by Debra Holt
“Personal?”
“Make it easy on yourself and pretend for a moment I’m Dev. Anything come to mind?”
Her eyes flew to his and found shades of the same look he fixed her with earlier that day at the dining room table when the floor fell out from beneath her. Danger ahead. The next thing she knew, Chance had muttered something under his breath, and he closed the gap between them in two strides. Strong hands went to her shoulders and she was fairly lifted off her feet and met the solid wall of his broad chest. The contact was like connecting with an electrical socket while standing in a pool of water. The charge was instantaneous, and she was fairly certain sparks shot out from all her fingertips and toes.
His mouth connected with hers, and a fireworks display shot off behind her closed eyelids. This kiss was different from any of the previous ones. It wasn’t soft and gentle and brief. It meant to make a statement and it did. His lips claimed hers and drew her right inside him. Her bottom lip was teased over by his tongue, which met with no resistance when it dipped into the opening he found. Hands moved from her shoulders to slide around her waist and then lower, bringing her body into contact with his. The discovery she instantly felt of a very aroused male shot up her own blood to the boiling point, especially as she realized there was an answering throb in her womanly core that both shocked and thrilled her at the same time. His kiss had flipped a switch inside her. There had been darkness, and now there was light. Because Chance was kissing her.
On instinct, her arms went upward to encircle his neck, her hands moving into the thick, soft hair. Josie couldn’t seem to get close enough to the man who she spent so much time avoiding and fighting each step of the way. Somewhere, her mind was whispering that it was all wrong, but her body and her heart were shouting how right it felt. Deep inside, a spark had been lit that she never knew existed before, and the heat was both comforting and all-consuming. The power of it brought a soft shudder through her.
*
On the edges of his drugged mind, Chance registered the change that had come over Josie. With a great deal of effort, he stopped the kisses he was feathering along her soft jawline and slowly drew his head back. The thought clicked for a second in his brain that this change might have occurred with his comment about his brother. That gave him pause. His chin lowered to rest on the top of her head, while he tried to regain some ability to breathe and settle his heart rate down to less than a gallop. He didn’t let her out of his arms though. “I’ve tried hard to be respectful and give you time and some space, but you can wreak havoc on a male’s good intentions.”
His brain had warned his heart that it was playing with fire and asking to be stomped into the ground. It was the same speech he had given himself daily over the years, while he watched Josie pine over and worship the ground his brother walked upon. He told himself he was doing it out of the goodness of his heart and concern for the girl and her parents. Right. Until the day he had found her in the barn’s loft, sobbing her eyes out. He had held her in his arms for the first time that day, meaning to just comfort her from whatever slight his brother had done again. That’s when a different feeling had hit him like a sledgehammer.
He had wanted to find Dev and beat him senseless for hurting her. Then he realized he wanted to hit him a few times for having a place in her heart that Chance suddenly wanted for himself. The depth of his feelings had scared him, and he had fought to move back behind the wall that he erected between himself and the teenager. After all, he told himself time and again, she was just a girl, barely more than a child.
He was a man and had the weight of running an entire ranch on his shoulders even though he was barely into his twenties. There was no time to be listening to a teenager’s forlorn crush on his self-absorbed brother, who didn’t know she existed half the time. However, he told himself he needed to keep an eye on the situation and run interference…help protect Josie’s heart. So he watched and waited and listened and consoled.
The inevitable day came when Dev left Texas and Josie behind. And it was Chance’s job to pick up the pieces. Except things had changed over the last couple of years. Josie didn’t run and confide in him. She tried to take everything on those slim shoulders of hers and would round on him like a tiger if he ventured too close to her territory. He should have left her to it, but he couldn’t. She was too much a part of his life…and always would be. Now, all he wanted was to be the one who filled her heart. Only he was afraid her heart wasn’t seeing him…it was still too full of his brother.
