Declan (Wild Men Book 8)

by Melissa Belle

What the hell?

  Declan

  Now she’s holding a baby? Something shifts in my chest, and I force the emotion away. But I can’t stop watching Mia. She looks so natural with Kent in her arms. I swear everything she does today is testing the limits of my resolve.

  I feel like I’m leering, so I jerk my gaze away from her and try to focus on whatever the hell Luke’s saying to me. Because I didn’t hear a word of what he said.

  I’ve been barely hanging on by a thread since Mia walked down the aisle toward me. When I pulled her in for that kiss, my entire body felt like it was on fire.

  I want Mia. I want her badly. And I can’t have her.

  “Things going that well, huh?” Luke says to me tauntingly.

  Michael laughs. “Looks that way.”

  I resist the urge I have to haul off on the two of them. Right now, I would give a lot to be in the middle of a hockey game where physical beat-downs are common. At least then, the worst I’d get is two minutes in the penalty box.

  “Stay out of this,” I warn them.

  Cam’s gaze shifts from me to Mia and then back to me. “Ahhh.” His entire face lights up with glee. “You’re falling for your wife.”

  He, Michael, and Luke crack up.

  “Shut the fuck up.” I glare at them. “You’re all fucking troublemakers.”

  “That we are,” Luke says with far too much pride in his voice. “And we’re going to stand here and enjoy the show today. I have a feeling things are going to get even more interesting.”

  Cam grins at me. “You know, I sometimes wondered what type of woman could handle standing next to the likes of you, Dec. I think I’m getting an idea.”

  “What does that mean?” I demand. “The likes of me? I’m no different than you guys.”

  Cam, Michael, and Luke look at each other and then back at me. “If you honestly think that, you’re lying to yourself,” Cam says.

  I stare at him. In my irritation, I feel like I’m going to bore a hole through his head.

  But Cam just smirks. “You’re Declan Wild. One of the greatest hockey players of his generation. You’ve got fans who bug you when you go out in public. You’ve got reporters showing up at your wedding. You seriously think just anybody can handle being in your orbit?”

  I guess I never thought of it like that. “I’m just a regular guy,” I say stubbornly. “At least, I want to be. And I can, too, go out without being mobbed. I did it the other night, the night I met Mia.”

  “You can do it here,” Luke agrees. “People in Wilcox and the rest of the area respect the rights of a private citizen. But the press won’t leave you alone no matter where you are. And I’ve seen how women fall all over you at the arena. Come on, you know you’ve had nights when all you wanted was to be anonymous, and it was impossible.”

  Yes, being a public figure has its downsides. And now that I’m married, I already feel protective of Mia.

  “I just want to keep her safe from all of that,” I murmur. “She didn’t sign up for tabloids and all that crap.”

  “I get your point,” Michael says. “But I think you’re worrying for nothing.”

  “Yeah, I have a feeling she’s more than capable of standing up for herself,” Luke says. “She’s a successful businesswoman who’s used to interacting with all kinds of people.”

  “I agree,” Cam says. “I’m more worried about how you two are going to handle your private time. Since you’re only friends and all.”

  I flip him off. “Enough, little brother,” I say pointedly.

  But as usual, nothing stops Cam from getting in the last word. “Guess we’ll find out, won’t we?”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Mia

  “So… That kiss.” Jamie Beth raises her eyebrows at me as we huddle in a corner of the makeshift dance floor Chase and Cooper sectioned off in the middle of the tent. Country music mixed with pop and hip-hop filters out of the massive speakers set up in the tent corners, and Jamie and I half-heartedly dance while we take the opportunity to chat. “Are we going to talk about it, or should we let it hang there like an awkward semicolon?”

  I burst out laughing. “You’re such a nerd.”

  “And proud of it. Editing romance novels has its perks, you know.” She grabs my hand and spins me around to the chorus about riding a horse through town. We pull up and she lowers her voice even more. “Seriously, Mia. Did you expect that kind of a kiss at the altar?”

  “No,” I admit. “It took me by complete surprise. And the worst part of it? I don’t know if he did it all for show.”

