Kate: Please do.
A couple of minutes later, there was a knock on her door.
“Come in,” she called out.
Noah stepped inside first. Their gazes collided, and she let hers travel down his body. In looks alone, she’d chosen well. He was particularly dashing, in a cheeky sort of way, in his buff-colored trousers and blue button down. The collar was open at the throat, giving her a glimpse of tanned skin. The urge to press her mouth to that spot nearly overwhelmed her, but she remained standing in place, her hands clasped in front of her.
A middle-aged woman followed him inside, wearing a lovely yellow frock and nude flats. She gave Kate the once-over and a wan smile.
Kate frowned. Perhaps her wedding dress was too formal.
“Have I displeased you, Duchess?” Noah asked softly, coming closer. His eyes were teasing as was his smile.
“Oh no, you look incredibly handsome,” she said hurriedly. “Your friend’s pretty frock had me thinking that perhaps I’m a bit overdressed.”
“For your own wedding? I’m Maggie, by the way.” Maggie closed the door. “Every bride should wear what she wants. It’s her day.”
Kate smiled warmly at Maggie. “Thank you. I’m Kate. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” She held out her hand, but Maggie caught her up in a hug. A light hug meant not to crush her gown she assumed.
“Congratulations. I’m so glad Noah finally found the one, especially after—”
Noah cleared his throat, the teasing look in his eye dissipating.
Had there been another woman? Was she replacing someone who had pinned her dreams to him? A sharp pain ran through her. She couldn’t do that to another woman, not even to save herself.
“Everything he’s been through lately with the business and all. I expect you to treat him right, or you’ll have to answer to me,” Maggie finished.
Noah grimaced.
The sharp pain slowly faded. Noah was embarrassed, and he didn’t want anyone’s pity. That she could respect. That she could live with.
“I am a very lucky woman, Maggie. The day Noah agreed to marry me… I have to confess that it was one of the happiest I’ve ever had.”
Maggie’s gaze darted between them. “You asked him?”
“Wouldn’t you?” Kate smiled and glanced at her fiancé to judge his reaction.
Noah looked at her like he wanted to kiss her. Heat suffused her face.
“Yes.” Maggie held the manila folder that contained the prenuptial agreement. “Well, then, let’s get this taken care of so we can get the two of you married. My sister’s doing the ceremony.”
“Brilliant.”
Once the papers were signed and Maggie had left them alone, Noah took Kate’s hand in his, rubbing his thumb along her palm.
“You are beautiful. I should have told you as soon as I walked in, but my only excuse is that you are completely out of my league.”
“What a smooth talker you are.”
He turned her hand so that the palm was facing up and lifted it to his mouth, kissing the center. Then he brought it to his jaw, running her knuckles along the freshly shaven skin.
“About what Maggie said earlier,” he began, but Kate cut him off, unwilling to allow him to further embarrass himself.
“I completely understand, but it happens. Business is very volatile.” As was her response to his touch. A shudder ran through her body as he kissed the tips of her fingers.
“Maggie and I have worked together a long time. She willingly followed me to Sawyer Development from my last company, after I sold my share of it.”
“She’s protective of you,” she said approvingly.
He inclined his head to one side. “Like a Momma bear.”
“I’m glad.” She was. She honestly liked Noah, and to know that others felt the same about him, that he inspired loyalty and protection was a sign that she’d made the right decision.
“And the last woman I was serious with…” Kate’s stomach dropped to her toes. “Left me to go find herself with the pool boy.”
It was horrible and she knew it, but she was entirely relieved at his admission. Yet she felt awful for him. Rejection had always been her constant companion. “I’m so sorry.”
“It was a little while ago.”
“What does that mean?”
“Eight months, but if you’re worried, don’t be. I don’t want her back, she doesn’t want me, and I don’t blame all women for the way she acted. I like women,” he said gruffly. “I like you most of all.”
