* * *
In the twin bed on the other side of the room Collin snored softly. Matthew sat upright in his own bed, pulling his knees up to his chest as he leaned back against the pillows. The two of them had talked for hours, Collin catching him up on all that he had been doing since arriving in Arizona. Matthew had liked how the young man had sought out his opinion about a young lady he was smitten with, about his progress at the ranch and about whether or not he should spend his summer savings on the newest Nike basketball sneakers. They had also had a conversation about Matthew marrying his mother and about the new little brother or sister that would be coming.
Matthew knew that Collin’s nonchalant attitude was probably just the quiet before a typical teenage storm, but he was also aware that honesty and open lines of communication would be the key to their becoming a united family unit. Katrina had been nervous about sharing their news with her son, but Matthew knew the sooner they included him, and the rest of the family, the better off they would all be.
Matthew reflected back on his own conversation with Katrina’s father. Mason and his namesake, Mason III, had been in deep conversation when Matthew stepped out on the back patio. He’d been reluctant to interrupt them, but when Mason saw him standing there, he’d drawn him into the conversation.
“Matthew, my father and I were just discussing the hotel business. Come join us.”
Matthew smiled. “I don’t know that I can be of any help to you, Mason. My family has diversified in a number of directions, but hotel operations isn’t one of them.”
“Do you think it’s something you and your brothers might consider?” Mason asked.
Matthew shrugged. “Anything is possible. What are you suggesting?”
“I was just telling my father that I think it’s time for a changing of the guard at Boudreaux International. I’m looking to do something different with my life. I haven’t truly been challenged in the past few years, and I’m starting to feel it.”
Matthew nodded, his mind skating over the possibilities. “Let’s talk more later,” he said. Then he relayed Katherine’s message to her oldest son. The three men were amused by her insistence when just minutes later she stuck her head out the door and reiterated her demand.
“Mason, what part of ‘come help me’ didn’t you understand?” Katherine scolded, her crooked finger beckoning him inside.
“You’ve been called, son,” Senior observed with a chuckle. “Better step to it!”
Mason rolled his eyes skyward, his head waving from side to side. “Gentlemen, if you’ll excuse me,” he said, heading in his mother’s direction.
Senior nodded his approval, still chuckling as Matthew moved into the seat that had just been vacated.
“Mr. Boudreaux, sir—”
The patriarch interrupted him. “Son, Mr. Boudreaux was my father and I was named after him. Everyone called me Junior right up to the day my father passed on and my son Mason was born. Since then everyone has called me Senior. Everyone,” he explained, the decisiveness of his tone commanding.
Matthew smiled. “Yes, sir,” he responded. “I was hoping that we could speak privately for a minute.”
Senior leaned forward in his seat. “Is here okay, or would you prefer we go inside to my office?”
“This is just fine, sir.”
“Go on then.”
“Senior,” Matthew began, then cleared his throat. He took a deep breath and continued. “I am sure that you’re aware that I am very fond of your daughter. Katrina and I have become exceptionally close over the past few months, and, sir…” He paused. “I’ve asked her to be my wife.
“Our families mean a lot to both of us, and it’s important to Katrina and to me that we have your support, and your approval.” Matthew exhaled and then took a second breath. “Most especially since we’re also expecting a baby. Katrina is pregnant with my child.”
Matthew’s declaration was met with Senior’s blank expression, the man staring at Matthew intently. Minutes passed before the patriarch responded.
“So, what you’re telling me is you’re only marrying my daughter because she’s pregnant?”
Aghast, Matthew shook his head profusely. “Oh, no, sir, not at all. I proposed to Katrina well before she told me about the baby. I love your daughter. I love her with every fiber of my soul. There is nothing I wouldn’t do or give to ensure her future happiness. I want to marry your daughter because I want to spend the rest of my life with her.”
