“Coffee?” he offered.
She set her fork down. “No, thanks. The meal was delicious.” She politely thanked the waiter, Maurice. By now, they were on a first-name basis.
Vaguely amused by her apparent innate ability to collect admirers, Drew paid the check. “Shall we go?”
In silence, they left the dining room, crossed the elegant lobby, then climbed the stairs. Their footsteps were muffled in the carpeted hall. Several decorative wall sconces made out of brass with tinted amber-colored shades lit their way.
Outside her room, Olivia turned.
“Well, here we are.” Suddenly she felt awkward, as if on a first date. But she was married to this man. Would he settle for a good-night kiss and nothing more? “Thank you for dinner.”
Instead of leaving it at that, he said, “Are you nervous about meeting with your lawyer tomorrow?”
“A little,” she admitted, surprised that he’d brought up the topic. Until now, he’d shown little interest in her business arrangements. For some reason, she’d avoided the subject, as well. Perhaps she’d been attempting to put the reasons behind today out of her head. What would it be like to be a cherished bride? Well, she’d never know now.
“It shouldn’t be that difficult to convince him we’re deliriously happy newlyweds enjoying our honeymoon,” he said with a touch of cynicism that didn’t reassure Olivia at all.
Feeling anything but deliriously happy, Olivia leaned back against the door for support. Did it have to be all pretense?
He followed, leaning close, trapping her. His finger traced the thin strap of her dress, slipping it down over her shoulder.
He smiled gently. “If the honeymoon part has you worried, you have nothing to fear from me.”
“I’m not worried,” she said, her voice high.
He met her eyes. She wondered what he could read there, if anything. Her senses swam at his touch. Her heart raced when his hand traced the upper curve of her breast. His eyes darkened and she knew he could read every response. His voice dropped to a husky note. “Nothing’s going to happen that you don’t want. Do you understand, or do I have to spell it out?”
Her mouth went dry. “Yes, I understand.”
Olivia knew he was going to kiss her; she could see the intent in his eyes. It began with a gentle caress, starting with his thumb smoothing the curve of her cheek, tracing the high delicate bone that gave her face its distinctive heart shape.
His thumb traced her lips, and she gasped. Feeling deprived of air, she raised his mouth to meet his descending one. And the exploration continued until she was clinging to him.
His hand drifted down her spine, drawing her closer, letting her feel the power of his need; then he released her. His eyes were like warm liquid pools when they met hers.
He replaced the strap. No, he didn’t have to spell it out. He wanted her.
What did she want?
After Olivia parted from Drew, the question kept her awake for hours. As a result, she overslept.
She had to rush to get dressed, which thankfully left her little time to think about what Drew wanted from her—apart from the sawmill.
Her blue wool suit was feminine but not fussy. With it, she wore a white silk shirt. She fumbled nervously with the row of small buttons, then added a multicolored scarf. Olivia jumped when Drew knocked on the connecting door.
Hurrying to open it, she nearly tripped on the carpet. Trying to appear calm and confident, she greeted him. “I’m almost ready.”
He checked his watch. “We don’t have time for breakfast. I ordered room service. Have you eaten?”
“No, but I’m not hungry.” She couldn’t possibly think of food when Stone’s End hung in the balance.
“I just want to get this appointment over with.”
“It’s just a formality.”
“Yes,” she whispered.
Then why the sudden attack of conscience? Why did she feel guilty for using Drew? Her father had wanted her to find a husband. He’d left her no other choice.
They drove the short distance to the lawyer’s office. It was raining. The entire northeast was caught in a huge bad-weather system. They’d decided to stay an extra day, hoping the storm would blow out to sea.
As they drove through the rain-washed streets, Drew said, “I’ve booked the rooms for a second night.”
“That’s good.” Olivia was in no rush to get home, where so many problems awaited them.
