The Price of Passion

The Price of Passion By Stephanie Morris Copyright © December 2011, Stephanie Morris Cover art by For The Muses Design ©...

Author: Morris Stephanie

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The Price of Passion By Stephanie Morris Copyright © December 2011, Stephanie Morris Cover art by For The Muses Design © December 2011 ISBN: 978-1-936668-40-3 This is a work of fiction. All characters and events portrayed in this novel are fictitious or used fictitiously. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book, or portions thereof, in any form. Sugar and Spice Press North Carolina, USA www.sugarnspicepress.com

Dedication To Zina, Cheryl, Tamara, Nathalie, Julia and Ivy. Thank you all for your support and the wonderful feedback that you provide in the readers group. This one is for you!

The Price of Passion

Stephanie Morris Chapter One

“Are you having my baby?” Sierra Walker’s head snapped up and she met the fiery heat in Kaden Stasso’s gaze. She dropped the satin material she’d been stitching as the door banged shut behind him and six-foot-two-inches of pure masculine virility overwhelmed her. Kaden stormed across the clothing shop’s wooden floor, the sound of his boots deafening, the scowl etched between his dark brows appearing permanent. “I believe I asked you a question,” he said, slamming his hat down on the counter. She looked down, her thoughts racing through her head. How in the world was she going to deal with this? It definitely wasn’t how she expected her day to go when she slid out of bed this morning. Swallowing deeply, Sierra realized she had no choice but to face the truth. After fighting to get out of her relationship with Tim, she’d sworn never to be bullied by a man again. She held her head up bravely. “Yes,” she said. “I’m pregnant.” He leaned closer. Even though she didn’t want to show any weakness, she took a small step backwards, away from the counter. “Who is the baby’s father?” he asked, his tone sharp. Drawing in a deep, calming breath, she met his heated, brown-eyed gaze and softly admitted, “I haven’t been with anyone...other than you.” Kaden’s words in his native language made her wince. She didn’t understand Salish, but what he said couldn’t have been good. “When were you going to let me know?” he questioned, returning to English, his tone harsh. “When you were showing? When a birth announcement was run in the local paper this Christmas and I added up the months? When I spotted you in town with my child? When someone saw the similarities between me and my child? Never? When, Sierra?” “I...” She stumbled over several different responses, finally settling for the truth. “I didn’t plan to ask you for help. I am more than qualified to raise a child alone. I make enough money to support us both. I thought I would spare you the responsibility.” Instead of his anger dissipating, it grew. “You thought you would 1


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spare me the responsibility?” “I’m the one carrying this baby,” she stated snappishly, trying to get him to see her reasoning was logical. “I’ll take accountability for the baby.” “Oh, you will, will you?” The scowl on his face deepened and the groove that seemed permanently scrawled into his forehead expanded. “I didn’t think my pregnancy would matter to you.” “You didn’t think it would matter that I’m going to be a father?” He’d spoken so softly she had to strain to hear him, sending a wave of astonishment crashing over her. After licking her lips, she said, “The night—” “The night we made love? The night you fell apart in my arms, crying out my name?” he interrupted callously. “The night you told me it was impossible for you to get pregnant?” She wrapped her arms around herself. “I thought I was unable to conceive.” “So how the hell does a woman who can’t conceive get pregnant?” “I have no idea.” She shook her head, not bothering to tell him how shocked she’d been and could barely believe the outcome of events herself. “I’m as shocked as you are.” “I’ll just bet you are.” His gaze traveled down her body and paused at her midsection. Kaden had done that before, she remembered, before he’d tugged down on her zipper, brushing his fingers across the agonizingly sensitized skin. With a slow and gentle touch that melted away anxiety left from her prior relationship, Kaden had undressed her. In spite of the reasons she’d had not to trust any man, her body had responded quickly. Heat raced up her cheeks and she cursed her fair-colored skin. She didn’t want to recall anything about the level of vulnerability he’d exposed in her—not now, not ever again. “Please, Kaden, you have to listen to me. I struggled for years to get pregnant. I even went to the doctor, and he ran some tests.” Kaden remained silent in that stoic way of his. She tried not to focus on his bronze skin. The ponytail resting at the base of his neck. Or about how feral and passionate he looked when his hair flowed freely. His Native American ancestry was prominent in him; she couldn’t help but 2


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wonder if their child would take more after him or her own African American ancestry. Maybe a perfect combination of both. Mentally shaking her head, she tried to refocus on the issue at hand. This was important. Kaden’s expression hadn’t changed, nor had he uttered a word. After a few more seconds of silence, she exhaled softly. “You don’t believe me.” “Not in the least.” “Sure, you can’t believe I tricked you?” “What reason would I have to think otherwise? Because you snuck out after spending one night with me? Because you were dishonest about your ability to get pregnant even when I asked you if we should use birth control? Because up until now, you’ve hidden the fact that you were pregnant with my offspring? Why is the world would I think you tried to deceive me, Sierra?” “You don’t understand,” she whispered, shaking her head. “I thought it would be better for you this way, since you clearly don’t want to be a father.” “What in the hell made you jump to that conclusion?” “The way you tossed your family out of your life.” A menacing tick thumped in his jaw. “What did you just say?” Unfortunately, she realized her mistake too late. Desperately, she wanted to retract her absent-minded words. “I believe I asked you a question.” Having stuck her foot in her mouth thus far, she didn’t have much of a choice not to continue, even though everything inside her screamed for her not to. “It’s not a secret.” “Then tell me.” She should have never brought up his past. “Tell me, Sierra,” he demanded. “I heard—” She squirmed, rubbing her arms, hoping to lighten the tension. Instead, it expanded and amplified. “I heard that you kicked Leah and Jacob out of the house, leaving them homeless, when Leah and you had a little argument. I figured since you threw out one child, that my having your baby wouldn’t matter to you.” In his passionate brown eyes, she watched the ardor of fury turn into the chilliness of vehemence. His hands curled into fists, and she took 3


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another cautious step backwards. She should have kept her mouth shut, shouldn’t have said anything to him about it. Now the damage had been done. The night she’d slept with him, she’d quickly understood that he was twice the man Tim was, three times as dangerous. That was why she’d avoided Kaden in the first place, leaving while he showered. “You don’t have the slightest clue about my marriage to Leah, don’t know a think about my feelings for Jacob. You don’t have any damn idea about any of it. But let me tell you one thing, Sierra Walker, this right here, right now is about us—you, me, our baby—and the years that we’ll be together.” Her knees threatened to give out. A strong need for self-defense swamped her. When she got away from Tim, she promised herself she’d never let a man control her again. But this man—this dominant and ominous man—bewildered her. “I can see you’re distressed—” “No. Distressed was when you disappeared on me the morning after we made love, without the thoughtfulness of an explanation. This”—he pounded a fist on the counter —“is rage.” Without warning, he made his way around the counter, trapping her against the wall, hands on each side of her head, his body only inches from her much, much smaller one. She inhaled, taking a lungful of air that crackled with the energy of his incredible fury. When he spoke, he washed over her face. “I had the right to know you were pregnant before I found out in the local pharmacy. I have the right to be in on all the decisions that affect my child and its future.” His tone became dangerous. “From this moment on, I claim my rights.” A wave of defensiveness clawed at her. This was her baby they were talking about. Her baby—the child she’d wanted her entire life, the miracle she believed she’d never have. “You are wrong, Sierra, about everything. So far off base you couldn’t even begin to imagine how far off you are.” “Be rational, Kaden.” Taking a deep breath, she struggled to make him see things from her perspective. “You already have your ranch, your own life, and there’s no reason for you to change anything. I don’t need you around. I don’t want you around.” 4


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“You think I’m concerned about what you want, Sierra?” Deliberately, he articulated. “I’m concerned about doing what’s right, that’s it.” Somehow, he leaned even closer to her, stealing the air she needed to breathe. In his eyes, sparks of brown burned, a major contrast to the passion she’d seen in their depths the night they’d first made love. “If you wanted to have your way without any difficulties, you should have chosen a man who wouldn’t care less if you gave birth to his child without telling him, a man that family doesn’t matter to. But you didn’t. You slept with me.” She trembled, but didn’t know if it was from uneasiness or reminiscence of their unexpected night of pleasure. How could she have fallen victim to her own mind-boggling desire for him? How could she have thought that his child wouldn’t matter to him? How could she fail to remember everything she’d discovered about this man? She stared at him. He was beautiful inside and out. His jet black hair was brushed back away from his forehead, falling past his neck but secured back with a leather tie. High cheekbones and an aquiline nose wider at the top than the bottom spoke of his Native American heritage. A muscle clenched in his jaw, drawing her attention back to the present. She had to fix this or she wouldn’t have a moment’s peace. “Okay, Kaden,” she murmured, pushing her fingers through her hair, then lowering her hand. “I had no plans to trick you, but I can understand how you could see it that way, and I’m sorry.” “Apology not accepted.” She struggled to find an inner harmony she didn’t feel. “We’re both adults. I’m certain we can work out an agreement.” “You’re damn right we will.” His rock solid, denim-covered thighs were pressed against hers; his masculine strength threatened to overwhelm her, like it had when she’d lost herself in the past and found her feminine strength again. With a sigh of agitation, she asked, “What do you want from me?” “Marriage” Not a chance. Her shoulders drooped, and he curled his hands around them. At his touch, heat sizzled through her, spiraling in the depths of her stomach. She battled against the urge to give into this again. She barely made it out of a horrendous marriage, and she couldn’t give herself ever again to a man 5


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who had so much influence over her. “We created a baby. We’ll provide out child with a family the legitimate way.” “I’m not going to marry you!” She looked him in the eye with every bit of insolence she felt, in spite of the fear racing through her. Wedding vows meant a life sentence, a ring exchange for your freedom. Sierra pushed against his hands, battling to get away, but his hold only tightened. “I’m willing to work this out. We can set up visitation rights for you. Our baby will know you as the father.” “Marriage or nothing,” he enunciated. “Within the next few weeks. By my calculations, we don’t have much time before you start showing. Our child already being the speculation of the pharmacy you purchased your pregnancy test at, I refuse to have he or she the gossip of the town, along with his mother.” **** Like Kaden himself, like his own mother had been. To him, this issue was not debatable. Sierra carried his baby. She would be his wife. And his child would share his name. They’d be together on holidays, like a real family was. Kaden would be there on Christmas morning. Maybe because he had so few good memories of his own Christmases, the thought made him very happy. Yes, he’d be present for every event of his daughter’s or son’s life— the birth, school events, doctor’s appointments, everything. Just as it should be. Leah had robbed him of parenthood once; he refused to let it happen again. There was no room for negotiation. The fact that Sierra was every bit as manipulative as Leah didn’t matter right now. No child of his would be a bastard, wear the label and be talked about. Not if Kaden had anything to say about it. “We don’t even know each other,” she complained. “It’ll happen.” Reaching up, she grasped his wrists and tried to shove him away. In 6


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her eyes, he saw fear. A softer part of him wanted to ease up, tell her that everything would be okay, that he wasn’t the monster she thought him to be. He’d fought against her discomfort concerning men, of him, on their night. And he’d won. But he wasn’t about to do it again. She was no different than any other woman. A few months ago, she’d made her bed and invited him to lie in it. He planned to do just that. “You don’t even approve of me,” she protested. “Who cares?” Her eyes drifted closed and her breaths came in uneven, small bursts. “I care.” “We had a night together where we got along,” he said, recalling her sensual reaction to his touch and the slide of satin as he’d removed her clothing from her body. He’d cupped her breasts in his hands, relished in their fullness and their response as her nipples beaded, begging for his caress. Even now, his body reacted just to the memory of her low moans. “We approved of each other just fine then.” “Don’t remind me.” Oh, but he wanted to. He’d been good enough for her that night, even if that wasn’t the case now. “You have to see that this is a ridiculous idea.” “You have to see that it isn’t.” His hold tightened once more on her shoulders. “What sort of mother would intentionally subject her child to being a bastard?” “A bastard?” she parroted, disbelievingly. “This is the twenty-first century, Kaden.” “Not in this town.” Even when he’d been young, when several single women had been having children, he’d been teased. “You’re being archaic.” “You’re naïve,” he retorted. “We’re in a small town and people will gossip. You’ve heard about my past with Leah. I heard about your pregnancy at the pharmacy. Think about it.” Kaden spent his entire childhood battling the label of not being wanted, getting into more trouble than he knew what to do with. His mother had been called down to the principal’s office as many times as Kaden had. By the time he’d finished school, he’d been 7


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suspended at least two dozen times. He wouldn’t have been looked down on or taunted if he’d had a father. “It’s more complex than that. I can’t get married again.” “Why is that?” Her hazel eyes clouded. She opened her mouth to respond, then closed it again. She had secrets, he saw, and he wanted every one of them discovered. “It’s just not possible.” “Not good enough—not good enough for me, not good enough for the child we made.” He didn’t like the idea of being tied down again anymore than Sierra did. He’d promised himself he’d never let another woman finagle him, but he was prepared to forfeit his sanity for his own flesh and blood. Sierra had no choice but to do the same. He threaded his fingers into her hair, then said, “This isn’t about you and me anymore.” Her hazel eyes were wide, revealing, alluring. It had been her eyes that first fascinated him, making him want to know her better. They’d sparkled when she laughed, then later, they’d darkened with a passion that matched his. “I’ve already sworn not to shut you out. Isn’t that good enough?” “No.” He shook his head. “Every child deserves a father, no matter how you feel about the man you’re pregnant by.” She sighed. “You’re out of your mind.” “Possibly.” Despite the statements Leah had launched at him, breaking his heart, he had loved baby Jacob with his entire being, which was still in shambles from losing her. The loss of one baby who meant everything to him strengthened his determination not to lose another, especially one that was truly part of him. “But I’m willing to let you choose the date.” “You can’t force me to marry you.” Removing one hand from her hair, he cupped her chin, caressing the soft skin, his thumb brushing the side of her throat and resting where her pulse raced. “Would it be such a terrible thing?” he asked, softly, inquisitively. She quivered underneath his touch, just as she had once before, inciting a wave of desire in him that he hadn’t expected. At Andy and Hillary’s one-year anniversary party, he’d asked Sierra 8


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to dance, and she turned him down immediately. He’d bestowed his best smile upon her, talked softly and friendly, slowly getting her to come around. Then he’d led her to the dance floor where one dance became two. Her response had been enticingly chaste and completely authentic. Or so it had seemed. In actuality, she’d been neither, taking him for a bigger idiot than Leah ever had. He’d had relationships since his marriage imploded, but he hadn’t allowed himself to be played for a fool again. Sierra had thrown a rope and pulled him into her cunning scheme, deceiving him. He’d sworn to never be tricked again, and that’s exactly what she’d done. Her fun time was over. “Sierra, Sierra.” He continued his soft caressing of her throat. “I’d like to drag your pretty little butt down to the courthouse right now. Allowing you to set the date is being a lot more charitable than I’m feeling.” Suddenly, he quit stroking her. “Want to try me?” She remained quiet. “So tell me. What sort of ceremony are we going to have? A small one with just immediate family and friends or a large one with the entire town invited? And what date works best for you? The choice is yours.” Tears began to form in her eyes, but he didn’t back down. His moral code didn’t give him the option to relent on something this vital. Simply put, this child was his family. He took care of what was his. No matter the heartache it might cause. “Choice?” she repeated. “What sort of options are those?” “They are the only two you’re going to get.” She shook her head. “I’m sorry, Kaden. I can’t marry you.” He removed his hand from her chin, placing it on her arm. “Okay.” She released a breath in what sounded like relief. Too bad it wouldn’t last. “I’ll see you in court,” he stated. “In court?” “That is the third option. I’ll sue you for full custody.” “No,” she uttered on a gasp, struggling to push him away. He didn’t move. “Please...” Panic appeared in her voice. Her body stiffened and her 9


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chin began to quiver. “You can’t be serious.” “You sure you want to take the chance?”

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Chapter Two Sierra struggled to breathe around the lump lodged in her throat. With the set of his jaw, the throbbing in his temple, the look in his eyes, Kaden challenged her. “You’d really subject our child to this?” she asked, stunned. “I’m doing what I know is right. And the right thing is for our child to have both parents in his or her life and for us to be married.” “Then—” “Considering that, unless you become my wife, I’ll do all that I can to ensure that I raise this child myself.” “You’re trying to destroy my life.” “No, Sierra. As I’ve stated before, this is not just about us.” Her mind whirled as she struggled to sort through the implications. He would take her to court. And with the current legal system, he could very likely win partial custody at the least. The thought of their child spending half its time with her, the other half with Kaden, made her heart ache. She had divorced friends, knew of the conflicts they faced. There would be Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays spent apart, summer vacations to divide between parents. And there was the fact that the child would be illegitimate. She told Kaden it didn’t matter, wanted to claim he was wrong, but he wasn’t. Alberton was a small town, and while most people would be supportive of her and a child, some wouldn’t. Then there were the school years. Kids could be vicious, she knew. Like they had been to Kaden. But at what expense to her? It had taken years for her to build up the bravery to leave Tim and his incessant disparaging remarks. It had taken months for her to discover herself again, longer still for her to believe in herself. Until this moment, she thought she’d done just that. Kaden’s overwhelming scent of the outdoors, man, and convictions penetrated her senses. His touch made her ache. He was too close, too brazen, and she was losing everything she thought she’d found. Battling a wave of lightheadedness, she released Kaden’s wrists only to grab his shoulders. 1


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“Sierra?” he called, his voice muffled, as if it came from several miles away. He’d taken her options. He was bulldozing her, trying to dominate her. Kaden had control, and she was left with nothing. Why did he have to do this to her? Another wave of lightheadedness made her legs tremble. “Sierra! Answer me.” She struggled not to give into the dizziness, unable to think of anything except the child growing inside her. In a motion so swift she barely noticed it, Kaden grabbed her and lifted her up into the safety of his arms. Stars danced in front of her eyes, and her head lolled to the side against his firm chest. He held her carefully, but securely, and she knew she was safe. This was the Kaden she recognized from their night together, gentle and kind, not the man commanding her complete submission. “I’m fine,” she murmured, battling back from the edge of darkness. “Is your cousin here with you?” “She’s off today.” He made his way around the counter and toward the entrance of the store. “Where are you going?” “I’m taking you to the doctor.” Sierra grabbed hold of his shoulder for support, rattled by the feel of him beneath soft material. Never breaking stride, he turned the Open sign to Closed and carried Sierra to his truck. For once, she didn’t care about him being in charge. The lightheadedness scared her, and she knew it frightened him, too. Strength dwelled in that thought, encasing her insecurity. He carefully placed her onto the bench seat, then reached around her for the seatbelt. His arm brushed the tip of one of her sensitive breasts, and she inhaled sharply. “Sorry,” he mumbled. “It’s fine. I’m just...” 2


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He stiffened. His gaze sought hers. “Just what?” “Tender.” Awkwardness swamped her. With him near, it was a struggle not to recall how she’d shared herself with him, not holding back anything. His gaze slanted toward her breasts, and she felt them fill, throbbing with something she hoped wasn’t need. Her hands trembling, she reached for the seat belt and fastened it herself. After sliding in beside her, he drove toward Main Street. With each moment that passed, she felt better. By the time they arrived at the doctor’s office, the blurred vision and lightheadedness had disappeared. Her declaration that she was okay didn’t prevent Kaden from focusing all of his attention on her. Even when she told him she could walk, he insisted on carrying her. The nurse held open the door to a room, and Kaden entered it. “You shouldn’t be back here with me,” Sierra complained. He disregarded her. In the patient room, the nurse examined Sierra’s temperature and blood pressure, then smiled. “Is everything okay?” Kaden asked. “Sierra, the baby...” “Does he always hover like this?” the woman asked. “I hope not,” Sierra responded as heat began to crawl up her throat. “The doctor will let you know for certain,” the nurse replied. “However, I can let you know that her temperature’s normal and so is her blood pressure. You can relax, Daddy.” The door closed behind the woman, and Kaden’s gaze met Sierra’s. Daddy. And in that moment, she saw Kaden’s point, very clearly. There was no justification for her to deny him the opportunity to be in his child’s life, despite her apprehension, despite her uncertainty. He’d participated in the making of this baby just as she had. Where that left her, she hadn’t the slightest. If he’d just be more open to meeting her halfway, less commanding, less inflexible. But as he paced the small area of the examination room, emitting an 3


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anxious energy, she realized he was none of those things. A few moments later, the doctor knocked, then entered. “Sierra,” she called in greeting. “heard you had a little dizzy spell. She took comfort from the doctor’s relaxed aura, knowing that if anything were truly wrong, she wouldn’t be so at ease. Sierra exhaled in relief. “Kaden Stasso,” the doctor said. “Haven’t seen you here since you brought your mother in.” “Sierra and the baby—they’re both going to be fine?” “And what is your relation to Sierra?” “Sierra’s soon-to-be-husband.” Her heart skipped several beat as Kaden’s gaze locked with hers. “And the father of my child.” “Good news,” the doctor said. “I’d like to offer my congratulations on both counts.” Kaden stood so close to her, she could feel his heat. In her peripheral vision she could see him, arms crossed over his chest, observing as the doctor examined her. She attempted to look away—focus on anything except the man who was the main reason for all of this. “Did you fall?” “No. Kaden caught me.” “And I’ll make certain I always will,” Kaden added softly. “Wonderful then.” A few moments later, the doctor adjusted the stethoscope. “Well, Ms. Sierra, it seems as though you fainted.” “Why is that?” Kaden asked. “It can be attributed to several things—the strain of pregnancy on the body, getting up too quickly, not eating properly.” Turning her attention to Sierra, she added, “You’ll be okay, but some extra rest over the next few days won’t hurt you.” Reassured, she nodded. “Is there someone that can keep an eye on you?” “I can,” Kaden offered. “Okay then. As soon as you are feeling like yourself again, you can resume all of your regular activities, including intimacy.” Sierra’s stomach did somersaults, comprehending exactly what that meant. Judging by the look in his eyes, Kaden knew, too. “I’ll see you in a few weeks, Sierra, unless you have any issues or 4


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questions, in which case, call me immediately.” “We will,” Kaden affirmed. Several months too late, she wondered if there was a drug she could have taken to shield herself against Kaden and the potent effect he’d had on her one unexpected night, when she’d gotten lost in the magic and romance, and by the look of infatuation Hillary had for her husband, Andy. Until that night, Sierra had never experienced forlornness so wretched it made her heart ache. Others had partners to dance with, boyfriends and husbands to hold and love. She’d had no one. Until Kaden. That one night had been pure magic. A night like no other. She couldn’t be labeled the sort of woman who looked for satisfaction anywhere she could get it. The way she’d been swept away had been totally out of the ordinary for her. Then again, Kaden Stasso wasn’t like any other man she’d ever known. She’d been standing by the dessert table, feeling very much alone, when Kaden had come up to her. He’d been dressed in a dark suit and was wearing a wickedly seductive smile. When he’d asked her to dance, her opposition has vanished. Intuitively, she’d known he was too disastrous, too hazardous for her. Trying to keep herself isolated—and secure—she’d kindly refused his first offer. But Kaden had been determined. Then before she became conscious of what was happening, she’d succumbed. The doctor left, and reality kicked in with a reverberating thump. “Are you ready?” “Um, Kaden, I’m grateful for your willingness to help—” She almost gagged on the words, but she knew she had a better chance of reasoning with him if she didn’t quarrel with him. “But Eve can stay with me.” Her pesky cousin would love the chance to fuss over her. And the idea of Eve nurturing her wasn’t nearly as nerve-wrecking as the thought of Kaden making himself at home in her house. “She probably can,” he responded. With relief, she felt the anxiety melt away. “But she won’t have to. I’ll be there.” “I don’t want to bicker,” she stated. “Then don’t.” “Kaden—” 5


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“I’m taking care of the mother of my child. End of discussion.” She exhaled with annoyance, but she didn’t want to quibble further. To be completely honest, she’d been scared out of her mind and wanted someone to take care of her. But dang it, why did he have to be so gorgeous? “Do you feel up to walking or do you want me to carry you?” He held out his hand, and she grudgingly allowed him to assist her down from the table. “I’m okay to walk,” she murmured, pulling away. That didn’t prevent him from enclosing his hand protectively around her elbow. And they were even official yet. Outside the doctor’s office, in the warmth of the early summer sunshine, goose bumps broke out on her arms—not from the cool breeze either, but from the way his touch made her memory come alive full force. She’d run away from him the morning after they’d shared their magical night. In the blinding light of the morning sun, she’d realized her error for just that. Seeing that she was awake, Kaden had gently pulled her against him, his fingers threading in her bed-ragged hair. In a low, sexy voice, he’d stated they were good together, that he wanted to get to know her better. He’d asked her to go to dinner with him. Even then, she’d seen how dynamic he was. Mumbling a weak excuse to put him off, she’d willed him to go and take a shower. Once he had, she’d raced from his home. The conviction that she wouldn’t come out on the winning side of a relationship with him had eaten at her. Now a relationship was just what she had. He shut the truck door, then slid in beside her. Thank the heavens he didn’t try to assist her with her seatbelt this time. Now that a little of her panic had dissipated and Kaden was no longer overwhelming her, she became aware of him as the man she’d met at Andy and Hillary’s anniversary party, the man who’d embraced her with his powerful arms and swept her off her feet. She inhaled the masculine scent of man, the same aroma that had cloaked her when he danced with her. Instead of turning east toward then town’s residential area, where she lived, he headed south. Her heart began to race and thoughts of their night together vanished. Turning to him, she tried not to let her agitation show. “Where are you 6


