by Unknown
She laughed, feeling giddy and excited because of the handsome man sitting nearby, his dark tux complementing his deep tan.
“Why the roses for our mothers today?” he asked. “This wedding is just for convenience.”
“To me, our marriage is important. I get Jessie and you enabled that, so I’m grateful to you, and your family is part of you. Besides, I told your mother that she should consider Jessie her granddaughter, and since she never had a daughter or a granddaughter, she seems excited. My mother already knows this is a special occasion.”
“Dammit, Savannah, you shouldn’t have settled for such a half-baked deal.” He frowned at her. “You should have waited and gotten the whole thing with a guy you love, a guy who adores you. You could have had your own babies.”
She shook her head. “I’m happy. I have what I want.”
“I hope it doesn’t jump up and bite you. Little Jessie may not turn out like you think she will.”
“You’re not putting a damper on this wonderful day!” she said, extracting her hand from his.
He looked exasperated before he turned to stare out the window, and she felt shut out of his life and wondered if he was still angry over the whole plan.
Then they pulled up in front of the club and exited the limo. Mike took her hand and they swept into the entryway with its gleaming hardwood floor and enormous crystal chandelier.
In the large ballroom, a string quartet was already playing. “I’m surprised your father gave us such an extravagant wedding,” Mike said. “He would cheerfully wring my neck if it wouldn’t make you unhappy.” He looked at the lavish buffet, which surrounded an ice-castle sculpture. One end of the room was filled with round tables covered with white linen tablecloths centered with vases of pink roses. Near one wall two rectangular tables held a six-tier white bride’s cake and a three-tier chocolate groom’s cake. Waiters moved around the room serving champagne, while punch was served at one of the tables.
“My father loves me—that’s why the big wedding. His feelings for you don’t weigh in the decisions about our wedding,” she said, and then smiled as friends came to greet her.
In minutes Mike was as busy as Savannah, talking with his friends and other wedding guests. He shook hands with many of Savannah’s friends and her family’s friends. A vaguely familiar-looking man stepped up to shake his hand—Troy Slocum, Savannah’s partner. Mike was surprised at the chill in the man’s eyes.
“Congratulations,” Troy said. His voice lacked sincerity. “You came to town and swept Savannah off her feet. I hope you both are happy,” he added stiffly.
“Thanks, Mr. Slocum,” Mike answered, feeling the animosity emanating from the man.
“It’s Troy. You and I will see a lot of each other, I’m sure. Congratulations again. You have a wonderful woman for your wife.”
“Thanks,” Mike answered. As another person stepped up to congratulate him, Troy moved away.
The reception was a blur of new names and faces that Mike knew he wouldn’t remember, but there were exceptions, particularly when Savannah motioned to him to join her as she stood talking to two couples.
“Mike, I want you to meet my friends, Grace and Wyatt Sawyer,” Savannah said, and Mike shook hands with an attractive red-haired woman and a tall black-haired man. Savannah turned to the couple on her left. “And this is Laurie and Josh Kellogg.”
Mike received warm smiles and greetings from a striking couple.
“Josh and Wyatt are ranchers, and we’ve all known each other forever,” Savannah said.
“Congratulations,” Wyatt told him. “Savannah’s special, but I don’t have to tell you that. And watch out for her practical jokes. I probably don’t have to warn you about those, though.”
Unable to imagine Savannah letting go enough to play a practical joke, Mike arched his eyebrows as she shrugged.
“Jessie is an adorable little girl,” Grace said.
“But then, Grace thinks all children are adorable,” Wyatt added, and they all laughed.
“I think that description fits my new wife, too,” Mike said.
“Well, it fits mine,” Josh declared, smiling at Laurie.
“Do you have pictures?” Savannah asked, and in a few seconds, Mike was passed pictures of Wyatt’s two—Megan and a new baby, Ryan. Then he looked at pictures of the Kelloggs’ little girl, Sophie.
“We’ll all get together sometime and let these little kids play,” Grace said as Wyatt put the pictures back into his billfold.
When a band replaced the string quartet and began to play, Mike turned to Savannah. “I think that’s our cue,” he said, taking her hand. “If y’all will excuse us,” he said to the Kelloggs and the Sawyers before he led Savannah to the dance floor.
Taking her into his arms to dance, he looked down at her. She had fastened up the long train of her dress and removed her veil. “I haven’t told you yet—you look gorgeous, Savannah.”
Her heart lurched and she drew a quick breath, smiling up at him and telling herself he was just being polite. “Thank you. And you look quite handsome.”
“Thanks. So we’re going to try to get along in this new arrangement we have?”
“I don’t see why not.”
“I’m still amazed you took me up on the idea. I think you cheated yourself,” he said quietly, his gaze going over her features as they danced. She was aware of being in his arms, of the scent of his aftershave, of his dark gaze on her.
“I’m supremely happy,” she said, smiling up at him. “Every one of my friends thinks we’re wildly in love.”
Mike watched her while they danced. “There are moments when there are sparks between us. I guess it shows.”
“There are sparks, all right, like little explosions of dynamite.”
