Brittany didn’t reply, but inside she hoped Amanda was wrong. The last thing she wanted to do was to fall in love with her temporary husband. Especially since said husband gave no indication that he was falling for her.
“Anyway,” Amanda continued, “given your insistence that marriage was the last thing on your mind, I think it’s pretty ironic that you’ve gotten married before me.”
“That’s one word for it. Have you set a date yet?”
Amanda shook her head. “Still planning for the fall. When we have an exact date, you’ll be the first to know.”
Brittany was about to reply when she heard a ruckus. Off to the side and away from other guests, she saw Daphne Taylor and her father, Cornelius, arguing—most likely about the animal shelter. Again. Brittany didn’t understand how a family could be at odds with each other like the Taylors. Though she and her parents occasionally disagreed, they didn’t fight. She’d always believed other families were the same. Looking at the way Daphne and Cornelius were going at it, Brittany realized how wrong she’d been.
She couldn’t let them continue to argue without intervening. Daphne was a friend of hers. Not only that, this was Brittany’s wedding reception. She didn’t want a scene. “I’ll talk to you later.”
“Want me to go with you?” Amanda asked.
“No. I’m sure they won’t appreciate an audience.”
Amanda nodded then walked away.
Brittany approached father and daughter, who were so engrossed in their heated discussion that they didn’t notice her.
“Is everything okay?’ Brittany asked in her sweetest voice.
“Fine,” Daphne said, her jaw clenched. “I’m glad I ran into you. I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations, but I won’t be staying.”
“Oh, don’t go. The dancing is going to begin soon. We’ve hired a great DJ and it’s going to be a lot of fun.”
“I’m sure it will, but I need to go.” Daphne gave Brittany a quick hug then, without giving her father a second look, turned and stalked away.
Sighing, Brittany turned to Cornelius. She didn’t want to get in the middle of a family fight, but she wondered why he’d let Daphne walk out when she was so obviously upset. Brittany knew her own father would never do that.
“Will you be staying?” Brittany asked Cornelius.
“Are you asking me to leave?”
“Not at all,” Brittany replied smoothly. Asking him to leave would be ungracious. Besides, she was still hoping to land the Taylor account. “As I told Daphne, the party is about to get started. Shall we return to the reception?”
He looked at her with keen eyes then held out his arm to her. “Absolutely.”
As they returned to the reception, Brittany’s heart ached for her friend and she wondered why Cornelius couldn’t have treated Daphne as graciously as he was treating her.
Chapter Eleven
Daniel glanced at Brittany and his heartrate sped up. As the day had progressed, his attraction to her had grown and he’d felt the buzz of excitement each time they’d touched. The first dance had just been announced and now he was about to hold her in his arms again. The very thought made his blood pulse through his veins.
Every head was turned to the dance floor. Brittany stood a few feet away, a shy smile on her face. He knew from spending time with her that she was uncomfortable being the center of attention. He could also tell from the way she nibbled on her bottom lip that the deception was weighing on her. If he could take away her discomfort, he would.
Though she didn’t know it, the way her tongue swept across her lip turned him on. Truth be told, everything about Brittany was starting to turn him on. She looked both sweet and sexy in her wedding dress that revealed the shapeliest legs he’d ever seen. They looked even more enticing in her three-inch strappy white shoes.
She’d removed her veil and had freed her hair from the fancy twist it had been styled in. Now her hair floated around her bare shoulders, her curls bouncing whenever she turned her head.
Taking her hand, he led her to the dance floor then pulled her close. She held her body a little stiffly as if unsure of herself. Her sweet scent encircled him, and he closed his eyes in utter bliss.
They’d spent many hours trying to choose the song for their first dance, debating and laughing at each other’s choices. It hadn’t taken long for them to realize that none of the songs fit their situation. In fact, the song that could adequately sum up their relationship hadn’t yet been written. They’d narrowed the choices down to two—with him and Brittany stubbornly sticking to their favorite—and had rock, paper, scissored it. “Always and Forever,” a song that had been sung at weddings for a generation or two, was the winner.
As the song played, the lyrics hit Daniel in the solar plexus. The sighs of the female guests were audible, but it was Brittany’s sigh that had his heart speeding up. He’d give anything to know what she felt at this very moment.
Did she have any idea just how sexy she was or how desirable he found her? This may be a show wedding, but that didn’t make him immune to her. Kissing her had aroused feelings in him that he hadn’t expected. And not simply desire. He’d kissed many women in his lifetime, many of them women he’d cared a great deal for, but the reaction he’d had kissing Brittany’s lips made the others pale in comparison. Truthfully, there was no comparison. These kisses—like Brittany herself—were in a category of their own.
They’d almost felt like love. But that was crazy. He wasn’t in love with Brittany. He couldn’t be.
As they danced across the floor, he began to wish he hadn’t promised her that their relationship wouldn’t be physical. Logically a marriage in name only was the best way to handle this situation. This was a business arrangement. He’d been around long enough to know that business and pleasure didn’t mix. Not successfully anyway.
