by McBain, Mara
“No need to let that green-eyed monster loose on poor Cody. I’d much rather hug on you,” he murmured against her skin.
She tilted her neck, inviting his exploration. Brushing his lips over the silky skin, Cole drew a shuddering breath. Her perfume wrapped around his senses, threatening to short circuit his brain. The arm around her waist tightened, drawing her petite curves against the front of him. Following the delicate line of her jaw, he finally found her soft lips. Adrienne responded with eagerness that only served to throw more fuel on the fire raging in him. Spearing his fingers through her hair, he deepened the kiss. His tongue slipped past her panting lips to plunder her mouth. He groaned when she met his advances, their lips and tongues dancing and dueling until they were both breathless.
He pulled her harder against him, but the bulk of their coats left him frustrated and wanting. He fumbled with the fastenings on her fur, but his fingers refused to work properly. She smacked at his hands, pulling back, and he groaned until he realized she was opening the buttons for him. Ripping his heavy coat open, he let it and his hat fall to the floor before yanking her back against him. His hands slid inside her unfastened coat, running over her perfect curves in a trembling caress. She was all woman. There was nothing timid or doubtful in the way she rubbed against him. Her fingers bit into the broad span of his back as if she couldn’t get close enough. This was the confidence he’d felt the first time they’d kissed and what drove him wild.
Turning her back to the stall door, he lifted her off her feet. She tried to wrap her legs around him, but struggled with her skirts and the heavy fur. Their lips clashed. Her nails sank into the back of his neck, hungry and demanding. His head spun as their kisses grew almost violent. He humped against the cradle of her hips. All of a sudden, her hands slid around to press against his chest. She mumbled against his lips. Her palm shoved at his jaw and she turned her head away, wresting her mouth from his with a gasp.
“Stop.”
Cole blinked. When Adrienne squirmed this time, it was in an obvious effort to free herself from his grip. He shook his head in confusion and lowered her awkwardly to her feet. He stroked hair from her face, silently begging for an explanation, but she wouldn’t look at him. Face flushed, she struggled to straighten her clothing. A tear ran down her cheek. Self-loathing flooded him, stomach churning. What the hell had he done?
“Did I hurt you?”
“I’m sorry,” she choked out and brushed past him, breaking into a run.
The door slammed but didn’t latch, kicking back open. Cole stared blankly at the rectangle of light, trying to prod his addled brain to make sense of what had just happened. The only sound was the wind banging the door against the side of the barn. He flinched as Cody nuzzled the side of his head. Cupping the gelding’s apposite jaw, he pressed their cheeks together, accepting the animal’s comfort for a moment. How the hell had he fucked that up?
He closed his eyes, replaying every second from the time Adrienne had entered the barn. He could still taste her mouth; feel her body pressed up against his. There was no doubt she’d been just as eager for him as he had her. What’d happened? Swiping a hand down his face, Cole shook his head. He would never understand women. There’d been tears in her voice when she’d fled. I’m sorry. The apology just raised more questions. Sorry for stopping or for starting in the first place?
Chapter Three
Tears blurred her vision as Adrienne fled across the yard. Catching an exposed tree root with her toe she stumbled, a sob bursting past her lips. Fingers closing around the clothesline post, she leaned her forehead against the cold metal and tried to pull herself together. What was wrong with her? Hearing Genevieve’s voice at the back door, she spun away from the post and hurried across the yard away from the house. No matter how well intentioned, she couldn’t answer questions right now.
The nearby stand of trees offered little shelter from the elements or view. The gusting wind had stripped the last of the vibrant leaves from the branches. Hues of red, brown, and gold tumbled across the ground dancing on the breeze before piling along the fieldstone foundation behind her or the pasture fence. She closed her eyes for a moment. Quilts and sheets billowed and snapped on the abandoned clothesline, adding to the wind’s symphony, but she no longer heard her friend’s voice.