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taking me?” He looked at her out of the corner of his eye. “Home.” “Then you’re going in the wrong direction.” “My home,” he responded. “The ranch. It will be easier for me to care for you at my place.” He was a strong gale force wind, and she was getting dragged into it, into him. “Kaden, you...what...you can’t do this.” He returned his stare back to the road, as if the discussion were concluded. “You heard the doctor’s instructions.” “Yes I did, which is why I won’t allow you to manipulate the situation to meet your desires.” “You shouldn’t be getting upset.” “Then stop upsetting me,” she demanded, looking at the sharp angles of his profile. He turned down a dirt driveway, parking in front of his ranch house. Shutting off the engine, he turned to face her, resting his arm across the back of the seat, his hand mere inches from her shoulder. “Sierra, the doctor wants someone to be with you. I will soon be your husband and you are the mother of my child. I am the only rational choice as the person who should take care of you. I want to do this.” “I’ve gotten used to taking care of myself.” “I know.” He gently touched her arm. “But you don’t have to be strong all the time.” “I never said I was.” “Then allow me to help you and our baby.” Even through her shirt, she felt his warmth. And in his gaze, she saw that this wasn’t a command, it was an appeal. He knew how to break down her walls, she realized. “Kaden, I’ll be fine on my own.” “You snuck out of my bed that morning.” “Stop.” “You took pleasure in our night together.” She was unable to reply, not with the way her heart was threatening to jump out of her chest and the way memories heated her from within. Warmth rushed through her and crept up toward her face. “It doesn’t matter.” “Yes, it does,” he retorted. Frantically, she moved to the door only to have Kaden slide his hand 7


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up behind her neck, his thumb brushing across the emotions she wanted— had—concealed from him. “Was my mind just playing tricks on me or did you react to my touch and come apart in my embrace?” “Kaden, let it be. That night is done. It was a mistake.” He continued the unhurried, exasperating motion. “Did you get the same kind of pleasure that I did, Sierra?” “Why are—” “Did I make you feel things, make your body ache with need?” “Kaden, please. Why do we have to talk about this?” “Your response to me wasn’t part of your deception, was it? A ploy to hold my attention and get me to lose myself deep inside you more than once?” God save her from him, his knowing caress, his seductive questions. “Was it, Sierra?” He wouldn’t let it rest until she gave him the answer he sought, but could she? Where was the toughness to own up to something she’d rather keep hidden? She had to be truthful; he’d see right through anything less. “It wasn’t a lie,” she revealed. Her voice trembled. “I...” “Yes?” “I wanted you.” “It’s natural for men and women to want each other.” “Maybe for everyone else,” she mumbled. “But not me.” “Stop resisting,” he whispered. Like she had that night? Not a chance. “Allow me to take care of you. Get the rest the doctor said you needed, relish in the fact that I’ll be waiting on you hand and foot.” “Kaden...” She shut her eyes tightly. Unfortunately, that only made the caress of his work rough hands against her soft skin even more noticeable. Each sensation felt more intense and she wanted to give in. She forced her eyes open. Not missing anything—the parting of her lips, the change in her breathing—Kaden observed her. “If you won’t do it for you, for me, then do it for our baby.” He always went for her weakness. “Come on, Sierra,” he cajoled, his power blanketing her. “Just for a little while. Try it my way.” Her heartbeat raced and the air crackled with uncertainty. To pacify 8


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him, she grudgingly gave in. “Okay. I’ll do it your way for a short time.” He grinned then. Interestingly enough, it wasn’t boastful. Instead, it made the darkness of his brown eyes a shade lighter, a little less unfriendly and guarded. She’d seen that expression before, the moment he’d brushed his thumb across her cheek during their third dance at Andy and Hillary’s anniversary party. As soon as Kaden released her, Sierra all but threw the door open. The air had chilled significantly even with the sun still sitting high in the sky, chilling her where his caress had warmed. “Cold?” Was there anything he didn’t see? Shaking her head, she murmured, “I’m okay. Physically.” He wrapped an arm around her and pulled her closer to him. As if they were really a couple. A new shiver raced down her spine. This time, it was more than just the wind affecting her. If he had it his way, they would be a couple, their agreement stated aloud in front of family and friends. He’d have this sort of command over her all the time. Once they were inside, he locked the door, any chance of escape disappeared, and her heart felt as if it were going to explode. Thankfully, he removed his arm from around her waist and he moved further into the house. He left her by herself, briefly, in the foyer. Sierra couldn’t help recalling the only other time she’d been inside his home. It had been late, dark, and her focus had been tuned completely into him. When he’d led her up the stairs, she’d barely had time to notice small details about the master bedroom. The bed, framed in sturdy wood, was an area of masculine power. Realizing he’d returned, she shook her head to get rid of the image, then followed him. “I’ll start a fire in the living room.” “You don’t have to—” “Do that, yeah, I know.” That didn’t stop him. With a little shiver, she wondered if anything did. He made sure she was settled on the couch, lifting he legs onto the cushions and placing a light duvet over her. Then he put kindling in the fireplace, added wood, and lit it. 9


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She watched him, captivated as much now as she had been that night. His stature, as broad and rugged as the mountain peaks surrounding the town, stretched against the cotton material of his button-down shirt. Equally faded denim jeans covered his legs and molded to the slim planes of his hips. She laid her head back. Sierra knew all too well that under those form-fitting jeans, he was as solid and capable as he looked. For the thousandth time, she wondered what a single lapse in judgment had cost her. If she’d known her future would be entangled with a man this dynamic, she would have skipped the party and sent Andy and Hillary a gift. Putting his hands on his thighs, he pushed himself upright. She was attracted to Kaden, and that’s why she’d succumbed to him. Now, fiercely, she wished she wasn’t so completely aware of him. He reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. It was a tender act, quick but so very intimate. It made her heart skip several beats. “Do you need to call Eve?” he asked. “Holy crap!” Her hand went to her chest. In her high state of anxiety, she’d forgotten to let her cousin know the store wasn’t covered. “Here, use my cell phone.” He handed it over, but didn’t give any privacy. Instead, he stood near the fireplace and pretended to study the items on the mantle as he listened to her explanation of where she was and that she wouldn’t be at the store tomorrow. “Is he denying that the baby is his?” Eve demanded to know once she was sure Sierra was okay. “No.” “Good. Is he refusing to make things legitimate? If he is, I would be happy to come over there and show him what happens when he messes with a Walker woman.” Sierra averted her gaze from his. “No, he isn’t. That won’t be necessary.” “Yes! That means he asked you to marry him. See there! I told you he would once he knew about the baby. Oh, Sierra, this is wonderful! Just wonderful!” Sierra didn’t agree at all. 10


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“Have you set a date for the wedding? Can I be your maid of honor? Should I tell your parents that you’re getting married now? Of course they’ll want to hear it from you, but since you are going to be at Kaden’s house for a while, I’ll—naturally, we’ll do the dress.” Eve spoke fast, fumbling over herself in her excitement. “We have two quick designs that if we both work on, it won’t take but a week to complete. You’ll be beautiful in either of them.” “Wedding dress?” “Yes. You know the white gown you usually wear when you walk down the aisle?” Her pulse began to pound. Eve continued on. “So, have you set a date yet? And have you thought about how we’ll spend all the holidays? Oh, Sierra, I’m exhausted already.” Sierra struggled to take a deep breath. Despite her attempt not to, her gaze was drawn back to Kaden. He was observing her carefully, the same way he had when he’d gently lowered himself on top of her— She almost dropped the phone. Kaden reacted before she could blink, making his way across the room and taking the phone from her. He informed Eve that Sierra needed rest, promised they’d be in touch, then disconnected the call. “Did she upset you?” Sierra shook her head, but he scowled, kneeling next to her and placing his palm across her forehead. The contrast of him—powerful, a work-roughed hand on her much smaller body, heat dissolving chill, masculine against feminine—made her insides warm. Kaden paused, catching her gaze. “I’m sorry,” he said softly. “Hearing about your pregnancy, our child, I should have handled it better.” He threaded his fingers through her hair, brushing the curly strands away from her face. “You’re sorry?” she forced out, her pulse racing. “For upsetting you.” Her chest tightened. She thought, wished for just a second, that he’d back down, agree to a compromise. But the words compromise and Kaden didn’t go together in the same sentence. “If anything had happened to you or our baby...” He trailed off, then swore under his breath. “I would never forgive myself.” His completely 11


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truthful words, raspy with guilt, crumbled a part of her she was trying to reinforce against him. This was how it had begun with him, she knew. Exactly how it had occurred that night. He’d held back nothing from her, telling her how he was reacting to her, revealing his feelings, whereas Tim had always hidden them. Kaden had asked the same in return, not allowing her to withhold anything. He’d encouraged her to let go, and with his gentle reassurance, she’d acted in ways she’d never thought herself capable of. Now he was doing the same thing again, sharing his emotions and disarming her at the same time. It was working. Even though she didn’t want to, she was responding with womanly warmth. “I won’t force you, Sierra.” He continued in that same sincere way that made logical thought impossible. “But I’d like for us to get married soon. I want you in my home, where I can take care of you and our baby, make sure you have everything you need.” He paused with a hard swallow. “I know this isn’t what you had planned—or wanted—but it’s the right thing to do. I’m sure you know that.” As much as she didn’t want to admit it, he was right. She couldn’t do to their child what had been done to Kaden. Even though he hadn’t gone into great detail about his past, she’d heard the pain in his voice when he spoke about being unwanted. Sierra wouldn’t, couldn’t, do that to their child. She didn’t know what had occurred between him and Leah. But the hard set of his mouth when Sierra had stated the rumor that he’d thrown out his wife and child gave her the inclination that the gossip had been wrong. He would love their child, even if he’d never love Sierra. Kaden had the right to be a father. Gently, he enclosed her hands between his, as if saying ultimately the decision was hers. She met his captivating stare, and lost the ability to think. “Sierra,” he murmured, his voice raspy, “this time, I’m asking, for all our sakes, will you marry me?”

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Chapter Three He tried not to tighten his grip on her hands while he waited for her to answer. To Kaden, nothing had ever been more important than this moment. If she didn’t cooperate, he’d see her in court, just as he’d said. But he didn’t want the nasty battle that was sure to ensue for his baby; he wanted a two-parent family. And he wanted Sierra as his wife. The fear that had swamped him when she’d collapsed in his arms had frozen him. His reaction seemed to be in slow motion as he reached for her. He couldn’t move quickly enough, didn’t think he’d be able to catch her, wouldn’t be able to save her, wouldn’t be able to save his child. He’d lost one child. Kaden would fall completely apart if he lost another. That meant he needed to protect Sierra. Earlier, he’d seen that the strength she transmitted hid an air of defensiveness. Whether she realized it or not, Sierra needed someone to take care of her. She needed someone strong by her side to help her. She needed him, just as surely as he wanted her. In his nearly thirty-five years, he had never met a more hard-headed, exasperating woman. The fact that she engaged every one of his senses only made her effect on him all the more aggravating. He was too aware of her womanliness and allurement in a captivating package that his fingers yearned to open. Damn it to hell and back. “Say yes, Sierra,” he encouraged, calmness dissolving. “Um...” He waited. She drew her bottom lip in between her teeth, causing it to plump up, making him ache to stroke it and ease away all of her pain. Truth of the matter was, he wanted to do that with all aspects of her life, had since he’d first taken her in his arms and held her against his body at the anniversary party. She recoiled at first, drawing away when his palm found her bare back, then starting when he placed his hand at that indenture at the base of 1


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her spine. He’d leaned down, murmuring gently in her ear, promising he wouldn’t do anything she didn’t want him to do. It hadn’t been until the beginning of their third dance that she loosened up at all. He’d been drawn to her even when her eyes had spoken of hurt. But by the time they’d stopped to get something to drink and took their cup outside, something inside him had shifted. When he’d talked, she’d tilted her head to one side, intently paying attention to what he said. Instead of trying to figure out what she’d say next or trying to be clever, she’d bestowed her full attention upon him. There’d been no fakery. He’d paid attention to the way her lips parted enticingly when she smiled. He’d seen her as a fascinating woman, no doubt, but she’d stirred something more, something deeper inside him. During their fourth dance, when she laughed at one of his stupid jokes, he realized he wanted to know her better and that his yearning didn’t stop at just a physical need. That same mix of feelings raced through him now. He continued to watch her, observe her reactions, taking in the way her hazel eyes bunched together in puzzlement, then relaxed into something he believed to be acceptance. “You’re right,” she whispered after exhaling wearily. “But only because it’s the best way to go about this for our child.” His heart skipped several beats. “Yes, Kaden. I’ll marry you.” He squeezed her hands briefly. “How soon?” “Kaden—” “Let’s face it, Sierra, our child will be able to count and one day, he or she will figure out how long we’ve been married.” “You just don’t quit, do you?” “Not when it is something as important as this.” She emitted a long sigh, looking heavenward, as if seeking strength. “This is very important,” he continued. “Extremely important.” She looked back at him. “I’ll do everything in my power to make it work between us,” he promised. Somehow. It wouldn’t be a real marriage, not like his first one had begun—until Leah had taught him some harsh lessons in dishonesty and heartache. At least he knew upfront that Sierra wasn’t any more truthful than his ex-wife had been, so this time he wouldn’t be an idiot. This wasn’t about 2


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love; it was about responsibility. Basically, it was a business arrangement for his baby’s sake. Kaden never intended to forget that, no matter how alluring his soon-to-be-wife could be. When Sierra covered her mouth, hiding a yawn, shame swamped him. He was supposed to be taking care of her. “You need to get some rest,” he stated. “I feel okay, honestly.” “I don’t,” he responded. Releasing her hands, he walked over to the fireplace, then turned around to face her. “You frightened the hell out of me.” “Yes,” she murmured. “It frightened me, too.” “You’ll update me on the pregnancy, everything the doctor said?” he asked. Kaden wanted to know the details, every aspect of the new life growing inside her. Leah had denied him the right to know anything. She hadn’t even wanted him by her side in the delivery room. Of course, now he knew why. That right had belonged to another man. With this child, he was being given another opportunity at fatherhood. Kaden Stasso might be several things, but stupid wasn’t one of them. He’d learned not to pass up second chances. It had been a second opportunity that had changed his life for the better, saving him from the downfall he had dangerously been heading for. He’d been sixteen and had made the mistake of coming home when his mother’s latest lover had stumbled out of the bedroom that afternoon, hung over and nude, scratching his stomach and demanding to know why Kaden was there. Kaden’s mother hadn’t tried to prevent him from leaving, even when she’d seen him struggling to hold back his tears. Pissed off at her, her latest live-in lover, and the rest of the world, Kaden had driven around without direction before ending up at Andy Dunn’s home. Ruth and Norman Dunn, true to their reputation of being generous people, had opened their house and their hearts to the unwanted teen. They’d taken Kaden in, given him a loving place to stay, taught him about friendship, respect and generosity. They’d shown him how to take care of the ranch, made him do his fair share of chores and work, just as they had with another of Andy’s friends, Colby Blake. For the first time in his entire life, Kaden had felt as if he belonged. Most of all, the Dunns 3


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had pushed for him to finish high school, even though he hadn’t thought it important. Two years later, at a small graduation ceremony, his mother hadn’t sat in the bleachers. Andy’s mother had, though, and she’d cheered for him. Now he was being given another opportunity to be a father. He’d be damned if he’d screw it up. “I’ll tell you everything, Kaden. I promise not to keep anything else about our baby from you.” In gratefulness, he bowed his head. “For the exception of a horrible bout with morning sickness, everything’s been wonderful.” “Are you still experiencing it?” She shook her head. “Stopped a little over a week ago.” He looked over at her to see her smile, a feminine, peaceful smile that punched him in the solar plexus. He’d never seen such unbridled happiness before. “Our baby is due around Christmas. The doctor said not to be too hopeful because it could be a little earlier or later. Babies come when they are ready.” The corners of his mouth curved upward. The timing couldn’t be more perfect. He’d have a wife, a baby, a Christmas tree, a bunch of wrapped presents for both beneath it. He’d have the chance to be part of his child’s life from the very beginning. He’d be in the delivery room, and he’d receive the greatest gift of his lifetime. It was wonderful, simply wonderful. “You heard Dr. Askew. I don’t have to go back for a check-up for a few weeks.” “I want to be there.” Her grin didn’t ebb. “I figured you would.” He won her complete surrender, seeing she truly didn’t intend to exclude him, even if this arrangement was against her will. Kaden couldn’t help himself. He smiled back. He saw that he got further with her—like he did with the cattle on his ranch—when he took things slowly, not demanding to have it his way. It was a good lesson, one he’d be wise to heed. Being patient didn’t come easily. But for the sake of his family, he’d try. 4


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“I purchased a book of baby names,” Sierra admitted. “You did?” “Yes, but I’m wondering if you have any favorites.” As long as the child shared his last name, Kaden didn’t care about the first. “Whatever you chose is all right with me.” “What?” she responded, her eyes widening with fake astonishment. He liked her this way, he decided. Her hazel eyes had lightened by several shades. Her defenses were down, taking his along with them. This was the woman he’d held, the woman who’d swayed against him. “I don’t have to have everything my way,” he retorted, then added, “just most things.” Her grin widened and his pulse raced and jumped. It made him wonder how different things might have been if she hadn’t snuck out on him, if she hadn’t deceived him by keeping secrets, if she didn’t detest the idea of becoming his wife. She smothered another yawn. “I’ve kept you up longer than I wanted,” Kaden said. Sierra’s gaze traveled to the ceiling. “Where will I sleep?” “Where do you want to sleep?” She exhaled heavily. “Um...do you have a guest room?” What had he hoped for? They’d shared a bed once, but she was clearly in no rush to do so again. He told himself it didn’t matter. His body sent another message, though, one that was as difficult to ignore as the womanly scent of her. “Yes, I have a guest room.” While the minutes dragged by, she remained silent. Even though he was positive he would regret it later, he gave in to the need working its way through him. Making his way across the room, he crouched down near her and enclosed her soft hand in his. Their gazes met, and for a moment, he saw beyond the deceit back to the night they’d trusted each other wholly. He softened toward her. After tucking stray strands of hair back out of her face, he murmured, “I’ll take you upstairs.” “I remember the way.” He recalled taking her.... 5


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Rising, he drew her to her feet until their bodies all but touched. Her breathing began to increase; he moved one hand to her spine, fining the indention and resting his hand there while he walked upstairs beside her. She didn’t pull away, a small victory. At the top of the stairs, she reached for the doorknob. On the second door. They both knew the first door was his bedroom. “Is this room all right?” she asked. “No,” he responded, placing his hand over hers before she could open the door. “I thought that one was yours,” she replied, looking to the right. “It is.” “Then...?” “Your room is across the hall.” She frowned in puzzlement. “What’s wrong with this one?” Reflexively, he tightened his fingers on hers. “This one is private.” So private even he hadn’t been inside for five years. The door to Jacob’s nursery had remained closed, and he’d prohibited anyone from entering, including the housekeeper. “There isn’t a bed in there.” “Then—” “Let it be, Sierra.” He knew he was being irrational, but that didn’t change the reality of things. “Your bedroom is across the way.” She nodded, but before she entered her room, she looked back at him. Their gazes melded, then without saying a word, she went inside, shutting him out. He turned to make his way back downstairs, uncertain of how he was going to get rid of the energy raging inside him. Kaden stopped at the door, reaching out for the metal knob. Coldness stung his palm, traveling up his arm. Locking his jaw, he walked back down the stairs. His boots reverberated with a solitary, hollow sound. **** Sierra walked over to the window, staring at the vastness of the land surrounding Kaden’s home. Cattle grazed in the distance, and a few trees 6


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struggled to reach for the sky. Everywhere her eye could see there were wide-open spaces, nowhere to escape, nowhere to take cover. She wrapped her arms around herself. The house echoed with quiet, unlike the way it had sounded when she’d previously spent the night here. Then it had been filled with passionate kisses and delighted moans. Now the air was heavy with tension. What had come over him, she wondered, when she’d almost opened the door to the wrong room? Downstairs, when he’d enclosed her hands in his, she’d looked into his eyes and had seen optimism. In a second, all that had changed. Despite the remaining heat from the summer sun coming through the window, she trembled. She didn’t have much choice in marrying the man, sharing her life with him. It would come with a huge personal cost to herself. Taking him as her husband was the right thing to do, she knew. The only thing to do. So why was doing the right thing so terrifying? Sierra saw Kaden move toward the barn, then lost sight of him. She tried to relax, but couldn’t even sit still, not now that her world had been turned inside out, making her question if she’d ever been the same. Quietness depressed her, and she couldn’t stay in the room another minute. Deciding to get some warm milk to drink, she made her way toward the kitchen, only to hesitate outside the door to the room he forbid her to go into. She shouldn’t meddle in his business. But she was going to be his wife, sharing her life with him, sharing this house with him. Sighing in resignation, she strode down the stairs and made her way to the kitchen. After filling a glass with milk, she placed it in the microwave. Hopefully, this would work. She needed to rest. The timer went off and after a quick test, she found the milk to be the perfect temperature. Sierra took a small sip, noticing that her hand trembled. Sitting down at the table, she allowed her leg to bounce up and down to soothe her nerves. She wondered when Kaden would be back, wondered what secrets he hid behind that closed door. Several minutes later, she gave up the internal battle. Climbing the stairs, she touched the knob to the door he told her was off-limits. Her heart pounded. Creaky hinges squeaked before reluctantly giving way. The air in her 7


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lungs dissipated. A crib nestled against one side of the room, and a fluffy blanket was draped over the wooden side, as if waiting for a small body to snuggle under it. A stuffed brown bear rested beside a tiny pillow, and a mobile dancing with cartoon characters hung from the ceiling. Unable to resist, Sierra entered the room, her footsteps muted by the thick carpet. A rocking chair sat near a changing table with an abandoned empty bottle. She placed a hand on her stomach and with the other, picked up a book lying on the rocking chair, its spine worn and pages discolored. Being a Good Dad When You Didn’t Have One, the title read. Tears sprang to her eyes. In that moment, she knew. Kaden had told her she didn’t know the truth about his marriage, didn’t know anything about his feelings for Jacob. He was right. The gossip mongers had been wrong. She’d been wrong. Kaden had loved his son; he wouldn’t have thrown out his wife and child. And now he’d be even more determined to take part in this baby’s life. He was entitled to that. “I’d forgotten I bought that.” She jerked, the book falling to the floor. Embarrassed, she turned around to face him. He stood in the doorway—filled the doorway—one shoulder resting against the jamb. His hat hung from his index fingers and his sweatdampened T-shirt clung to width of his chest. “Kaden, I...” She trailed off, pressing her hand more firmly against her stomach. He shook his head. “I’m sorry.” She couldn’t prevent the heat from traveling up her neck toward her face. “You have nothing to apologize for,” he stated. “This is now your home, too. Eventually you would have come in here at some point.” Those lines were back between his brows, but capitulation was the only thing in his deep brown, impassive eyes. “Haven’t stepped a foot in this room in five long years.” 8


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Pushing away from the doorway, he headed toward her. Stopping a few feet away from her, he placed his hat on the seat of the rocking chair and bent to pick up the book. His scowl deepened. “Being a Good Dad When You Didn’t Have One,” he read. “You were never given that chance.” “No.” She reached for him, wrapping her hand around his forearm. His head jerked upward and his gaze captured hers. She felt his warmth, his strength, the distinction in their stature. “Why didn’t you stop the gossip?” Sierra spotted the small tick in his jaw. “They were wrong, weren’t they?” she continued. “You didn’t kick Leah out of your house.” “Yes,” he muttered. “I did.” Sierra snatched her hand away. It was back, the coldness that hardened his brown eyes. “Packed her bag and threw it down the stairs.” Hearing the iciness in his voice, she shivered. “The rumors were true, Sierra. Don’t fool yourself. I fought Leah every step of the way in court, too, fought for my share of custody. Ended up giving my attorney more money than I gave her. Came close to bankrupting me.” His gaze didn’t waver and she could see the hurt in his eyes. “And if I had it all to do over again, I wouldn’t change anything.” Stubbornly holding his gaze, she said, “There’s more to the story. I know it. “ “Is there?” The book in his hand told her more about him than the gossip ever did. “You cared about Jacob.” “Loved him with all my heart. The one time in my life I’ve ever loved anyone unconditionally.” The only time? Even though things had been totally horrendous with Tim, she’d grown up surrounded by her family’s love. “Then you wouldn’t have kicked him and Leah out without good reason.” “Are you certain?” She’d seen him fight already, had seen his concern for her. She wasn’t insane; she knew he was worried about their child’s well-being, but he had been about Jacob’s, too. “Definitely.” “Like maybe the fact Leah was cheating on me?” 9


