The Texan Takes a Wife

by Charlene Sands

  “You talk too much, sweetness. Anybody ever tell you that?” Then he cupped the back of her head, guiding it back to his chest and began taking long sweeping strides across the dance floor that required her utmost concentration to keep pace.

  Which quite effectively shut her up.

  * * *

  “My folks live in a retirement village in Arizona,” Erin said to Dan. She was taking the finishing bites of her quinoa salad. Dan had arched a brow when she’d ordered butternut soup and salad for dinner. The place was known for their cuisine he’d told her, but he didn’t press the issue at her simple meal. Instead, he’d asked her about her life. And she’d started in the easiest place, telling him about her parents. “They’re blissfully happy and lead a very active life there.”

  He nodded, polishing off a tenderloin steak. Of course. Dan was a cattleman. He was probably a connoisseur and knew what a good steak should taste like.

  “We’re close, in that we talk all the time. And we try to make time to see each other. But they’re gone a lot. They travel with a group and love every minute of it. They’ve earned it. They worked hard all their lives.”

  “What did they do for a living?” he asked, seeming genuinely interested. As far as dates went, this one rose above all her others. Dan was attentive, mannerly, sweet, funny and humble. He’d seemed to get truly disconcerted when she’d guessed, by her skills of brilliant deduction, that he’d built that dance studio for his friend’s mother. Clearly, he didn’t want to talk about it. He didn’t want to take credit for doing something so incredibly generous.

  Finally, she’d met a man with integrity.

  “Dad was an attorney for most of the thirty-five years they’ve been married. My mom worked as a school administrator. After I came along, Mom took a few years off, but went right back to work as soon as I was in school full-time. They were both workaholics and now, I have to say, they’re playaholics.”

  Dan chuckled at her made-up word. He was doing a lot of smiling tonight. It looked good on him. As if the man needed anything else in his favor, now he was granting her luscious smiles.

  “And what about you?” he asked. “Have you always been a nanny?”

  “Not at all. I’m a music teacher by profession. I learned how to play piano early on. I took to it naturally, according to one of my instructors, and I really did love it. If asked to practice for half an hour every day, I’d practice for an hour or longer. It kind of shocked my folks, pleasantly, I should say. They encouraged my love of music and it’s always been a part of my life in one way or another. I would sing in live productions in high school and college. Sometimes, I’d accompany the orchestra. I haven’t a clue where my musical abilities come from, really, since my folks both are analytical.”

  “I would love to hear you play some time,” he said.

  “Me? It’s been a while.” She shrugged. “I’m afraid I’m rusty. Haven’t played for a while.”

  “But you play when you teach school, right?”

  “I did. But I, um... I had to resign my last teaching position.” She didn’t want to discuss Rex. First dates, even if they were doing this all backward since they’d already broken the ice in bed, shouldn’t involve talk of your past heartaches.

  Dan’s brow furrowed and before he could ask about her resignation, she quickly moved on. “I was lucky enough to land the position of nanny for little Faye Brady, back in Seattle. She was motherless and poor Will had his hands full. I love kids, and he needed a nanny, so it all worked out for those months I took care of Faye.” She heard her voice softening. “She’s a little sweetheart.”

  Dan’s gaze flicked over her, blinking rapidly as if he’d just learned something else new about her. “I hope to meet her one day.”

  “I hope you do.”

  The conversation died then and the silence was sort of nice. As far as she was concerned, she could stare into his blue eyes all night. But then the real reason for this date popped into her mind. To feed her before they dove into the investigation again.

  They’d had drinks, danced, eaten and now she was gawking at him which was pretty darn unsettling because Dan was gawking back. “We should probably get to those files,” she whispered.

  Dan’s forehead crinkled, as if he too had lost sight of their main purpose tonight. “Would you like to have dessert before we go?”

  “Dessert is waiting at my house. It’s a surprise.” She gathered up her jacket and purse. “You won’t be disappointed.”

