by Debby Conrad
“Don’t you think we’re rushing things a bit?” she asked, a long yawn following.
“Maybe you’re right. We can always wait until the day after tomorrow, once you’ve caught up on your sleep.”
“That’s not what I meant, Montero, and you know it. I meant that we don’t have to get married, just because I’m pregnant.”
“Like hell, we don’t.” Call him old fashioned, but he couldn’t help his feelings.
She blinked up at him, but didn’t say anything.
Okay, so she didn’t want to marry him. All that talk about falling in love with him had been nothing more than her trying to get him to change his mind about leaving her. She’d only wanted him for sex. And the thought angered him.
“If you’re worried that the sex will get stale once we’re married, don’t,” he said. “I’ll make sure you have a constant smile on your face.”
Her mouth flew open. “You conceited, arrogant, cocky son of a bee,” she swore, stabbing him in the center of his chest with her finger. “Is that what you think? That I’m only concerned about sex?”
“Look, let’s not pretend here, okay? We both know what you wanted from me. But things have changed now. Whether we like it or not, we’re going to have a child together. I, for one, think our son or daughter would feel better knowing their parents were married when they were born. So, you can forget whatever fantasies you had about raising this child on your own. It’s not going to happen. You’re stuck with me.”
She opened her mouth to argue with him again, but another yawn came out instead. When it ended, she said, “I’m too tired to argue with you right now. I’m going back to my hotel--”
“Which hotel?” he asked.
“The Hilton on 57th.”
“Uh, huh,” he said, easing her head down to his lap. “Why don’t you stay with me tonight?”
Lifting her head a notch, she said, “I don’t think that would be such a good idea.”
Now, why didn’t that surprise him? Somehow, he’d known that was exactly what she would say. “Why don’t you just rest for a minute first, and then I’ll call you a cab.”
He felt the tension in her, and he swore she was about to bolt. But instead, she closed her eyes and was fast asleep in less than a minute.
Gabe toyed with a lock of her silky auburn hair, tipping his head to get a whiff of her. Cotton candy, he thought, smiling and remembering. The woman had gotten under his skin when he wasn’t looking, and now it seemed as if she’d be stuck there forever.
Was he making a mistake insisting that she marry him? He didn’t think so. He couldn’t think of anything he wanted more than Janie and their baby. He smiled to himself, then sighed in frustration. If only she wanted him for something other than to warm her sheets.
It wasn’t as if he expected her to be in love with him because he didn’t. And it certainly wasn’t as if he were in love with her. Or was he? The thought almost made him laugh. Hell, he didn’t know anything about love. So, surely whatever he felt for her wasn’t that. Then again, how did he feel about her?
Janie made him happy, that was for sure. Never had a woman gotten to him the way she had. There hadn’t been a day since last July that he hadn’t thought about her. He’d been in a constant state of agonizing arousal most days. And he hadn’t been thinking just sexual thoughts. Those incredible green eyes, and all those cute little freckles, lingered around the edges of his mind, as well. Not to mention that he’d never been the same since Janie had first hiccupped. He’d never heard of such a thing before.
Staring down at her sleeping form, Gabe grinned. He didn’t know how to put his feelings for her into one word, but whatever he felt for her couldn’t be love. He only wished he knew for sure what it was.
Once he knew Janie was sleeping soundly, Gabe slipped out from beneath her and went to his study to make a few calls. Punching in the first set of numbers, he smiled when he heard his friend Tano answer. “Hey, my man, how’s it going? And how’s Maria?”
“Gabe, you old dog, you. Maria’s as beautiful as ever,” the man said with a heavy Spanish accent.
Gabe laughed. “That’s great. Hey, I was wondering if you could do me a favor.”
“Sure. Anything for you. I owe you, you know that.”
Just because he’d put in a good word for Tano at the cab company a few years ago, and the manager had hired him, Tano thought he owed Gabe the world. And no matter how many times Gabe had tried to tell him otherwise, the man refused to listen to reason. “Do me this favor, and then we’ll call it even.”
