by McBain, Mara
“I’m sure you were hoping to spin my screw up into proof she’d picked the wrong brother. Sorry that didn’t work out for you.”
“Has anyone ever told you that you fight like a woman?” Cole asked tiredly. “That was never my intention. Josie and I were friends before you, and I was hoping we’d be friends after.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It means that I’d rather go a few honest rounds with Trey’s fists than be shredded by your bitter tongue. You’re embarrassed by what happened with Josie, and instead of manning up and admitting that, you twist the facts around to try to make me feel like shit and jamb me up with Adrienne.”
When Nate just glared at him, Cole turned away.
“I’ll be back in a while. I’m taking the truck,” he said curtly, getting a nod from Trey. He turned to the door and stopped. “Would you like to come with me?”
Surprise quickly turned to pleasure and Adrienne said, “I would like that.”
Snatching her coat from the hook, he helped her shrug back into it and then held the door. Neither said anything as he boosted her into the truck. Sliding in beside her, he fired the engine and, spinning around in the farmyard, he headed back down the drive. A sickening combination of anger and hurt pressed on his chest and rolled in his gut. His knuckles whitened on the steering wheel. He’d wanted to punch Nate. He still did. Reaching the road, he turned right and hoped the main homestead’s drive was still passable. They were going to find out. A moment later, he shifted into low gear and followed the grooves he’d cut the other day.
Snow was drifted on the steps, so Cole swept her up off the truck’s step-board. She looped her arms around his neck as he carried her to the door, rewarding him with a kiss before allowing him to put her on her feet in the farmhouse’s kitchen. He rested his forehead against hers for a moment and she hated the stress and anger that still marked his handsome face. Trailing behind him, she admired the heavy, striped wallpaper while he adjusted the furnace. She peeked into the dining room before joining him in the family room where he was starting a fire in the large hearth.
She chewed her lip, wondering how best to draw him from his dark mood. She smiled to herself, if all else failed maybe he’d be up for christening their new home. Curling up on the end of the couch, she pulled an afghan over her lap. She enjoyed just watching the way he moved. There was grace beneath the bulk of his muscles. When he was satisfied with the fire, he turned, his gaze seeking her out. She smiled and patted the couch cushion next to her. His smile was thin, but he joined her.
“I’m sorry. I needed to get out of there,” he said, covering her feet with his hand and rubbing warmth into them.
“I’m glad you asked me to come with you.”
“Thank you for coming. I don’t know how good of company I’m going to be.”
“Do you want to talk about it?”
He hesitated and she gave his hand a squeeze.
“We don’t have to. We could cuddle, enjoy the fire, and a rare bit of privacy.”
“I’d like that.”
Adrienne shifted, turning to rest her back against him. He straightened the throw back over her legs and feet before wrapping his arm around her. He kissed the top of her head then rested his chin there. The flickering flames and the warmth of his body were hypnotic.
“I wanted to beat the hell out of my little brother. I had to get out of there,” he said, breaking the silence.
She nodded thoughtfully. “I got the impression from what you said that he was just antagonizing you and stirring the pot. I didn’t help by letting my jealousy show.”
“There is, and never was, anything between Josie and me other than friendship,” he said, kissing her temple. “You had me the moment I met you on the street. Believe me. No other woman compares.”
Adrienne turned slightly and stroked his cheek. “Your honesty makes you easy to believe.” She kissed him. “Enough sibling rivalry. It’s not too often we get time alone. Show me our new home.”
Kissing her back, he smiled and stood, pulling her up with him. Cole held her hand as he led her upstairs to show off the four bedrooms. The décor was simple, the colors following the rich blue and pale cream that was found in the striped wallpaper in the family and dining rooms. She smiled, running her hand down the stair banister. Solidly built and well loved, the house was a perfect representation of the McCade family. They finished back downstairs in the large kitchen.
“Mama called the kitchen the heart of the home. It made sense, maybe because it is where she always was.”
