“Cassandra”—he stepped back and took Sunn’s hand—“I’d like you to meet my fiancée, Sunn Handley.”
Her sharp-brown eyes took in Sunn in one quick glance. She shrugged her shoulders dismissively.
“Darling, you’ve been married and now engaged, but I’m still waiting for you to come to your senses.” She patted his arm and walked around him to be greeted with a warm welcome from Mrs. Larsson.
I see where her choice is, and why she’s having the tea. I’m guessing there’ll be a number of pretty ladies paraded in front of Chandler.
Chandler bent down close. “I can hear the wheels grinding in your head. None of the ladies coming to the tea will compare to you.” He walked her into the living room where canapés and champagne were being passed around.
Sunn surveyed the room. She’d been right. There were at least six proper ladies waiting to greet Chandler. They barely gave Sunn a hello before fawning over him.
If Chandler wouldn’t protest, she’d disappear behind a post. She chuckled at her thought. One of the women turned and frowned at her.
“What are you laughing at?”
“A silly thought in my head. Tell me, what do you do?”
The young woman turned her nose up. “I don’t work, if that’s what you mean. I help my mother plan parties, and we are both busy with our social life.” She gave Sunn a hard look from her heels to her earrings. “I’ve been trained to be an excellent wife for someone like Chandler. Whereas you don’t have a clue or any finesse.”
“Perhaps not, but I know not to be rude, especially at a tea.” A woman had walked up behind her and laughed. The young woman Sunn had been talking to snorted and stomped off.
“Lovely. I’ve always wanted to take her down a notch, but haven’t been as brave as you. I’m Stella Acres. You must be the fiancée.”
“Sunn Handley.” Sunn put out her hand.
“Chandler’s done well for himself. You’re very beautiful and obviously can hold your own in this crowd.”
“How do you know Chandler? Are you another old girlfriend or a new one?”
“Neither. Chandler and I have been friends since grade school. We decided long ago we had no romantic feelings for each other. Consequently, we’ve had a lovely friendship. He’s someone I can count on in my life. I hope our friendship can continue after your marriage.”
“It’s fine with me as long as I can be your friend, too.”
“I’d like that very much.” Stella glanced around the room. “I thoroughly disliked his first wife.”
“Why?”
“She didn’t love him. What she wanted was the prestige. When he refused to get involved in society parties and then wouldn’t move back here, she looked for someone else.”
“She cheated on him?”
“Yes. When she came home for a visit, she found an old boyfriend. He isn’t as handsome or young as Chandler, but she threw herself at him. He’d loved her a long time and was glad to get her.”
“I didn’t know. We haven’t talked much about his former marriage and divorce.”
“Teresa was all wrong for him. He felt he owed it to his parents to please them, so he married her. You are her complete opposite. We’ll be friends. If for no other reason than the satisfaction of seeing you handle Sondra.” She held her glass of champagne out and toasted Sunn.
“Hi, Stella, I’m glad to see you two met. What do you think of my girl?” Chandler wrapped his arm around Sunn’s waist.
“She’s great. Don’t let anyone tell you any different.”
“Don’t worry. I won’t.” He looked down at Sunn. “Honey, the buffet table is full of goodies. Let’s go eat. Stella, join us.”
“I’ll eat after a while. I have some other of our friends to greet. Nice meeting you, Sunn. I’m sure we’ll see each other again.”
“You have to come visit us at the ranch.”
Stella’s eyes sparkled. “I can’t picture Chandler herding cattle. I may come just to see him working the range.”
Sunn watched her weave her way through the groups of people. “She’s unique. I like her.”
“I knew you would. She’s one of my best friends and my only close woman friend.”
“She told me. I told her I hoped I could be her friend, too.”
“Have I told you lately that I love you?” Chandler bent to kiss her and heard gasps and movement in the crowd.
He straightened, looked at the doorway, and blinked his eyes. “Damn, my mother invited my ex-wife and her husband. She’s escorting them this way.”
