirt, feeling restless, wishing he had someone to talk to for a while. He wondered what time Camille went to bed. The thought of her stretched out in bed set his pulse racing. She wanted to wait on a physical relationship, but he suspected neither of them would wait long. If he had his preference, they would not wait at all. Just the thought set his pulse racing faster. He knew nothing about her except the facts of her background that he had gleaned from what she’d told him and the little on the web about her. She wasn’t heavily into social media and neither was he, so he hadn’t learned much there.

In slightly over three weeks he would be a married man—married to a woman he barely knew. The idea astounded him.

*

Two weeks later Marek’s cell phone jingled and he answered to listen to his sister.

“Mom and Dad are so worried about you and what you’re doing.”

“Don’t let them get to you. The paternity test indicated Noah is Kern’s baby. I’m doing what I want. I think it will work out.”

They were both tense about the upcoming evening. “I’ll see you at the party tonight,” he said, thinking about the engagement party that was being held by his parents’ dinner club and oldest friends.

“Okay, little brother. I just want you happy. Noah is a cute little fellow and he does look like Kern.”

“Whether he looks like Kern or not, Noah is Kern’s, Ginny. Could you let him go now?”

“No. You win. See you tonight.”

“Ahh, that’s my sis.” He ended the call and left for the corral, thinking about the wedding. He still did not expect to love again. To love was to risk your heart, and he would never go through the kind of hurt he had experienced after losing Jillian. That was vastly different from lusting after someone. Camille knew this, and she knew what to expect from him. She was completely aware that love would never be part of the equation. Still, he wanted to make love to her. He wanted her in his arms, in his bed. He wanted her as his wife in the fullest sense. Thinking about her aroused him, and he glanced at his watch, counting the hours until he would see her.

Walking into the barn, he found Jess with his head under the hood of a truck.

“What’s wrong with the pickup?”

“Nothing I can’t fix,” Jess said. He straightened. “They giving you a hard time?”

“Yes. Mom and Dad are worried about me rushing into a marriage. They’re interested in Noah, but feel I can work out a better arrangement. I’ve had a call from Ginny about their opinion.”

“Do
you
think you are making a mistake?”

“No. No matter how I look at it, I don’t. You’ve seen Noah, and we all know he’s Kern’s baby. I can’t just see him a few times a year.”

“Kern’s little boy, growing up here—I don’t see how you can go wrong with him growing up as part of the family.”

“Both Camille and I want him to have this ranching legacy.”

“Amen to that. ’Course, you’re tying your life to hers and hers to you, but that should work out.”

“I think it will. Can I help with this?” Marek asked, leaning over the truck.

“It’s a dirty job,” Jess said.

“I take that as a yes. Give me the wrench, and you take a break.”

“Won’t argue with that one,” Jess said, handing Marek his wrench and stepping away to sit on bales of hay.

Marek was soon absorbed in the truck, glad to find something that occupied his thoughts, thinking it would be a long day until he could pick up Camille for the party.

“Wedding will be here before you know it, so you better be sure,” Jess said.

“The sooner the better,” Marek replied. “I want to get this over with and put an end to the arguments. As soon as my tux is done, I’m ready for a wedding. I hope Camille is, too.”

Five

D
ressed in a tailored white silk dress with a skirt that ended below her knees, Camille stood poised to walk up the aisle in a small chapel in the Saint Louis church she had attended all her life. Her arm was looped through her father’s, and he smiled at her. “You look beautiful. I hope you’re happy.”

“I will be, Dad,” she said, watching Ashley walk up the aisle.

“This isn’t what we’d hoped for you when Mom and I talked about all of you growing up and marrying, but if you’re all right with it, we will be, too. As long as you’re sure you’re not doing it for the money.”

“Absolutely not. The money is a plus, but I’ve tried to keep that from influencing my decision. This is about Noah.”