Slowly, he removed his hands from her and stepped back when he had enough control to do so. “Do me a favor, will ya? If I ever ask you to pretend I’m Dev again, just shoot me. It’ll be easier that way.” He turned on his heel, grabbed his hat from the hay bale where it had landed, and left her before he made any more of a fool of himself.
*
Josie didn’t see Chance again until the wedding day. He hadn’t come in for his usual breakfast the morning after the kiss in the barn. Josie was both disappointed and relieved at the same time. All night, tossing and turning, and reliving the whole moment. More importantly, trying to sort through the jumble of emotions his touch had brought to the surface. Had they been there all along? For how long? Why now? Why did things have to be so complicated?
And what had Chance meant with his parting words? Did he think she was imagining it was Dev’s arms she was held by and Dev she was kissing? Why did it appear to matter so much to him? There was a glimpse of something in those dark eyes before he turned away from her. Was it pain? Why? Chance was always a mystery to her. One moment, he was aloof and stayed at a distance with her. The next, he would do something so unexpected and considerate…how many times had he dried her tears? How many hours had he listened to her adolescent ramblings while he worked and she followed along behind him, whether on foot or horseback? He always had time for her…even when he had to have been so tired from working his ranch all day and helping her father out when he could. He had never turned away from her in those times. Until that moment in the barn. She was left feeling infinitely sad.
The only communication with him since that time had been either in the form of messages passed on to her through Tom or via very brief text messages. And the topics were never personal…just business.
*
The day of her wedding dawned bright and clear. It was supposed to be a good omen, Em pointed that out prior to the ceremony. With the weight of a gold band on her hand, she pondered the wisdom of that.
Chance had kept his word. Mrs. Ross stood in front of her at the moment, admiring the wedding band on her hand.
“Josie Monroe,” she beamed. “Excuse me, Josie Braxton!” the woman corrected herself. “I just wish your mother could see what a lovely bride you are today.”
Josie’s head hurt. Her feet hurt, as well, crammed into the pointed toes of the high heels she wore. Even her face hurt from smiling, as she shook hands, received hugs, and responded to well wishes from most of the population of Braxton. Chance had made good on his decision to place a ring on her hand in short order. They had stood together, in front of the large rock fireplace in the main house on the Braxton Ranch, reciting the vows presided over by Reverend Morrison, the pastor having stepped off a jet only hours before the ceremony.
In the final weeks’ time, sandwiched between her usual duties on her ranch, she had dress fittings, hair and nail appointments, and fought nerves and an upset stomach along the way. Even at that moment, her stomach was considering revolting again. Her hands smoothed over the soft satin of the wedding dress for the umpteenth time. There was an odd comfort to it.
After her initial surprise, she had come to realize that she was secretly glad Chance had sought out the dress for her to wear. It was yet another insight into the man that she had coupled with the discovery that hit her with quite an impact earlier during the ceremony. That stunning clarity only served to keep her feelings in an uproar.
Catching a glimpse of herself in the
large mirror on the wall across the room, she was reminded again of how much she resembled her mother in the dress. Josie felt her loss again as she stood under the large chandelier in the dining room. A strange life was beginning, and an old one was slipping away too quickly. If only she could look up and see a coaxing smile from the woman she had only had for a mere twenty-nine years of life. She needed her infinite words of wisdom. Josie needed to tell her what a fool she had just realized she was over the years. And that her parents had been right after all. But she couldn’t do any of that.
Instead of her mother’s eyes, she caught Chance’s across the room where he stood with a group of fellow ranchers, champagne glass in his hand, looking every inch the pleased bridegroom, smiling and receiving good-natured comments.
As if sensing her, he turned, and the look he sent her way was meant only for her and she felt her cheeks flush and a familiar tingling sensation zinged through her body. Josie wished he didn’t look so devastatingly handsome in the black, western-cut tux with black, hand-tooled leather boots, and a bright white dress shirt that set off his deep sapphire eyes and gleaming smile. Her pulse still had not settled from when she came down the stairs and saw him waiting for her at the bottom. She wished for just one-fourth of the confidence he exuded.
