“I think our parents definitely shape the people we become,” he answered, fastening the front of his trousers. “I might not have been so rough around the edges, or know the words I know, if I hadn’t had the upbringing I did. But if you don’t want people to always see you as a spoiled brat, you’ve got to give them something else to look at when they see you.”
“You don’t seem to mind looking at me,” she replied, turning away to inspect the blanket.
“That’s because I can see another part of you others miss. Your attitude and the way you deal with things, that can change if you want it to.”
“I thought I had changed,” she said. “I don’t know if people will ever see me as anyone other than spoiled rotten Shirley.”
He walked up to her and turned her to face him. “Does it matter so much?” he asked, tucking her hair behind her ears. “I’m thinkin’ that’s the least of our worries. We have to walk out that door and face people’s disapproval and whispers. We have to face their gossip and own up to the fact that we had ourselves a shotgun wedding.”
“My God, Luke.” Her chin wavered when that realization hit her. “You don’t have a home and we can’t stay with Marcus and Lissa. We have nowhere else to go. What are we going to do?” Fear wound throughout her chest, constricting her lungs and making it very hard to breathe.
“The only thing we can do,” he answered, his features hard. “We beg your pa to take us in.”
Fifteen
“Your ankle must be feelin’ a bit better.”
Luke’s voice drifted to her as they made their way down the boardwalk. She barely hobbled, regardless of the fact she only had on one boot. In light of their troubles, making her way up the road to her father’s store in one boot seemed small in comparison. And right about now, Shirley didn’t care.
“It does feel better,” she said. It was hard, keeping her chin up and nodding to those they passed. A few folks ignored them. Some stared, while others actually had the audacity to cross over to the other side.
She’d never realized how long the walk was from Maude’s to her father’s store. It was the longest walk she’d ever taken.
They’d checked out of the hotel not too long before, this time explaining their marriage to the new clerk on staff. Everyone seemed curious about their nuptials, and those who hadn’t heard about it soon would.
“Almost there,” Luke said, bending down to whisper his words. He must have been able to sense her unease. Or perhaps he was nervous himself. The scowl on his handsome features gave her no idea as to his thoughts.
Finally, they reached the door to her father’s shop, and Luke held it open for her. The bell rang, announcing their arrival, and Shirley had to blink a few times to get used to the darkened room. Two windows allowed daylight in, but it was still considerably darker than outside on the walk.
“Father? Are you here?”
Luke took off his hat and beat it on his leg a few times. He cleared his throat and seemed uncomfortable. She placed her hand on his arm and squeezed. He glanced at her under his eyelashes. She held her breath at the handsome sight.
“Shirley?” Her father’s voice boomed from the back of the store. “Is that you?” He rounded the shelves and approached them with a look of relief on his face. Without a word, he took hold of her and held on tight. “Oh, thank God! Are you hurt? Are you all right?”
She hugged him back and swallowed hard. “I’m fine. Twisted my ankle a bit, but I can walk on it.”
“Shirley, what you did…” He looked as if he was trying to think of how to chastise her. “You could have killed yourself! You know my mare isn’t always docile. What were you thinking, girl? I oughta—”
Luke stuck a hand between them and gently pushed Shirley back. “I’ve already taken her to task.”
At his words, Shirley’s father turned pale. His eyes caught hers, then he squinted darkly at Luke. “If you laid one hand on her…” His threat hung in the air. She gasped at his sudden intensity.
Luke straightened to his full height. “I didn’t lay a hand on her in anger,” he said ominously. “But I did lay my hands on her.”
Her father’s cheeks reddened at his obvious rage.
“Both of you, stop!” she cried, glancing between them. “Luke didn’t hurt me. And you have no right to be mad at him, father. You gave me to him!”
Chuck’s shoulders fell and he seemed to be a few years older than he was a moment ago. “I know,” he replied. “And I’m going to regret not waking Marcus when I had the chance.”
