"As long as the company is not at stake." His father lifted the glass to his lips and stared at him.
Trent stormed from the room not wanting to hear another word.
The house was too big. The one person he needed right now was somewhere in the expanse and Trent could not find her. He rushed through the parlor, the pool area, and the kitchen before running up the stairs to the bedroom. Amy Leigh stood at the French doors looking over the back garden. She turned when he entered and seemed to read his body language. She opened her arms and waited until he crashed into her.
Their mouths met, and he took from her every bit of reassurance he needed. He was no fool. Most women only sought him because he was a millionaire's son.
Sure there were some more than just attracted to him, but when tested, all of them failed. He wondered if Amy Leigh would also, once she understood if he remained with her, he would not have access to the family fortune. If she didn’t pass this test, his heart would break, but for now all he needed was her arms, her softness.
"Now will you tell me what's wrong?" Amy Leigh pushed his hair away from his sweaty face. They'd made love. The act in itself setting him right again. "Did you have a fight with your dad? If so you need to apologize. This thing between us is not worth arguing over." She kissed his face, his jaw, eyes, and even the tip of his nose. Her dark brown eyes were soft when meeting his. "Family is more important than anything, and if your father is concerned, it's because he loves you."
"I think his concern is more for the company than for me."
"I'm sure that's only part of it. He cares for you. What a mess we've created, huh? In a couple weeks it will be over and we'll be able to laugh about it."
"Will we laugh about it together?"
She stiffened under him and he wished the words away. "Yeah, it will be funny then."
She relaxed and sighed. "Yep."
He rolled over and pulled her up with him. "We better shower and get ready for dinner. The family will be here, including my sister."
"Is she scary like your dad?"
"Not at all. She'll try to make you her new best friend and want you to team up against me when she picks on me."
"Oh, I like her already." Amy Leigh squealed when he picked her up and carried her to the bathroom.
Dinner was a whirlwind of new faces, great food, and a surreal atmosphere. Although Amy Leigh was used to social events, Trent's mother was a pro. White lights twinkled in the flora surrounding the outdoor dining area. Soft music filled in when conversation lulled and the food was delicious. Trina, Trent's sister toasted them and wished them happiness. Her bobbed golden-highlighted hair bounced as she spoke while raising a wine glass. Even Ice-Cold-Papa seemed to defrost a bit and lifted his glass when his daughter wished them a life of happiness.
Feeling guilty, Amy Leigh leaned over to tell Trent again he should apologize to his father, but he mistook her action and kissed her soundly in front of everyone. She sat back with her face on fire, which made his mother laugh and caused Trina's handsome husband, Walker, to whistle loudly.
It was after one in the morning when they finally made their way to bed and Amy Leigh allowed Trent to undress her. His heated lips kissed a hot trail down to her throat. When he kneeled in front of her, she held on to his shoulders and relaxed. He pulled her left leg over his shoulder with his greedy mouth finding his target. She bit down to keep from screaming when he suckled her sex.
"Oh...God. Trent I don't want to be noisy." She moaned and pressed her lips together when he grabbed her ass and pulled her harder against his mouth. "Ahhh!" she cried out. Her legs trembled when release threatened. "Bed. Now."
He ignored her. Trent's tongue continued doing delicious circles until she came. Her right leg buckled, the only reason she didn't fall was because he held her up.
When he stood and pulled her face to his, his gaze kept hers for a long time. "What is it about you? I want you more every day."
Was it love or lust? Hell she didn't know, but she had to keep a strong wall around her heart. Trent Baxter was not for her. They were from different worlds. Thousands of worlds apart. Yes, there was amazing chemistry between them. Already she could not imagine the day he would not be in her life. Nonetheless it was best she kept from falling in love.
Her heart pounded in defiance and she told the fucker to shut up.
Chapter Eleven
This was it. The culmination of everything. The day of Hillary Baxter's fiftieth birthday party. Amy Leigh kept busy all day helping her temporary mother- and sister-in-law oversee the hired staff with all the preparations for the night's festivities for over a hundred people.