Adrienne drew a shaky breath of the crisp air, feeling the growing chill as it swept down out of the mountains. Sporadic snowflakes fell. Winter was coming and, with it, she needed to make some decisions. She swiped at her damp cheeks in self disgust. What had she been thinking? Cole had offered to overlook her past. He was willing to marry her despite everything, and instead of trying to be a better woman and live up to that trust, she threw herself at him in the barn like a common whore. Wrapping her flapping fur coat back around her, she kicked at the colorful autumn offering that carpeted the yard. The warmth of anger and humiliation were actually welcome.
Her feet falling into the well-worn groove, she blindly followed the lane toward the orchard. The small trees were bare and skeletal now, like the others, but she’d seen the bounty the McCade’s had harvested from their branches. Besides the bushel baskets of whole fruit, the cellar shelves were full to bursting with cider, apple butter, jelly, applesauce, spiced filling for desserts, and God knew what else. The thought made her shoulders lift and fall in a heavy sigh. She wouldn’t have known how to do any of that. What could she possibly bring to Cole as a wife?
Truthfully, the marriage offer had caught her completely off guard. His proposal, if it could even be called that, had been unromantic and matter-of-fact, but honest. It reminded her of another comment the handsome blond had made. In the heat of an argument, Cole had said a woman would be lucky to be his because McCade men took damn good care of what was theirs. She smiled. Some might think his words boastful, but for any other doubts Adrienne might have, that statement rang true and she hadn’t been able to get it out of her mind. Though different, the McCade men had an antiquated chivalry that was attractive. Cole was a natural charmer, and she’d even grown to see the value in his older brother’s direct manner. As gruff as Trey was, he was strong, dependable, and very protective. He had given Gen a beautiful home and the type of stability the young woman hadn’t even dared dream of. With it, Genevieve had bloomed with confidence that was beautiful to see. Adrienne found herself envious.
Kicking a wizened apple the deer and scavengers had missed, Adrienne shook her head. When Gen had first mentioned the good father setting her up as a mail-order bride, she’d been hesitant. In hindsight, part of that fear had been the thought of being left behind. Deep down, she’d admired the younger girl’s bravery, leaving everything she knew for the chance to start fresh. Admired and envied, she admitted now. The envy had been there even then. It was an ugly emotion and not one she was proud of.
When she’d boarded the train to Virginia, she’d told herself the trip was a short vacation, a chance to clear her head and check on Gen. Why then, on the ride, had she found herself imagining it was her on the way to meet a new husband, to start a new life? Had that been what she’d wanted all along? Her lips pursed in a sneering pout. Clarke had magnanimously paid another month on the apartment when she’d refused to continue their relationship after hearing of his engagement. She’d had time to make other arrangements, and yet, she’d sold furniture and valuables, packed up, and here she was.
The snowflakes were coming more frequent now, as if reminding her of the passing time. Cole had said he’d marry her if he knew he could be what she wanted. What about what he wanted, needed? She looked around her. Everything here was new to a city girl. Could she make a home here? Gen had. She certainly wouldn’t miss the constant rumble of engines or the shrill blare of horns. The sounds here were almost like silence compared to the endless din of New York.
“Are you lost?”
Her head snapped around at the deep drawl. Trey was trudging up the lane with a deer slung over his broad shoulders. She wrinkled her nose seein
g the poor thing’s tongue lolling out of its mouth.
“I was admiring the scenery.”
“You’ll see true beauty come summer,” he said, his gaze sweeping the mountains before nodding at the dead deer with an amused twitch of his lips. “And she’ll look a lot better in a stew or on a platter with some potatoes to dress her up.”
Trying to ignore his male wit, Adrienne fell into step beside him. “I had no idea you enjoyed my company so much that you’re hoping I’m still here to see summer.”
“Hope might not be the word I’d use, maybe resigned,” Trey drawled dryly.
She couldn’t hold back her amusement this time. “I hope your lovely wife is making it worth your while.”
The quip drew a genuine grin from the big man.
“I’ve reminded her that it is her home too, but who am I to refuse her gratitude?”
“Gen’s a lucky woman,” Adrienne said with a dramatic roll of her eyes.
He didn’t say anything, but she thought she caught the slightest smile. Pulling her coat snugger, she skipped a few steps to catch up. Even with the added weight of the doe, it was a challenge to keep up with his long strides.