  Dan cleared his throat. “You’re full of surprises, sweetness.”

  * * *

  As soon as they arrived at her cottage, Erin set out the coffeemaker and reached into the cupboard for a pair of rose-patterned china coffee cups rimmed in gold that matched the dessert plates. The cabin came equipped. There was nothing she found lacking when she’d set about creating her grandmother’s recipe. The dessert was a family favorite and it was waiting in the refrigerator to make a grand entrance. But they’d both agreed to let the dinner settle a bit before indulging.

  Dan set out the TCC files on the table and began flipping through one folder. Deeply engrossed in his work, his head didn’t come up once as he scoured over the pages. She sat down next to him, grabbed a file and immersed herself in the papers.

  They’d just had a great dinner date and learned some things about each other. Well, Dan had learned about her life, since he’d asked and she’d answered. But Dan didn’t seem to like answering questions about himself and she’d had to pry and guess her way through some of the conversation tonight. Even with that, it was one of the best dates of her life. Mainly because Dan was a what-you-see-is-what-you-get kind of man. How refreshing. He didn’t mince words and didn’t try to charm her. But his charm came through anyway.

  She half feared that they wouldn’t get any work done tonight, repeating the last time she’d been alone with Dan. Hot kisses, soft caresses and then mind-blowing sex. But to his credit, and hers, if she was being honest, they’d gotten down to work immediately, both wanting to help Chelsea more than give in to temptation.

  A while later, Dan’s chair scraped back and he got up and walked over to the coffeemaker. Holy crap, she’d forgotten about the coffee.

  “Sorry, Dan. I got lost in this file,” she said, standing up.

  “Sit,” he ordered her pleasantly. “I can serve you a cup of coffee. Black with one sugar, right?”

  He remembered. “Yes. Uh, thanks.” She sank down into her seat and watched Dan move around in the kitchen.

  “No problem. You finding anything worthwhile?” he asked.

  “No, are you?”

  “Nothing yet. Nothing even close.” Dan let go a frustrated sigh as he set the delicate cup down in front of her and took his seat again. “This may be a big waste of time,” he mumbled.

  “I hope not. There’s got to be something in these files that might point to Maverick.”

  Dan ran his hand down his jaw. “The thought of that guy getting away with what he did to Chels doesn’t sit right with me.”

  “I agree.” She shrugged and gave him a sympathetic smile.

  His eyes flickered for a second and he leaned over her chair and touched his mouth to her cheek, pressing a kiss there. Then he took his seat, cleared his throat, avoiding her gaze, and opened a new folder.

  She did the same, putting her head down to concentrate on a file. Every so often, she would lift her head to stretch the kinks out of her neck or sip coffee and their eyes would meet.

  A flash of something hot would stream through her body and she’d force her head down to peer at the file again. They were fully aware of each other, an electric spark that ignited with every glance, stolen or otherwise. Dan, in his dark slacks and blue button-down shirt he nearly muscled out of, looked good enough to eat.

  Then she remembered. “Desse
rt,” she blurted.

  “What?” His head was just coming out of the file.

  “I promised you dessert and it’s almost midnight. I’m so sorry.”

  He turned his wrist to look at his watch. “It’s a little after eleven. And there’s no rule that says we can’t indulge in a midnight snack. Is there?”

  “No, of course not.”

  “I’m game. If you are.” He patted his flat stomach and her gaze flew there, remembering what that taut skin felt like under her palms. Remembering too many things about being naked with Dan.

  “Let me get it,” she said, retrieving the pretty plates and putting them on the table while Dan pushed aside the folders.

  “Need help?”

  She shook her head. “I’m good.”

  She brought out the cake plate and placed her rather beautiful creation in front of him. This time, thank goodness, the cake had come out perfect. She’d had her share of mishaps over the years, but she’d taken more time and care and made a big deal about getting everything just right. For Dan. “Have you ever had hummingbird cake?”