It was much easier to pretend this was real—away from Stone’s End. With no one to interfere, they were simply two people trying to get through the awkward early stages of a marriage—with only one minor complication. They lacked the most basic ingredient—love.
Nevertheless, the next few hours went smoothly.
With Drew in tow and proof of her marriage in hand, the appointment with the lawyer did indeed prove a mere formality. The marriage certificate, though crisp and new, confirmed that they were husband and wife.
Upon introduction, the lawyer shook hands with Drew, then smiled at Olivia. “So this is your young man. Looks like Ira was right, after all, and so was I.” He chuckled. “I knew a pretty girl like you would have someone back home. I’m glad you took my advice and tied the knot. But I hope you haven’t rushed into this just to settle the will.”
Olivia was grateful for Drew’s support when he took over.
He reached for her hand. “Once we decided to get married, there didn’t seem much point to a delay. Isn’t that right, honey?”
“Um, yes.” For some ridiculous reason, Olivia blushed.
“Well, that’s just fine.” The lawyer indicated the legal papers on his desk. “We’ve gone over the terms of the will. Jared and Jessie have already signed. All it needs is your signature.”
Olivia’s hand shook as she added her name to the bottom of the will. She stared at the black script. She had everything she wanted. Almost.
There was only one awkward moment when the lawyer frowned at her signature. “Did you forget something?”
At a glance, Olivia realized she’d signed her maiden name. “Sorry about that.” Red-faced, she corrected it.
She felt like a fraud—anything but a wife. Hand trembling, she dropped the pen, then stood back while Drew completed the legal form.
The lawyer added the date and his signature. “That’s it, then.” Apparently satisfied, he folded the marriage certificate, along with a copy of the will, into a long envelope, then handed it to Drew. “I hope you’ll both be very happy.”
“Thank you.” Without examining the contents, Drew slipped the thick envelope into his breast pocket.
Olivia’s lawyer added solemnly, “Maybe your father’s methods seem unreasonable and unorthodox. But I know he was convinced it was the right thing for you.”
On that somber note, Olivia and Drew drove back to the inn. The temperature had dropped and the rain was turning to sleet.
Drew dropped her off at the main entrance. “There’s no point in both of us getting soaked.”
Disappointed when he failed to mention any plans to meet later, Olivia went to her room. She removed her suit jacket and hung it in the closet.
The time in the lawyer’s office had been unsettling, bringing back memories Olivia preferred to leave buried. No amount of regret would change the course of her life. As a child, she’d had no control over events like her parents’ divorce and all the confusion and lost years that followed.
When Ira died, she’d felt a deep sense of loss, wishing she could have had more time with him. There was never enough time. The terms of the will proved that he didn’t trust her, a mere woman, to care for his precious Stone’s End. How could Olivia believe in herself when her own father didn’t believe she was capable?
She smiled ruefully. Of course, Ira was right, she didn’t know anything about running a farm. She had to depend on others. Fortunately she had Jared and Fred and Ramon, as well as Ben and Jessie. She frowned. And now, Drew was added to the list. Could
she depend on Drew not to let her down?
She simply didn’t know.
She’d rushed into this marriage; she’d put her faith in Drew. Only time would tell if she was right or wrong.
Feeling chilled, she ran her hands up and down her arms. She ordered afternoon tea and sandwiches. The dessert menu tempted her to add a selection of tea cakes.
“For two,” she tagged on, hoping that Drew would turn up.
A few moments later, when a knock came at the door, she threw open the door, but it was only the waiter.
She felt oddly let down.
After he left, Olivia took a seat at the small round table. She stared out at the sleet beading against her window.
The foul weather fit Drew’s mood. After dropping Olivia off, then parking his car, he made a dash through the sleet for the front entry. Drenched within seconds, he swore when his foot landed in a puddle.
The lobby was nearly empty. His shoes squished on the stairs. Moments later, he entered his hotel room. His mood sank to a new low.
