“Already the nagging wife,” Win laughed. “Very well, I’ll go. Make yourself at home and become acquainted with the house. Please add some feminine touches as you see fit. I have an account at the store that Josh runs. Buy anything you like.”
She nodded and he moved to the door.
“Vanessa?”
When she turned, he noticed that her hands were shaking and that she clasped them together to hide it.
“Remember to introduce yourself as my wife to people that you meet.”
“How will you explain it when I’m gone?”
“I will be the grieving husband, whose wife left him and ran off to Denver. I’ll receive pity from the entire town.”
“And attention from every single woman in the parts, no doubt. What happens when these people tell your aunt that I only just arrived a few days ago?”
“You were living in Denver while I had renovations done on the house. I didn’t tell people I was married because it’s no one’s business. We’ll stick to that story.”
Win walked from the room before she could answer. He wanted to kiss her again, and getting out the door as fast as he could was the only way to prevent it. She’d been soft and sweet against him, and he wanted to explore further.
Having a ‘wife’ was going to be a test of his willpower. He hoped he was up to the challenge.
* * *
“I never would have thought to find something so nice here.” Vanessa fingered the lace curtains. As if realizing what she’d said, she clamped her hand over her mouth. “I mean, well…”
“It’s all right,” Josh said, a smile on his face. “Normally we wouldn’t have something like this here. Mrs. Walker ordered them special for her house. Then she and her husband moved to Denver. So, I’m stuck with them.”
“Not anymore. I want them for the house.”
“Anything you say, sis.”
Vanessa laughingly shook her head. “That sounds strange, since I’m an only child.”
“Not anymore you’re not. You’re part of a large family now. You’ve got a husband, and four brothers who are going to take care of you.”
The idea of having a family, even a temporary one, made Vanessa smile. Josh was as handsome as his brothers. She figured that the two she hadn’t met, Rob and Corbin, were just as handsome. And none of them were married, which she thought was strange. Of course she knew that there probably weren’t a lot of single women in Mac’s Crossing.
“Thank you, Josh. I’m very nervous about this.”
“You’re going to do just fine. Win’s not a bad guy, even if he can be a bit overbearing.”
Vanessa snorted, then tried to cover it with a cough. The feel of his hand against her backside flared up. Yes, he could be overbearing. But he could also be sweet.
She licked her lips as the memory of his kiss replaced the spanking. She’d never been kissed like that, ever. It had made her feel all gooey and warm, and she’d wanted him to do it again. Before he did, though, her brain had kicked into gear. He was kissing her so that he could fool his aunt into thinking they were intimate. He wasn’t kissing her because of desire. That had put a damper on her feelings.
“Okay, we have the curtains, and we have a new dress for you. We just got this one in last week. There’s a seamstress in town who can make a few more, if you need them.”
“No, I have dresses. I would like that tea set, though.” She pointed to a beautiful porcelain set that was displayed in the window.
“Ah, another one of Mrs. Walker’s orders. I’ll have those things sent up to the house. Anything else?”
Before Vanessa could answer, the door opened and a tall woman stepped into the store. She was very pretty, beautiful even. Except for the frown on her face.
Vanessa smiled at her tentatively and the woman ignored her and looked at Josh.
“How are you today, Nancy?” Josh inclined his head toward her in greeting. “Come to see the new dresses we got in last week?”
“Hello, Josh. I’ve heard there were some new things in town.” She looked pointedly at Vanessa.
“Yes, there is. This is Win’s new wife, Vanessa. She’s just picking out some things for the house.”
“Then the rumors are true. How very interesting that you’ve been married for two months but are just now showing up in town.”
Vanessa put on her actress face. She threw back her head and laughed.
“Win insisted that I stay in Denver until the new rooms were completed. He’s just so sweet, don’t you think?”
“Yes, I do.” Nancy’s words left little to the imagination and Vanessa wondered about her relationship with Win. If he had a woman that he cared about, why was he pulling this stunt for his aunt? Why didn’t he just use this woman to act as his wife?
The reason for it hit Vanessa square in the forehead and she stifled a grin by coughing into her hand.
“Yes, well Win and I fell in love the moment we set eyes on each other. He’s such a gracious and handsome man that I just couldn’t resist.”
Nancy’s forced smile turned down and her eyes narrowed. Vanessa knew that she’d hit the nail on the head. Nancy wanted a relationship with Win, but he didn’t want one with her. He’d forgotten to tell her this little tidbit at dinner last night, or at breakfast this morning. When Vanessa left town after Matty was gone, she was sure that Nancy would try to help Win get over his loss.
“Well, I insist that you come to my house for tea tomorrow. I live just a few blocks over from Main Street, on Oak. It will be a pleasure to welcome you to town.”
“Oh, I’m so busy with the house right now, that I don’t think I should stray too far.”
“Nonsense.” Nancy pasted what Vanessa knew was a fake smile on her face. “Win will be happy that we’re making friends. He and I are very close.”
You mean you’d like to be. Vanessa’s brain went into overdrive to try and think of an excuse. When nothing came she nodded and then looked at Josh, whose shoulders were shaking in silent laughter.
