Vegas Vows, Texas Nights

by Charlene Sands

  He came over her on the bed, gazing down, a hungry look in his eyes. “I don’t take this lightly, Katie. I... This isn’t—”

  “I know,” she said simply. “I know why this is happening.”

  “You do?”

  “It’s about Snow.”

  Luke stared at her for a long second. “Yeah.”

  Then he covered her body with his, stroking her below the waist until she whimpered in pleasure and then shattered into a hundred pieces. Now she knew what total bliss felt like and she basked in contentment. “Oh wow,” was all she could say.

  “Yeah, wow,” Luke said, pressing tiny kisses along her shoulder blades, allowing her time to enjoy the aftermath of her climax.

  Then he brought his lips to hers again, and she welcomed it and invited him in with her body. He wasted no time shedding the rest of his clothes and sheathing himself in a condom. “I want you, Katie.”

  She knew. And so when he joined their bodies and gasped, she did, too. “Oh, Luke.”

  He filled her full and the need inside her grew as his thrusts deepened. Each movement heightened the intensity until she cried out. Luke seemed as lost as she was, moving inside her in a deliberate rhythm that lifted her hips and took her completely home.

  He wasn’t far behind. His thrusts grew harder, his face masked in pained pleasure and she kept pace with him, taking the ride with him, until he finally shuddered in release.

  Moments later, he fell upon the bed next to her and cradled her in his arms. He kissed her forehead and kept her close, both of them too out of breath to utter a word.

  * * *

  Luke woke first, and Katie’s sweet scent wafted to his nose. He felt her presence beside him on the bed, and when he opened his eyes and actually saw her snuggled in tight, her honey blond strands spilling onto her pillow, he smiled. She was his wife, and they’d made love last night like they belonged together. This was his honeymoon, all he’d ever wanted. All he’d ever needed.

  How many lonely nights had he spent thinking about her? During his stint in the Marines, forbidden thoughts of her would creep into his mind. He’d felt terrible for hurting Shelly, for hurting the Rodgers family. But it would’ve been a whole lot worse, being married to one sister while secretly craving the other. Often, when he was alone with his thoughts in Afghanistan, he’d wondered if he’d been a damn fool for falling for a woman he’d never touched, never kissed. How would he know if they were compatible? What if the real thing didn’t live up to the fantasy?

  Now, he knew.

  Oh boy, were they compatible. Katie was his real thing, his fantasy come true.

  He stared at her, watching her take slow peaceful breaths. He should probably leave and let her come to grips with what happened alone. But he couldn’t walk out on her. He couldn’t leave without seeing her reaction. Was he a fool to hope that she’d be okay with what happened between them?

  It was nearing 4:00 a.m. She’d soon be rising for work, but he needed a few more minutes to savor being in bed with her, to savor the sweet serenity of her body next to his, their warmth mingling.

  Luke sighed and bent over to place a light kiss on her cheek.

  “Mmm,” she murmured in her sleep.

  He smiled and gently moved a fallen strand of hair from her face. “My pretty Katie,” he whispered, needing to touch her again.

  She tossed around a bit and he backed off, turning to his side and bracing his head in his hand, content to just watch her sleep.

  Too soon, the alarm clock on the nightstand blasted through the peace and Katie opened her eyes and found him beside her. “Hi,” she said.

  Her greeting surprised him.

  “Morning, sweetheart.”

  Clearly, she wasn’t thinking straight.

  Luke reached over her to shut off the alarm and then pressed his luck, brushing his lips over hers. Her lips were warm and welcoming. For a second, he held on to hope. “Did you sleep well?”

  She blinked and blinked again. “What the...” And then she darted up on the bed, a pained expression on her face. “Oh no.”

  She glanced down, obviously noting she’d slept in the nude. She grimaced as if her world was coming to an end and then covered up her perfect body.

