Logan glanced over at his bride and despite barely knowing her, could tell she was uncomfortable talking about herself. He let the silence sit for a moment then couldn’t help it he wanted to know more about the down-home pretty girl sitting beside him. She didn’t look more than twenty-one or twenty-two. And she was American. That kind of surprised him.
“Any ideas what you’d like to do?” He glanced back over at her. “You can get a job if you want or maybe go back to school, if you’d like.”
She turned and stared at him a moment. “School? Could I really?” She fell silent and turned to look out the windshield. “I never even thought about it. Until the agency took me to Dallas, I’d been working two, sometimes three jobs, just to make ends meet. In Dallas they taught me some of the more genteel things no one ever taught me.” She turned back to him. “I could really go back to school?”
“If it will make you happy, sure. Any idea what you’d like to study?”
She looked down at her lap, where his hand still held one of hers. He liked the warmth of her soft skin there, the contact with her was somehow more meaningful than with anyone else. She let her breath out in a rush.
“I never thought about it. It wasn’t a possibility before, so I refused to consider it.”
“Sounds like you’ve got some thinking to do.”
“Oh?” she said, half distracted.
“What kind of car do you want and what do you want to study. I suspect there will be more to come up too.” He turned off the highway onto the gravel road that led to the house giving her a moment with her thoughts. After a moment the house came into view, he pulled up and parked in the circular drive before turning his full attention to his bride. She sat beside him, eyes wide. Obviously, she hadn’t expected a house like this.
“You live here?” Her voice had gone a little breathless.
“No, we do now.” He couldn’t help but grin. He’d gotten the impression, from what little she’d said on the trip that she grew up with less than ideal circumstances, he’d find out more in time. But if this was her reaction to a house, he would enjoy showering her with anything she wanted. And likely more. He liked seeing her stunned and happy like this. “Would you like to go inside?”
She seemed to be speechless as she turned to him, glanced back to the house then back to him and nodded.
“Then let’s go.” He climbed down and closed the truck door, he grabbed her suitcase from the bed of the truck on his way around the truck.
She’d opened her door, but sat looking down at the ground.
“Want some help?”
“Please. I started to get down but remembered the ice and thought it might be better to wait.”
“Good plan. We’ll get you some boots, so the ice won’t be such a worry.” He lifted her down and set her carefully on her feet, making sure she was stable before letting her go. A small shiver passed through her and he wished again that Ms. Creed had dressed her better for the weather here. “Come on, it’s warm inside.” He stayed close and dragged her wheeled suitcase behind them as she headed for the house stopping for a moment at the base of the steps and looking up at the two-story house that towered over them.
“It’s huge.”
“It’s big enough for the family I plan to some day have.”
Her gaze dropped to his face. “Could you not find anyone here?”
“There were plenty willing to marry me. But they were all lacking in one way or another. Then there was the deadline…” he trailed off. Another shiver ran through her. “Come on, we can talk inside.” He herded her up the steps and to the front door where he reached around, twisted the knob and pushed the door in. “Welcome to your new home.” She stepped inside, and he followed, standing her suitcase to one side before closing the door.
Claire stood for a moment, her eyes wide as she took in the room. Logan watched her, trying to gauge her reactions. She looked awed. He wasn’t sure why, it wasn’t a luxurious home, just a home. Yes, there were paintings on the walls with well-known names in the corner, but they were just decoration, at least to him.
“Would you like a tour?”
“Yes, please.”
“Do you want to get more comfortable first? Maybe change shoes?”
She shook her head. “I’m good in these, now that we’re inside and there’s no danger of ice.”
Logan showed her around the house, paying a little more attention to his favorite rooms, the study, his office and the kitchen. He introduced her to the staff, making sure they understood Claire was his wife and they were to follow her instructions as if they were his. He ended the tour in the bedroom.
“You can have one of the other bedrooms for a while if you like, or you can move in here with me.” He stepped close and cupped her cheek with one hand. “I won’t pressure you, but I know which I’d prefer.” He stood that way for several moments, watching her clear green eyes for any sign of hesitance, fear or discomfort. He found nothing.
“I—” she hesitated then started again. “I think I’ll move in here, if that’s all right?”
Satisfaction and desire raced through him.
“It’s more than all right.” Unable to resist any longer, he lowered his head and covered her lips with his in a kiss that soon turned hot enough to burn. Time stretched unheeded as he became lost in her sweet, spicy taste and the way her body fit perfectly against his.
Chapter 4
Claire’s world narrowed to just the two of them, the slide of his tongue against hers, the pressure of his lips. His arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her against him. His heat seeped through their clothes making her want to melt into him. Heat pooled low in her belly. She didn’t want to move, maybe never.
She didn’t know how much time had passed before he pulled away, breaking the kiss and the spell that seemed to be cast over her.
“I’m sure you’re tired after your trip. I’ll let you unwind a little. Feel free to unpack and put your things in the closet,” he opened a door to a huge walk-in closet. “There’s plenty of room.” He kept going, she followed to see where he was going as he opened yet another door. “There’s a shower and a jacuzzi in the bathroom. Make yourself at home.” He turned and looked down at her. “You don’t happen to have any other shoes in that case do you? Maybe some pants?”
