“I can’t help myself around you,” he replied with a devilish grin.
His words were muffled as he freed her breasts and began nuzzling them greedily. When he drew her nipple into his mouth and suckled it sharply, she moaned. He released it just long enough to flash a triumphant grin.
“You know you can’t resist me, either, angel. Now, stop pretending to be outraged and let me enjoy these luscious tits.”
He suckled her nipple deep into his mouth and she moaned and arched her back, mutely begging for more. When he reached beneath the hem of her skirt, he released her nipple abruptly and raised a teasing brow.
“Not wearing any drawers, angel? I’m starting to think you’re just as horny as me. Let me just check to be sure.”
Sarah squirmed as he trailed his fingers up her inner thighs and plunged them into her very wet slit. His dimples cut deep grooves in his cheeks as he held her gaze and fingered her boldly.
“Angel, now that I know how swollen and slick your sweet pussy is, I’m thinking a quickie won’t be enough. I need to take my time and wallow in your delicious wet heat.”
Sarah sighed and looped one leg around his hip to give him full access. She held his gaze and gave him a siren’s smile.
“Oh, well,” she managed to whisper. “You put the fear of God into Gabe. It certainly won’t hurt to keep him waiting for a bit, too.”
Brian chuckled and reached to claim her mouth. “That’s what I wanted to hear. Come here, angel.”
Chapter 5
Even though the wedding had been hastily arranged, the entire McKenzie family turned out to see Leslie and Gabe exchange their vows. Between her parents, siblings, aunts, uncles and cousins, there were over twenty McKenzies in attendance. In addition, Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, Mr. and Mrs. Boyd, and a few other couples who were close family friends filled the pews.
As Gabe stood next to the altar looking out over the crowd, he realized that word would spread quickly about their unexpected marriage. A small twinge of guilt assailed him that Lena would hear about it, too. Although he hadn’t made any formal promises to her, he had been courting her for a few weeks. The news that he had married another woman was bound to hurt her feelings, and he regretted that. But when Leslie entered the back of the church on her father’s arm, all thoughts of the other woman vanished from his mind.
Gabe had never seen Leslie wear anything other than boy’s britches. She stood before him in her wedding gown, and his breath left him so quickly that he almost felt faint.
Her dress was ivory satin, trimmed with delicate lace. Her mother had made it with care, and it hugged Leslie’s curves sublimely. She was wearing a tightly cinched corset that served to lift her breasts and accentuate the curves of her bosom, waist, and hips. The scooped neckline drew his eye to her bosom. The swells of her breasts were pressed upward, and his mouth watered as he gazed at the shadowed valley between the sumptuous orbs. The dress had a simple skirt that draped smoothly down to the floor.
As petite as Leslie was, she would have been overwhelmed by tiers of ruffles or oodles of bows. The simplicity of her gown served to showcase her beauty perfectly. Gabe’s eyes were drawn to her creamy skin and graceful neck. Her hair had been pulled back into a cascade of golden curls. Pale green ribbon had been wound through the thick locks, and they brought out the green of her eyes. She was stunningly beautiful.
Gabe swallowed hard as he watched her walk down the aisle. The seriousness of the commitment he was about to make hit him hard. From this day forward, she would be his wife. His responsibility. She looked like a genteel lady in that dress, but he knew her true nature. She had never been obedient or docile. Instead, she had a willful, fiery spirit. She would be a handful, and he would have his work cut out for him for the rest of his life. It was up to him to mold her into the wife he wanted her to be without destroying the very spirit he so admired.
Leslie searched Gabe’s eyes nervously as she clung to her father’s arm. Gabe’s expression was stoic. He looked neither angry nor eager, simply determined to do his duty. She felt a pang of guilt. Gabe was likely regretting the fact that he had lost his chance to marry Lena, the woman he obviously loved. Leslie’s heart felt like it was being squeezed. She wished for this day to be different, to know that Gabe was marrying her gladly rather than reluctantly. She could only hope that, someday, he would forgive her and grow to love her like she loved him.
