The Marshalls Boxed Set (Texas Heroes: The Marshalls Books 1-3)

by Jean Brashear

  “I’d like to buy you a cup of coffee,” he called out.

  She started to reject him out of hand, but then she realized that he was handing her an opportunity to scope him out further. Test him and see who he really was. It was a slim angle to find out about Elena, but she wasn’t exactly rife with better ones.

  And he was very hot, with those muscles and those sea-blue eyes beneath sandy blond hair.

  “Maybe.”

  His face lit, and he followed her. “Let’s do better than maybe. How about now?”

  “I have groceries that have to be put up.”

  “How about lunch, then?”

  “You said coffee.”

  “You can order that, too.” His grin was a little crooked and a whole lot sexy.

  “I can’t today.”

  “Tomorrow, then.”

  She would have to eat lunch anyway. “Okay, I’ll meet you at Lupita’s. What time can you get away?”

  “Twelve-thirty.”

  “Okay.”

  “Great.” But he just kept staring at her.

  If she weren’t so worried about Elena, she’d be flattered by his clear reluctance to let her go.

  Well, okay, yes, she was. So she winked at him. “See you then.”

  She turned to go, but she felt his eyes on her every step.

  Chapter Eight

  “When we get back to Deming, I need to stop for the night. I’m bushed. I don’t think I can stay awake until Las Cruces.”

  “I can drive,” she offered.

  “You’re as tired as I am. Besides, I’d kill for a bed.”

  She could see the lines of fatigue in his face. Maybe there would only be inexpensive motels in Deming, since it was small. She needed to stretch every penny.

  He seemed to read her mind. “Since it’s my idea to stop, let me pay for the rooms.”

  “Josh, I told you—”

  “Look, I make more money than any human being ought to. I have no wife, no children. I don’t even have a dog. There’s only me to spend it on—for Pete’s sake, just let me pay for the rooms, would you?”

  Elena had sworn never to let another man own her the way Richard had. But she didn’t have much money.

  And Josh was not Richard. That could not be clearer. His sensitivity to her concerns, his kindness and tender care, spoke volumes about the type of man he was.

  He would never hurt her. She was sure of that now.

  And she was pretty sure he wouldn’t try to own her. Look at how he’d exerted himself to give her choices and make her comfortable with him. He’d gone out of his way to give her space.

  She sighed. “All right.”

  Josh punched the air with his fist. “Yesss!” He turned that million-dollar smile on her without a trace of smugness, as though she’d done him a favor.

  “But that’s it. Only the room, Josh. Our deal still holds.”

  His smile faded. “It was a stupid deal,” he grumbled.

  She couldn’t help her chuckle. “But a deal nonetheless.”

  Josh pulled his cap off and scratched his head, then settled it back down, adjusting it by the bill. “You drive a hard bargain, ma’am.” But he softened his grumbling with a smile.

  Pulling into the parking lot of the Western Motel, he scanned the place. “Doesn’t look like we have much of a choice here.”

  “Not quite what you’re used to?” she asked.

  “I’m not a snob. I’ve slept in worse.” His expression told her he hadn’t done so recently, though.

  She couldn’t resist teasing. “It’ll be good for your character.”

  He snorted. “Yeah. I’ll be right back.” He headed for the office, ambling in that loose-limbed, sexy gait of his. Like a man who knows exactly who he is and what he wants.

  Elena envied him his confidence.

  She glanced around at the small motel. Very few cars, but the grounds were neat and clean. The tiny pool sat in the middle like a chunk of turquoise in the middle of the desert. She savored the thought of a hot shower, even though she’d have to put these clothes back on unless the outfit she’d had on when she got soaked was dry.

  She touched the brim of her hat. Richard would never have let her wear something so colorful and eccentric. He’d derided her taste as tawdry and cheap, not befitting the wife of Richard Kruger.

  But Josh made her feel special. Lovely. She’d never had that before. Richard had no intention of letting her feel lovely. That might mean another man would look at her, and he’d been insanely jealous of every man alive. He’d told her he’d kept her locked away for her own good, because she was too stupid and naive not to fall for some smooth-talking man.