“Like I said, anything for you, Gabe.”
“Great. Here’s what I want you to do.”
CHAPTER ELEVEN
A tacky wedding chapel in Las Vegas was not Janie’s idea of a wedding. There were no flowers, no guests, no bridesmaids, no father to give her away, and no Sara as her matron of honor. And yet, in less than ten minutes, this was where she and Gabe were going to be married.
Glancing around the tiny waiting room, she noticed the others. They all looked so happy, so in love. A couple in their twenties and dressed in blue jeans couldn’t keep their hands off each other. Even the older couple--both with gray hair and dentures--were holding hands and smiling.
Gabe sat beside her, a glum expression on his face, and ran his fingers along the creases of his gray wool trousers. He hadn’t so much as looked her way once they’d sat down. Was he nervous? Was he having second thoughts?
Was she?
A warning voice whispered in her head, “You don’t have to go through with this, Janie.” Her composure was a fragile shell around her.
Janie smoothed a hand over her skirt. She’d grabbed the only suitable outfit in the hotel boutique. A nubby cream jacket and matching skirt. It wasn’t fancy, nor was it her taste, but it had fit nicely. And Gabe had said he liked it.
She’d called Sara from Gabe’s apartment this morning to tell her the news. The unpleasant conversation now invaded her thoughts.
“Are you crazy?” Sara screamed. “You know exactly why he asked you to marry him, don’t you?”
Janie glanced at Gabe, clutching the receiver tightly to her ear. “Yes,” she answered. “We’re both crazy in love. Isn’t that wonderful?”
“Janie, did you hear what I just said?”
“Yes, I’ll tell Gabe you and Alex both send your best. We’ll call you tomorrow and tell you all about the wedding. Oh, and could you call Gertie and let her know? She worries about me.”
“Honey, don’t do this,” Sara cried. “You can’t get married without me there to stand up for you.”
“I know. I’ll miss you, too. Give the kids kisses and hugs.” With that, she’d hung up the phone and quickly blinked away her tears.
More tears threatened to spill now. Janie fluttered her eyes and wished them away.
“What’s wrong?” Gabe asked. “You look like you’re about to cry.”
Janie looked up at him, noticing the pensive shimmer in his dark eyes. “I had something in my eye. A bug, I think. Besides, women always cry at weddings.”
“Even at their own?”
“Sure.” She squirmed in her seat, feeling her panty hose sticking to her thighs, and wondered how much longer they’d have to sit here. She just wanted to get it over with.
“You’re not having second thoughts, are you?” he asked, studying her face.
“Are you?” she tossed back.
He paused for a nanosecond, then said, “No.”
Janie felt some of the tension leave her. “Neither am I,” she said, wishing she truly believed it. But when Gabe wrapped his arm around her and pulled her close to his side, she radiated in his warmth and strength. Everything was going to be fine, she thought.
A woman with silver streaked hair and holding a clipboard stuck her head around the corner. “Montero?” she called. “Callahan?” She reminded Janie of a high school gym teacher taking attendance.
Both Janie and Gabe stood, exchanged a quick gla
nce and smile, and then followed the woman into the tiny room made to look like a chapel. Thinking high school again, Janie felt as if she had just been summoned to the principal’s office for a good scolding.
Any delusions she’d held of a romantic wedding ceremony were squelched during the nuptials. Cheap velvet furniture, plastic plants and several brass sconces in need of polishing decorated the room. A recording of The Wedding March played in the background. And the short, rotund Reverend Love smelled of stale sweat and cheap cigars.
His words were short and clipped, then glancing at his watch as if he were in a hurry to go somewhere, he asked, “Do you have rings?”
Gabe fished in his jacket pocket and pulled out a platinum ring with a huge emerald-cut diamond. The stone was flanked by several brilliant sapphires, her birthstone. Janie gasped. “Where did you . . . When did you . . .?”