It was imperative that this marriage be successful. So, as he’d done earlier when he’d found himself longing to kiss her deeply, he resisted the urge and thought about something mundane, like his horses’ feeding schedule.
The last note of the music faded out and he reluctantly stepped back, keeping contact with Brittany as long as he could. The DJ announced the father and daughter dance, so he relinquished Brittany to her father then went to stand against the wall where he would be able to watch them.
Stephanos came and stood beside Daniel. “I think I might have made a mistake.”
“About what?”
“You. Brittany. This marriage. I think there’s more between the two of you than you let on.”
Daniel looked around before replying. Every eye was focused on the dance floor where Phillip swung Brittany in a waltz. Brittany had told Daniel that when she’d been a teenager, she’d loved watching couples waltz in old movies and she’d convinced her father to teach her the dance. Hopefully, he and Hailey would have a special dance of their own one day.
“You’re imagining things.”
“Am I?”
“Yes.” Daniel shoved his hands in his pants’ pockets. “Sure, I like her. What’s not to like? But that’s as far as my feelings are allowed to go.”
“Allowed?”
“The last thing either of us needs is complications.” Like kisses that made him feel more than he should.
“True,” Stephanos agreed. “But sometimes you don’t get what you need. Sometimes you get what you get.”
“You’re a philosopher now?”
Stephanos laughed and, after a moment, Daniel joined him. It didn’t take a philosopher to recognize the truth in those words. That’s why it was important to take the hand you were dealt and play the cards the best you could.
Daniel heard footsteps and turned around as Rodney and William joined them. “Why are you guys lurking in the corner? Don’t tell me you’re in the doghouse already,” Rodney joked.
�
�Even Daniel can’t get in trouble at his own wedding reception,” William replied, saving Daniel the trouble.
“Speaking of getting into trouble, Brittany has some gorgeous sisters,” Rodney said.
“Who are now my sisters-in-law, which makes them off-limits.” Rodney was a good guy, but he was a notorious womanizer who didn’t remain with one woman for long. Given that Daniel’s track record had been similar, he wasn’t in a position to judge. But he wouldn’t leave Stephanie or Tiffany vulnerable to a guy like Rodney, either.
“All I said was how pretty they are. I’m not planning on seducing either of them—unless I’m asked.”
“Don’t make me hurt you.”
Rodney and William laughed. Daniel noticed that Stephanos didn’t join in. There wasn’t time for Daniel to ponder his friend’s reaction because it was time for the bridal party to dance.
The first time he and Brittany had danced together, she’d seemed almost nervous and unsure. This time, she seemed to be enjoying it. That was good since dancing with his new wife was his new favorite thing. When the song ended, the emcee announced that the floor was open to anyone who wanted to dance.
After a few line dances and the throwing of the bouquet, Daniel noticed a marked difference in Brittany. Now that everything on the reception list had been checked off, she relaxed and truly enjoy herself. She laughed as she danced, enchanting everyone, especially him.
“I need a break,” she said after a while.
“Sure.” He led her back to their chairs. A passing waiter gave them drinks and, after a few sips, she smiled.
“I needed that.”
“I saw you and Cornelius Taylor talking earlier. Does that mean he’s going to go along with your Denim and Diamonds fundraiser idea?”
“I hope so. I guess only time will tell.”
“He’d be a fool to tell you no.”
She leaned over and kissed his cheek. “Thank you. That means the world to me.”
His heart skipped a beat as her lips brushed his skin. He wanted another kiss. A real kiss. But that kind of thinking would only get him in trouble.
He’d nearly blown it earlier at the ceremony. Holding her soft body against his had been torture, but kissing her had nearly been his undoing. As much as he craved another taste of her, he had to keep his distance.
After she’d agreed to marry him, they’d covered every topic of their marriage and discussed it to death. They’d thought it prudent to limit their closeness. Heck, just about all of their conversations had involved ways of keeping their distance. Starting with living together. They’d been proud of their extensive planning, which left nothing to chance.
Brittany would move into the bedroom adjoining his master bath, although she’d keep her clothes in his closet to maintain the illusion that they were sharing a bed. None of his household staff lived in the main house, so that was a bonus. Not that either of them expected anyone to go snooping. But Marta wasn’t blind, either. Brittany had assured him that she’d make her own bed and clean her room so Marta would never know anyone was occupying it. They’d discussed their upcoming cohabitation ad nauseam, leaving no detail uncovered.
But all that planning hadn’t been as comprehensive as either of them had believed. If it had, one of them would have brought up the need to practice touching. And kissing. Had they done so, Daniel would have been prepared for the surge of electricity that shot through his body every time he brushed against her. Or breathed in her sweet scent.
And when he’d kissed her? It was as if a sign with the word Wow had blinked in flashing lights over his head. It was all he could do to keep a goofy grin off his face. He wasn’t sure if Brittany felt the same sensation, so he’d played it cool. The last thing he wanted was for her to worry that he’d pounce on her the first chance he got. She was his wife in name only. That’s all she’d agreed to. Though he might want to renegotiate a clause in their contract to include kissing, he wouldn’t mention it. He couldn’t risk that she’d get upset and call it quits. He’d have to stick to the original plan and figure out how to keep his body under control.