“I like that, and I love this countertop here in the middle. It gives you extra work space without taking up the kitchen table,” Adri said, running her fingers over the butcher block.
“We boys used to sit here on the other side and talk to her after school. Sometimes doing our homework, or just stealing a few cookies.”
“That’s a beautiful picture,” she said wistfully. She bit her lip as she looked around. “Coming to Virginia, seeing Trey and Gen together, listening to the McCade stories, us, it has all changed the way I think about marriage and family. It really made me see how cold and loveless my childhood was. Do you know I never saw my parents hug or kiss or-or just him pat her behind like Trey does Gen’s. Other than checking my forehead for a fever I don’t remember my mother ever kissing me. I never realized that wasn’t normal and I don’t want that for our children.”
Cole drew her into his arms. “Our babies will know that we love them, and that we love one another. I promise you that.”
Rubbing her cold nose against the front of his shirt, Adrienne nodded. In Cole’s arms right now she understood Gen’s thoughts about not having to worry. She not only believed him, she believed in him. The McCade men took good care of what was theirs. She smiled and blinked back unexpected tears. Tightening her arms around his middle, she tilted her head back to smile up at him.
“I love you, Cole McCade.”
“I love you too, beautiful, and I have no problem with showing everyone how much, especially our babies.”
She laughed when he rubbed his hips against her and waggled his eyebrows at the mention of babies. Walking him backwards, she moved them back to the family room. It was time for the christening. Slipping from his arms, she nudged him to drop down on the couch. She gave him a kiss and a wicked little smile. “I think you’re falling under my spell.”
“There’s no think about it. You bewitched me from that first moment.”
“And I wasn’t even trying then,” she whispered, moving to straddle his lap.
Both awed and unmistakably aroused by the gorgeous woman in his lap, Cole slid down on the couch a bit and let his hands skim under her skirts. He let them roam over her shapely behind and drew her down against him. She put a hand on either side of his face and kissed him until the world spun. He blinked at her, head resting over the top of the couch.
“You’re dangerous when you try.”
The smug smile on her lips was sexy as hell. Covering his lips again, they kissed until both were panting and straining against one another.
“Didn’t your brother tell us to make out on your couch?”
“Something like that,” he agreed, trailing his lips down her throat.
“What do you think the chances are of company?”
“Short of an emergency, none.”
A naughty grin lit her face as she started to unbutton her dress. He groaned catching sight of her pebbled nipples.
“Is it warm enough in here for you?” he asked, rubbing a hand over her back.
“I’m counting on you to keep me warm.”
“I’ll do my best.”
“That’s all I want, just your best.”
The words sent his mind down several different paths. Damn she was hot. Pulling her down for another kiss, he reluctantly set her aside and hurried to stoke the fire. The one inside him was burning hot, but there was still a chill in the room. She had her dress off and was waitin
g for him when he turned from the fireplace. Shucking his shirt, he bent to yank off his boots. He reached for his pants and Adrienne wiggled a finger at him.
Slapping his hands aside, she unfastened his pants, letting her small hand slip inside to immediately free him from his underwear. Her fingers slid over his length, squeezing lightly. He stepped forward at a gentle tug and about hit his knees when she leaned forward to swirl her tongue over the tip. Another tug brought his shins against the front of the couch and she took him between her lips. Cole’s breath caught in a startled gulp and his fingers threaded through her raven hair. His eyes tried to drift closed at the amazing sensations rippling through his body, but he couldn’t tear his gaze from the sight of him sliding past her lips.
Her hands and mouth worked in unison over his shaft until his knees shook. He thought his eyes would bulge out of his head when he saw her hand slip inside her panties to stroke herself. He must have made a noise because Adri rolled her eyes up to look at him. They sparkled, both making promises and begging him for what she wanted. He took a reluctant step back and she released him from her lips with a soft pop.