On a whim, he’d requested the bridal suite. Five years in prison must have addled his brain, he thought as he took in the fussy Victorian furniture, complete with white lace bedcovers and plump, heart-shaped pillows. It was the perfect setup for seduction. But he didn’t have a hope in hell of bedding his bride. Drew stared out the window at the dismal weather.
He couldn’t demand his rights.
Apart from Olivia’s cool little act, a solid mahogany door stood between them. One turn of a brass key was all it would take. But who would make the first move?
When he shrugged out of his damp suitcoat, a long white envelope fell to the floor. He knew it contained the papers that legally bound him to Olivia. They’d cost him his freedom.
But what about the benefits—if any?
He bent and picked up the thick envelope. Weighing it in his hand, he glanced at the solid wood door. He crossed the room, lifted his hand and knocked.
In response, he heard a crash.
A small, hushed cry followed.
“Olivia?” When there was no immediate reply, he turned the brass doorknob. One twist was all it took. She’d left it unlocked. With a wry smile, Drew wondered if all of Olivia’s objections were as paper-thin as their marriage.
When he entered her room, Olivia spun around.
“Are you all right?” he asked, reassured when he found her all in one piece.
“It’s nothing. I just knocked over a teacup.”
He took her hands in his. “Are you hurt?”
“No, I’m fine, really.” When he ran his thumb along the back of her hand, she tugged it free. “I hope the china wasn’t anything valuable.”
“It doesn’t matter,” he said impatiently. “As long as you’re okay?”
She nodded.
Suddenly he couldn’t think of his reason for being in her room. Then he remembered. “Here, I thought you might want these.” It was a lame excuse, but all he had. He handed her the envelope.
“Thank you.” She slowly examined the contents.
“It’s all there.”
“I know.” With a sigh, she set the papers aside.
He glanced at the table behind her—the two place settings. “Were you expecting someone?”
“Actually I was hoping you’d join me.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Drew edged back toward the door.
With a slight frown, Olivia followed. “Why not?”
With an impatient sound that sounded suspiciously like a groan, he said, “Olivia, do you know what you’re inviting?”
Olivia tried to hide her disappointment.
She felt the unfamiliar but not unpleasant weight of a gold band on the third finger of her left hand. “We probably should have some ground rules. After all, we don’t know each other very well.”
“That’s true.” His eyes gleamed with cautious humor. “I have no idea where this conversation is going. But be warned, I have every intention of changing your mind someday.”
She released a breathless “Is that fair?”
He smiled. “All’s fair in love and war.”
“Please, don’t pretend.”
“Who’s pretending? In case you haven’t noticed, this isn’t a war—we’ve combined forces. I’ve been fighting the way I feel about you since the first moment you walked into that diner and picked me up.”
She laughed shakily. “I did not!”
“I want this marriage to work. I think that means the whole nine yards, don’t you?”
Promises. Promises.
Olivia’s mother had never taught her daughter caution or patience. Olivia had learned those on her own…but perhaps she hadn’t learned them as well as she thought because she was seriously thinking of making her marriage as real as it could be. She laughed, trying to hold on to one shred of sanity.
“Yes,” she whispered, exposing her heart for the first time in her life to an overwhelming need to be one with this man who made her feel weak and strong at the same time.
Like a sorcerer, Drew had looked into her heart and found her weak spot. She’d longed for roots all her life. Could it be that Drew was the end of her long search?
Only time would tell.
Twisting the narrow gold band he’d placed on her finger the day before, she said ruefully, “I didn’t expect to feel so…so married.”
He nodded. The reality of their situation had obviously struck him, as well. He smiled with complete understanding. “Is that a bad thing?”
“Not exactly.”
“Olivia, you still have a free choice.”
She took a deep breath. “Well, then, in that case…” She walked toward him and straight into his arms, straight into his heart. How could he resist?
