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

“I’m not joking.”

Cara stood abruptly and stared straight into his eyes. “No, I don’t suppose you have a sense of humor anymore.”

He caught a slight whiff of her exotic scent, the same fragrance she’d worn when they’d been truly man and wife. Memories of hot, erotic nights flooded his senses. Of her silky smooth skin against his flesh, her breath against his cheek, her soft, sensual body tucked under his.

He wanted her again. He’d given her no other choice but to accept his demand. He wouldn’t let Cara have the last laugh. “On the contrary, babe. I have a great sense of humor, when something is funny. This, however, isn’t funny.”

“It’s ridiculous! You want me to live with you for a week? Why, Kevin?”

Kevin arched his brows, but remained silent.

Her blue eyes sparked like raging fire when she caught on. She shook slightly and pointed her finger. “This is blackmail.”

“You owe me for walking out.”

Indignant, Cara raised her voice. “You walked out on us!”

Kevin’s gut tightened. “No, Cara,” he said with quiet calm. “I worked hard to give us a good start.”

Cara shook her head so hard her blond curls whipped across her face. “No, no, no. I won’t let you get away with that. I wanted you. I wanted a family. Children. You only wanted to amass a fortune. You were never there for me, Kevin.”

He shrugged. He’d heard this all before and he’d never agreed with her take on their marriage. He’d asked for one thing from Cara—patience. He’d wanted to give her the world. “So your solution was to run away?”

Cara backed up a step and lowered her voice. “I couldn’t do it anymore. I needed more from you.”

“And leaving Somerset solved the problem for you.” Kevin snapped his fingers. “Just like that, you were gone.”

A sharp, stinging pain sliced through his gut. Kevin didn’t think Cara had the power to hurt him anymore, but seeing her again brought back all the bitter memories. They’d argued the night before Cara had left and had gone to bed angry with each other, but that was nothing compared to the memory of finding that Cara had slipped out of the house before dawn, leaving only a note in her wake.

“It wasn’t as easy as you make it seem.” Cara’s pretty mouth turned down. She filled her lungs with a fortifying breath and opened her slim attaché case, pulling out the divorce papers. “If you’ll forget this nonsense and just sign the papers, you and I…”

“Will be done?”

Cara closed her eyes. “Yes. Please, Kevin. This is difficult enough.”

She got that right. It was difficult seeing her again. All the old, hurtful feelings came tumbling back. Her leaving had cut him deep and left him bleeding. He’d hidden his injury from those around him until he’d become numb inside, then bitterness had emerged. He’d spent the next few years resenting Cara Pettigrew and trying to wash away her memory with an occasional one-night stand, women who would never measure up. He’d refused relationships and poured all his energy back into his business.

Kevin shrugged off his pain the way he’d learned to, from years of experience. He stood his ground. “I told you, I want one week with you, Cara. One week at my penthouse. And then I’ll sign the divorce papers.”

Cara’s shoulders slumped. She shoved the papers back into the attaché case and snapped it shut. “I can’t do that.”

Kevin walked around his desk and approached her. Her eyes gleamed like diamonds and her skin appeared soft as a baby’s, but it was her very kissable mouth, tight as it was at the moment, that had him moving in even closer. He’d never gotten over his anger with her, but he’d also never gotten over wanting her. And now that she was here, he wanted one last fling with his wife.

Before he ended their marriage for good.

He touched her wrist and slid his finger tenderly up her arm. Goose bumps broke out on her skin and Kevin felt a moment of satisfaction. “If you want the divorce, you’re going to have to pay for it.”

Breathless, Cara looked deep into his eyes. “You’ve changed, Kevin.”

“I won’t deny it.”

Cara moved back a step and Kevin dropped his hand from her arm. She worked the inside of her lower lip in that adorable way that always made him hot for her.

“I’ll make you a counteroffer.”

Kevin smiled inside. He should have known his feisty wife wouldn’t give in without a fight. It was a trait he’d always admired about her. “I’m listening.”

“One night. You get one night and that’s all.”

Initially Kevin balked. One night wasn’t nearly enough to exact his payback. He wanted more time with her. His plan was to romance her into falling in love with him again. The ultimate revenge for dumping him would be in his rejection of her. Then he’d sign her divorce papers.