“I hope you mean that. Camille, if this marriage doesn’t work, then get out of it,” Anthony Avanole said solemnly. “You’ll have enough money to invest it and never touch it. Use the interest from it and what you have if the amount grows. It’ll be there to give back to Marek if you need to.”

“I know, Dad,” she said, looking at the tall, handsome man who stood waiting at the altar and within moments would be her husband. “Marek and I think this marriage will work. Time and again, I’ve been over all the reasons.”

“The money is a blessing for you and for all of us. It will change our lives, but I don’t want it at the cost of your happiness.”

She shook her head. “It won’t be. I won’t stay in the relationship if it’s unhappy or not the best for Noah, for all of us.” The marriage still dazed her as much as the ring on her finger. She glanced down at her hand as she held the large bouquet of white orchids, lilies and white roses. Her eight-carat diamond with sapphires and diamonds along the gold band sparkled on her finger. The contradictions in her wedding were as numerous as in Marek’s personality. A small wedding, an enormous bouquet and a huge, dazzling diamond. A honeymoon for two people who were almost strangers. She looked again at Marek, feeling her pulse racing. Jess was best man because Pete Rangel, Marek’s father, had asked Marek to let someone stand in for him because of his crutches. His dad had been happy that Marek had asked him, even when he could not accept.

When Camille had asked Marek about it earlier, he had made it clear to her that he was happy to have Jess as his best man.

“It’s time,” the wedding planner said, and Camille and her dad started the walk up the aisle. As she neared Marek, she saw the somber look on his face, a look she recognized. He was fighting his emotions, and she could imagine he was thinking about his fiancée and the wedding he had expected to have.

She hurt for him, wishing she could erase his ache, knowing no one could. He stepped to her side to take her hand, his dark eyes unreadable. He smiled, but it was perfunctory.

She went through the ceremony, repeating her vows, too aware she was taking an enormous risk as well as aware of Marek’s pain.

The moment the minister said, “You may kiss the bride,” warmth returned to Marek’s eyes as he focused on her. His kiss was light, but the look he gave her was reassuring.

When they turned to face the guests and their minister introduced them as Mr. and Mrs. Marek Rangel, her parents smiled at her and her mother dabbed her eyes. Marek’s parents smiled, even though Marek’s mother also had tears.

Marek took her arm to walk up the aisle, and she smiled with relief that the ceremony had ended.

They had pictures with both of their families. Even though it was a small wedding, there were more guests than she had originally thought they would have. They constantly talked to guests, and it wasn’t until Marek began the first dance with her that she was alone with him. He held her lightly, smiling at her, but it was a strained smile. A muscle worked in his jaw and she hurt for him, certain he was thinking of his fiancée.

“You look beautiful today,” he said. His voice sounded labored, and she would be thankful when the reception was over and they could get away.

“Thank you. You look handsome, and your pain doesn’t show very much,” she said, wishing she could do something to help him.

“I’m all right.” He glanced beyond her, looking around the large ballroom. “Our security is tight and I don’t think there are any unwanted people looking for pictures or a story.”

“The security is the best ever.”

“You’re as calm as a summer morning. But then you’re accustomed to going on stage and hiding what you feel.”

“I’ve made my decision, and I’m hoping for the best. Noah has been on his best behavior all day as if he senses something special is happening.” Marek’s slight smile looked real this time, and she relaxed a little. “Perhaps someday we’ll dance and you’ll be delighted that I’m the person in your arms.”

“I am happy over this, Camille. In more ways than you can guess. You’ve brought me out of the grief I had sunk into. I think this union is going to be great for all of us.”

“That’s what I’m counting on, too.”

“We’ll do all right together, because we each have our own lives and we’re really not going to be together that much,” he said, sounding as if he were preoccupied. “The arrangement we have is a trial—remember that. As much as we can, we’ll live together under the same roof when you’re not performing, and for now you’ll call the ranch home. As soon as possible, we’ll all go to the ranch.”