“Noah, I have…” She couldn’t speak at all suddenly, because he’d begun nibbling on her ring finger, swirling his tongue around the tip as well. Hot desire bubbled inside of her, turning every part of her liquid.
“Don’t care about your past. I’m your present and your future,” he said.
In that moment, she believed him.
The door opened and Haven Crawford, the proprietress of the B&B walked inside. She wore a pale yellow sundress with a scalloped hem while a white-and-yellow gingham ribbon held hair the color of cotton candy back.
Narrowing her hazel-colored eyes at Noah, she said, “Out, Sawyer. You can lick your fiancée once she’s your wife.”
Kate fought back a giggle at Haven’s stern expression and even sterner voice. However, after two days in the younger woman’s company, she knew the truth. Haven Crawford was really a sweetheart in wolf’s clothing.
“I’m going. I’m going.” Noah gave her one last look and left.
Haven shut the door and sagged against it. “Seriously, Kate, this confidentiality thing is about to kill me. Do you know how much business I could bring in by having a webcast of your wedding? Royalty sells, girl.”
Kate didn’t take offense, mostly because Haven was truthful about what she wanted while respecting her guests’ wishes. She’d also kept her company while Noah visited his family in Texas. When she spent time with Noah in Holland Springs, she could make special effort to do something fun with Haven as well.
“Perhaps after the ceremony, I’ll allow a couple of pictures to be posted. But I’m not royalty. I’m sixtieth in line for the throne.”
Haven rolled her eyes and pushed back a strand of pink hair. “The fact that you’re in line for the throne is enough for me. Plus, Noah calls you Duchess.”
“It’s a pet name.” Warmth flowed through her as she remembered the first time he called her that. “He christened me with it the first time we met, at Zoe and Christian’s wedding.”
“Baron’s daughter, huh? What does that make you?” he said.
“Nothing.” She took a sip of wine.
“I wouldn’t say that.” He plucked the glass from her hand and set it down, then pulled her out on the dance floor. “We have to come up with a title for you.”
“How about Lady of the Dance Floor?” she said, clearly drunk on his enthusiasm for everything.
Noah jerked his head to one side, indicating a woman dancing rather wildly by herself. “Pretty sure that one’s already taken.”
“Just Kate, please.”
“You’ll never be Just Kate to me.” He smiled, boyish and open. So very American. “Maybe princess.” Before Kate could protest, he had already moved on. “Too childish. Duchess. You look like a duchess, Duchess.”
She laughed, wondering what kind of spell he had woven around her. “You can’t call me that. I would be teased mercilessly if anyone else heard you.”
Noah leaned in close, touching his lips to her ear. “What if I say it real soft, Duchess?”
When he talked to her like that, with that sexy tone to his voice, he could say whatever, whenever he wanted.
She sighed dreamily.
“Oh good Lord,” Haven grumbled, snapping Kate back to the present. “Stop having a romantic moment flashback, would you? I’m trying to keep my breakfast down, and with Heath Ambrose crashing your wedding, it’s going to be extra hard.”
Ambrose? “Is he related to Zoe?”
“Y
eah, little brother.”
“Oh, I bet he’s charming.” Zoe certainly was. If things had worked out with Sebastian, they would have been sisters-in-law since Zoe was married to Sebastian’s twin.
Stop thinking of him. He’s married. He’s happy. He’s in love. He’s not yours.
Haven made a face. “You’d lose that bet. He’s a jock—a dumb jock with a mouth bigger than his brain.”
“I take it that things didn’t work out between the two of you.”
“Please. We’ve never dated.” Haven snorted. “He tends to like women with more here.” She pointed to her chest—a well-endowed chest at that. “Than up here.” She pointed to her head.
“Then why all the animosity?”
“Because he’s a dumb jock.”
“Do all dumb jocks disturb you this much?” Kate couldn’t help but ask.
“Just Heath. He’s special like that,” Haven said cheerfully. She glanced at her watch. “Time to go, Lady Kate.”