A thought struck and Kevin acted swiftly. “You’ve got a deal. If and only if you agree that our one night will be two weeks from tonight.”

“Two weeks? I can’t possibly—”

“That’s my offer. You stay in town for two weeks, and in exactly fourteen days you’ll have your divorce. Take it or walk away now with those unsigned papers, babe.”

Cara narrowed her eyes and crinkled her nose. She mulled it over for a few seconds, then finally gave him her uplifted chin. “Fine. But only because I need that bank loan. You’ve got me up against a wall.”

Her scent drew him closer. She looked so darn beautiful when she was indignant. He arched a brow. “Baby, I’ve had you up against a wall. Remember?”

Recollection replaced the surprise on her face and her features softened with the memory. Kevin wrapped his hands around her slender waist and tugged her against him, his fingers splayed across her backside.

“Kevin,” she whispered, before his mouth claimed hers.

Kevin could kiss and Cara fell into him for all she was worth. His expert lips teased and tempted her with little nibbles until sizzling heat built up. She tried a vain attempt to pull away, but Kevin only brought her up tighter, pressing her hips to his with a subtle grind that swept through her system. Her knees buckled, her heart slammed as the frenzied kiss overwhelmed her. She found it hard to breathe. And when she opened her mouth to take in oxygen, Kevin mated their tongues and the tantalizing thrill escalated.

He cupped her head in both hands and kissed her again and again, their breathing labored and intense. In the past, this kind of kiss had meant only one thing—a steamy night under the sheets. Kevin could always turn her inside out…

The sobering thought of his blackmail returned full force.

Damn him. Damn him. Damn him.

She didn’t want this. She didn’t want to be swayed by memories of hot, mind-blowing sex with her husband. She’d put those thoughts out of her mind, for the most part. She’d come here for a signature and instead got a near-orgasmic experience just from one kiss.

She pushed at his chest and broke off the kiss.

Kevin glanced at her lips, which she was sure were red and swollen, and smiled. “Two weeks is gonna be a long time.”

“We could finish it here and now.” Cara nearly died of mortification when Kevin noticed her glancing at the top of his uncluttered desk.

“Tempting,” Kevin said, his gaze raking her over. “But we made a deal.”

“Couldn’t we undo that deal, Kevin?” She prayed her plea came through sure and steady, instead of desperate.

Kevin stepped away from her and shook his head. “The way you undid our marriage? No, Cara. This time you’re not running away from me. In fact, I want you to have dinner with me tomorrow night. I’ll pick you up at seven.”

Cara jammed her hands on her hips. Who was this man? Certainly, he wasn’t the man she’d fallen in love with and married nine years ago. “You can’t issue orders like that to me, Kevin. I’m not at your beck and call.”

Chagrined, Kevin scratched his head, acknowledging his mistake. “Sorry,” he said. “Guess I’m out of practice wining and dining a lady.”

His confession touched something deep in her heart. Furious with him as she was, it was nice to know that behind all his anger there was a glimmer of the man she’d once known. And to know that Kevin was out of practice with women instilled great comfort within her.

Kevin made a point of clearing his throat and beginning anew. “Cara, I’d like for you to join me for dinner tomorrow night. We have a lot to catch up on. And I could use your advice about something.”

Curious, Cara raised her brows. “My advice?”

“Yes, you always had a level head and you know the parties involved. I want to run something by you. Will you join me for dinner?”

After raising her curiosity level a notch, Cara could hardly refuse. “Yes, okay. I’ll have dinner with you. I’m staying at the Four Seasons.”

Kevin nodded. “I’ll pick you up at seven.” He moved to his desk to retrieve her attaché, and without pause laid a hand to her back and walked her to the door. Handing her the briefcase, he looked into her eyes. “I’m looking forward to seeing you tomorrow night, Cara.”

Cara nodded, biting her lip to keep from making a snarky retort like, You’re blackmailing me into this. What choice do I have?

But in fact she did have a choice. She could’ve made up an excuse not to have dinner with him. Maybe that would have been the wiser move. Yet Cara had been curious, not only about the advice Kevin wanted, but to learn what had become of her friends in Somerset.

After leaving him, she’d lost touch with so many people and she’d always regretted that. Maybe it was time to renew those friendships while she was here.