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Sierra fought back a wave of nausea. “She didn’t come home one night. I told her to get out, that marriage meant people were truthful, that they didn’t have affairs or deceive each other. She broke down and cried, telling me she was pregnant.” Of course Kaden took her back. His strong moral code wouldn’t allow him not to. “What really happened, Kaden?” “Everything was okay until Gable Oswald appeared on my front step wanting his baby and his girlfriend.” Sierra struggled to remain upright. “Jacob wasn’t my son.” “She lied to you?” Sierra gasped. Kaden nodded. “And what really topped it off—” The void in the soft spoken words made her heart ache. “I told Leah it didn’t matter. Told her I wouldn’t tell anyone. No one would ever have to know she was a whore. I would have forgiven her for anything as long as she didn’t take my son away from me. No one would have ever known Jacob wasn’t my flesh and blood. Didn’t matter one bit to me.” He paused for a moment. “I loved him like he was my own. That was the only thing that mattered. I pleaded with her, asked for her not to destroy me and rip our family apart. I pleaded with her to let Jacob know me as his daddy, give him a chance for an unbroken family.” “Like you never had.” “Like I never had.” Hurt for him filled her heart. Leah had deceived him, then had taken his ideals, his emotions, his love for a child and trampled over them. And not that Sierra had tried to keep her pregnancy hidden from him, he believed she was no better than Leah. Their marriage didn’t stand a chance. She didn’t stand a chance. “Her response was to laugh in my face, declining my offer and stating that she was in love with Gable, that she wanted to be with him not me, that I would never see Jacob again. I kicked her out, just like the gossips said.” “That’s just half of the story, Kaden.” “Is it, Sierra? Are you certain?” “You were well within your rights to act that way. You didn’t kick a woman and baby out into the street. She left voluntarily and took Jacob with her. Even though you gave her a selfless option to do it another way. 10


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No one can blame you for that.” But the sadness in his eyes told her he blamed himself more than anyone else ever could. “I’ve always wondered what I could have done differently. Should I have worked fewer hours, not worked as hard to buy land, horses and cattle to graze on it? Should I have questioned her when she said she was going to lunch with her friends? Should I have requested she be home by a certain time, so that she was in bed when I was?” “You did the best you could. Don’t blame yourself.” He shook his head. Sierra knew all too well how easy it was to accept the blame rather than place it where it belonged. Maybe...maybe together they could learn to heal. “I’ll love our child with all my heart and soul,” he promised, reaching out to pull her into his embrace. “I know.” Slowly, he moved one hand upward, his fingertips sliding up the column of her neck, the curve of her cheek, then grazing her ear. He cupped the back of her head. “As my wife, you’ll have my protection.” She didn’t know whether his vow scared her or reassured her. His fingers threaded within her hair. She knew she should resist, pull away. Yet, somehow, she couldn’t. Kaden cast a spell over her, just as he had the night of Andy and Hillary’s anniversary party. “Please don’t do this to me, Kaden,” she begged, even as her eyes drifted shut and she gave in to the power of his caress. His thumb massaged her neck, soothing away the worry that had settled there. “Don’t do what?” he asked. “This?” He increased the pressure and her head fell forward. Even with her eyes closed, he inundated her senses. He smelled potent, of man and passion. “Or this?” His other hand joined the first, working magic on the knots in her shoulders. Absently, she wondered if he’d drown out her common sense along with the tension. Her forehead rested on his chest, and she reached a hand out to support herself, finding a fistful of solid muscle. 11


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At the feel of heat beneath the shirt, she froze. She was close, so very close, to surrendering to him once more. “Or maybe this?” he asked, skimming one hand down her spine. Sierra stepped back from him, wrapping her arms around herself to resist temptation. To her, he was more dangerous than a tornado, sweeping her up into the air and taking everything around her along with it. She’d never had a man affect her this way, she realized, drawing in breaths, one short inhalation at a time. He made her forget everything— that he didn’t believe in her, thought she was no better than Leah, that he didn’t want her, just the baby. Sierra didn’t dare forget, not ever again. He was overwhelming. And he was going to kiss her. To keep from embarrassing herself, she rushed to the safety of her bedroom, shoving the door closed and turning the lock into place. Resting her palms against the door, she shook her head. She’d been right earlier. She shouldn’t have entered the nursery. The result had been releasing a flood of sympathy for him that made her common sense float away like a wave crashing upon the shore. He had the ability to control her life, and he’d use it. That much he made clear. She straightened, backing away from the door. As she reached up to push a strand of hair out of her face, she saw that her hand still shook. His scent still lingered on her clothes. Marking her as his? She desperately wondered. Kaden’s footsteps reverberated down the hallway, loud like booming thunder. Then suddenly, silence fell again. She let her head drop forward. He’d stopped in front of her door. In rushing out of the nursery, she’d gotten a short remission, but it wouldn’t last. When he knocked, she jumped. Like a wimp, she didn’t respond. “When we become husband and wife, there won’t be any closed doors between us.” She trembled, but not from his warning. Rather, from the frightening realization that part of her didn’t want doors closed between them either. 12


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Chapter Four Needing a way to burn the energy surging through him, Kaden paced the kitchen. Just yesterday, his life had been peacefully ordered. Leah’s deceit and the loss of Jacob had been locked away, the key well hidden. Today, every memory had been dug up and revealed by his future wife. He pulled a bottle of beer from the refrigerator. The bottle opened with a satisfying release of pressure. Even if love wasn’t an option, he intended—in every other way—for them to be husband and wide. He’d share everything with her—his home, his life, his bed. Kaden took care of what was his—especially his unborn child. Sierra’s needs were secondary. He took a pull from the bottle, long and deep. Who the hell did he think he was kidding? It did matter what Sierra wanted, mattered a great deal. She was the mother of his child. Despite his threats, he knew she still had control as well. However, he was figuring out the ways to get past Sierra’s armor— soft words and a softer touch. He’d learned that when they’d danced, talked, made love. Sierra was a great woman, one who thought more with her heart than her head. After Leah, that was a welcome change. The thought of Leah brought his anger back to the forefront. The two women didn’t compare on any level. He knew that, but he’d still been incensed when he overheard the gossip at the pharmacy about Sierra being pregnant. Kaden had been even more infuriated when he found out Sierra had never intended to tell him about his baby. Even though he’d blocked off his emotions when it came to women, his heart had dropped when she nearly collapsed in his arms. Kaden slammed the bottle down on the counter. He cared about her. No, he didn’t love her. Didn’t feel that he was capable of that, but yeah, what she wanted mattered. She was breeching his protective wall. 1


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In less than a few hours, she’d put his physical willpower to the test, making him yearn for her. And she’d pushed him to the edge emotionally. She’d dug into his past, going into Jacob’s room against his wishes and asking questions about Leah. Then Sierra had the audacity to lock him out. She had moxie. He’d meant it when he said there would be no closed doors between them after they married. He was just as interested in her now as he had been that night. She stirred something deep inside him, and part of him realized it was more than wanting to be a full participant in his child’s life. Even though he refused to give his heart to a woman again, they would live together as a married couple—in every sense of the word. Their future would be anything but mundane. It was a good thing he didn’t care much for the mundane. Shoving his hormones—and emotions—out of the way, he took a couple of chicken breasts from the freeze to thaw, then he headed outside to complete his chores. He hadn’t had a chance to finish them since his detour from the pharmacy that morning. Finding out the truth from Sierra had been his number one priority and had made everything else an afterthought. Seemed she had a niche for doing that to him. The screen door banged shut behind him and Kaden knew he needed strenuous physical activity to relieve the ball of tension within him. Ranch work was better than nothing. Getting away from Sierra, and getting away from the scent of her drifting in the air wouldn’t hurt either. **** Sierra was too anxious to lay down and rest and she couldn’t stay closed away in her room all evening, even though everything in her insisted she do just that. Where had that inclination for self-conservation been the night of Andy and Hillary’s party? If it had been stronger, she wouldn’t have given in to Kaden. But then again, she wouldn’t have a baby growing inside her, the one she’d craved, prayed for. She only wished there was a way to have the baby without being tied down to Kaden. Sounds of him moving around floated up the stairs, along with the 2


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aroma of something grilling. Her stomach rumbled. It had been hours since she’d eaten. Even if she wanted nothing more than to avoid Kaden, she needed to keep her strength up. Knowing she was defeated, she smoothed back her hair. The curly tresses had always been the bane of her existence. With the pregnancy hormones surging through her, her hair seemed even more unruly. Once it was as neat as she could get it without a brush, comb and mirror, she smoothed the wrinkles out of her shirt and pants, then realized she was beating around the bush. Decidedly, she made her way to the kitchen, another room she hadn’t been in on her previous visit. She’d forgotten just how handsome he was. When he smiled, his expressive brown eyes lit up with pleasure, pushing shadows from them and making them seem radiant. A small dimple in his cheek tempted her to place a kiss on it. He’d cleaned up since he’d been outside, and a new T-shirt was tucked in dark denim jeans. He smelled clean and fresh, and seemed so approachable. Warning bells went off in her head again. This was Kaden at his best. She knew there was a bad side. “How are you feeling?” His smooth voice drifted over her like a gentle breeze against her bare skin. When she didn’t respond, he strode over to her, placing his powerful hands on her. With him so close, she could hardly breathe. “I’m okay.” He placed the palm of one hand to her forehead. “Honest,” she said. His fingers softly grazed her cheek. “You look a little pale.” “Because you didn’t give me an opportunity to grab my makeup before you did the macho man routine and dragged me out of here.” “You must be feeling better,” he joked. She was weakening. His voice, his touch... Instead of lowering his hand, he placed his thumb at the corner of her mouth. She fought the urge to rest her face in his palm and allow him to cradle her head. If she wasn’t cautious, she could easily forget that he wasn’t different than any other man, that he decided what it was she was supposed to do 3


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and gave her very little say in the matter. She’d given into him and his passionate approach once before. She couldn’t give in a second time. Sierra only wished that her perseverance alone would return her heart rate back to normal. Reaching out, she grabbed his wrist, trying to pull him away, but the effort backfired. With her hand still surrounding his wrist, he skimmed a finger downward, over her chin, the column of her neck and the small indention there. He paused just beneath, at the same place she struggled to breath. Sierra, desperate for air, told herself he wouldn’t touch her anymore intimately, that he wouldn’t travel further downward to cup her breast in his palm...like he had once before. She had hold of his hand, and she had the power to stop him at anytime. She would stop him, she told herself, validating her determination and strength. Still struggling to breathe, she peered up at him, her eyes looking for consolation within the depths of his. She found anything but consolation. “Tell me it didn’t matter to you.” Captivated by the shadows clouding his eyes, she could only swallow. “Tell me that it was just a one-night stand, that you never thought about us.” She was unable to put up a fight when he did exactly what she’d thought he might. Sierra felt the sensation of his callused fingers against her shirt, saw how his bronzed skin looked next to the pale color of the fabric, and she shivered at her own arousal. “Tell me that you never wondered how it might have turned out if you hadn’t run away. Tell me, Sierra.” “I can’t...” Can’t breathe, can’t talk, can’t think. “Ah, so you did think about it. Just like I did.” He’d thought about them? Did that mean he’d wondered about her, too—that to him it was more than just a one-night stand? She’d figured he wanted answers to the way she snuck out, but she’d told herself she meant nothing to him except for the fact that she was the mother of his child. “Tell me about that,” he prompted. “Tell me what you thought about.” His hand continued to move down the middle of her chest, his palm 4


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curving as he went. Her gaze was fixed on him and she was enthralled by his strength, the intensity of his will. When she still didn’t respond, he continued. “I thought about it. A lot. I stepped out of the shower that morning, ready for you, even though I was trying not to be.” His voice sounded raspy, as if he needed to clear his throat. “I shut off the hot water, Sierra, because I wanted to be able to restrain myself when I came back to bed.” She attempted to take a step back, only to have him tighten his grip on her. “It didn’t work. Even the feel of the towel on my skin reminded me of the way you reached for me, the way you wrapped your hand around me. Were you serious when you said you’d never done that to another man?” Closing her eyes, she prayed for the floor to break apart and engulf her whole. That night she’d done a lot of things she’d never done before. “Were you, Sierra?” “Yes,” she finally managed to answer. Kaden moved. Despite objections from her mind and body, she did nothing to stop him. She moaned when he cupped one of her breasts in his palm, testing its weight. Helpless to stop herself, she clung to him, not wanting to let go. The same feelings had swamped her that night she allowed Kaden to touch her just like this. It had been the longing to hold and be held that had terrified her the most. With his supportive words and seductive suggestions, Kaden had shown he was far more dangerous than Tim had ever been. “Your breast feels fuller than it did before,” Kaden stated, leaning forward to murmur the comment in her ear. “Does it to you?” He wouldn’t let her hide. “Does it, Sierra?” “Yes,” she cried out when he closed his hand. “And what about your nipples?” Sierra shuddered. She was engulfed in her own response. The tip of his finger flicked across her nipple. Need, consuming and powerful, overwhelmed her. Her knees buckled, and he was there, pulling her into his embrace to support her. She was grateful that she was still completely dressed. Otherwise she 5


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didn’t think she would be able to take any more. Part of her wanted to shove him away, make him end the torture. But the same traitorous part of her that had once welcomed his touch propelled her forward. He trailed his finger over the tender tip once again. “Our lovemaking meant something to you, Sierra, didn’t it?” “Yes.” “Is that why you snuck out?” He hadn’t stopped stroking her. She would have been furious with him if she could think straight, but he didn’t permit that. “Where you frightened?” With that question, he stopped his caress. Gradually, so very gradual, she opened her eyes and stared at him. She couldn’t find the ability to speak. It was unbelievably difficult to complete words. Finally, she confessed, “Yes.” “Why?” The admittance came slowly. “You made me feel things I’ve never felt before, convinced me to do things that I never thought possible. You terrified me.” “Was it me you were fearful of?” he questioned. “Or was it yourself?” “Both,” she mumbled. “You should have told me.” “Would you have listened?” “Listened? Of course.” “It wouldn’t have mattered to you that I was frightened, would it, Kaden?” She struggled to use her common sense, reminding herself of the emotions he’d evoked within her, remembering the reasons she’d snuck out in the first place. “You would have said we could work it out, work through it.” Slowly, he let her go, until they stood near each other, close but not touching Sierra hugged herself. “We could have,” he replied. She knew she had been smart to sneak out. “But you never allowed me the opportunity,” he continued. “Because you would have stolen mine.” He tunneled his fingers through his dark hair, loosening the leather tie that held it back, leaving him looking wild and untamed. 6


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“I couldn’t do that, Kaden.” “Doesn’t matter, because we’re together now.” Her stomach turned over. “Is that such a bad thing?” he asked. Quietly, he reached out to tuck a strand of hair out of her face. Even the softest of touches made her long for more. Why did she seem to lose all control when he was near? Even her ex-husband hadn’t elicited this sort of reaction from her, and at one point, she’d believed herself to be in love with him. “Is it?” Kaden inquired again, his eyes holding hers captive. “How would you feel if the shoe was on the other foot?” she responded. “It isn’t.” “That’s not what I’m getting at,” she complained. “If you were to drag me into your home and keep me there, saying we would live together as man and wife, I wouldn’t mind in the least.” “You’re twisting my words.” Tension diffused with his crooked grin. “Yep.” She frowned. Sierra had seen many sides of Kaden—furious, sensual, focused, powerful—but this smile, his teasing after being so serious and seductive, astonished her, making her realize she knew virtually nothing about him. And they were about to become husband and wife to raise a child together. The thought was discombobulating, like being on a speeding rollercoaster going up numerous hills and down stomach jolting drops. Kaden looked toward the door. “It smells like the chicken is ready. Are you hungry?” “Starved. Seems to be a constant feeling.” “Are you going to eat me out of house and home?” “You’re the one who insisted on bringing me here,” she retorted, then smiled. “And I don’t regret it. Chicken should be done.” If a herd of cattle came thundering through the house, he couldn’t have kept her more off balance. While he plated the chicken, Sierra found her way around the large kitchen, taking out silverware and glasses. She had little choice but to learn her way around his—their house. 7


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It was highly improbable that he’d be tolerant of the idea of her living at her own place after they said I do. Their bodies incidentally touched more than once, sending small shockwaves of pleasure flooding her. She didn’t want to be turned on by him, but most assuredly, she was. “Shall we toast out upcoming wedding with juice?” he asked once they were seated at the table. “I’d offer you champagne, but it’s not good for the baby.” Or for her, for that matter. Maybe if she hadn’t sipped wine at Andy and Hillary’s anniversary party, Kaden wouldn’t be proposing a toast right now. “To us,” he said, lifting his glass in Sierra’s direction. “And a healthy baby along with a successful marriage.” His gaze held hers, and she couldn’t look away. During dinner, Kaden kept the conversation light, telling her about his ranch, the horses, and the cattle he ran on its one hundred acres. Then the tension jumped up a notch when he informed her of his plans to hire one, possibly two, additional ranch hands so that he’d be around more to assist her and their child. “You don’t have to do that, Kaden. Really.” “I’ve made up my mind.” “Your mind?” she asked. “What about my choice?” “Like?” His fork clinked loudly against the plate. “Like the fact that I’m going to keep working, even after the baby is born. If we find it necessary, we can hire a nanny.” “There will not be any nannies, Sierra. Our child will have a mother and father. That’s all he or she will need.” “There you go again,” she complained. “Making plans for my life.” “Our lives,” he corrected. “Okay then. Our lives. Our lives. Both of us get to make decisions.” “Please don’t get upset,” he stated softly, reaching over to place his hand on top of hers. “It’s not good for you.” Electricity raced through her at his touch, and she pulled her hand away and placed it into her lap. “Easy for you to say. As long as we do everything your way, there’s no reason to get upset, right?” “Sierra, I know how to meet you halfway. I’m willing to.” She disputed what she knew was a lie. “Then we’ll hire a nanny.” 8


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“Why would we need to when I’m here?” “You’re going to take care of the baby while I work?” “Yes, unless you have an issue with me fulfilling my fatherly duties.” The thought of him—all six-foot-two-inches of masculine energy and power—holding a tiny baby, changing diapers, feeding and offering comfort, pacing the floor and rocking their child to sleep, filled her with jolts of happiness. She tried to picture what their child might look like. Would their baby have dark, straight hair like Kaden’s? And would chocolate eyes stare at her with the same kind of intensity that was reflected in the depths of Kaden’s mysterious gaze? Or maybe her light eye color would dominate and she’d see resemblance of herself in their baby’s face. But the idea that thrilled her the most was the thought of Kaden looking downward at trusting innocence. He’d be a wonderful father. She had no doubt of that. Kaden succeeded in everything he set his mind to. And he’d set his sights on her and their unborn child. “Sierra, I’ve told you I’m not a monster.” It would be easier if he were, if she could dislike him. “Go lie down while I clean up.” “I don’t want to lie down” “The doctor said you should.” “No. You said I should.” “Yes, I did,” he admitted, with a guilty grin. She opened her mouth to put up a fight then closed it when she realized if she was in the living room, at least she’d be away from him. Sierra rushed out of the kitchen. In the family room, she sat on a large, bulky leather couch that shouted “male domain.” She wished she could ignore the sound of his singing. Men didn’t sing. And men didn’t do dishes. They definitely didn’t sing while they did dishes. He was so annoying, overbearing, controlling, mesmerizing... She buried her face into, her hands. A few moments later, that’s the way he found her. “I’m fine,” she stated, redirecting his concern, or so she thought. He squatted down beside her, picking her feet up off the floor and arranging her until she lay on the couch. Then he reached for a quilt and covered her with it. “Would you like another fire?” 9


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“Not necessary. I’m sure you have more important things to do, like chores.” “Actually, I’ve completed everything I need to do. I’m at your command.” Blessedly, he moved away, threw a couple of logs into the fireplace, then struck a match, the crackle of the flame filling the awkward silence. She didn’t want to be charmed by him, didn’t want to watch every one of his confident motions. Most importantly she didn’t want to recall how good it had felt to be held in his powerful embrace as he led her gracefully across the dance floor. He turned and stared at her, one brow arched in question. Sierra closed her eyes and turned away. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Kaden move toward the stereo and slide in a CD. One of the songs they’d danced to at Andy and Hillary’s anniversary party drifted through the air, a slow Sugarland ballad that tugged at every single one of her emotions. She finally found the bravery to peek at Kaden again. He gave her that lopsided grin. “May I have this dance?” Her eyebrows drew together. “You know I’m a terrible dancer.” “At the party, Andy told me I’d be a fool if I didn’t ask you to dance.” Her scowl eased. Tim had told her she was an awful dancer, and she’d believed him. “Come on, Sierra, what harm can it do? Unless you don’t feel up to it.” She knew all too well what harm it could do. She could use the excuse that she needed to rest. But it wouldn’t be the truth. Honestly, a big part of her—the uninhibited and inquisitive part of her that she thought she’d had under wraps—yearned to be in Kaden’s arms. He offered his hand. She was lost. His fingers encircled hers, and he pulled her to her feet, drawing her near until she stood only inches from him. “Place your arms around my neck.” She did, but the move practically left her standing on her tiptoes. At least at the party, she’d had on heels, reducing the difference in their heights, making him a lot less intimidating. 10


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Now she was entirely too cognizant of how small in stature she was compared to him. “I won’t step on your toes,” he promised, his hands at the small of her back, drawing her closer. She felt him, all of him, firm and masculine, pressed against her body. In the beginning, she moved awkwardly. Languidly, through the combination of the meaningful words of the song and his comforting sway, she relaxed. Logs in the fire crackled, and she didn’t know if the warmth she felt came from it or from the way Kaden held her. The latter, she figured, her breath stuttering out when one of his hands moved further down her back. Greedily, he persuaded her to come in even closer. Domination. That’s what it was, no question about it. She’d made a vow to herself to never be controlled by a man again. But pressed against him so intimately, willpower went out the window. She rested her head on his chest, giving into temptation. “I could hold you in my arms like this all night,” he whispered. The man was an expert. When it benefitted him, he could leave her weak in the knees. He held her the right way, spoke in the right seductive voice, moved in perfect rhythm with her, making it appear as though she could really dance. Kaden dissolved her ideas of elusion and replaced them with desire. He’d done it to her once before in the exact same manner. She knew better now, but it didn’t matter. “Penny for your thoughts.” Sierra didn’t want to go there. “Too cheap.” “Okay, I’ll make you a counteroffer. How about an entire night without me pestering you?” he offered. “You have a deal.” With a smile, she leaned her head back to look at him. “I was thinking I shouldn’t be doing this with you.” “Oh?” “It’s not wise of me.” Something indecipherable flashed in his eyes. Brightened by firelight, his eyes seemed to bore into her, searching for her secrets. “I know better. You seduced me—” “Is that how you think it happened?” 11


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Her steps wavered. Immediately, he adjusted until they once again moved in harmony. “I recall it another way,” he murmured. “I remember seeing you standing in the corner, all alone. And that dress.” She’d made it especially for the occasion, on a dare from her cousin. Black, satin, form-fitting and cut low in the back, it was unlike anything Sierra had ever made and worn before. The reason she and Eve almost had more orders than what they could keep up with. “I wanted to see you out of it. But that wasn’t the reason why I asked you to dance. I wanted to see your eyes looking into mine.” My eyes? “I’d noticed your eyes before. At the post office. You were dropping off a box at the post office.” “Package, Kaden. Not a box, a package.” “Box, package, whatever. Bottom line is, I was captivated by you.” He held her tighter. They continued to move and sway against each other. A part of her wished this moment would never end. “I was shipping a dress for a customer.” “Have you always wanted to be a seamstress?” She smiled, and when he bestowed upon her one of his own, her steps faltered. He hesitated, too, and the music continued in the background. “No. I just sort of discovered I had a knack for it. I actually made a lot of my own clothes back in high school.” With a small amount of pressure on her spine, he started to move again. She followed his lead. If only their lives could be this easy. The issue was, in most areas of her life, she didn’t want to follow his lead. “Do you like what you do?” “I love it,” she responded without hesitation. “Good. As I was saying, I noticed your eyes. You were holding the package tightly. Your eyes sparkled with happiness. But that faded when you saw me staring at you. It was as though a veil dropped over them, as if you were scared to have me watching you so intently. Wasn’t that a short time after you moved back to town, after your divorce?” She felt faint. He knew too much about her, she realized. “Unfavorable topic?” “I just prefer to leave the past in the past,” she mumbled. 12