“Ready for another dance?” she asked and smiled at him.
“Absolutely.”
The DJ played another slow song and he held her in his arms. He’d concentrate on controlling his body later. Right now he was going to enjoy the moment.
* * *
Brittany dropped back into her chair. She’d been dancing for half an hour, having a great time. She’d danced with just about every man in attendance. When she’d danced with Brandon and Jordan Taylor, she’d casually mentioned the relationship between their sister, Daphne, and their father. She hoped they’d speak with Cornelius and try to smooth things over with him on their sister’s behalf.
Daniel presented her with a glass of champagne then sat beside her. Clinking her glass against his in a silent toast, she lifted it to her mouth and took a sip. She wasn’t much of a champagne drinker, but she had to admit this stuff was good.
Daniel looked past her and she turned around. Her mother was carrying a sleeping Hailey in her arms. Her father was right behind, the strap of the diaper bag slung over his shoulder.
“We’re about to leave. We just wanted to say good-night,” Mallory said.
Daniel stood. “Are you sure about letting Hailey spend the night? We don’t mind taking her home with us.”
“Nonsense. It’s your wedding night,” her mother protested. “And she’s become comfortable with us.”
“But—”
“No buts. She’ll be fine. I understand that you two don’t want to take a honeymoon trip right now with Hailey being so young, but you need at least one night together as husband and wife. Consider this a wedding present.”
Brittany put a hand on Daniel’s arm. She knew how protective he was of Hailey. But even so, it would look really strange if he didn’t want to spend his wedding night alone with his new bride. Leaning her head against his shoulder, she smiled up at him. “Mom is right. Hailey will be fine. After all the excitement, she’ll probably sleep straight through the night.”
Daniel smiled at her and then at her parents. “You’re right. I’m being overprotective. Thanks for caring for her tonight.”
Brittany was still leaning against Daniel after her parents left, and she didn’t feel the need to move. He wrapped an arm around her waist, clearly comfortable with her nearness.
“You know, I guess we should be leaving soon, too,” Daniel said. “It might look a little bit strange if we hang around all night.”
“True. I’ll let Reese know, so she can pass out the birdseed for people to toss at us.”
Five minutes later, a laughing Brittany and Daniel ran from the restaurant and hopped into his Mercedes SUV. Brittany waved at the crowd, who watched them leave. She and Daniel had reserved the restaurant for the entire night, so their guests could party until the wee hours of the morning if they so desired. But for them, the party was over.
As they drove out of Bronco and toward Daniel’s horse ranch, the reality of what they’d just done slammed into her. They’d really done it. They’d gotten married. For better or for worse, she was now Mrs. Daniel Dubois.
Chapter Twelve
As Daniel drove down the highway to the ranch, Brittany’s breath caught in her throat and she forced herself to exhale. This was ridiculous. There was no reason for her to feel jittery. But still, her stomach was filled with butterflies crashing into each other. Her heart pounded and the blood raced through her veins.
Her wedding night was about to start.
Daniel had made it clear that he was willing to change the terms of their agreement. All she had to do was say the word. And right now, sitting beside him in his SUV, inhaling his intoxicating scent with every breath, renegotiation held a certain appeal. She’d love to be wrapped in his strong arms, pressed against his hard chest. But she c
ouldn’t give in to the desire to have a real wedding night. Not when she knew the marriage would end as abruptly as it had begun. No, she would stick to the agreed upon terms. This was a marriage in name only.
Daniel pulled into the driveway and parked. Brittany reached to open her door, but he put a hand on her wrist, stopping her. She looked at him.
“I can do that.”
“So can I.”
“Humor me.”
She nodded. Resisting when he was being kind would only raise questions she did not want to answer. How could she explain that she didn’t want him to be charming and chivalrous? That his being so gallant gave her ideas about their relationship? She didn’t want him to turn into the man that she would have dreamed of—if she’d ever dreamed of a man.
He circled the SUV, opened her door and then offered his hand. She didn’t want to appear churlish, so she placed her hand in his and let him help her. Instead of releasing her hand, he tightened his grip and rubbed his thumb over her knuckles as they walked across the cobblestones. He unlocked the door and pushed it open. Before she could step inside, he swung her into his strong arms.
She gasped and her lungs were filled with his heady masculine scent. “What are you doing?”
“I have to carry you over the threshold. It’s good luck.”
She knew she should protest, but being in his arms felt too good. Just this once, she’d allow herself the pleasure. “I didn’t know you were the superstitious type.”
“I prefer to think of myself as traditional.”
He stepped over the threshold and then kicked the door closed behind them. Instead of setting her on her feet, he carried her into the front room and set her on the sofa. A bottle of wine and a tray of cheese, fruit, fine chocolate and crackers was centered on the coffee table. Vases of pink roses covered every table. It was all very romantic.
“Wow,” Brittany exclaimed, looking around. “This is beautiful.”
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