  He would have a fit if he could see her now, traveling around with a movie star, for heaven’s sake.

  Not that Josh acted like a star. On the contrary, he was one of the least pretentious people she’d ever met. Surely he couldn’t be unaware of how drop-dead handsome he was, but he acted as though he was just any guy. He even got embarrassed when people made a fuss over his fame.

  A very special man.

  A very sexy man.

  She pulled out the photo booth snapshots, stroking them gently with one finger. Her heart gave a funny little leap as she gazed at the one where Josh had kissed her. The kiss had been brief, but it had shaken her to the core to feel him so near, to have him draw her close.

  And then she’d gone and ruined it.

  Elena sighed.

  Josh Marshall couldn’t possibly want someone like her. He’d made her feel pretty, but he was too kind not to do that. After the beautiful women who’d no doubt hovered around him like bees to nectar, Elena Navarro was poor consolation, indeed.

  She heard him approaching.

  “Uh, Elena, you can check with the front desk if you don’t believe me, but—” He pulled off his cap and ruffled his hair, shifting his feet “—they only have one room available.”

  She froze, but he rushed on. “It’s got two beds, though. They’re working on several of the rooms, since summer’s over and the tourists are gone.” He shifted again, looking worried. “Do you believe me?”

  Uneasiness swept over her, but probably not for the reason he thought. She trusted him, but all she could hear was Richard’s voice. You’re not woman enough… not woman enough. Not that Josh would desire her, anyway.

  “I swear to God I’m too tired to bother you,” he continued. “Not that I don’t want to, I mean—aw, hell, Elena, put me out of my misery here.”

  She was too busy fighting demons of her own. Grow up, Elena. You’re both tired.

  “Two beds, right?”

  He nodded. “Two. You can even shower first.”

  “No, I think I’d rather wait until you’re asleep.”

  He clasped his chest. “You disparage my honor?” His expression of mock horror made her smile against her sadness.

  “I trust you.” Looking away, she chided herself for wishing he weren’t so trustworthy, so much the perfect gentleman.

  But wasn’t that what she wanted? To be left alone?

  She wasn’t so sure anymore.

  Elena struggled to keep her eyes open as she listened to the shower running. Curled up on one of the beds, she tried to ignore the thought that Josh was naked, only twenty feet or so away from her.

  The thought made her shiver—she, who had no experience with desire. Was this how it felt, all achy and too warm and restless? Richard had been her only—she couldn’t call him a lover. Surely his pounding away at her couldn’t be called making love. It had been so long, anyway, and she’d been relieved. He’d told her she didn’t do it for him anymore, that she was a cold fish. That had been almost two years ago.

  She’d said good riddance. He thought he’d hurt her with his other women.

  If only he knew how she’d prayed he’d leave her alone.

  But now… She desperately wished she were desirable. Not to Josh—that would be reaching for the moon. But to someone. Someone who could lo
ve her.

  Would she ever find that someone?

  The bathroom door opened and Josh stepped out, clad only in a skimpy white towel around his waist. He didn’t see her, his face covered by the towel he was using to rub his hair dry.

  She had the luxury of studying him for a moment.

  Oh, Madre de Dios, what a man.

  He looked wonderful in clothes, but no fabric could do justice to Josh’s body. Firm, well-defined muscles, golden skin. A light dusting of dark hair on his chest, darker and thicker on his long, muscular legs.

  Even his feet were beautiful.

  Greedily she scanned his washboard belly, the broad, muscled shoulders. His back rippled as he moved.

  And Elena melted, like a chocolate bar left in the sun. He was a dream come to life.

  No, she’d never even dreamed of someone so beautiful. She understood, as she watched him, just how far apart their worlds were. He might be the kindest man she’d ever met, but standing there, clad in next to nothing, he was every inch the star.

  No wonder women followed him everywhere.

  He was The Sexiest Man Alive—now or ever. He was only standing across a small room, but he might as well be in the next galaxy, he was so far out of her reach.