Sunn stood taller and held tightly to Chandler’s arm. His mother had a pleased expression on her face.
“Chandler, since we’re all civilized, I saw no need to not invite Teresa and her new husband. You know Dr. Franklin, don’t you?”
“I do. Congratulations to you both. This is my fiancée, Sunn Handley.”
It was all very polite, but Sunn felt Chandler’s anger at his mother. “It’s okay,” she whispered to him when she had a chance.
“Are you sure you’ll still marry me after all of this?” He glanced around the room. His mother had taken the Franklins to visit with the other guests.
“Absolutely, as long as I don’t have to visit here more than once every five years. You can come as often as you want. I trust none of these women can take you from me. But Cassandra will try, forever.”
“Not forever, just between divorces. She just went through her third.”
“Oh my, she must be hard to please.”
The afternoon went on and on. Sunn was sure the guests would never start to leave. Finally, they did. She kept a smile pasted on her face, but she was worn out physically and emotionally. Mrs. Larsson stood beside her. She whispered in her ear. “It is not polite to appear so pleased the guests are leaving.”
“But I am. In fact, I’m going to say I have a headache and go to my room. Please tell Chandler when he finishes talking to his father and that older man.”
Sunn excused herself and flew up the stairs. Once inside her room, she dialed Todd’s number.
“Hi darlin’, how’s your visit?”
“Not so good. I needed to hear your voice. Chandler’s been wonderful. But other than his brother and his sister, Sue, the rest of the family and friends look at me like I crawled out from under a rock, as they old saying goes.”
“I hope you’re chuckling inside and not letting them get you down.”
“I try. It’s been hard. I met one lady, Stella, who I like.”
“Chandler’s friend. I like her, too. She’s a great person.”
“I want to come home.”
“Tonight?”
“Yes. Can you get us tickets for later this evening? I’ll talk Chandler into it.”
“I’ll make the reservations and call you back. Bye for now, sweetness.”
His warm, sexy, loving voice raised her spirits, until Mrs. Larsson knocked and came in before Sunn could answer.
“Sit down, my dear. We have to talk.”
Chapter Twenty
Mrs. Larsson chose a chair by the window and motioned for Sunn to join her in the opposite rocker. “Did you enjoy the tea?” Mrs. Larsson asked.
“It was lovely. Thanks for arranging it for us.” Sunn hoped you wouldn’t be struck by lightning for lying.
Chandler’s mother frowned. “Let’s quit pretending. You hated the tea. You don’t fit in with our social group at all, and Chandler’s father and I don’t want him to marry you.” She stared up and down at Sunn.
“You will do him no good by saddling him to you and your town.” Mrs. Larsson made a face like the word tasted disgusting.
“Chandler and I love each other.”
“With my offer you can find someone else to love, as you say. Mr. Larsson and I are prepared to give you a check today for fifty thousand dollars if you will break your engagement to Chandler and never see him again.”
Sunn’s head jerked back. Never in her wildest dreams had she exp
ected such an insult.
“Is this how you got rid of his other girlfriends you didn’t like?”
“There haven’t been many. When he lived here, he mostly dated daughters of our friends and associates. A few times I had to scare off the ones who weren’t appropriate. It didn’t take money. They weren’t as mature and were easier to manage.”
“Manipulate, you mean.”
“Whatever you want to call it. I’ll have my husband write the check. You’ll leave without saying goodbye.” She stood and started to the door.
“I’d never leave Chandler for fifty thousand.”
Mrs. Larsson’s head jerked around. “Then we’ll make it for one hundred thousand. That’s as high as we’ll go.”
“There isn’t enough money for me to walk away from Chandler. I love him, and I want to marry him and have his children.”
She almost laughed at the stunned look on Mrs. Larsson’s face. Apparently no one had ever refused one of her offers.
“You aren’t thinking about what you could do with all that money.”
“I don’t need it. I have Chandler’s love.”
