Texan’s Wedding-Night Wager / The Oilman’s Baby Bargain: Texan’s Wedding-Night Wager

Texan’s Wedding-Night Wager by Charlene Sands

THE TEXAS TATTLER

All The News You Need To Know…And More!

Who remembers four years back, when Texas mogul Kevin Novak was happily married? Didn’t think there were many of us. But one has to recall the fervour of the rumour mills when his wife decided to leave her billionaire breadwinner. Everyone was taking bets to see who’d become the next Mrs Novak.

Except that was not an option – for anyone. The Novaks never divorced. Did the powerful Kevin refuse to finalise their estrangement? Or did he always have something else in mind? (He is brilliant, after all.) Because the little woman has finally returned!

The Oilman’s Baby Bargain by Michelle Celmer

THE TEXAS TATTLER

All The News You Need To Know…And More!

We all heard rumours that Mitch Brody had been plotting to help his brother marry the Texas senior senator’s daughter. He’d even gone so far as to “visit” Alexis Cavanaugh multiple times – wining and dining her in elaborate establishments. But when Lance Brody upped and married his mousy secretary, it seemed that the Brody/Cavanaugh merger was off.

Now, rumours abound that the still-eligible Brody brother is back romancing Miss Cavanaugh. Could there have been more to their meetings than one might have imagined? Perhaps the Cavanaughs are so desperate to marry into the Brody family it doesn’t matter which brother the groom is! Though we can certainly attest to Mitch Brody’s appeal – the man is quite the charmer. Or…could there be something to that noticeable “bump” beginning to appear at Alexis’s middle? Perhaps a Brody heir is on the way?

Dear Reader,

I’m so glad to have been invited to write Texan’s Wedding-Night Wager as part of the MILLIONAIRE’S CLUB series along with five other fabulous authors.

Set in the fictional town of Somerset, just outside of Houston, my story features dynamic, handsome Kevin Novak (think David Beckham) and his beautiful, feisty, soon-to-be-ex-wife, Cara. It’s a story of true love and second chances. The two have been separated by distance and regret for four years, and when Cara returns to her home town to get a divorce, Kevin turns the tables on her.

That’s when the fun begins in Maverick County! While Kevin snares Cara in his trap, he becomes a victim of intense attraction and admiration for the wife who abandoned him early in their marriage.

I hope you enjoy the story from beginning to end. In fact, I’ll wager that you do.

Happy reading!

Charlene

CHARLENE SANDS resides in Southern California with her husband, school sweetheart and best friend, Don. Proudly, they boast that their children, Jason and Nikki, have earned their college degrees. The “empty nesters” now enjoy spending time together on Pacific beaches, playing tennis and going to movies, when they are not busy at work, of course!

A proud member of Romance Writers of America, Charlene has written twenty-five romance novels and is the recipient of the 2006 National Readers’ Choice Award, the 2007 Cataromance Reviewer’s Choice Award and the 2008 Booksellers Best Award. Romantic Times BOOKreviews magazine nominated her book Do Not Disturb Until Christmas as the Best Desire of 2008.

Charlene invites you to visit her websites www. charlenesands.com, www.petticoatsandpistols.com and www.myspace.com/charlenesands, to enter her contests, check out her new releases and see what’s up.

This book is dedicated to all of my friends and fellow authors on Petticoats and Pistols. I’ve never met a smarter, more wonderful, more gregarious group of authors. Thanks to Pam Crooks, Stacey Kayne, Cheryl St John, Kate Bridges, Linda Broday, Mary Connealy, Pat Potter, Karen Kay and Elizabeth Lane for being great Western blog pardners. Y’all make it fun!