His vows sounded sure and strong and echoed throughout the large room, filled with so many people. Chance had made it his mission to seek out the gossip mongers and personally invite them to the nuptials. He also made certain the day was as close to perfect for Josie as he could make it, given the short preparation time. Her favorite pink roses filled vases throughout the house, along with candles giving a romantic glow to the rooms. The aroma of delicious food dishes filling the tables in the dining room wafted through the downstairs. A trio of musicians played for the ceremony and provided music as the guests mingled and ate afterwards.
Josie was amazed at how much Chance had accomplished. She was totally mystified why he would want to go to such lengths for a marriage that was barely more than a business agreement mutually beneficial to them both. It certainly wasn’t the hearts and flowers romance everyone attending seemed to think.
Everyone except one person. “You look like you might need another glass of fortification.” Dev’s voice came from behind her as he stepped up to her side with two glasses in his hands.
“You might say that,” she said, smiling in return, taking one of the glasses from him. “I’m sorry we never had time to get together since our evening out. Each time I thought I would have a free moment, it seemed Chance had something that needed to be done for this wedding.”
“Almost as if he was keeping you and me apart on purpose,” Dev commented, his gaze going in the direction of his brother across the room.
“We’ll probably see each other more than before. At least until you leave again for civilization, as you refer to it.” She hoped to inject some levity into the moment, to keep him in a better mood, and to keep her mind from going off in directions best not traveled. Such as toward the man with the dark, sexy eyes she could feel on her, even as she did her best to ignore the fact.
“Aren’t you going to drink the bubbly I brought you?”
Josie looked at the amber liquid in the crystal flute. “I don’t think I should drink it. It wouldn’t do for the bride to get tipsy.”
“That would be a sight to see…Josie Monroe, tipsy.” He took a sip of his own champagne, his voice light, but his eyes a deep blue sea color.
“Josie Braxton.” The correction came from Chance, as he moved quietly to stand between the pair, his hand sliding possessively around Josie’s waist, a warm look moving over her, the move obviously meant to stake his claim for all to see.
“I stand corrected, dear brother. I do have to congratulate you. You’re one lucky man, marrying the most beautiful woman in the county and gaining even more land for the Braxton ranching empire. Guess that would be the proverbial ‘killing two birds with one stone.’ Our father would be proud…per usual of his chosen favored son.”
The hand at her waist stiffened, and Josie was aware of the hardening of his jawline, as Chance took a moment before he addressed his brother. “Yes, I’m a very lucky man, because Josie is a remarkable woman. You’re wrong on the land part, however. Josie’s ranch is all hers. Perhaps you shouldn’t comment on things of which you have no knowledge.”
“I stand corrected…again. It was just a case of true love between you both.” Dev’s barbs were tipped in sarcasm, but he kept his tone lowered. “No matter what, I do believe, as we are family now, I can kiss the bride to welcome her to the family.”
“That’s up to my wife.”
Both men looked at Josie. She wished to be anywhere but in that spot. Josie was very aware of the guests, as well. She smiled and offered her cheek to Dev. After a moment of hesitation, Dev placed a rather chaste kiss on the proffered cheek.
“Welcome to the family, Josie. I’ll be around in case my brother doesn’t make you happy.”
Josie knew it was time to separate the two men. “I think it’s time to cut the cake, isn’t it?” She glanced at the tall man beside her. Chance turned his attention away from his brother and back to her. The hard smile softened a bit.
“I believe you’re right.” He guided her away from Dev, toward the linen-covered table with the three-tier wedding cake.
At the cake tasting, it had been a difficult decision between three flavors. In the end, Chance settled the matter. Each tier of the cake was a different flavor…all iced in buttercream with lots of pink roses trailing down the sides.
“What’s it to be? What flavor do you want me to feed you?” Chance grinned down at her as he picked up the cake knife and waited for her to place her hand with his. “Let me guess…the red velvet?”
