“You should have said something. You sounded so brave over the internet when we sorted out the rules of engagement for this marriage.”
She lifted huge frightened eyes to him. The green flecks in the pools of earthy brown reminded him of the colors in the trees at the base of the mountains in autumn when the leaves changed just as they were doing now.
“I needed the money so badly I would have agreed to anything. Didn’t mean I had to like it though.” She looked at him defiantly, her chin raised and stubborn. Her Australian drawl seemed more intensified when she was emotional. He wondered if she knew how easy she was to read, or maybe it was just that he was becoming attuned to her body.
“You need to promise me something. I want the truth between us, even when it hurts.” He ran his calloused thumb across the palm of her hand, feeling the ridges from hard work. “This deal has to work for both of us. We went into it for a reason, didn’t we?”
She nodded her head and used her free hand to wipe the tears before they fell down her pale cheeks. “It’s not like I won’t have sex with you, but I just don’t know if we can make it work. I’m not sure we should even try.”
“The thing is, I want a wife I can rely on. Not someone just in name alone. You won’t just be a ranch hand. You will be my partner in all things including my bed when we both feel you’re ready.”
She tossed her head, sending the now dry tendrils of hair from her face. “I still don’t see why you did this. I mean, I know now that you’re someone special or at least a little bit famous. You could have had anyone. Why me, really since we’re telling the truth?”
“Because I’m not who people think I am. I don’t want to have to keep up the façade any longer.” He squeezed her fingers once more before letting go of her hand. Chance sat up in the chair, easing the pain in his hip.
“Who are you then?” Callie curled her feet up under her body and watched him, no longer wary of him.
“I had a fabulous childhood growing up but that changed when my mother died. My father couldn’t cope and turned to the bottle.” He vowed never to put his children through the same thing. “It was hard on me and my brothers. I tried to shield them as much as I could to start with because I was the eldest. The more our father drank, the harder it got. One day he took a swing at me and I left. I walked out and left my brothers behind, something I’m not proud of but I couldn’t stay behind not getting anywhere. I needed the money the rodeo would give me to set them up with a decent chance of life since our father was intent on drinking away every dollar he earned.”
She rested her chin on her hand and watched him.
The familiar hollowness ached in his gut; a small reminder of the guilt he’d carried around for years at leaving his brothers behind. “I didn’t care if he drank himself into an early grave, but I should have stayed for my brothers. They had nobody to look after them and I’ve never forgiven myself for that.”
“Hmm, sounds to me like you never had a choice. What would have happened if you stayed?”
“Who knows? Tyson told me later that the old man was mad fit to bust and it was probably for the best, but that still doesn’t excuse the fact that I thought of myself first and left them alone.”
“Did they forgive you?” Her eyes swam with sympathy.
“Yeah. It’s me who has the problem, not them.”
“So what’s the problem here then? You still haven’t answered the question.”
Chance looked at her wondering if he had gotten more than he bargain for with Callie. She was like a dog with a bone. “When I ran away, I had to stand up for myself and I figured the best way to do that was to reinvent myself, so Chance the cocky bull rider was born. There wasn’t anything I wouldn’t try at least once. I mixed with anyone who could get me higher up the professional ladder. I made sure I was always in the public eye and used people for my own gain.”
“You mean like famous people?”
“Yeah. Fake it til you make it kind of thing. Eventually I was more famous than I could have thought and I found I really didn’t like it. Paparazzi followed me everywhere and women threw themselves at me. It got kind of old pretty quick.”
“But it paid off obviously.” A small smile was lifting the corners of her mouth and he could see the sparkle in her eyes.
“Of course it did. I was at the top of my game, money wasn’t a problem. I managed to help my brothers out and buy my own ranch. Life was good.” He gave a bitter laugh.
“Until Terror.”
“Yeah, until Terror did the deed on me. My own stupid fault, I know that. Maybe it was my subconscious telling me it was time to quit and go back to what I really wanted, who knows. But when I woke up in hospital with my hip pinned together, I knew it was my opportunity to let go of the wild life.”
“So what’s wrong with that then? I don’t understand. I mean I get that you were putting on a false front for the public and everything, but why is it a problem now? Can’t you just fade away into your own life?”
“That’s the plan, but it’s going to take some work and it might impact on you to some extent.”
“I don’t get it.” She frowned. “Why would it?”
“Everyone thinks I like the high life, including my brothers. I doubt anyone would believe I suddenly turned into a diehard rancher who wants to be left alone away from the fame and money I used to live with.”
“Who cares what people think?”
“My brothers don’t know I can’t ride anymore.” Chance pushed himself to his feet, his hip aching sitting in the hard chair. “They think I’ve just gone to the airport to pick up a farm manager and then I’ll be back on the circuit once my hip is healed. It’s not like this is the first injury I’ve had.”
“So they don’t know you married me or why then?” She shrugged her shoulders. “Just tell them the truth.”
“Now there lies the problem. If they find out I did it all for them because I felt guilty, how do you think they’ll feel?”