Trent's mother placed a hand on her upper arm. "I'm so glad you are here, you certainly made everything easier." The compliment warmed Amy Leigh's heart. Hillary Baxter would make a wonderful permanent mother-in-law.
It began. The music flowed from the back gardens through their bedroom window as Amy Leigh scrutinized her long off white dress in the full-length mirror. The strapless shimmering gown enhanced her tanned complexion. Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail that allowed her chandelier earrings to sparkle. Amy Leigh turned from side to side and was glad that although she was curvy, her stomach was flat. Trent was still in the shower. She shivered thinking of the quick sex they'd just had prior to her rushing to get ready. The heat between them had not dulled even through all their time together. They'd not been able to keep their hands from each other. Well if anything, she'd have some great memories after it was over.
Other than the one slip-up the day before, he'd never spoken or referred to anytime past the present and she'd not pressed. It was a fling, nothing more.
The bathroom door opened and he walked out with a towel around his hips. She took in the washboard abs, well-formed pecs, and broad shoulders. Then on impulse grabbed her phone. "Don't move."
He stood still as she clicked several pictures. "I don't want to ever forget this moment." She studied the pictures on her phone then looked up at him. He was slipping on his boxers. "Look at me." When he did she zoomed in on his face and took another. "There."
Trent stepped to her and she held her hands up to stop him. "Nope, don't touch me. Get dressed, mister." She turned pretending to adjust her hair to keep him from seeing her moistened eyes. Tomorrow they'd leave and she'd pick up her Jeep in Laurel and keep going.
“Wait, I almost forgot." He jogged to his crumpled jeans on the floor and dug into the pocket. He walked back to her with a small box. He picked up her hand and placed it on her palm. "Please accept this as a gift."
Without taking her eyes from him, Amy Leigh held the white jewelers box in her palm. "What is it?"
"Open it." His cheeks reddened and he shifted from one foot to the other as he lowered his hands to his sides. "I hope you like it."
Her fingers trembled a bit as she opened the box. A huge flawless round diamond solitaire ring sat snuggled in the middle of green satin. "It's beautiful, but I can't possibly keep it. It's too precious."
"Of course you can. It's only two carats.” Trent took the ring from its satin nest and slid it onto her finger. "It fits perfectly. Now you're ready to face my family's friends as my fiancée." At his smile, she turned away to face the mirror, her eyes as shiny as the bauble on her left ring finger.
"Thank you." There were so many things she wanted to say at this moment. Let's stay together, for one. Or better yet, let’s not say goodbye. She waited for him to finish dressing and slipped her hand into the crook of his arm as they left the room to face the guests.
It seemed Hillary Baxter was well regarded by Billings’ society by the number of guests who came to celebrate her birthday. Not just the large amount of people, but who were in attendance. The mayor, a celebrity, as well as many of the who's who of the area toasted Trent's mother.
A string quartet played classical music at the right level to allow the hum of conversation and clinking of glasses to fill the rest of the atmosphere.
A
waiter with a tray of appetizers came to her and hovered discreetly waiting for her to notice. Amy Leigh shook her head and opted instead for a champagne cocktail to calm her nerves. When she turned from the tray of glasses, Barbie from Hell stood in front of her with a cocktail in one hand and the other hand on her hip. "Well, hello there. I don't suppose you realize it, but you're holding a genuine Austrian crystal goblet." Hard eyes darted down to Amy Leigh's feet and back to her face. "Cheap earrings."
Amy Leigh suppressed an eye roll. "I suppose they are somewhat dull compared to the brilliance of the ring on my finger."
Miranda's audible gasp caught the attention of a couple of guests nearby who looked to them with interest. In impeccable theatrical posture, the blonde touched her arm and laughed. "Thank you. I so love this dress." Her fake smile did not reach her eyes as she once again focused on the ring. "It's small."
"It's not the size that matters. Of course we both know Trent doesn't have to worry about that."
"Look around, honey," Miranda hissed. "In a few months all these people will forget your presence here tonight. I on the other hand will still be here and I assure you the ring on my finger will be much larger. Our families have been planning my and Trent's marriage since we were children. Of course it's only natural his parents want Trent to marry someone of his social level; someone who understands the demands of our lifestyle."