“I do.”
“Good. I’ve made arrangements to take you to dinner tonight, one of the nicer places in town but jeans are still acceptable, and I don’t want you to freeze. We can do some shopping if you don’t have what you’d like.”
“I think I have everything I’ll need. But I won’t say no to getting some additional clothes soon.” Her face heated. “I don’t have much that would be appropriate for somewhere like this.” Claire let her eyes scan the room, which was bright and airy, appointed with towels that looked softer than a baby’s skin and several items that look like they cost more than her entire last paycheck.
“Doll, I’m sure whatever you’re comfortable in would be fine.” He smoothed the pad of his thumb along her cheek. “You’ll find that we’re a simple farming community around here. Some of us are a little more well off, but we’re still farmers at heart and we like playing in the mud and getting dirty.”
She looked around the room again and remembered the artwork she’d seen in several rooms. Big names like Van Gogh and Degas. Things that even replicas that looked that amazing would cost. Some how she couldn’t put the idea of this place together with playing in the mud and getting dirty, but she was new, she’d have to get to know him, and the town, a little better before she could say.
“All right.” She smiled up at him, not wanting to upset him so soon by expressing her doubt. “A shower sounds nice, if you don’t mind?”
“Not at all. I’ve got a few calls to make so I’ll leave you to get ready. If you need anything, I’ll be in my office.” He dropped a quick kiss on her lips then stepped back quickly as if he was afraid to get caught up again the way they both had momen
ts before.
“I’ll try to remember how to get there when I’m done. What time do you want me ready?”
“We’re not on a time table. We can go whenever you are ready and get hungry. No rush.”
“In that case, I might test out that tub.”
“Go right ahead. Make a list of what kind of bath products you like and Mrs. Fryer can pick them up when she goes shopping or we can order them if they don’t carry them locally.”
“Will do.”
Logan left her standing in the huge bathroom as he exited through the door that led back into the bedroom. Claire shook her head, wondering a moment at the idea of bubble bath or bath salts you had to order. She felt lucky when she had the extra money to pick up the 97 cent bottle from Wal-Mart. She wouldn’t know what to pick from something more expensive or why it was better.
With a sigh, she realized they’d left her suitcase next to the door and backtracked to get it, only to find it standing near the wall just inside the bedroom door. She stopped short, wondering how it go there, then realized the housekeeper, Mrs. Fryer, must have brought it up. Even better. She took the suitcase back into the closet, started water in the tub and went back to unpack, thinking about what to wear and how to look her best for her new husband even in jeans and running shoes.
Chapter 5
Logan tilted back in his padded leather desk chair, thinking about his new bride. It had been a couple hours since he’d left her in the master bathroom. He’d completed all the calls he needed to make, and wondered what she was doing. Was she in the tub? All naked and soapy?
The sudden tightening g of his jean's reminded him of his reaction as she'd stepped off the plane. Long dark hair that hung nearly to her waist blowing in the breeze. That same cold wind made her nipples pucker, drawing his eyes to her full breasts. His hands had ached to cup them then and now they itched, making him regret not testing their heavy weight when he'd had the chance. Though, the firm yet soft way they'd crushed against his chest let him know they were real.
He'd get his hands on them soon enough, he reminded himself. After all, she'd be sharing his bed in just a few hours. Not that that guaranteed anything, it would be up to Claire. In the meantime, he could fantasize.
A throat clearing made him jump. He glanced toward the door and found that despite what he'd thought impossible, Claire was even sexier in a pair of designer Jean's that hugged and cupped her every curve and a soft looking sweater that somehow seemed to show off her body more than hid it.
Logan resisted the urge to growl his approval and drag her back upstairs. They might be married, but their relationship hadn't gone that far yet.
He scanned her up and down, noting she would need a coat, and when he spotted her running shoes, added a pair of good boots to that, but she looked ready to face a February day in Clinton.
“I’m ready whenever you are,” she said, stepping into the room.
“Are you getting hungry?”
“I could eat.”
He frowned, that wasn’t what he’d asked. Maybe he’d take her to get a coat, then they’d go to dinner.
“All right.” He stood and checked his pocket to make sure he still had the truck keys. “Let’s go.” He joined her in the middle of the room, dropped his hand on the small of her back and walked out into the foyer with her.
She gave him a questioning look as he hooked his finger in her belt loop and pulled her to stop before they reached the door. Instead he went to a nearby closet, pulled out a couple coats and handed one to her.
“I’m not sure how well it will fit, but it’s better than nothing.” He shot her a half-hearted smile. She shrugged into the jacket while he put on the one he’d gotten out for himself.
“The shoulders are okay but it’s not going to close.” She pulled the sides together to show him. She was right, her bust was just too big for it to zip.
“Like I said, it’s better than nothing. I thought we’d stop and see if we can find you some thing that fits before we go to the restaurant tonight.”
