The Unforgettable Bride [Brides for the Garrison Brothers 1] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic)

by Paige Cameron

  “I’m sorry, I don’t. He hasn’t mentioned your name to me.” Lacey had seen the dislike in Cornelia’s face when she stepped forward. Her mouth had been pinched tight, and her eyes sparked with anger.

  She’d met women like this in Washington. Lacey wasn’t going to be intimidated by her. She’d learned how to stand up to her type.

  “Well, I wanted to warn you, he’s interested in me.” Several of the others frowned and shook their heads.

  “I’m not ready to consider a serious relationship, so don’t worry.”

  Cornelia got closer and into Lacey’s space. “I don’t suppose you would be, not after your husband made such a laughingstock out of your marriage with his many affairs.”

  “Stop, Cornelia,” Doreen ordered.

  “I don’t have to listen to you.” She glanced at the other women around them. “Did you know Lacey’s husband died in his lover’s arms? I read all about you and him on the Internet. I guess you were luck—”

  “Shut up, Cornelia.” Hunter’s angry voice cut through Cornelia’s rage.

  Cornelia gaped at Hunter. “I want the women here to know who she is, and that she’s come running here to find one of our men’s shoulders to cry on.”

  Devin had walked up behind Hunter and heard her last words. “It’s time for you to go home, Cornelia. You aren’t welcome at my house ever again.” His words were cold and final.

  Cornelia flushed, but stood her ground. She glanced around at the others. No one backed her. Hunter took her arm. “I’ll walk you to the car. And by the way, for everyone’s information, you are not my woman. You never were. I tried to tell you politely.”

  She snatched her arm free of Hunter’s grip and stomped off toward the parked cars. Lacey cringed thinking of all she’d said.

  Lacey’s anxiety rose when Cornelia verbally attacked her. It reminded her too much of the hatefulness other women had shown regarding Lacey’s deceased husband and his mistresses. She didn’t want to be seen as one of those women who took other women’s men. When Hunter clarified the situation to everyone, Lacy took a deep breath of relief. Still, she was embarrassed being the new person and the center of attention in a negative way.

  “I ought to go, too. I don’t want to spoil the party,” Lacey said.

  “No, stay,” one woman said, and the others nodded, agreeing. They started introducing themselves, and several were former classmates of Lacey’s.

  Doreen had come to stand beside her during the altercation. She squeezed Lacey’s hand.

  “You’ll have a good time. The rest of the women are really nice and will make good friends,” Doreen whispered.

  Lacey smiled, blinked away her tears, and swallowed around the lump in her throat as they moved closer to include her in their group.

  * * * *

  Hunter and Devin wandered off after seeing Lacey beginning to enjoy herself. Devin dipped his hand into the cold cooler and got them a beer. He snapped his open and took a long swallow. “That woman is dangerous. Did you see her eyes? I think she may be crazy jealous. You and Lacey better watch your step.”

  “Hopefully now that I’ve told her we’re done in front of others, she’ll find someone else.”

  “Who? Most of the eligible bachelors are at this party. They heard and saw the uproar. No one will touch her.”

  “She mentioned her mom wants her to move to Jasper, to be nearby if her mom and dad need her. Let’s hope she decides to go.”

  “What’s with you and Lacey? You gave the impression you were really interested in her. But you didn’t walk with me to greet her.”

  “She has a problem with men who run for office. I’m not ready to give up on my goal of being a state senator or perhaps going further.”

  “She’s afraid to trust,” Devin said.

  “How do you know? Did she say something?”

  “I’ve seen it in her expressions several times. I remember how it feels.”

  Hunter didn’t speak at first. He stared at Devin. “You gave Mom and Dad a hard time when you first arrived. You constantly tested them.”

  “But they didn’t back down or send me away.”

  “No. They never would have given up on you.”

  “We’re getting too serious. I’m going to start a game of horseshoes. The food will be ready in about thirty minutes. Dad’s keeping a watch on it,” Devin said. “I’ll get a group together to play.”

