Page 15 of The Banker's Bride

Dallas gazed into her eyes. “Of course, I’ll be gentle. If I hurt you, let me know. And Megan, you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do.”

His eyes were filled with such intensity that she was overcome with emotion.

Then he kissed her with a fierceness unmatched by man. She had no idea that such passion even existed. And in one fluid motion, he swept her into his arms, causing her to swoon. The driver must have held open the door for them, because Dallas carried her across the threshold and up the stairs to their bedroom, never breaking the kiss.

When they reached the door, Dallas kicked it closed behind them and laid her gently on the bed. “Don't worry. We’ll take it slow.” He gently brushed back a strand of her hair, gazing deeply into her eyes. “Megan, I know we just met, but I do love you. I… just wanted you to know.”

Before she could answer, his lips descended upon hers as passion filled them both. And at that moment, Megan knew she was finally home.

Chapter 4

Dallas

When Dallas woke the next morning, faint rays of golden sunshine peeked around the drapes as the events of the day before ran through his mind. Megan was curled up on her side, her lovely auburn hair fanned out across the pillow. He turned onto his side and watched her sleep, pushing her hair gently away from her face, careful not to wake her. The way the sunlight brushed across her soft pink cheeks was lovely.

Usually, he would have been up and out of bed before sunrise, but this was the morning after their wedding day, and they needed the day to sleep in. He lay next to her, listening to the steady sound of her breathing, enjoying the sight of this beautiful woman in his bed. Never had he thought that married life could hold such bliss. Why no man had snatched her up before now baffled him. It was truly a miracle that God had given her to him.

A few moments later, she rolled toward him and laid across his chest, her hair falling gracefully over one shoulder, leaving her other shoulder bare. “Good morning.”

He smiled as he kissed the tip of her nose. “Good morning, love. Did you sleep well?”

A broad smile spread across her face. “Yes, when ye let me go to sleep, that is.”

Dallas chuckled, unabashed. “Are you well? Did I hurt you?”

“No, not at all.” She smiled, pushing playfully against his chest.

“Well, good!” He rose from the bed and slipped into his clothes, preparing for the day. “Because we have some shopping to do.”

As he dressed, Dallas saw that she was watching him. He liked that she didn’t turn away. He slipped into his trousers and turned away as he zipped them up.

Megan looked so attractive–propped up on her elbow with her bright auburn hair draped over one shoulder–that he almost climbed back into bed with her. Instead, he sat on the edge of the bed and ran his fingertip along her jawline. “What were you thinking about just then?”

She sat up, covering her breasts with the sheet, wrapping her arms around her legs, her gorgeous long hair falling over her shoulders and down her bare back. “I was jus’ thinkin’ of how lucky I am… to have ye fer a husband.”

“I, my dear, am the lucky one.” He smiled as he gently pressed his lips to hers. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders, deepening the kiss, but he pulled away. “You, my lady, need to get dressed. You have some shopping to do today.”

A dejected look appeared in her eyes. “Aren’t ye going with me?”

Dallas smiled, enjoying her reaction to wanting to spend the day with him. He walked over, propped his arms on both sides of her body, and gave her a long, lingering kiss. “Of course I’m going with you.” One corner of his lips curled into a smile as he tilted his head to the side. “I want to show you off.” Then he stepped away as the sound of footsteps coming up the stairs outside their door grew louder. “I’ll send Mrs. Daly in to help you dress. She just came up the stairs.”

“That won’t be necessary—”

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.

Dallas winked, a smile curling his lips. “And there she is.”

“No!” Megan looked quickly under the sheet at herself, horror coloring her face, causing him to smile. “But I’m not ready!”

He shrugged, enjoying watching her trying to cover herself, even though she was completely covered by the sheet, except for her shoulders. “I’ll meet you downstairs, love.”

Mrs. Daly waited until Dallas was gone, and then barged in on Megan. Mrs. Daly was the type of woman who liked to take over, but if he knew his new wife, she wouldn’t stand for it for long. Dallas smiled to himself as he skipped down the stairs, the happiest he’d been in a very long time.

Dallas walked into the kitchen and his chef,Jacques Baranger, was making breakfast. While on a trip to Paris,Dallas had hired him from a wonderful French restaurant as his personal chef. After a short conversation and a sampling of his fare, Dallas had brought Jacques back with him.His magnificent dishes and pastries had proven to be a good investment.

Jacques glanced up at Dallas and frowned. “What are you doing in my kitchen,monsieur?” he yelled in his distinctive French accent. “Out! Please wait in the dining room. Your breakfast will be ready momentarily.”

“But this ismykitchen—”

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