  “Why don’t you ask him?” she suggests. “Don’t waste time worrying and wondering about it.”

  “Maybe I will.”

  “Good. And that ring is killer.” She picks up my hand and wiggles her eyebrows. “Seriously, it’s gorgeous.”

  I agree. It’s not just that it’s the prettiest thing I’ve ever seen, either. It’s that it fits me. The cut, the style, the color.

  Jamie Beth is smiling at my expression. “And if you need any hot tips for your wedding night…”

  “JB!” I say her name louder than I mean to, and Declan looks over from where he’s chatting with his cousins a few feet away. “No, thank you,” I say in a more normal tone. “I am just fine. Besides, Declan and I are platonic. Remember?”

  “I remember.” She does a little hip sway. “I just happen to think you’re both full of shit.”

  Before I can argue her, she gestures to the two cousins I now know are Colton and Dylan Wild. Dylan’s dancing with Jasalie, who’s teasing him. He laughs and pulls her into his arms. Colton and Sky are dancing as well, and Sky shrieks as Colton picks her up and swings her around.

  “They’re both hot and obviously happily married,” she says, and I’m surprised to detect a hint of a swoony sigh in her tone. “It can be done. Professional athletes can be tamed.”

  “Oh my God,” I say to her. “You’re in rare form tonight. Maybe you should go find a guy to focus on. How about Luke? He’s single.”

  She shakes her head. “Too broody.” She points to where Luke’s casually standing against the porch wall watching everyone dance. “He won’t even dance.”

  “Okay.” I scan the room to where Chase and Cooper are leading some sort of country western line dance. They’ve managed to rope my dad into it, and his face is serious with concentration as Chase tries to show him how to follow along. “How about Chase?”

  “Nope. Too blond.”

  “So that automatically eliminates his twin then. You know—Cooper Wild.” I watch her face, ready for a reaction.

  It comes. She scrunches up her nose. That’s my best friend’s tell. When she thinks a guy is attractive but doesn’t want to admit it, she scrunches up her nose.

  “I knew it!” I point at her. “You think Cooper’s hot.”

  “On the contrary, I don’t date cowboys. You know that. Plus, Cooper’s cocky.”

  “Cocky’s never stopped you before.” I hold out my hand and start ticking off my fingers. “Jack was super cocky. His friend, Todd? Even worse. And what about—”

  “Fine!” She claps her hand over my mouth. “I’ve dated some asses. But I’m turning over a new leaf. No more arrogant cowboys for this girl.”

  I tip my head to where Cooper’s taken charge of the line dance now, and he’s got Dylan and Jasalie’s three kids involved. Jasalie’s daughter, Jasmine, who’s sixteen and gorgeous and could pass for her biological child even though she’s adopted, is laughing so hard at Cooper she nearly falls over. “Cooper’s a great guy.”

  “Maybe.” Jamie smiles. “Look at you changing the subject. Because tonight is your wedding night, and you can’t wiggle your way out of it.”

  “I know that.” I glance over her shoulder as Declan approaches.

  “One dance?” he asks me.

  “Um…” I don’t think having my wanton body pinned up against Declan’s is a good idea. “I don’t…”

  “She’d love to.�
�� Jamie Beth gives me a shove. “Have fun, newlyweds.”

  I glare at her as Declan holds out his hand. Of course, the fast song ends, and a slow song is just beginning.

  Reluctantly, I take his hand, and he wraps his other hand around my waist. Determined to keep space between us, I immediately start rambling. “This has been a great reception. The space heaters have worked out perfectly. Are you having a goo…” The words die on my lips as I raise my gaze to meet his.

  Because. His eyes. Are. Hot.

  He’s looking at me with unfiltered heat, and he doesn’t try to hide it when we lock eyes.

  I swallow so hard it hurts. Kind of like this moment.

  “Mia.” Declan’s hand tightens on my hip, and I step further into him.

  He looks down at my left hand on his shoulder. “How do you like the ring?”