  As he turned in her direction, she squeezed her eyes shut. She lay there very still, listening to him move around the room. Even when he set something on her bed, she didn’t move. She felt him pull a corner of the bedspread across her, and she could barely breathe. When she finally heard him get under the covers in the other bed, she lay quietly until he stilled.

  When his breathing became even and slow, she finally opened her eyes. His face was turned toward her, and for a long, precious moment, she watched him sleep.

  Then she looked over to see what he’d put on her bed, and she smiled. He’d given her one of his T-shirts for a nightgown. She picked it up and lowered her face to it, breathing in his scent.

  Oh, how she wished she were in his league.

  Just for one night. One dreamy night. She sighed quietly as she moved toward the bathroom.

  As the hot shower sluiced its waters down her body, Elena closed her eyes and imagined Josh there with her. She could almost feel him standing next to her, legs parted and interwoven with hers.

  If she let herself, she could feel his fingers trail over her breasts, holding their weight in his palms. She let her own fingers follow the path he might take, gliding across the nipples begging for his touch.

  As she circled her fingertips around them, her head fell back in a silent cry of need. She imagined rubbing herself slowly across his thigh as his hands wrapped around her waist. Would he place his mouth on the juncture of neck and shoulder? Would his tongue blaze a trail of heat up to her ear?

  Would he, at last, capture her moans with his kisses, sliding his hot tongue over her lips before swirling within? Would his hand travel over her hip and down her belly, to pleasure her at her core? She could almost feel his fingers slide within her and arched at the pleasure it would bring.

  Her fingers would thread through his hair, holding his mouth to her breast as his tender, wicked fingers tormented her. Her insides went liquid…her nerves skittered and danced as she let her mind run free where reality didn’t rule.

  Leaning against the tile, she shivered with longing. She pressed her cheek against the cool ceramic surface, calming her racing heart as she forced herself to face the cold light of day.

  Don’t be foolish. You’re not of his world. You never can be.

  Near tears, she turned off the shower and stepped out, chastising herself as she dried. You have nothing to offer him, nothing he couldn’t get from a thousand other women.

  Slowly, heavy of heart, she slipped on his t-shirt, which went halfway down her thighs. She tried very hard not to smell him as the soft cotton clung to her damp skin. She opened the door very slowly and eased out as the shadows of night crept over the room.

  She stopped by Josh’s bed for a moment, then, as she had wanted to do since last night, she brushed the errant locks away from his forehead.

  “Goodnight, Josh,” she whispered.

  Then she climbed into her own lonely bed.

  “Welcome to Kielder Castle, Lady Helen.”

  Helen sniffed elegantly and drew herself up straight and tall to face her captor. Her first glimpse of him was not heartening. He was well-formed enough, tall and strong, his features rough-hewn but handsome, she supposed, if one cared for brutes.

  But his eyes…almost black, they were flat and soulless. She couldn’t help the shiver that ran through her, though quickly suppressed.

  She arched a brow. “I’m sorry, sir, have we met?” Her tone’s intent matched her mood—cold anger and scorn at his presumption.

  The black eyes flashed, and he drew a step nearer. When he reached out one broad finger, she had to fight not to flinch. She looked back up into his gaze and wished she hadn’t.

  The lust she saw there seized her heart in fear.

  With the hand so close, she could see that it was larger than her own face. Ham hands that could crush her delicate bones if he wished.

  Menace hovered in the air.

  Then he surprised her by turning her face to the side with one finger, his gaze narrowing. “Cuthbert,” he roared.

  The big man who’d cuffed her skidded to a stop beside her captor. “Yes, Sir Richard?”

  Her captor never removed his gaze from hers as he spoke softly. “You could not capture one small woman without using your fists?”

  Helen wondered if this cold-eyed man would prove her savior. She saw Cuthbert rock back, then hold firm.

  “She was a hellion, Sir Richard,” he explained. “She fought me.”

  The black eyes sparked again. “A passionate woman, eh?” He smiled thinly. “No one touches her but me, is that clear?”