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“So why the same expression now?” “The same expression?” “You’re practically frowning. Your mouth is drawn tight, and your eyes are darker than they were before. It’s the expression that says back off, the one you’ve used to keep most of the male population in this town from making a beeline to your door.” She tried to move away, but he tightened his grip. “It becomes clear when I’m getting too close, Sierra. You had that same look on your face before I got into the shower that morning. Later, I beat myself up for not reading you better. I won’t make that mistake again. So tell me, why did you agree to come home with me?” She knew he wasn’t referring to this afternoon and her heart began to race when she realized he held her firmly in his arms. Kaden had wanted answers since the morning she’d run away from him. Over the next several weeks, he’d left many messages on her answering machine at home and on her cell, had stopped by the store a half dozen times. Thankfully, she’d seen him coming every time and talked her cousin into lying to him, saying Sierra wasn’t there. The two times he’d come to her home, she’d pretended not to hear the doorbell or his knocking. “Huh?” He was right. He was too close. Men who got too close hurt her. The song ended, but another began. “I don’t know,” she finally whispered, unable to look away. She’d asked herself that countless times. “You were lonely,” he supplied. “No, well, yes.” At the anniversary party, she’d been thinking of all the people who were with their significant others, then thought of her large, empty bed. “This morning you were adamant that this is my baby, that you hadn’t been with another man.” “No other man, ever, except my ex-husband.” “Ever?” The single word sent a tingle down her spine, and so did the truthfulness he wanted. “Ever.” “So why me?” She shrugged. “At the time, you appeared to be harmless.” 13


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He arched a dark brow in her direction. “I wasn’t thinking straight,” Sierra admitted with a sheepish grin. “Weren’t you?” “I knew you didn’t allow just anyone in your bed,” she replied with certainty. “Excuse me?” Heat rushed up her neck, toward her face, filling her cheeks with her embarrassment. “It is well known that you are very selective about who you are intimate with.” He remained silent. “You didn’t have an unsavory reputation.” She wished the heavens would crack open and sweep her up. “You inquired?” “No, I heard,” she amended. She didn’t add that Eve had talked her ear off before the anniversary party, recalling how handsome Kaden had looked as the best man at the wedding. Eve had said quite a few nice things about him. Which was rare. Her cousin knew her history and rarely broached the subject of the opposite sex. Eve had even been the one who said she was positive Kaden had only acted the way he had during the end of his marriage and divorce because he’d been left without a choice. Eve’s words had drifted around in Sierra’s mind when Kaden had approached her at the party. “And I know if you were friends with Andy and Hillary, you couldn’t be too unsafe.” “And now?” “I realize toxins come bundled a lot of different ways.” He looked at her intently. “Did it work?” he questioned softly. “Us making love—did it cure your loneliness?” She didn’t even attempt to pull her gaze away from his, couldn’t pulled away from the grip he had on the small of her back, her neck, couldn’t stop herself from answering truthfully. “No. It didn’t cure my loneliness.” What she wasn’t willing to admit was it made it worse. “Then maybe I can erase it this time.” His hold tightened and he drew her against him. He lowered his head. Her heartbeat went into overdrive. Kaden was going to kiss her. 14


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Chapter Five When he’d asked her to dance tonight, he hadn’t planned to kiss her. But now that she was in his embrace, pressed against his body, he didn’t plan to release her without doing so. A wave of longing swamped him, undesired and unsought. It had taken him a long time to heal the wound Leah left on his heart. And on the day he’d tossed their wedding photos into the fire, he’d sworn he’d never again let a woman get close. But now... Now, he not only wanted Sierra close, he planned to keep her there. He didn’t like his own impassioned response to her. However, that didn’t stop him from moving. Cupping her neck, he held her still for his kiss. “Kaden?” He liked the way she said his name, with a quiver of desire that said she wanted his kiss, even if she fought that craving. “Yes?” “I—” Before she could get the rest out, he captured her bottom lip between his teeth. He softly swiped his tongue against the fullness of her lip, then suckled it. She released a pent up breath. Deep down, he expected her to pull away, but she didn’t. “I’m going to kiss you now, Sierra.” Her eyelids fluttered, and he caught a glimpse of her hazel eyes, the color lightened—by anticipation? He wondered. Not wanting to release her to make certain, he just forged ahead. Brushing his lips against hers, once then twice, he waited for her submission. She didn’t let him down. Gradually, she opened her mouth to him. As if he’d waited all his life for this, he took what she surrendered. Fierce and unrefined, need swelled within him. He deepened the kiss, his tongue seeking hers. With a tiny sound of need, she responded. 1


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He didn’t recall it being this way the first time. Back then, she’d been uncertain. But this, Sierra was asking for something in return. If he’d found her captivating before, now he found her utterly enchanting. She rocked toward him and he moved, placing one of his legs between hers for support. Leaning against him, she took over the kiss, and he felt her tongue against his, tasting, discovering. Her heat seeped into him, making him hard. Kaden knew it was too soon. He’d only wanted to dance, nothing more. He’d wanted to wipe away her loneliness. He hadn’t expected the same feeling to overtake him, too. Until this moment, he hadn’t given loneliness a single thought. But this evening, the house no longer echoed with emptiness. When he’d gone back to the house after completing his chores, he’d known she was inside, waiting for him. For the first time in years, Kaden felt replete. Before he lost his self-control, he ended the kiss. His heart pounded, like the way it had when he’d snuck Phoebe Haswell into his room at the Dunn’s home. Replete. Yes, that was a good word for it. “You’re a great dancer, Sierra.” He stared down into her eyes. They were barely open, but green spikes across the rich hazel gave clues to her inner thoughts. “Don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise.” When she didn’t instantly pull away, he was astonished. “This isn’t going to work,” she whispered. “What isn’t?” He prayed she didn’t feel the effect she had on him. “This...” “Tell me.” “Kissing me won’t brainwash me into allowing you to control my life and not let me have a say.” No, but it might jumble his brain. “That’s not what my intent was,” he clarified. The glow of passion dissolved into a scowl of skepticism. It was back, her suspiciousness of him. Instinctively, his grip tightened. Inhaling deeply, he made himself relax. “So what were you doing?” she questioned. “Dancing with my future wife?” “Why?” 2


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“Why?” he parroted. She nodded. “Because I wanted to.” She laughed, a distrusting little sound. “Surely you can’t think I’m not interested in you?” His brows bunched together. “Let me guess,” he continued. “You think I was dancing you, kissing you, touching you because I want to influence you. So that you won’t show any resistance to my plan.” “That’s what it seems like.” “Sierra,” he said, gently, very, very gently. “I don’t know what your experience was like with Tim, but I don’t trick or play games with the woman I’m involved with. If I want to have something my way, I’ll tell you.” With his thumb and index finger, he turned her face toward his. “And when I kiss you, you can be damn certain it’s because I want to, because my blood boils for you.” He confirmed his declaration with another passionate kiss, leaving both of them struggling to breathe. “Now unless you want me to take you upstairs to my room and show you that this is about desire, a strong sexual attraction for you, I advise you to go to your own room now and lock the door.” With stiff shoulders, she turned quickly and practically ran up the stairs. The slam of her door rattled the forest painting on the wall. Kaden paced the living room, physical and emotional energy swirling in the pit of his stomach. It was about passion, as he told her. But he hadn’t been struck by this sort of feeling in more years than he cared to count. There was something else. He wanted her to crave him, like she had that night. Like she’d never yearned for another man. He wanted her, ring, marriage, baby and all. The quicker the better. It was going to be a long night with a tantalizing woman only a few doors down. **** “What about an engagement ring?” Sierra asked, her fingers clenching around her cup of decaf tea. 3


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“Women who are getting married typically wear one,” Kaden responded, leaning across the table toward her. “But—” “You said you are feeling well enough to go into the store,” he reminded her. “That’s different,” she countered. But she had a difficult time trying to stay on topic. This morning, only inches away from her, across the kitchen table, Kaden was even more appealing. He’d showered, and dampness still clung to the thick strands of his hair. As usual, his hair was tied back with a leather band. He smelled of spice and soap. The black denim jeans he’d chosen hugged his hips and lean muscular thighs. Worst of all, he’d left the top two buttons of his long-sleeved cotton shirt unbuttoned, giving her a glimpse of the smooth, muscular bronze skin beneath it. She remembered running her fingers across his chest, his back, and lower. She took a huge swallow of her tea, then winced when the heat stung her mouth. “Tell me how it’s different, Sierra. You feel good enough to go to work, but not shopping?” He pushed his coffee aside. “Are you trying to get away from me again, or is it my ring you don’t want branding your finger?” “Yes. No.” Surprised by his insight, she released a pent up breath. When she’d informed him she was ready to go back to work, she’d been hoping to get some time away from him. She wanted to be alone to sort a few things out. Even in the spare room, his closeness had nearly driven her insane. Every time she fell asleep, she’d dreamed of him. She hadn’t been able to escape. “Yes?” he prodded. “I thought I’d just wear a simple wedding band.” “If you haven’t figured it out by now, I’m a traditional sort of guy. Humor me.” As though she really had a choice. “If he’s available, we can talk to Vernon Miller while we’re in town. See when he can perform the ceremony.” She squeezed her eyes shut against the wallop of emotions. Kaden was moving too fast, like hurricane winds pummeling the eastern seaboard. 4


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“Unless you want to be married by a Justice of the Peace?” Shocked, her eyes snapped open. “You’re asking my preference?” He sighed, then placed one of his hands over hers. “I’ve told you I’m not a monster. This is just as much your wedding as it is mine. Work with me, Sierra.” His truthfulness set her off balance. When he was dominating, she could ignore him. But when he revealed his emotions, she couldn’t refuse him. “Being married by the Justice of the Peace seems less duplicitous.” “There won’t be anything deceptive about a pastor marrying us, Sierra. We will be living together as husband and wife.” “But love won’t be a part of it,” she protested. “No. If it makes it easier for you, we can have the word left out of the vows.” Seven years ago, in front of a reverend, in a church filled with family and friends, she’d promised to love Tim with every part of her being. He’d put a ring on her finger, but hadn’t meant one word of the wedding vows he’d uttered. “I will do right by you, Sierra Walker, even with the last breath in my body.” “Honor?” “Yes?” “Trust?” He remained silent. Honor would have to suffice. He’d give her nothing more. Maybe he wasn’t even capable of giving anything more. “If I wear a ring, it has to be a modest one,” she stated. “Okay.” **** It wasn’t, though, she found out a couple hours later. Since he’d taken her to his house after the doctor’s visit yesterday, Kaden’s first stop was by her place so she could pick up clothes and toiletries, then he’d driven straight to the most exclusive jeweler in Missoula. “Kaden, you said small.” “Size is relative, Sierra.” “If you’re Jennifer Lopez.” 5


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He chuckled. Then, scaring the heck out of her, he went right to the exact ring that caught her eye. Waving an attendant over, Kaden said, “We’d like to see this one.” Sierra squeezed his arm. “That’s one of the biggest rings they have.” “Looks medium-sized to me,” he responded. “Isn’t that right, sir?” “You have a good eye. I’ve been making rings for a long time,” the gentleman stated, removing a princess cut diamond from its velvet holder. “It’s about medium-sized.” He handed the ring over to Kaden. “Take your time with it. If you need me, my name is Beau.” “Thanks, Beau. Let me have your hand, Sierra.” “Kaden, I can’t take this ring.” Yet, even as she said the words, the diamond caught a ray of sunshine and refracted it in several directions. “Won’t hurt to try it on.” It fit. Darn it to heck and back. It fit perfectly, and it looked beautiful. “Yes, sir,” Beau said as he came back over. “No doubt about it. That ring is meant for you.” “Do you like it?” Kaden asked. Her heart began to race when she realized it was way more than just a piece of jewelry. It was a symbol of her commitment to their marriage of convenience. Suddenly, it weighed a ton. Kaden took her hand in his and placed the ring beneath the jeweler’s lamp while Beau gave Kaden all the information about the stone. “Would you like to look at another one? Kaden asked her. “A smaller one,” she replied. “This is as small as I’m going to purchase.” “It’s too expensive,” she countered. “Nothing cost too much for my future wife. And if you like it, I want you to have it.” In that moment, nothing else existed. She looked at him and was astonished by the genuineness reflected in the depths of his eyes. Tim had wanted to own her. It had been all about him, what she could do to make him happy. Right now, Kaden seemed to be focused on making her happy. “We can look at another one,” he rejected. Sierra shook her head. She wanted—desperately—not to like the ring, 6


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but it was more magnificent than anything she’d ever owned. “We’ll take it,” he told Beau. All the breath expelled from her lungs. “Good. Now, this is part of a set. This wedding band goes with it,” Beau added. “Would you like to try it on as well?” “No,” she told the kind man. Right now, she’d had all she could handle. “Do you have a matching band for the groom?” Kaden asked. “Yes, I do.” “You’re planning on wearing a ring?” “Of course. You aren’t the only one taking a vow, Sierra.” “I know but—” “Sierra, a ring is a symbol of my commitment to you and our child.” With a sigh of surrender, she agreed. With each step he took, he brought her closer to the unavoidable. Kaden needed a larger size than what was in stock, and he wouldn’t purchase it until Beau swore to have it ready in a week or less. She doubted she’d ever known a man more commanding than her fiancé. “Now, miss, would you like to wear your ring?” Before she could respond, Kaden spoke. “We’ll take it in a box.” While she slipped the gem off her finger, he told her, “I want to give it to you later, when we have some privacy.” Her mind froze at the thought. The idea of them alone again in his home sent shivers racing down her spine. “Want to grab a bite to eat?” he asked when they were outside. Summer’s warmth beamed down on her, and for several moments, took her concern along with it. And the idea of being fed definitely appealed to her. It has been hours since breakfast. “I’m sure we could find a place nearby serving lunch.” “How can I refuse that offer when I’m—” “Always hungry?” he finished. She smiled at him. “Wish I had a camera. A smile like that’s worth all the money in the world.” He held the door open for her, and she wondered what it might be like if he believed in love, if she believed in love. Her grin dimmed. Happily ever after might happen for some people, 7


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she knew, but she definitely wasn’t one of the lucky ones. **** “Have you thought about the guest list?” Kaden asked. Sierra looked up from the book she was pretending to read. She’d tried flipping through a magazine earlier, but it hadn’t held her attention. Out of desperation, she’d picked up a book she thought would preoccupy her, but hadn’t had any luck with it either. Unfortunately, the reason she couldn’t focus on the words in the book was due to the magazine article she’d come across. Surely there couldn’t really be a hundred and one ways to improve her love life. And even if there were, she didn’t care. Being uncreative in bed had caused her problem, and there were no paragraphs that dealt with what to do after you’d had a spectacular night of passion. “A guest list?” “For our wedding.” “I doubt we’ll be inviting that many people.” His massive frame filled the doorway. He blocked the late afternoon light, and she wished he’d remain there, but he wouldn’t. “I’d only planned to invite my family,” she stated. “Maybe a few of your close friends.” “You don’t want a big wedding?” “Not really. I already had one. I don’t need another.” “I’m okay with a small wedding.” “You’re scaring me, Kaden. It’s not in your nature to not put up a fight.” “At this point, I just want you to set a date.” “You don’t give up, do you?” “No.” He smiled, and her lungs forgot what they were supposed to do next. “Two weeks?” he asked. “Three,” she offered. “Deal.” She’d been had. The moment the counteroffer left her mouth, she knew it. “I’ll call Vernon and have it arranged. Morning or afternoon?” In the morning, so that she had all day and night to get through with him? Or afternoon, where night wouldn’t be long coming? He’d already informed her there’d be no closed door between them. “It doesn’t matter.” 8


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“Did you have a place in mind for our honeymoon?” “We’ve already had it.” He moved then. In a few quick strides, the sound of his boots loud on the wooden floor, he came near her until she had to tilt her head back in order to look at him. He filled her line of view, made her stomach fluttery and tense. “We’ll have a honeymoon. There’s no doubt about it.” She couldn’t breathe. “I expect my wife to sleep with me, and I mean that in every sense of the word. I’m just giving you the opportunity to get away for a few days, if you’d like.” The wood in the fireplace crackled and popped. “Um...” “I can make love to you as easily here as at a fancy location. It’s your choice.” She didn’t know how to respond. “I’ve been waiting for this moment all day,” he stated, his voice raspy, like it was before he’d kissed her, made love to her. Kaden went down on one knee before her. This close, he was even more overwhelming. “Let me have your hand, Sierra. I want to put my ring there. I want the world to know you belong to me.” Her heart pounded in her chest. Kaden reached for her hand and held it steady when it shook. His head was bent. She squeezed her eyes shut, and regretted it instantly when images came of desperately tugging at Tim’s ring, trying to rid herself of his claim. This wouldn’t be the same, not at all. The world didn’t have enough places for her to escape Kaden’s conviction. The past and present blended together, asphyxiating her. Sierra yanked her hand back, sent the ring falling to the floor. “Sierra?” “I’m sorry. I can’t do this, Kaden. I thought I could, but I can’t.” “All right, all right,” he responded, his tone low and soothing, a contradiction to anything she’d ever heard from him except during lovemaking. He pulled her close to him. 9


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Kaden was the one man she shouldn’t look to for consolation, yet he was the only one she desired. As he rubbed her back, murmuring indecipherable words, her highly emotional state faded away. When she shuddered, he moved away, not stopping until he stood across the room by the fireplace. She sucked in a few deep breaths, collecting herself. He tapped a finger on the mantle. Even from her chair, she saw the tension gathered in his shoulders. “I need you to help me out here, Sierra,” he said, stilling his finger. “I’m trying to understand what’s going on here.” He cupped the back of his neck, giving it a brief rub. It took a great deal of strength to look at him. He was more virile than any other man Sierra had ever met. Brazen. Gutsy. Warm hearted. And dang it—her future husband. “Why do I frighten you?” “You don’t.” “But you don’t want to be intimate with me.” “No,” she confessed, looking him square in the eye. “You didn’t like it?” She had no choice but to be completely honest with him, as well as herself. Finally forcing herself to meet his gaze again, she replied, “That’s not it.” “I could have sworn I satisfied you. That little moan, the way you dug your knees into my sides, the way you collapsed beneath me.” Something was occurring inside her, an aliveness. A feeling of realization made her understand she was woman to this man, that they were meant for each other, regardless of how hard she fought it. “I— you—yes, you did.” In all her years of marriage, Tim had never asked these sorts of questions. He’d never cared enough. “But it was the first time I ever—” She stopped when she realized she’d revealed too much. “So, you’re trying to tell me you were married and you never experienced an orgasm until we made love?” When she remained silent, he swore harshly. “What sort of marriage did you have?” “Not a good one,” she confessed, trying to recapture her emotional distance from him. “Tell me about it, Sierra. I need to hear every single detail.” Where 10


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he’d been compassionate earlier, he was now emitting unrefined masculine energy. “Neither of us will leave this room until I know why the thought of being intimate with me again scares the living daylights out of you.”

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Chapter Six Patience had never been one of Kaden’s strong points. Unfortunately, for as long as he was going to be involved with Sierra, he had to attempt to develop it. He just wished it wasn’t so damned hard to do. Kaden wanted to travel across the room, take hold of her shoulders, hold her, kiss her, something, anything to break down the impregnable wall around hear heart. He ached for her, and he hadn’t felt anything this profound and forceful since he’d held baby Jacob in his arms for the first time. “Sierra, I’m waiting,” he stated, moderating his words, even though it was one of the most difficult things he’d ever done. “Why do you act like becoming my wife will send you to a place from which you can’t return?” “Because it will.” Her soft words reverberated around the room and pounded in his chest. She saw this situation—him—as penance for her sins. “It’s about control,” she continued. “I don’t want to lose it again. I promised myself I never would. A wedding band is a manacle that will confine me to you, and I won’t be able to escape.” Beneath his breath, he cussed up a storm. Before he could come up with something to say, she spoke again. “Everything you’ve guessed about my relationship with Tim is right.” “Including the fact that you didn’t have a good sex life?” “Sex was one of my duties as a wife.” Kaden’s stomach turned. The thought of a woman making love to him out of a sense of obligation made him sick. “A duty?” “At least three times a week, if not four.” “He told you that?” “Every time it was time to have sex.” “Whether you wanted to or not?” “My needs didn’t matter. Tim needed the release to deal with his stress.” She blinked slowly, then looked at Kaden through the long veil of her dark lashes, not hiding anything. She had the ability to make him want to take care of and posses her at the same time. “After the first six months, I didn’t want it. Ever.” 1


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“So why did you stay married to him?” “If I had a nickel for every time I’ve asked myself that question.” She tried to smile, but it fell flat. “When I met him, I fell in love, head over heels. I wouldn’t have married him if I hadn’t been in love.” She shook her head. “I was young, out on my own for the first time. I’d gone to Missoula to attend college and Tim had already graduated. He had a good job, his own place. I was wowed by his attention to me—a nobody from a small town.” “A nobody?” The words made Kaden’s head pound. “That’s what I thought.” “And Tim agreed?” “No, not at first. He deluged me with attention, took me to his place, encouraged me to make dinner instead of us going out.” “He wanted you to take care of him.” “Yes. But I didn’t see it like that then. He asked me to marry him, and I was enamored. He was older—wiser, I thought—and I believed he only wanted the best for me. I definitely wanted the best for him.” She frowned. “He had his own apartment. If I moved in with him instead of staying on campus, I could save my parents some money. We agreed that after I graduated, we could start a family. I wanted at least two kids—Tim said he was fine with that.” This time, the tension in Kaden’s stomach felt stretched to the limit, on the verge of snapping. “I told you about my infertility, Kaden. I wasn’t dishonest with you. I didn’t deceive you that night.” He tapped his finger on the mantle, but remained silent. At this point, her words didn’t matter. She was carrying his child. That was his main concern. “After I graduated, he persuaded me to stay home. It would be better if I became a stay-at-home mom, that he earned enough money to support a family. I loved the idea—it was my idea of a perfect marriage and a perfect family. But pretty soon, he called me lazy.” Kaden couldn’t hold back his disdain. He knew how hard she and her cousin worked to make their store a success—hours of exertion and effort every day. “A few years later, I had no money, no checkbook, and no baby.” Protectively, her hand covered her stomach. He’d seen her do that several 2


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times, and each time, something inside him turned over. Leah had done little but gripe the entire time she’d been pregnant— she was losing her shape, feeling fat, the baby moved too much, she couldn’t get comfortable. But Sierra, with the way the baby was so important to her, he couldn’t be angry that she carried his child, even if he still felt she’d been dishonest. “I didn’t even like trying to conceive, not after...” The blood seemed to drain from her face. He needed to put an end to this. “Sierra, stop.” “I’m fine,” she insisted. “If we’re going to—you have the right to know why I—why the thought of being married again frightens me.” His hand gripped the mantle. “I went to the doctor. At first she told me to relax, that I was stressed out. I tried everything—trying to get in the mood, wearing sexy lingerie, taking my temperature, but when he—” She paused and took a steadying breath, meeting his gaze directly. “I didn’t like it. Tim just got in bed, then rolled on top of me.” “Whether you were ready for him or not?” She looked at the floor. Fury filled Kaden. He slapped his hand against the mantle. He thought of nothing except the burning urge to wrap his hands around the bastard’s neck and make the cowardly jerk hurt the same way he’d hurt Sierra. “After several more months passed, I went back to the doctor and asked Tim to do the same. They did a lot of tests. It was horrible. But I would have done anything. We’d been married for three years and nothing had happened. According to Tim, the doctor said his sperm count was good—” “Not good enough.” She shook her head, tears forming in her eyes. “And said it was a problem with me.” “That jerk of a husband lied to you.” “That’s what Dr. Askew thinks had to have happened.” A tear fell down her cheek followed by another. “I’m so sorry, Kaden—I would have never slept with you if I’d known.” Her breath caught on a sob. “I’m not the sort of woman who would trap a man like that. Not after what I’ve been through.” She shook her head. “I know you 3


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don’t believe me, but—” He walked over to her, placing a finger over her lips, cutting off the words. “It doesn’t matter.” He eyes were wide, broadcasting how vital it was to her. And because it was, it had to matter to him. He’d been in a lot of tough situations in his life—hell, they’d turned him into the man he was today. But he knew—with everything in him—nothing had ever been as important as the next few minutes. Gently, he said, “I believe you.” She pushed his finger away. “You do?” “Yes, I do.” Her brows bunched together. “You’re just saying that.” “I mean what I say, Sierra. You should know that by now.” She shifted in her seat, but remained silent. Several heartbeats later, she sighed and tension seemed to leave her body. That sound did more to him than any lovemaking ever had. He captured a strand of her hair and wrapped it around his index finger, liking the way the strands felt, like the slide of silk. “You don’t know what your belief means to me, Kaden.” “Yeah, maybe I do.” He could see it in her eyes. Her honor was important to her. To him, as well. “Thank you,” she murmured. In that moment, he wondered how he’d ever doubted her. “There’s more to tell,” she stated. “After a while, I knew what a mockery our relationship was, but it ended the day he came home and found me asleep. I was sick with pneumonia. He yanked the covers off me and pulled me out of bed.” Unconsciously, she rubbed her wrist, as if still trying to eradicate the memory. “He dragged me into the family room and pointed out dust on the coffee table. How dare I be so trifling when he was working so hard to provide a living for us, he asked.” Kaden took the wrist she held and massaged it himself. “I apologized to him, Kaden, for being a disappointment. I actually apologized. Then, as I was cleaning the table with the rag he’d thrown at me, I saw what I’d become.” She shivered. “He told me it was a good thing I hadn’t gotten pregnant. I was too much of a failure to be a good mother. When I finally worked up enough courage to call home and asked for help, I swore I’d never sentence myself to that sort of degradation again.” 4