  “Katie—”

  “Luke, this was only about Snow. We were both hurting last night, but I... I should’ve known better. I shouldn’t have let my emotions overwhelm my judgment. We can’t keep doing this.”

  “Seems to me, we do keep doing this. Must mean something.”

  “It does. It means I’m a numbskull.”

  “No, you’re not. You’re human, and you have real feelings that you can’t chuck away or hide. It was good between us last night.”

  Katie stared at him as if remembering. She couldn’t deny the sparks and fire they’d shared last night. For him, there was nothing better.

  “Yes, but it can’t happen again. We were both...lost.”

  He wasn’t lost. He’d known exactly what he’d needed. And she did, too, but she wouldn’t admit it.

  She shrugged and a little pout curled her mouth up. “Poor Snow.”

  “Yeah. It was hard losing her, but you gave her the comfort she needed.”

  “You really think so?”

  He nodded. “I think you’re amazing.”

  “Don’t say things like that. It’s already complicated enough.”

  “What, I can’t praise my wife?”

  She gritted her teeth. “I...am...not...your...wife.”

  Luke’s good nature faded. Why was the thought of being married to him so distasteful? Of course, he knew it was because of Shelly, but was that all it was? Her harsh tone spurred his temper. “Funny, but I have a document that says you are. And, sweetheart, we’ve consummated our marriage more than once already.”

  “Don’t remind me,” she said, rising from the bed, taking the sheets with her. But one corner of the sheet caught on the nightstand knob and jerked away from her body. She stood before him naked in all her glory.

  She hoisted her chin. “I’m taking a shower. I’m already late getting to the bakery. You need to leave before Lori gets here, which is in less than an hour.”

  As she turned away, he focused on the curvy shape of her bare body, her rounded cheeks and the length of her long legs.

  It was a freaking turn-on. His throat went dry and his body grew immediately hard. Hell, he wasn’t getting out of this bed until he calmed down. He needed to think about cattle prices or something equally benign.

  And ticked off as he was, he still couldn’t help wondering what she would do if he followed her into the shower.

  * * *

  Katie set two pots of coffee brewing on the back counter of the bakery, behind the near empty bakery case. Normally, decaf was her speed, but this morning she needed a large jolt of caffeine, something that would make her think more clearly. Obviously, last night she’d had no clarity. Not one bit. All she’d had was grief and Luke’s welcoming arms.

  Spending the night with him had been a big mistake, but at the time she’d needed someone. No, not just someone... She’d needed Luke.

  God, she didn’t want to feel things for him that would cause a world of trouble. What she’d confessed to him in Las Vegas was true. She wanted someone in her life. She wanted a partner, someone to share moments with, someone who’d have her back. But it couldn’t be him. Never him. Her mother’s weak heart couldn’t take it and Shelly would probably disown her as a sister. She held Luke responsible for her lack of trust in men and her generally bitter disposition.

  Katie felt sorry for Shelly and was completely guilt-ridden about finding momentary pleasure in Luke’s arms last night. He was the poison apple and she’d taken the forbidden bite.

  Katie set out her utensils and staples: bowls, measuring cups, flour, sugar and eggs. She had be
gun measuring out her ingredients when the sound of boot heels clicking on the stairs reached her ears. Her nerves rattled a bit. It was Luke. Thank God, he was leaving.

  “Coffee smells real good. Mind if I have a cup?” he asked.

  She kept her head down, pouring sugar into the industrial-size bowl. “It’s not ready yet.”

  “That’s okay. I’ll wait.”

  She glanced at the wall clock.

  “Don’t worry, I’ll be out of your hair in a few minutes. I just want a little coffee before I head out. Lori will never know I was here.”

  “But I will,” she muttered.

  Luke chuckled.

  “Don’t laugh. None of this is funny.”

  He came up behind her, his nearness making her jittery. “Katie, I’m not laughing at the situation. I know this isn’t easy on you. I’m laughing, because...well.”