“You don’t need to do that. I’m okay like this.”
Logan watched her a moment to see if she was serious, but didn’t argue. From the little bits of what she’d said, he was under the impression she was used to scrimping for even the smallest things. It would take her a while to get used to being able to have everything she needed, and everything she wanted too.
* * *
“Table for two, somewhere quiet please,” Logan said to the hostess, Amanda, behind the small stand at the Bar 6 Steakhouse just outside of Clinton. The place was decorated in kitschy Valentine decorations. Pink and red hearts, small gold and silver cherubs hung from the ceiling and on walls through the building.
“Yes, sir. Give me just a moment to get your table ready, Mr. Hensley.”
“No problem.” He turned to Claire “I forgot to ask, I hope you’re not a vegetarian.”
“No, I’m not. Do you eat here often?” She tilted her head to one side.
“About once a week or so, sometimes more if I need to entertain clients. Like I said, it’s one of the nicer places in town.”
She didn’t respond but kept looking around. He watched her a moment, noticing how she seemed at ease in her new jacket and the boots she’d worn out of the store, more than she had in his jacket.
“If you’ll follow me,” Amanda’s voice pulled him from his thoughts. “After you.” He motioned for Claire to go first then followed her through the dining room, unable to keep from noticing the gentle sway of her hips as she walked and the way the denim of her jeans cupped her ass to perfection.
“Here we are.” Amanda stepped aside so they could seat themselves. Logan pulled out a chair for Claire and helped her scoot it back in once she was seated, then moved around to his own seat. Amanda filled them in on the specials while she handed them each their menus, then left them.
“What’s good?”
“Doll, it’s all good or I wouldn’t have brought you.” He shot her a grin. “No, seriously it’s all good. My favorite is the porterhouse, but I’ve not found anything here that isn’t spectacular.”
She looked over her menu for a few minutes, asking questions here and there, while he left his closed on the table and watched her instead. He knew what he wanted to eat, it was her he wanted to know more about.
“I think I’ll have the Alfredo pasta.” Claire closed her menu and laid it in front of her. It only took a couple moments for their waitress to appear with their drinks and take their orders, then leave them alone again.
“It’s a little warm with this thing on.” Claire stripped off her jacket and hung it on the back of her seat, running one hand along the fabric as if petting it, then sitting back down. “We’ve talked about me some, but tell me a little about you. What do you do?”
“Manufacture farm equipment.”
Claire frowned. “You work in the plant?”
“Not exactly.” He didn’t want to make her feel bad, and he was afraid revealing just how much money he had, compared to how he suspected she’d been living, would do just that.
Her frown deepened and that’s when he realized that keeping it from her would hurt her even more. That wasn’t the way to start a marriage he wanted to work. If he wasn’t going to try to make this work, he might keep it a secret, but he wanted this to work if it was possible.
“Have you ever heard of Equipment International?”
She blinked then her eyes went wide. “Of course. They’re huge.”
“My grandfather started EI. He and my father built it to be the well-known name it is now.” He took a deep breath. “The company has been mine for the last six years, since my father had a stroke in the field one day and was gone before anyone knew what happened.”
“I’m sorry.”
Logan waved one hand. “Thanks, but it’s been a long time. I’ve done well with the company, though I’ve been so engrossed in it, I’ve not had time for much of a personal life. Maybe that’s why D
ad left the stipulations in his will, though why his attorney waited so long to tell me, I may never know.”
“What stipulations?”
He told Claire about having to marry and have a child by certain deadlines, watching her face as he did.
“So that’s why. I’d wondered.”
“I know, it’s a little unconventional, especially in this day and age, but it seemed like my best option at the time.” He gave her a wry smile and she smiled back. “Now that you know why I did it, why did you sign up?” It was a little awkward, skirting around saying anything about the agency, which he’d had to swear absolute secrecy about before they’d accept him as a client, he could only assume she’d done the same.
“My story’s not nearly as interesting as yours.”
“I’m still interested. How else are we supposed to make this work but to get to know each other?”
She took a deep breath and let it out in a rush. “I guess you’re right.” She leaned back in her chair and took a sip of the water she’d requested. “I was raised in the foster system in east Texas. I’m not sure if I was given up or taken from my parents, it doesn’t really matter. I have no memory of them.”
“I’m sorry.” Now he regretted asking, especially this publicly.
“It is what it is.” She shrugged. “Anyway, I aged out of the system while I was still in school and spent half of my senior year living out of my car. But I graduated. I left Longview just after I graduated and moved to Tyler. I managed, but I got tired of working two or three jobs and trying to earn enough to be able to afford rent and food in the same month. Then I saw a newspaper ad looking for smart, adventurous women, with open minds willing to try something a little unconventional and I called. The application process took weeks, forms, medical exams and more, but they moved me to Dallas and put me in an apartment building, trained me in manners and other things. Now I’m here. So far, I have no complaints. They’ve delivered what they promised.”
Billionaire Bachelor: Logan: Diamond Bridal Agency Page 2