He looked incredibly tall and handsome in his Sunday best. His white shirt was a stark contrast to his deeply tanned skin and his black hair. He wore a dark brown coat and britches, and his black boots were polished to a shine. Someone had pinned a white rosebud to his lapel, and it matched her small bouquet. Her pulse raced from the sight of him. He was everything she had ever wanted in a husband. She could hardly believe that he would soon be hers.
The guests took their seats, and the preacher began the ceremony. When prompted, her father kissed her on the forehead and laid her hand in Gabe’s. Her fingers were like ice, and they looked so small clasped in his much larger, warmer ones. The intensity in his eyes made her nipples tighten and her clit throb as she remembered seeing that same hungry look the previous night. Leslie felt a warm flush wash up her cheeks, and she dropped her gaze to focus on the top of his collar.
Much of the proceedings was a bit of a blur. Gabe said his vows in a clear, confident voice. When her turn came, her voice was uncharacteristically soft, but she faltered only once as she said her vows. When she reached the part where she promised to obey her husband, Gabe snared her gaze. She knew by the intensity in his blue eyes that he was remembering what she had promised earlier that morning. She blushed and looked down at their hands as she completed her vows.
Leslie’s heart was pounding so loudly in her ears that it was hard to focus on much else. If it hadn’t been for Gabe’s strong grip on her hands, her knees might have buckled.
As he placed a ring on her finger, his voice was steady and strong. Gabe once again captured and held her gaze, as if he realized how fragile her composure was and was lending her some of his strength.
“With this ring, I thee wed, with my body, I thee worship, and with all my worldly goods, I thee endow. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.”
He gave her a fleeting kiss, and it was official. They were bound in marriage.
For the first time in her life, Leslie thought she might faint. Gabe must have sensed her weakness. He wrapped a firm arm around her waist and bent to murmur in her ear as he led her out into the sunshine.
“Buck up, kitten. I never took you for a sissy who would swoon at the least little thing.”
His words had the desired effect, and Leslie stiffened in his arms as she shot him a baleful glare. “I’m no sissy. I’m just not used to being cinched into one of these corsets. I can’t get a deep enough breath.”
His eyes dropped down over her figure, lingering on her charmingly displayed bosom. She blushed and looked away. His words had stung. Getting married wasn’t a little thing to her, by any means. She only hoped she hadn’t made a huge mistake by forcing his hand. His lingering anger and resentment were palpable.
They turned to greet their guests, and the next hour was spent receiving gifts and well wishes. Leslie’s face hurt from smiling, and she wished she could be anywhere else. Her wedding day was meant to be the happiest of her life. Instead, she felt as nervous as a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs.
Although Gabe was perfectly polite and friendly, she sensed his agitation. He was just as anxious as she was to get this over with.
Even though the wedding had been arranged hurriedly, the whole extended family had pitched in to make a feast for the newlyweds. They all drove out to the McKenzie farm, where they had set up tables in the shade of several huge trees. The weather was fine, and the atmosphere was festive. Everyone except the bride and groom seemed to be in a celebratory mood.
Leslie and Gabe put on a good show. No one would have gu
essed that they were anything other than a happy, loving couple. Even Leslie’s brothers and cousins weren’t confused by the sudden marriage. Leslie found it strange that there weren’t any questioning glances or suspicious frowns. Everyone just seemed to accept that the two of them should be together.
It was late afternoon before the party started to wind down. Gabe and Brian loaded Leslie’s belongings into the back of Gabe’s wagon. Leslie watched through the kitchen window as the two of them stood talking quietly. She jumped when her mother joined her by the window and wrapped an arm around her waist.
“Don’t fret. Everything will be okay, sweetheart.”
The quiet words of reassurance were sorely needed, and Leslie blinked back tears as she turned to face her mother. “Do you think so?”
Sarah smiled and smoothed the frown lines on her daughter’s forehead. “I know so. I’ve known that you were in love with Gabe Faulkner for years now.”
“Yeah, but he isn’t in love with me. He’s furious with me, and he resents me for forcing him into marriage.”