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Kaden struggled to keep his grip relaxed. Carefully speaking the words, he said, “I’m not Tim.” “No. You’re not.” Her gaze lowered to his hand. “And that may be worse.” Tenseness returned with her truthfulness—the truthfulness he respected and yet found agonizing. “What do you mean by that?” She remained silent. “Sierra, look at me.” After several long moments ticked by, she did. “You’re two times the man Tim was. You made me...” In her eyes, he spotted the clash of emotions, candidness battling hesitancy, making hazel eyes shimmer and flash, reflecting the burning flame. “You swept me away, Kaden, making me overlook my vow not to be involved with another man. And then when I...” “Had an orgasm?” Sierra nodded. “At least with Tim, I could keep that part of me hidden. But you—” She stared at him. “You didn’t stop until I was satisfied. I lost control, Kaden. You took it.” The bright side was, at least he had the same physical effect on her that she had on him. Not that it helped any. “Later, I told myself it was okay, that it was only a one-night stand, and I’d never have to see you again. Even when I found out I was carrying your child, I thought it was okay, that you wouldn’t want a family, that I was safe.” “You were wrong.” “Yes.” She shook her head, dislodging the strand he’d curled around his finger. “Don’t you see, Kaden? This will never work. I refuse to allow myself to lose control again, of who I am, become some man’s marionette.” He placed his hands on her shoulders. “You think that’s what I want? Sierra, if I wanted a trophy, I’d display the ones I won in the rodeo. I don’t need trophies on my shelves, and I sure as hell don’t need one on my arm.” “Good thing,” she responded. “Because that’s not who I am.” “Why did you think I was attracted to you in the first place? I like your vivaciousness, your receptiveness, your enthusiasm to live life to the 5


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fullest. I knew what I was getting into with you, Sierra. It was you I wanted, not some woman I could manipulate.” He leaned forward. “And having sex isn’t the same thing as losing control in a relationship.” “Maybe to you, but to me, they can’t be separated.” Kaden exhaled a frustrated breath. “Tim wasn’t a real man, and he didn’t know how to treat the woman he was fortunate enough to have. He didn’t deserve you. But let’s get one thing straight, once and for all, Sierra. You’re going to be my wife, not just someone to warm my bed and give me a hormonal release.” **** Looking into the earnestness reflected in the depths of his eyes, she nearly did lose herself. “I will do everything in my power to make certain you always feel you’re respected as my wife. We’re going into this marriage with our eyes wide open. There are no pretenses, no love. Even after you sell your place, you can keep the money. If you don’t want a joint checking account, that’s okay, but I’ll add you to mine and you won’t have to explain your purchases. We can draw up a prenuptial agreement if you’d like.” She stood up and moved away from him. “It’s not simple for me.” He shoved a hand through his hair, loosening the leather tie there. “I need to tell you something, Sierra.” He moved across the room and stood looking out the window, his back to her. “Something I’ve never shared with anyone else.” She paced the room, unable to contain the energy swirling within her. “My mother brought home a man one night when I was about eight.” The coarseness in Kaden’s voice halted her steps. She folded her arms across her chest, waiting. She’d never head this in his tone before, and defensiveness that cut through the years and exposed pain. “It was a few days before Christmas. Andy Dunn’s dad took me and Andy to the department store—they’d brought in a Santa Claus for the kids. When I climbed onto his lap, I told him that I wanted to meet my dad, find out who he was. I’d always wondered, figured Mom knew even if she’d listed his name as unknown on my birth certificate.” Sierra’s heart ached. “I was positive he’d like me if I could just meet him. I swore to God 6


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every night I’d be good, as long as I could have a daddy like Andy.” Sierra’s lungs seized painfully. “Then my mother brought home a man. Dave Cullooyah was his name. I’ll never forget it. He was tall, had dark hair like mine. His skin was bronze and his eyes dark, like mine. My mom was lighter skinned and had hazel eyes, so I thought...” Sierra placed a hand over her stomach. “You thought he was your father.” Kaden turned then. His eyes were as shattered as his voice. “Everyone I knew had a real family. Andy had the best. I was the only one who didn’t have a father.” He closed his eye briefly. “I called Dave Daddy. I knew Santa had brought me what I wanted more than anything. I ran up to the man, hugged him around the knees. I’d never been happier in my life.” Sierra braced herself for what was to come. She knew it couldn’t be good. “He hit me, telling me to get away from him, told me I was a no-good bastard.” “Oh, no!” Her heart twisted. “Oh, God!” “It gets better. Mom was horrified by my behavior. She yelled at me, slapped me herself—across my face. I never inquired about my father again and I stopped believing in Santa Claus. Degradation, Sierra? I’ve experience my share too.” In the blink of an eye, Sierra was in his arms, her hand between them, resting on his chest. His heart raced; his jaw was tight with what she knew was the effort of keeping his feelings locked away. He lowered his head, and she offered her mouth, wanting to help him to forget. No man had ever shown her this sort of soul-baring truthfulness, and it stripped her defenses. His kiss switched back and forth between soft and comforting, probing and commanding. “We’ll figure out how to make it work between us,” he stated when she swayed against him, on the edge of succumbing. “But I won’t allow my kid to grow up without a normal family.” He didn’t say another word, but left her, slamming the door behind him and making her jump. She hurt for the boy he’d been. But the man he’d become at times frightened her. Sierra crossed the room to where the ring still lay abandoned on the 7


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floor. She picked up the ring and ran her index finger over the band. Why did a simple piece of jewelry represent so much? She had spent several years trying to forget Tim. Until now, she thought she’d been successful. But Kaden had unearthed the scars that were there, scars that pushed through time and ripped a hole in the future. Kaden’s words reverberated throughout her. She’d heard the pain he hadn’t wanted to reveal and wondered how much more was there and how deeply in was buried. He’d lost his own innocence at age eight, then a few years ago, lost the baby he’d thought was his, a child he loved. He’d fight her, she knew. He had no choice. And because this was also her baby, she had to do the right thing, too. She’d been in Jacob’s nursery, had seen the book Kaden had been reading. He’d even offered to stay home with the baby and take turns with changing diapers and feeding time. If she were to ever special order a daddy for her child, it would be someone like Kaden. He’d be a great father, no doubt. Sierra held the gem to the light. Was it possible for her to be both a wife and mother without losing herself again? Did she have any option but to try? No matter how hard she looked at the ring, no magical answers reflected back at her. **** He knew he’d used every option he had. There was no way he could force Sierra to marry him. But he’d prayed he could convince her. Candidness had been his last hope. He’d ensconced the memories of his mother and that Christmas—the same year he’d gotten coal in his stocking for ruining his mother’s relationship with Dave Cullooyah. Revealing his past had taken bucket loads of bravery, but Sierra was worth it, this battle was worth it. Her doubts were concrete, something he wanted to gather up and throw away. That meant he had to court her, prove to her he wasn’t the brute she’d once been married to. Kaden needed restraint, needed to be less stubborn. He had to do what he could. Because this time, he would not lose his child.

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“Where am I supposed to go?” she asked. “Your shop.” Sierra narrowed her eyes. He rested against the doorjamb, not entering the room. It was definitely a good sign that she hadn’t gone back to her own room and locked the door. She put down the magazine she’d been staring at. “Why?” “Because I know you’re about to have a fit over wondering how your cousin in coping without you.” “I don’t believe you, Kaden.” He exhaled loudly. “No scrupulous agendas, I promise.” He wondered how he didn’t flinch at the white lie. “Besides, I figured we need some more food with the way we both eat. Unless you’d like to stay here while I got to town?” “I just need to get my purse.” The magazine fell off the table the couch to the floor, falling open to the centerfold. “One hundred and one ways to improve your love life?” “That’s not the article I was reading,” she responded, refusing to meet his gaze while heat traveled up her neck. “Too bad. I was wondering what number thirty-five was.” “Number thirty-five?” “My lucky number.” She took the magazine from him and scanned the article before throwing it back on the couch. Her cheeks turned a darker hue of red and he laughed, determined to find out what number thirty-five was, and more importantly, practice it. Hell, maybe they could try all of the ideas, not that their love life needed a lot of improvement. That one night had boggled his mind. If it got any better, Kaden wondered if they would ever leave their bed. He entered the garage, then opened the passenger door of his SUV. “I thought you only had the truck.” “There’re a few things you don’t know about me yet, Sierra. But I’ll tell you anything you want to know.” He offered her a hand up. “I can step up by myself.” “Yes, I know. But I want to assist you.” 9


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She frowned. “Assist, Sierra. Assist.” Lowering his voice, he added, “It’s okay to accept assistance. Besides, didn’t your mother ever tell you your face would freeze like that?” “Like what?” “A permanent frown.” “No. I never frowned when I was growing up. And I’m not frowning now.” Their faces were only centimeters apart. “You’re frowning.” “I’m not.” While she debated, he ran his thumb over her lip. She gasped in shocked. “Now you’re not frowning. Up into the SUV, Sierra.” She didn’t debate any further. Round one to him. He had her off kilter, and he’d touched her twice without her trying to escape. That left him feeling pretty jovial. Several minutes later, the feeling was fading. Assisting her cousin, Sierra was clearly in her element. There was a short line of people, and while he leaned against one of the counters, she started waiting on customers, writing up an order to ship out of town, then helping Flora Trier pick out a dress that would flatter her complexion and figure. The woman was a major pain in the— With a look in the older woman’s direction, he broke off the unpleasant thought. Even though Flora was finicky, Sierra didn’t bat an eye. At the back of the clothing shop, women everywhere, he was suddenly self-conscious of being male and out of place in an all women store. He was left out of the conversation until the sheriff’s wife, Ida Fay, walked in. Then he became the topic of discussion. He decided he preferred being excluded. “Well, young lady, has Kaden come to his senses yet and proposed marriage?” the woman inquired. Kaden looked directly at Sierra. Intuitively, she’d met his gaze and he mouthed, “I’ll handle it” to her. “I’ll let you in on a little secret, Ida,” he started. “Nothing would make me happier than to marry Sierra Walker. She’s an exquisite woman with a big caring heart. But it’s her choice. If and when there’s a date set, you’ll be one of the first to know.” 10


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Ida patted her immaculate hair. “I’ll hold you to that.” Sierra gave the woman the bag that had been held back for her, and Kaden exchanged a knowing look with his bride-to-be. A short time later, the store finally thinned out. Since Eve was at the back, he and Sierra were left alone. “What do you think you’re doing?” she asked. “What are you talking about?” “Don’t play coy with me, Kaden Stasso.” She stepped from behind the counter to poke a finger in his chest. He’d seen insulted, agitated, unhappy, gentle, but this... Her eyes flashed fire and her tone held a note of tautness he couldn’t define. She aroused him to no end. “Why did you tell Ida there’s no date, and it’s up to me if and when we get married?” “Oh, that.” “Yes. That. Start explaining, mister.” “The date could change.” “It could?” “I’d marry you this weekend, if you’d agree. Who knows? We could elope.” “We will do no such thing,” she replied. “I could kidnap you. It would give Ida something to gossip about for years to come.” Sierra tilted her head back, her dark hair falling away from her face, framing it. After a long, exasperated sigh, she looked at him. “You’re incorrigible.” “I do my best.” “And what’s the deal with me being an exquisite woman and nothing making you happier than us getting married?” “You are exquisite.” He captured one of her hands and raised it to his mouth. “Kaden! Stop it.” “Stop what? Kissing you?” “No, the wacky statements.” “Then I can kiss you?” “Yes. No!” She jerked her hand away. “You’re irritating me.” He laughed. 11


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“So,” Eve said, exiting from the back and laying a stack of skirts on the counter. “Looks like love. What are the wedding plans?” “You too?” Sierra gasped. “It’s the bride’s right to plan the wedding,” Kaden chimed in. “And she doesn’t want to set the date.” “What?” Eve said, eyes widened in shock. “I know you’re still not thinking of trying to raise this baby on your own.” Kaden crossed his arms over his chest. Frazzled, Sierra pulled the ponytail band she always had on one wrist off and pulled her untamed hair back. “Especially when this wonderful man just told the entire town he wants to marry you.” “Thank you,” he said to Eve, smiling. “He’s not wonderful,” Sierra replied. “You wound me.” “You hush up.” After scowling at him, she scowled at her cousin. “I came here today to get away.” “And disobey doctor’s orders?” He’d have to send Eve a gift, thanking her for the support. “If you get married soon, we can make your dress from a simple design, but it will still be elegant. Otherwise, we might have to order a special one.” “I’m not wearing a wedding gown. I did that once, remember?” “Mistakes don’t count,” Eve retorted. “When do you want to start looking at patterns?” Sierra looked to Kaden for assistance. Deciding to be Mr. Wonderful, he stepped in. “She can get married in anything she wants. She’d look beautiful in a potato sack.” “And where’s your ring?” Eve asked, ignoring his sack suggestion. “Kaden said he asked you to marry him.” “I haven’t accepted it yet.” Kaden saw the heat creeping up Sierra’s face. “When Sierra’s ready, she’ll show you the ring.” “Did you get one, too?” “Of course. I am definitely an equal opportunity wedding ring wearer.” Eve smiled, then pulled her younger cousin into her arms. “I’m 12


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worried about you, you know.” Kaden shifted from foot to foot. He had no siblings, no parents, no relatives. Except for Colby, Andy, and Andy’s parents, Kaden had been close to no one for most of his life. The caring family bond between Eve and Sierra didn’t make him uneasy, just an interloper. “He’s not Tim,” Eve whispered. Kaden turned his head, pretending great interest in a shirt—a tunic, he’d been told. His nerves were stretched thin as he waited for Sierra to confirm or negate. “I know.” “You take good care of my cousin,” Eve instructed, looking directly into Kaden’s eyes. “Or you’ll have to answer to me.” He tipped an imaginary hat. “Wouldn’t dream of doing anything else.” Sierra moved away when Eve said, “Go home. Doctor said you needed to rest, not work. Doesn’t that fiancé of yours know any better?” “She’s tenacious,” he murmured to Sierra a couple minutes later when he was assisting her back into the SUV. “Yes, she is,” Sierra agreed, grinning indulgently. For a minute, he wished he’d had a family member who cared. “Since we’re in town, would you like to grab something?” “Food?” “As much as you can consume.” “You may live to regret those words.” “Try me,” he said, sliding behind the wheel and turning the key. He put the manual transmission into reverse, then felt his heart skip a beat when her hand covered his. It was the first time she’d reached out to him unprovoked. “Thank you for today—for being patient. I—I know this has to be agitating for you.” “Sierra—” “No, wait,” she said, scrambling the words together. “I need to say this. You’re right about everything, about out child never having to worry about who Daddy is—not that I would have let that occur. And...” She drew her hand back and looked at him. “I’m ready.” He eased the transmission back to park. “Ready?” She fumbled with the seatbelt. “To wear your ring and tell everyone we’re getting married.” 13


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Marriage to Sierra would be many things, he knew. Boring wouldn’t be one of them. Trying to hold back his excitement, the protective surge that rushed through him, he took her shoulders in his hands, touching her, he hoped, with tenderness and assurance. “You won’t regret this.” She pulled her lower lip between her teeth. And then before he could stop himself, he leaned in closer, determined to take away the apprehension and pain, and to hell with anyone who was looking.

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Chapter Seven “Don’t you know it is bad luck to see the bride before the wedding?” Eve chastised. “I’m not a traditional kind of guy,” Kaden retorted through the closed guest room door. “You are when it benefits you,” Sierra replied. “Come on, Sierra, have a little empathy.” “Empathy?” She was softening. He heard the accidence in her voice. “Empathy for what?” “I’m dying of nerves out here.” He heard the women whispering. His insides were wound tighter than a door spring. He was desperate to assure himself she wouldn’t change her mind. The last three weeks had been the longest of his life as he’d struggled with anxiety over the possibility she’d walk out on him, turning her back on the things that mattered to him the same way his mother, then Leah, had done. It didn’t matter how many times he told himself Sierra had principle. Dubiousness hovered, tormenting. About a week ago, Sierra had moved back home and gotten her house ready for sale. He’d actually courted his bride-to-be, and they’d gone to every restaurant in town. She wore his ring, but hadn’t responded directly when he asked if she wore it even when they weren’t together. They’d finalized their wedding plans—for a simple ceremony performed by Vernon Miller. They’d be married in Kaden’s home—in the living room—a place where, to Kaden’s astonishment, Sierra felt at ease. Andy Dunn would be his best man. Sierra’s cousin would be her maid of honor. Their only other guests would be Andy’s parents, Colby Blake, Hillary Dunn, and Sierra’s parents—patents who had asked him what his intentions were a thousand different ways before they finally blessed the union. “You can talk to her.” Eve grudgingly gave in, cracking the door open. “But you can’t see her.” Telling himself that at least she was in the guest bedroom and wasn’t 1


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threatening to escape, he agreed. Fabric rustled, then gently, very gently, Sierra said, “I’m here.” His heart began to race. “I was scared you wouldn’t be.” He hadn’t planned to admit that to anyone, not even Andy.” “Big, bad Kaden Stasso?” He hadn’t felt that way in the last forty-eight hours. “I wanted to give you something before we get married.” “Kaden—” “Just open your hand. Trust me,” he insisted when she didn’t immediately do it. Finally, she did, and he noticed her nails were painted a subtle red that reminded him, instantly and painfully, of the one night they’d shared. She’d had painted fingernails then, too, along with painted toenails. His stomach clenched, and he wondered how he’d get through the next few hours. He took the old, battered button from his pocket and put it in her palm, then cupped her fingers closed. “It’s the only thing I could think of,” he mumbled. He felt like an idiot talking to a wooden door, felt even more idiotic giving the memento to her. “It fell off my favorite jacket when I was eleven. It’s been my good luck charm ever since. I wanted you to have it.” He wished he had a family heirloom to give her, something from his history that meant a lot and would represent a symbol of their commitment to each other. But his mother had only been committed to whichever man would have her. Sierra pulled her hand inside the room, and more than anything, he wanted to see her expression. Would she laugh the way Leah had any time he’d attempted to express himself? “Kaden, I—I don’t know what to say.” He closed his eyes. “I am deeply moved by this.” “You are?” The door opened a little wider. “Sierra! Don’t let him see you!” She didn’t pay any attention to her cousin, pulling the door a fraction of an inch wider. Her eyes met his, and their deep breaths spoke words she never would. 2


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His heart started to beat again. Sierra wasn’t laughing at him. More, she seemed to know how much the simple gift meant. “I’ll keep it safe. I promise.” He believed her. “Thank you, Kaden.” He grinned, and the worry eating at him disappeared. Not about to resist, he brought her hand to his lips, and brushed a light kiss there. Even that was enough to rekindle the desire he’d done his best to put on the back burner. “Hey, man. Vernon’s ready for you,” Andy stated, coming down the hallway. Andy placed a hand on Kaden’s shoulder, and the tightening in his gut returned, surging through him spreading all over his skin. “The two of you can sweet talk and kiss each other all night long, after the nuptials,” Andy continued. “But you’ve got guests. Say goodbye for now.” “Bye,” she whispered. Before he had the chance to respond, she smiled, then closed the door. “I gave her my lucky button,” Kaden said. Andy arched a brow in his direction. “This is serious.” “She didn’t make fun of me.” Andy stopped walking, forcing Kaden to stop as well. “Did you think that she would?” “Sierra? No.” “You’re a lucky man. Awesome woman like that, great dancer, in love with you—” “Love?” Kaden repeated. “She’s not in love with me.” “You’re kidding me, right?” “We are getting married because of the baby. No other reason.” Andy mumbled a word that Ruth Dunn would have washed his mouth out for. “Then why did you give her the only thing in this world that has any significance to you?” “Because—ah, damn, Andy, don’t make something of it that isn’t there.” “After the honeymoon, give me a call. We’ll have a couple of beers, talk about your stupidity.” “This isn’t the real thing.” 3


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“Stubborn jackass. You wouldn’t know the real thing if it jumped up and bit you in the ass. You do anything to hurt her and friend or no friend, I’ll rearrange your limbs myself.” “You won’t need to.” “Yeah. I believe you.” Andy smiled. Every since Andy had married Hillary, he’d become protective of all women. Sometimes Kaden barely recognized his old friend. Who’d have thought it? Andy, of all people. That’s what love did to men—made fools out of them. And Kaden Stasso had sworn he’d never be a food again. That determination didn’t prevent his heart from going into overdrive when he saw the pastor and their guests in the living room. Sierra’s mother clutched a handkerchief like she had the night she and her husband had traveled to Kaden’s home to pay him a visit. His vow to take care of their daughter, along with his promise to Andy, echoed in Kaden’s head. He had no intention of harming Sierra, ever. But creeping in behind that thought was the awareness that he’d never believed his relationship with Leah would dissolve either. Marriage was a heck of a commitment, but one he was willing to make. “Last chance to change your mind,” Andy stated softly. “My child will have my name.” Andy smiled and nudged his friend as they made their way into the living room. “I thought so.” Several moments later, at a signal from Reverend Miller, Kaden turned to see Eve coming down the stairs. But he couldn’t stop straining for a glimpse at Sierra. Standing at the landing, she didn’t disappoint. Moreover, she shocked him. Her eyes, wide, hazel and bright, sought his. Without saying a word, she communicated how big a step this was for her. With a nod, he tried to reassure her, let her know he wouldn’t let her down. Her attempt at a smile failed miserably. One hand wrapped around the banister, she gradually began her descent. Her free hand clutched a bouquet of flowers. She wore a sparkling crystal and pearl hairpiece. He wanted to pluck it from the beautiful dark tresses, replace it with his fingers. He’d overhead Eve and 4


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Sierra discussing the design of the dress Sierra was going to wear, but he’d been ill-prepared for the way it would look on her. It made it difficult for him to breathe. A Grecian chiffon-style gown fell in soft folds from a beaded empire waist. The scoop neck and spaghetti straps were also edged with beads. The fluid skirt featured a split front and sweeping train. Beneath the fold of the dress, he spotted the slight curve of her stomach where his child grew, and his blood heated. Instantly, Kaden’s patience disappeared. Leaving his designated spot, he made his way to her, meeting her at the bottom of the stairs and offering his arm. “Thank you,” she said, peering up at him through her never ending eyelashes. “For coming to get me. It looked like a football field length away to cross the living room.” “Sierra, I’ll always come to you.” Even though she held the flowers, she grazed the curve of his cheek. Yearning swept through him. After today, she’d belong to him. She’d touch him more often, know she had that right. And he’d touch her. “I’m glad I let Eve talk me into the dress.” “Even if you’ve already worn one before?” “Yes. I believe you also said I would look beautiful in it.” “You do.” “I agree.” “You’re admitting I’m right?” She licked her upper lip, removing some of the brownish-red gloss. He couldn’t wait to kiss the rest away. “You might have had a good idea,” she stated. “Come on, Sierra, admit it. I was right.” “Everyone’s capable, once.” He smiled. “The suit was a good idea, as well.” “I’ve been told I clean up well.” “You don’t look that bad even when...” “Yes?” “Never mind.” The heated flush that tinted her cheeks was adorable. “I’m ready,” she whispered. 5


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Her hand tucked into the protective crook of his arm, they walked toward the fireplace. His heart sparking an emotional response that made his words fluctuate, Kaden recited his vows—vows they’d written, along with Vernon’s assistance. There was no promise to love or to obey. Instead, they swore they’d allow each other to be their own person. Each promised to honor and be faithful. In his opinion, those were the important things. Sierra said her oath earnestly, staring into his eyes the entire time. He slid her ring onto her finger without her pulling away. And then she placed a plain gold band on his finger, and the tables were turned. He felt the weight of their commitment and realized that this wouldn’t be like his first marriage, where trust had been destroyed. This would have no pretenses and truth would be a must. More importantly, he’d make it work, no matter what it took. Vernon pronounced them husband and wife, then added, “You may kiss your bride.” Kaden did. **** And it wasn’t the chaste customary kiss she had prepared for. He took off his hat and drew her into his arms, pulling her close, closer than they’d been since the night he’d slowly removed each article of clothing from her body, baring her to him. Oblivious to the people around them, she responded to his kiss, going up on her tiptoes and wrapping her arms around his neck. Even as she submitted, she also dominated. Andy clapped, Eve cheered, her parents sighed, Hillary clasped her hands over her heart, Vernon Miller smiled indulgently, and Colby shifted uncomfortably. And when Sierra looked at Kaden, it was to see a crooked grin that could melt stone. It didn’t matter that her stomach turned every way but right side up; she returned his smile. In this moment, life was perfect. And she wouldn’t let anything take that feeling, not even her own insecurities. Kaden lasted about half an hour before drawing her into a corner and inquiring about how long he had to put up with all of these people. “And to think you wanted a huge church wedding?” 6