“You know what I’m talking about,” he said in a softer voice, tightening his arm around her waist and pulling her closer. “Your pulse is racing right now.”
She slanted him a saucy look. “Maybe it’s due to wedding excitement and champagne.”
Mike tightened his arm again and brought her other hand against his chest, holding her close while they danced. “You like playing with fire,” he whispered in her ear. “I’m burning up, and it isn’t from the wedding or the champagne. And I don’t think those are causing your pulse to race, either. When we’re alone, I’ll show you,” he promised.
His breath in her ear tickled. Savannah knew she was flirting with him, and it was as dangerous as taunting a tiger, yet impossible to resist.
“Don’t hold me quite so close,” she whispered. “Right now we ought to do what’s proper.”
“This is proper for newlyweds. Matter of fact, it may take that murderous gleam out of your brothers’ and father’s eyes when they look at me. If they think there’s a chance we’ll fall in love, they might stop harboring thoughts of doing me in.”
“So that’s why you’re dancing close,” she said, suddenly annoyed with him.
He looked down at her, a faint smile on his face. “No, it’s not why I’m holding you close. I’m tempted to kiss you and see what that does to your pulse, but I’d rather save the kiss for when there’s only the two of us.”
Savannah’s pulse was racing. She wished it wasn’t and she wished he didn’t know that she reacted to him so strongly.
“Remember, this is a paper wedding of two people who barely know each other,” she said.
“I intend to get to know the long-legged, beautiful blonde who is now my wife much better.”
“I didn’t know you noticed.”
“Like hell you didn’t,” he said, smiling. “You know the effect you have on me.”
She smiled in return. “At least we have a truce,” she replied, but anger and snap faded and her voice was breathless.
“Definitely! Today—and tonight—we’ll learn all about each other. Your folks have Jessie while we fly out of here later and spend tonight in New Orleans. It’ll be a real date.”
“I didn’t
know you were interested,” she said, tilting her head to study him.
“I’m interested, Savannah. I tried to get you out on a date that second day, remember? You wouldn’t go.”
“It’s different now. Only, don’t be too charming, Mike,” she said solemnly, meaning it.
“Why not?”
“I’d hate to fall in love with you, because I know you’ll be out of my life as soon as we get things worked out.”
“Come on, Savannah. You’ve had relationships before and survived them, and so have I. Let’s enjoy each other’s company.”
“I’m all for that,” she said, realizing the words she had said to him were too true. She didn’t want to fall in love with her handsome new husband, because he would not love her in return.
As he spun her around, she said, “I’ll bet your past is strewn with broken hearts.”
He shrugged one broad shoulder. “I’ll bet there are some in your past, too. Let’s forget days gone by. I want to know what makes you feel good and what you’re like when you lose control. I want more kisses from you. I haven’t forgotten the kisses we’ve shared. Have you forgotten, Savannah?” he asked softly. As his brown gaze bore into her, she felt her cheeks flush and knew he had his answer without her saying a word.
The music ended and he held both of her hands, still watching her.
“I dance with my father next and you with your mother,” Savannah said, but her mind was still on all Mike had told her.
“Tonight will be special,” he said softly, leaning down to brush a kiss across her cheek. Guests applauded, and Mike smiled at her. “My brothers can’t wait to claim a dance. They know our arrangement, but I’ve warned them, they better not hit on you.”
She laughed. “Go find your mother. Your brothers have been charming.”
Savannah’s father crossed the room to her, and Mike left to find his mother and lead her onto the dance floor.
“You looked happy out here just now with Mike,” her father said to Savannah as they danced. There was curiosity in his expression.
“I am happy. Mike is nice, Dad. And I’m definitely getting what I want.”
“He better not hurt you, Savannah. I think you deserve a lot more than a loveless marriage.” He tilted his head to look at her. “Maybe you two will fall in love. Make it a marriage for real.”
“Maybe we will,” she said, smiling at her father, knowing that no such thing would happen but wanting her family to accept Mike and her brothers to stop threatening him.
“If he ever causes you trouble, I want you to promise that you’ll let us know.”
She laughed. “Dad, you’d think I was marrying a monster!”
“He’s a tough man, Savannah. It shows.”
“Stop worrying. I’m supremely happy,” she said, a fluttery feeling in the pit of her stomach. Things weren’t the best ever, but still they were what she wanted.
“Be careful,” Matt Clay warned.
“I will,” she promised, but she didn’t know how to stop her heart from responding to Mike.
It was midafternoon before they could get away, making a dash to the waiting limousine and being driven to her sister Helen’s empty house, where Savannah rushed inside and changed from her wedding dress to a simple blue sheath that ended just above her knees. In minutes she was back in the limo with Mike, and soon they were onboard a flight to New Orleans.
Five
O n the top floor of an elegant hotel along the Riverwalk, Mike had reserved a suite for Savannah and a room next to the suite for him. When they followed a bellman into the suite, Mike tipped him while Savannah crossed to the windows to look out at the Mississippi, where the sunset sent streamers of fire across the wide ribbon of water.