If it were not for the fact that Amy Leigh agreed with her, she would have thrown out another direct comeback. Instead she shrugged. "You know what, lady, for all your society standing, you don't have much class. Why, if you know all that, do you waste your insults on me? If I were you, I'd worry about the brunette Trent's with right now."
Miranda's head swirled in Trent's direction so fast she did a perfect impersonation of the Exorcist. Trent laughed at something the woman who clung on his arm said and nodded in agreement while performing a flawless lean and brush boob on his arm maneuver.
Amy Leigh watched him in his element. Excusing away from the brunette, he moved to a nearby group and immediately was pulled into their conversation. Someone asked him a question and he scanned the room until his gaze lighted on her. A soft smile played on the corner of his mouth and he motioned for her to join him. Barbie huffed, her heels clacking on the flat stone as she marched away. Amy Leigh barely noticed. Her focus was on Trent.
"This is my Amy Leigh, everyone." Trent wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her against his side. Amy Leigh took a fortifying breath and waited for the suspicious narrowing of eyes and the flat, empty comments. Someone touched her arm and leaned into her ear. The young woman with a bright smile giggled. "I'm Jenny. I’m so glad to see him with a down to earth girl like you."
"You're a breath of fresh air. Hi, I'm Charles." A guy standing next to Jenny said to her then turned to Trent. "She's a looker." He winked at her and instantly Amy Leigh wanted to hug him.
"Yes, she is," Trent replied with a gleam of pride in his eyes.
"Oh my goodness." Amy Leigh finally put two and two together. "You are the ones who got married in Las Vegas. The day..."
"The day before you two did the deed," Jenny supplied in a whisper.
"Hello, Miranda." Whether the edge in Trent's voice came from anger or annoyance that it was Amy Leigh at his side and not the girlfriend, was hard to tell. The other couple seemed to go taut as well.
"Well, hello, everyone." Miranda moved closer and exchanged air kisses with Jenny and Charles. "I'm looking forward to our annual ski trip to Vale this year."
Charles cleared his throat and Jenny frowned. Amy Leigh pulled away, only for Trent to pull her harder against him. "Come," he said in her ear and then looked to the group. "Please excuse us." He pulled her into the house, through the kitchen to a hallway and opened a door. Trent pushed her inside and joined her.
"What is this? A closet?" Amy Leigh laughed.
"Shhh," Trent whispered. His breath was coming in harsh pants. "Pull up your dress," he commanded. She heard the familiar sound of the foil tearing.
She pulled up her dress and he yanked her thong so hard the flimsy material fell to pieces. "You tore my panties!"
"I'll buy you more." He picked up Amy Leigh and pushed her against the wall of the oversized closet and drove into her already moist center.
"Oh!" Amy Leigh exclaimed her hands gripping his shoulders. He moved in and out of her. When he raised his face to hers, she took his mouth and suckled at his lips. Effectively muffling their moans by the kissing.
"You drive me crazy." He moved faster, pushing them both to finish. The friction of his movements drove her to cry out his name, no longer caring if anyone overheard. Then he thrust one last time, his body quaking under hers. His throaty moan was the last thing she heard before joining him.
"Help me," she whispered yanking her dress down, feeling around with her foot for her left shoe. "I lost one of my shoes."
"Hold on," Trent told her, tucking his shirt back into his pants and adjusting his belt. "I think I lost a button on my shirt."
"Trent," Amy Leigh snapped, "people will notice my missing shoe more than a button on your shirt."
He knelt and his hand picked up her foot. Her shoe slid on and she inhaled when he pressed his lips on her calf. "Thank you," Trent murmured when he straightened. "I've never had closet sex."
"Why did we?" Amy Leigh had to know. "Does seeing your ex make you horny?"
"What?" He gave her an incredulous look. "Hell, no. I want you to know her presence doesn't matter to me."
"Oh," Amy Leigh wasn't sure she believed him, what she did know was that being with him, no matter where, was one more memory she'd take with her.
