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“She said I wasn’t in your class, and the only reason you’d marry me was out of pity, since I’m pregnant.”
“Dammit, forget all that rubbish about class. I’ve told you about my past. I came from nothing. I’m not of one class and you another. That’s absurd. It sounds feudal. You have a great family. I like them and I’m not marrying you out of pity or sympathy or any such thing. Kayla guessed the pregnancy. Did you confirm it?”
“No. I was stunned,” Ashley replied quietly. “Her accusation of your being unfaithful isn’t true. Or am I being naive to ask?”
“Hardly. I told you, there hasn’t been anyone for a long time, definitely not since you’ve been back in my life. Nothing Kayla said was the truth,” he insisted. “I promise you.”
Her gaze searched his and he waited quietly, knowing she was weighing what he’d said against what Kayla had told her. “I almost left this morning,” Ashley admitted.
“Thank heavens you didn’t!” he exclaimed. “Okay, now?”
While silence again stretched between them, he gazed into her eyes, until she nodded. “Okay. I may be the most gullible woman on earth, but I’ll accept what you’re saying.”
“Ashley, time will show you that I’m truthful. C’mon, let’s go enjoy our wedding.”
“All through the ceremony I kept thinking I was making a mistake. I barely heard what the minister said.”
“I’m sorry Kayla ruined your wedding for you. She’s out of my life. I hope you heard the minister pronounce us man and wife.”
“I heard that,” Ashley said solemnly.
Ryan looked at her features and her hair. “You look stunning today. I”ll remember you forever the way you look now.”
She smiled, and he smiled in return. “Let’s give each other half a chance,” he added. “I expect us to fall in love.”
“I hope you’re right.”
“Did you hear him say, ‘You may kiss the bride’?” Ryan asked, his desire spiraling as he looked at her full, soft mouth.
“Yes, I did,” she answered, with that sultry quality in her voice that excited him even more. He leaned the last few inches to kiss her, and her mouth opened to him as she wrapped her arms around him. Her kiss aroused him, and he longed to be alone with her. He wanted her naked in his arms, in his bed.
A pounding on the door got through to him dimly above the roaring of his pulse, while Ashley pushed against his chest and wiggled away. “Ryan!” a deep voice called.
“That’s Brett.” Ryan reached around her to open the door, and his brother stepped inside.
“Sorry,” he said apologetically to Ashley. “They’re searching for both of you for pictures. You’re holding up the works.”
“Yeah, yeah, we’re coming,” Ryan answered, wishing he could pick her up and run out the back with her, sweeping her away right now. He took her arm and they started to follow Brett, then stopped again.
“Everything okay now?”
“Yes,” she said, smiling at him. Yet there was still a wary look in her eyes, and he wondered how much damage Kayla had done.
“Where’s the necklace I gave you?” he asked.
Her expression was stricken and her hand flew to her throat.
“Ryan, it’s—” She bit her lip and blinked. “I’m so sorry. I threw it on the floor of the room where I dressed. Let me go get it.”
He shook his head. “I’ll have Cal or Brett find it. Don’t worry. The necklace isn’t what’s important here.” He received a warm look at that, and felt better, hoping they’d cleared the air between them.
During the picture taking Ryan kept his arm around Ashley’s waist as much as possible, wanting her close at his side. The minute they reached the club for the reception, he was separated from her by crowds of friends and relatives, who congratulated him and wished him well. Often, he could spot Ashley across the room, and occasionally, she would look around and make eye contact. He could feel the invisible electricity instantly generated, and fought a constant urge to glance at his watch.
Finally she was at his side and it was time for the first dance. He took her hand as they made their way to the dance floor. She had shed the train of her dress, and followed his lead easily.
“I want to take down your hair and peel you out of that gown and kiss you all night long,” he said, knowing he ought to avoid the erotic images of her that he had thought about so much today. “You’re in my whole being, like a heady wine, Ashley.”
“Ryan, everyone is watching us now. I hope they can’t hear you.”
“You know they can’t. You’re beautiful, and I dream about having you in my arms. This is torture, and it’ll go on how many more hours?”