The Millionaire’s Club

August 2010

Taming the Texas Tycoon Katherine Garbera & One Night with the Wealthy Rancher Brenda Jackson

September 2010

Texan’s Wedding-Night Wager Charlene Sands & The Oilman’s Baby Bargain Michelle Celmer

October 2010

The Maverick’s Virgin Mistress Jennifer Lewis & Lone Star Seduction Day Leclaire

Chapter One

Cara shut down the ballroom lights and stood in the middle of the floor of Dancing Lights, flanked by a wall of mirrors and elegant surroundings that she’d insisted upon when designing her studios. A smile emerged just as Elton John’s voice carried over the speakers. The song stirred up vivid memories and Cara slowly closed her eyes. She moved her hips, swaying to the rhythm and the poetic lyrics.

There’s a calm surrender to the rush of day When the heat of the rolling world can be turned away

An enchanted moment, and it sees me through It’s enough for this restless warrior just to be with you

And can you feel the love tonight

It is where we are

It’s enough for this wide-eyed wanderer

That we got this far

And can you feel the love tonight

“Can you feel the love, Cara?” Kevin had said to her the day they’d married.

Kevin had brought her hand to his mouth and nibbled, his dark blue eyes piercing hers. She’d tingled with excitement from that single gesture. Cara had felt his love, with every heart-stopping glance, every tender touch and each tantalizing kiss.

“Yes, I feel it, honey,” she’d replied.

He’d kissed her lips, whispering, “This is our song, babe.”

They’d hung on to each other and sung the lyrics along with Elton’s smooth tones, moving to the music as their family and friends looked on. She thought she’d married her Prince Charming, her college sweetheart who could make her laugh one moment and sizzle the next.

Cara’s heart swelled thinking back on her wedding day, thinking of being in Kevin’s arms, of loving him for all she was worth and hoping for the same kind of happy life she’d wished for so many of her dance students through the years.

She’d had such big dreams.

“Why, Kevin?” she whispered in the silence of the Dallas ballroom.

Gorgeous Kevin Novak, with the penetrating blue eyes and short blond hair, had often been mistaken for David Beckham. She and Kevin had their own private joke about it since, with her curly blond hair and sky-blue eyes, she hardly looked like Posh Spice. Cara smiled briefly at the memory.

They’d had such good times in the beginning, until Kevin had decided building his real estate empire was more important than building their marriage. He’d become a die-hard workaholic, neglecting her needs in favor of the next big deal. He’d broken her heart—hearing their song again brought it all back. The happiness she’d hoped for with Kevin had eluded them. Cara still felt the ache in the pit of her stomach.

She’d moved on with her life, leaving Somerset to start a new life in Dallas, but she hadn’t escaped the deep hurt and anguish Kevin had caused.

Cara snapped her eyes open and stared at the fading shadows in the mirror. Her silhouette reflected back the new, confident woman she’d become. She was a businesswoman now, owner of a chain of dance studios, and a choreographer and dance instructor as well.

No longer that optimistic, hope-filled girl who’d wanted a life and children with Kevin, it was long past time for Cara to rectify her situation.

She punched off the CD player and headed to the phone to call the man she hadn’t spoken with in over four years. She’d waltzed around this issue long enough.

It was time to divorce her husband.

Kevin Novak chalked the cue stick with slow, deliberate twists, contemplating his next shot. He was one of the best pool players at the Texas Cattleman’s Club, but his pal Darius Franklin was making him sweat for the win. “You know darn well Montoya is responsible for setting the fire.”

Kevin bent over the carved-oak vintage pool table and took his shot, the solid orange cue ball angling into the corner pocket. He knew darn well Darius didn’t believe Alejandro Montoya was responsible for the damaging blaze set at Brody Oil and Gas. But he wasn’t above using distraction to earn a win.

“I don’t know that for a fact, Kev. The fire was definitely an act of arson, but I’m not pointing fingers yet.”

“Montoya has always been a pain in the ass.”

Kevin missed his next shot and Darius lifted his cue stick, eyeing the pool table. “True, but arson? That’s an accusation I’m not ready to make. It looks like a professional job and if that’s the case, I’d have to rule him out.”

“I say he’s guilty.” Lance Brody, another of Kevin’s old frat brothers from the University of Texas, chimed in. Kevin’s four best friends were all members of Texas Cattleman’s Club in Maverick County. They watched the game, sipping drinks and cajoling from the sidelines of the club’s game room.