  Hunter looked around for Lacey. She stood in the circle of women. When they heard the call for horseshoes, several of them took off to play. One grabbed Lacey’s hand and took her along. Hunter smiled. I guess I’ll join the game.

  * * * *

  Lacey enjoyed the game, but was distracted at times when it was Hunter’s turn, or when he stood close and she breathed in his scent of cedar with a hint of citrus. As the game continued, she and Doreen were in a contest to the finish with Hunter and Devin.

  Devin lost interest and his throws went wild. Hunter punched his brother playfully in the arm.

  “That hurt,” Devin said.

  “Then pay attention. We can’t let the ladies win.”

  “Why don’t you play the rest of the game with Lacey? Doreen and I will beat you two.”

  “Hah, never.” Hunter glanced across at Lacey. “How about it, Lacey? Are you willing to be my partner? Doreen, you’d have to play with this lazy brother of mine.”

  Before Lacey could respond, Doreen walked across to the other side and joined Devin. “We’ll show them.”

  “Doreen, I want us to beat them,” Lacey protested.

  Hunter stepped across to stand by her. “I’m a good player. I won’t let you down.”

  “I’ll agree if you’ll play me one-on-one after this game ends.”

  “Ah, the lady challenges me. I’d have to win so the men can hold up their heads.”

  “You may be surprised,” she said, and picked up a horseshoe. “Game on.”

  “It didn’t take long for Hunter and her to win the game against Doreen and Devin. Hunter was a very good player and competitive.

  He grinned at Lacey. “Do you still want to play a game against me?”

  “You’ve gotten a big head from winning. I hope you won’t be too embarrassed when you lose to a woman.”

  He picked up a horseshoe. “May the best man or woman win.”

  Lacey was surprised to see they’d drawn a crowd. The women cheered for her and the men for Hunter. Everyone was in good spirits.

  They were tied until their last throw. Lacey nodded to Hunter to take his turn. Silence settled around the group.

  Hunter took his time and the tension heightened. Then, grinning, he threw, and the horseshoe rang as it hit the post and leaned against it. For a second it wobbled but it didn’t fall.

  The men went wild cheering. The women stood, silently watching Lacey pick up her horseshoe. She licked her lips. No one knew when she was younger this had been her favorite game at family gatherings. She had often won against the grown men. Taking a deep breath, she threw the horseshoe.

  No one made a sound as it flew through the air. At least not until it hit the post, rang and knocked Hunter’s down. This time it was the women cheering and hugging Lacey.

  “You did it,” Doreen said as they danced around the yard.

  Lacey glanced at Hunter. The men around him looked stunned, but he had a huge smile on his face and a look of pride.

  Devin stepped forward. One of the women had made two crowns out of aluminum foil, a woman’s and a man’s.

  “We’ll have to wait until the next party to use the man’s crown.” Devin placed the funny-looking tiara on her head and raised her arm. “Our winner is our new resident, Lacey Donelles.”

  The whole crowd cheered good-naturedly. “Just wait until next time,” Billy yelled out.

  Devin raised his hand. “Food’s ready. Will the ladies who volunteered to serve take their places and the rest of you form a line?”

  Hunter strolled across to her side. “Yo
u were magnificent.”

  “Aren’t you the least embarrassed?”

  “I’m confident in myself, and I’m full of pride for you. It’s all good fun. I haven’t been happy not seeing you,” he admitted.

  “Me neither, but I don’t see an answer to our problem.”

  “I do. Date me, get to know me again. Don’t worry about tomorrow. I believe if you find you can trust me, it will solve any disagreement between us.”

  “Meaning I’ll grow to like the idea of you as a politician?”

  “Perhaps.”

  “We could both get hurt,” she warned.

  “Or we might find more than we expected.”

  “You’re a gambler.”

  “Only when it’s very important to me.” A faintly eager expression flashed across his face.

  Lacey licked her lips and glanced toward the house. All but a few had their food and were eating.