Cara bounded out of Kevin’s office with a bounce in her step. This wasn’t how she’d envisioned her encounter going—especially succumbing to Kevin’s kiss the way that she had—but her goals were in sight.

And that was all that mattered to her.

Cara walked the distance to her hotel, willing to trudge the ten blocks in high heels rather than hailing a cab. It was a good way to cool off from Kevin’s melt-your-heart kiss and his blatant blackmail. She didn’t know which of the two disturbed her more.

She’d had little power over Kevin’s kiss. From day one, she’d never been able to resist him. That’s why she’d stolen off in the middle of the night four years ago, fearing that if she’d told him her plans he’d convince her to stay. He’d make his argument, as he had so many other times, and kiss her into oblivion.

But she’d thwarted his blackmail attempt. Somewhat. She could take some satisfaction in that. He’d wanted a week with her when it was clear their marriage was over, and she’d offered him one night. Some might not think it a victory, but Cara knew how determined Kevin was and his compromise certainly meant a win, small as it might be.

Cara clutched her briefcase and thought of the divorce papers inside. Soon, she’d have the independence she needed to expand her business without relying on her mother’s money, which she’d managed to do so far. Since leaving Kevin, she’d looked forward to being her own woman and was proud of her accomplishments. Everything she’d achieved, she’d done on her own. Though her mother had offered to fund her dance studios, Cara wanted to make it on her own. So Cara viewed negotiating with Kevin to get him to sign the divorce papers as a business proposition—a means to achieving her goal.

“Soon, Cara-Bella,” she whispered, smiling at the nickname her dance instructors had bestowed upon her, claiming she danced like a princess.

Soon, you’ll have what you came here for.

As she moved along the sidewalk, taking in the sights and sounds of downtown Houston, gradually her steps slowed to a stroll. She calmed herself by window-shopping, glancing at the familiar storefronts, noting which had revamped their exteriors and which had gone out of business, replaced by newer, more upbeat trendy shops.

People moved along the sidewalks at a quick pace, but that didn’t stop her from spotting Alicia Montoya across the street, bogged down with several shopping bags. She waved, trying to get her attention. “Alicia!”

Alicia swiveled her head and saw her. Surprised, she smiled and waved back, then gestured toward the street corner. Cara met her there after crossing the street.

“Cara, it’s so good to see you!” She gave her a double-armed, shopping-bag hug.

Cara chuckled and knew the first moment of actual joy since coming to Houston. She hugged her back. “Alicia, I’m happy to see you, too. It’s been years.”

She and Alicia had become friends in her first years of marriage with Kevin, despite her brother’s objections. Alex Montoya didn’t want his family involved with any friends of either Lance or Mitch Brody. Both those men had been close to Kevin since their college days, along with Justin Dupree and Darius Franklin. Alex’s extreme hatred carried over to anyone involved with the five men of the Texas Cattleman’s Club.

“Yes, it has been. I wish we had stayed in touch,” Alicia said quietly.

“I’m really sorry about that, Alicia. I went through a hard time. Leaving my home and everything I knew…wasn’t easy. I needed to make a clean break.”

Alicia’s chocolate-brown eyes softened. “I understand. But you’re here now.”

“Yes, I’m here for two weeks. I’d actually planned on calling you, so I’m doubly glad I spotted you. Looks like you bought out the store.”

Alicia glanced down at the shopping bags she held. “I know, I went a little crazy. I don’t shop much, so I had some making up to do. Where are you staying?”

“In a hotel just down the street. Do you think we can get together while I’m here?”

“I was just going to suggest that. We can meet in Somerset for lunch.”

“Sounds great.” Cara handed Alicia her business card. “Here’s my cell number. I’m looking forward to it.”

Alicia smiled when she read the card designed with two dancing figures silhouetted by twinkling lights. “Dancing Lights. I like it, Cara. I’d heard you opened a dance studio.”

Cara shrugged. “All my gymnastics and cheerleading really paid off, I guess. We teach all kinds of dance at the studio. It keeps me out of trouble.”

Thoughtful, Alicia glanced at the card again. “I’ll call you at the end of the week. I have to meet Alejandro now. He’s expecting me.”

Cara nodded. She couldn’t send a greeting to Alicia’s brother. Not when he’d tried to break up her friendship with Alicia, simply because she’d married Kevin. Guilt by association didn’t sit well with her.

