Cowboys & Navy SEALs

Chapter 4

Chapter Four

M agnolia hugged her arms, trying to ward off the frigid air seeping into her bones. After dinner was over, the group moved into the living room where they swapped stories and enjoyed one another’s company. When it was time for Magnolia to leave, Lucas offered to walk her out. Being out here alone with Lucas sent a shot of adrenaline through her veins. She turned to him. “What made you change your mind? About marrying me?” Her breath came out in puffs of mist that froze into droplets the instant they left her mouth.

He rested his back against the handrail. “A funny thing happened today. I was at work. The feeder shorted out. I wanted to call my buddy Walter McIntosh who’s been begging for our business, but Jaxson wouldn’t have it. He insisted on calling Vance Bryant.” He grunted in disgust. “The old curmudgeon charges a fortune. I wouldn’t put it past him to just slap a band aid on the problem, knowing good and well that we’ll have to call him every month or so to come back out. Jaxson and I had a few words. As always, it’s either his way or the highway.” He paused, giving Magnolia a meaningful look. “I got to thinking about your offer, how nice it would be to get out from underneath Jaxson. To have my own ranch.”

She swallowed the curious disappointment that lumped in her throat. The fantasy was over, taking all the pleasure of the evening with it. This was all business. She forced her voice to go light. “And here I thought I’d won you over with my cornbread.”

A lopsided grin tugged at his lips. “Well, that too.”

Their eyes met as the moment slowed. It would be so easy to fall for Lucas all over again. She traced the outline of his lips, her breath coming faster. An erratic energy ricocheted through her. If she kissed him right now, would everything be ruined? Yes! Most definitely! Her emotions were running away with her. If she weren’t careful, they’d run right off a cliff. Get a grip , she commanded herself as she took a step back to put distance between them. Time was on her side. All she had to do was get Lucas to the altar. Then, she’d have five glorious years to make him fall in love with her. She flinched at the direction her thoughts were taking. She was jumping the gun here, thinking love when Lucas didn’t even like her. One thing at a time.

“What happens next?” Lucas asked.

She clasped her hands, the practical side of her brain taking control. “We’ll need to get you some new clothes.”

His eyes bugged before narrowing into slits. “What’s wrong with my clothes?”

“Nothing,” she said lightly, “when you’re working on the ranch.” She paused, trying to figure out how to phrase the rest.

“Spit it out,” he demanded. “You don’t wanna be embarrassed by me.” His mesmerizing eyes held a direct challenge. He was so formidable. So passionate about every little thing. So deliciously exhilarating.

“No, that’s not it at all. I’d never be embarrassed by you. I think it’s awesome that you love what you do.” That was the honest truth. Lucas was the type of man that any woman who had an ounce of sense would be proud to claim as hers.

His expression was suspicious. “Really?”

She nodded. “Really. This doesn’t have anything to do with what I think. It’s what my grandfather and Eric Stanford, the attorney over the estate, think. They have to both consent to the marriage.”

He rubbed a hand across his jaw. “This is a whole horse wagon of crazy.”

“Tell me about it.” Suddenly, she couldn’t do it. She couldn’t take this cowboy, who had such a wonderful life and family, and taint him with the Bentley wealth. She had to think of what was best for Lucas, instead of only thinking of herself. Her eyes prickled with moisture. “This isn’t going to work.” Rocks settled in her stomach. “I’m sorry,” she uttered as she turned to leave.

Lucas caught her arm. “Wait a minute.”

She turned to face him.

He pushed out a heavy breath. “Fine, I’ll get new clothes.”

Laughter gurgled in her throat. “This isn’t about the clothes.”

“It’s not?”

“No.”

“Then what?”

“I just don’t want you to get corrupted by all of this. My grandfather isn’t exactly the warmest and fuzziest person. He’s rigid, tough.”

His laughter cut her off short.

“What?” she demanded.

“Let me get this straight. You’re afraid of corrupting me?”

“Well, yeah.” She motioned at the closed door. “Your family is so awesome.” Her voice cracked. “What y’all shared tonight … the dinner, the conversation in the living room. I’ve never had that.”

A shadow moved over his features. “My family’s not all peaches and cream. We’ve got our problems, same as everyone else.”

“It doesn’t seem like it. You and I are from two different worlds. You’re the rugged cowboy. I’m the hoity toity princess. I don’t see how it’s going to work.”

A dry smile touched his lips.

“What?”

“I see what you’re doing here.”

Her brows bunched. “What do you mean?”

“You dangle the bait. I bite. And now you’re retreating.” He leaned close, a look of triumph flashing in his eyes. “Who’s the one afraid of commitment now?”

She barked out a short laugh. “I’m not afraid of commitment. Forgive me for looking out for your best interest.” His nearness ignited her cells, cascading tingles through her.

“I don’t need you or anyone else looking out for my interest.” His voice was hard as flint—the lone warrior facing down the foe. “I’ve been doing a pretty good job of that myself.”

She lifted her chin. “Indeed, you have.” His caustic attitude was rubbing her the wrong way.