“Perfect,” she replied. “And then it’s going to be the chocolate for you.”
The photographer was ready, and they cut into the layers. Despite some good-natured teasing from the guests, she refrained from making a mess as she took the small square of cake and popped it between Chance’s parted lips. What she wasn’t prepared for was Chance’s mouth closing and trapping her fingers. A loud hoot went up from the crowd and Chance’s eyes gleamed in devilment. His tongue made a slow swirl around her fingertips, and she felt the vibration like a tuning fork, all the way up her arm and into the rest of her body. She took an unsteady breath, and her eyes met his with the gleam of something else shading them. He was well aware of what he was doing to her and enjoying every moment of it. The photographer reminded her that it was her turn and she hastily retrieved her hand.
Josie took the bite of cake from Chance quickly and stepped back so there would be no chance of any repeat of what happened with the last bite. He gave her a look that clearly told her he had labeled her a chicken, but she didn’t care.
Toasts came next and Josie held her breath as Dev lifted his glass. To her relief, he kept it very brief and very proper…except for the gleam in his eye as he caught hers before taking a sip of the champagne along with the rest. Josie felt her hand caught in one of Chance’s as he drew her through the throng of people to the front porch, where they were met with a barrage of birdseed. They ran the gauntlet and Chance settled her quickly inside his truck. Once he was behind the wheel, they left the farewell waves and guests behind.
For a few minutes, quiet filled the inside of the truck cab and settled around them. Josie’s mind searched for something to say but found nothing. What did most couples talk to each other about in these moments?
“Already the bride is no longer smiling. Tell me what’s on your mind?”
Trust him to get to the heart of things. She met his quick glance.
“I have no idea how to be married. What do I know about being a wife?”
Chance gave her a smile, his hand capturing hers as it lay on her lap. The warmth was reassuring.
“About the same as I know about being a husband. We’ll learn together. That’s what everyone else does.
Sometimes, we’ll get it right. Sometimes, not. But we can do it.” He finished with one of those “Chance smiles” that always seemed to make her feel things would turn out okay.
But the bride and groom are usually in love with each other. That was her thought, but she didn’t voice it. Her mind switched back to the moment at the altar that had turned her world inside out. Chance had reached for both her hands as the pastor instructed and they stood facing each other. She was certain he could feel her trembling nerves. He gave her hands a slight squeeze as he looked into her eyes with complete confidence in his…as if telling her all would be okay. There was nothing to fear. He was there. Chance was there. He had always been there.
And that had been the thunderbolt. As simple—and as devastating—the truth of the matter was laid plain. It was as if a blindfold had fallen away from her heart. Chance was in her heart and her mind. He had always been there. How did that happen? It wasn’t Dev first and foremost in her thoughts; it was Chance. How could she have fallen in love with him? Why?
Her eyes had swung to the best man…Dev. He had that familiar smile and mocking light in his blue eyes as he watched the two of them. And she felt nothing. The revelation shocked her, and she felt herself going through the motions of everything that followed, with her mind in limbo. That is, until the moment when the kiss came, and Chance had taken her face between his two palms as gently as if he were handling fine china. The kiss he gave her was a solemn vow from him to her. Her heart wanted to leap out of her chest at the fragile beauty of it.
Whatever was she to do? One thing she knew for certain. Chance could not know. This revelation was to be kept to herself until she figured out what it would mean to their arrangement. Falling in love had only been mentioned as it pertained to either of them meeting someone else. Either of them falling in love with each other had never been discussed. Maybe because it was an impossibility as far as he was concerned? It certainly had never entered her head…but her heart never was much good at listening to her brain. What if he found out and then had no such inclinations towards her? He had presented a business deal…not a marriage made in Heaven. What if her heart was the last thing he would ever want? What a fine mess she had made for herself. There was no turning back. Mr. and Mrs. Braxton were heading home.