There was another lengthy pause before the old man spoke. “Well, you two are doing this thing backward, but at least you’re doing it. And it’s not like you and Katrina are seventeen, either. I was not happy about Katrina marrying as early as she did that first time, but she and her first husband proved me and her mother wrong. Collin’s father made her very happy, and that made me happy. I haven’t seen her smile like that in a very long time. Not until today, when she brought you home for us to meet.” Senior heaved a deep sigh. “It looks like my daughter loves you as much as you would seem to love her.”
Rising to his feet, he extended his hand in Matthew’s direction. Matthew came to his own feet, and the two men shook hands.
“You both have my blessing. Take care of my baby girl, and we won’t have any problems between us. Welcome to the family, son.”
From the kitchen window, the Boudreaux women all shouted with glee, their excitement spilling out into the afternoon air. Katrina came rushing out the sliding glass doors, throwing herself against Matthew. Her mother followed on her heels, moving into her husband’s arms.
Senior shook his head, his gaze meeting Matthew’s evenly. “Son, now, can you just imagine what they would have done had I said no?”
Collin rolling onto his side, mumbling softly in his sleep, drew Matthew back to the moment. In the darkness, he stared toward where the boy tossed and turned until he slipped back into a sound sleep. Matthew smiled as the memory of the experience warmed his spirit. He knew that he and Katrina were headed in the right direction. He couldn’t wait till they got to their future. Settling down in the bed, he pulled the sheet up over his body, rolled over onto his side and drifted off into the sweetest sleep.
Chapter 24
The noise emanating from the family room at the ranch had risen ten decibels since the Stallion women had commandeered Katrina for a female powwow about her and Matthew’s wedding plans. Stuffed from the breakfast they’d just eaten, Matthew and his brothers had retreated into the home’s study as they tried to stay out of the line of fire.
John interrupted Mark and Luke’s conversation, the two men analyzing the pending game between the Cowboys and the Steelers. “I’ve reviewed the initial portfolio, and Boudreaux International would appear to be a very worthy acquisition.”
Matthew nodded. “I like what I’ve read so far, as well, and I’ve got my team going through all their legal agreements to see where we would stand.”
“So, we’re going into the hotel business?” Luke asked. He reclined on the leather office sofa, his legs crossed at the ankles over the sofa’s arm.
John and Matthew both looked in his direction and shrugged. “We still have a lot of research to do,” John answered.
“Oh, yeah!” Luke exclaimed. “That’s what I’m talking about! Research in the lap of luxury. Joanne and I are going to have a good time! I think I should start hotel hopping right away. I mean, Boudreaux International has forty-five hundred hotels in over one hundred countries, and you know we’ll need to visit each and every one.”
John rolled his eyes, his head shaking. “Uh, no. This is not fun and games time for you and your girl. This is business. And I taught you better. But I am impressed, little brother, that you’ve been doing your homework.”
Luke laughed, snapping his fingers in jest. “Awww, shucks
! Oh, well, I’ll just have to have that good time without her.”
“Don’t say it,” Mark said with a chuckle, his gaze meeting John’s. “He’s still a pup. You know he’s going to have to learn his lesson the hard way.”
John’s head waved from side to side. He had to laugh at his baby brother’s frivolity, the youngest of them never seeming to take anything seriously, despite his division posting some of the best profits in the company’s history. “If I were you, Luke, I wouldn’t count on my good time just yet. There’s still a lot of work that needs to be accomplished before we start thinking about site visits.”
Matthew interjected, “Katrina’s brother says we can have full access to whatever information we need. He’s ready to do this.”
John nodded. “How soon can we set up a face-to-face with him?”
“Whenever you want,” Matthew answered. “Just let me know when you’re ready.” He glanced down at the watch on his wrist. “Meanwhile, good buddies, I need to rescue my girl.”
John laughed. “You can see your wedding budget blowing up already, can’t you?”
Matthew laughed. “You just don’t know!”
Heading into the family room, Matthew found himself smack-dab in the middle of a conversation about bridal gowns.
