by Tori Carson
Her pride wouldn’t let him pay for school unless it was a fair return. She remembered reading somewhere about small towns paying for med school students to go to school in return for them serving as their doctor for a few years in return. Maybe they could write up a contract like that. Panic gripped her heart for a moment. She was contemplating a commitment with a man even more powerful than her ex.
“Breathe,” Brett murmured against her ear. “Whatever you’re thinking of, stop.”
She chuckled. “I don’t think you want me to.”
“Oh?” He propped up on one elbow. “Tell me what’s going on, then.”
“I’m not ready to talk about it yet. I need to get a few things straight in my head, first.” She met his gaze. He was so freaking handsome she couldn’t believe he might really want her. When she was with him, she felt like a flower about to bloom, like she had the potential to be something spectacular if she just hung in there and grew a little stronger. “Tell me about the dinner tonight. If I were to go, what would you expect from me?”
“I’m not sure what you mean. I wish I could say it would be wonderful and I expect you’ll have a great time, but we both know that isn’t true. In reality, I expect you’ll be bored and by the end of it, hungry. I always am.”
He looked down at her with hope in his eyes. This was his life and if she wanted to share it with him, she’d have to suck it up, push the bad memories away and get through this. “That’s not what I meant. How do you want me to act? What would be my role?”
He shrugged. “Just be yourself. There will be a mix of people, some rude, some pandering.” A little-boy grin took over his face. “I do ask that you don’t murder any of the flirty women. They can be a bit of an annoyance, but I’d rather not have to bail your gorgeous butt out of jail.”
She laughed. None of his expectations sounded unreasonable or anything like what Ernie had put her through. She made up her mind. “Okay, I’ll go.”
“Really?” His eyes lit up as if Santa had delivered his most wanted gift.
Angela barely completed one nod of her head before Brett’s lips crushed hers.
“Thank you, baby.” He brushed her mussed hair away from her face. “I promise I’ll get us out of there as quickly as I can.”
She smiled. They really were awful affairs with rotten food. “I suggest we front load. Help me make breakfast?”
“I’d rather eat you, but I suspect you’re a little sore after last night. I’m sorry, baby. Let’s shower and then we’ll cook together.”
She was sore. He’d been tender and loving, then rough and a little scary. If she had to choose, she wasn’t sure which she’d enjoyed more. Knowing that he was capable of both had her getting wet again. And yet, even though the sex was scorching hot, it was the way he looked at her, as if she were his moon and stars, that melted her heart and made her want to make this work.
Chapter Ten
The morning had been wonderful. They’d ended up making love in the shower. Something about Brett all slippery and sudsy was just too much for her ignore. She’d sunk down to her knees and pulled him into her mouth. Afterward, she’d gotten a long lecture on topping from the bottom, but she didn’t think he was terribly upset about it.
He’d been huge as he thrust in and out of her mouth. No way had he been harboring any grudges at that point. Plus, he’d given her another mind-blowing orgasm as he snacked on her atop the island while she was trying to cook. It delayed the meal by a good hour, but she wasn’t complaining. He could interrupt her meal prep any day for that kind of treatment.
After they’d eaten, he said he had to run by the office for a few hours to smooth a few rough edges off his speech. She’d spent the time picking out what she’d wear and thinking about the future. Funny, how a day’s time could make such a big difference. Before when she’d thought about what she wanted from life she always came away feeling a bit depressed.
In her mind, she’d assumed she’d be the crazy cat lady who pampered her nieces and nephews and died all alone. Each day was hazy and overcast. Not necessarily bad weather, no dark looming clouds, just bland and washed out.
Now, when she envisioned the future, the skies were cobalt and the sun shined brightly. She pictured Brett beside her. She had no idea the exact details. She felt like she was at a crossroads and the world was open to her. Angela wasn’t foolish, she knew the rain would come, but rain brought flowers and helped you appreciate the each day for what it was. A miracle, not something one struggled to live through.
As she looked in the mirror, she liked what she saw. Yeah, she’d put on a few pounds and the dress was a little too snug to look perfect, but damn if her smile didn’t make up for it. While she waited for Brett to return, she’d called her parents and shared the news. For once in her adult life, she was able to tell them with total honesty she was happy.
Angela held Brett’s hand as they drove through town. He’d been very quiet since he picked her up. She’d chalked it up to being nervous about speaking in public, but she wasn’t so sure. He kept looking down at her hand and rubbing across her knuckles. She’d begun to suspect that something was on her hand. She’d looked, but hadn’t seen anything. Odd.
After Brett pulled into a reserved space near the elevators, Angela waited while he came around and opened her door. She wasn’t making that mistake again. In the elevator, he continued the silent treatment and she was beginning to get worried. “Brett, is everything okay?”
He turned to her and drew her into his arms. “Yes, of course. I’m sorry, Angela. I’ve got a few matters on my mind. How are you holding up, honey?”