Luke made a strangled sound, but Shirley placed her hand on his chest in an effort to calm him.
“I am all right,” she assured her father. “And I won’t run away again, I gave Luke my word. He’s my husband now. My place is with him.”
Chuck hung his head, but nodded. “I’m glad to know you’re not hurt.”
A few moments of uncomfortable silence descended upon them. “There is something we need to speak with you about,” she said, glancing about the shop. “No one’s here?”
Her father shook his head. “It’s been a quiet morning.”
She opened her mouth, but Luke stopped her, taking their misfortune into his own hands. “We…need a place to stay,” he said. “Sir.”
Chuck looked at him sharply. “I thought you said she was coming home with you?”
Luke nodded and scratched his neck. “I did say that. I was talking about Marcus’s place, but he…he…”
“He punched my husband,” Shirley said, straightening her spine with indignation. “I will not stay in his house. Not to mention Lissa’s expecting. They need the room for their new baby.”
Chuck’s mouth curled into a grin as he glanced back at Luke. “Marcus punched ya?” he replied, cocking a brow.
“He did,” Luke confessed. “He was mad as hell for what I’d done to your daughter. But I kindly reminded him it wasn’t much different than what he’d done with Lissa. Difference is, I married your daughter before I took her. And that’s a damn fact.”
“Lucas!” Shirley’s cheeks were so hot, her ears burned. Even her scalp was on fire. The man’s tactless words never ceased to embarrass her. He didn’t even spare her a glance. He was too busy staring down her father.
Chuck narrowed his gaze. “You’ve got nowhere to go?” he asked, glancing back at Shirley.
She shook her head. “No.”
Her father turned away and began walking to the counter in the rear of the store. “Don’t have patience for those who can’t pull their weight. You want a room, you gotta earn it.”
Shirley caught Luke’s eye. She grinned and gave him a slight nod.
“I’ll do any damn thing you tell me,” Luke replied as he pushed Shirley to the stairs. “You go rest, filly. Your pa and I have things to do.”
Her father managed to look somewhat pleased before she stood on her toes to kiss Luke on the cheek. He turned his face at the last moment and kissed her lips. She didn’t immediately pull away, but the sound of her father clearing his throat had her smiling.
“Be nice,” she whispered.
“I don’t make any promises,” Luke whispered back with a wink.
“I’ll make us some food.”
“I’d like that.”
Shirley turned back to her father. “You best be civil to my husband,” she declared loudly. “I happen to like him all in one piece.”
The sound of Luke’s laughter followed her all the way up the stairs.
~ * ~
“My daughter likes you.”
Luke turned toward Chuck, arching a brow. “I know.”
“You like her?” Chuck cocked his head with his hands on the counter, looking Luke up and down.
“What do you think?” He sauntered across the shop and stood right in front of Shirley’s father. He didn’t flinch.
Chuck was silent for a moment before he replied. “I think if you break her heart, I break your legs.”
“I’d expect nothing less.
”
“I sleep with my shotgun.”
“I bet you do.”
Chuck turned away, but before he did, Luke could have sworn he saw a glimpse of a grin. When he finally turned back around, he had composed himself. “Floor don’t sweep itself, boy. Shelves need to be organized and those sacks of feed need to be moved to the front of the shop.”
Luke smiled and nodded. “You got it. Dad.”
Chuck narrowed his eyes but said nothing else beyond a barely audible growl. Maybe the old man liked him after all.
~ * ~
Shirley opened the door to her room and breathed deep. It smelled of her rosewater perfume. The scent made her smile and calmed her, bringing peace into her heart.
Her father’s exchange with Luke earlier had been heated, but perhaps they wouldn’t always be at each other’s throats. What Luke had said was true—Marcus was just as guilty, if not more so than Luke was, for making love to Lissa before marrying her. But according to Chuck Bloom, the sun rose and set in Marcus McCaide. She could only hope her father would come around and love Luke just as much—if her husband wasn’t so determined to make things difficult.