“Four o’clock?”
Vanessa inclined her head in agreement and the woman left without ever answering Josh’s question.
Vanessa made a face at Josh and his laughter bubbled forth.
“Something tells me I should have tried harder for an excuse. I take it Win doesn’t care for her?”
“That’s an understatement. She wanted to help him decorate the house for when they were married, and he’d never offered, nor given her any indication that they would be together, much less married. Can I sit back and watch while you tell him you’re having tea with her? I could use a good laugh.”
* * *
The lacy curtains transformed the room from a dark, dreary affair into a light, breezy space. Vanessa stepped back to admire her handiwork. She smiled at Mrs. Wallings, who was handing money to the young men that Josh had sent to hang the curtains.
“They look beautiful, don’t you think?”
“Very, Mrs. MacAllister. It’s amazing the difference that they make.”
“I wish you would call me Vanessa.”
“Oh, that wouldn’t be proper. We may not be in the big city, but we still have manners.”
“You call Win by his name. Won’t his aunt think it’s strange if you call me Mrs. MacAllister?”
“I hadn’t thought of it that way. I’ll ask him.”
“Phooey on that. If I’m his wife, then you’re my employee, too. I vote for Vanessa. All in favor say aye.”
“Aye.”
Vanessa wheeled toward the sound of Win’s voice. He stood in the doorway, his shoulder leaning against the frame. There was a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eyes.
“She’s right, Mrs. Wallings. It would seem awkward and forced if you called her Mrs. MacAllister.” His gaze wandered over the curtains. “Nice. I like it.”
“Thank you.” Butterflies took flight in Vanessa’s stomach. Seeing him standing there in the doorway reminded her of his kiss that morning. Would he kis
s her again? “You said to make changes. I hope this is not too much. Josh thought they would look nice in here.”
“Well, they do look nice. But I think Josh was just trying to recoup some of the money he lost when the Walkers moved out on their orders. I hope that’s not all you bought.”
“No, I bought this tea set. And a dress. I hope that’s all right.” Vanessa bit her lip. She had planned to spend more, much more. But she’d reined herself in, and she wasn’t sure why.
“Fine. I didn’t look at your wardrobe to see what you had. Perhaps we should do that tonight. I know that Josh has more dresses that came in last week because he borrowed money from the bank to pay for them.”
His words about inspecting her wardrobe reminded Vanessa that she wasn’t his wife, but his employee.
“Go back tomorrow and find a few more womanly things to set around. Lace things and such. That will add to the atmosphere here.”
“Of course. I’ll go before I have tea with Nancy.”
The air in the room grew heavy as Win stared at her.
“Excuse me?”
“Nancy Lise. I met her at the store and she asked me to come for tea. I thought it would look strange if I turned her down. You don’t want to hide me. Do you?” The look on his face told her he might want to do just that. Instead of jumping to conclusions she waited for his answer.
“Of course not. For this to work, the town has to believe we’re married. Damn, this is turning into a huge mess.”
“You don’t think I can handle myself against her?”
“I didn’t say that, but she’s like a dragon lady. She’s very spoiled. She married her father’s top hand when she was eighteen years old, and he died several years later. Since then her father has doted on her and given her everything she’s ever wanted. He built her a house in town. After she set her sights on me, I felt very, very pressured to marry her. I’m sure she’ll try to rip you to shreds.”
“Then it will be practice for your aunt. Remember, Win, I’m an actress. I can act any part that I want to.”
“What if she leaves you in tears?”
“You forget that ours is a business arrangement, not a marriage.” Vanessa batted her eyes at him. “All I have to do is remember that. I can separate my emotions from business. Nothing she can say will hurt me.”
The words were barely out of Vanessa’s mouth when she mentally slapped herself. If they only had a business arrangement why had she been so moved by his kiss that morning? It was just because it was the first time. When she kissed him again, it wouldn’t bother her. She wouldn’t feel that tingly feeling in her toes.
“You’re right, of course.”
An awkward silence filled the room. After what seemed like hours, Win shook his coat off and laid it across the back of a chair.
“Why don’t we go and look at your wardrobe. I don’t know exactly what Josh has at the store, but if you need something we’ll have a day or so to send to Denver.”
“You’re the boss.”
“Hmm, it’s nice that you remember that. Do you remember my brothers’ names?” Win gave her a wicked grin and the tingly feeling that she’d had that morning returned. As the day had progressed, she’d thought less and less about the spanking he’d given her last night. Now there it was again, full and center.
“If I don’t?”
“Perhaps you need another reminder. Remember, the next one will be on your bare bottom.”
“Ben, Rob, Corbin and Josh.”
“Good.” He nodded but the look on his face was not a happy one.
“You’re disappointed that I knew the answer. Why?”
“Because, I think I was looking for an excuse to spank you again.”
Her stomach met the floor.
“Well, I’d rather not repeat the incident. It wasn’t enjoyable.”
Was it? Surely the feelings had been anger and rage, not anything else. Not excitement at being taken over his lap, of being so close to him, of feeling his body pressed against hers.
The only way to really figure that out was to give him another excuse to spank her and she didn’t want to do that, did she?