The elevator opened and camera flashes blinded her, but Brett ignored it all. It seemed he wasn’t budging until she assured him she was all right. “I’m fine, but we’re drawing a bit of attention.” She laughed.
“That’s because you look stunning. I’m damn lucky to have you by my side. Thank you for coming with me.” He kissed her cheek while more flashes sparkled around them.
“My pleasure.” She plastered a smile on her face and entered the posh banquet hall. A steady stream of people approached them. Each time Brett introduced her as his girlfriend, she blushed. He was right about the myriad flirty women. They acted like she wasn’t even standing there.
Even though they were seriously rude, she couldn’t fault Brett. He drew her close and nibbled on her ear or whispered naughty things he planned do to with her once they were free. It wasn’t long before her fake smile turned genuine.
Throughout dinner, his attention had still been focused on her. He leaned in and whispered to her often.
“I have reservations so don’t bother to eat this mess. Just move it around your plate. Maybe we should buy one of those little dogs that fits in a purse. We could sneak him in and feed him under the table.”
“I’m not sure I’d feed this to a dog. I think my prime rib is still mooing.”
“I’m considering pulling you into an alcove and eating you for dessert. I’m quite addicted.” Brett had pulled her chair closer so they could speak more easily.
Before long the MC was back on stage. “Ladies and gentleman, the moment we’ve all been waiting for has arrived. It’s my pleasure to introduce to you, Brett Mercer.”
Angela was pretty sure he’d had a longer intro planned, but the audience went wild.
Brett turned to her and kissed her hand. “Remember two things.” He looked her in the eyes. “Breathe.” He paused and gave her a heart-stopping smile. “And fear is our enemy.”
He was gone before she could respond. What the hell is he talking about? She wasn’t giving the speech; he was. Maybe he was just talking out loud and didn’t want anyone to know he was nervous so he pretended to be speaking to her. She talked to herself all the time. That had to be it.
Oh, he took her breath away, standing at the podium. She sipped her wine then folded her hands in her lap and waited.
Brett looked down and locked eyes with her. “Thank you for
having me. I consider it an honor to be invited back.” His gaze scanned the crowd. “When I was asked to give a speech this evening, naturally I agreed. While getting the details sorted out, I inquired on what topic they wanted me to speak.” He shook his head. “I was given free rein.” He smiled at the audience. “I’m sure they won’t make that mistake again.”
It was clear to Angela he held the crowd in the palm of his hand. If he was nervous, he was hiding it well.
“I was told any subject that I felt passionate about. At the time, there were several projects in the works that held my interest and I considered sharing those. But as the evening drew near, my focus changed. You may have noticed this evening I’ve had the pleasure of escorting Ms. Angela Fairhaven.”
What was he doing? And he’d used her maiden name. She hadn’t even known he knew her maiden name. Hands were on her back, patting her while she stared at Brett, trying to figure out why he’d mentioned her.
Brett paused while the audience quieted down. “Since Angela has come into my life, my reason for waking up in the morning has changed. While I’m still driven to revitalize towns across America, it is no longer my passion.”
Oh my, God. She had an inkling to where this was heading. Tears were pooling in her eyes and she fumbled through her purse for a tissue.
“Angela is my life now. I live to make her smile.”
Brett continued to speak, but the roar inside her head drowned it out.
“Don’t keep him waiting, dear.” The woman next to her was patting Angela’s knee. “He’s a sweet young man.”
Angela looked up at Brett and saw his hand outstretched toward her.
“Go on,” the woman encouraged again. “Say yes, dear. You make a cute couple.”
Somehow she managed to stand and make her way up on stage. As she neared the podium, Brett went down on one knee and pulled a ring from his pocket. He was far enough away from the microphone that only those closest to them could hear.
“I love you, Angela. Please, marry me.”
She sank down to her knees in front of him nodding her head.
“Is that a yes, baby?”
Angela launched into his arms. “Yes.”
Cameras were furiously going off around them, but she was lost in his hug.
Brett was on his feet cradling her in his arms before she knew how it had happened. He was wearing an ear-to-ear grin as he went back to the podium. “She said yes!”
* * * * *
Angela sat in the pool house of Brett’s…no, their home with her mom and sister, waiting for the bridal march to begin.
“You look so happy, Angie. I was afraid after Ernie and all, you’d never find love. But there’s no mistaking the shine in your eyes.”
“I definitely love him, Momma.” She took her mother’s hands in hers.
“It’s a beautiful ring. I’m jealous!” her sister teased her.
“It was his mom’s.” He’d offered to buy her a different one if she didn’t like it. But to her, no ring could compare. It was not only stunning, but it held memories and emotions that no other could come close to.
“I thought you hated public proposals. I figured you’d castrate him for that move.”