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“Must have suffered a momentary lapse of sanity. So how long, Sierra?” She licked her lips, looking over at her parents. They’d already given their blessing. She’d mingled with their guests. “How about now?” With a big smile, he swept her off her feet, into his arms, holding her against his chest. “Kaden! Put me down! You’ll hurt your back.” “Then you’ll have to rub it for me.” She grabbed hold of his shoulders as he turned in the direction of the door. “Please stay and enjoy yourselves,” he told their guest. “We’ve got a honeymoon to get to.” Amid shouts of well wishes, he carried her outside to the waiting vehicle. Somehow, it had been decorated with cans, streamers and messages, one saying, Honk! Just Married! “Payback for me doing this to Andy’s truck a year ago,” Kaden muttered, trying to open the door and hold onto her at the same time. Even the inside of the vehicle had been decorated with balloons and confetti. He finally managed to get the door open, and she brushed confetti from the seat, laughing for the first time in a long time. Ever since she’d found out she was expecting, she’d been through an infinite amount of different emotions—excitement, indecision about if she was good enough, amazement. A balloon swayed with the wind and bumped up against her head. This was enjoyable, extremely exhilarating. Kaden held onto her, even after he’d slid her onto the seat. “Now what’s this about a honeymoon?” she questioned. “Surprise.” “You meant it?” “Of course.” “But I didn’t pack any clothes.” “I had Eve take care of everything you’ll need.” “Everything?” “Toothbrush, deodorant, shampoo, swimsuit—” “Swimsuit?” “Yes. A bikini.” He winked at her. “Unless you’re a person that likes 7


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skinny dipping.” “As in naked?” “I know no other definition.” “When I’m already starting to show?” “With our child, therefore, I can’t think of anything sexier.” A hot chill traveled up her spine. If she didn’t stay on her guard, this man might steal her heart. “Where are we going?” she asked, the words almost a whisper. “The Haymoon Ranch Resort.” “I haven’t heard of it.” “Then you’re in for a special treat.” He shut the door, then fought the balloons himself as he climbed in beside her. “Kaden?” “Yes?” “You didn’t say that you had Eve pack me any clothes or pajamas.” He snapped his fingers. “Ah, hell. I knew I forgot something.” “You’re kidding, right?” “Yes. But I like the way you blush.” Gathering the balloons, she tied the strings together and held them in front of her, then attempted to keep the color arrangement away from the rearview mirror. They didn’t make it to the edge of town before flashing lights appeared behind them. Kaden pulled over and rolled down the window, only to have two wayward balloons escape Sierra’s attempt to catch them. They flew out and one floated up into the sky while the other caught on Sheriff Wilfred Fay’s badge. A loud pop sounded in the air, then the green remains fell to the ground. “Sorry about that, Sheriff,” Kaden said. Sierra giggled. Kaden turned to her, struggling to contain his own laughter, warming her insides. It was a moment she’d never shared with another man. Like it or not, she was making memories with him. And very gradually, they replaced the ones Tim had left behind. Tim wouldn’t have found any humor in this situation and would have been pissed off at being pulled over. More and more, she saw how dissimilar the men were. “Please don’t tell me you won’t be coming to the boys’ game night 8


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anymore,” Wilfred said, pulling out his citation book. “Not unless Sierra gets tired of me being home.” “Sorry, Fred. You’ll have to find someone else.” “First Andy, now you.” Wilfred shook his head. “Is there something in the water in this town? I guess as long as we’ve still got Colby, there’s still hope.” “I think you’re pretty safe there,” Kaden retorted “Just wanted to congratulate you both. Oh, and keep those balloons out of the way of the mirrors. Wouldn’t want you driving while preoccupied.” “Yes, sir, Sheriff Fay.” Wilfred tipped his hat, pocketed his citation book, then headed back to his cruiser. “Where to now?” Sierra inquired, biting back a laugh. “Just settle in. We have a little drive ahead of us.” Three hours later, they arrived at the resort. “This is wonderful.” Sierra said to Kaden. “I’m glad you like it.” “The smell of the pine trees makes me think of Christmas,” she murmured, even though the holiday was months away. “We’ll have a baby to spoil on Christmas morning,” he replied. “I know. I can’t wait.” She gasped with surprise when he swept her up into his arms, the skirt of her dress hanging over his arm. Their host, Yalena, rushed in front of them to open the door to their cabin and wish them all the best, then disappeared so he could carry his bride over the threshold in private. He paused there, giving Sierra a kiss and a look that made her feel like the most special woman on earth. With her heart racing, she closed the door behind them. A can of whipped cream sat in a bucket of ice on one of the night stands. “Whipped cream?” “Number thirty-five,” he murmured. Her eyes widened. “Number thirty-five?” “From the magazine article. I thought we’d have a go at it.” She recalled number thirty-five. It involved a can of whipped cream, the body, and the man putting the whipped cream on places he wanted to remove it from. 9


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“Number sixty-nine was pretty intriguing, as well,” he stated. She forced her gaze away from the ice bucket. “We have our way with each other in a hot tub.” “A hot tub?” “You like those, don’t you?” “Yes, but—” “We have our own private tub, right off the room. The temperature has been set to one that won’t harm you or our baby. Best of all, you won’t need a swimsuit for number sixty-nine. He pulled open the curtain, showing her a private area enclosed by a wooden fence. Steam rose from the water, drifting skyward, and potted flowers bloomed along the walls. “Kaden, it’s lovely.” “You like it?” “Most definitely.” Caught up in the spectacular view rising up off in the distance, she confessed, “Just a little anxious.” He rested his hands on her shoulders, and turned her toward him. “We’ll do this at your tempo. If you don’t want to make love tonight, we won’t.” “And tomorrow night?” “Sierra, we’ll make love when you’re ready to.” “But—” “Hear me out,” he cut in. “I want to make love to my wife, want you to know you’re my wife in every sense of the word.” His gaze lowered. Casually, he skimmed her entire body, from her head to her toes. Without even touching her, she felt that heat in her stomach again, a feeling her ex-husband had never been able to elicit. “But I won’t do anything you don’t want. I know you don’t want to lose control, but I’ll do my best to show you that you can share yourself with me without losing yourself like you did with Tim. And I’ll tell you this, Sierra, I won’t make love to you until you ask me to.” A warm shiver raced down her spine, then up again. “And if I don’t?” “You’re giving and compassionate. You’ll ask, Sierra. You’ll ask.”

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Chapter Eight She trembled, knowing he was right. “You touched me earlier, on the face. Like this.” He grabbed one of her wrists and moved her hand to his cheek. She moved her fingers along his cheek, feeling the subtle, the strength in his jaw. “Now feel this.” She inhaled sharply, but he only moved her hand beneath his suit jacket to his chest, holding her palm against the rhythm of his heart. “Just your touch does that to me.” “You’re kidding.” “No, Sierra, I’m not. And the sound of your voice...” “My voice? I was told that I sound like a miserable old woman.” He chuckled. “More like an angel with a voice like no other.” “Now you’re joking.” “You think so?” He only pressed her hand closer. “Then why am I still responding to you?” She was saved from replying by a knock on the door. “Room service!” “Stay here and continue enjoying the view.” He handed the staff member some money, then returned to her with a bottle of champagne in a silver bucket and two crystal flutes. “No alcohol for me,” she stated apologetically. “It’s non-alcoholic.” “Do you think of everything?” “I’m doing my best.” She was succumbing. No doubt about it. When he wanted to, Kaden could charm. He had that first night until she’d lost all sense of herself. She couldn’t allow that to occur again. With a flicker of awareness, she knew she couldn’t prevent it. After he removed his jacket from his shoulders and laid it over the back of a chair, he loosened his tie, allowing the ends to dangle against the white of his shirt. Kaden removed the cufflinks, then rolled up the sleeves, revealing his powerful forearms. 1


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And the entire time, she couldn’t peel her eyes away. He uncorked the bottle and poured two glasses and offered one to her. He tipped his crystal glass in her direction. “To us—the three of us.” She touched the rim of her glass to his, then took a sip. To Sierra, it didn’t matter that there wasn’t any alcohol in the champagne. She still felt anxious and lightheaded, excited inside. At Andy and Hillary’s anniversary party, she blamed the drinks she’d had for her reaction to Kaden. Now she knew better. Kaden moved to the bed and sat on it. “Come join me.” Her knees knocked. He waited, remaining silent. Seconds turned into minutes. Finally, he stared at her solemnly, eyes clear and honest. “I’ve already told you you’ll have to ask me to make love to you.” “Ask?” “Ask,” he reiterated, in that low, masculine voice that sent hot chills through her. “I won’t ever do that.” “Never say never.” Kaden in this mood might drive her over the edge. Joking and charismatic? She didn’t stand a chance. “Why don’t you come join me?” he repeated. Her willpower shattered. “Bring you drink,” he encouraged when she went to set it on the nightstand. She sat down close to him, crossing her ankles in ladylike fashion. But she couldn’t forget the whipped cream. It sat just inside of her peripheral vision, a constant reminder of what he wanted to do. “You’re a lovely bride.” Looking at him, she laughed. “There you go again with those ludicrous statements.” “I don’t make ludicrous statements.” Her mind went blank. His brows bunched together. Kaden was being sincere. Heaven help her, she’d never had a man say she was lovely before. He trailed the pad of his thumb down her nose. “Perfection.” 2


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She tried to smile, but couldn’t get her muscles to cooperate. “And your lips…” He continued his examination. “Beautifully shaped.” “Thanks to the lovely invention of cosmetics.” “I’ve seen you without makeup before, Sierra. Can’t pull the wool over my eyes. I’ve seen every one of your secrets—uncovered them all.” “So you know my imperfections, as well?” “Yes, like the fact that you haven’t asked me to make love to you yet.” Tenseness swarmed her body. “I’ve told you that I’m not going to do that.” “Yes, you did. And your throat—” “Is very average,” she interrupted, holding the crystal flute even tighter. “I have to disagree with you.” “I give,” she conceded. “Not what I want.” Tension surged through her again. “Remember how I held your hand over my heart?” She nodded, not capable of ever forgetting that moment. With his fingers, he caressed the column of her throat. Her head tilted to the side against her better judgment. Kaden hesitated, his index finger resting on her throbbing pulse. “I can tell,” he said gently, leaning forward to gather her hair into his free hand, “if you’re affected by me.” She lifted her head and met his gaze. “I can tell if you like this.” He brushed a kiss across her jaw. “And this.” He grazed his knuckles across her lips. Her mouth fell open. She was failing. His caress on the pounding pulse in her neck warmed her skin, and her eyes fluttered closed. “Or maybe this.” He lowered his head and kissed the curve of her throat. She jumped and the champagne sloshed. Then, with a subtle move, he slid his hand across the front of her dress. Her eyes opened to see that his were veiled. This wasn’t a joke. He was determined and genuine, and her willpower was fading as she slipped into formidable territory. “It’s a pleasant throat,” he stated. “Very pleasant. And the tiara in your 3


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hair. It’s very nice. Can I take it out?” Her mind raced. “Is that okay?” “Yes.” He needed no further approval. With a few quick, succinct moves, the hairpiece was removed. “Much better,” he murmured appreciatively, his fingers threading through her hair as he combed out the layers, leaving the strands curling to frame her face. “Simply exquisite.” “I’m not exquisite.” “Yes, you are.” “Stuffy, homely—” “Now that’s ludicrous,” he interjected. He was so close, not even a hair’s breadth away. His scent overwhelmed her, that of wild nights and desire, a mixture that wrecked havoc on her perception. Kaden stroked her hair. “Stunning,” he said. “No question about it.” In that instant, for the first time in her life, she believe it, believed him. That she had an effect on Kaden, a man majority of the single women in town were infatuated with, astonished her. At the present time, he wasn’t making her feel as if this was a marriage he hadn’t wanted, that she was only a responsibility. To stop the craziness spreading through her like wildfire, she reminded herself that if there was no baby, she would have never seen him again. This was a marriage of convenience for him. The price of passion. Nothing more. And still, a rebellious part of her insisted he was staring at her as if he wanted her, not some other, nameless woman. Her. But wasn’t the accessibility of sex one of the main reasons men got married? Kaden made it clear he was no different in that respect. But he’d also said that if they made love, it would be on her terms and she’d name them. A thousand, maybe a million, contradictory thoughts raced through her head. “I like your dress,” he said. “I know I said I didn’t want to wear white, let alone a wedding dress, but when Eve showed me the design, it called to me.” “You made a wonderful choice. I recall...” 4


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She remained quiet. “At Andy and Hillary’s anniversary party, you wore a black satin dress, a hot little number with a low-cut back.” “We’d just finished making the dress. I’d never worn anything like that before.” “It was perfect. And underneath it you had on black panties and not much else.” “Kaden!” “And that makes me curious about—” “What I have on beneath this.” “Yes.” Who was this courageous man? she pondered. She’d never participated in any type of sexual teasing exchange with a man. “So, are you going to tell me, or do I have to guess?” Her bravery was running out. “I’ll guess then,” he stated a moment later. “Hand me your glass.” “My glass?” “Yes. I don’t want you spilling anything on your beautiful dress.” Kaden, keeping her off kilter as usual, moved away, then reached for the pillows and placed them against the headboard. “What does this have to do with you guessing?” “You’ll find out in just a moment. Now do me a favor and move up here.” He held out his hand. A few heartbeats later, she lay back comfortably among the pillows. “Let me have your feet.” “Why?” “So I can take off your shoes.” She inhaled sharply as he slipped off the first shoe. His lucky button fell out, and he slid it onto the bedside table. “I wanted to keep it with me,” she whispered. “For luck.” He grinned, and she was glad she had kept it. Kaden tugged off her other shoe and dropped it on the floor next to the first. “What is it?” she asked when he stared at her quietly. He didn’t respond, but shifted until he was at the end of the bed, her feet in his lap. “You’re looking!” she complained. 5


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“That wouldn’t be fair.” He started rubbing her feet with firm but gentle strokes. The bones in her body felt as though that instantly dissolved. “Please don’t start something you can’t finish,” she murmured. “It’d be easier if you took off your stockings.” “I’m not going to start taking off my clothes for you.” “I thought I’d give it a shot. Beige.” “Beige?” “Underwear. Cotton. Briefs that cover you all the way up to your belly button.” She shook her head. “Red.” “Underneath a white dress?” “Good point. Black.” She laughed. “Of course not.” “Pink.” Sierra arched a dark brow in Kaden’s direction. “Pink, really?” “Since you matched at Andy and Hillary’s anniversary party, you probably did the same thing for our wedding. You have to be wearing white, Sierra.” Her brow lowered back down to its normal position. “So tell me about your panties. Satin? Cotton? I’ve heard cotton is the most breathable fabric.” She didn’t want to relax. Hadn’t intended to. But she couldn’t resist. “You heard that, did you?” “Well, read it, actually, in your magazine.” “And what else did you read?” she asked. “I saw in next month’s issue they’ll have an article on a hundred and one ways a man can drive a woman wild in bed.” She’d bet a foot rub was in the top ten. “I think you should subscribe to the magazine.” “Kaden, you don’t need any advice or suggestions.” He stopped in mid rub. “I don’t?” She hadn’t meant to reveal that. “What did you like best about that night?” Her toes twitched. “I’ll do it again, if I just know how you like to be pleasured.” She was close to melting into a puddle of desire. 6


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“Lace,” he continued. She frowned, trying to follow him. “You’re panties. Are they lace?” “Yes.” His growled response was low, feral and sensual. She quivered. “Tell me about your bra—does it cover your breasts?” “It’s strapless but full-coverage.” “Meaning?” “It sort of gives me a pushed up look, making my...” She wished she had her champagne in her hand. Her level of thirst had intensified. “Breasts look fuller?” Instantly, her nipples hardened and her breasts felt full, pushing against the fabric of her bra. “Yes.” He started rubbing her feet again, but she felt the tension bunch in his thighs, heard it building in his words. “So, is it lacy?” “Yes.” “I’m not sure this was a good idea,” he said, his voice raspy, like something dragging over gravel. “Told you there was nothing boring and predictable about you, Sierra. Beneath the surface you reveal a woman wanting to experience life—all of it. You proved that at Andy and Hillary’s party.” He was too intuitive. Maybe that was one of the reasons he scared her so much. Kaden continued the wonderful massage, then rubbed a little higher, to her ankles, then her calves. The skin of his work-roughened fingertips put a run in her panty hose. “Sorry,” he said. “You were right. I should have removed them.” “It’s not too late.” “Kaden—” “I want to help you relax, rub your back, your shoulders. But there’s no pressure, Sierra. Your pace.” He was asking for so much more, she knew. If she started to take off clothes for him, she wondered if she’d be able to stop. “Were you being sincere when you said I’d have to ask?” He studied her closely, as if trying to read her expression for the answer she wanted to hear. 7


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“Yes, Sierra, I was.” His hand tightened around her leg. “You’ll have to tell me, Sierra. It might be one of the most challenging things I have ever done, but I promise, unless you tell me, unless you say yes, unless you nod, I won’t make love to you.” Having that sort of power was evenly startling and exciting. She had to take accountability for her own actions, couldn’t say she’d been swept away, that she didn’t have a clear head. She’d done that once before. Clearly, he didn’t want her running off again. “If I take off my stockings, will you swear not to look?” “Sierra, you test me.” The words came out on a growl and a pulse ticked in his jaw. “I’ll close my eyes.” She slipped off the bed, squirmed out of the restrictive pantyhose and dropped them on the floor next to her shoes. “Do you have on a slip?” Her head jerked up, expecting to find his eyes open, but they were closed and his head was turned. It had been a lucky guess. “Yes. I have on a strapless one.” “Good. Take your dress off too.” “I can’t.” “Sierra—” “There’s a zipper on the back of the dress, Kaden.” “Would you like for me to undo it for you?” When she released a pent up breath, he added, “I’ll still be completely dressed. How dangerous can that be?” Tremendously, she knew. Yet the idea of a massage appealed to her. She’d had a full body massage once, and nearly dissolved into a puddle on the floor. And she had just married this man a few hours ago. If he was offering a massage with no-strings attached, she’d be crazy to turn it down. “Okay, Kaden.” Courageously, before she could change her mind, she turned away from him. Without a sound, he moved behind her, made quick work of the zipper then moved away. A quick glance over her shoulder told her he’d resumed his position on the bed and closed his eyes again. She quickly stepped out of the dress and put it away neatly before adjusting her slip, as if it would be any protection. She rejoined him on the bed, her pulse racing at the sound of his sharp inhalation. “Exquisite,” he whispered approvingly. 8


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She pulled a pillow over her chest. “Roll over,” he said. She did, reveling in the feel of the sensation of his hands created, the way he gently worked at the muscles. After a couple of minutes, she forgot to be wary. It would be easy to think he didn’t threaten her. That thought evaporated when his hands slid up her inner thighs and then worked on her buttocks. Extreme heat—nothing to do with relaxation—rushed through her, tightened her insides. “Relax,” he commanded softly, as if reading her mind. It was too late. She’d felt his touch, remembered her response to his caress. She stiffened, her nipples tight buds, her breasts heavy, her stomach tight with expectation and—heaven help her—interest. She craved him, every bit as much as she wanted not to want him. “Sierra?” Her first time with Kaden had been a one-night stand, her response out of the ordinary. So why then did she feel this urge to reach for him, to ask him to make love to her? “Do you want me to stop?” “Yes. No. I...” “Roll over, look at me.” Hesitantly, she did. “Talk to me.” “I’m...” Dying from mortification. This was a consummation of so many things—of his kindness, his humility, his passion, his touch. It was about so much more than sex. “Sierra?” “I can’t say the words,” she responded softly. Silence, interrupted only with their rapid breathing, filled the room. “What are you saying? That you want me to stop touching you?” “No.” “Sierra, I didn’t do this as a way to get you around so that I could have sex with you.” “I know. I just didn’t know that I could really...um...well...” She tried to look away only to have him reach out and turn her face back to his. “I actually want to make love.” His eyes narrowed. “Sierra, I’m only a man. And what you’re saying 9


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to me is making me hard, quickly. If you want to make love, tell me.” Trying to convince herself that this was only to make their marriage of convenience work, she moistened her dry lips by licking them. “Do I hear a yes?” he asked, his hand trembling where he touched her. Kaden wasn’t giving her a chance to run or hide. And she knew how much her answer mattered to both of them. Looking deep into his eyes, she said truthfully, “Yes.” The look he bestowed upon her, combined with the gradual, seductive smile, made her swallow hard. “This is the effect you have on me.” This time, he didn’t place her hand on his chest, but below his waist, where she felt him rigid beneath her hand. He wanted her. With that realization came a surge of power. She’d never experienced anything like this, never thought things would turn around so much that this didn’t feel like a wifely duty. He removed his hand from her face and the other from his erection. Then, standing, he helped her to her feet, gradually sliding his hand down to skim over the tips of her breasts trough the fabric of the slip. She exhaled the small amount of breath still in her lungs and then reached for his tie, pulling on the ends and letting it fall to the floor, on top of her ruined nylons and shoes. “I’d be happy to,” he stated, grabbing the hem of the thin garment and pulling it over her head.

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Chapter Nine Sierra inhaled sharply when he dropped her slip onto the floor in the blink of an eye. He almost did the same at the sight of her. His insides were drawn as tight as a barbed-wire fence. But he had to be patient. Even if it killed him. She made a move to cover herself, but he grabbed her hands. “No,” he stated softly. With great hesitance, her gaze met his, seeking comfort. “I want to see you, all of you.” “But—” “Don’t forget we’ve done this before.” “Not this way,” she replied. “I don’t want you hiding under the covers or trying to cloak yourself in darkness.” “It’s still light out,” she said. Sierra smiled at him, but it wobbled. “The idea’s still the same,” he responded. “Is that what you truly want?” He captured both her wrists with one hand and tilted her chin back with his index finger. “To hide yourself from me like you did the last time?” She squeezed her eyes shut. “Don’t try to shut me out, Sierra.” “I’m not,” she countered. “I don’t want to.” “Then let me see you, touch you, taste you.” After a deep shudder made its way up her spine, she did her best to relax. Kaden let go of her hands and she lowered them to her sides. “Lovely,” he said appreciatively. The strapless bra supported her, yet revealed the smooth skin of her cleavage. Through the white fabric, he saw the rise of her nipples. She was turned on like him. He inhaled deeply. Softly, he drew the material across one tip, hearing her cry out. She was sensitive, more so than the last they’d been together. “Will you take your bra off for me?” Leisurely, without a verbal response, she reached for the fastening. 1


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Kaden stared, enjoying the sight of her. She dropped the undergarment. He praised her silently when she lifted her chin, shaking her hair back from her face and meeting his gaze. Kaden couldn’t hold the intense look between the two of them for long. He had to see her body. “You’re breasts are fuller.” She drew her bottom lip in between her teeth. “Exquisite,” he murmured. “And the area around your nipples, it’s darker.” “Yes.” Cupping her breasts in his hands, he brushed his thumbs across her tips. Her head tipped to one side, her dark hair sliding across her neck. He replaced his thumbs with stokes of his tongue, and she moaned softly. Then he drew one peak into his mouth, suckling there. Sierra reached for him, her fingers digging into his upper arm and grabbing his dress shirt. It was no longer sufficient. “I want you naked for me,” he demanded, his voice husky. With fingers feeling more like extra thumbs, he fumbled with undressing her the rest of the way, pushing the panties over her hips and down her legs. Sierra kicked free of the fabric and reached for him again. “Wait,” he requested. “Let me look at you.” She did. He started with her breasts, the way the areolas had darkened and the nipples had lengthened. He slowly worked his way down to the slight swell of her stomach, then the curve of her hips, and ended at her feet. Then looking wasn’t enough and he crouched down, brushed a kiss across her abdomen before reaching out to place his hand there, feeling for their unborn child. When her knees gave out, he slid an arm beneath her legs and carried her to the bed. Tonight of all nights, he wanted to be the ultimate seducer. He’d had patience that first night. Maybe it was because she’d hidden underneath the covers and he hadn’t seen her stand proudly before him, hadn’t noticed her reactions, which said she was ready for him. Instead, she’d kept the light off and he’d used all his skills to pleasure her, thinking of her and only her. Now... Now she lived in his home—their home, kept a door closed between 2