  “I love it,” I say honestly. “However did you know what would suit me so well?”

  “I wasn’t sure exactly,” he says. “I hazarded a guess. I’m happy you like it.”

  “I adore it, honestly. But I had no idea you were going to give me an engagement ring. Especially since…”

  “I know.” He sounds sad when he adds, “I know none of this is real.”

  But it feels real. So real that I break away from him. “I think I need to go home,” I say. “You know, to your…” I stumble. “Our...cabin.”

  “I’ll come with you,” he says immediately. “Your key is in an envelope there, and I’ll show you around. The last time, we didn’t have time to…”

  I catch his eye, and his lips twitch. I don’t bother fighting my smile, and he stops trying. God, he’s gorgeous when he smiles.

  “Right,” I say. “I don’t think lack of time was our problem. More like we were a little distracted.”

  Declan’s still grinning. “I’ll let my parents know we’re leaving. They’ll still be here tomorrow for that family brunch Ned set up for all of us, so tonight’s goodbye won’t take long.”

  I go kiss my father goodnight, along with my aunt and uncle, and then I fend off Jamie Beth as she playfully offers to play chaperone.

  “Ha, ha. Everything will be fine,” I tell her.

  “I’m staying here at the house for the night,” she says. “Cooper said they’ve got plenty of spare room. So, if you change your mind and need a third wheel to prevent anything happening…”

  Declan returns from his round of goodbyes and asks if I’m ready to go home.

  Home.

  For our wedding night.

  Well, this shouldn’t be awkward at all.

  “Completely ready,” I say to him.

  I kiss a smiling Jamie Beth on the cheek. “See you tomorrow.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Declan unlocks the door to the cabin and holds it open so I can step in ahead of him.

  “Ned said your bags were delivered,” he says as he turns off the alarm system. “We can check in your room and make sure they’re here.”

  He leads me down the hallway to the guest suite.

  As soon as we step inside the bedroom, I gasp.

  Declan jerks his head toward me. “I hope you like it,” he says. “I wasn’t sure exactly what you liked, so I took my best shot.”

  “I absolutely love it,” I say.

  The room is beautifully decorated in tasteful Western-style. Two gorgeous paintings—one of the Rocky Mountains and the other of Yellowstone National Park—hang on the walls. The bed frame and headboard are made of light wood, and the bed is covered with a plush blue and green quilt and matching pillows. The wooden dresser matches the bed, and the two bedside tables with lamps in the shape of horses complete the picture.

  My bags are sitting in the corner.

  “Good,” he says. “If you’d like anything changed, just let me know.”

  “Wait a second.” I turn to face him. “Did you have all this decorated for me?”

  His cheeks redden in that same adorable way they did earlier when I first saw the reception tent. “I wasn’t sure what style you would prefer,” he says. “But I know you love Montana, and you told me about your horse.”

  “That is so sweet,” I murmur. “Thank you for doing all of this.”

  “It’s the least I can do. I feel bad that you have to move out of your apartment for a year. I just want you to be comfortable here.”

  I step closer to him and put my hand on his muscular arm. His bicep flexes involuntarily at my touch.

  “This is a win-win, remember?” I say to him. “I’m getting just as much out of this as you are.”

  The heat from his arm seeps into my palm, and I jerk my hand back as an electric current zips between us.

  Ask him about the kiss.

  But I don’t want to know the answer if it’s not the response I’m hoping for.

  “So.” My voice is too loud for the quiet room. “The wedding night, huh?”

  He smirks. “Right. Not awkward at all.”

  We look at each other and start laughing.

  It breaks some of the tension, and Declan’s shoulders noticeably relax.

  “Come on, and I’ll show you the rest of the cabin,” he says.

  He walks into the attached bathroom and points out the towels and linens on the shelves. Then, we head into the kitchen, where he gives me a quick tour, showing me where the plates, glasses, and utensils are stored.

  “Feel free to rearrange anything you want,” he says. “Would you like something to drink?”

  “Water’s fine.” If I have alcohol, I may jump him. I’m having a hard enough time controlling myself as it is. No sense in getting more uninhibited.