  “Let’s eat while I consider your offer.” Her hand touched the side of his face. “I do admire you, and you’re so darn handsome. It’d be very difficult to say no.”

  “Then I’ll take that as a yes.” Hunter put his hand on her back and guided her toward the quickly disappearing line.

  Chapter Eight

  “I’ll drive Lacey home,” Hunter said to Doreen and Billy.

  “Is that all right with you, Lacey?” Doreen asked.

  Lacey nodded yes. “I don’t think he’ll try to steal my crown from me. I should be safe.”

  Doreen laughed. “Have fun.” She and Billy waved as they got in their truck and left.

  “Are you ready to go?” Hunter asked.

  “After I tell Devin good-bye.” She walked back toward the house. Everyone had gone except the Garrison brothers. They were helping Devin clean up.

  “Can we help?” Lacey asked.

  “No, we’ll be finished very soon.” Devin walked up to her. “Congrats on your win.” He touched the circlet of aluminum drooping on her head.

  “I had the best time I’ve had in years.” Lacey went up on her toes and kissed his cheek. “Thank you.”

  Devin blushed. “You are most welcome. I need to have these parties more often.”

  Hunter hugged Devin and waved to his other brothers. “See you all on Sunday.” He put his arm around Lacey and they left.

  When they were in his truck, Lacey asked, “Do you all see each other every Sunday?”

  “Pretty much. Mom likes the whole family to be together. We try to please her, but occasionally someone has other plans and misses a Sunday.” He looked across at Lacey. “Why don’t you join us this week? Mom would love it. She likes guests, and she especially likes you.”

  “Your mother has that look in her eye. She wants her boys married and grandbabies on the way. It’s dangerous to be around her.”

  “True, but I’ll tell her to not mention those topics when we have a lady guest.”

  “Do you think she’ll agree?”

  “Probably not.” He sighed. “She can be a determined woman, but we all love her very much.”

  “I like men who love their mothers and can admit it,” Lacey said as Hunter parked in front of her house.

  He turned in his seat. “Can I come in?”

  She tilted her head to the side. “Do you want coffee?”

  “I want to make love to you.”

  His words slid across her skin like warm satin. A smile tugged at the corners of his lips. He reached out and brushed his hand across her hair.

  “Then I guess you’ll have to come in unless you want to get naked and do it on the grass?”

  “I may take you up on that offer another time.” He moved quickly, got out, and went to her side of the car. He took her hand and they walked to the front door. She handed him her key. When he unlocked it, he gave the key back to her. Once they were inside, he locked the door behind them.

  Hunter picked Lacey up in his arms. “Point me in the right direction.” He sat her on the side of the bed and removed her boots and socks. Then he looked up at her.

  “I was so proud when you won today.”

  “I saw it in your face. It was unexpected. I thought you’d be irritated, or disappointed, or saying it was just a lucky throw.”

  “It wasn’t. You’re good. Why would I try and demean your accomplishment?”

  Lacey put her hands on either side of his face. “Are you real, or is this an act?”

  “You get what you see.” His eyes sparkled with humor. He stood from where he’d knelt at her feet. Then he pulled her up against him. “I can’t wait to taste you.” He kissed her gently at first, and then the kiss deepened as Lacey moved her body closer to him.

  When she opened her mouth, his tongue swept inside and stroked all around. Delight shivered along her arms and back. A warm glow began to grow in her abdomen. His kiss moved downward along her neck and to the opening of her blouse.

  “These clothes have to come off.” He unfastened the buttons of her blouse and unsnapped her bra. When he stepped back, she shrugged them off. His warm hands cupped her breasts and she sighed.

  “I love your touch, gentle and yet firm.”

  Hunter kissed her nipple and blew on it. “I like to see your rosebud tightened with desire.” Leaning in, he kissed her bare midriff.

  Then he undid the button on her jeans and unzipped them. His lips followed his actions, and he kissed her stomach. With a quick move, he had her jeans and panties down and off. As he rose, his hands slid along the sides of her legs and up her body.