“In all seriousness I hope you know I do appreciate your hospitality,” she said when he remained silent.
He nodded.
“With your love of honesty, I’m sure you won’t have issue with letting me know if I’m overstaying my welcome.”
Another nod was all the answer she received, but she thought she saw a sparkle in his pale blue eyes.
“I’m glad we had this talk,” she said dryly.
This time, there was no mistaking the laughter in his gaze as he shot her a look out of the corner of his eye. Gen was right. The man had a sense of humor hidden under the gruff exterior.
They continued the walk in silence, Adrienne skipping every couple of steps to keep up. The effort and uphill climb left her a little breathless by the time they reached the yard. Genevieve was retrieving the bedding from the clothesline with Brutus standing guard. She blew her returning husband a kiss, making the victorious hunter grin in pride. Cole was nowhere in sight. Adrienne’s stomach churned. Trey nudged her shoulder and she stumbled, shooting an indignant look up at him.
“If the walk didn’t work it out and you have another sleepless night, you know where I keep the magic ingredient for an Irish coffee nightcap,” he said before continuing to the barn.
Adrienne stared after him for a long moment. Quiet or not, the big man missed little.
“Whoa!”
She spun at Gen’s startled cry and raced to help her struggling friend as the gusting wind tried to rip a heavy quilt from her fingers. They were both out of breath by the time they wrestled the dry blankets and sheets into a basket. Each grabbing a handle on the wicker hamper, they dashed for the porch with it between them. Dropping their load onto the mudroom floor, they leaned their backs against the door to catch their breath.
“Whew! Thank you,” Gen said, trying to tame her copper hair back into some semblance of order.
“You’re welcome. That wind is really picking up.”
“And the temperature is dropping,” Gen said with a nod. Shrugging out of her outerwear, she grabbed up the laundry again. “I better get the beds made. I’m glad I washed these extra blankets. If the wind keeps howling like that, we may want them.”
Trailing after her willowy friend to help, Adrienne let Gen carry the bulk of the conversation, her mind still on the man in the barn.
“Are you going to tell me which one of them made you cry?”
The soft question cut through her worries, yanking her back to the present. Guiltily smoothing the bed they’d just made, she couldn’t meet Gen’s gaze.
“It’s nothing.”
“You don’t spoil your makeup for nothing.”
“It was my fault.”
“What happened?”
Adrienne sighed. Gen’s tone was soft but persistent. She wasn’t going to give up. Crossing to the dresser, she peered in the mirror. Pulling her case out of the top drawer, she took her time repairing the damage, wishing everything could be fixed as easily. Finally, she met Genevieve’s gaze. Worry shimmered in her grey eyes. Looking back down, she concentrated on straightening the few items on the dresser top.
“The rules I’m used to playing by don’t work here. I feel lost. I don’t know how else to explain it, other than I feel like the spotlight came on and I don’t know what role I’m playing,” she said softly. “I’ve never doubted myself when it came to men. I know how to smile, flirt, play to their ego, but this is something different. What you have, what Cole is offering me, it can’t be won with beauty, wit, or between the sheets. I don’t know how to be the things he needs, that he deserves.”
“Only Cole knows what he needs, but there is no doubt that he wants you,” Gen said coming around the foot of the bed. She sat down and patted the mattress in invitation.
Smiling wanly, Adrienne sank down beside her. When had their roles switched? She looked down as Gen laced their fingers together. The diamond and emerald ring on her friend’s finger provided the answer.
“You don’t have to be the perfect wife, just the right one for Cole. You’re worrying before there’s a problem. This isn’t the stage. You can’t be someone you’re not any more than he can.”
“When did you get so wise?”
Gen blushed and shook her head. “No grand wisdom here, just experience. When Trey and I decided to forget about visions of perfection and the expectations of others and just try to take care of each other, things got a lot easier.”