“That will be a totally new experience for me and my sisters. Noah won’t know the difference,” she said, enjoying dancing with Marek as she always did. He looked incredibly handsome, and for a fleeting second she wished life had been different. The longing was gone as swiftly as it had come.

“You can get whatever decorator you want,” Marek said. “We’ve already made changes at our Dallas house.”

“
Our
house—it will take a while to become accustomed to thinking that way. I’m still astounded at how fast you got the changes in I wanted.”

“It’s our house from this day forward, until we make a legal change.”

“That sounds permanent. The ranch is another thing I’m trying to become accustomed to. Horses, cattle, ranches—I know nothing about them.”

“Ranch life is pretty plain. It’s hard work, but just taking care of cattle, horses, land, fences, a million things strung out over lots of land. It won’t mean much to you, and when you’re there, you won’t even know it’s going on.”

“My ring is beautiful. Thank you again.”

“I’m glad you like it. Let’s get through this and out of here when we can. I’m ready to be alone with you. You look gorgeous today.”

“Thank you,” she said, smiling at him. “You’re nice. You look supremely handsome.”

He smiled. “Mutual admiration. That’s good. There’s so much that’s good. I’m happy, Camille.”

They circled the dance floor in silence.

“I like dancing with you, but we can do that on our honeymoon,” Marek said finally. “After this dance, we probably should circulate and talk to guests so we can get out of here sooner. I want you to myself,” he repeated.

“Marek, just a reminder, I can’t rush into anything physical.”

“We’ve agreed on that subject, and I promised it would be mutual.” He leaned close to her ear. “I’ll tell you now. I’m going to seduce you, Camille. I want to make love to you. You’re a desirable woman,” he whispered, making her tingle, although she suspected he was trying to smooth over the lack of deep feelings between them.

“I could be a little green woman from Mars and you wouldn’t notice,” she said.

“Not true. I know I’m with a beautiful, desirable woman,” he said in a warm voice, looking down at her in one of the rare moments when it seemed as if he really saw her as a woman.

The ballad ended and another began. Her father appeared to ask her to dance, and Marek left to ask his mother.

By early afternoon she saw Marek give her a look and then glance toward the door. She sat at a table with her family. “I think we’re leaving now,” she said. She gave each one a hug and stopped longer with Ashley. Noah had fallen asleep beside her in his carrier. “Don’t hesitate to text about anything. Keep in touch.”

“You’ll hear from me often. Don’t worry. He’ll be fine. We’ll all take care of him.”

“Take care, Ashley, and call if there’s anything. Marek can have us flown right back here.”

“I know he can. See you in a few days. Enjoy the water and palm trees. And your handsome husband.”

Camille laughed and hugged her sister briefly. “I will.”

Joining her, Marek took her hand to rush to the waiting limo that took them to the airport and a Rangel plane.

*

As they headed east over Texas, Marek gazed out the window. Noah would be part of his life now. He already had an attorney working on the adoption. In spite of wanting this marriage and being overjoyed that Camille had accepted, he had hurt earlier today. The morning had distressed him, bringing back too many memories of Jillian.

The marriage ceremony had opened old wounds. Camille had been aware of his pain. Her kindness and understanding and, later, her happy expectations and quiet cheer, had lifted him out of the hurt. She was a beautiful, intelligent, talented woman. For that afternoon, at least, he had forgotten and set aside the past, something that was happening more and more since she had come into his life. Now he reached out to take her hand, then impulsively tugged her closer and leaned forward to kiss her. It was a brief kiss because anything longer would set him on fire.

When he sat back, he smiled at her, and she smiled in return. “It’s been a good day,” she said. He nodded.

She had been convincing in assuring him that a marriage of convenience was all right. He knew people who felt that way and then fell in love and marriage was the thing they wanted most. She had made her choices, and both Camille and her family seemed happy.