Her mouth opened in a round “O”. Callie looked at him with realization dawning. “They can think I’m just the farm manager, fine. But how do you think you’re going to pull this off? I mean, you’ll have to tell them sooner or later you can’t go back to the circuit. Surely they would understand that.”
“Yes, they would, but they wouldn’t understand me marrying a quiet country girl and retiring to the mountains to raise bulls and kids. They’d expect me to marry someone famous and stay in the lime light. It’s just how I spent the last twelve years of my life and it would be too much of a change for me to pull it off otherwise.”
“So what do we do now?”
“I want you to pretend to be the farm manager for a while. Let me ease them into it. Once they get used to you and see me happy back on the ranch, we can tell them.” He tried to smile at her but it came off as a grimace. “I know it sounds weak, but I don’t want to make them feel responsible for the way my life turned out. I feel bad enough leaving them with a drunk for a father without them thinking I put up with all the crap I did to make up for it. Double whammy if you get me.”
“Would they even be there at the ranch that often?”
“Yeah, they can’t seem to stay away apart from Rory who lives a few hours away. He lost his wife a few years ago and is having trouble being anywhere near the rest of the family for more than a day or so a year.”
“That’s sad.”
“Yeah but it’s his choice so I can’t push my ideas on him. I’m sure eventually he’ll come around.”
***
Callie stood and yawned. “I need sleep. Which side is better for you?” She looked at the bed and her eyes almost drooped.
“I’m happy either side. Take your pick.”
She walked over and pulled back the covers, plumping up the pillows. “So, does that mean we share a room when we get home or what?”
“Sure, just not when my brothers come over. You can set yourself up in one of the guest rooms.” He hobbled over to
the bed. “Callie, I appreciate it, I really do. I know I got you over here under false pretentions to some extent but it will work out in the end, I promise, and you’ll still get your money.”
“I can hardly blame you for what you did when I’ve only come over here for the money too. Guess we both have our demons, but I’m no sorrier than you are for doing it. My sisters are relying on me to clear the debt and provide for them when they finish school.” She climbed into bed and snuggled down with the blankets pulled up under her arms.
“So you have no issues sleeping with me then?” Chance looked down on her and she lifted a hand to shield her eyes.
“I agreed didn’t I? But I did go on the pill so we don’t get caught out getting pregnant until we’re ready, if we ever are.”
“Yeah good idea. Well, I’m going to have a shower and crash. Tomorrow is another big drive.” He hobbled toward the bathroom and shut the door behind him.
Callie let out a sigh of relief. He deserved what he’d paid for and if truth be told it wouldn’t be a hardship to sleep with him. She hadn’t been with anyone for ages and besides, he’d paid for her and she was going to make sure she kept her side of the bargain. She clicked off the bedside lamp and snuggled into the pillow.
Callie was almost asleep when Chance came out of the bathroom. He left the light on behind him and closed the door leaving a one inch gap for light during the night. She could see him walking toward the bed from the light behind him. A white towel hung around his hips, showing off the shape of a well-toned body. She kept her breathing even and her eyes closed to a slit.
When he pulled back the cover, Chance dropped the towel to the floor and shuffled between the sheets. She heard the intake of breath as he tried to get comfortable. Unsure of whether to offer him help or ignore it for now, Callie held still and waited to see what happened before she did anything.
Within minutes his breathing changed to a deeper pace and she realized he was asleep. She relaxed and rolled over onto her back. Though the curtains the red light still flashed, illuminating the dark night sky. The rumble of semi-trucks driving through town broke the still night as they passed. The sky was hovering between grey and black when she finally fell asleep.
***
The smooth chest under her hand was warm and inviting. Callie rubbed her finger tips over the small nub of flesh and snuggled closer, the male smell holding her close. A firm hand cupped her butt and pulled her closer still, another hand stroked the hair from her face. She snuggled her face into the rough palm, feeling secure for the first time in months.
Callie opened her eyes and squealed. Chance was holding her tight and her arms were wrapped around his naked body, her legs twined with his.
“Stay there. You feel good like this.” His eyes were closed and there was a small smile twitching the corners of his full mouth. Callie froze. “And stop over thinking this. Just relax for a few more moments and then we need to get up and on the road.”
She swallowed and looked at the face within licking distance. His blond hair was cut fairly short but still curled around his ears and a cow lick graced the corner of his forehead. A day’s growth showed through, leaving a soft cast of shadow around his chin and over his top lip. The scar ran from his cheek through his eyebrow and snaked up to the part in his hair. It was faded but she could see the tiny points where the stitches had been placed.
Long golden eyelashes wavered and she wondered what it would be like to have them flutter against her cheek.
“Stop thinking and lie still.”
Callie relaxed and let her head drop back to his shoulder, snuggling into his chest. The woodsy smell of his aftershave lingered on his skin, reminding her of pine forests and rushing streams of cool clear water.
“You tossed and turned all night. Was it that bad a day yesterday?” His lashes opened and he looked down at her with soft blue cloudless eyes.
“Yes and no. It’s going to be a challenge for both of us, but we’re both doing it for good reasons. I don’t want my sisters to grow up thinking my folks didn’t care enough about them to make provision for when they’re older.” She swallowed and pushed away the emotion that rushed up her throat whenever she thought of her parents. “They deserve more.”
