“What? They’re going to wait until Thursday for their honeymoon? But that’s wrong. At least they’ll enjoy theirs!” Then Katie looked away, her cheeks flaming.
Gabe drew in a deep breath, forcing away thoughts of what it would take for him to enjoy a honeymoon with Katie. “Your mom was worried about leaving Susan and Paul home alone. They’re good kids, but even good kids can get in trouble without any supervision. When we get back, she and Jack are going to Hawaii for two weeks.”
“Two weeks? That will be expensive,” Katie said, frowning, nibbling on her bottom lip.
Gabe swallowed as he fought the urge to help her nibble. “Uh, it’s my wedding present to them for letting us horn in on their wedding.”
“And Jack accepted? That’s ridiculous. I’ll talk to him and—”
“Don’t you dare mess up my arrangements!” Gabe shouted. Drawing a deep breath, hoping to regain his calm, he said, “I worked long and hard to convince him. If you want to contribute, buy your mother a trousseau. And I’m only paying for the airfare and hotel. Jack will be spending a lot of money on other things.”
To his surprise, Katie leaned toward him, her blue eyes filled with tears. “You’re right, Gabe. That’s very generous of you. Mom always wanted to go to Hawaii. I’m sorry I was so rude.” Then she kissed him on the cheek.
Like a strong dam weakened by a little crack, Gabe’s resistance crumbled at that small touch. His arms shot out and pulled her body to him, his lips finding hers.
Chapter Sixteen
Gabe’s father stood just behind him, as one of Jack’s friends held the same position behind Jack. They all watched as the three younger Peters girls glided down the aisle in their royal blue gowns, each carrying a bouquet of pink rosebuds.
To Gabe’s surprise, the church was filled with townspeople. Many of his father’s old friends, as well as Margaret and Jack’s, were there. Then the younger contingent represented his and Katie’s friends.
As Diane, the oldest of Katie’s sisters, reached the candlelit altar, the organ music changed. Gabe drew a deep breath as Katie appeared at the back of the church, on Paul’s arm. Her golden hair, usually braided, was loose, flowing down her back, topped by a fingertip veil that gave her a misty, romantic look. Her gown, in white satin, made her look like a fairy princess.
More beautiful than ever.
Despair filled Gabe. How would he ever control himself? And if he didn’t, would he lose her forever? Wednesday night, he’d had her half-undressed, seeking the exquisite pleasure he’d once found with her, when she’d called a halt, escaping from his touch.
They’d scarcely talked since.
He’d hidden for several days, afraid if she saw him she’d cancel the wedding.
But here she was, looking like the culmination of all his dreams…and his nightmares. Ecstasy…just out of reach.
His father’s hand fell on his shoulder, as if he’d felt his son’s dilemma. Gabe hoped not. He’d tried to act the role of an eager bridegroom. Not hard to do as long as he pretended tonight would allow him to hold Katie close, to show her his love, to begin a life together that would last forever.
She and Paul reached the altar. She stared at the minister, refusing to meet Gabe’s gaze. Paul gave him a nervous grin, but Gabe didn’t find that sign of friendship nearly as essential as Katie’s acknowledgment of his presence.
Maybe she’d refuse to take her vows. Maybe she’d be a runaway bride, unable to fulfill her promise at the last minute. Maybe she’d denounce him in front of God and everyone.
Margaret next appeared, in a silk suit, looking sophisticated and charming, younger than she had a right to. Gabe figured Katie would look much the same when she turned fifty, too. Still turning him on.
He couldn’t imagine a time when he wouldn’t want to hold her.
When the minister began their vows, Gabe accepted that Katie was going to go through with the wedding. He held her cold hand in his and solemnly repeated the words linking them together before man and God.
Then the minister got to the best part. “You may kiss your brides.”
Gabe figured he’d better enjoy himself. It might be the last opportunity he’d have for a long time.
KATHERINE LEANED against Gabe’s strong body, letting him guide their steps as they took the traditional dance, along with Margaret and Jack, at the reception.