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them at night, even though he could hear her shower, knew when she was washing, rubbing a towel over her damp body, changing her clothes... He’d had weeks of feeling unrelenting desire—and had been celibate. That particular type of patience wouldn’t last much longer. He wouldn’t last much longer. “This isn’t fair,” she complained. “You have on more clothes than I do.” “I’ll remedy that problem right away.” She squirmed, tugging the covers down and shoving the sheets aside, even as she watched him. He needed to be inside her. And the expectation was fierce. A few heartbeats later, she slid over, and he joined her on the bed. The late afternoon sunlight radiated through the closed curtains. There’d be nothing hidden between them, just the way he wanted it. This wasn’t just a casual fling. It had to be perfect. “You’re lovely,” he whispered. “Just relax and enjoy.” Resting on one arm, he caressed the inside of her calf, traveling a little higher with each stroke, nearing her knee. She kept her thighs pressed together, and the sound of her breathing filled his ears. Not faint, but heavy; not calm, but excited. “Your tempo,” he reiterated. “I won’t go further until you’re ready.” Slowly, she relaxed her muscles. He continued his exploration. Then when he neared the juncture of her thighs, she stiffened again, pressing her heels into the mattress and squeezing her buttocks. Her tempo might kill him. Kaden fought an internal battle. He moistened his finger. Then leisurely, intentionally, he dragged it across her most sensitive spot. “Kaden!” Even though he’d made a promise, he repeated the act. She trembled. “Tell me, Sierra. Tell me to continue on, or tell me to stop.” Her hands balled into fists by her sides. “Let’s just get this over with.” “I don’t think so,” he responded. “We’re doing it different this time. It’s going to be different every time. I want you wet and willing.” She inhaled sharply. “But—” “That’s our agreement. You’re not forfeiting yourself to me.” He 3


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moved slightly, keeping a light pressure there. “I’m not your ex-husband.” He refused to mention the man’s name. “And this isn’t a wifely obligation for me to rid myself of an overabundance of testosterone.” “Uh—” “This is about pleasure. Yours and mine, too. I want you to tell me about what you desire, and I refuse to allow you to run or hide from yourself, from me. Do you like this?” He stroked her once, then stopped. She dug her heels deeper into the mattress, but it wasn’t because she was getting tense. It was because she was seeking his touch. Greedily, he wanted her even more ravenous. “Tell me what you want.” He studied her, saw that her nipples were still hard and that her lower lip was swollen from her tugging on it. “I liked that.” “What?” “Kaden!” “Tell me, Sierra.” “You know, that.” He didn’t budge. “The way you were caressing me.” “Like this?” He slipped his thumb between her folds, and this time, she was moist. “Yes!” “Gentle? More pressure? Slower? Faster? How?” When she didn’t respond, he stopped again. For the first time since he’d known her, she mumbled a mild curse word. He smiled. She was losing that stalwart control, and he liked it. “Harder,” she replied softly. Gradually, he increased the pressure against her, rubbing, caressing, his fingers slipping on her moistness. When she started to squirm underneath him, her breaths coming in excited pants, he moved away, cradling his hand around one of her breasts and closing his mouth around its distended tip. She lifted her hips, calling out his name. He could have taken her over the edge, but he wanted her there on the cusp a little while longer. When she came, he wanted it to be without her holding anything back. He wanted her to know she was his. 4


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That idea shook him. Unexpected and powerful, it caused his heart to thump painfully. She carried his child, and that was all there was to it. At least that was all he wanted it to be. Turning to her other breast, he gave it the same sort of attention. Gently, he ran his teeth across the top. “Now!” she commanded, reaching for him. “Now, Kaden. Make love to me. I want you inside me.” Physical demand grabbed at him. Her insistence directing him, he moved between her legs and entered her—deeply—with one single, smooth stroke. Sierra was drenched, like he wanted. She was welcoming, like he’d hoped. With her hands on his back, fingers pressed against his spine, he began to move, feeling her tighten around him, drawing the response he was trying so desperately to hold back. His thrusts intensified, and her breathing became labored. Focusing on her—his wife—he brushed his lips against her forehead and whispered an endearment, something he’d never, ever done before. He stroked deeper and she lifted her hips, moaning like she’d done their first night together. Suddenly, she stiffened, her head pressed back into the pillow, and her mouth opened on a soundless scream. He relished in the rhythmic tightening of her body. Gratitude for what she’d given him slammed into him, and so did his orgasm. A few heartbeats later, he was spent, physically. But it went beyond that, he knew. It was an emotional release, too. Their lovemaking had been essential in setting the stage for their entire married life. Gradually, his breathing returned to normal. He’d worked up a sweat, and it clung to him, along with the pleasantness of her scent. He arranged her so that she lay cuddled next to him, her head resting on his shoulder. Gently, she said, “You were serious. You didn’t enter me until I asked you to.” “I wanted you to want it as much as I did.” “You succeeded.” Her disheveled hair hid her eyes, but he didn’t rearrange it, resolved not to interrupt what she was saying. “Shocked?” 5


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“At Andy and Hillary’s anniversary party, I wanted you, but I’ve never been so—I don’t know—turned on, that I’d ask a man to make love to me.” He pushed her hair aside then and stared into her eyes. “You’re my wife, Sierra. Anything you want in the bedroom is yours.” She trembled. “But what I want is to explore you.” She chuckled. “You just did.” “No, I just discovered one way to make you come. I want to figure out a hundred more.” “A hundred?” Her mouth formed a circle of surprise. He slipped a finger inside, pressed the pad against her tongue. “At a minimum.” Her eyes widened, she closed her lips. Then she suckled. And he figured out she’d just found the first way to make him explode. **** “You hungry?” Clutching a pillow to her chest, she nodded. “Again?” “Yes.” “So am I,” he replied, reaching for her. She smiled. “For food, Kaden, real food.” “Okay, okay,” he protested. “I’ll feed your so you can keep up your energy.” “Me? Why would that be an issue?” “Because...” He threaded his fingers through her hair and pulled the strands toward him, inhaling the scent of the vanilla shampoo she used. “The two of us aren’t finished yet.” “But we’ve already...three times.” “And a fourth time is needed to make sure it’s not a fluke.” His voice had relaxed to raspy undertones, something she’d never hear from him before. It sent another wave of realization through her. Kaden hadn’t been dishonest when he said this was way more than a quick release of built up testosterone, more than her doing her wifely duty 6


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so that he could be more comfortable. Her level of arousal seemed to matter to him. Her satisfaction counted. He had been demanding of her, more than she’d thought feasible. She’d never told a man what she wanted, how she wanted it, and what felt good. But Kaden asked those questions, and more, refused to take silence as an answer. Yet, for everything he demanded, he gave equally in return. “Okay, food,” he said, as if reminding himself. He released her and reached for the phone on the bedside table. “How about two of the specials on the room service menu?” “What? You’re not eating?” “Okay then. One of everything on the menu.” While he placed the order, she raced to the bathroom, looking for a robe. His low whistle of approval reached her ears. Taking the thick, white terry cloth garment from a hook behind the door, she tied the belt around her waist, then caught sight of herself in the mirror. Her hair framed her face in a messy fashion, the curls disheveled. Her cheeks were flushed, and a small burn from his afternoon shadow sat on one side of her neck. Her lips were swollen and reddened. Sparks of green lit her hazel eyes. She looked aberrant, well loved. Tim had never had this effect on her. She trembled. As frightening as Tim had been, he didn’t begin to stack up with Kaden. Tim never wanted anything from her other than submission. Kaden did—her pleasure, participation, her complete surrender. If the relationship with Tim had concerned her, this petrified her. “Are you all right?” Kaden came up behind her, wondrously naked and unconcerned over his nudity. He nuzzled her neck. Sierra saw them both in the mirror, her body towered over by his formidable six-foot-two frame. His shoulders were twice as broad as hers and when he wrapped his arms around her, she felt both his assurance and the capacity for his anger. She couldn’t forget he was a man who’d kicked his first wife out for her indiscretions, and man who’d accept nothing less than complete truthfulness, a man who would never give her his heart. “Sierra?” he whispered, kissing the throbbing pulse at her temple. “Well, I...” How did she say what she didn’t dare? 7


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“Yes?” She squeezed her eyes shut, closing out his powerful image and hoping that she’d also be able to ignore his influence upon her senses. “I’m listening.” “I keep wondering if I’m doing the right thing.” He placed another kiss, followed by yet one more, then another. Having her eyes closed only intensified the sensation. Without her sight, the feel of his lips magnified significantly. She reached out, grasping his forearms. Sierra was aware of his masculinity—of brawn and potency—and filled with the knowledge that there was no getting away. He was way more man than she knew how to handle. “Do you regret that we made love?” “No.” “Open your eyes, Sierra, I want to see them.” Gradually, she obeyed his command. “What’s the matter?” “Are you psychic?” “Not that I’m aware of, but your expression tells me something is bothering you.” One corner of her mouth tilted upward. “Tell me what’s on your mind.” “I’m wondering what will happen when we have a disagreement.” His arms tightened around her, but it felt protective. “We’ll talk through the issue.” “And what if I don’t live up to your expectations?” Haltingly, he let her go and turned her to face him. Bracketing her face between his hands, he responded, “You’ll never let me down, Sierra, as long as you’re truthful, as long as you put our child first.” “I will always do that.” “There is no doubt in my mind.” He kissed her then, a deep, sensual kiss that banished her worries. A knock on the door interrupted them. He reached for the matching robe, then went to answer the door. The scent of him lingered behind, enveloping her just as his arms had done. She’d thought she was ready for this marriage, their honeymoon. After all, she’d made love to him before. But then she’d had nothing at risk 8


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emotionally. She’d concealed herself underneath covers and sheets, been confident in the shadows, then disappeared at sunrise. Now he held her future in his work-roughened hands. His vows were of little solace. She heard the muted sounds of voices, then the door to the room closed. Sierra splashed water on her face, then walked out of the bathroom. The decent-sized table nearly creaked under the weight of the amount of food he’d ordered. “Kaden! I was kidding.” “I thought I would save the staff a trip in a few hours. There’s a mini fridge and microwave. Both will come in handy if you are hungry after room service hours.” If he hadn’t ordered everything on the menu, he’d come close, from salad, to fresh fruit, sandwiches, soup, and a few decadent desserts. Not needing a formal invitation, she tucked her feet beneath her on the chair and allowed him to make a plate for her. She’d been smart to try to make a clean break from him. Kaden could enchant her when he wanted to, as he had at Andy and Hillary’s party. She’d have lost herself before she could count to ten—with pleasure. And when she discovered what sort of man he truly was and that he’d always try to control her, she wouldn’t have been destroyed—if she allowed him into her heart. It was better it worked out this way, with him being honest about the fact that he would never love her, no false expectations. “I know you like sweets so I chose a strawberry cheesecake, apple pie, chocolate cake and lemon meringue pie,” he stated, looking to see which one she wanted. “There is no way I can choose.” He chuckled. “Try this one first.” She accepted the forkful of the lemon meringue pie he offered. Rich, tart lemon with just the right amount of sweetness exploded across her tongue. She emitted a low moan of enjoyment. “I really like when you make that sound. I want to hear it again.” Indulging her taste buds, she stared at him through her lashes silently. “In bed,” he continued. “Which is where we’re headed back to in a little while. So savor this like I plan to do you later.” She finally managed to swallow, but when she reached for another 9


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bite, he took the fork. “Not until I’ve tasted it, too.” Leaning over, he kissed her, long and deep, sugary goodness mixing with his potency and stealing her breath. Ending the kiss gradually, he stood. Hands on her shoulders, he helped her to her feet, then commanded, “Undress me.” Her eyes widened. “I want you to touch me,” Kaden stated, “feel me, discover what you do to me.” Her heart skipped several beats. “I’m not sure about what I should do.” “I only have on one article of clothing.” So did she, and now, with him observing her, she was extremely aware of that and the way the terry cloth material suddenly seemed to chafe her. Uncertain, pulse racing, she carefully reached for the belt at his waist and undid the knot. The ends fell from her trembling fingers, then she parted his robe, reaching up to push it from his shoulders. Kaden was more than ready for her. Her toes curled into the carpet. Muscular and sharp angles everywhere, he was all man. And he was her husband. Barely able to speak, she murmured, “What’s next?” “Touch me, learn my body. Discover me as intimately as I already know you.” Anxiety, as well as excitement, raced through her. Stiffly, he stood there, staring at her. Waiting. Licking her lips, she whispered, “Turn around.” After raising a questioning brow, he leisurely did as she asked. He’d seen her. Now, she took in her fill of him. Insatiable, she wanted more than the brief chagrined glances she’d snuck when he’d moved around the room. Quietness filled the room, and nervousness increased her breathing. Trembling, she reached out, trailing the tips of her fingers across his shoulder blades. She examined the firm angles, the feel of his skin. Traveling down the length of his spine, she stopped at the small indentation right above his buttocks. Allowing her nerves to get the best of her, she decided not to go any 10


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lower, instead running her hands up his back, then caressing his shoulders before untying the leather strap that held his hair back. After placing it on the table, she threaded her fingers through the thick strands of his dark hair. His head tilted forward as she outlined, from the back, the shell of his ear. Surprisingly, heat spread through her. “Turn back around,” she requested, the words a little strained. He did, with a smile that sent seismic waves roaring through her. Instead of taking charge, he waited for her next move. Looking directly at him was more difficult than she thought it would be. She didn’t allow that to deter her. Her thumbs pressed together, she let her hands drag down his chest, exploring the small rise of his nipples. He twitched. Feeling the strength of her own power, she did it again. “Do you like that?” He answered with a ragged groan. Feeling him out, she softly scraped a nail over one nipple, then the other. His reaction was immediate and he thrust out toward her. Fascinated, she reached for him, encircling her hand around his hard shaft. Studying the rapid rise and fall of his chest, she stroked him. He grabbed her shoulders. “That’s enough.” She didn’t agree. Despite the heat in his eyes, she tightened her grip. “Sierra, I’m warning you.” She didn’t pay him any attention. Sierra felt the change in him as he became fuller, like her breasts did when he held them. “You told me before that you enjoyed this.” “I do.” His head fell forward. “Then take what I willingly offer.” Kaden lowered his hands to her wrists. “If you don’t stop, this will be over before you want it to.” Spurred on by the rugged tone in his voice, the wild beat beneath her hand, she replied, “That’s okay.” “No...it’s....not.” He increased the pressure on her until she released him, then drew in an unsteady breath before carrying her to the bed and lowering her in the middle of it. “Relish in that, did you?” he inquired. 11


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She smiled shyly. “Then we’ll make love a different way.” He lay down next to her, then gripped her hands between his waist and lifted her up on top of him. “Uh, Kaden—” “Place your knees on either side of my waist.” Pushing back her hesitance, she nodded, her hair framing her face. He caressed her most sensitive spot and she arched, emitting a soft gasp. She wanted him. Finding the bravery to follow his lead, she grasped his hardened flesh, then slowly lowered herself onto him. He filled her, stretched her, made her ache and burn. Then he reached for one of her breasts and teased the tip. She squirmed, attempting to avoid the expanding sensations, but it only made it worse. She closed her eyes, seeing arcing sparks in the darkness. He lifted his hips and she rode the motion, taking him deeper. Together, they found a rhythm as a swirling pleasure made its way through her body. She’d never felt anything like this—so full, and tottering on the edge. Reaching up, he palmed her breasts, then, on her downward motion, squeezed her nipples. “Kaden!” She cried out, her knees no longer able to support her. She sank lower on him, welcoming him against her womb. “Come for me, Sierra.” He pinched those sensitive tips again, and she fractured. A few heartbeats later, his body stiffened. He swelled inside her feminine walls, inhaling sharply before spilling himself deep inside her. Snuggled securely up against him, she rested on his chest. “Thank you,” he whispered, “for your trust.” Silently, she thanked him for showing her she was desirable. There would never be anything more than sex between them, no emotional connection she’d had with her ex-husband. It doesn’t matter. So why did it, suddenly? Trying to taper down the bothersome thought that she might be 12


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starting to care for Kaden, she relaxed against him, swallowing hard when he reached for the can of whipped cream and touched the cold can to her shoulder blade. “We still need to try number thirty-five.” Teasing light sparkled in his eyes, and she’d never seen him look so lighthearted. It’d be easy to lose herself in him. And that was one thing she dared not do.

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Chapter Ten Standing at the patio door, Sierra looked up at the radiance of the full moon and the twinkling stars. The tranquility of the scene should have comforted her. It didn’t. A small piece at a time, control faded away. Above everything else in her life, she relished being in control. She’d struggled for the strength to leave Tim, then she’d battled through the first several months of freedom as she relearned to think for herself and be independent. Was Kaden right? she wondered. Was it possible not to lose herself in him? In bed, she’d totally let go—but so had he. From her robe pocket, she removed the lucky button he’d given her. It touched her in a way nothing else ever had. A costly gift wouldn’t have meant as much to her as this priceless treasure. She’d keep it close, always, as a reminder that he’d thought enough of her to part with his good luck charm. Quietly, Kaden came up behind her and wrapped his arm around her. “Can’t sleep?” he asked. “No.” “I’d ask you to tell me what’s on your mind, but I know you’ll tell me when you’re ready.” “You’re right. I’m just still working through a few things.” He kissed the side of her neck with the tenderness of a lover, and she melted against him. “Do you want to go back to sleep?” he asked. She turned around to face him and placed her hands on his chest. “Did you have something better in mind?” Even in the low lighting, she saw his brow arch. “Are you trying to seduce me, Sierra?” “I just don’t want to be alone right now,” she confessed. He thrust his fingers into her hair. “Want to take a dip in the hot tub?” She remembered their first night together, the way they’d talked and laughed. A big part of her wanted that again. “Yes.” “Ever been skinny dipping?” 1


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“I thought you brought my bathing suit.” “I like to look at you, every single inch of you.” A hot chill traveled up her spine. “I’m willing to give it a try.” He undid the sash holding her robe together, releasing the ends. The material parted, and coolness from the room flowed over her heated skin. Kaden lifted the robe from her shoulders, kissing her body as he revealed it. Finally, the thick terry cloth slithered to the floor, leaving her completely naked. Sierra opened the sliding glass door. Walking outside, she was conscious of the fact that he stood inside, watching her. The light from the stars and the moon reflected off the pine trees, providing extra lightening along the way. She reached the metal railing and the tub’s edge. “Hold on a second.” Glancing over her shoulder, she gave him an inquisitive look. “I don’t want you to hurt yourself.” “I won’t.” “I’m not taking any chances with your safety.” Exhaling deeply, she waited, dipping her toe in the warm water. He grabbed a couple of glasses, filled them with their special champagne, then walked across the patio deck. “I’m not debilitated,” she informed him, trying not to look at his body—flat stomach, narrow waist, lean hips, and muscular thighs. “I know.” “Then—” “Sierra, drop it,” he requested, setting the glass down and descending into the water. Because it was easier, she did. He held out his hand and she took it, accepting his guidance as he helped her. Disturbed by their movements, the water lapped at her, and she gratefully sank onto one of the steps, covered up to her neck. She leaned her head back, closing her eyes and enjoying the wicked pleasure of being nude and aware under the seemingly endless night. “It’s quiet out here,” he said, the deep vibration of his voice striking a chord within her. “A man can feel at peace.” “Is that something you’re searching for?” He didn’t respond for a long time, so long she wondered if he ever 2


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would. “Didn’t realize it until I was almost twenty-five, but yes.” Her heart rate increased. Kaden had just opened a door, giving her a glimpse of the emotions he kept hidden away. Would he allow her to see more? Did he trust her enough to allow her to get any closer? “You moved out of town for a few years.” Even though her eyes were closed, she felt the piercing intensity of his gaze. “You seem to know a lot about me.” She knew he had a heck of a temper when ticked off, that he was extremely possessive and that he was determined to protect what was his—and that included her. She also knew he could be gentle and compassionate, putting her needs before his own. “I heard it from a few people in town,” she mumbled. “Gossip.” She disregarded the gravelly warning in his voice that told her to change the subject. “It is said that you, Andy and Colby are troublemakers when all of you are together.” He didn’t respond. “Is it true?” “Could be.” “So why did you come home?” “My mother’s health was failing.” Lifting her head, Sierra stared at him. From the faint light inside the room, as well as the moon’s radiance, she saw shadows deep within his eyes. “Andy called me in Redfield, told me Mom was alone.” “After all you’d been through, you came back to take care of her?” “She was my mother.” “Easy as that?” “Easy as that.” **** For him, it was. He’d spent his entire childhood and the first part of his adult life telling himself no one mattered. But in that moment—when the phone rang and Andy informed him that his mother was alone and dying— 3


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Kaden had known the truth. Everything he’d run from caught up with him in that instant. The same blood that coursed through his veins also ran through his mother’s. She’d given him life. She was the only family he had, and she was important. No matter how far he ran, how deep he buried the past, he couldn’t change who he was. He’d never intended to tell Sierra any of this, figuring it was no one else’s business. But there was something about the way she looked at him, her lips slightly parted, her hand extended toward him on top of the water. It was her eyes that melted the rest of his resistance. The green flares in the hazel depths told him he’d touched something inside her. She cared about him. It had been more years than he could recall since he’d experienced a woman’s tenderness for him. Why she did, he didn’t have the slightest. But he found himself opening up, revealing the deepest, darkest secrets he’d never even told Leah. “I’ve been drunk three times in my life. The first was the day I left home, the second the day I came back.” Sierra reached for him. Sliding closer, she rested her small hand on his chest, near where his heart raced. No woman had ever touched him with such compassion before, and it kicked up a response that was way more than physical. It shocked him to the core, coming from a place so deep it might have actually been in his soul. “I was sixteen when I left, sick of the rank smell of stale sex and the sound of my mother’s headboard slamming up against the wall. That day, a man—one I’d never seen before—came out of my mom’s room, must have been around dinner time. He didn’t have on a stitch of clothing and he was scratching himself and demanding to know why I was there.” He paused to collect himself. “Mom came out of the bedroom, putting on some clothes. We looked at each other, and I saw she was going to choose that asshole over me, like she had when I was a kid.” He shook his head. “I snatched up a half-empty bottle of cheap whiskey and left. Mom didn’t try to stop me, even though she had to have seen the tears I was struggling to hold back—trying to be a man.” “You were just a teenager.” “True, but I thought I was grown up, though.” A bird screeched overhead, diving from a tree. 4


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“I drove around for a long time, at least a few hours or so. Somehow, I ended up at Andy’s home. His dad threw me in the shower. His mom fixed me something to eat. Most of all, they took me in. They forced me to go to school and to church, made me do chores. The more I resisted, the more they requested I do.” “Kaden—” “It was the first time I recall anyone having the slightest concern about me and what I did all day. I said I didn’t want them to, but I did. It was the first time in my life I saw what love looked like. If it hadn’t been for the three years I spent there, I don’t think I’d have believed love existed.” Even now, he wondered if it was only meant for other people. The first woman he’d offered his heart to had trampled on it and taken away the baby he would have given anything for. He knew one thing for certain, that sure as hell wasn’t love. “Norman Dunn taught me about ranching, about the land. When I graduated, Ruth Dunn was in the stands, but my own mother wasn’t.” Kaden wrapped his hand around Sierra’s wrist, holding onto her and the empathy that she radiated. “I went to Redfield, got hired on at a ranch and worked my way up to foreman. What Norman didn’t teach me, I learned it in South Dakota.” “Then your mom became ill.” For years, this had been buried deep down, dormant but not forgotten. “Yes. She was still in the same shack, a rundown piece of trash. I purchased a few acres with the money I’d saved, purchased a small house, and moved my mother in with me.” “The same home you have now?” “It was a lot smaller back then. Colby helped me add the second story. In the eight months before she died, I got to know my mother.” His lip curled. “Lived with her for sixteen years and never knew her.” “Did you forgive her?” He met Sierra’s stare head on. “I understood her.” “Yes, but did you forgive her?” “No. I’m low on forgiveness. But the land helped us both to heal. She’d sit on the porch and look off into the distance, said she’d never had a view like that before. And for the first time, no one expected anything from her. She had a hard life, but she told me the last few months were the best. I guess we both found peace.” 5


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“She must have been proud of the man you became.” He arched a brow in her direction. “I would have been,” Sierra continued. A vise clenched around his heart. “Would you?” “Of course. You discovered what was important, you work hard, have decency and lots of respectfulness.” “Even if I’m low on forgiveness?” “I don’t buy that, Kaden.” His hold on her tightened. She shook her head, and the steam rising from the tub made her curls cling to her cheeks. “If our child is half the person you are, I’ll be proud, too.” Her words meant more to him than he could ever possibly hope to convey. They filled a hole in him he hadn’t known existed. He kissed her, long and deep, trying to express what he felt and knowing it didn’t come close. But it was all he had to give. He prayed it was enough. **** Sierra gradually awoke, aware of Kaden’s arms embracing her tightly, even in sleep. Her hair fanned across his bare chest, and his hand was spread across her back, is fingers resting against her spine. He’d made love to her twice before they fell asleep—and he’d said he liked numbers thirty-five and sixty-nine equally. She grinned. She liked both of them, too. Shimmering moonlight slid through the glass patio door, and the lamination from the clock said it was still a few hours until sunrise. Underneath her ear, the rhythm of his breathing changed. “You should be asleep,” he whispered. “Is there anything you don’t miss?” “Not when it comes to you.” She was starting to believe it, starting to enjoy it. “Come here,” he commanded, arranging them both until her head lay cradled in the nook of his arm. She already knew he jeopardized her control, but right now, that didn’t seem to matter. Tonight, this instant, she wanted his comfort. Tomorrow 6