“Just Kate,” she automatically corrected, but Kate knew that once she and Noah were wedded, she would never be just Kate again. Nor would she be Kate Von Lichtenstein.
The knowledge thrilled her clear down to her toes.
*
It wasn’t until the wedding was over and they were on their way to their honeymoon destination that Noah realized he had screwed up. He shouldn’t have told Kate about his ex, Stacey. Who the hell did that on their wedding day? At least he hadn’t waited to tell her until they were on their honeymoon. Now that would be a real mood killer.
He wouldn’t make that mistake again. Kate deserved a future free of his past mistakes. Hers as well, if she had any. He couldn’t imagine her having many or any, considering her upbringing.
But he liked that about her. How prim and proper she was. It fit her. It made sense, and it wasn’t as though she didn’t know how to let her hair down. She just rarely chose to allow it to happen.
Which is another reason why he looked forward to the honeymoon. He wanted her to let down her guard. Wanted her to relax and smile, and for her to never look so heartbroken or scared for her life again.
As her husband, it was his duty to do right by her, to cherish her, and keep her safe. Love would come eventually. Maybe.
He frowned.
Should he be thinking of love? Maybe he should concentrate on becoming her friend. A friend with benefits.
That sounded juvenile.
His frown deepened.
Maybe he should stop thinking so damn much and enjoy the private jet flying him and his bride to a tropical island resort in the middle of the Indian Ocean.
“Have you ever traveled to Maldives?” Kate asked from her spot on the sofa across from him. Instead of curling up next to him, like he’d expected—okay, had hoped—she would do, she lay with her feet propped up, and her nose buried in an e-reader, still in her wedding gown.
“No. Been too busy building up my companies. Hard to take a vacation longer than a day, or two.”
The cabin attendant brought out a bowl of popcorn and a bottle of beer in anticipation of the in-flight movie Noah had requested. Clearly, he’d been missing out in life.
“Would you like some?”
She smiled and shook her head. “No, thank you.”
“Promise not to spill anything on your pretty dress.”
With a little sigh, she set the e-reader to the side and sat up, the key pendant on her necklace sliding over the top of her breasts. When she caught him staring, she flushed.
“I wanted to wear my gown for as long as possible,” she said, dropping her gaze from his to peer at him through her lashes. “My mother wouldn’t have approved of it.”
“The dress or your decision?” he asked, taking a drink.
“Both.”
“Will either of your parents approve of me?”
This time, she stood, smoothing out her dress before walking across the aisle to join him on the sofa. Her floral scent drifted to him, making his body tense in anticipation. He took her small hand in his, lacing their fingers together.
“They will not.”
“Because of my background?”
She tilted her head to one side, loose curls caressing her face. “Yes. You’re not aristocracy, you’re not from a political family, and therefore, you have nothing to offer my family.”
His dad’s reason for them not liking Noah slid inside his head. “And I’m not completely of European descent.”
“That wouldn’t matter to them. You could be from any country in the world, have any heritage of your choosing, and as long as you had the power to elevate their status or position, they would welcome you with open arms.”
He didn’t know if her explanation made things better or worse. “Are you nervous?” Letting go of her hand, he began to caress her bare arm. The gown was sleeveless, and it reminded him of something a fairy tale princess would wear. Luckily for him, she was no princess.
She licked her lips, and he fought the groan that threatened to betray him. “About tonight?”
“Yeah.”
“A little.”
“If you’d like more ti—”
She leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder. “I’m excited as well.”
He managed to get his arm around her, settling her more comfortably against him. Staring into her mesmerizing eyes, he said, “I want to be with you, Kate, but I won’t force you to sleep with me. Not even if it was a part of our original agreement.”
“Thank you for that,” she said softly and his heart sank.
Yeah, he didn’t mind being a gentleman, and he sure as hell meant what he said to her, but he was disappointed.
