Cowboy Promise

by Janalyn Knight

  Once at their rooms, he opened the door and ushered her inside. “Have a glass of wine with me?”

  She smiled, yet shook her head. “Can we not, tonight? It’s been such a long day. All I can think of is my pillow.” The day’s anxiety had drawn on every last bit of energy reserve she had.

  Ethan tossed his room key on the end table. “At least give me a proper good night, then.” He grinned and drew her to him. Clasping her hands, he pulled them behind her back and kissed her thoroughly.

  His kiss left her oddly unmoved. Her pulse didn’t race, her breath didn’t quicken. A man had never kissed her in that strangely vulnerable position, and it reminded her of the time Ethan took control in California. The men she normally spent time with were very different.

  Ethan brushed her cheek with his fingertips and released her. “Sleep in a while in the morning. Why don’t we eat in the room and leave here around eleven?”

  “I’ll see you tomorrow.” She couldn’t get to her bedroom fast enough. As she showered and prepared for bed, her anxiety returned. Why didn’t her body respond to Ethan’s kiss? She’d always loved how he kissed—the man was amazing at it. Yet she may as well have been made of stone. Ethan cared for her—spared no expense where she was concerned, left no detail unplanned. As her protector, he could make her the happiest woman in the world.

  She slid into cold sheets and turned off the lamp. Cash was no longer a part of her life. Now she might lose Ethan, too. She couldn’t spend her life with a man who left her physically unmoved. Sweat moistened her palms, and she rubbed them absently on the duvet. Cash’s loss had upended her world, and she was still struggling to find peace with it. Could that be her problem? She just needed time to pull herself together, and then she would respond to Ethan as she had in the past. Sighing deeply, she turned on her side. Her old self would be back in no time.

  The next evening, Dallas slipped her feet into the four-inch heels that matched the outfit Ethan had picked out for her when they went shopping. The knee-length black dress was snug with off-the-shoulder cap sleeves and a deep V neckline.

  Earlier in the day, he took her to Little Italy, China Town, Times Square, and she saw the Statue of Liberty from across the bay.

  She met him in the living room where he was taking in the view of the cathedral. “All ready.”

  He strode to her, pulling her in for a quick kiss. “You’re gorgeous.” Stepping back, he eyed her up and down. “My God, look at you. I’m a lucky man.”

  Grinning, she said, “You’re pretty spectacular yourself.” His elegant, perfectly fitted black suit made them a striking pair.

  As he opened the door, he said, “I made dinner reservations, too.”

  His smile hinted at something special and piqued her curiosity. Clasping his arm, she walked proudly at his side, headed for her first Broadway show.

  DALLAS CLAPPED AS THE cast bowed for the last time. The musical had been everything she hoped for. And, in true Ethan style, their seats were perfect—in the center, third row from the stage, in the orchestra section. She tightened her wrap as he helped her to her feet.

  He put his hand at her waist as they slowly filed out of the theater.

  Glancing at him, she smiled and stepped a little closer as a wave of warmth swept through her. Ethan was so good to her. He had it wrong. She was the lucky one. Continually thinking of ways to make her happy, he was a giving and caring man. Everything was going to be okay.

  The limo waited for them, and Ethan pulled her close as he slid inside. He tilted her face to him and kissed her tenderly, yet with the heat of male power. She kissed him back, pulling him to her, willing her body to respond.

  He angled her mouth for a deeper kiss, running his hand up her waist.

  She drew back, inching away from him. “So, where are we going for dinner?” The kiss hadn’t worked. She felt nothing.

  He settled back against the seat. “It’s something different—in a chef’s private home. Reservations are very hard to come by, and he’s agreed to stay open a bit later for us tonight.” He squeezed her fingers softly. “I hope you like it.”

  “I’m sure I will.” Closing her eyes, she turned her head away. A few more days were all she needed. Then she’d feel something. She had to.

  Ten minutes later, they arrived at the chic French restaurant and followed the maître d’ to their table.