She could indulge her fantasy of a real marriage as long as she was surrounded by friends and family.
As if he read her thoughts, Gabe’s arms tightened, pulling her even closer. He whispered, “We dance like we’ve done this forever. We fit together perfectly.”
She remembered thinking those same thoughts when he’d escorted her to a spring dance, ten years ago. She’d been so proud of her escort, a college senior. Incredibly handsome.
Instead of answering, she buried her face in his neck.
“Katie? Are you okay?”
“Fine,” she muttered, but she didn’t raise her head.
He turned loose her hand and wrapped his other arm around her also, barely moving on the dance floor. She was completely in his embrace.
Like Wednesday night when he’d kissed her in his car. She’d barely escaped with her secret intact. She loved him. But she couldn’t tell him without total embarrassment. Certainly not then, before the wedding. He might even have sacrificed his inheritance to avoid being saddled with a wife who didn’t want a divorce.
No bachelor wanted someone hanging on him, asking for more than he wanted to give.
Oh, Gabe wanted sex. Alex was right about that. A man didn’t turn down free sex. But it wouldn’t be free if it carried the price of forever.
Since Wednesday Katherine had done a lot of thinking. Their marriage wouldn’t work as long as this strong attraction had to be fought. They’d drive each other crazy and wear themselves out fighting the temptation.
So, either they lived in separate towns, maybe separate states, which wasn’t a possibility, or they gave in to the temptation.
And broke her heart.
She’d realized, however, that her heart was going to be broken anyway. So she’d made a decision.
Tonight she would seduce her husband.
For the year she’d been granted, she would make love to Gabe whenever possible. And when it ended, she’d have memories to last a lifetime, to ease her despair.
Because she knew, from the past, that she’d never find another man to replace him in her heart or her bed.
The only thing she had resolved to deny herself was a baby. She wanted Gabe’s child more than anything. But she didn’t want to deny that child his father. She didn’t want to force Gabe to choose between his freedom and his baby. She didn’t want him to think she was trying to trap him.
Like his mother had his father.
She wouldn’t do that to him.
So she’d gone to Brockmeier’s drugstore and purchased a supply of condoms. And she’d gone to Samantha for a prescription for birth control pills. Sam had warned her that they wouldn’t be effective for a month.
“Sweetheart,” Gabe whispered in her ear. “The music has stopped.”
She lifted her head and drew his down to her so she could kiss him. He had no problem with her behavior since he immediately took control. Until she feared he’d forget where they were.
“Hey, pal, no consummation on the dance floor,” Cal warned, slapping Gabe on the back. “It’s against the law. You’d end up spending your first night of wedded bliss in the slammer. Alone.”
While Jessica chastised Cal for his words, Katherine gathered her emotions, promising herself that later tonight she wouldn’t have to do so. At least she would have his physical love.
GABE WAS GRATEFUL to Cal for his intervention. He needed distance from Katie, not more closeness. He’d made reservations for them at the Broadmoor, a famous hotel in Colorado Springs. They’d spend a couple of hours of their first night on an airplane.
They were staying in the bri
dal suite. He figured that meant he’d be occupying the couch. He hoped it was a long one. Not that he’d be spending much time on it. He knew he’d be pacing the living room, trying to think of anything but the woman in the next room.
And not succeeding.
Cal swept Katie across the floor in a lively polka. Gabe realized Jessica was waiting for him to follow with her. “Sorry, Jess, I got lost for a minute. Dance?”
“I’d love to, but not as energetically as Cal is. I don’t know if he’s told you, but I’m expecting again.”
Gabe schooled his features to show surprise. “Really? Well, congratulations. That’s terrific.”
“We’ll see if you think the same thing when your wife throws up every morning,” Jessica said, but her grin told him she thought the baby was worth the discomfort.
“I can’t wait,” he murmured, picturing Katie with her stomach swollen with his child.