“You need a husband. I need a ranch. Let’s strike a bargain right here and now.” He eyed her with a foolhardy defiance, as if he could bend her will to his. She wasn’t a horse to be broken!

“Fine,” she spat. “Name your terms.” It was always the same with Lucas. Magnolia didn’t know why she allowed herself to believe it could be any different. He’d never let her get through to the real guy behind the tough facade. She couldn’t believe that a few short moments ago, she’d thought she could fall in love with him. Or that he could grow to love her.

“After our marriage, you’ll buy me the ranch of my choice. And, you’ll agree to pay off the mortgage on my parents’ house.”

Her eyebrow shot up. “That’s all you want?” Shivers ran through her body. Her lungs had a sore heavy feeling like she’d been breathing ice. It was so cold out here. She was going to turn into a popsicle.

“Yep, that’s it.”

“What will you give me in return?” Time to set the terms, here and now. She wanted him to recognize that she wasn’t a pushover.

He was amused. “I’m marrying you. Isn’t that enough?”

“Yeah, but where will we live? Together?”

He looked thoughtful. “I suppose. We have to keep up appearances.”

Her heart leapt with anticipation. Luckily, she managed to keep a poker face. “What about the baby?”

A look of horror crossed his features. “Do we have to talk about that now?”

“I guess not. But we will have to cross that bridge … eventually.”

He nodded.

“We’ll have to get to know each other super well so that when we go to North Carolina, we’ll be a convincing couple.”

“Okay,” he said warily.

Her brain began compiling a to-do list. “What’s your birthdate? I’ll need to get us plane tickets.”

“Not gonna happen.”

“Huh?”

“I don’t fly.”

An incredulous laugh scratched through her throat. “W—what? You’re afraid to fly?” It was astounding to think that the rough and tumble cowboy was afraid to get on an airplane.

He clenched his jaw, exuding a bullheaded stubbornness. “Not afraid. I just don’t like it. I’ll drive us to North Carolina.”

She made a face, her voice going shrill. “But what about snow and ice?”

“They’ll clear the roads. We’ll take my truck. It handles well in the snow.”

“You’re serious?”

“Yep.” He steeled his jaw. “The only way I’m going to North Carolina is if I drive us there.”

“Okay, fine. You can drive.” Magnolia loved to travel. She flew all over the world on a regular basis. “Have you ever been outside the US?”

“Nope.”

“Don’t you want to go to Europe? See Paris in the spring? It’s breathtaking. There are so many places I’d like to show you.”

His eyes registered surprise. “Really?”

She felt hot despite the cold. She’d lost herself for a minute, let her true feelings show. “Well, yeah,” she said with a disinterested shrug. “As my husband, I would just assume that you’d go with me. You know, for appearances sake.”

“Gotcha. Well, we’ll have to cross that bridge when we come to it.”

Her eyes met his. “I guess there are a lot of bridges we’ll have to cross. When can we go shopping? I want to take you to Atlanta.”

“Why? They sell plenty of clothes in Nashville,” he said dryly.

She chuckled. “Not the kind that we’re looking for.” She straightened her shoulders. “Okay, I’m freezing out here. I’ve gotta go.” Her entire body was stiff as a board from the cold.

“Are you going back to Lexi’s apartment?”

“Yep, that’s where I’m staying. It’ll be easier for us to get together on a regular basis.”

“I’ll walk you to your car. The steps and sidewalk are icy.”

“No thanks. I can manage.” She moved away from him and started down the steps. She let out a yelp when her foot nearly slipped out from beneath her.

Lucas rushed to her side. “Careful,” he warned, taking hold of her arm. He helped her down the stairs and to the car, supporting her in a strong, protective grip. Her heart swooned a little. His nearness was disconcerting, intoxicating. It irked her that she was so dang attracted to him, especially when he didn’t seem to be at all enamored by her.

“See you Saturday,” she said glibly as she got into the car.

“Be careful driving home,” he warned. “The roads are slick.”

Her voice went gooey sweet as she did her best Scarlett O’Hara impression. “Why Lucas Romeo, if I didn’t know better, I’d actually think you cared.” She batted her eyelashes, a coy smile curving her lips. This tactic often worked with other guys, but she didn’t dare hope it would on Lucas. Her body flinched slightly when she saw it—that ghost of a smile that peeked beneath his tough-guy mask. She felt like she’d scored a huge victory.

The world slowed as they shared a look. Was that a blip of tenderness in his eyes? Or was it merely wishful thinking on her part?

“See ya, princess,” he winked as he turned and strode back to the house.

She turned on the engine as she traced the outline of his erect, confident shoulders. His gait was smooth, confident, the top of his hair bouncing lightly with his every step. An unexpected wave of heat splashed over her, making her want to fan her face.

“I’m marrying Lucas Romeo,” she said aloud, giddy laughter bubbling in her throat. She looked up, her gaze going through the ceiling of the car, straight up into heaven. “Dearest Grandmother, this is all thanks to you. I don’t know if I should be cursing you right now or thanking you.”