  “Yes, sir.” The big man visibly cowered at the danger in his lord’s voice.

  “Leave us,” snapped her captor.

  Cuthbert moved away with more speed than she’d have expected from a big man. Her captor studied her, and the sense of menace was palpable.

  Her gorge rose, but her pride would not let her falter. Instead, she stiffened her spine one notch more. “You will send the demand for ransom immediately, my lord?” Her tone was the next thing to an order. The sooner she was away from this man, the better. He was dangerous.

  “And will your father pay it immediately, Lady Helen?” he asked in a silky tone.

  Aye, but I’ll be gone before he can, she resolved. She would watch for her opportunity. Aloud, she said, “Promptness is only one of my father’s virtues.”

  He smiled icily. “Ah, along with reclaiming Edinburgh Castle for Scotland, I take it?” He spoke of her father’s feat of almost twenty years before, which garnered him his title. “That, too, was timely.”

  She did not deign to respond, instead staring right through him.

  She watched his displeasure become cruel cunning.

  “Perhaps the lady needs time to come to an understanding of her vulnerability,” he warned, his fingers squeezing her chin, then gliding down her neck.

  She could not believe such treatment, even of the English. Her father would kill this man, if she did not do it first. She had to force herself not to shrink from his touch. Cowardice would only give him fuel.

  Slowly, insultingly so, he pulled his hand away, letting his fingers linger only slightly too long, hovering over her breast.

  Only her indrawn breath betrayed her horror.

  But it was enough. He smiled icily, his warning clear.

  Dear God, who was this man?

  He snapped to his servants, “Take her to the small tower.” He turned on his heel, leaving her behind, shaking with dread.

  “Wake up, honey. You’re dreaming.”

  “No—” she cried out. “Don’t—”

  “You’re all right, Elena. You’re safe.”

  Elena startled awake. Realized she was curled
into a protective ball.

  “You’re okay. I’m right here.” He touched her shoulder lightly.

  “Josh?” A cobwebs of dreams still held her entangled in fear. “I—” What was it—what had she dreamed? The wispy threads of memory seemed crazily familiar, but she couldn’t seem to grasp hold.

  Or stop trembling. She drew in a hitching breath.

  Josh had been sitting but shifted to stretch out on top of the covers beside her. He drew her close, her head on his bare shoulder, one arm stroking her back. “It’s okay, Elena. I’m here. You’re okay. It was just a bad dream,” he soothed.

  She closed her eyes and inhaled his scent as it surrounded her. No fancy colognes, just soap and the full-bodied musk of a real man. She nuzzled her face closer into his neck and savored the feel of his arms tightening around her.

  “Josh…” She raised her head just as he leaned down to kiss her forehead. Suddenly, their lips hovered only a breath apart, each of them still and silent, the air pungent with longing.

  Elena’s gaze lingered on Josh’s firm, tempting mouth, then slowly she lifted her eyes to his, sucking in a breath of surprise at the desire mirrored there.

  She couldn’t begin to comprehend that this man, so beautifully made, so potently male, could want her. But before she could sort out her thoughts, Josh slowly lowered his head to close the distance between them.

  “I’ve been wanting to do this,” he murmured as his lips gently brushed hers. “Sweet one, open to me and let me have one taste.”

  Desire sizzled through her at his words, so unexpected, so longed for.

  Then she was lost in his kiss.

  And, oh, what a kiss it was. Nothing in her life before this had prepared her for such a hunger. He was both achingly tender and careful, yet fierce with barely controlled need. She’d never imagined anything half so wonderful as the combination.

  His warm, velvety tongue bathed her lower lip, anointing her with his yearning. As he traced the line between her lips, she parted them in boneless melting. When he opened her mouth to him and painted desire on her tongue, her nipples rose, her back bowing toward him.

  Such need. So much aching, endless longing.

  How could he seem so familiar, yet so exotic? A deep, dark well of sensuality beckoned her, a woman who knew so little of her own body. Warmth and trusting vied with restless heat as her mind and her flesh yielded to his lure.