She laughed. “Most of the afternoon. We just got started. According to you, this is a once-in-a-lifetime event, so relax and enjoy it.”
“There are some other things I would rather be doing,” he said tersely. “The first minute we can feasibly get out of here, let me know and we’re off.”
“So you said you’d surprise me about where we’ll go for our honeymoon. When are you going to tell me?”
“Not until we’re on our way.”
“Which we won’t be for hours,” she said, and her tone had lightened, which cheered him.
Ryan drew Ashley close, wanting to wrap her in his embrace, but she pushed against his chest. “Everyone is watching, so show a little more propriety.”
“Propriety isn’t my strong suit,” he said with amusement as they circled the dance floor.
She danced with him, wondering about their future. Would they fall in love? Would Ryan be able to settle into marriage and give up his playboy lifestyle and beautiful women? The last was a question that constantly nagged at Ashley. Marriage was an abrupt alteration for him, even more than the disruption to her own life. Kayla’s accusations had unsettled her, and she couldn’t dismiss them with the cavalier nonchalance that Ryan had. And was she being foolishly gullible by believing him instead of Kayla?
Ashley realized then that to feel that strongly about him with Kayla, she must be in love with Ryan. How had love for him engulfed her so swiftly? She had her answer in memories, as well as when she looked at him.
Searchingly, she met his gaze. She guessed he would be a wonderful father, but she couldn’t imagine him being a devoted husband when there was no love, at least on his part, and he was accustomed to women and freedom.
She looked at her hand in his. Hers was pale, smaller, her fingers slender next to his. Her ring sparkled in the bright lights of the ballroom.
She remembered Jake and Emily’s wedding. When Emily had confided that it was purely a marriage of convenience, Ashley had wondered how her friend could bear to go into such a union. Yet here she was, locked in one almost like that herself. All the reassurances she had poured out for Emily seemed hollow and empty now.
Yet as she danced, hope grew. Now that Ryan had insisted she should ignore Kayla, the future once again held possibilities.
He was watching her, and she tilted her head and smiled up at him.
“So you’re happy now?” he asked.
“Ryan Warner, you made me marry you. Well, I’m going to make you fall in love with me. Hopelessly in love.”
Excitement flashed in the depths of his gaze and his dark eyebrows arched. “That’s a promise I look forward to. It makes my day even more than the wedding.”
“You’ll see,” she said, smiling at him and meaning what she said.
In minutes the dance ended and he led her back to the sidelines, where her father claimed her and Ryan turned to ask Laura to dance.
“I’m worried about you, Ashley,” Ben said when they were on the dance floor. “It’s good to have Ryan’s financial support, but that’s not enough for marriage. Just remember, I’m always here for you, day or night.”
“I know, Dad. I’m fine. There was something disturbing this morning, but it’s all right now.”
“Good. I’m glad to hear it. I wish you all the happiness in the world,” he said, and she smiled up at him.
“Thanks. I love you,” she said. Her gaze went past him to Ryan, who was charming her grandmother, she was sure. Tall, exuding self-assurance, radiating vitality, he seemed convinced that all would go well. His confidence was contagious, and she knew she was falling under his spell.
Next, Ryan’s father danced with Ashley, while Ryan stood on the sidelines and watched. He wanted the event to end. He was eager to get Ashley to himself, and this reception was stretching his nerves.
The minute the dance was over Ryan took her arm. “They want us for a picture or some such,” he said, leading her toward the nearest door.
“Ryan, the photographer is over by the cake.”
“So he is. If you must know, that was just an excuse to get you alone. C’mon. Let’s slip away for one quick kiss,” he said, taking her into a room across the hall and turning her to him as he leaned down to kiss her. She clung to him, responding as always to his kisses, setting him on fire. Her mouth was soft and she wore an enticing scent. Her shoulders were bare, tantalizing soft curves showing at the straight neckline of her dress. Now she was his wife. With every moment that passed he grew more certain they had done the best thing possible, and to his surprise, he was growing pleased with the whole prospect.
“We have to get back. This is our party and we’re host and hostess,” she whispered, pushing against him.
