Colton's Convenient Bride

by Jennifer Morey

  “She looks like Antonia Thomas,” Kendall commented, admiring her light brown complexion and warm, golden brown eyes.

  Bree reached them and gave Decker a hug.

  “Congratulations on your art opening, cuz.”

  “Thanks, Decker.” She stepped back and smiled at Kendall. “You must be the lovely fiancée I’ve been hearing so much about.” Bree leaned toward her and gave her a noninvasive hug.

  “Hi.”

  Talk must have really spread about their upcoming marriage.

  “Your paintings are amazing,” Kendall said.

  “Oh, thank you.” Bree glanced over at her display. “Art means everything to me.”

  “It shows,” Decker said. He looked around. “The place looks great.”

  “Yes, I’m so happy the way it turned out. I’m so fortunate to have come this far so soon.”

  “Hard work and dedication pay off,” Decker said. “You most definitely have that.”

  “Oh, and you don’t, Mr. Rock-Star Lodge Operator.”

  Decker smiled without comment.

  Someone came up to Bree and asked about one of her paintings.

  “Would you excuse me?” she said to Decker and Kendall.

  “Of course,” Kendall said.

  Bree headed over to her display with the guest and they began conversing about one of the paintings.

  “She seems so sophisticated.”

  “She’s a good person. Built all of this on her own,” Decker said. “She made money on her paintings and used that to invest in this building. Got a really good price on it.”

  Kendall started walking toward her parents and he joined her. She hugged her mother.

  “I didn’t know you two were planning on being here,” she said.

  “You know how your mother loves art,” her dad replied. “Decker, how are you?”

  “Fine. You?”

  “Getting by.”

  “How are you really, Kendall?” her mother asked.

  “I’m fine, mother. Decker is taking care of me.” She meant as far as protection but it may have come out wrong.

  “Is the wedding still on?”

  Decker watched Kendall’s face stiffen. Had Bernard asked in the hopes Decker would bail him out? Decker didn’t blame her for being offended.

  “Yes,” Decker said anyway.

  “We’re talking about it,” Kendall corrected.

  Well, he had every intention of sealing the deal. And soon. He still had to come up with a creative way of proposing to her.

  Bernard’s face sagged a little. Clearly he was disappointed to hear there may not be a wedding.

  “Kendall.”

  She turned with Decker to see Russ standing there.

  She moved to open the circle more, a welcoming gesture given how rude Decker’s father had been to her.

  “I’d like to apologize for the way I spoke to you.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Colton.”

  “Did I hear correctly that you may not marry my son?” he asked.

  “Yes. I haven’t decided.”

  “We’re hoping she does,” Bernard said.

  “I’ll bet you are,” Russ retorted rather caustically.

  “Dad,” Decker cautioned.

  Russ raised a hand in surrender. “I trust your choices, son. Just don’t do anything rash from a business perspective, that’s all I ask.”

  By that he must mean invest in Hadley Forestry if their numbers were as bad as suspected.

  “Champagne?” he asked Kendall.

  “Yes.”

  He walked with her to the bar that had been set up and they each took a glass from the bartender. Moving over to stand in the front corner, he observed the crowd with her. Art shows weren’t really his thing but he enjoyed the social interaction.

  A loud crash preceded something hard and heavy flying through the air. Before Decker could react, a brick tumbled to the floor and shards of glass sprinkled him and Kendall. A larger one struck Kendall’s face.

  She gave a shriek and fell into him. He caught her and eased her down, seeing she was hit near her right eye—too near. Blood ran down her face.

  “Somebody call 911!” he shouted, and then searched for something to put on her wound. Someone handed him a wad of napkins and he pressed that to her face.

  He saw Trey run out the front, presumably to chase whoever had thrown a brick through the gallery window.

  “Decker?”

  “I’m here, darling. Just stay still. Paramedics are on their way.”

  “Is it bad?”

  He couldn’t tell with all the blood. “You’ll be all right.”

  “I can’t see out of my right eye and I’m dizzy like I’m going to pass out.”

  She frightened him when she said that. How hard had she been hit? “You can’t see because of the bleeding. Try to stay calm.”

  Bree had rushed over and now knelt beside Kendall. “Oh my gosh, what happened?”

  “Someone threw a brick through your front window,” Decker said. “Glass hit Kendall and cut her face.”

  “Oh, no. Kendall, I’m so sorry. I’ll pay for your medical expenses of course.”

  “No. Don’t worry about that.”

  “Any sign of that ambulance?” Decker called out to anyone who could check outside. It had only been a minute or two but he was frantic to get her to the hospital. He did not like the look of her eye.

  “Not yet,” someone called.

  Trey appeared, slowing from a run. “Is she all right?”

  “She was cut by broken glass,” someone said.

  “Whoever threw it was gone when I got outside,” Trey said.

  Bree looked up at Trey with apprehension marring her face.

  “Who would do that?” Trey barked.

  She bit her lower lip.