“Okay, I’ll see you soon. I’m really looking forward to it.” The sentiment held true—Cara wanted to renew friendships she’d allowed to dissolve when she’d left town. Alicia was a sweetheart and had lent a compassionate ear to Cara when her marriage had fallen apart. She’d love to get acquainted with her again.

Cara stopped in the food court of the Galleria and picked up an Asian salad for dinner before heading to her hotel. When she entered her room, she kicked off her shoes and sat down on the bed, exhausted from the turmoil of the day.

Not two minutes later, a knock came at her door. She groaned and lifted herself off the bed. “Yes,” she said, opening the door to a hotel employee.

“Mrs. Novak? This came for you. Special delivery.”

An “ohh” escaped from Cara before she realized it. The young man handed her a dozen black calla lilies and lavender orchids, beautifully arranged in a vase.

“Thank you,” she said and gave him a tip before closing the door. Admiring the lilies, she set them down on the dresser and plucked the card out.

She read the note. “I didn’t forget your favorite.” Tears stung her eyes for a second. She knew the exotic flowers were from Kevin. Cara had a thing for the unique-colored lilies and it had been the one extravagance she’d requested for their wedding.

Emotion stirred in her stomach and she flopped onto the bed. Staring at the ceiling, her throat constricted and she whispered in the silence of the room, “You didn’t forget, did you, Kevin.”

Kevin sank the putt and eagled the eighteenth hole, then pumped his fist once, twice, in a fair imitation of Tiger Woods. The TCC’s golf course wasn’t exactly a tournament course but Kevin was too happy with the turn of events lately to give a damn. He liked winning.

“Lucky shot,” Lance muttered with mocking disgust.

“Lucky, my ass. That’s pure skill, Brody. That makes five wins to your two, this month.”

“I had you beat until those last three holes,” Lance grumbled. “It’s as if you can’t wait to get off the course today.”

At the reminder of time, Kevin glanced at his watch. He had to stop by his office, change and get ready to pick up Cara.

“Got a hot date or something, Kev?” Lance’s mouth curled into a smirk.

Kevin set his putter into his golf bag. “I’m seeing Cara tonight.”

Lance whistled low and long. “Is there an inkling of hope for you two?”

Kevin glanced at Lance. “Not even a chance.”

Lance blinked. “You’re saying that you’re over her?”

Kevin gritted his teeth. Damn right, he was over her. No matter that seeing her yesterday had reminded him of good times they’d shared or that he looked forward to seeing her again tonight. “Yeah, I’m over her.”

“But you’re taking her out tonight, right?”

“Yeah, I’m taking her out.”

“Hey, just tell me to butt out, buddy. But I saw the look on your face yesterday when she called. You were hopping mad. And anger means you still care. And it also means that you’re up to something. I know you, Kevin.”

“I’m having one last fling with my wife before I sign the divorce papers,” Kevin said in his own defense. “There’s no crime in that.”

“Unless you have an ulterior motive.”

Kevin shrugged. “She’ll be here for a couple of weeks.” Thanks to his blackmail.

After stowing their bags on the back end of the golf cart, he and Lance settled in the seats, Kevin taking the driver’s side.

“So you plan on dating her, and then what?” Lance wouldn’t give up.

Kevin stared at him thoughtfully and exhaled. Every one of his friends knew how much Cara had hurt him when she’d left. Though Kevin wouldn’t openly admit his plan to anyone, it wouldn’t be hard for any one of his friends to put two and two together.

“You’re going to win her back and dump her, aren’t you?” Lance said, his face twisting in disbelief. When Kevin didn’t deny it, Lance shook his head. “Oh, man. Kev, if you have a second chance with someone special, take it. Don’t blow it, the way I almost did with Kate.”

Kevin tossed Lance’s words back at him. “This is the part where I say, butt out, buddy.”

He didn’t need a lecture. Ever since Lance had married Kate, he seemed to want everyone else to follow suit. Only Kevin wasn’t shopping for happily-ever-after anymore. He just wanted a little payback for all the heartache and humiliation Cara had caused him.

“Okay, fine,” Lance said. “But don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

Later that day, Kevin went to the office to look over some contracts before sending them to his legal department. He wanted a clear head when he picked up Cara. One of the things he’d learned over the past four years was to surround himself with employees he trusted, and delegate the work. He found that freed up more of his time for pleasurable endeavors, which lately amounted to a round of golf or a game of pool with his buddies.