“Exactly how I felt about my brothers and why I did what I did. We’re not that unalike when you think about it. We can make this work, Callie. I know we can.” He pushed her back on the pillow and raised himself over her.
“Chance…” Her words were cut off when his lips came down over hers. She sucked in a breath and the taste of him rolled over her tongue. He nipped at her top lip and looked down into her eyes. Before she could say anything he dipped down to her mouth again, this time running his tongue over the curve of her top lip. Callie tried to grasp his tongue with her teeth but he evaded her.
Her eyes closed as he latched onto her lips, pushing his tongue into her mouth to trace the ridges of her teeth. She paused, eager to respond but wary of letting this get out of control so soon. His body covered hers and she thrust up, her hips moving of their own accord, a reminder it had been far too long since her body had been tempted to let go.
Callie wrapped her hand around the back of his neck, gripping tight to keep him where he was. Her body took over from her mind and she hooked a leg over his, one hand running down his back and cupping his naked butt.
He gasped and a moan escaped his throat.
“Sorry, oh Chance, I’m so stupid.” Her heart ached to see him screwing up his face in pain.
He rested his forehead on hers and kept his eyes closed until the pain receded. With a deep steadying breath he opened his eyes and looked into hers. “Sorry, not your fault.” He kissed her again and eased himself back to rest on the pillow, a hand draped over his face.
“No, I should have known better. You’ve been hurt badly and I kind of forgot there for a minute.” Heat raced up her cheeks and she sat up, wrapping her arms around her knees. “If I’d stuck to the plan it wouldn’t have happened.”
He reached out a hand placing it on her back. “Don’t torment yourself. I never expected you to react that way or I would have waited until I was feeling better.” He chuckled and she risked a peek over her shoulder at him. He burst out laughing and Callie frowned.
“What is so damned funny, cowboy?” She shuffled around, rose too her knees, and glared at him, her hands on her hips as she towered over him.
“You and me. Who would of thought a mail order wedding would have us reacting like this to each. I want you as much as you want me. You can’t deny it, Callie.”
“How can I when I was just climbing all over you? If you hadn’t yelped like a girl we would be cozy by now.” She smiled, wiggled her eyebrows at him and scurried off the bed. “Time to get a move on if we want to get home tonight, wouldn’t you say?”
She grabbed her clothes bag and hurried to the bathroom, slamming the door behind her before he was out of bed. She fanned herself and moaned. How bad was that? Or good, depending on which way you looked at it. To get saddled with a guy who didn’t turn her on was one of the things that scared her the most, which was why she’d reacted the way she had last night. Nothing wrong with sex. It was a healthy reaction and the guy was her husband after all.
Callie squeezed her eyes shut and fist pumped the air. Yes! That hot cowboy was hers and all she had to do was pretend he wasn’t when there was anyone around until they had the rest of the family eased into his new way of life. Shouldn’t be too hard to do.
There was a tap on the door. “Hang on.” She hurried into a pair of comfy worn jeans and button up shirt and ran her fingers through her hair. Once her teeth were brushed, she checked her reflection in the mirror. There was color to her cheeks that wasn’t there yesterday. Thank goodness that day was over and done with. Now to get into the swing of things as the wife of the hunkiest cowboy she’d ever laid eyes on.
Callie pulled open the bathroom door and stopped. Chance was standing with a towel around his hips
and a smile on his face, one arm on the door frame.
CHAPTER SIX
The startled look on her face changed as soon as she gathered herself. She leaned against the door and pursed her lips. “So, the plan for today would be?”
“How about I have five minutes in here to do my thing and you order us breakfast?” The swell of her breasts under the old cotton shirt threatened to make him ignore the pain and take her back to bed. Who could have imagined he would fall for the petite Australian farmer as quickly as he had? Certainly not him.
Callie licked her lips and he watched her gaze roam his naked chest. “I guess I could do that.”
“I would prefer to do something else myself. I think it would be advisable to wait until we get home. At least there is a much more comfortable bed which would ease the pain on my hip since I’m sure it’s going to get a workout. I don’t like taking too many pain killers when I have to drive so far.”
“Um, well…” She stood up and tucked her hands behind her back. “Yeah, that might be a good idea. I can always drive you know. Give you a break along the way if you like.” She gazed up at him with such earnest eyes he was reminded of an innocence lacking for too long in his life.
“I might take you up on that. Breakfast first and then we can hit the highway.”
Callie ducked out under his arm and hurried over to the phone to call room service for breakfast. Chance heard her voice as he shut the door.
An hour later they were in the truck, eating up the miles toward home.
“Tell me about your brothers. How many do you have and what do they do?” She tucked a leg up under her butt and turned to watch him.
“Well now, there’s Tyson. He lives next door to me. Horses are his thing, especially stock horses. You know about Rory. Poor guy. He really has had it pretty tough.” Chance shook his head and checked in the rear vision mirror. “He married quite young which was fine because he and Leila were made for each other. Everyone could see it. She was the sweetest thing and he adored her.”
Chance For Love (Colorado Blues) Page 4