He opened the door and almost hit someone walking by. The woman gasped and jumped back only for her eyes to widen when Trent stepped out.
"Good evening, Mrs. Cardin. It looks like we found my fiancée's shoe."
"Oh...well yes, of course," the woman replied and practically sprinted away.
Trent took Amy Leigh's arm and pulled her into a kiss. "Please don't worry about Miranda. I only have eyes for one woman tonight, and always." He pressed a kiss to her lips and she wanted to believe him.
The rest of the evening flowed without incident. They danced when a band set up and played classic rock. They drank champagne toasting his mother when Trent's father finished a short but touching speech. At the end of the night, they entered the house. The women arm in arm with Trent and his father behind them. At the bottom of the stairs, Hillary Baxter took Amy Leigh’s hands. "My boy looks so happy with you. I am hopeful you two will have a good life together. Welcome to the family, darling."
Amy Leigh was so overcome with emotion when she hugged her that a sigh escaped and tears slipped down her cheeks. "Don't pay me any mind, too much champagne. I get sappy when I drink. Thank you, Mrs. Baxter."
"Call me Hillary, please."
"All right, Hillary. Goodnight."
After one last kiss on his mother's cheek, Trent remained quiet as they ascended to the second floor. He guided Amy Leigh to the bedroom door and then turned away. "I will be back shortly. Go ahead and get some rest." His lips pressed against hers for but a moment, then he turned and left.
The next morning, Amy Leigh searched for juice in the kitchen. She heard a deep clear of the throat. "A word with you." Trevor Baxter appeared behind her. She glanced out the window to where Trent and his mother sat outside having coffee on the veranda.
"Yes, of course." She turned to face him. "What can I do for you, Mr. Baxter?"
The handsome man poured coffee, his glacier eyes looking up to offer her some. She shook her head. "I don't drink coffee. I'm a tea girl."
"Do you understand the ramifications of your marriage to my son?"
The conversation she dreaded. "Look, Mr. Baxter, I signed the prenuptial agreement. I don't want Trent's money. I just want..." How to finish the sentence. "I want to make him happy." Her voice fell to a whisper. "That's all."
"I hope he knows w
hat he's doing. The fact you refused money on paper doesn't mean you won't take it in other forms." His sharp eyes went to the ring on her finger.
Anger swelled at the suspicion behind Trevor Baxter's gaze. This man only cared about money. He needed to worry about his son being happy. Surely he didn't prefer someone like Miranda. Or perhaps he did. Maybe he saw right to the core of her and knew she could never live up to their expectations.
He was right of course, a girl from Pine Oak could not manage Billings’ society requirements on their level. "I will do what I can to ensure Trent does not suffer negatively from association with me. You don't have anything to worry about." She stepped around him and went upstairs to the bedroom unable to stop the hot, angry tears. Not wanting Trent to find her crying, she locked herself in the bathroom and started the water in the sink. "Son of a bitch," she mumbled and ran her fingers through her hair. "He's right." Trent knew it too. He'd already started stepping back from her by not coming to bed until after she'd fallen asleep the night before.
The drive to Laurel was pleasant enough with the conversation mostly about the festivities of the night before.
"Where did you disappear to last night?" Amy Leigh asked.
Trent's eyes met hers for a beat. "I stayed up and talked with my sister and her husband for a bit before they left. She really liked you by the way."
"I liked her too. Your mother is very nice." Amy Leigh was careful not to tell Trent about her conversation with his ex or his father.
Once they arrived at his townhouse, she waited for him to open the trunk of his Lexus so she could retrieve her overnight bag. He carried it to her Jeep and placed it on the floor behind her seats. With his hands in his pockets, he looked from her to the house. "Do you want to come inside for some water or something?"
"It's best I get on the road," Amy Leigh replied and looked up to the cloudy sky. "Hopefully it won't rain. My soft top has a leak." Her keys jingled as she pulled them from her purse. "I suppose your lawyer will draw up the paperwork for the annulment."
Montana Bachelor: Montana Cowboys Page 7