  Ethan seated her, and she glanced around the room. Though there were two other tables, they were empty since the place had already closed. The unique aspect of this place was the kitchen which took up one whole wall of the small dining room. They could watch the chef and his staff prepare the intricate food they would be served.

  Their wine came and Ethan told her, “We don’t need to order. Chef Charles has a wonderful dinner planned for us tonight.”

  This fabulous—and surely expensive—evening was so alien to her, yet Ethan seemed in his element. “I don’t know what to say. Tonight is out of this world.”

  “I like making you happy.”

  She reached across the table, and he clasped her hand. They sat that way for a while, and she was content. Then the first entre arrived. And the dishes kept coming. She’d heard of places like this. Each plate or bowl held a tiny portion of unique-looking food. She tried it all. Some were fabulous, others were ... interesting. Her only clue the meal had ended was when dessert was served.

  Ethan must have noticed her look of relief. He grinned. “You survived. What did you think?”

  “Honestly? I really loved most of it. A couple of things, though, yuck. Did they just pull green stuff out of a field and cut it up?”

  He cracked up. “I agree. You’ll notice I didn’t eat everything, either.” Pausing, he reached for her hand. “Dallas, I know I put a lot of pressure on you to come this weekend. I’d planned everything in great detail, and I have to admit I had an ulterior motive. I have something to show you, but don’t make your decision just yet.” He reached in his pocket and produced a white gold, beautifully-cut diamond solitaire engagement ring. “I love you, Dallas, and I want to marry you.”

  Her heart lurched and began to pound. She grew lightheaded. This couldn’t be happening. Not yet. Maybe not ever. Oh, Cash!

  Ethan frowned slightly.

  Hell, she must look as terrified as she felt. “Ethan, I—”

  Before she could go on, he said, “I don’t want you to accept this now, Dallas. There’s something else you must do first. The hotel delivered a draft of a prenuptial agreement to your room this evening. I’ll pay for an attorney of your choosing to review it with you, and, within reason, we can modify it. Please understand, this isn’t anything to do with you personally. I own a large part of my family business, and I have a responsibility to protect those assets.”

  She gazed at him as her heart slowed, and cold seeped in. How very different was Ethan’s declaration of love from Cash’s baring of his soul. A crushing weight built and built, making it almost impossible for her to take a breath.

  Ethan closed the ring box and rushed to her. Kneeling, he pulled her into a hug. “I’ve hurt you, and I never meant for that to happen. I’m so sorry, Dallas. I have no choice in this. I wanted you to know about the prenup before you said yes. Though people in the circle I grew up with take it for granted, I knew you might not be expecting one.”

  She nodded against his chest, feeling absolutely nothing. “I understand, Ethan. Please, don’t worry.”

  THE HOLLOWNESS STAYED with her through her flight to Dallas the next day, in the limo ride home, and during the kiss Ethan gave her at her front door.

  He clung to her a moment longer. “Dallas, please don’t turn down my proposal without reading the document. It’s extremely generous as prenups go. It’s not meant to hurt you in any way.”

  She pulled back and attempted a smile. “I have so much to think about, not just the prenup, Ethan. I’m confused and tired and completely unable to talk about it right now, okay?”

  Kissing her
forehead, he whispered, “I understand,” and walked back to the limo.

  By the time she told her parents a little about the trip and retrieved Piper, she could hardly move. Her daughter wanted Dallas’s undivided attention, which she gave the little girl while stretched out on the couch. Thank God, Piper could entertain herself. All Dallas had to do was act as her cheering section.

  Thoughts roiled inside Dallas’s head. Ethan’s businesslike proposal. The amazing new experiences they shared in New York. How he planned down to the tiniest detail to ensure her happiness. A prenup which would limit the amount of financial security she would achieve in the marriage. It was a document in existence for one reason only—her divorce. Never in her life had she thought of marriage as a financial agreement. She considered marriage a matter of loving someone with all your heart.