Anticipation stirred his blood. Cara posed a greater challenge than beating Darius in pool or Lance at golf. And, hell, he had to face facts—he was looking forward to spending his nights with her again.

Just like old times, a voice in his head said.

Kevin left the office at five, drove to his apartment, showered, shaved and checked on the arrangements he’d made for his first date with Cara.

He arrived at her hotel room a little early and knocked on the door.

“Just a minute,” she called from inside.

Kevin smiled just hearing the lilt of her sassy voice.

She opened the door wide and whispered, out of breath, “You’re early.”

She fixed a silver hoop earring to her lobe, looking a little flustered but beautiful all the same in a black silky dress that showed off her long, shapely dancer’s legs. Her hair curled past her shoulders and was held up on one side by a crystal clip.

“You look gorgeous, Cara.” He stepped into the room.

Cara looked him up and down, surprise registering on her face. And before she could comment on his attire, he shook his head and added, “It’s a shame you’re going to have to take off all your clothes.”

Chapter Three

Dressed in jeans and wearing leather boots Kevin had provided, Cara sat upon Dream Catcher, the five-year-old mare who had been born at TCC’s stables when Cara had been living with Kevin. Though she had grown up with horses on her parents’ estate, Cara had forgotten how much she loved riding. She and Kevin had taken an occasional ride in their early years of marriage, before he’d been too obsessed with work to take the time.

The day Dream Catcher was born, Cara had rushed to the stables and the moment she’d seen the feisty little filly, she’d fallen a little bit in love. To sit upon the sweet mare and ride off into the hills of Maverick County with Kevin seemed almost like a dream.

The Texas sun lowered on the horizon and cast hues of orange-gold over the valley as they rode in silence. There was a quiet settle to the land, a peace like nothing Cara had experienced for a long time. She’d been so caught up in the fast pace of Dallas that she’d forgotten what it was like to be with nature. Kevin seemed to understand that, setting the slow pace and enjoying the scenery. There was an odd sense of comfort being here with him. She could almost forget his blackmail and his manipulation.

Almost.

She slid a glance his way and let go a little sigh. Looking just as comfortable atop a horse as he was cutting a deal in his downtown office, Kevin acclimated well. Dressed in solid Wranglers, a blue plaid shirt and black Stetson, her husband dressed down very nicely.

“You’re staring at me,” he said with a grin.

“Oh, you’d like to think so.” Caught, Cara averted her gaze, hiding her own grin.

“I know so. See anything you like?”

Cara sobered at his question. “I don’t know, Kevin. Do I?”

Kevin clucked his jaw a few times. “You need to lighten up, Cara. Enjoy the scenery.”

“And you think you’re part of that scenery?”

“Me?” he said, lowering the brim of his hat. “No, ma’am. I wouldn’t presume.”

Cara chuckled. Okay, maybe she should just lighten up. She didn’t like Kevin’s blackmail, but she could enjoy the ride. If for no other reason than that she was atop Dream Catcher on a glorious, latesummer evening.

“I see a whole lot I like,” Kevin said quietly, after a minute.

Cara sensed his gaze on her, and a burning heat crawled up her neck. She didn’t dare look at him. A lump formed in her throat. She didn’t trust herself to respond.

They rode in silence until the dirt path led them to a rise. “Wait here,” Kevin said mysteriously, and clicked his mare into a trot. He rode on about ten yards to the peak of the rise, then turned toward her. “Okay, come on up.” He gestured with a wave.

Dream Catcher followed the path in a trot, until Cara met Kevin at the top of the rise. Looking into his eyes first, then following the direction of his gaze, Cara gasped at the view below. “Oh, Kevin. This is amazing.”

A small, well-kept cottage on the TCC property was lit outside by at least a hundred pillar candles. A table, dressed in white linen, was set with fine china, crystal wineglasses and lilies of every variety.

“It’s beautiful.” Tears stung her eyes. Why couldn’t he have done something like this years ago when their marriage was shaky, when she needed attention, when she needed to know she was more important than his business? Oh, Kevin, she thought, why are you doing this now, when it’s too late? The question plagued her, but she pushed it out of her mind.