Turning the ring on Gen’s finger to catch the light, Adrienne let the words tumble in her mind. Though they made sense, the icy fear that encased her heart was still there. A lump rose in her throat and she closed her eyes. She’d thought the days of paralyzing doubt and fears were behind her. Regardless of Gen’s admonishment, she’d always been able to show the world a mask. Feeling it slip now was terrifying. What had started in the barn as a game, like any other, had quickly flamed into something much more. What was it about his kisses that tore her control away? She shook her head as her body throbbed in memory of his. If he could do this to her with his clothes on, what would it be like to lie under the man? She groaned. It was exactly that kind of thinking that had led to her propositioning the poor man in the barn, and then crying stop like a schoolgirl.
“Gen!”
The bellow made them both jump. Snagging the empty laundry basket, she followed Genevieve to the top to the stairs. Snow clung to the brim of Trey’s black hat and melted on the broad shoulders of his coat. The look in his eyes as he stared up at his wife banished any abruptness in his summons.
“The snow is coming down pretty good, and I don’t like the look of the sky. We’re going to bring the cattle up to the near pasture incase this thing gets nasty.”
Gen stopped on the bottom step and leaned in for a kiss. “The stew will keep. We’ll make sure we’re ready for a storm and have dinner waiting for you.”
“Hot food and a hot woman, what more can a man ask for?” Trey asked, stealing another kiss before smacking Gen’s ass with his gloves. “Thanks, darlin’. I’ll see you in a bit.”
“How does he make old-fashioned and chauvinistic seem sexy?” she asked, descending the steps to join her friend at the window.
“It’s just who he is,” Gen said, a smile curving her lips as she watched Trey mount up. “I like to think of it as cowboy charm rather than chauvinism.”
A sharp whistle broke the air and Brutus left his post on the porch to lope after the horses. She couldn’t help admire how good Cole looked in the saddle.
“They do have a certain charm.”
“There’s just something about Trey that makes me feel safe,” Gen said, pressing her cheek to the windowpane to watch the men leave the yard.
“Could it be that he’s the size of a bear?”
Smacking her shoulder in mock reproach, the soft spok
en redhead wandered into the kitchen. “Sure, his size is part of it, but he works so hard and has this confidence about him that says he can handle anything. Maybe it’s selfish, but it’s nice not to have to worry, if that makes any sense.”
All teasing fled, replaced by guilt. She couldn’t even imagine the hell Gen had suffered through living in a makeshift shack in the overcrowded shantytown. The hovel had been freezing in the winter, sweltering in the summer, without even a lock on the door at night to keep her safe. Anywhere would feel like a palace after that, but it seemed, besides the beautiful home, Trey had given her security and confidence that he would take care of her, no matter how bad things got. That had to be priceless.
“Don’t tell him I said this,” she whispered, tugging Gen into a one-armed hug. “But you hit the jackpot in the husband game.”
A smile lit her face. “Oh, Adri, that means so much to me,” she whispered. “I know you had your doubts about Trey, but I love him. I never thought I would feel this way or could be so happy.”
“I swear you could be the poster girl for wedded bliss,” Adrienne said, reaching up to cup Gen’s cheeks. “You absolutely glow when you talk about him, and I’m not even going into the nighttime noises in this place.”
Genevieve pulled away. “Every house has its noises. If you don’t like the ones in ours, you can find someplace else to sleep,” she tossed over her shoulder with a sassy grin.
Adrienne laughed. “I do believe I heard something remarkably similar from your blunt husband.”
“He’s not shy,” she said smothering a naughty giggle.
“That is a very good thing. More people should be blessed with such passion in their marriage.”
“I am blessed.”
“Braggart,” Adrienne muttered, settling onto a stool to help decorate cookies.
Wind buffeted the house, rattling the windows. The scratch of ice and snow on the glass was an ominous hiss. Gen stood and stretched the ache in her back hunching over the table had left. Leaning over the sink, she parted the curtains, peering into the gloom. She could barely see the barn in the swirl of blowing snow. Trey and Cole had moved the cattle to the small pasture between their home and the original McCade farmhouse. They’d come in long enough to eat a hearty dinner and warm up before heading back out to take care of the stock and finish last minute preparations. She was glad they had strung a heavy guide rope between the porch post and the barn door. If things got much worse, they were going to need it.