Their wedding night would be a letdown for most, but they had had a frank talk about their plans for this honeymoon and both had agreed to set aside a physical relationship at this point in their lives. He would let their relationship develop at whatever pace worked out, but he wanted to make love to her. It would please him if they could have a real wedding night.

He thought about the day’s events. His parents had seemed wary of Camille and Noah. They always had great interest in Ginny’s girls when they were with them. Once they returned to California, they seemed to retreat back into their own world. Perhaps they’d come around to welcoming Camille and Noah.

Shifting his attention to Camille again, he wished her long hair was down. She looked sophisticated, composed, satisfied. Her expression and demeanor hid the stormy emotions he was sure she battled.

“You look beautiful. You have all day,” he said, meaning what he told her.

“Thank you. And you look breathtakingly handsome in your new tux and your fancy new boots.”

He wiggled his foot. “Thank you. I don’t know about fancy, but they are new, clean and comfortable.”

“The boots made the men in the wedding look like the cowboys they are.”

“Frank didn’t have on boots. Just Jess and I did. My dad wore them. He’s continued wearing them even after leaving the ranch.”

“I’m excited about our destination. I know this may be old to you, but it’s a marvel I haven’t experienced before.”

“Enjoy yourself. Just don’t swim alone except in our pool.”

“
Our
pool. You’ve made the transition quickly.”

“I’m trying to. This is what I wanted and I’ll go as far as I can to make it work. In every way, Camille,” he added, thinking about the physical side. Her cheeks flushed, so he knew she understood his reference and reacted to it.

She turned to look outside, and he glanced down at the band on his finger. It seemed unreal in so many ways. Marek touched the band, which was wide and plain gold. Jillian’s face floated in front of him, her cascade of white-blond hair, her large blue-green eyes, her smile that always made him smile in return. He took a deep breath. He missed her so and she was supposed to be sitting beside him as he headed off for his honeymoon. Instead, he was traveling with a black-haired beauty he barely knew.

“You’re thinking about Jillian, aren’t you?” Camille asked gently, touching his hand.

“Yes. It’s the wedding that’s triggered a lot of memories. They’ll fade out of my thoughts. Sorry.”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” she said. “I understand.”

“I’m surprised, because you’ve never lost anyone extremely close.”

She shook her head. “No, but I’ve played characters who have, and I have given a lot of thought to feelings and reactions.”

“Maybe that’s part of your success,” he said, speculating about her and realizing he should hear her perform. “I wonder if Noah will sing. Kern could whistle. That was his musical ability.” He grinned. “My brother didn’t sing. If he did, the dogs started howling.”

She laughed, and his insides heated. She was not only beautiful, but desirable. Her laughter was an enticing, contagious sound.

“You should have had more laughter today,” he said.

“I’m doing all right. I never thought about Noah singing. Right now, I think more about him talking. Do you think your family will ever accept Noah or me?” she asked.

“If we stay together, probably more than they do now. They’ve surprised me. I didn’t expect the reaction I got from them at all. Frankly, I think my mother is afraid to let go and love him. She loved Kern. When we were growing up, I always thought she favored him. Ginny and I both did. Kern was probably more lovable than we were. He could charm anyone. I think she’s scared of getting hurt again if she gets too close to Noah. If she lets go and loves him, she wouldn’t want to go back to California. My dad could be feeling the same. Don’t let it worry you. They’ll go back to California before we return and you won’t see them for a long time.”

“I’m just sorry they didn’t welcome Noah. He’s a sweetheart. They know you did a paternity test, don’t they?”

“Yes, they do,” Marek said, unable to understand how his parents could so easily reject Kern’s baby when they knew he was their grandson. “Don’t worry about it. They shouldn’t be that important to you. I think they tried to avoid seeing Noah, just so they wouldn’t become attached. We’ll be together sometime when Ginny’s girls are around and they’ll have to get to know him. If they do, I expect them to change. How can they resist him?”