  “What?” She turned to face him. He’d cleaned up nicely, his dark blond hair groomed and overnight beard extremely swoon-worthy.

  He curled his hands around her waist and drew her in with those sky blue eyes. “You’re cute when you’re angry. Sexy, too.”

  “Hardly, Luke.” She rolled her eyes.

  “You doubt it, after last night?”

  “Look, I know you think you’re my husband and all, but from now on, I’d appreciate it if you didn’t tell me I was amazing or sexy or cute. I’m none of those things...to you.”

  “Sounds like the coffee’s ready.” He ignored her comment and walked into the bakery.

  She sighed. Maybe it was better not to argue with him. He would leave soon and she could go on with her baking.

  “You want leaded?” he asked from the other room.

  “God, yes,” she called to him.

  While he was pouring coffee, she combined all the ingredients for her base cupcake recipe and turned on the mixer. Then she started cutting up fruit for her fresh fillings; it was peaches and apples today.

  Luke walked in with two steaming cups of coffee. “You take anything in it?”

  “No, just black is fine,” she said. She sampled too many of her sweets during the day to add any more sugar to her diet. She’d learned the hard way to always taste test her pastries before putting them on the shelves.

  “I like watching you work,” he said, handing her a cup.

  She didn’t know what to do with that comment. She clutched the cup to warm up her hands and wished he’d just leave.

  “Do you get up at four every morning?”

  She nodded. “If I want to open the bakery at seven, I do.”

  “It’s a lot of work.”

  “It is, but Lori’s a big help. Most mornings we’re right on schedule.”

  He smiled, then sipped his coffee. He made her uncomfortable, eyeballing her the way that he was. She put her coffee down and got back to work.

  “Okay,” he said, taking a huge gulp. “It’s time for me to get going, too.”

  “So soon?” she asked with a rise in her voice and once again, he chuckled.

  “You know, I can stick around if it’d make you feel better.”

  “Out,” she said, turning her back on him.

  Luke didn’t seem to take offense. Instead he roped his arms around her and she turned to frown at him. “What are you doing?”

  “Giving you a goodbye kiss.”

  And then his mouth was on hers, and the melding of their lips felt like heaven on earth.

  When the kiss ended, she backed away from him and pointed to the door. “Go.”

  He went.

  She drew a deep breath and then let out a flustered sigh. Whenever the man kissed her, she felt helpless and needy.

  It was all so terribly wrong.

  * * *

  Three days later, Drea entered the bakery just before lunch, a big smile on her face. Her bestie was smiling a lot lately and most of that had to do with Mason. Katie wasn’t jealous of their happiness; she was thrilled for the two of them. It was just, at times, she thought she’d never meet the right guy, never know that kind of love.

  She didn’t get any encouragement from her sister and mom. They both thought a woman was better off without a man, but Katie didn’t see it that way. She wasn’t bitter or jaded, not yet anyway. But being around that sort of pessimism made it hard to keep a positive attitude.

  Drea walked up to the counter and Katie greeted her. “Hi there. What brings you by so early this morning?”

  “I have an invitation for you.”

  “Lunch? I’d love to.” She wouldn’t mind catching up with her friend.

  “No, silly. Not lunch. Mason and I want to thank you for helping us plan the wedding and for being the best bachelorette party planner around. We want to take you to dinner tonight. Don’t say no. We really, really want to do this.”

  Katie smiled. “Of course. I’d love to. Thanks.”

  “Can you be ready by six?”

  “I can.” She gave Drea a nod. Well, it wasn’t lunch with her friend, but Mason was a pretty nice guy and Katie could use the distraction. “Where should I meet you?”

  “Oh, no need for that. Luke will pick you up.”

  “Luke? Uh, why on earth?”

  Drea shook her head. “Listen, I know he’s not your favorite person, but you two seemed to get along just fine in Las Vegas.”

  The mention of Vegas brought up visions of their hasty drunken marriage and Katie’s stomach squeezed tight.