“Love doesn’t keep you in a house like this with fancy cars and jewels. Chandler will never be this rich if he marries you. I’ll disown him. Most of our money is in my trust.”
There was another knock on her door. Chandler stuck his head in. “Mother, what are you doing here?”
“This is my house, Chandler. I’ve been talking to Sunn.”
Chandler gave her a guarded look. “And what was the topic of conversation?” His tone was cold as ice water.
Mrs. Larsson glanced at Sunn. Deep in her eyes, Sunn saw a small flicker of fear. So she does love Chandler in her own way.
I can’t tell him the whole truth, but half may satisfy him. Sunn walked to Chandler and kissed him. “I have to ask you a question.”
Chandler didn’t take his eyes off his mother. “All right, what is it?”
“Your mother is planning to disown you when we marry. Do you want to change your mind? As she said you’ll never get as rich just being a doctor.”
“Mom, I never realized how controlling you are. I thought you understood. I’m marrying Sunn. I didn’t come here for your approval, but out of respect and love for my parents.” He gave a harsh chuckle. “Apparently, my parents don’t respect me and my decisions. Do you even love me?”
Tears came into Mrs. Larsson’s eyes. Sunn started to feel sorry for her.
“Your father and I love you very much. We want the best for you.”
“And for me to be happy?” Chandler asked.
“Happiness is fleeting, but if it’s what you want, then yes, we want happiness for you.”
Chandler and his stepmother stared across the room at each other. Sunn knew the void between them was wide and deep, but if she’d told Chandler about the money, it would be worse.
“I’m sorry you and dad don’t value what I feel is important in my life. Love, friendship, time to enjoy my home, these are my values. It took me a while to realize them.” He hugged Sunn to his side.
“Todd, my best friend, called me. Sunn, you asked him to make reservations for us to return tonight.”
“I hope you don’t mind.”
“No. It’s time to go. I’ll get my things. Mother, let her alone so she can pack her clothes.” He strode out and down the hall toward his bedroom.
Mrs. Larsson started to leave. When she got to the door, she faced Sunn and looked confused. “Why didn’t you tell him about my offer of money?”
“Because I believe you do love him, and the truth would have hurt him deeply. You and his father would have been stricken from his life. That isn’t good for him or any children we may have.” She stopped and took a deep breath. “Maybe in five years or so, you all will come to like me just enough to love our kids.”
Sunn saw his mother swallow and blink back tears. She nodded and left the room. Sunn sank on the bed.
I’m so tired and I feel like I’ve been in a physical battle. This trip was much worse than I expected.
She threw her dress and cosmetics into her bag. Then she pulled on jeans, a light weight, cream-colored sweater and put on her walking shoes. She didn’t know what time their flight was, but she’d be ready.
* * * *
Sunn was surprised to see Todd had flown his jet to get them. “Chandler didn’t tell me you were taking us home.”
“I was anxious to see you.” Todd gave her a big hug and kissed her hard. “I’ve missed you.” He nodded to the man standing behind him. “Pearce is my co-pilot tonight. Get on board, and we’ll take off.”
Sunn practically ran up the steps. The men followed her.
“Show her the bedroom, Chandler. You both must be exhausted after this trip. Pearce and I will take care of getting you home.” Todd kissed her once more and smacked her on the butt as she turned. “Relax. I can tell you’re wound as tight as a rubber band about to break.”
She put her face up to his. “You don’t know me that well. I’m fine.”
“You’re lying, darlin’, but I’ll forgive you this time. Go with Chandler.”
His fingers brushed her collarbone and slid sensuously down her arm. Tenderness shown in his golden eyes. “I think you and Chandler need rest, and quiet, and time together.”
“Thanks, friend,” Chandler said to Todd. He put his arm around Sunn’s shoulders. “There’s a small bedroom and bath in the back of the plane.” As they walked off, Chandler whispered, “Have you made love at ten thousand feet?
“No.”
“You will before we get home.”
They collapsed on the bed. It was a full-size rather than king-size so there wasn’t near as much room to move.
