“Oh, Matt, I’m not some high-classed snob…or a princess. I’m just like you—a rancher. Really, I am. And there’s something else. All my life I’ve wanted to be loved—just for me. Not because of some obligation. I always felt my aunt and uncle had to raise me.”
“They love you. Your Uncle Wayne went on and on about how great you are and how lucky we all are to have you. When will you ever figure that out?”
“But you? Are you sure you really love me—just for me?”
“Yes, darlin’. With all my heart.”
“And…are you my friend too, Matt?”
“There’s that bad word again.” He smiled at her. “Your friend? Yes—if I can be your lover, too.”
“Oh, Matt. You already are.”
His arms wrapped her so tightly, she grew dizzy. Then he bent his head against hers and went on holding her as if she were very precious to him. A long time later, he sighed. Then his lips found hers again.
“Well?” he whispered. “You never did say whether or not you’d marry me.”
She felt a thrilling happiness. “Oh, yes. Yes! Yes! The sooner the better!”
“What’s the hurry?” he demanded, his own voice gritty with desire.
“I guess I’m too much like my mother after all. I keep thinking about what happened in the shed together. And I want to do it again and again.”
“So do I. For the rest of our lives. I can’t live without you, you know. I tried and it damn near killed me.”
“I know what you mean,” she agreed, laying her head close to his heart.
“The last few days we’ve spent apart have been the longest in my life. Oh, Frankie, I love you.”
“Not nearly as much as I love you—slave driver.”
“God, I want to make love to you.”
“We’ve got a whole lot of dancing to get through first.”
“How’s your left ankle?”
“Fine. Everything is wonderful now that you’re here.”
He clasped her tightly, burying his face in her hair, breathing in the scent of her.
Frankie started laughing. All of a sudden she knew that she wasn’t going to have to pretend she was having fun tonight. She really was going to be the happiest debutante at the ball.
Frankie and Matt, their bodies glued together, whirled round and round beneath the glitter of the country club chandeliers. Her bare feet skimmed lightly over the parquet floor, following his lead easily.
“How’s your ankle now?” he whispered, staring down at her with brilliant, golden eyes.
“Never better since I lost those high heels. Hey, I didn’t know you could dance. I kinda like this debutante stuff.”
“Me, too.” He kissed her hair. “Hey, I didn’t know you’d look like a real princess in a dress. I’ll dance more often—if you’ll wear a dress.”
“Deal.”
“Lipstick, too?”
“Now you’re pushing it.”
“No, the fancy hairdo would be pushing it.”
They both laughed.
“Lipstick, too,” she promised. “I’d do anything, anything to make you happy. You’re awfully handsome in that tuxedo.”
He groaned. “More formal balls?”
“You’ve got to admit, we’re having a lot of fun.”
“Just because we’re together.” He smiled down into her upturned face. “We’re going to have all kinds of fun…just because we’re together.”
He whirled her toward the tall French doors that opened onto a series of terraces overlooking the pool, tennis courts and golf course. Folding her hand in his, he pulled her outside into the glimmer of moonlight and stars that reminded Frankie of the night they’d first made love.
Matt bent his head to hers. Eagerly her lips met his and clung.
“Each kiss just gets better and better,” she said when he finally let her go.
“We have a lot to look forward to then. A whole lifetime of kisses that get better and better.”
They kissed again and then again, just to make sure.
A smile curved her mouth. “See, I’m right about the kisses getting better. Do you know what we’ve got to test next?”
“I can guess.”
“Tonight? After the ball?”
His amber eyes flared. His arms tightened. “We’ll make love until dawn.”
“Promise?”
He squeezed her hand. Then he slowly brought it to his lips and began to kiss her palm exactly as he had in the shed. With his tongue, he laved each finger. “I want to kiss you like this all over.”
“Careful. You’re provoking my mating instinct. I did promise Aunt Susie I’d pretend to be a lady.”
“You’re very much a lady—especially in my bed.”
The silver moon wrapped the lovers in its magic glow and made them feel that they were the only two people in the world.
Matt crushed her to him, his arms circling her slender waist. “Kiss me, sweet angel.”
Their lips met. She threaded her fingertips in his bright hair. Soon his breathing was harsh and rapid. It was a long time before he could bear to stop kissing her and lead her back inside the crowded ballroom on his arm.
“I’m the happiest debutante here,” Frankie said. “Because you’re here.”
“Can I have this dance?”
“And many, many more.”
Special thanks and acknowledgment are given to Beverly Barton, Christine Rimmer and Ann Major for their contributions to LONE STAR COUNTRY CLUB: THE DEBUTANTES.
LONE STAR COUNTRY CLUB: THE DEBUTANTES
Copyright © 2002 by Harlequin Books S.A.
ISBN: 978-1-4268-7200-6
The publisher acknowledges the copyright holder of the individual works as follows:
JENNA’S WILD RIDE
Copyright © 2002 by Harlequin Books S.A.
REINVENTING MARY
Copyright © 2002 by Harlequin Books S.A.
FRANKIE’S FIRST DRESS
Copyright © 2002 by Harlequin Books S.A.
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Lone Star Country Club: The Debutantes Page 26