Ryan inhaled deeply. “It seems like an eternity until we can get out of here,” he told her again. “Just one more quick kiss.” He pulled her to him, sliding his hand down her back to cup her bottom. His breathing was ragged and he ached.
Finally, he reluctantly released her, and this time, she stepped away from him. “Ryan, we’re going back to the party,” she said firmly. “You’ll have to wait.”
He looked at her features as if memorizing them, then nodded. She took his hand and led him inside the ballroom, and minutes later she was surrounded by old friends and Ryan was across the room.
He tried to pay attention to friends talking to him, but all he could do was think about Ashley and glance at her constantly. She was laughing at something someone said to her. When had any particular woman been this important to him? He knew the answer to his own question, never before, and that made him all the more certain he’d done the right thing in forcing her to marry him. Every time they kissed, she responded to him fully. They enjoyed each other’s company and they liked each other’s families, all of which meant they were truly bonding. But it was already deeper than that. He trusted her and knew he could confide in her. He could tell her his hopes and plans, and he valued her opinion when they discussed topics. Most of all, she set him on fire with her passion.
No sex after their wedding night … He was certain after making love tonight, she wouldn’t hold out in the days to come. Sex would be fantastic and make the ties between them stronger. How could they keep from falling in love?
He turned and Kayla was there. His irritation surfaced, but it was mild because she was no longer important and nothing she said mattered. “I heard what you told Ashley,” he stated.
She shrugged. “I figured you wouldn’t marry her unless she’s pregnant. And if she’s not, well, I don’t think you’ll be able to stick with one woman either way. Particularly one who isn’t in your social world, Ryan. You’re not going to settle down and be the sweet, faithful husband,” she said, smiling slyly at him.
“It’s over between us, Kayla. Absolutely and forever.”
Her smile widened and she licked her lips slowly. “Darling, you’ll be back. I give you three months tops.” Her strong perfume assailed him when she stood on tiptoe and brushed his cheek with a kiss. Stepping away, she smiled at him.
“You stay away from Ashley,” he declared again, wondering how he could have ever been so involved with Kayla.
Still smiling, she turned and walked off.
One of his brothers called to him, and Ryan joined Brett and a group of friends who stood nearby. He forgot about Kayla, because Ashley filled his thoughts. His gaze drifted across the crowd until he spotted her. Talking and laughing, she stood in a group of guests. He wondered if he would ever tire of looking at her.
He glanced at his watch. “C’mon, Ashley.”
Ashley glanced around and saw Ryan talking with his brother and some other men. Nick Colton stood in the group, and she saw Jake Thorne join them. She had gotten to know Jake because of planning his wedding, and now Jake had been a groomsman in her own. He had rugged features that softened when he smiled. He was friendly, but she felt he was reserved, keeping strangers at arm’s length. All three men shared that same determination and poise, and she wondered if they had ever clashed in the years they had been friends.
She looked at her tall husband. She had seen Kayla talking to him only a short time before. When she’d seen the redhead brush his cheek with a kiss, Ashley hurt briefly. She had never been jealous in her life, but it pained her to watch Kayla kiss him even lightly.
Had Ryan really meant all he’d said? She would take him at his word until she had a reason not to, but again, she hoped she wasn’t being foolishly gullible. Even though Ryan had been convincing and reassuring, uncertainty still hovered in the back of her mind.
She watched him while she half listened to those around her. He was charismatic and exciting, and she still couldn’t believe that she was Mrs. Ryan Warner.
Ryan’s wife. The whole world seemed different now. If only … She couldn’t stop wishing that there was mutual love between them.
They would have a real wedding night. The thought turned her knees to jelly and heated her insides, because she could remember their weekend and what a consummate, energetic lover he had been. She pulled her thoughts back to the present and looked at Ryan, meeting his gaze. Even though he was across the room and people were between them, sparks flew. She smiled and saw him wink at her in return, and her eagerness to be alone with him mushroomed.
The hours dragged until finally she decided it was time to go. Last-second jitters sent a tingle up her spine.
She worked her way around the room, and when she reached Ryan, she took his hand.
He turned to look at her and excused himself from those around him. She led him to the dance floor and stepped into his arms.
“We can leave now, but I wanted one last dance,” she said, and saw a flare of satisfaction in his expression.