Jessica sighed. “I know. When Mabel and the other matchmakers were so focused on getting grandchildren, I thought they were a little over the top. But once I held our son in my arms, I understood completely.”
“Yeah,” Gabe agreed, his voice husky. How long would it take to convince Katie their marriage was real? How long before he could hope for a child, a joint pledge of their love. He wouldn’t consider a baby before he’d convinced her of his love, of the permanence of their marriage.
He wouldn’t do to her what his mother had done.
Use a child as a bargaining chip.
But he longed to hold his child, and his wife, in his arms. He cleared his throat again. “How many children do you and Cal want?”
Jessica gave him a dreamy smile. “I don’t know. We’re taking it one baby at a time. I hope we have a girl this time.”
His smile matched Jessica’s as he pictured a little girl like Katie, long blond curls, that sweet smile on her face. That naughty twinkle in her eye.
The music ended and Gabe looked for Katie. He needed to hold her.
But the only time he got close to her for the next hour was when they cut the incredibly beautiful cake she’d made for her own wedding.
Then it was time to leave. They had an hour’s drive into the Lubbock airport and a two-hour flight to Colorado Springs. Katie’s bag had been put in the trunk of his car by Paul earlier, so they were ready to go.
He was more than ready.
“WE’RE GOING TO Colorado Springs?” Katie asked when they reached the gate at the airport.
“Yeah, to the Broadmoor. It’s a beautiful place. Lots of things to do there.”
She only had one activity in mind, and that thought had her blushing a bright red.
“You don’t like our destination?” he asked, an anxious look on his face that pleased her.
“I think it will be wonderful,” she assured him. But she wished they were going somewhere closer. With a bed. She was amazed at her thoughts. She’d only enjoyed sex once. With Gabe. The only other man she’d had sex with, Darrell, had seemed clumsy and inconsiderate. She’d hated his touching her.
Now she could scarcely control her desire, eager to once again find happiness in Gabe’s arms. Temporary happiness. That thought dimmed her anticipation, but she shoved it away.
If God only gave her a year in Gabe’s life, she was going to make the most of it. She was going to smile and let him go when the time came. She pressed her lips together and nodded, determination filling her.
“Katie? They’re boarding. Are you okay?”
She tested out her smile. “I’m fine. How about you?”
He didn’t look quite as happy as her, but he nodded. “I’m fine, too.”
THE CAB RIDE TO THE HOTEL wasn’t that long. Gabe wished he was more tired than he was. It would make it easier to fall asleep on that blasted couch. The one he had yet to see but already hated.
The staff at the Broadmoor, when they arrived, were efficient and discreet, not embarrassing the newlyweds but still eager to make their visit a happy one.
Gabe figured he shouldn’t tell them their efforts would be wasted.
When they reached the bridal suite, the bellhop looked at him expectantly as he swung open the door. Gabe, who’d tried to avoid touching Katie since they’d left Texas, to build up his resistance again, had no choice but to swing her into his arms.
Her hands went behind his neck and she smiled up at him like the blushing bride she was supposed to be. He swallowed the lump in his throat. He wanted to observe all the rituals, because he didn’t intend to allow her another marriage. But it was damn hard since he knew those rituals would stop at the bedroom door.
No traditional wedding night for him.
Even as they entered, a second bellhop arrived with a bottle of champagne in a silver ice bucket and a tray of chocolate-dipped strawberries and cheese and crackers.
“Compliments of the hotel, sir,” the bellboy announced, a wide smile on his face. “In case you work up an appetite.”
Gabe saw Katie’s face turn bright red. He hurriedly gave both men a tip and escorted them to the door.
When he turned around, Katie was coming out of the bedroom. “It’s a beautiful suite, Gabe,” she told him.
He was a little surprised. He had figured Katie would be running away from him, not coming toward him.
“Uh, yeah. Do you want some of this food? The meal on the airplane wasn’t too tasty.”