His eyes dropped back to her moving fingers and she followed his gaze. Hooking the sides, she drew the scrap of material down and kicked it aside. He frowned when she turned on the couch, letting her knees rest on it to bend over the rolled arm. He hesitated.
“Inside knee on the couch, other foot on the floor,” she instructed softly. “Trust me, cowboy, you’re going to like this.”
Dropping his knee to the couch, Cole let his hands caress the beautiful swell of her ass. The position put it on display and opened her to his gaze when she spread her knees apart. His hands shook. Sliding fingers between her thighs, he stroked. Her body was eager for him. She looked over her shoulder, desire darkening her eyes. He swallowed hard. Who said marrying an inexperienced woman was the way to go? Her confidence was so sexy.
A moan broke her red lips when he slid into her. Hands on her hips, he thrust slowly at first, sliding almost all the way out before driving it home again. The foot on the floor added power to his movements and she cried out as he picked up the pace.
“Yesss!”
His grunts and the short screams pouring from her lips were loud in the quiet house but, for once, they didn’t have to worry. The thought and her cries spurred his passion. Her gasping words pleaded with him to take her harder and he obliged, pounding into her until the heavy couch scooted on the hardwood floor under the barrage. Her completion was a strangled scream, her whole body tensing and bowing under him.
He tried to sweep her hair back from her face as he continued to slam into her. His fingers tangled, yanking her head back and she moaned in pleasure.
“God, yes.”
Tugging her head back by her hair, he slammed desperately into her hot body until he roared in release, jerking over her in spasms that twisted his muscles in knots. Shudders wracked him as he slumped over her, his chest heaving.
“Sweet Jesus, baby,” he panted.
She laughed, still fighting to catch her breath. He gathered her close and eased back to sprawl on the couch, stroking her hair when she snuggled to his chest.
“You are amazing, cowboy,” she purred, splayed hands flexing into his chest.
For some reason, Cole felt his cheeks warm at the compliment. “I follow directions well,” he said with a sheepish grin.
“That you do,” she agreed, still stroking his chest. “I’m glad, and more than willing to do the same. We need to communicate what makes us happy and not just assume the other one will know if we want this to work.”
He picked the afghan up off the floor and flicked it over them before answering. “Does it bother you?”
She rose up on her elbow to look down at him. “Does it bother you that I’ve had other partners?”
“I can’t say I like thinking of you with other men. It makes me jealous, but that’s in the past.” He gave her a crooked grin. “I’m man enough to admit I like what you’re teaching me.”
She smiled then bowed her head to kiss his chest. “A lot of experience or not, you’re an amazing lover. Maybe you’re just a natural.”
“Maybe you just inspire me.”
“That goes both ways. I love your body,” she murmured, caressing him with both hands and lips.
Cole closed his eyes, enjoying her touch. “I love you.” His eyes opened when her lips touched his in a soft kiss.
“I can’t believe that I got so lucky,” she whispered. “A Greek god body, a romantic heart, means, manners, and morals, you’re the complete package, Cole McCade.”
“And all yours,” he added, pulling her in for another kiss. “I can’t wait to make you Mrs. Cole McCade. When can we get married?”
“I don’t have any family to worry about, so whenever works for your side.”
“The only people I need there are you, Trey and Gen. Nate, if he pulls his head out of his ass. How big and fancy does my bride wish to get?”
“I’m fine with an intimate family wedding.”
“I don’t want you to be fine with our wedding. I want it to be the day you always dreamed of.”
“Like I said earlier, I’ve been thinking about that a lot. When you’re a little girl, your dreams are like fairytales. They’re fun but not practical. Marriage isn’t about days filled with shopping trips, ladies luncheons, and dinner parties. When I think about you and being your wife, the one thing that always pops to mind is meeting you at the kitchen door after a long day with hugs, kisses, and hot or cold drink in hand. I know I have a long way to go to be the wife Genevieve is, but I want what they have, that love and dependence.”