“Aah, that’s the best news since the minister pronounced us man and wife. And it’s not as if we can’t dance on our honeymoon.”
“This is magical, Ryan. I want to dance and remember it,” she said.
“I’m encouraged if you’re really enjoying yourself and want memories of today.” He wrapped his arms around her and held her tenderly while they danced to the slow number. “This is the beginning, Ashley. Life will be good between us.”
“I hope so,” she answered solemnly, her heart thumping over his words, and hope kindling that his love would blossom.
The minute the music ended, he took her hand. “C’mon, Ashley, we’ve partied and danced and schmoozed all afternoon. I finally can have you all to myself.”
“Let’s tell our families goodbye before we go, and let a few other people know.”
He groaned. “That’ll take another hour.”
“But that’s what we’re going to do,” she insisted.
“Let’s just get away and let them all party. Look—everyone is having a grand time. They won’t even know,” Ryan urged.
“As if you can slip away from anything without being noticed! No, we’ll say goodbye and give our friends a chance to throw balloons at us.”
It was almost an hour later when Ryan took her hand and they dashed to the waiting limo, past their well-wishing guests. Their driver sped away toward the airport.
Ashley had given a dress to Ryan to have ready for her later and as soon as they were airborne, she changed to a pale blue silk sheath.
“You look as beautiful as ever,” he said when she returned to sit by him. He had shed his coat and sat facing her with his long legs stretched out.
“Thank you,” she replied. “Now you have to tell me where we’re headed for our honeymoon.”
He leaned forward to take her hands in his. His hands were warm and he looked surprised. “You can’t be cold! Nervous?”
“Maybe a little,” she conceded. “This is a giant commitment.”
“New and wonderful,” he said, surprised at himself because he not only hadn’t expected to be married at this age, but he never would have guessed he could be so happy about it.
“Tonight we’ll stay at one of my hotels in Houston, and tomorrow we’ll fly to my villa on the Yucatan Peninsula.”
“How many homes do you own?” she asked, constantly reminded of how little she knew him.
“I have my condo and this villa. Everywhere else, I stay in a hotel.”
“I hope you’re right about marrying like this, Ryan,” she said solemnly, and he reached out to take her hand and pull her onto his lap. She glanced at his mouth, wanting his kisses, yet intending to wait until they were off the plane and alone.
“I know I”m right,” he said, carefully beginning to take her hair down, removing first one pin and then another to let her long blond hair fall free.
She grasped his wrist. “I’ll look all mussed up when we go into the hotel.”
“You’ll look absolutely gorgeous. I like your hair down, so it might as well be that way sooner rather than later,” he said, while pulling out another pin. He tilted her face up to his. “Not still angry with me, are you?”
She shrugged. “Not about Kayla.”
“Thank heavens. I’d forgotten about her. I hope you will. She’s history, Ashley.”
“Good. I still can’t keep from wishing we’d waited for love to come first.”
“It will,” he said with his usual assurance. “And I look forward to when you tell me I was right.”
“You may prove to be correct, but your method was too cavalier. You’re too strong willed and certain you’re right. If you’ll stop making every decision for me, I’ll be a lot more happy.”
“I had no idea that I was doing so. You’ve seemed pretty damn independent.”
“Not since I met you,” she argued, releasing some of her pent-up feelings.
“We’re not going to quarrel today,” he said, his voice dropping as he twirled a strand of her hair in his fingers. “You looked fantastic for the wedding,” he added in a deeper tone. “I’ll never get tired of just looking at you.”
“Yes, you will,” she said, smiling at him, warmed and flattered by his compliment in spite of her harsh words to him. “You’ll get very tired of it before a week, with just the two of us. I hope you brought a good book to read.”
“On my honeymoon—never! There’ll be plenty to do that you’ll like. You’ll see. Trust me, you won’t need a book,” he said, nuzzling her neck, while his hand drifted along her arm.
She closed her eyes, relishing the sensations he caused, knowing if they got beyond just kisses, she would forget her surroundings and all thoughts of waiting until later for lovemaking.