“I went down to the jewelry store in the hotel while you were resting this afternoon.” He twirled the ring between his fingers, the stones sparkling and shimmering. “I noticed your birth date when we got the marriage license this morning. I thought the sapphires were a nice touch. Do you like it?”
“Yes, but it’s . . . It must have cost a fortune.”
“As a matter of fact, it did,” he said, grinning.
“I can’t take that. It wouldn’t be right.”
“Janie, I’ve never bought anything expensive for anyone in my life. Let me do this. I can certainly afford it.”
“Well, since you put it that way,” she said, holding out her left hand. Thank God she’d taken the time to get her nails manicured today. Gabe slipped the ring on her finger and Janie smiled satisfactorily when it fit. It was exquisite, a luminous piece of art.
“Thank you. Although the ring I chose for you hardly compares.” She unsnapped the tiny purse draped over her shoulder and plucked the plain gold band from the zippered pouch. Her hands trembled as she placed it on his finger. She’d had it engraved, although she didn’t bother mentioning it.
Gabe glimpsed at the ring, then looked up at her. “Thanks.” He took both her hands in his, and the impatient-looking Reverend Love went on.
Janie stared up at Gabe, barely hearing anything the man said to them. She and Gabe each muttered their “I dos,” without pause and then she heard the words “I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
Gabe took her in his arms, pressed his lips against hers and then gently covered her mouth. He was a master at this. It was divine ecstasy, she thought, drinking in the sweetness of his mouth and every delicious sensation.
Someone cleared their throat. “You folks want to hurry it up?” the reverend asked. “I got a few more who want to tie the knot tonight.”
Janie pulled away from Gabe, her mouth burning with fire, her pulse kicking wildly in her breast. And then, ignoring the rude man staring at them, she threw her arms around Gabe’s neck and pulled him back for another kiss.
Inhaling sharply, she felt drugged by his clean, manly scent and his cool, minty taste. She wanted more of him, yet this was hardly the time or the place. And Reverend Love’s grunt of disapproval served as a reminder.
Breaking the kiss, Gabe whispered, “Baby, let’s blow this pop stand.”
Janie giggled. “Whatever you say, baby.” After signing the necessary documents, she let Gabe steer her out of the building.
I’m Mrs. Gabe Montero. Oh, what a feeling!
* * * * * * * * * *
“C’mon, Janie, open up.” Gabe stared at her delicious mouth.
“It’s too big,” she said, her pink tongue darting out to moisten her coral-coated lips. “You’ll never fit that huge thing in my mouth.”
Gabe hesitated, thinking maybe she was right. Then, seeing the hungry, greedy look on her face, he shoved the grilled prawn between her lips and watched her chew with pleasure. She closed her eyes, her face taking on an almost orgasmic look. And suddenly he wished he were a prawn.
“Do you have any idea what you’re doing to me?” he asked, feeling his pants tighten in the front. He lowered his voice and leaned forward. “If we weren’t sitting in the middle of a restaurant, I’d strip you naked and bury myself so deep inside you . . .”
Slowly, her eyes fluttered open. “Promises, promises,” she purred, flicking her hair off her shoulder.
Laughing, Gabe said, “You little minx. I ought to haul your cute little behind upstairs and--”
“Before you get any ideas about ravishing me, Montero, don’t forget you promised to teach me how to play blackjack. Remember, this is my first time in Vegas, and I feel lucky.”
Yeah, I felt lucky a second ago, too, he thought. Then, trying not to sound too disappointed, he said, “I remember.”
They finished their dinners and then headed to the casino. The place was buzzing with excitement. Bells ringing, coins jingling against metal, people shouting, laughing and talking. And Janie loved it.
She’d played the slot machines for the first hour, and it had been fun, but not as much fun as playing blackjack. She was a quick study, or so Gabe had said. At any rate, she seemed to be winning every three out of four hands, and she had several mile-high stacks of chips to prove it.
“I love this game,” she said, grinning at Gabe who was perched on a stool beside her. “Are you sure you don’t want to play anymore?”
“Positive. I’m tired of losing.” He stifled a yawn. “Besides, it’s four in the morning. I would have thought you’d be exhausted by now.”
