by Carré White
“And he still turned out wrong, eh? You found out some things that weren’t so pleasant. That goes to show you that it don’t matter how long you’ve known ‘em. Even a decade might not be enough. You gotta have some faith.”
“That’s fine and dandy for you to say, but I hold myself to higher standards.”
His expression fell. “Oh, that again. I’m well aware that I ain’t good enough for you.”
The tone of his voice affected me strangely, as I felt badly for my harsh words. “Oh, let’s not argue, sir. You shouldn’t overdo it. You’ve only just recovered from a serious injury. You should be in bed.” He leaned into me, and I found myself against the wall again. “Sir!”
“You and me got chemistry, Louisa,” he whispered near my ear. “I wondered if you’d be a cold fish, but you’re not, quite the opposite actually. There’s fire in your veins, woman, and it runs hot. You shouldn’t waste yourself in a schoolroom. You need a husband. You need someone like me.”
“I’m going to bed.” I hated that I had begun to tremble. Even my knees felt weak. Don’t let him ruin your resolve!
“You know you’re in my room, don’t you?”
“Would you like me to take the one downstairs?”
His smile was slight. “Or I could just join you in this one.”
I crossed my arms over my chest, glaring at him. “I’m going to pretend I didn't hear that.”
“But you did. Then we can go to town, and get married in the morning.”
Those words were shocking. “Y-you’re unbelievable. Your manners are scandalous.” He had recovered far too quickly. I had vastly underestimated him and my own reaction.
“So you’ve told me…repeatedly now.”
“Good night, Mr. Montgomery.”
He seemed thoughtful, yet there was something in his look I hadn’t seen before. “Good night, Mrs. Montgomery.”
Hearing those words stopped me in my tracks; my hand was wrapped around the doorknob. I hadn’t completely recovered from that unexpected kiss, and now this! I was rapidly reaching the end of my tether. It had suddenly become imperative that I leave this house as soon as he was healthy…and that moment could not happen fast enough.
“I…” our eyes met, “I’m…oh, goodnight!” He chuckled softly, as I closed the door. I leaned against it, my chest rising and falling, while images of being in his arms drifted through my mind. “That horrible man.”
It was an effort to sleep that night, because my body seemed to react physically each time I thought of how he had felt against me. Waves of pleasurable tingles left me doubting my long held beliefs and wishing I could throw all caution to the wind and marry him. I had to know his character, though, before I embarked on anything more serious. He was still a mystery to me, his vices had yet to be fully uncovered, and I suspected he had more of them. Once I knew what they were, would I be able to accept them, and give him my hand in marriage? I had a great deal to think about.
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Other works by Carré White
Sonoran Nights
The Colorado Brides Series
***
An Unexpected Widow
An Unexpected Bride
An Unexpected Annulment
An Unexpected Mother
Table of Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Epilogue