As soon as the door closed, Mike said, “I want to change out of this tux.” His words were calm, but emotions churned in him and doubts plagued him. Yet at the same time, each day he was with Savannah, he wanted her more, and tonight they would have a real date. “Give me ten minutes,” he said. “I have dinner reservations for us.”
She nodded, and he picked up his suitcase and left. While he was gone, she changed into a black, silk sleeveless dress with a straight, knee-length skirt.
She opened the door minutes later to find Mike standing there in a navy suit and tie. His gaze went over her appreciatively.
“You look as beautiful as ever, and I’m glad you left your hair down.”
Pleased, she smiled at him as she closed the door behind her. He took her arm and they left for dinner at a restaurant in the French Quarter. The cool night air was invigorating. The sound of a trumpet carried along the street and the man beside her added to Savannah’s exuberance.
When they were seated at a table covered with a white linen cloth, the waiter took their drink order and left.
“I still can’t believe this is happening,” Savannah said, thinking Mike looked just as handsome in his suit as he had in his tux.
“It’s official, Savannah,” he said.
“But not permanent.”
“You got what you wanted, and actually, I like that I can take you out on a date now.”
“You’re so sure…” she began, pausing when their waiter returned with two glasses of white wine.
“Sure of what?” Mike prompted when they were alone again.
“That you won’t fall in love,” she finished.
“Who knows where this marriage will lead us?” he said lightly, but she knew what his true answer was. He raised his glass of wine.
“Here’s to our partnership. May it not be lions and tigers all the time.”
Smiling at him, she touched his glass with hers before she sipped, watching him over the rim. When she set her glass down, she wiggled her fingers. “The ring is beautiful,” she said, looking at the diamond he’d given her on his last return from Washington, D.C. It sparkled in the soft light.
Mike’s tanned fingers closed around her hand. “The hand that’s wearing it is what’s pretty.” He turned her hand in his, lightly rubbing his thumb back and forth along her wrist, a casual touch but electrifying.
Feeling closer to him than anytime before, she touched a pale scar that sliced across the back of his hand. “What happened here?”
“That one I got when a man came at me with a knife,” he answered nonchalantly.
Unable to imagine the life he had led, she shivered. “It’s a good thing you’re out of the military. Do you think you’ll miss it?”
His eyes clouded over, and she knew she had entered a sensitive area even though he replied, “No, I’m thankful to be out. Civilian life looks good. And now I have a new wife and a new business.”
“Not a real wife,” she said softly.
“A very real woman and one I want to get to know. I want to know what’s beneath that cool control you always show.”
She smiled. “I’m happy to hear that you think I’ve been practicing control. The trouble is, you’re too accustomed to getting your way,” she said.
“I won’t get my way tonight,” he said quietly.
“Now what do you want—seduction?”
He leaned closer to her over the table. “I’ll show you at the hotel.”
“You’re a dangerous man, Mike. I’ll have to guard my heart. I’m grateful to you for what you’re doing, but I’m not giving you my body or my soul out of gratitude.”
He cocked one dark eyebrow. “Always a challenge from you, Savannah.” He raised her hand and kissed her palm, slowly, lingering, his tongue touching it while he watched her.
She was drowning in the dark pools of his eyes, and she knew he was aware of her racing pulse. “You know how I react to you. There’s no hiding that or changing it.”
“And that makes you irresistible,” he said softly.
When the waiter appeared with their dinners, Mike leaned back and released her hand. Plates of roasted pepper-crusted salmon and braised spinach were set before them, but Savannah found her appetite had fled.
It was early when they returned to the hotel.
“I ordered champagne to be sent up. Want to have some now and celebrate a little longer?” Mike asked.
“Against my good judgment…come in, Mike.”
“Good judgment? I can’t be a threat now.”
She gave him a look over her shoulder as he followed her into the suite and closed the door behind him.
Savannah watched him as he stepped into the suite, and she could well imagine him doing the tough job he’d had to do in Special Forces. He moved with a lithe ease, a contained power. He was aware of everything around him. She had been with him enough now to know that. In the French Quarter, while he was charming and attentive to her, she knew he was completely aware of his surroundings.
Turning on a light in the small adjoining kitchen, he switched on music and opened the draperies, pulling a pair of padded chairs close to the windows so they could enjoy the lights of the city reflected in the dark waters of the river. Still standing, Savannah took in the view for a moment, then turned to look at Mike. She found him more fascinating.
He opened the champagne and poured two glasses of the pale, bubbly liquid, then handed one to her. “Happy future to my bride.”
“Thanks, Mike. Happy future to you, too.”
“I hope it works out for you and Jessie.”
“I expect it to. As soon as we get home, I want to start the adoption proceedings, because sometimes they take a lot of time.”
“It’s fine with me. That’s what we planned to do. Let’s sit,” he said, gesturing at the chairs. He placed his champagne flute on the table and took off his tie, draping it over the back of a chair. He shed his coat and folded it over the same chair. Watching him, Savannah’s breath altered. Was she going to be able to keep her guard up around this sexy man?
Turning, he saw her watching him, and her face flushed. She sat, crossing her legs and looking at the view, yet totally conscious of him as he sat, too. The deep maroon chairs swiveled, and Mike turned his, almost knocking knees with her.