“I’m with Lance,” Mitch Brody said, agreeing with his brother. “Montoya’s got an ax to grind.”

Justin Dupree nodded, taking a swig of beer. “I think Montoya is guilty, too. He’s got issues with Lance. Always has.”

Lance scoffed. “I have issues with him.” Their rivalry went back to high-school days.

Darius eyed the striped blue ball and took his shot. The ball rolled into the side pocket and Kevin winced.

“Nice shot.”

Darius laughed. “It hurt you to say that, didn’t it?”

“Like a knife in my heart.”

Darius shook his head. “You’re a sore loser, Kev.”

“I haven’t lost yet.”

And when Darius missed his next shot, Kevin went full throttle, unwilling to give an inch. His competitive nature wouldn’t allow a loss. He sank the next four solid-color balls, then the eight ball, winning the game.

Satisfied, Kevin shook his friend’s hand. “You gave me a run for my money.”

Darius slapped a twenty in his palm. “I’ll get you next time.” He lowered his voice, setting his cue stick into its case. “So you really think Montoya set the fire?”

“I’m thinking he did. I also think he’s behind blocking my project in downtown Somerset. He’s got it in for the Brody brothers and their friends. Wasn’t a coincidence to find the area I’d designated for a major development is being declared an historic district. He’s got to be behind the rezoning. It’s all a little too suspicious.”

Lance walked up and put his arms around their shoulders. “Come on, you two. Let’s forget about Montoya for a minute. We need to set a date for my wedding reception. Kate deserves more than the Las Vegas elopement she got.”

Kevin grinned. “Yeah, you really know how to impress a girl.”

Justin added, “Lance really pulled out all the stops on that one.”

“Funny, guys.” Lance pulled a frown, but Kevin knew he didn’t mind their teasing. He’d found his soul mate in Kate and wanted to provide her a beautiful reception.

When the game-room phone rang, Lance walked over to pick it up. “Cara? Is it really you? It’s good to hear your voice.”

Kevin froze. All heads turned his way and he met with four pairs of curious eyes. Emotions washed through his system. A tic worked his jaw while he stood rigid and waited.

“Okay, I’ll get him. He’s right here.” Lance nodded his way, holding the phone up. “It’s…Cara. She wants to speak with you.”

Kevin strode across the room to take the phone. Before speaking, he turned to look at his friends, and with a quick gesture signaled them to continue playing and butt out.

The guys turned around and Kevin spoke into the receiver. “Cara?”

“Hello, Kevin.”

So formal.

God, he hadn’t heard her voice in four years. Not once. Not since she’d left him high and dry and made a new life for herself in Dallas. He’d kept up on her through friends and what little he’d read in the newspapers about her successful dance studios.

She sounded the same—sassy if not a little stiff. There was an awkward moment of silence.

“I guess it’s time for us to end it,” she said.

Images of Cara getting remarried immediately entered his mind. After four years, why else would she call? Had she fallen in love with another man?

Kevin didn’t know how he’d feel about that. She’d walked out on him and their marriage. She’d tried to file for divorce but Kevin had sent the papers back to her. He’d given her an ultimatum—if she wanted out, she would have to come back and face him.

“I’m coming to Somerset. I’d like to make an appointment with you to discuss the…divorce.”

“Fine.” Kevin’s lips tightened.

“It’s business, Kevin. You should understand that. I need an expansion loan for my studios. The bank recommends…Well, let’s face it. We both need to get on with our lives.”

It’s business.

How many times had he said that to her when he couldn’t make it home for dinner? When he’d come in so late that he’d plopped into bed beside her and held her tight until they’d fallen asleep? She’d wanted children and Kevin had asked for her patience. His business had come first, but only because he’d wanted to provide a good life for her. He’d made his millions, but she never understood that he’d done it all for her. And how had she showed him her undying love? She’d packed up in the middle of the night and left him. Just like that. After five years of marriage.

Damn her.

“I’m good with that,” he said. “When are you coming in?”