  Lacey unsnapped his shirt. “This isn’t fair. You have to be naked, too.”

  “I quite agree.” Hunter undressed in a minute and put several condoms on the table beside the bed. Lacey had pulled back the covers. He picked her up and fell onto the bed with her. His elbows kept his body from weighing down on her.

  His body heat sent sizzling desire sparking along her nerve endings. Her hunger for him had increased since not seeing him for a few days. She pushed him over and lay on top of him.

  “I have you at my mercy,” she said smugly.

  “I’ve always wanted to be at the mercy of a beautiful woman.”

  Lacey bit the edge of his ear and then kissed the soft spot under it. She ran her hands through his thick, dark brown hair and kissed all over his strong face. She nibbled at his lower lip and grazed her teeth across his hard jaw.

  All the time, Hunter lay still beneath her. His eyes were full of tenderness and passion. It was easy to get lost in the way he looked at her. Her heart hammered in her ears and her breath came more rapidly. Looking at his gorgeous, golden-tan body increased her craving to be closer and closer to him. Her pussy walls clenched tight, and her juices flowed, wetting her lower lips and scenting the air with her lust for this delectable man.

  Her lips brushed along his neck, and she found the spot where his heart beat fast and hard. She raised her head to look at him. “You desire me.”

  “In every way.” His pupils had gotten larger and the blue of his iris had darkened as he looked at her intently.

  She licked the spot on his neck and lowered her head to his wide shoulders. She’d straddled his body and now she stroked her hands across the taut skin of his chest. Then her fingertips tightened on his nipples.

  When she kissed his abdomen, he hissed. She grinned and continued on her discovery. Lacey grasped his long, large cock. Her finger brushed across the pearly drop at the top of the crown. Watching his expression, she licked her finger, and then took his cock deep in her throat. Hunter groaned as she moved her head up and down. Her tongue caressed the satiny skin that covered his hard dick.

  She was aware of his heavy breathing and that his body had tensed. Her hand held his sac and moved his balls gently.

  “Darlin, I can’t last much longer. You feel too damn good.”

  “Then let go,” she whispered. She quickened her movements and sucked on his cock. He tightened his fingers on her head and yelled out with his release. She tasted his salty essence.
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  Hunter pulled her up beside him and kissed her. “I don’t have the words to say how much I enjoyed your loving.” He held her close to his side until his breathing slowed.

  She loved being cuddled by him. For a few minutes they dozed. When Hunter stirred, she woke and looked up at his face.

  “Do you have to go?”

  “No way. We’re going to take a shower and see you are satisfied. If you agree, afterward we’ll sleep and go to Shirley’s in the morning for breakfast.”

  “I like your plan.”

  “Good.” He reached across her and grabbed another condom, and then gathering her into his arms, he took long, quick steps to the bathroom. He put her down to adjust the water and placed the condom nearby.

  When they stepped in the shower, Hunter lathered his hands and ran them all over Lacey, while she tried to wash him at the same time. They hugged each other as they washed each other’s backs. Then Hunter started at her neck and moved downward. He paid special attention to her sensitive breasts.

  Lacey’s pussy ached with desire for him. She watched the changing expressions on his face as he caressed her mounds and rubbed her nipples. When he glanced at her, his eyes scorched her with his lusty desire.

  She leaned forward and kissed him. “A penny for your thoughts,” she teased.

  “They’re worth more than a penny, and they are X-rated, too hot for your innocent ears to hear.”

  Hunter slid his sudsy hand between her legs. “Your skin is incredibly soft.” He rubbed along her lower lips. Her excitement grew.

  “Make love to me,” she demanded.

  “I like a bossy woman, at times,” he clarified.

  They both rinsed off and Hunter slipped out of the shower for a second to sheath his cock. When he got back in, he told her to put her arms around his neck. Then he wrapped her legs around him and his cock rubbed against her lower abdomen.

  “My pussy is aching for you,” she whispered in his ear, and bit his earlobe.

  “Ouch, that hurt.”