  She knew someone else who thought of marriage that way. But he gave up on her. Squeezing her eyes shut, the weight in her chest suddenly seemed too much to bear. She turned over and curled up tight. Her stomach churned. Without a bite to eat all day, the burning sensation in her belly grew stronger.

  Piper had already eaten dinner. Dallas had only to make it until bedtime. She could last that long. Though she seldom used them, tonight she would take two over-the-counter sleeping pills. She couldn’t bear a night haunted by a man who no longer cared, a man who had forgotten her, a man she could no longer love.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Ethan checked his tie and opened his office door. After spending the past three days in court, he wanted to take Dallas to lunch. Surely, she had called a lawyer by now about the prenup. With the cowboy out of the picture, nothing stood in Ethan’s way. He’d just received some wonderful news from the Dallas firm that made moving forward with his plans with Dallas even more critical.

  Dallas focused intently on her computer screen and didn’t notice him until he leaned on her desk.

  He smiled at her. “Go to lunch with me? I’ve missed you.”

  She frowned. “Ethan, I’d love to but I’m so behind. I’m still catching up from taking Friday off. Rain check?”

  Dallas seemed tired. Makeup didn’t quite hide circles under her eyes. Was she that upset over the damn prenup? “Are you okay, Dallas?” This was probably not a good time to ask about the attorney.

  She gave him a half-hearted smile. “Fine. Just haven’t been sleeping all that well. Must be a full moon.”

  Hoping to make her laugh, he said, “I thought that only bothered little old ladies.” It worked.

  “I feel like one today. I’m sorry I can’t go, Ethan. Thanks for asking.”

  Once back in his office, he was too restless to settle into reviewing the document his assistant had given him earlier that morning. Dallas occupied his thoughts. The prenup shouldn’t prevent her from marrying him. He had so much to offer her. She’d never want for anything. He’d pay for her university, and afterward, she’d never have to work. Of course, her daughter would go to the very best schools. He’d make sure of it. Her education would prepare her for an Ivy League college. He and Dallas would travel extensively, of course.

  So, why did he sense an underlying problem? She didn’t seem like a woman who’d had a man lay the world at her feet. Sure, there was the matter of the prenup, but he got the feeling that wasn’t the whole problem. Maybe she hadn’t thought about all the benefits marrying him offered.

  He picked up his cell and dialed her. “Would you please come to dinner at my place Sunday evening? It’s important. It’ll be casual, don’t worry.”

  She hesitated. “It’s important?”

  “It really is. Please?”

  “Of course, I’ll come.”

  “I’ll send a car. Thank you, Dallas.” He had three days to plan. Sunday, he’d close this deal.

  SATURDAY MORNING, WHEN she went to pick up Piper, Dallas sat at the kitchen table at her parents’ house, drinking coffee with her mother while her daughter watched cartoons in the living room. “Mom, I didn’t tell you something that happened on my New York trip. Ethan asked me to marry him.”

  Her mother’s eyes widened then narrowed as she examined Dallas’s face. “Something’s wrong.”

  Dallas sighed and took a drink of her coffee. “Yeah. It is. He gave me a prenuptial agreement to review. The whole thing is weird.” She surveyed the cracks on the opposite wall. “That’s just part of my problem, if you can believe it. Since Cash broke up with me, I quit feeling or something.”

  Searching her mom’s face, she said, “I remember caring deeply for Ethan, but that’s gone. How can I marry him if I don’t get that feeling back?”

  “You can’t, honey.”

  Her face crumpled. “What’s wrong with me, Momma?”

  Her mom reached across the table and clasped her wrists, giving her a shake. “Look at me now. One thing I know is there’s nothing wrong with you. You’re honest and true. It doesn’t matter who you marry as long as that man makes you feel whole, and strong, and joyful. That’s when you’ll have a good life.”

  Dallas blinked and sucked in a breath. Whole and strong and joyful. How wonderful would it be to feel like that? “Momma, you’re so wise. I love you.” Picking up her purse, she called Piper. Dallas had a lot of thinking to do.