  And jumping Declan wouldn’t be a good start to this marriage—because that would mean I’d be blowing our agreement right off the bat.

  We take seats across from one another with me on the couch and Declan in the armchair.

  “I think I mentioned that I’ve got a road trip coming up tomorrow,” he says. “I’ll be gone for the week.”

  “Oh!” I completely forgot how much he said he travels. “Thanks for the reminder.”

  “Do you want me to put my schedule on the fridge?” he asks me. “That way, you’ll know when I’m going to be out of town.”

  “That would be great,” I say. “Then I won’t worry about you if you don’t come home.”

  “We could exchange schedules,” he suggests. “I’m the same way—I’d like to know you’re safe.”

  “I love this idea,” I say, and that would have been appropriate if I’d stopped there, but instead, I stumble into overshare. “Ever since my mom was killed, I’m extra anxious if I don’t hear from a loved one. I just like to know everyone’s okay.”

  Loved one?? I mentally slap my forehead.

  Luckily, Declan’s attention is focused on the first part of what I said. “Your mom was killed?”

  “Yes. By a drunk driver.” I hesitate and then add, “He was put in prison for life. It wasn’t his first offense, which is unfortunately far too common.”

  “Shit.” Declan’s features tighten like he’s in pain. “I’m so sorry, Mia.”

  I nod. “Thank you.”

  “I promise to never leave you hanging,” he says with sincerity. “I’ll text if I’m running late.”

  His concern means a lot, but I try to stay casual. “Don’t stress yourself out over my quirks. I’m sure as we learn each other’s patterns, all of this will feel relatively normal.”

  Except for the fact that I want to jump Declan’s bones right now.

  I take a deep breath and then go for it. “The kiss,” I begin awkwardly. “At the altar?”

  “What about it?” His face is expressionless.

  I chicken out. “Never mind.”

  With his gaze averted, he jumps up. “I promised Luke I’d help him set up the house for all the guests staying overnight.”

  I can tell he’s lying. He just wants to get some space from me.

  “I’m not sure what time I’ll be back,”
he says. “Are you okay to settle in?”

  “Of course.”

  “Your keys are here.” He taps the coffee table, and for the first time, I notice a set of keys on a horse key chain. “And when I leave, you should set the alarm.” He rattles off the numbers. “Spells hockey backward.”

  I smile. “That makes it easy to remember.”

  He’s across the room and has his hand on the doorknob before he turns back. “Mia?”

  “Yeah?”

  “The kiss was real.”

  My mouth drops open.

  He turns back around so fast I don’t have time to answer him. Then, he opens the door, and he’s gone.

  Declan

  I avoid going back into the tent. I head into the main house and go straight for the den where I know I can be alone.

  Except I’m not alone.

  “Avoiding your wife already?” Luke’s deep voice cuts through the silence of the dark room as soon as I’ve closed the den doors to get some privacy.

  “Jesus.” I jump. “You scared the fuck out of me.”

  I scan the room until I see where Luke’s sitting—in the armchair his father loves so much. Despite the lack of light, the moon casts a bright glow through the picture window. The family dog, a wolfhound named Roxie, is sitting on the floor by the armchair. She looks at me with interest until she realizes I have no treats to give her, and then she lies back down at Luke’s feet.

  I glance past Luke’s head. In the moonlight, I can just make out the framed photograph of Luke and our Texas cousin, Logan, at the last rodeo where Luke ever competed. The one where he got thrown off a bronc so brutally we all feared we’d lost him.

  The photo was taken before the rodeo began. Luke’s arm is around Logan’s shoulders, and both cousins are smiling.

  “Can’t believe I’ve never met our cousins from Texas,” I say casually.

  Without turning around to see what I’m looking at, Luke says in a lazy tone I know he uses when he doesn’t want to betray any emotion, “Logan’s coming up here this spring. He’s going to drive up some cattle.”

  “Well, hopefully, I won’t be on a road trip so I can finally meet him,” I say. “What are you doing sitting here in the dark?”