Sarah chuckled. “Forcing him? Honey, you couldn’t force that man to do anything. He’s just as stubborn as your father. If he didn’t want to marry you, he wouldn’t have, no matter the consequences. Give him some time to get over his anger, and he’ll change his tune.”
“What am I supposed to do in the meantime?”
“You’re supposed to love him. That’s all. Just love him and have faith that things will work out between you.” Seeing that her daughter still had her doubts, Sarah squeezed her around the waist. “You know, you and Gabe have always liked one another. Even when he teased you and tormented you, he also watched out for you. He’s always been your special friend.”
“I know,” Leslie whispered, “but I want so much more than friendship from him.”
Sarah tipped her daughter’s chin up and gave her a loving smile. “Being friends is not a bad foundation to start a marriage. It’s only a hop, skip, and a jump from friendship to falling in love, especially when you’re sharing a bed.”
“Mother!” Leslie’s cheeks burned with embarrassment.
Sarah merely chuckled. “There’s no point in pretending to be shy. I know you a lot better than you think. And I know Gabe pretty well, too. I’ve seen the way he looks at you when he thinks no one is watching. That young man has wanted you for a very long time, even if he hasn’t yet realized it. It’s up to you to open his eyes.”
Sarah gave her a naughty wink, and they both giggled. Leslie hugged her mother tightly.
“Thank you, Ma. You always say just the right thing.”
They each wiped a few tears from the corners of their eyes as they walked to the door arm in arm. Gabe and Brian came up the porch steps together, and each of them stood beside their respective wives.
Sarah kissed Gabe on the cheek and then she hugged her daughter once again. “Be happy, you two. May God bless you both and bless this marriage.”
Gabe nodded. “Thank you, Mrs. McKenzie.”
Sarah made a dismissive gesture and smiled up at him. “No more of this Mr. and Mrs. McKenzie stuff. You’re family now. Call us Ma and Pa, just like the rest of the kids.”
Gabe cleared his throat, but his voice was still a little husky when he responded. “Yes, ma’am.”
Her words had touched him more than he could admit. With his folks being gone for so long, Gabe had started to forget what it felt like to have a family. The McKenzies had always treated him like family, but now it was official. He was one of them. It made his heart feel full to overflowing. He turned to his new wife.
“Are you ready to go?”
Leslie nodded. “Goodbye, Ma.” She hugged her mother once more. “Goodbye, Pa.”
Brian enfolded her in a tight hug, and she clenched her eyes shut to hold back tears.
He sensed her distress and murmured soothingly in her ear, “This isn’t goodbye, Cat. It’s just a new chapter. We’ll always be here for you.”
Leslie nodded again. She let Gabe lift her up onto the seat of the wagon, and she waved to her parents as they drove away. When they were out of sight, she finally turned and faced forward.
Gabe took in her sad expression and his heart clenched. He felt a wave of protective tenderness, and he reached out to squeeze her hand. When she shot him a surprised glance, he smiled ruefully.
“Relax, kitten. You’re not moving across the country. You’ll be just a few minutes away. You can see your family anytime you want.”
“I know.” Leslie nibbled her bottom lip as she sighed. She looked up at him hopefully. “Are you still mad at me?”
Gabe glanced down at her pleading eyes. It was annoying that she could make him feel guilty with just a look. He had every intention of being firm with her, but there was no need to be cruel. He shook his head and looked away.
“It’d be kind of pointless to stay mad. We both made a mistake. We just have to make this marriage work now, that’s all.”
His words were a lot less comforting than he had intended, and Leslie tightened her lips to keep them from trembling. She didn’t want him to think of their marriage as a mistake. She wanted him to love her like she loved him.
They arrived home, and Gabe helped her down from the wagon. He handed her a bag with some of her clothes.
“Go on in and I’ll bring in the rest of your things.” When she hesitated, he looked at her with a quirked brow. “What?”
“Aren’t you going to carry me over the threshold?”