She moved to the tray and Gabe realized his mistake. He was standing beside it, which made Katie much too close to him. He crossed to the window. “You can see the Rockies from here,” he assured her. Not too bright since the city was located right at the base of the mountains.
Katie chuckled. He whirled around because the laughter had sounded right behind him. He hadn’t expected to find her beside him again.
She held up a half-eaten strawberry. “I had a bite. Now it’s your turn.”
The thought of putting his mouth where hers had been, of tasting the same fruit, was more erotic than he’d expected. He shoved away from her, striding across to their bags. “Uh, no, I don’t care for strawberries.”
This time she didn’t follow him.
He turned back to see a look of sadness on her face that almost brought him to his knees. Scrambling for something to distract her, he said, “You want a turn in the bathroom first?”
It worked. She drew a deep breath and the sad look disappeared, replaced by such determination that he was puzzled. “Yes, thank you.”
“I’ll carry your bag into the—in here.” Man, he had it bad when he couldn’t even say the word bedroom. He set her bag down and hurried into the living room before she could even enter. He didn’t want to be in the same room with her and a bed.
He just didn’t trust himself.
Turning on the television to drown out any sounds, like water splashing on her body as she stripped and took a shower, he tried to concentrate on something other than Katie.
And, of course, failed miserably.
When the bedroom door opened and she asked if he wanted the bathroom now, his sprawled body jerked into rigidity. “Uh, thanks, but I’ve gotten involved in this movie. You go on to bed. I’ll, uh, watch it.”
Silence met his words, and he was forced to look over his shoulder. Katie stood in the doorway wearing a sheer blue nightgown that enhanced her eyes and revealed her body more than he could have imagined.
“Katie!” he exclaimed, his voice strangulated. Dear Lord, how was he supposed to resist that vision?
“Yes, Gabe? You’re more interested in a movie than you are me?”
He forced his gaze away and grabbed a pillow from the sofa to hold in his lap. “You don’t want me more interested in you, Katie. You’re being a tease and I don’t appreciate it.”
More silence.
Then he heard a weary sigh. “No, Gabe, I’m not being a tease. I’m just going about this the wrong way.”
“This?” He kept his gaze averted, hoping he could convince his body to forget what he’d seen.
“This…seduction. I should have explained.”
Seduction. Seduction? He shot up from the couch. “What are you talking about?”
“I made a decision. But I forgot to include you in the discussion.”
“Include me now,” he insisted, taking a step toward her. A big step.
“I don’t think we can manage to be married a year and live in the same house without driving each other crazy.” She swallowed, the workings of her throat visible to him. “Or maybe it’s just me. But I want you, Gabe. I decided we should enjoy each other, for as long as the marriage lasts.”
By the time she finished speaking, he had her in his arms. He intended to tell her how long he wanted the marriage to last. But the minute he touched her, words went out of his head. Except for one.
Bed.
He wanted to find that damn bed quickly, because he knew he wouldn’t be able to stand much longer. He swept her into his arms and blindly ran into it as he kissed her senseless. They’d talk later. Now he had to feed the hunger that raged through him.
Memory of the one night they’d shared ten years ago had haunted him. He’d never found another woman to make him feel as Katie had. As he ran his hands over her body, now bare of that X-rated nightgown, he discovered that paradise again.
“Gabe, you have on too many clothes,” Katie protested, her fingers working on his shirt. When they reached his belt buckle, he gave up kissing her and helped.
Soon he was as bare as she and their mutual pleasure had him hanging on to his control, wanting Katie to share the pleasure.
Until a frightening thought occurred.
He hadn’t brought any condoms with him.
Sort of as a safeguard to his hunger. He figured he wouldn’t be tempted to seduce Katie if he knew he had no protection for her.
“Damn! Katie, I didn’t bring any condoms! I didn’t think—we don’t want you to get pregnant!” he exclaimed, even though he prayed she’d tell him she’d welcome his child.
Which, of course, meant he’d be able to make love to her tonight.
The $10,000,000 Texas Wedding Page 17