  He eyed the tall two-layer tower covered in buttercream frosting and chopped pecans. “Wow. Nope. I think I’d remember if I had. What’s inside?”

  She smiled, relieved and it unnerved her how much she wanted to please this man. “Cake.”

  His brows lifted and the next thing she knew her hand was snatched and she was tugged down. She landed with a plop onto Dan’s lap. “Don’t be cute,” he said. Then he thought about it and said, “Never mind, you can’t help it.”

  “I’m cute?”

  Dan nodded, not giving her anything else to go on.

  Was it a good thing that a gorgeous man with whom she’d had earth pounding sex just called her cute? Shouldn’t he be saying she was alluring, tempting, stunning? Okay, not stunning, but maybe something along those lines.

  Sitting on his lap this way, she peered down into his eyes. They were smiling, so blue and clear.

  “Bananas and pineapple and stuff...is inside the cake.”

  Dan did that adorable thing with his brows and shook his head.

  “It’s my grandmother’s recipe and not all that easy to make, I might add, so I hope you enjoy it. I mean, it’s really good but it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, not that you drink tea, b—”

  “Erin?”

  “What?”

  His hand splayed the back of her head and she caught sight of the ceiling tiles as she was lowered down in his arms. His eyes reached hers first, and then his mouth came dangerously close to hers, speeding up her heartbeat. “You went to a lot of trouble for me,” he rasped. “I appreciate it.” Then his mouth was on hers, tasting her, licking at her, as if she was the dessert. As if he couldn’t get enough.

  Dan had her at his mercy. She was in a vulnerable position, lying across him this way, his strength and power evident in the way he held her in his lap. He could easily shed her clothes, touch her until touching wasn’t enough, and she would let him and relish every single second. But as soon as that thought struck, her world was upended again, literally. Dan brought her up quickly to a sitting position.

  He brushed a kiss to her mouth, tightened his hold on her and gave her a wobbly smile. “Feed me cake.”

  She blinked and then a chuckle broke from her chest. “From here?” From her perch on his lap?

  He nodded. “Do it, Erin. I’m having trouble being a gentleman here.”

  He didn’t need to be a gentleman. Not after that display. He could’ve taken her right on the kitchen table and he had to know that, but there was a look in his eyes, and a tone to his voice that didn’t warrant an argument. “Okay,” she whispered softly.

  She turned slightly to pick up the knife. The piece she cut separated nicely and the cake was firm and moist as she carefully held it and swiveled her body back to him. Their eyes met then, his gleaming in anticipation, and she knew then that Dan was wrecking her from enjoying cake in the customary way, ever again. His mouth opened and she pushed the frosting-topped cake into his mouth.

  He chewed and groaned and his eyes shuttered closed. “Real good. Too good for me not to share,” he said, reaching out for another piece. He offered it to her and slowly, keeping her eyes trained on his, she opened her mouth. Sugary banana scents wafted to her nose, just as Dan guided the piece inside.

  “Mmm,” she muttered and chewed. Just the right texture, just the right taste.

  She fed him and he fed her and it was like something out of an erotic fairytale, without the sex. It was wildly arousing sitting on Dan’s lap, feeding him a lush dessert by hand.

  Dan was equally aroused; he had no hope of hiding it with her on his lap. Her breaths grew heavy and her heartbeat raced, and just when she thought this night wasn’t going to end with cake, Dan lifted her off him, stood up and brushed crumbs from his shirt. “Thank you,” he said. “It was delicious.”

  She stood facing him, wondering what the heck was going on. Dan brought that curious notion out in her more than she’d like to admit. “I’m glad you enjoyed it,” she said more harshly than she intended.

  “I, uh, it’s late. I should go.” His face contorted a bit, as if he couldn’t believe he’d just said that. She could gain some comfort in knowing it wasn’t easy for him to leave.

  “Okay.” What else could she say? I wish you wouldn’t go. “Thank you for dinner.”

  “Thank you for dessert. I don’t think I’ll... Never mind.”