“I’m a big Maggie Sottero fan,” Joanne was saying. “Love, love, love her gowns!”
“And Pronovias!” Marah exclaimed. “You’d look great in a Pronovias gown,” she said, typing on the laptop computer that sat in front of them. “See,” she said, turning the screen toward Katrina.
“Oh, they are beautiful!” Katrina gushed.
“My baby could wear a potato sack and look beautiful,” Matthew interjected as he planted a kiss against Katrina’s neck.
She smiled, blushing profusely at the attention. “I may need a potato sack,” she said, patting the slight curve of her pregnant belly.
“If you really want to go that route, I probably have one or two that you can borrow,” Michelle said as she scooped baby Irene to her shoulder, nuzzling her chin against her daughter’s forehead. She chuckled softly.
Katrina laughed, admiring how serenely the infant slept against her mother. The birth of baby Irene had awakened her longing to hold the child that was growing inside of her. Matthew was thinking the same thing as he gently squeezed Katrina’s shoulder.
They had arrived back in Dallas just in time to make it to the hospital for the baby’s birth. Mark had been petrified as they’d whisked him back to the delivery room to see his daughter being born. Spying his brother Matthew just seconds before disappearing behind one of the nurses had been a great comfort to him.
As always the entire Stallion clan had been gathered, excited to welcome the new member of their growing family. Both Katrina and Collin noted that it felt as if they were still home with family in Arizona. Both loved how that felt.
Vanessa had been front and center to welcome them home. Without a moment’s hesitation she passed Vaughan to Matthew and wrapped her thin arms around Katrina’s torso. “It’s about time you reeled him in,” she’d whispered into Katrina’s ear. “I’m Vanessa and the kid there is Vaughan.”
“It’s nice to officially meet you, Vanessa,” Katrina had said, a wide smile pulling at her mouth. “And I’m glad you didn’t name him Matt-lena. That would not have been pretty,” she had whispered back.
Vanessa had laughed heartily. “You are so right!” she’d exclaimed.
When little Irene had been delivered safely, both mother and child given a clean bill of health, the whole family had rejoiced. As they’d stood outside the maternity window, eyeing the beautiful bundle cradled securely in Mark’s arms, Matthew hadn’t been able to wait to add to the celebration.
“Katrina and I are having a baby, too!” he’d gushed, pulling her into his arms. “And we’re getting married!”
The whole family had roared with glee, and behind the glass window, Mark had grinned like a Cheshire cat, giving his big brother a big thumbs-up.
Matthew squeezed Katrina’s shoulder a second time. “Ladies, I need to steal my fiancée away for a while,” he said. “But you ladies keep at it.”
Katrina eyed him curiously as he entwined his fingers with hers and pulled her out of her seat. “Where are we going?” she asked, her eyes skating over his coy expression.
Knowing that each ear in the room had perked up at her question, Matthew said nothing, just shrugging his shoulders as he guided her out of the room, to the front foyer and out of the house. At the foot of the wide front steps a large four-wheeler sat in wait. Katrina tossed him a questioning look, a wave of confusion washing over her. Matthew turned to give her a seductive smile, still not uttering a word. He climbed on board and held out his hand to help her climb atop.
“Is this safe?” Katrina asked, skepticism flooding her tone.
“Would I ever put you in harm’s way?” Matthew answered. He reached for her arms and pulled them around his waist, clasping her hands together in front of him. “Hold on tight,” he commanded as he started the engine.
Katrina laughed into his ear. “You do not have to worry about that,” she said as they headed toward the edge of the estate, disappearing into the line of trees that skirted the property. As Matthew guided them deeper and deeper into the brush, Katrina wasn’t sure what to think about this impromptu excursion.
Minutes later the trees parted and Katrina found herself in a clearing, the likes of which took her breath away. The grassy knoll had a plethora of blooming flowers that surrounded a small pond with a cascading waterfall. It was nirvana, and her delight with it was evident all over her face.