“I know, but this is so much fun.” She lifted the edge of her card and peered down at it. A six. And a Jack showing. Feeling lucky, she said, “Hit me!” and the dealer turned over a five. “Yessss!”
Gabe leaned into her and whispered, “If you think blackjack is fun, wait until I teach you how to play strip poker.”
Looking at him, Janie said, “I suppose you’d like to teach me now.”
“It might be best if we wait until we get up to our room,” he said with a wink that made her insides flutter.
“Okay, you win,” she said, throwing her cards in.
After cashing in her winnings, they took the elevator to their suite. Janie was surprised when Gabe picked her up and carried her over the threshold. But not as surprised as she was when he continued on to the bedroom, deposited her on the bed, and asked, “Have I told you how beautiful you are?”
“No, not yet,” she said, smiling and feeling like she was Gabe’s most cherished possession. Tonight, when they made love, they’d do it as man and wife.
Gabe took off his jacket and flung it over a chair, then reaching for his tie, he loosened it.
Janie positioned herself on her knees. “I thought you wanted to play strip poker,” she teased.
“I do,” Gabe said, “but I just remembered that we don’t have any cards.” He raised his brows. “I have an idea. Why don’t we forget the poker and just strip?”
Pretending to be disappointed, she said, “Well, I suppose we don’t have much choice.”
“Now you’re talking. Do you want to go first?” he asked, a spark of interest lighting up his dark eyes.
“No, thanks. I think I’ll sit back and watch you.” She made herself comfortable against the pillows.
“My pleasure, Mrs. Montero.”
Janie watched with fascination as her husband disrobed. Once he was totally naked, she raked an assessing gaze over him. Gabe was seventy-four inches of well-muscled male. And he was fully aroused.
Her heartbeat skyrocketed and her fingers ached to reach out and touch him. “I wish I’d brought my handcuffs.”
Gabe moved closer to the bed. “You won’t need them. I’m not going anywhere.”
“I thought maybe you’d want to use them on me.”
“You’re not going anywhere either.”
Janie couldn’t keep from checking out his naked body. She swallowed noisily and forced herself to meet his eyes. “You’re . . . beautiful. I used to tell myself I didn’t want to go out with a
guy who probably looked better naked than me, but it’s kind of nice.”
“Nobody looks better naked than you, Janie,” he said, sounding totally serious. “Speaking of which, are you going to take off those clothes anytime soon?”
“Why don’t you come over here and make me?”
The corners of his mouth turned up as he came to stand near the edge of the bed. “I’m always up for a challenge.”
“Yes, I can see that,” she said, smirking while she stared at his nether regions.
Gabe threw his head back and laughed. “And I can see that life with you is never going to be boring.”
That night, they made love together as man and wife. Gabe was gentle, loving and tender with her. Afterward, Janie fell asleep in his arms, feeling cherished and protected, and wishing her life with Gabe would always be that wonderful.
* * * * * * * * * *
Three days later, the honeymooners flew back to New York, spent an evening out on the town, and were now driving to Erie. Janie had explained that while she didn’t mind moving to New York, she didn’t want to miss Sara having her baby next month.
Gabe knew it was much more than that. Janie and Sara were close. Closer than he and Alex had ever been. And in spite of the way the two women disagreed about most everything, Janie still considered Sara her best friend.
Asking his wife to leave Erie would be cruel. He was a writer. He could write anywhere. Even if it was in a messy, cramped townhouse. Besides, their living quarters didn’t have to be permanent. They had several months before the baby was due. Plenty of time to find a nice home with a big backyard for their children to play.
Children. He smiled with satisfaction. Then, feeling greedy with his thoughts, he pictured lots of little Montero kids romping in that yard. Some would have dark hair and look like him, and some would have their mother’s auburn curls and sparkling green eyes. He and Janie would go to their kids’ soccer games and dance recitals, help them with their homework, punish them when they needed to be punished, and spoil them rotten the rest of the time.
