Page 27 of Fairy Tale Husband

“That’s what I’m worried about.”

“Forget Laura,” he demanded, passion adding a husky edge to his voice. “I have something more interesting in mind.”

With that, his mouth closed over hers and all thought ended. Desire blossomed with stunning speed, returning more swiftly than before, burning higher and with greater ferocity. How was it possible to feel so at one with a man she’d only known for a few short hours?

“I’ve never seen a more perfectly made woman.” His heated breath mingled with hers. “If it weren’t for those kids, our time together would be downright perfect.”

With those few heartfelt words he destroyed all her illusions, proving beyond a doubt how wrong she’d been about their relationship. Having a bucket of ice-cold water tipped over her head couldn’t have sliced through her sensuous haze any more thoroughly. The air escaped her lungs in a harsh gasp. “Say you don’t mean that,” she whispered, distressed beyond measure.

It took him a minute to hear the misery in her voice, to realize she no longer actively participated in their lovemaking. He fought to control his desire, his muscles tense. Taking a deep breath, he pulled back, arush of cool air filling the chasm betweenthem.

“What?”

“Your comment about the children. Say you didn’t mean it.”

“You want me to lie?” he questioned sharply. “You want me to say that I’m thrilled to be saddled with a wife and two kids I’d never planned on having? Sorry. I’m not putting a pretty face on an ugly truth. Iwant you. No question about that. But I’d have been a whole hell of a lot happier if there weren’t any strings attached.”

She jerked free of his hold and swept up her blouse. “Everything comes at a price,” she informed him tautly, dressing with more speed than grace.

“I’m well aware of that.” A wealth of meaning lay buried in his retort, ahistory she could only guess at. “But you didn’t tell me the cost until it was too late for a refund.”

“Or you’d never have made the purchase?” she asked, bracing herself, as though in anticipation of ablow.

He didn’t answer. Crossing the room, he picked up a canvas tote and his Stetson. “You ready to leave? Looks like we’re done here.”

She didn’t bother arguing. Grabbing her overnight bag and purse, she nodded. “I’m ready,” she said, following him to the door. “Though you haven’t told me where we’re going yet.”

He paused. “Texas, as your friend so accurately guessed. Chesterfield, Texas, to be precise. Iown a spread there.”

She stared in wonder. “A ranch.” It was almost too good to be true. “What a wonderful place to raise children.”

His face darkened, his eyes deepening to a tarnished bronze. “I’ll have to take your word for it. Iwas raised in the city.” He yanked the door open, then hesitated, tossing the words over his shoulder. “Fair warning, wife. I’ll do whatever’s necessary to make this marriage as comfortable for you as possible. But don’t expect me to give you what I don’t have.”

“You mean love?” she dared toask.

“Love’s an illusion,” he retorted coldly. Then his voice dropped, turning gritty with tension. “Funny thing, illusions. No matter how hard you work at it, you can’t believe them into existence. Try it and you’ll end up with a world of hurt.”

With that, he walked out thedoor.

CHAPTERFIVE

THEY flew to Texas on a large, commercial carrier, switching to a private puddle-jumper for the flight to Chesterfield. Jake had an extended cab pickup waiting for them at the tiny landing strip.

“Boys, hop in the back,” he instructed, opening the door for them. He dumped their three small suitcases in the bed of the truck and opened the front passenger side door for Wynne. “You didn’t bring much with you.”

She shrugged, her attention focused on Chick. He still had trouble riding in cars, and she wasn’t certain how he’d take to the pickup. “I thought it would be easier to travel light. The rest of our belongings are packed and ready to be shipped once I supply the moving company with an address.”

“You can phone them as soon as we get to the house,” he said. “Come on boys, shake a leg. Climb in and fasten seatbelts.”

She held her breath, waiting to see what Chick would do. To her relief, he clambered inside without hesitation. Apparently, the truck didn’t rouse the same frightening memories as acar.

Jake turned to face her, lifting an eyebrow in question. “What’s the matter?” he asked in an undertone.

She looked at him, startled. “You don’t miss much, do you?”

His mouth curved into a wry smile. “Depends on how distracted I am. Is there something wrong with Chick?”

She shrugged. “Cars don’t always agree with him,” she explained quietly. “They upset him.”

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