  “You know?”

  “No, I don’t know.” Bree stood and faced Trey. “But I’ve been getting threats.”

  “What kind of threats?”

  “Phone calls, mostly. Someone says I take advantage of people and need to be taught a lesson.”

  “Do you have any enemies? Anyone who might have a reason to do you harm?” Trey asked.

  Bree shook her head. “I’ve tried to think of anyone who might do that but there isn’t anyone.”

  “It could be racism,” Trey said. “Even though you’re half white, maybe someone is targeting you for being black.”

  “I suppose that’s possible. Something random makes sense,” she said.

  The sound of sirens parted the crowd to make room for paramedics. Decker could only stand by helplessly as they worked over her, then put her on the gurney and wheeled her to the ambulance.

  He climbed inside with her.

  “Decker?” she said.

  “I’m right here, my darling. I won’t leave your side.” He took her hand, gravely concerned for the condition of her eye.

  * * *

  Kendall woke some time later in a hospital bed. Doctors had done surgery on her face, telling her that the glass had cut her close to her eye. They hadn’t been sure how much damage had been caused to the eye itself.

  “Kendall?”

  Hearing Decker’s voice reassured her and calmed her. He pressed a tender kiss to her mouth.

  She reached up and felt the bandage over her eye. “My eye.”

  “The doctor said your eye will be fine but you’ll have to undergo plastic surgery to remove scarring.”

  She could do that. Kendall breathed in relief.

  He took her hand and kissed her again. “You gave me quite a scare, darling.”

  “I was scared too.”

  “I’m so glad you’re going to be all right.”

  “That makes two of us.” She smile
d and he chuckled. “Does this mean you love me now?”

  She had to bring that up now? Was she teasing? Or testing him?

  “I love being with you.”

  Her smile faded but she kept a light spirit. “That’s a good start.”

  Chapter 15

  Kendall was released from the hospital the next day. The side of her face was sore and bandaged but she was grateful that her injuries were not more severe. Decker took her to his suite at The Lodge and despite her protests, carried her the entire way up to the top-floor rooms. He placed her on his massive bed and commanded her to get some rest. Then he arranged for some of his staff to check in on her, as well as putting round-the-clock security outside the door.

  She spent the remainder of the day resting with the television on, but now she was ready to get out of bed. Standing, her face throbbed with the movement and she reconsidered getting up. Just then the door to the suite opened and she saw Decker coming toward her.

  His footsteps quickened when he saw her. Her grimace must have shown. She put her hand on the tall post at the foot of the bed.

  Decker reached her and put his arm around her waist. “Are you all right?”

  The pain killers had her a little woozy. “Yes, just a little dizzy.”

  “Let’s get you back to bed.”

  “I’m tired of being in bed. I’d love a bath.”

  “All right, I’ll run one for you. How is your injury? Are you in any pain?”

  “A little.”

  He put his free arm under her legs and laid her back on the bed. Then he kissed her briefly with a warm greeting in his eyes. “Hi.”

  His soft but deep, raspy voice stirred her desire for him. “Welcome home.”

  Maybe the painkillers made her a little mushier than she’d be otherwise.

  His handsome grin only kept the attraction burning.

  “Wait here,” he said.

  He went into the bathroom and she listened to him start a bath. A few minutes later, he returned and lifted her again.

  Kendall felt deliciously pampered as he carried her to the bathroom. She smelled lavender before she saw he’d put bubbles into the water, not giving any indication that her proximity affected him.

  “There’s a bath bomb in there too,” he said as he let her feet down onto the floor.

  She undressed and Decker helped her into the water.

  “Mmm.” She leaned back and closed her eyes. “Were you always this attentive?”

  “With women? No. With my work? Yes.”

  She smiled and then winced as the skin pinched and caused her pain.

  “Sorry.” He chuckled.

  She opened her eyes to see him. He sat on a bench that was in the large bathroom, regarding her warmly as he did before they made love.

  “What do you think would have happened if we had dated in high school?” she asked.

  “We’d have hit it off and then broken up when we went to college. We would have needed to grow up some more. You would have been the one I never forgot.”

  He was already the one she had never forgot.

  “We would have grown up and then we’d still be right here the way we are right now,” Decker pointed out.

  She had to agree. Their dating in high school wouldn’t have changed Russ arranging their marriage. In fact, it might have bolstered his motives.

  They talked for several more minutes about stories from high school and college. The talking made her feel closer to him. She felt she knew him more after they finished. He was so easy to talk to. Then the water began to cool.

  “I’m ready to get out,” she said.

  He helped her up and gave her a towel. She dried off, self-conscious that she was naked. Their talking and her taking a bath with him in the room had heated the chemistry between them. She could see it in his eyes, warmer now and growing hotter.

  She dropped the towel, not meaning to, and stood still, seeing him take in her body with growing hunger. He came toward her.