“But I don’t need more time. I’ve had days to think about this. About us.” She lifted their hands, fingers entwined. “I think we already fit very well together.”
“You base good sex on finger flexibility?”
She laughed, the sound music to his ears. “No. I only meant that we’re off to a good start.”
Kate was right, he realized. There was no hesitation, no awkwardness of body parts colliding like two mismatched puzzle pieces any time they touched or kissed. “That’s because you followed my lead,” he pointed out.
She tipped up her chin. “I follow no man’s lead.”
He dipped his head. “What about your husband’s? Would you follow his lead, especially if he promised you would like where he wanted to take you?”
A slender brow arched. “A bit too vague, Mr. Sawyer.”
“Well, Duchess…” He pulled her halfway into his arms, so that he had to bend his head to look at her. Her breasts rose and fell rapidly. The sweet swells a temptation he no longer wanted to ignore. “I’ll be more specific for you, then.”
Using the tips of his fingers, he traced the upper swells of her breasts, following the natural contours boosted by whatever she wore beneath her dress. “I would start here,” he teased. That wasn’t what she wanted and he knew it, but he wanted her to be comfortable with him as much as he wanted to drive her wild with pleasure.
She frowned a little.
Slowly, he skimmed his fingers to her neck, and then up to her jaw, before lightly rubbing her bottom lip until her frown seemed to melt away. “Hmm. I’ve changed my mind. This is where our journey begins.”
Her mouth parted, but he ignored that erotic invitation to caress her face, to trace her high cheekbones and feathery eyebrows. Her eyes fluttered closed.
Damn, he wanted to kiss her, but they weren’t alone.
As if reading his mind, Kate said, “There’s a privacy button located near the telly. No one will disturb us if you press it—unless there is an emergency.”
Taking that as permission, he leaned to one side and hit the only button he saw that wasn’t marked as a light. It glowed blue.
“Where were we?”
“You were about to kiss me,” she said.
Without any hesitation at all, he slid one hand around the back of her neck a
nd lowered his mouth to hers.
Chapter Five
‡
His kiss was wickedly hot, turning Kate inside out.
She tightened her grip on his arms, then relaxed it to travel up to his head. His dark hair was like heavy silk, cool at the tips and heated at the scalp.
She sighed into his mouth, and he took the opportunity to lick her bottom lip. Tentatively, she touched her tongue to his, teasing as they twined and rubbed together. He angled his head, seeking everything she had to give it seemed.
Her skin became one hot flush, from the tips of her toes to the top of her head as their mouths slowly fused. One hand caressed the back of her neck while the other drove her mad by skimming the skin just above her breasts. Her inner muscles clenched and pulsed as he nipped at her lips and ate at her mouth.
Finally, finally, he cupped an aching breast and lightly squeezed, rubbing his thumb across her beaded nipple over and over, yet she couldn’t quite feel it.
She tore her mouth away. “If you’re worried about my dress, don’t be. In fact, let’s get it out of the way, shall we.” Sitting up on the sofa, she reached to one side and neatly unzipped her dress to the waist whilst he lounged against the sofa and watched like a king awaiting his mistress.
And hadn’t that been a position offered to her? Thank God she had said no. Thank God her parents hadn’t thought it a good idea as well.
The corner of his mouth lifted as the material of her dress gaped, the inner corset making it nearly impossible to fall, but that didn’t deter her lover in the least.
Leaning forward a little, he reached inside her dress and filled his hands with her. “Perfect,” he said, and she grew positively drunk on his compliment. His head dipped as he let go of one of her breasts, moved her long necklace so that it hung down her back, and then tightly wrapped one arm around her, making her arch into him.
His hot mouth wrapped around her tight nipple and when he started to suck, she had to bit her lip to keep from moaning. He teased and pulled and nibbled on her, alternating between breasts and leaving them slightly reddened from the stubble around his mouth and on his jaw.
The Billionaire Bride Page 4