Cole cupped her face, his thumb brushing over her cheek. “I can’t wait to come home to you, and you’re going to be the perfect wife for me. I want everyone to know how much I love you. If you want the fairytale wedding, we’ll have it.”
“I honestly don’t care about a big fancy wedding. I love that you want me to feel special on our wedding day, but I will as long as I’m marrying you.” He started to talk and she clamped a hand over his mouth. “Listen. I’ve lived a life based on money and things and I wasn’t happy. One of the things I love most about you is that when you pay me a compliment or say something sweet and romantic, it’s from the heart. I’ve heard all the lines. You make me feel your words and no one has ever done that for me.” Her hand lifted and she traced his lips with her thumb. “All I want is you.”
Cole had to swallow the lump before he could speak. He opened his mouth and his voice still failed him. Clearing his throat, he tried again. “I’m not going anywhere, baby. You’ve got me,” he promised.
Chapter Eleven
The letter shook in Adrienne’s fingers. Her grip tightened, crumpling the expensive stationary as she reread the words scrawled in Clark’s bold hand. Fury swelled up in her. She could hear every pompous word in her head like he stood before her making the grand gesture. He’d actually told her in the letter how generous he was. Did he really think she was just licking her wounds waiting for a chance to crawl back to his feet? How in the hell had he gotten the McCade’s address?
A low growl rumbled in her throat. She’d never forgive the pompous ass for the way he’d broken the news to her. Sprawled in her bed, still slick with sweat, he’d mentioned it off hand. For a sick moment, she’d thought that she’d misunderstood him and then he’d continued, detailing how he might be forced to move her into a smaller apartment now that he’d have a wife to support. All of his empty promises had come flooding back and she’d snapped. The bastard had had the nerve to look surprised, and even offended, that she was upset over his engagement to another woman.
She dropped the letter in her lap and rubbed her temples. Hearing Genevieve’s footfalls on the stairs, she hastily folded up the letter and stuffed it in the dresser drawer. Taking a deep breath, she plastered a smile on as Gen knocked lightly. Handing over clean laundry, Genevieve nodded to the envelope still in her hand.
>
“Good news I hope?”
“Actually it is,” she said brightly, praying Gen hadn’t noticed she’d received two letters. “I tasked a friend with selling some artwork and jewelry for me and he sent me the proceeds. That takes care of the last tie to New York City. I’m trading in the bright lights for a handsome country boy and starry nights.”
“I can’t tell you how happy I am to hear that,” Gen said, sweeping her into a hug.
“I think the fact that I can’t breathe gives me an idea,” she gasped with a giggle.
Letting her go, Gen blushed. “Sorry. I’m just so excited.”
“I am too, little sister. It looks like Father Patrick’s match making is going to work out twofold,” she said, smiling as she put away the clothes Gen had brought up.
“Have you and Cole talked about a wedding date?”
“We’re thinking the week between Christmas and New Years.”
“That doesn’t give us much time,” Gen said with a frown.
“I just want a simple family ceremony. No fuss, no muss. As long as you can stand up with me, it will be perfect,” she said, waving off her friend’s concerns.
Gen’s frown deepened. Picking at the basket’s handle, she worried her bottom lip with her teeth. “I thought that you would want something a little fancier. If you wait until spring it would be beautiful to get married in the orchard. I could make you a cake…”
“One of your gorgeous cakes sounds perfect, but there’s no point in having a big wedding. They’re not in fashion at the moment anyway and, to be honest, even if they were, I don’t have anyone to sit on my side of the church,” she said with a small shrug. “I don’t know anyone here. There’s no one I’m close enough to that I’d expect to come all the way from New York City. Really, I’d rather keep it simple and just have the people I actually care about there.”
“If you’re sure,” Gen said, still not sounding very sure herself.
“Besides, I don’t want to wait!” she said with a naughty grin. “I’m anxious to have your handsome brother-in-law all to myself, and he doesn’t want to move next door until we’re married. Like we haven’t already thrown convention out the window.”