  ETHAN TUCKED THE TWO bound reports on top of the refrigerator, out of sight. After working on them all weekend, he had the perfect presentation ready for Dallas. He uncorked the wine and poured himself a glass. She should arrive any minute. It was hard to believe, but his pulse was racing. So much depended on her response. She must see the wisdom in marrying him, and he hoped she would agree to do so tonight.

  He heard the car pull up outside and went to the door to meet her. Dallas looked stunning as she stepped out of the car with her long golden hair and the bright summer dress they’d bought when he took her shopping. God, he absolutely had to make this woman his wife.

  Hurrying down the steps, he took her in his arms. “Welcome. I opened the wine, and dinner is ready. I ordered in, and it just arrived.”

  She smiled and followed him into the house.

  Wanting a more intimate setting than the large table where he entertained, he led her to the kitchen and pulled out a chair for her at the table. “I thought we could eat in here. You can get lost in my big dining room.”

  “Fine with me. This is a beautiful kitchen. Do you cook a lot?”

  He glanced around his state-of-the-art kitchen outfitted with stainless-steel appliances and stocked with everything a chef could want. “No, not at all. I’m not really into it. If I have guests, I have it catered. Do you?”

  She grinned. “Uh, not much choice here. I do simple things, mostly. Working two jobs, I don’t have much time to cook. My mom taught me some old family recipes that are nice, though.”

  Pouring her a glass of wine, he said, “You work way too hard.”

  Sighing, she answered, “Again, not much choice. Not if I want to go back to school.”

  He nodded and headed over to the oven where he removed four foil trays and set them on a baking sheet. After taking them to the table, along with a basket of warm bread, he grinned at Dallas. “Lots and lots of Italian food. Dig in.”

  He kept the conversation light during dinner. His stomach had tied itself in knots, and he wasn’t hungry. Though he nibbled his food, he was ready for the damned meal to end.

  At last, she set her fork down. “I can’t eat another bite. Ethan, the way you feed me, I’m going to get fat.”

  Laughing, he teased, “Don’t you dare!” With a gesture, he said, “Head on into the living room. I’ll be right there.” As she left the room, he retrieved the reports from their hiding place, grabbed the wine and his glass, and then paused, taking a deep breath. This was it. He put on his most engaging smile and strode from the room.

  Dallas sat on the sofa, sipping her wine. She smiled at him as he approached.

  He hoped she was still smiling when he finished his presentation. Sitting down beside her, he handed he
r a report.

  She read the cover, and her forehead wrinkled. “Long-term benefits of marriage?”

  Nodding, he gave her a paper. “Yes, but before we start, have you reviewed the prenuptial agreement, Dallas?”

  She shook her head. “Ethan, I need to tell—”

  “That’s okay, I listed three attorneys here who are experienced with them, and they’re expecting your call. Now, Dallas, God forbid something should happen to our marriage, but if it did, you and Piper would be well taken care of. You must read the document. Really, marrying me is a win-win situation for you.” He opened his report. “Let’s look at tab one.”

  Dallas, her voice strained, said, “Ethan, I need to talk—”

  He clasped her hand. “Please, let me go over this with you. Remember I said tonight was important? This is what I meant. Okay?”

  Sucking in her lower lip, she nodded slowly.

  “Okay, tab one.” She opened her book.

  “As you can see, I calculated the cost of your completed legal degree and bar exam. You’ll have no living expenses because we’ll be married. You’ll note, that’s quite a substantial amount, which I’m thrilled to pay for you. Now, if you’ll turn the page, I did some research and these worthy organizations would love for you to volunteer your services, pro bono, as your time allows. Of course, after we’re married, you’ll be accompanying me to social events and raising our young children, so that time will be somewhat limited.”

  Glancing up, he noticed her jaw had dropped. He rushed to say, “Don’t worry, you’ll have a nanny.”