He didn’t even try. He gathered her close. “There’s something special going on between us. I’ve made some mistakes, Olivia, there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that life doesn’t wait. I want to make love to you. You must know that. But this has to feel right for you. I don’t want to rush you.”
Her eyes clouded. “Isn’t it a little late for that?”
“Perhaps, but this is new territory for both of us.” He fingered the ends of the scarf around her neck. The swirling shades of blues and grays seemed to change the color of her eyes, like sunshine drifting over open water.
He slid the scarf from her throat.
Olivia swallowed hard. “On second thought, maybe you’re right. We barely know each other. This is too fast.”
“No, it’s feels just right,” he said, ignoring her weak protest. “I’ve been waiting for you all my life.”
The scarf drifted to the floor.
She watched it fall.
His voice betrayed a note of possession she’d never heard before, and it frightened her almost as much as it thrilled her.
He smiled when she remained silent. “Marriage can mean whatever two people want it to mean,” he murmured. “We’ve observed all the conventions. We’re married. Do you think waiting another day or a night is going to change the simple fact that I desperately want to take you to bed?”
She whispered, “I’m not sure.”
“Trust me, it won’t.”
He dipped his head and kissed her, silencing her with a thorough exploration of her mouth, feeling a moment of triumph when she gasped.
Her hands crept up his chest, around his neck. She stood on tiptoe, reaching closer.
He pulled away for just a second. “If we’re going to do this,” he said, “let’s get this part right.”
Enjoying her bewildered reaction, he lifted her off her feet in one fell swoop and carried her over the threshold and into his room. Clearly the invention of a hopeless romantic, the high ceilings were bordered with garlands of flowers. She giggled helplessly at the cupids carved into the plaster ceiling, the heart-shaped wreath of dried flowers over the bed. With its lace hangings, the bed was an open invitation to seduction.
Drew said,
“Don’t laugh.”
Olivia sobered abruptly. “I’m not laughing. I think it’s lovely.” Daring to touch him, she ran an experimental hand over the hard lines of his face and watched them soften. In wonder, her voice dropped to a whisper. “But I don’t understand. If you had no intentions of making this marriage real, why the bridal suite?”
Ruddy color climbed his cheeks. “You know the old Boy Scout motto—Be prepared.”
“Were you ever a Boy Scout?”
He laughed. “No.”
Chapter Ten
Olivia smiled, wrapping her arms around his neck and leaning close. “This is by far the nicest thing anyone’s ever done for me. Thank you.” And she meant every word. When their lips met, she put every ounce of persuasion into a kiss.
The flesh was weak—particularly a man’s. Drew knew he was vulnerable. He was just going to have to take his chances and hope. Because he needed her.
He set her gently on the bed, following her down onto the mattress. “Don’t look so terrified.”
She caught her breath. “I’m not.”
“Aren’t you?” he taunted softly. “Marriage is a first for me, too. So stop looking like a frightened rabbit.”
She laughed shakily. “Is that what I look like?”
His eyes roamed her heart-shaped face. “You look beautiful.”
When his head dipped, she met him halfway. Like a delicate flower opening to the sun, her lips opened under his. He drank deeply, starved for the warmth of her. When he released her long enough to draw a breath, she ran a hand over his chest.
“Your shirt is damp,” she whispered, reaching for the first button, then the second and the third.
She boldly slid her hand inside, running her fingers through the coarse hair on his chest. He shuddered at the gentle seduction.
Catching her hand, he stopped her. “Let’s slow this down a bit.” Drew wanted to take time to make love to her.
He physically ached with need.
But he wanted to savor every step along the sensual journey. Her shirt was tailored with long sleeves and a collar buttoned up to her slender throat. Drew turned her left wrist and unbuttoned the cuff, raising the exposed flesh to his lips. He heard her breath catch as he explored the delicate tracery of veins. Her right wrist received the same attention before he moved on to her throat. A row of small pearl buttons blocked his progress. A button lost its mooring.
The Wedding Bargain Page 11