He saw her hopeful expression, and he inwardly sighed. If he wasn’t careful, the hero worship she had always felt for him could easily turn into love. He didn’t want that, because he didn’t love her back the same way. She had to learn that they weren’t typical newlyweds. He frowned and reached for a wooden hope chest she had brought.
“No, I’m not going to carry you over the threshold like some blushing bride. We both know that’s not how things are between us.”
“But it’s bad luck if you don’t,” she exclaimed. “It’s supposed to keep evil spirits away.”
“Is that so? Well my shotgun does a pretty good job of that as it is.”
He carried her hope chest into the bedroom and returned for more of her belongings. She stood with her arms crossed and a mutinous frown marring her face.
“Are you just going to stand there all day, or are you going to settle into your new home?”
“I’m not going to step foot in your home until you carry me over the threshold like a proper bridegroom.”
He faced her with his arms akimbo and narrowed his eyes. “It’s our home now, and I’m not going to carry you inside and pretend that we are two newlyweds in love. I made it clear this morning that I wasn’t marrying you because we were in love. Don’t expect romantic gestures from me.”
She raised her chin to an obstinate angle. “You don’t have to pretend that we’re in love. But you know how superstitious I am. It’s bad luck not to do it.”
“It’s also bad luck to make your husband angry on your wedding day.”
Leslie turned away in pointed dismissal. Gabe looked to the sky, praying for patience. He could simply command her to obey him, but he had a different thought. Let her stew in her own juices. He didn’t need to be high handed. There were other ways to make his point.
“Suit yourself,” he muttered as he gathered the last of her belongings. “I have more important things to do than to stand here arguing with you.”
He disappeared into the cabin, leaving her standing with her mouth hanging open. She was still there when he reappeared a few minutes later. He had changed into his usual clothes, and he headed into the barn without sparing her another glance.
Leslie’s feet hurt from the fancy shoes she was wearing. She lowered the tailgate and sat on the end of the wagon bed with her feet dangling down. She was far from comfortable. Her bottom was still sore, and her tight dress and corset made it hard to get a deep enough breath. She longed for her comfortable britche
s. It was tempting to change her mind and give up her stubbornness, but she was determined to get her way.
All afternoon and into the evening, Gabe ignored her and went about his usual chores. She watched him while trying not to. Her heart ached at the sight of him. This wasn’t how she wanted her wedding day to be. If he would just show her a little kindness, they could have been spending the evening together.
The longer she brooded, the angrier she became. It wasn’t like she had asked for the moon. She just wanted him to treat her like a bride should be treated. She had every right to expect common courtesy from her husband. She would accept nothing less even if it meant spending the whole night sitting on this dusty, hard wagon.
Gabe finished his evening chores while keeping an eye on Leslie. She would soon learn that she couldn’t manipulate him. When he made a decision, he wouldn’t back down just because she pouted about it. The faster she learned that, the better.
He smiled to himself as he stole a glance at her. She looked mighty uncomfortable, sitting out in the hot evening sun in her fancy dress. He reckoned her bottom was still smarting from the spanking he had given her, and it probably felt even worse sitting on the hard wagon bed.
Even though she wasn’t going to get her way, he had to admire her spunk. She was a feisty little thing, and although he would never admit it to her, that was one of the things he liked best about her. His job as her husband was to corral her feistiness without breaking her spirit. It was fine for her to have a mind of her own, but she had to learn that he was in charge.
When he was ready to call it a night, he stopped by the wagon and waited until she met his eye. “Are you ready to come inside now?”
She raised her brows haughtily. “Are you ready to carry me over the threshold?”
Gabe shook his head with disgust. “I’m going to have some supper. Join me if you change your mind.”
He went into the cabin and started to lay out some food from the hamper that Leslie’s mother had packed for them. There was an assortment of delicious foods and desserts, and he laid them out, along with two plates, cups and cutlery. He glanced out the window and saw that Leslie hadn’t budged from her spot. He sighed and sat down to eat, but he found that he didn’t have much of an appetite.
His Sweet Kitten (Return To The McKenzies Book 1) Page 7