  “What?” Anger bubbled up. “Can’t you finish a thought?”

  “Hell, yeah, I can finish a thought,” he barked back.

  “Then just say it, Dan. Say what you want to say and be done with it.” Her voice rose way above her normal pitch.

  “Okay, I’ll say it, damn it. It was the best first date I’ve ever been on. I don’t want to leave, but I’m going, because I want to take you out again. I don’t want you to think I’m just here to—”

  God, the man of few words was giving her an encyclopedia of his thoughts. She wouldn’t stop him now. “To...?”

  “To take you to bed. Although I want that, more than you can ever imagine. So, I’m leaving now and asking you out again for tomorrow night.”

  “What time?” she asked, her voice nearly shrill.

  “Six.”

  “Fine,” she said and walked to the front door, not entirely sure why she was so darn ticked off.

  “Okay, I’ll see you then.” He grabbed the files up in his arms, walked to the door, leaned over on his way out, giving her a peck on the cheek, and then exited.

  She slammed the door behind him and then glanced over to the half-eaten cake on the table and the scattering of crumbs on the floor.

  Her face cracked into an unwelcome and uninvited smile.

  She couldn’t hold on to her anger any longer.

  She had another date with Dan.

  Five

  Dan knocked on Erin’s front door at exactly six o’clock, holding a box of the best darn fried chicken and mashed potatoes in the county, and the dog by his side.

  The door opened seconds later, and Dan was hit by how lovely Erin looked tonight dressed in jeans and a ruffled white blouse, her hair clipped back as blond waves touched her shoulders. Looking into her pretty aqua eyes made it hard for him to breathe, and that scared him silly, but not enough to stop seeing her. He wanted her in his life for as long as she was staying in Texas.

  “Hi,” she said. And then her gaze immediately shifted down to Lucky. “Oh, Dan. You brought him.” She bent to pet the dog, and was greeted by eager wet licks on the chin. Her giggles touched something deep inside. She was obviously glad to see the pup.

  “I hope it’s okay.”

  She roped her arms around Lucky’s neck. “More than okay. I’m good wi
th staying in. What did you bring?” She was nuzzling the dog’s face, catching up, giving him love. Her affection, aimed at the dog, was a heady thing to see. He could never fall for a woman who didn’t like animals.

  But was that what he was doing with Erin? Falling for her? “Fried chicken from The Royal Diner,” he said. “I think you’ll like it.”

  “Smells yummy. Come in. Did you bring files too?”

  He had texted her that morning and she’d been in full agreement they should continue work on the case. He gave her a nod and walked into the cabin, Lucky staying back, waiting for Erin. “In my car. I’ll get them later.”

  He hated having to combine his dates with Erin with work on the investigation, but it was necessary to catch the jerk and put his sister’s mind at ease. No one knew when Maverick was going to strike again or who would be his next target.

  “That’s fine. We need to keep working,” she said, closing the door and entering the great room.

  She reached for the box in his hand. “I’ll take that,” she said, and their fingers brushed as she relieved him of the food. Her touch was like a match igniting, the sparks causing an electric reaction to his system. Damn. He was supposed to play it cool tonight. Dinner, work and then see where things would lead.

  Dan had kicked himself a dozen times today for leaving Erin wanting last night. It had taken all of his willpower to stop their erotic cake buffet and shift her off his lap, halting a trip to the bedroom. And because of it, he’d been in a sour mood all day, anxious to get here and make up for lost time.

  He followed Erin to the kitchen. Lucky was close on his heels and took to sniffing out the place. She set the food down on the counter and when she turned around he was right behind her. He’d shocked her, coming up so close, looking into her pretty blue-green eyes, breathing in her scent, which was a cross between fresh rain and roses and uniquely hers. “You’re beautiful, Erin,” he said, unable to hold back.

  He took her face in his hands and stroked down her cheeks and as he leaned in close, her lips parted, inviting him in. “Dan,” she whispered.