  In his arms, she met his mouth and kissed him back. The contact quickly spiraled into more. He lifted her and carried her to the bed, where he gently placed her down before removing all his clothes, his movements urgent and rushed.

  On top of her, he kissed her as though he could devour her. She answered with equal passion until her cut gave her a sting. She made a small sound.

  “Sorry,” Decker rasped.

  “It’s okay. Don’t stop.” She ran her hands along his muscular arms.

  “I don’t want to hurt you.” He took her nipple into his mouth and flicked the tip with his tongue.

  “That’s not hurting me.”

  He chuckled in a deep voice.

  She moved her hands up to his shoulders and into his hair as he paid loving attention to her other breast. Her knees were parted and he lay between them.

  He moved down to her stomach, kissing his way lower. When he found her sweet spot, she clenched her fingers into his hair. Too much of that and she’d be spent far too soon.

  Luckily he must have sensed that because he moved down her right thigh, to her knee then to her ankle and kissed her big toe, eyes raised to look at her teasingly.

  She chuckled this time.

  Grinning seductively, he shifted between her legs again, coming down to kiss her softly. That wasn’t enough for her. He was being ultracareful so as not to cause her pain.

  The more time Kendall spent with him, the more comfortable she became, the more he became her best friend and partner. She could say anything to him and never got tired of being with him. This joining felt like a celebration of that magic.

  She slid her hands over his rear, feeling the taunt muscles and pulling him against her.

  He took her hint and probed for her, entering with a few firm thrusts until he sank inside and filled her. As he began to move, she did the same, angling for that perfect contact.

  As always, their fire burst into hotter flames and soon he was pumping, stimulating her to orgasm.

  Afterward, she lay against him as she always did, basking in the aftermath.

  “Do you think we would have done that when we were in high school?” he asked.

  To which she had to smile again. “Yes, but it wouldn’t have been this spectacular.”

  “It would have been awkward and unwieldy?”

  “I don’t know. How many girls did you sleep with in high school?”

  He flashed her a devilish grin. “Not as many as you probably think. Two.”

  “Only two?”

  “Yes. I was choosy. I did fantasize about getting you in the sack, though.”

  She rose up onto her elbow. “You did not!”

  “Oh, yes I did. Many times. You might have ruined me for other girls.”

  “I fantasized about you too,” Kendall confessed.

  “I know you did.”

  She gave him a swat and then set all humor aside. “I’m glad we didn’t hook up in high school. This is special. It might not have been as meaningful back then.”

  He sobered along with her but said nothing. Kendall knew what he was thinking. That this was special because it might be love. She could see him fight it.

  Resting her head on his shoulder, she let his resistance go without confronting him, content with this marvelous moment and hoping he was one more step closer to letting go of old convictions.

  * * *

  Decker left Kendall sleeping and went to work for a little while. After that, he had planned a meeting with Elardi—a surprise meeting. He took three of his security guards with him, men who had military backgrounds who he paid very well. With rich and famous guests frequently staying at The Lodge, the money was well spent.

  In a neighboring mountain town, Decker stepped up to the entrance of the Royal Haven Casino. A massive commercial structure c
onstructed of red brick and trimmed in light-colored stone, the casino took up a block in the downtown area. Awnings shaded the first level and groups of tall and narrow windows lined the second.

  Inside, it looked like a typical casino, with lights everywhere and dings going off. People sat at slot machines or at the bar. Decker searched for the way to the corporate offices, which most likely were on the second floor. He and his guards walked through the main area of the casino. Seeing wide stairs, he headed there. Two men in black suits stood at the top, one bald and as big as Dwayne Johnson and the other younger with a full head of blond hair. They both moved to block their way as they reached the last stair.

  “I’m here to see Mr. Elardi regarding a business proposal,” Decker said.

  “Is he expecting you?”

  “No, but he’ll be interested in hearing what I have to say.”

  “Name?”

  “Decker Colton.”

  “And your friends?”

  “Security.”

  The bigger of the two looked over the three with Decker before giving a nod to his partner.

  Several minutes later, the partner came back. “He’ll see you. Follow me.”

  Decker followed the man down the wide, dim hall to a set of double doors at the end. There were also additional doors on each side but all were closed. Decker wondered if they were bedrooms or other accommodations. Maybe offices for Elardi’s staff.

  The blond man opened the doors and Decker entered to see Emilio Elardi sitting behind a dark wood desk and four burly, savage-looking men scattered about the huge office. Two sat on a sofa, one stood by the desk and the other leaned against a bar.

  Elardi stood. “Mr. Colton.” He moved around the desk and offered his hand.

  So far so good. Decker shook his hand. “Thanks for seeing me.”

  “I’ve heard of you and your family,” Elardi said. “What brings you here?”

  “I’m looking into investing in Hadley Forestry and in talking with Bernard, it seems he’s got a loan with you.”

  “Yes. He does.” Elardi gave no indication that he had bullied Bernard. He seemed perfectly comfortable and as though he conducted legitimate business with the man.