Chandler lay facing her and drew her body against his. He kissed her mouth softly. “Thanks for going through the ordeal of meeting my parents. I know them, and knew what to expect. But I foolishly hoped it wouldn’t be as bad.”
“I’m glad I met them, especially your brother and sisters and their families. I enjoyed the family meal last night. The tea was a strain.”
“I’d like to know all that happened between you and my mother. I’m sure you gave me an abbreviated version.”
“That was pretty much it.”
“You have such an open, honest face. Todd and I know if you’re not being completely honest with us. But I’ll let it go. It must be something you think I’d be better off not knowing. I’ll trust your decision. What I’m much more interested in now is undressing you and making love.”
“I thought you’d never get to the important stuff.” Sunn wrapped her arms and legs around him. “This feels good, but naked would be better.”
“You get your wish.” Chandler stood and slowly unbuttoned his shirt. By the time he took it off and she saw his muscled chest and six-pack, her pussy wept from the need to feel him deep inside her.
Next he unbuckled his belt and moved his zipper downward. “All we need is a little music along with your sexy undressing to make it perfect.”
Chandler flipped on a switch and soft music filled the room. He pushed his jeans and underwear down, pulled his shoes off, and placed his pants at the end of the bed.
In the distance, Sunn heard the noise of the jets. She rose up on the bed and pulled off her shirt, flipped her bra open, and swung it around her head.
Chandler leaned against the wall. He had a wide grin on his face and his eyes sparkled with joy. Impulsively, he moved forward and sucked on her breast.
A stab of desire shot to her core. When he drew back she pouted.
“Get the rest of those clothes off, woman, or I’ll remove them for you.”
She’d kicked off her shoes when she fell on the bed with Chandler. She lay back against the pillows and unsnapped her jeans. “Come on, cowboy. Show me your stuff.”
He grabbed the top of her jeans and as he moved then down his lips left a trail of fire behind. Her body flushed with the heat he was creating. At her low
er lips, he took a deep breath. “I love your musky smell combined with the fragrance of sweet flowers.” He yanked her jeans further down and kissed the inside of her thighs. His tongue drew circles on the tender skin, heightening her longing to have him inside her hungry pussy.
With one last yank, Chandler had her panties and jeans removed. His gaze raked boldly over her from her feet to her face. The lusty look in his eyes increased the intense passion kindling in her belly.
“Get a move on, cowboy.” Her voice sounded throaty to her ears.
“Madam, I like to take things slow and easy.” His warm hands massaged her feet as he watched every nuance of her expression.
Then his hands rubbed along her legs until he came to her lower lips. His fingers parted her folds and rubbed her clit. He stoked her longing for him into a scorching desire burning throughout her body.
Her love for him had deepened with each day. Even the visit to his parents’ home hadn’t dampened it.
He slid upwards and kissed her belly. His five o’clock beard enhanced her fervor for him.
“I have an insatiable hunger for my cowboy, but he’s a slow poke.”
Chandler chuckled against her stomach, and then his mouth closed over her breast. She sucked in air.
His tongue licked across her nipple and it peaked tight with a yearning for him to continue. But he laid his full body across her and cupped her face.
“I have to know if your feelings for me have changed since our visit to the Hamptons.”
“No. I want to marry you and Todd as much as I did before. It didn’t affect my love for you. I’m sorry it didn’t go well for your benefit.”
“I guess I keep hoping they’ll change, but they aren’t going to, and I have to learn to accept them as they are.”
“You still love them.”
“As exasperated as I get with my parents, I respect and love many things about them.”
“They helped make you the wonderful man you are today.”
“To be honest, Edna and George are more responsible for how I turned out. When I’d start to go down the wrong path, they jerked me back. They were invaluable to me and my siblings. But how did we get on this subject?” His teeth nipped at her bottom lip.
Seducing Our Lady's Heart [Commando Cowboys and Renegade Texans Unite 2] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Polyromance) Page 17