  “It’s a thank-you dinner for him, too. We thought you wouldn’t mind...much. I mean, you two have been working together at Red Barrel, right? And you seem cordial enough lately.”

  Oh gosh. Little did Drea know, Luke made her uncomfortable in too many ways to name. Being cordial to him in public was an act.

  Yet Katie didn’t want to come off as a scrooge. She didn’t want to hurt Mason’s feelings either, by refusing to break bread with his brother. What could she say? She was trapped, by no conscious doing by her friend. “No, that’s fine. But maybe I should drive myself. You know, in case it’s a late night. I wouldn’t want to hold you guys up. You know I turn into a pumpkin by ten o’clock.”

  Drea laughed. “I promise Luke will have you home by ten.”

  “Can’t we all go together?”

  “We could, only Mason and I will be leaving earlier in the day for a final meeting with our wedding caterer and we didn’t think you’d want to be dragged to that.”

  It was an impossible set of circumstances. Having maid of honor duties alongside Luke as best man, they were bound to be thrown together, but Katie hadn’t seen this one coming. Not by a longshot. “Fine, have Luke pick me up. What should I wear?”

  “Something dazzling. We’re going to The Majestic.”

  It was a swanky non-Boone restaurant known for its classically romantic atmosphere on the outskirts of Boone County. “Nice,” Katie said, feigning enthusiasm.

  “Okay, great. We’ll see you tonight.” Drea clapped her hands. “I’m so excited. I’ve never been there before.”

  “Neither have I.”

  “It’ll be a first for both of us then.”

  * * *

  At noon, Katie and Lori were in the midst of their second rush hour, the first always coming around eight in the morning. This noon rush wasn’t anything they couldn’t handle, so when Shelly walked in with a man by her side, Katie greeted them both.

  “Hi, Shel. Good to see you. What’s up?” She darted a glance at the good-looking blond man standing beside Shelly.

  “Katie, this is Dr. Moore. He’s new in town and I told him about the best cupcakes in all of Boone County. Dr. Moore, this is my talented sis, Katie.”

  They exchanged greetings.

  “Let me warn you, I have a sweet tooth,” Dr. Moore said. “So you might be seeing me in here a great deal.”
r />   “Then you are my kind of person. Welcome. Do you have a favorite flavor?”

  “I told him you make the best lemon raspberry cupcake in the world.” Shelly smiled and there was a light in her eyes that Katie hadn’t seen in a long time.

  “Sounds good to me. Love the shop, by the way,” he said, admiring the pastel decor and dining area. He glanced at the bakery case. “And it looks like I’ll be back to try everything you have in here.”

  “Good thing his brother is a dentist,” Shelly said, teasing.

  Katie chuckled. Her sister never teased, at least not recently, and it brought a lightness to Katie’s heart. “I’d say so. So, will you two be eating here? We also have coffee, hot chocolate and chai.”

  “Another time. I’m afraid I have to get back to the hospital ASAP.”

  “Me, too,” Shelly said.

  “Okay then, let me box these up for you. And I’ll throw in a few of my carrot zucchini specials and my newest creation, vanilla infused with peaches.”

  “That’s very nice of you. Can’t wait to try them later.” His cell phone rang and he glanced at the screen. “Excuse me. I’m sorry, but I have to get this,” he said, walking toward the front door. “Shelly, can you meet me outside?”

  “Of course.”

  “Thanks again, Katie.”

  “Sure thing.”

  The second the doctor walked out, Katie couldn’t hold her tongue. “He’s really cute.”

  “I suppose.”

  “You mean to say you haven’t noticed?”

  Shelly caught her drift and rolled her eyes. “Oh, for heaven’s sake. I was just being neighborly. Dr. Moore doesn’t know too many people in town. I thought he’d like the shop and I wanted to introduce him to you.”

  “So, you’re not interested in him? Because he seems nice and you’ve never brought a guy into my shop before this.”