“This is beautiful!” she cooed, brushing her palms across his chest. “Absolutely beautiful!”
Matthew helped her off the vehicle, guiding her to the water’s edge. He pulled a blanket from the back pocket of the passenger seat, easing it under his arm. She held his hand as they took a short stroll. As Katrina stood staring out over the water, Matthew spread the blanket across the ground. Then he moved to her side and wrapped his arms around her torso as she leaned back against him, taking in the magnificent view.
“I just wanted you all to myself for a minute,” he said as his hand glided across her abdomen. “All to myself,” he repeated. He nuzzled his face into her hair, inhaling the sweet scent of coconut oil along the strands.
They stood together for some time, both enamored with the view and each other, imagining the possibilities that lay ahead for them. Spinning around in his arms, Katrina clutched the front of his shirt as she leaned up to kiss his mouth. He tasted sweet, like the pineapple juice he’d had for breakfast. When he parted her lips with his tongue, easing into her mouth, the sensation shot through her as if an explosive device had been detonated with full force. Gliding her hand over the front of him, she could feel that he had hardened in his pants, an erection pressing urgently between them. The explosion had rocked them both.
“Can anyone see us?” she asked, pulling away from him.
Matthew shrugged. “No, I wouldn’t think so. I don’t expect that anyone will even know we’re here,” he said.
The smile on Katrina’s face was wicked as she took a step back. She slowly pushed one strap of her sundress off her shoulder. Matthew eyed her hungrily as she slowly pushed the other strap down, allowing the garment to fall to the ground at her feet. She stood naked before him, wearing nothing but a black G-string, and then that was tossed to the ground.
He cupped his palm over his crotch, his manhood feeling as if it were ready to convulse with pleasure. The look in his eye was one of pure hunger. Had there been a roof above their heads, his pulse and heart rate would have shot through it. It was enough that there was a knot in his throat and it wasn’t going away.
She stepped to him, her body so close to h
is that he could hear her breathing. Sliding one hand behind his neck, she pulled him down to her and kissed him again, capturing his lips with reckless abandon. She shivered uncontrollably when Matthew dropped both hands to her hips, gliding her body against his own.
Anxious to feel his bare flesh against hers, Katrina began to unbutton his shirt and then his pants, pulling frantically until he was free from his clothes. She kissed him again, gently at first, and then she opened her mouth to him, her tongue dancing excitedly with his. Matthew clutched the back of her neck and deepened the kiss even further.
Easing her down to the blanket, Matthew kissed her neck, nibbling gently at her flesh. Katrina moaned her pleasure into the midday air, the sound of it blowing in the warm breeze. She savored every moment of his touch as he glided his hands up and down the length of her body.
Lying back, Matthew shifted until Katrina was lying on top of him. He reclaimed her lips, one hand tangled in her hair, the other clutching the round of her butt cheeks. Katrina moaned at the skin-on-skin contact. Easing his fingers between her legs, he pushed them into her, administering to the bundle of swollen flesh that pulsed there. It was almost too much to bear as Katrina fell into a trance of sheer pleasure. She gyrated her hips, grinding her pelvis against his hand.
“Oh, ohh, ohhh,” she moaned over and over again.
Sitting upright, Matthew flipped her onto her back and slid his body into hers, dipping into the puddle of wetness that had pooled between her thighs. His strokes were long and slow as he caressed her inner lining with the length of himself. Their loving was like nothing either of them had ever experienced before, as magnificent as if they were experiencing each other for the very first time. Matthew captured her mouth one more time, his own pleasure washing through him in deep waves.
When he could feel Katrina sliding toward the edge, beginning to convulse around him, his own orgasm suddenly ripped through him. She chanted his name. “Matthew! Oh, Matthew! I’m… I’m coming…” she cried, tears of joy washing past her lashes. Her words melted into an incoherent jumble.
Seduced by a Stallion Page 20