“Shall we go upstairs?” His voice was deep and Vanessa nodded.
She waited on the stairs while he told Mrs. Wallings that they wouldn’t want dinner until later.
They’d stored her clothing in the wardrobe in his room, thinking that if his aunt arrived early, it would look strange to be moving her things to his room.
Win took a seat in a wingback chair near the window while Vanessa brought out dress after dress for his approval. He gave a nodding approval to all of them, his smile never faltering.
“Very nice. I especially like the red one. Wear that one on Matty’s first night here. It will set off your hair beautifully.”
“Very well. Any other suggestions?”
“Yes, wear the green one tomorrow when you’re at Nancy’s house.” His voice hardened and Vanessa frowned.
“If you don’t trust me to be alone with people why don’t you just chain me to your desk at work? That way you could monitor my behavior all day.”
“That’s uncalled for, Vanessa. I only want you to put your best foot forward.”
“No, you only want to control me.”
Vanessa felt her heart race. What was she doing? She could tell that he was getting angry. Why was she provoking him? What was it about this man that brought out the worst in her?
A thought struck her and she quickly dismissed it. Then she allowed it to creep back into her mind. Did she want him to spank her again? Had she actually enjoyed the contact?
She swallowed hard and then put her hands on her hips.
“What if I don’t want to wear the green one tomorrow? Perhaps I will wear the lavender dress. Or maybe the blue one. Or maybe the red. All of them look very nice.”
Win narrowed his eyes, and then he smiled.
“You’re trying to provoke me. Why?”
“Because, I may be your employee but I won’t allow you to run roughshod over me. I am a grown woman who has lived on her own for more than ten years. I won’t be told how to dress.”
“You’ll wear the green one, Vanessa.”
“If I don’t? Will you spank my bottom again?”
“I will. This time, however, I won’t be so lenient with you. I will spank your bare ass, and you will receive more than just a few swats.”
They were standing inches away from each other. Vanessa could feel his breath against her skin. She’d been surprised when he’d crossed the room but she’d refused to back down.
What was she doing? What had happened to her carefully thought out plan from this morning? She was supposed to be good and go along with everything, then cause him trouble once his aunt arrived.
“The green one, Vanessa.”
“We shall see.”
The silence in the room seemed to snake around the both of them. When Ben’s yell of hello came from downstairs they both jumped.
“We’re up here,” Win answered.
They moved apart before Ben appeared in the doorway.
“Hey, can I stay for dinner? I’m just a poor starving bachelor, and I’m sick of food from the hotel.”
Vanessa laughed. “Of course you can, brother dear. You’re welcome at any time. Isn’t he, darling?”
“Of course.” Win offered Vanessa his arm and they went downstairs. As they settled at the table, Vanessa knew there was no way she was wearing the green dress tomorrow. She couldn’t wait to see his reaction.
Chapter 3
Vanessa stepped into the bank as if she were stepping onto the stage. She looked left, then right, and finally trained her eyes behind the cage where she could see Win talking with another man. They were deep in conversation and she knew that he didn’t see her.
She smoothed down her skirt and smiled at the clerk.
“Hello, may I help you?” He smiled at her and she knew that he was appreciative of her looks.
&nbs
p; “I’ve just stopped by to see my husband.”
Understanding dawned and the clerk thrust his hand through the bars.
“Phillip Martin. So very nice to meet you, Mrs. MacAllister. May I say how happy we all are about your marriage to Win. I hope you and he are very, very happy together.”
“Why thank you, Mr. Martin. That’s very nice of you. Would you tell my husband that I’m here?” She gave him her sweetest smile. “Please call me Vanessa.”
“As you wish, Vanessa,” Phillip said. Then he held up a hand and said her husband’s name. “Well, it looks like he’s already seen you.”
Vanessa already knew that. She and Win had locked gazes the minute Phillip had turned toward him. He’d smiled broadly, then his smile disappeared as his eyes lowered to her dress. A sardonic smile appeared on his face and he shook his head as he moved toward her.
“Darling,” she said as he kissed her on the cheek.
“Sweetheart, what a surprise.” He held her close and whispered, “Are you colorblind?”
“Why thank you, darling. I know how much you love red.” She playfully patted his shoulder. “I just wanted to stop by and say hello since I was in town. I hope you don’t mind.”
“Of course not.” His smile was not genuine and Vanessa giggled. She needed to give him acting lessons before his aunt arrived. She knew that she’d regret egging him on, but she hadn’t been able to resist. She’d let him know that although she was an employee, he couldn’t control her totally.
He introduced her to three more clerks, each one more polite than the next. The whole time he kept a tight grip on her arm, and the fake smile plastered on his face.
For her part, Vanessa laughed and giggled. She thought it incredibly funny that he was so upset just because she’d worn a dress different than the one that he’d picked out. When they’d made the rounds and she’d met everyone in the bank, he guided her to his office and shut the door.
“You deliberately disobeyed me.”
Vanessa’s laughter filled the room.
“It’s just a dress color. The style is practically the same.”
Heart and Home: The MacAllister Brothers Page 3