She smiled at her sister. Angela loved her straightforward approach to life. You always knew exactly where you stood with Abby. “He had his reasons for doing it that way. I can’t really fault him for it.”
He’d wanted to replace all the horrible memories she’d had going to events like that with one that she’d always remember. She had to hand it to him; it worked.
“Are you going to be the lady about the manor again?” Abby asked with enough sarcasm to make Angela wonder if she really might be a bit jealous.
She shook her head. “No, I’m going back to school. I’m getting my degree.”
The music began and they shared one last hug.
“Be happy, sis. I love you.” Abby told her before she ducked out the door.
Her dad popped his head in. “Are you ready?”
“I better be seated. I’m probably holding up the whole ceremony.” Her mom dabbed at the tears in her eyes.
“Let’s change it up. Walk down with us,” her dad suggested.
Her mom looked to Angela, who nodded. “Please, Momma. I’d like that.”
Together, with Angela in the middle, they walked along the garden path to the arbor. They’d decided to have a small wedding, only family and close friends.
“He’s handsome,” her mom leaned in and confided to her.
Angela beamed back. “He’s amazing.”
“I know a man like that,” her mom said, just loud enough her father could hear them.
“She says stuff like that when I’m in no position to do anything about it. Little minx. Just wait ’til I get you back to the hotel.”
Angela laughed, but her attention was on Brett. He really was handsome and amazing and he stole her breath away.
As they approached the pastor, her father moved behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders.
“Who gives this woman to this man in holy matrimony?” the pastor asked.
“Momma and I are considering it,” her father answered. “This is my little girl we’re talking about.”
The pastor looked confused and unsure of how to stop the inevitable train wreck he saw coming.
Brett just smiled as if it were every day his wedding was interrupted by a crazy old man. “She’s my life, sir. I promise to love her and put her needs first, in all things.”
Her dad nodded. “She’s mighty headstrong, son. She doesn’t listen worth a damn. You can order her to do something and she just goes her own way.”
Angela was torn between laughing and crying. Brett smiled at her and she knew he was her soulmate. No one else could have endured her daddy but someone who shared her same soul.
“Yes, she is, sir. I love her spirit. She has a sense of right and wrong that no one can take away from her. I promise to protect her and cherish her for the treasure that she is.” He might have been talking to her father, but he was looking at Angela.
She felt like she was the only one who mattered.
“What about grandkids, son? Me and the Mrs. aren’t getting any younger. I’d like to bounce a little ’un on my knee before I’m too old and decrepit to enjoy it.”
Abby leaned toward them. “That’s it. I’m eloping!”
Brett was smooth as ever. “That is as much Angela’s decision as it is mine, sir. If she’s willing, I’d love to have a family.”
Angela mouthed, I’m sorry, to Brett.
He winked at her.
“We’ll talk about it, Dad.” Angela said between clenched teeth.
Her father shook his head. “That ain’t the way to make it happen, but I’ll leave that explanation up to your young beau up there.” He turned toward his wife. “What do you think, Momma?”
“He’s a sweet boy. I think he’ll do right by her.”
Her dad looked first at Brett then down at Angela. “We love you, girl.” He looked back at Brett. “Son, you’re standing before God. This here,” he said waving toward the pastor, “is his emissary and you can bet they’re going to have a long talk tonight. I’ll be bending his ear as well. Remember that as you take your vows.”
“Yes, sir.”
“All right, Pastor. Her mother and I give our little girl into Brett’s keeping. Don’t make me regret it.” Her parents sat in the first row of chairs closest to Angela.
“Thank you, sir. You raised a beautiful, intelligent and witty young woman. I’m honored she has consented to be my wife.” Brett took her hand in his.
The ceremony began. “Dearly beloved, we gather here today to join Brett Mercer and Angela Fairhaven in holy matrimony.”
Angela looked up at Brett and knew the pastor was wrong. They were already joined in ways more meaningful than any piece of paper or ceremony could have linked them. They were two halves of the same soul.
About Tori Car
son
Tori lives a romance story every day of her life. She and her husband were high school sweethearts. Told by friends and family alike their relationship would never last, they were determined to prove that true love can stand the test of time. Thirty years later, their marriage is stronger than ever. Her handsome hubby is all things to her—lover, confidant, and most of all, her best friend. If there is one thing that Tori knows about it is everlasting love. And they always say to write what you know
Also by Tori Carson
Master’s Touch 1: The One and Only
Master’s Touch 2: All Grown Up
Ellora’s Cave Publishing
www.ellorascave.com
His to Own
ISBN 9781419994272
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
His to Own Copyright © 2015 Tori Carson
Edited by Susan Edwards
Cover design by Allyse Leodra
Cover photography by Shutterstock
Electronic book publication July 2015
The terms Romantica® and Quickies® are registered trademarks of Ellora’s Cave Publishing.
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