Luke’s crude manner extended beyond his talk in the bedroom. He wasn’t afraid to say what was on his mind—to anyone he came across. She might have to break him of that habit. Not everyone needed to know exactly where he’d put his hands.
She chose a fresh dress and chemise from her bureau and proceeded to put them on. Thankfully she had another pair of boots to wear, albeit a bit more tattered than her previous pair. Boots were expensive, and she hadn’t had the heart to throw this pair out when she’d bought the newer set. She silently thanked her lucky stars.
Turning to take in her familiar surroundings, her eyes rested on her small bed. Another bed lined the opposite wall. It had been Lissa’s, but after she’d moved to her new home with Marcus, Shirley hadn’t removed it. Would Luke sleep there?
Her heart hitched. She’d liked sleeping in his arms last night. It had been the most amazing experience of her life. But her bed was small, too small for the both of them. Short of sleeping on the floor, she doubted very much if she’d get to sleep in his arms again any time soon.
With a deep sigh, Shirley left her room and took stock in the kitchen then donned her apron and scrambled a few eggs. By the looks of things, her father hadn’t eaten breakfast, either. All the dishes were still clean, and her father wasn’t one to wash them.
Humming to herself, Shirley began cooking and smiled. It was the one thing she could do well, and she prided herself on knowing her way around the kitchen. Her mother had taught her, long before she’d begun gaining the attention of suitors. In no time, hot food was ready and she descended the staircase to tell the men.
The door to the shop had just closed and the sound of the bell still echoed in the shop. They’d had a customer. Her father looked up at the same time Luke did while they both leaned over the counter, talking about something. Both men smiled at her.
“I’ve made some breakfast,” she said.
“You go on,” Luke replied, nudging Chuck’s shoulder. “I’ll keep watch on the shop until you get back.”
Chuck merely nodded and left him at the counter, making his way to the steps. Luke gave Shirley a grin and slowly looked her up and down. She was wearing another calico dress—this one a light blue and dotted with pink flowers. He seemed to be admiring her, and she bit her lip. She wondered if he’d want to make love again tonight, after they’d retired for the evening.
The thought had her breath catching in the back of her throat.
“Everything all right?” her father asked.
“Y-yes,” she answered, turning from her husband. “I’m just thankful you agreed to take us in.”
“Well,” he said, climbing the stairs behind her. “Seems to me you’d be out on the street if I hadn’t.”
“We would have managed.”
Once they reached their small living quarters, she led him to the kitchen. Chuck sat down and accepted her eggs.
“Has he hurt you?” he asked, his voice hushed now that they were alone. “You can tell me, Shirley.”
Shocked, she returned her father’s stare. “No!” she exclaimed. “No, he hasn’t hurt me, and he’s told me he never will. He’s never laid a hand on a woman in anger.”
“He was downright pissed when we found Pastor Robinson’s office empty and the window wide open. I got a sick feelin’ in the pit of my stomach then. I’m not so sure making him marry you was my finest hour.”
Chuck took a bite and chewed, scowling.
“Luke has been nothing but gentle with me,” she said. “He wrapped my bruised ankle before we…well, he helped me with it. And he asks if I’m all right. No other man has ever been concerned about my wellbeing. He understands me, Father. More than anyone else. And he knows what I want, almost before I want it.”
Chuck studied her before taking a sip of milk. “You two never had a proper courtship. You were married in disgrace. You even ran from him!”
“I was wrong to run away,” she explained. “I was a coward. Luke is a very…intense man. Becoming his wife on a whim overwhelmed me. I didn’t know what else to do.”
“Did he take care with you when...” Her father cleared his throat. “Well, when he…when you…” Chuck heaved a sigh. “When you consummated the marriage?”
Memories of being tied to the bed frame and having him on top of her, filling her, rushed into her head. Luke had shown her the magic of making love, and despite binding her, had been nothing short of amazing.