“Tomorrow?”

Kevin turned to find all four of his friends silently watching him. “Tomorrow is good. Meet me at the office at five.”

Kevin hung up the phone and contemplated his next move. Cara wasn’t going to get away with breezing into his life for a day to get her divorce. No, he wouldn’t make it so easy for her.

A plan began to formulate in his head and his lips lifted. “Cara’s coming to town tomorrow,” he said needlessly. “She wants to finalize the divorce.”

“I’ve seen that expression on your face before,” Darius said. “What’s got you looking so damn smug?”

“Nothing,” he replied innocently.

“Like the nothing that nearly got us expelled from UT? Remember when we stole Professor Turner’s prized Shakespeare bust from his classroom?” Lance asked, narrowing his eyes. “That kind of nothing?”

Kevin shrugged.

“I don’t like it,” Lance said. “You looked fit to be tied when she called, and now you’re looking like a fat cat who just lapped up a pint of milk.”

Kevin only smiled and finished his beer. “I’d better get going.”

“I feel for Cara already. That girl won’t know what hit her,” Darius added.

Kevin walked to the door of the game room, shaking his head. “That girl is my wife. And she deserves everything she gets.”

Darius shot him a warning look. “I always liked Cara.”

“Yeah,” Kevin said on a deep breath, before exiting the room. “So did I.”

As the elevator closed to take Cara up to Kevin’s office, she caught sight of herself in the doors’ reflective surface. She must have glanced in the mirror a dozen times before leaving her Houston hotel room, making sure she looked just right for her meeting with Kevin. On any given day she wore her curly blond hair pulled back in a clip, but today she let the curls fall to her shoulders freely, glossed her lips with a light berry shade and made sure she wore a soft sapphire dress that accented her figure and her blue eyes.

Because it wasn’t any given day.

Today, she’d see her husband for the first time in four years.

And a small part of her wanted him to see what he’d thrown away. She hadn’t wilted like a delicate flower when they’d separated. She’d been broken but not beaten by his betrayal of trust. He hadn’t cheated on her in the classic way, but he had shattered his vows by abandoning their love.

Cara had grown from that experience. Through her pain, she’d managed to create a successful business in a field she loved. She’d come here for Dancing Lights and that expansion loan she needed from the bank, but she’d also come for her own personal reasons.

She drew oxygen in as she exited the elevator and glanced around Kevin’s new office space. He’d certainly come up in the world, from his smaller office on the outskirts of Houston to this impressive space on the tenth floor of a downtown high-rise building.

She walked to the reception desk and waited for the receptionist to finish her phone call.

“May I help you?” she asked.

“Yes, I’m Mrs. Novak. I have an appointment…with my husband.”

The young woman’s eyebrows shot up, surprise evident on her face. Kevin had replaced a great many things since she’d left and apparently sweet, aging Margie Windmeyer, his loyal secretary, hadn’t fit in with the new decor.

Looking baffled, the receptionist paged through her appointment book.

“He’s expecting me.” Cara’s nerves jumped at the edginess in her tone. She wanted to get this over with.

“Yes, Mrs. Novak.” The receptionist gave up looking for her name on the books and pointed toward a set of double doors. “Right through there.”

Cara nodded and stared at the doors for a second. Then, with her slim briefcase tucked under her arm, she entered the office.

Kevin stood with his back to her, staring out the arched window behind his desk. Both hands tucked into his suit pants, she was treated to a captivating view of his tight backside. His physique hadn’t suffered through the years—that much she could determine right away.

As he angled toward her, his profile and the sharp, handsome lines of his face struck her with force. He turned fully around and stared at her, his gorgeous, piercing-blue eyes not giving anything away.

He cast her a half smile. “Cara.”

She stood in the middle of the large office, refusing to let her nerves go raw. It was a shock to see him. She couldn’t possibly have anticipated this moment—how she’d react to seeing him again. She’d imagined it a hundred times, but nothing compared to the reality. Seeing him brought back bittersweet memories of all they’d had and all they’d lost, which swept through her in a matter of seconds.