A pang of wishful thinking rocked her while she caressed his nape. If only they were wildly in love how different this day and tonight would be! She opened her eyes to run her fingers through his thick hair as he pressed sultry kisses on her throat.
She wanted his love instead of this impetuous union where sex and the baby were the big ties for Ryan. She inhaled, closed her eyes and tried to stop thinking about the absence of his love.
Finally, gulping for air, she scooted off his lap to another seat while she straightened her clothing. She looked up to find him studying her with a scalding look that blatantly undressed her.
“Slow down, Ryan. Your kisses are melting me and we’re not alone up here. We wait until we’re in the hotel room in Houston.”
“I’ll be patient, but I don’t want to,” he said in a husky voice she barely recognized.
They landed in bright sunshine and drove to the hotel. Soon Ryan was opening the door to a suite on the top floor. He picked her up to carry her inside. “Now we really begin our lives together as Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Warner,” he said.
Eight
Solemnly, she wrapped her arm around his neck. Everything they did made her long for a deep, binding love between them. Reminding herself to be thankful for what he was giving her—marriage to him, his name, financial support forever for their baby—she tried to cling to positives.
As he carried her over the threshold and closed the door behind them, she had a momentary glimpse of a spacious room furnished in white and pale blue, with elegant fruitwood furniture and a balcony beyond glass doors. A huge bouquet of gerbera daises and orange tiger lilies in a crystal vase stood on a low table. Sparkling cider was already on ice, ordered in advance by Ryan.
Closing the door, he set her on her feet and slid one arm around her waist, drawing her against him.
Her husband. Mrs. Ryan Warner. How long would it take for her to accept it?
“We’re starting life together and I expect it to be fabulous,” he said quietly.
She placed her hand on Ryan’s cheek. “I told you, I’ll make you fall in love with me.”
“I’d say we’re headed in that direction. You can’t imagine how much I want you right now,” he said, his voice hoarse.
“I want more, Ryan. I want your heart, your love, your total commitment to our relationship,” she said. She was his wife now and would be with him. So much was up to her—whether she turned him away or seduced him into a binding love….
Holding her close, he bent his head to kiss her. She pressed against him, aching for all of his marvelous body. She pushed away his coat. His fingers were on the buttons of her dress, but she was barely aware because his kisses were stoking her passion. Memories crashed over her of the taste and texture of him.
He leaned back, releasing her for a moment to unfasten his collar and remove his tie. His scalding stare locked with hers as he reached out to draw her dress off her shoulders.
Pushing it away, he let it slide down over her hips, following it with his eyes and making every inch of her tingle. She wore only her lacy white wisp of a bra and a skimpy thong.
“Damn, you’re beautiful,” he whispered, his voice a rasp. He reached out to peel away her bra.
His breathing was already ragged from their kisses, and the power she held over him—physically—amazed her, exciting her in turn, fueling her hopes of binding his heart to her forever.
His longing fused with her yearning. She was as surprised by the depth of her own desire for him, a need that had tormented her on too many empty nights.
Wanting to touch his bare warm skin and to look at him as freely as he gazed at her, she reached for him, unfastening the studs of his shirt and tugging the tails out of his pants. She caressed his broad, muscular chest, tangling her fingers in his thick, black curls and then letting her fingers range over his washboard belly. He was solid, all muscles, lean and hard. Irresistible. Drawing her to him, he enveloped her in his arms and kissed her with even more hunger than before.
Wanting him, she burned, moving her hips and moaning softly while his hands slipped down to cup her breasts and caress her.
“I intend to pleasure you all night,” he whispered, while his thumbs circled her nipples. Her memories had not been exaggerations; he was the lover she’d recalled. Hot, exciting, deliberate and provoking. He might be even better this time, because he seemed driven. She held his hips, gasping and closing her eyes. He leaned down to tease each taut nipple with his tongue in wet, lazy circles that sent sensations to her core.
She unfastened his trousers and he stepped out of them, yanking off his socks and tossing them away. He was aroused, thick and ready, and she hooked her fingers in his briefs to peel them down. She came up slowly, running her hands along his legs, trailing her tongue over him, looking at his spectacular body, his thick rod, which was throbbing for her now.