“Yes,” she whispered, patting Chuck’s hand. “He was gentle and considerate.” She blushed to her toes. Never in her life did she dream she would discuss her marriage bed with her father. But he didn’t press her any further, much to her relief.
“Do you like him?”
It was a simple question. Shirley smiled. “I didn’t think so at first,” she told him. “But now… Yes, I do. I really do.”
Chuck nodded, but still had a look of caution about him. “I want to tell you something, girl. Women, they think with their hearts. They make love to a man and think they’re in love with him. But a man, he thinks with his…urges. He doesn’t have to love you to make love to you. Luke might be your husband, Shirley, but keep your eyes open. I’ve seen too many women loving too many no-good men. I don’t want you to be one of them.”
Her father left her alone in the kitchen to think on his words. The peace that had entered her heart not too long ago fled. He was right, after all. Luke had never professed his love. All he’d ever done was shown an interest in touching her. Kissing her. And getting her into his bed.
He’d once told her she wasn’t a conquest to him. But now, she wasn’t so sure. What would happen after the luster of their new marriage wore off? Would he still be the concerned husband? Or would his feelings for her begin to cool? Would they gravitate closer together, or drift farther apart?
Shirley didn’t know, and it scared her half to death.
Sixteen
Luke seemed huge in the tiny space of her bedroom. She held the door for him and ushered him in after they’d had their supper that evening. Shirley’s father shook his head, but said nothing as he made his way to his own room. Luke glanced around and took in the two beds.
“That one used to be Lissa’s,” Shirley said, pointing. “And that one’s mine.”
“A bit small for the both of us,” he replied, scratching his chin. All she could do was nod as she closed the door. “Come here and help me out.”
Confused, Shirley followed him, gasping when he took hold of Lissa’s bed frame. With a loud scrape, he began moving it. “Grab the other end,” he told her.
Shirley did and helped him push it across the room, cringing at the grating sound against the floor. Once they’d succeeded in making one bed out of two, Luke grinned and winked at her.
Her father suddenly banged on the door, making her jump. “Shirley? What in the w
orld is going on in there?”
Luke was the closest one to the door. He opened it wide so Chuck could see the beds they’d pushed together. “Just movin’ furniture,” he drawled in his infuriating way. “Don’t like the thought of not holding my wife against me. All night long.”
Shirley bit her lip to keep from chastising him. He didn’t listen to her anyway. But that didn’t stop her from turning toward the window to hide her embarrassment.
Chuck sighed. “All right then,” he replied. “Just keep it down. Some of us are trying to sleep.”
“I’ll try to keep it down,” Luke said. “Can’t speak for Shirley, though.”
With that, he closed the door. With an indignant gasp, she couldn’t do much more than watch him approach in surprise.
“You really aren’t afraid to say anything, are you, Lucas Austin?”
“Nope.” He stood in front of her, looking as pleased as punch.
“I should smack that grin right off your face.”
“Do it,” he challenged, hooking his thumbs in his pockets.
She raised her hand but he suddenly tackled her, making them both crash down on the beds. With his superior strength, he trapped her hands above her head and chuckled.
“Well now,” he said. “This looks familiar.”
He didn’t give her time for a retort. His mouth claimed hers while his tongue plunged, but this time, his hips thrust against her as well. She kissed him back, savoring the taste of him. Despite his improper words, the way he moved against her made her forget all about them.
“Let me go,” she panted through his kisses.
“Why should I?”
“Because I want to touch you.”
“You wanna slap me,” he amended, nipping his way to her earlobe.
Shirley shuddered and fought his hands. “Luke,” she pleaded, “let me go. Let me take off your shirt. Let me touch your chest.”
He growled, right in her ear. The sound of it had her pussy wet and aching. Amazingly, he let her go and her hands disappeared between them. He rose above her to give her room to unfasten his buttons, and with a few sharp tugs, his shirt was free from his denims. She pushed it over his shoulders and down his arms, letting him pull out his hands.
Scoundrel Page 9