She got hold of her bearings and smiled a little. “Hello, Kevin.”

Kevin eyed her up and down, the way he used to when he wanted to make love to her. Heat swelled and coursed through her body, a remnant of what they’d once shared coming to light. Suddenly, the enormity of her mission here struck her. She would put an ending note on the last chapter of their marriage.

“You look…well.”

Kevin taunted her. “You look beautiful.”

“Thank you.” Cara held on to her defenses, despite the bitter way he offered up the compliment.

“Have a seat, Cara.” He gestured and she sat in a brown leather chair facing him.

Cara fidgeted with her briefcase, finally setting it on Kevin’s desk. She crossed her legs and tapped her fingers on the arms of the chair.

Kevin’s gaze fell to her thighs, where the material of her dress gathered. She refused to squirm under his direct scrutiny. But she wished he’d sit down.

“Are you getting remarried?”

His blunt question surprised her. She shook her head. “No.”

He nodded, folding his arms across his rigid body.

“It’s just time, Kevin. We need to move on. I’m planning to expand my business and I need to get a large bank loan.”

“You don’t want my name on anything legal, right?” His eyes narrowed on her.

“You’re a businessman,” she responded with patience, wondering what happened to the Kevin Novak she’d married. This man seemed so different, so dark and contemptuous. She’d never seen this side of Kevin before. “You know how it works.”

“Yeah, I know how it works.” His cutting, derisive tone sobered the moment even more.

Kevin finally took a seat behind his desk. He braced his elbows on the chair arms and steepled his fingers. “Don’t you find it strange that we’re sitting here in my office, speaking formalities?”

“Strange?”

The corner of Kevin’s mouth lifted in a wry smile. “Yeah, strange. Considering how we started out. Hot and heavy from the moment we laid eyes on each other.”

Cara recalled her college sorority sister’s birthday bash, with balloons and loud music and alcohol flowing. She’d taken one look at Kevin and fallen in love instantly. They’d spent the entire night flirting shamelessly. Cara had never been so aware of her own sensuality until that day. She and Kevin had blown off the party. They’d had a party of their own that night.

Heat crawled up her neck at the erotic memory. “That’s the past, Kevin.”

Kevin let her comment drop. He leaned back in his seat and stared into her eyes. “I understand your dance studios are doing very well.”

Cara’s heart sped up at his implication. She straightened in her seat and leaned forward a bit. “I’m not here for your money, Kevin.” She glanced around the elaborate surroundings. Exquisite Southwest artwork adorned the walls of his very tastefully decorated office. “Though I see you’ve become a huge success. That was always most important to you.”

Cara made her point and leaned back in her seat, content to put a name on the mistress who’d stolen her marriage from her. “I’m only here for your signature.”

“And you’ll get it,” Kevin said.

Oh, boy. That was easy, Cara thought, sighing silently with relief.

“Under one condition. I want something from you, Cara.”

So Kevin had terms. She’d be willing to hear him out. She wanted nothing more than to get this whole ordeal over and done with. “I’m willing to do anything, within reason.”

Kevin grinned a little too widely. “Considering you abandoned me and our marriage, I think my request is quite reasonable.”

Cara went numb. She didn’t like the look on her husband’s face. “You forced my hand, Kevin. I hung on to our marriage for years, hoping. But you gave me no option—”

“And I’m giving you no option now. If you want your precious divorce,” he said, “you’ll have to agree to my terms.”

Chapter Two

Kevin watched Cara’s sudden panic when his request finally sank in. Momentarily silenced, Cara blinked rapidly, giving him a chance to really look his wife over.

He hadn’t realized what four years of separation had done to him. He’d never met a woman he admired more than Cara, or thought more beautiful or talented. Cara had it all. He’d always thought so, and everything he’d done, he’d done for her. He’d wanted to prove to her and her wealthy family that she’d married well. That he could give her all the things she deserved.

God, how he’d loved her.

Kevin inhaled sharply and Cara’s head snapped up. “You can’t be serious, Kevin.”