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was soon enough to stress over him being too possessive. He wrapped an arm around her, his fingers playing with her hair. “Kaden?” “Yes?” “You said you had been intoxicated three times in your life.” Would he tell her? “The third time was when my divorce was final and the judge rejected my request for visitations rights to see Jacob.” His hurt, unveiled and strong, tore through her like an open wound. “Until then, I didn’t believe I’d never hold him again.” Knowing him as she did now, Sierra ached. With his truthfulness, the way he loved Leah and cared for his ill mother, he’d started to work his way inside Sierra’s heart. And she had no idea what to do about it. “Go back to sleep,” he eventually told her. After placing a kiss on his firm chest, she finally did, wondering how she’d keep from falling in love with him. Leaving Tim had been hard, but he’d never affected her as potently as Kaden did. **** Sierra dressed without turning on any lights, pulling on a pair of shorts and an oversized T-shirt. She moved around the room on tip-toe, easing the bathroom door closed and running only a small amount of water. Not enough noise to wake him, she probably thought. But she had. Kaden lay without moving. He wondered what she was doing, but decided to say nothing. Without even looking in his direction, she snuck from the room, the door closing with a barely audible click. His stomach tightened. Without intending to, he thought of Leah, the way she’d acted, telling him one thing, doing another, spending the night away from home without calling. But Sierra isn’t Leah. He knew that, but that didn’t make her leaving him without a word or a note any easier to deal with. Anxiety ate at him. He got out of bed, showered, and dressed. He killed almost an hour, and she still wasn’t back. 7


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Kaden paced the room, remembering the sounds of her sighs, the scent of her, sweet and tempting, topped by an innocently floral fragrance. She was getting to him. He cared about her, cared where she was and what she was doing. Damn it, he wanted her here, with him. He wanted to show her the affection he couldn’t bring himself to speak into existence; he ached to hold her, touch her, explore her. A key slid into the lock. He forced himself to sit at the table and look at ease. Realizing he was tapping his fingers on the table, he curled his hand into a fist and held it still. Closing the door and playing a balancing act, she grinned. “Good morning,” she said softly. Panic, something he hadn’t realized he’d been feeling, disappeared. “I wanted to do a little shopping,” she said. “I’d have gone with you.” “I know, but I needed to do this alone.” “Oh.” She made her way across the room, holding her hands behind her back. “I brought you something,” she said, leaning down to brush her lips across his cheek. “A wedding gift. I wanted to give you something, too.” “You’re all I want.” He pulled her onto his lap and kissed her soundly. “Thank you,” she murmured. “Now wait, I want to give you this.” She wiggled out of his lap and took a box from the bag. It was wrapped in Christmas paper depicting penguins and snow, and even had blue and silver ribbons, accented with a red bow. It had been several years since he’d received a Christmas present. Frustrating him to Florida and back, his hand trembled as he slid a finger beneath the tape. “Tear it open,” she instructed. Inside, he found a toy Santa Claus. “I spotted it in the gift shop on the way in. The sales clerk said it was left over from their Christmas in July. Do you like it?” “It’s...” How did he say thanks for something that meant more than words could express? How did he apologize for not trusting her? “Perfect...” he whispered. “I got him because you said you stopped believing in Santa Claus. I 8


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figured now that we’ll be having a real Christmas this year, maybe you could believe again.” He released a shaky, pent up breath. “You have no idea how much this means to me.” “I was hoping maybe you’d show me?” He could think of nothing he’d like better. **** “Will you move into my bedroom?” he asked when they arrive back at the ranch. The honeymoon had been too short, but if it had been any longer, she knew she would have been prone to forget how hazardous he was. Mindful of her every need, he’d been a devoted groom, everything she’d ever dreamed of wanting in a husband. But that wasn’t reality. Several nights ago, he’d opened up, honestly showing her the pain he carried. And because she understood, knew what made him the man he was, she was defenseless to him twofold. And that was something she couldn’t let happen. She’d been hurt, too, and needed to guard herself against him. The past had taught her she was the only person she could depend on. She’d sworn to never forget it. He came around the SUV and opened her door. “Sierra?” His legs were spread to shoulder width and his arms were folded across his chest. She wished she could disappear into the seat. Instead, she unfastened her seat belt and climbed out of the vehicle, making him take a step back. “I’ll move into your bedroom, Kaden, but only because it will be less complicated for our child that way.” A few of the ranch hands had stopped working. Relaxing against the rail of the corral, they observed the exchange with extreme curiosity. Kaden didn’t seem to care. That was, until he removed his hat and, blocking her from their view, kissed her passionately. After ending the kiss, he murmured, “I really need to get inside you. It’s been more than a few hours.” Disoriented, she didn’t argue when he slid his arms beneath her legs and swept her up into his arms, kicking the door to their room shut with 9


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his heel.

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Chapter Eleven “Where have you been?” Sierra put the bag of groceries onto the kitchen table. The song she was humming died off abruptly. After four weeks of marriage, she’d learned to recognize his stance. The throbbing pulse in his cheek pounded with his harnessed annoyance, and the bite of the harshness intertwined in his words. With a heavy sigh, she leaned against the refrigerator. She glanced at the picture of the sonogram of their child taped to the front of it. There was another on their bedside table and another copy in Kaden’s wallet. Both of them had agreed not to learn the sex of their baby. They wanted it to be a surprise. What wasn’t a surprise was the fact that Kaden now stood across the room from her, ticked off. “To town,” she said needlessly. “Shopping. I was purchasing stuff for dinner and getting things for the nursery.” He moved toward her slowly. His heat singed her, but she titled her head back, meeting his gaze. “We have employees that can tote groceries.” “I know.” Boot heels scraping the hardwood floor, he took another step. “That is, if it didn’t occur to you to ask your husband for assistance.” This close, she saw how hard Kaden struggled to rein in his anger. Hers sparked to match it. “I wasn’t aware of the fact that I had to answer to you for every more I make.” “You don’t.” Her eyebrows bunched together in confusion. “Then?” “I don’t want my pregnant wife lugging heavy bags around.” “It’s food, Kaden, not bricks.” “You could still ask for assistance.” “I attempted to find you before I left, and I couldn’t. I didn’t know where you were.” “And you couldn’t wait?” “No. Not if you expect dinner on the table at a reasonable hour.” 1


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“I didn’t.” “Didn’t what?” “I will never demand that you have dinner on the table when I come in.” “You won’t?” “Sierra, damn it, you—the baby—that’s what’s important.” He ate up the rest of the space between them. “I’ve lived alone most of my adult life. I can cook, clean and even do laundry.” He took hold of her shoulders. “I didn’t marry you to wait on me hand and foot. Get this through your skull—I’m not Tim. You weren’t married to him. You were in a snare.” “Is there a difference?” She hadn’t intended to ask the question out loud, but there it was. When she’d married Tim, she hadn’t realized he’d take the “obey” part so seriously. She’d loved him, wanted their relationship to work. Love hadn’t been enough. “I don’t want to dictate your life, Sierra, and you’re free to come and go as you please. This is a partnership, not a totalitarian relationship.” Kaden released a pent up breath, and his shoulders relaxed, as if his frustration dissipated. “When you leave, I want you to write a note, not because you have to answer to me, but because it’s a common courtesy. And I’ll leave you one when I go somewhere.” His grip on her lessened. “Don’t shut me out, Sierra. I won’t allow you to.” “You’re not being fair, Kaden. I wasn’t shutting you out. If you’d open your eyes, you’d see that. You have to trust me. In fact, I won’t accept anything less. Without it, this marriage is doomed.” After exhaling heavily, she said. “I’ll leave notes in the future, but it if slips my mind, you can’t make these sorts of assumptions again.” She paused, studying him for a few moments. “I don’t give myself to men easily. You of all people should know that.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Damn it, Sierra, I was concerned about you.” She sighed, seeing past her own reaction and looking into his eyes. Sierra saw hints of worry there. “This isn’t about trust?” “No. I was afraid that you might be at the doctor, that you might be injured.” 2


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“I was mistaken.” “Yes you were. Let me help you, Sierra. Let me be your partner, not some weasel of a man you’re comparing me to.” She reached out to cup his cheek in her hand, feeling the tension there. “I’m—” “Don’t apologize,” he interrupted gently. “Let me welcome you home properly.” He kissed her long and deep, leaving her wobbly. When had he become so important to her? If only he returned the feelings. But she didn’t dare reveal it, didn’t dare take the risk of loving a man who would never return the feelings. For her own sake, she should continue on the way there were. Until now, she hadn’t had any idea how hard that might be. “You said you were buying stuff for the nursery?” “I purchased a blanket for the crib and a stuffed toy.” “What kind of toy?” “A Santa Claus,” she stated. “So that out child will always believe, too.” “With a mom like you, how could our baby not believe?” Together, they made their way upstairs and added her purchases to the nursery they’d started to redecorate. He hadn’t protested once when they looked at wall paper samples, lamps, furniture, even clothes. When she suggested they do anything that had to do with their baby, he always agreed. If her first husband had cared a fraction as much, she would have never left him. “While I was in town, I also stopped by the shop.” His hands tightened around the blanket. “Eve is overwhelmed.” “And?” “I’m thinking of going back to work.” “I’d prefer if you didn’t.” “This is a partnership,” she reminded him, shoving her hands into her pants pocket and finding his lucky button. “Not totalitarian rule.” “Damn it, Sierra, I don’t like it.” “I’m sorry, Kaden. I really didn’t think you’d like the idea.” “But that’s not going to change your mind?” She shook her head. “No.” 3


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A hundred thousand different emotions raced through him. He didn’t want her running herself into the ground. She worked diligently at the clothing story, carrying cumbersome things, standing on her feet all day. No. He definitely didn’t like it. “This is how it all started,” she added softly, “with Tim.” “Don’t go there,” Kaden warned, the words a harsh grumble from the pit of his stomach. “This is important to me,” she said. “It’s my business, something I enjoy doing. If you mean it, that this is a partnership, then you have to understand I can’t just walk away from the store without looking back.” “I’m not asking you to. You can return to work after the baby is born if you’d like.” “Kaden, I can’t stay home all day. I’ll go insane.” “Then work for me.” “What?” “You can do the accounting, take over ordering supplies, help with the administrative side of operating the ranch.” “Kaden—” “Sierra, look—” “In our marriage vows, you said you wouldn’t ask me to give up who I am. Remember?” Without another word, she left the room. He heard her on the stairs, then the sound of her shutting him out of their bedroom. Kaden just prayed it wasn’t the beginning of her closing him out of her life, the way Leah had done. This time, he wouldn’t turn a blind eye to the truth. With Leah, he’d been wrapped up in making the ranch successful, working sixteen hour days, dropping into bed exhausted. He hadn’t paid attention to the time she left or the time she returned. The more she was gone, the more he’d detached himself, until she ended up in the arms of another man. He wouldn’t let that occur with Sierra. Their marriage meant too much. So how did he learn to concede without losing? Taking her something to eat was a good place to start, he decided the following day. 4


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He returned to the ranch house around lunchtime, shocked to notice how quiet it was without her. How desolate it was without her. Desolate? Hell, it wasn’t desolate. He’d never been lonely his entire life. Wasn’t about to start now. But that didn’t mean he wasn’t married. He drove into town, stopping by a local diner, hoping to sweet talk Maggie into making him a picnic basket to go. “Men! Think they can get a woman to do anything if they ask nicely enough.” “Does it work?” he asked optimistically. “I supposed it does,” she mumbled. “Now, if there is a next time, I’d like a little bit of a notice. I do have other customers, you know.” When she handed him the basket, he shocked both of them by kissing her on the cheek. She waved a spatula with a bright smile. “Get on out of here, now.” When he arrived at Sierra’s shop, it was to find Sierra speaking with a customer, a fake smile on her exhausted face. She’d slipped off her shoes and her shoulders were slightly hunched. Gritting his teeth, he remained silent. When she looked up and saw him, her fatigue disappeared. She grinned, and it lit her eyes with green flecks. A physical response tightened his insides, making him instantly ready. Several moments later, he was alone with his wife. “Brought you some lunch.” “How did you know I’d be famished?” “Lucky guess.” “There’s a break room in the back. We can eat there.” She didn’t even get to take a few bites before the bell on the front door jingled. “Can’t people make their own damn clothes?” “Kaden! Mind yourself. I’ll be back before you know it.” Unenthusiastically, he waited. “Your shirt is starting to get snug across the front,” he observed a few minutes later. “Guess I’ll need to purchase some new clothes.” “New bras and panties, too?” “Didn’t I tell you to mind yourself?” “Me? I was just offering to take you shopping, as long as you’re 5


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willing to model.” “You’re incorrigible.” He smiled. “Yes. Now sit and eat.” She took the chair across from him, and he reached for her feet, pulling them onto his lap and rubbing them. Closing her eyes, she sighed blissfully. “New shoes are a good idea,” she added a few minutes later. “Maybe pants, too. When do you want to go?” “Shopping?” she inquired, still nearly humming with pleasure. “You can’t be serious.” “Of course I am.” “Men don’t like to go shopping,” she said. “I’ll pick you up at three.” “I get off at six.” “I’ll pick you up at three,” he repeated. “You’re being impractical again.” “You wouldn’t know what to do with me if I wasn’t.” “Maybe you’re right,” she agreed. He was glad he returned at three. Tiredness had drained all her color, and her smile was more strained than before. “I’m taking my wife home,” he told Eve. “I told her to go home when I got back from lunch. She’s hardheaded.” “Never noticed.” “Thought we were going shopping,” Sierra said when he headed for the ranch instead of the main part of town. “Thought it would be better if you relaxed.” “Anyone ever tell you you’re pushy?” Kaden grinned. “Maybe a time or two.” By the time they arrived home, she was battling to keep her eyes open. “We can eat in the family room,” he stated. “What do you want me to fix for dinner?” “I got it covered,” he replied. “A simple green salad and ham sandwiches.” “Sounds wonderful. You’re a man after my heart, Kaden.” Maybe he was. And he wondered if he’d ever get it. “You don’t need any assistance?” 6


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“Told you I could cook,” he said. “But you never said you were a gourmet chef.” He grinned. If he’d intentionally been choosing a woman to have his child, he couldn’t have done a much better job. After dinner, her eyelids fluttered, giving clear proof of her fight to stay awake, and he sent her off to take a bath. Kaden gave her a few minutes of privacy before restlessness surged through him. He knocked on the door, and without waiting for an answer, entered. Sierra lay in the tub, and now that she’d washed her makeup off, he saw the dark shadows under her eyes. She was working too hard, damn it, and he didn’t know what the hell he was supposed to do about it. He’d never felt more inefficient, and that led to irritation. What he wouldn’t give to enclose her in a safe haven of relaxation and rest. Instead, he did what he could, pushing aside his normal—pushy—urges. “Sit up a little,” he said, reaching for the bar of soap. “I’ll wash your back.” “You’re overindulging me.” “You deserve it.” She exhaled softly, and he noticed the way a damp tendril had escaped the haphazard ponytail she’d fashioned. As if enthralled, he lifted the curl and kissed the shoulder it had rested upon. “Oh, Kaden.” He adjusted the front of his jeans. Just touching her turned him on. He drove back the insistent voice that told him it went beyond physical attraction, that it was something deeper than her carrying his baby that attracted him to her. “Time for bed,” he whispered. “I thought I was already there.” Kaden chuckled. He grabbed a fluffy towel from the closet. Holding it with one hand, he reached for her with the other. “I could get used to this.” “So could I,” he agreed. “So could I.” Instead of just wrapping her in the terry cloth, he dried her. Her breath hitched in her throat when he ran the material across her nipples. Immediately, they reacted, hardening, thickening, reaching toward him. With a gentle squeeze, he closed his forefinger and thumb around a 7


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responsive tip. “Are you going to breast feed?” “I want to.” The thought of his child suckling at her with complete trust took his breath. “What do you think?” “Me?” Heat flooded her cheeks. “You helped to make this baby, too.” “If you wanted just to bottle-feed, I would be okay with that, too.” “But?” With gentleness, he cupped her breasts, excited by their feel, the weightiness, the changes his child brought to her body. “I thank you for wanting to do that for our child.” He kissed her breasts, but when she trembled, he knew he needed to dry her completely before things got out of hand. He toweled her stomach, noting that it was growing rounder. “You’re showing more and more.” “You sound—” “Pleased. Contented.” “We’ll see if you feel that way in a few months when I’m too big to put my own shoes on.” “More so,” he responded. “And I’ll put them on for you.” Crouching down, he dried her between her legs, then there, making her shudder “I wasn’t aware—” He stared up at her. “—that getting dried off could be so arousing.” He hadn’t either. He hadn’t known how much he liked taking care of another person either. After Leah left, taking Jacob out of his life, he’d vowed he’d never be susceptible again. Now, he wasn’t so certain. “Time for bed,” he said again. “But the sun hasn’t even gone down.” “And you’re not exhausted?” She tugged the band from around her hair, letting her curls fall around her face. “Just a little,” she confessed. In their room, he took out her nightgown while she finished braiding 8


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her hair. When she finished, he helped her into it. “You don’t want to make love?” she asked around a yawn. “To you? Always.” Just her asking the question had him hardening behind the zipper of his jeans. “But later.” He wondered when he’d become so charitable. He helped her into bed, and he swore she fell asleep with a smile on her face. Abundant energy raged inside him and he went outside, saddled a horse, and rode out toward the open field, letting the setting sun lead him. He waited to feel the familiar comfort of the land, but it didn’t come. Instead, images of Sierra surrounded him—the scent of her, vanilla with a hint of cinnamon. The sound of her orgasm, short bursts of breath, his name spoken softly in his ear. And the way her body responded to his caress, her legs quivering and her hands grasping for him. She made him thankful to have found her. And she made him harder than the dirt on his land. Kaden didn’t know what the hell he was going to do about his Sierra. For the first time in his life, he had more questions than answers, and they all focused on one thing—how not to lose the most important person in his life. If he imposed his will on her, she’d see him as tyrannical and dominating, messing up any hope of a long-term relationship. But he couldn’t sit idle and watch her work herself into the ground. How could he make Sierra understand that he cared about her every bit as much as their unborn child? That thought nearly overwhelmed him. He reined in, clutching the leather with white knuckles. They wouldn’t be together if it wasn’t for the baby. Yes, she made his blood heat, but that was all. Other than great sex and their mutual responsibility, they meant nothing to each other. His horse neighed with what appeared to be skepticism. Kaden frowned. He never planned to develop feelings for Sierra, hadn’t wanted to care for anyone ever again. He’d had enough experience with that to last him a couple of lifetimes. But there it was, plain and clear, no matter how far or fast he tried to escape. He wanted his child, but he had feelings for Sierra, too. 9


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These realizations didn’t change anything. They just made his life more difficult. Sierra didn’t want a relationship. On more than one occasion, she’d made that perfectly clear. So that left him where? Baffled and bewildered, he determined, releasing a pent up breath. Somewhere along the way, things had gotten complex. No closer to an answer now than when he’d ridden out over an hour ago, he returned home to find Sierra awake and waiting for him. Quietly, she reached for his belt, then his zipper, then him. Liking this courageous side of Sierra, he told her with his body what he couldn’t with words—that he cared for her and didn’t intend to let her go. **** “I can drive myself to work,” she said, placing her cup of decaf tea on the table. “I know you can,” he said. After two months of marriage, Sierra was able to read him as if he were one of the magazines she loved so much. The angle of his chin told her she could debate back-and-forth with him all day long and it would get her nowhere. His mind was made up. Well, this time, so was hers. “Thank you,” she said, traveling across the room, stopping directly in front of him before caressing his jaw with her index finger. She paused at the corner of his mouth. “But I’m well aware of how much work you have to do.” His eyes narrowed and chocolate darts shot out at her. “Nice try,” he said, ensnaring her wrist by wrapping his hand around it. He drew her finger into his mouth and sucked on it. She should have known better, should have known nothing but truthfulness worked with Kaden. Now, with him suckling on her the way he’d drawn her nipples into his mouth last night, warmth suffused her womb, and arousal erupted. “We...” Where were the words and why wouldn’t her mouth cooperate? He arched a brow. “We should be, uh...” 10


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He released her finger. His voice raspy with passion, he suggested, “Be upstairs, making love?” “Going,” she struggled to get out. “To work.” How did he do that— make her forget everything, everyone, but him? “We?” She didn’t think she was capable of driving right now. Nodding, she reached for her purse and headed toward the door. His self-congratulatory laugh followed her down the hallway. “Three o’clock?” he asked her when pulled up in front of the clothing shop. “Six.” He arched a brow. “Six,” she repeated, sliding out and slamming the door before he could respond. “Your husband agitating you again?” Eve asked. “Isn’t he always?” Eve added a folded shirt to her stack. “Except for when he has you smiling like a clown.” Sierra scowled and turned to slide behind the counter. She didn’t have as much spare space as she had just a couple of weeks ago. “Same argument?” Eve guessed. “He’s a complete tyrant.” “And you aren’t?” Sierra crossed her arms over her chest. “What’s that supposed to mean?” “Come on, Sierra, even I know you’re working yourself beyond the point of exhaustion.” Eve finished folding another shirt and put it aside. “We can hire more workers, take some of the duties off of you.” “I’m not quitting.” “No one suggested that you should. But you don’t have to be here from open to close.” “I’m part owner in the business, too. That wouldn’t be fair to you.” “But it doesn’t have to tire you out. Take some time off, take pleasure in having your husband.” That was part of the problem. Sierra did take pleasure in having her husband, to the point that it alarmed her. She’d given her heart once, only to have her hopes and dreams desecrated. She didn’t dare give into that 11


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weakness again. “Kaden’s not Tim.” “You’re right. He’s even worse.” Eve shook her head. “Anyone can see he’d head over heels for you.” “He wants his child. He’d made it clear that I can leave him, as long as I don’t take the baby.” “You don’t think he’d come after you to bring you back?” Sierra thought about Leah, the way he’d kicked her out and never looked back. “No.” “Then Sierra, you are clearly blind.” Eve’s words stayed with Sierra for the next couple of hours, until they became so busy she couldn’t think. She worked through lunch, nothing the stifling heat accumulating in the shop, as well as inside her. Lifting her hair from her neck, she pulled it back into a ponytail, then went back to helping customers. Sierra’s feet hurt, her pants dug into her expanding waistline, and sweat formed upon her brow. But she still had work to do when Kaden arrived. “You look as though you are about to drop,” he said, crossing his arms and standing in front of her with his legs spread. “A little drained is all,” she responded. He frowned. “Let’s go, Sierra.” “But I’m not finished here.” “You’re finished.” Eve appeared from the back room and he turned to her. “I’m taking your cousin home. And she won’t be in tomorrow.” “Fine with me.” Anger simmered like a pot on low heat. “I’m not going anywhere,” Sierra retorted. “On your own legs or in my arms. Choice is yours. But you’re leaving now.” She gasped. “You can’t be serious.” “Try me.” Eve tried to hide her smile behind her hand. “I’ll stay here until closing,” she offered. “Just go home with your husband.” Kaden held the door open. Sierra fumed. Not wanting to have an argument in public, she reached for her purse and stomped to the truck, her footsteps reverberating on the 12


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wooden planks. “Anyone ever tell you you’re the most hard-headed, determined person in the world?” he asked, sliding in beside her and turning his heated gaze toward her. “Me?” she replied. “You’ve got no room to talk.” “And we will—talk.” “You’re right,” she shouted. “It’s time we got a few things straight, Kaden Stasso.” Tension hung in the air thick as mud, churning her insides. At home, she didn’t wait for him to come around and open the car door. He walked into the house behind her and tossed his hat on the counter. She had an unobstructed view of the angry throb in his temple, and she saw the tight line his mouth formed. Her stomach muscles clenched. This argument had been a long time coming. And one thing was certain. She couldn’t allow Kaden to control her life. “Have a seat,” he snapped. “I think I’ll stand.” “And I think you should sit. Now. Before you fall down.” She remained standing. He paced the kitchen floor with fixed, authoritative steps. Each step increased her inner battle until it simmered just below the surface. “You can work half days” he said, stopping only inches from her. His scent, that of the outdoors and man, surrounded them like a plume of smoke. “No more.” She stiffened. “Half days?” she managed to force out. “And who in the heck do you think you are?” “Your husband—a man who’s willing to give and take. I really don’t want you working at all.” “Forget it, Kaden.” He grasped her shoulders. “I will not have my wife working herself into the ground to prove some stupid point.” She pushed him away and walked over to the other side of the room. “You want to prove you can handle it, that you’re not a sloth, that you’re some sort of super being. Let me tell you, Sierra Stasso, you’re married now. To me. You don’t have superpowers. You don’t have to be 13


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that with me.” “I am not giving up my job.” “I didn’t ask you to,” he said in a short tone. “But anyone with eyes can see you’re beyond a little drained, have been ever since we got back from our honeymoon. You’ve got shadows beneath your eyes. Your forehead was covered with perspiration when I arrived at the shop. You are wearing yourself out, and I won’t tolerate. Lady, you’ve reached the end of my patience.” “And you’ve reached the end of mine,” she replied. “You want me here because you think it’s best. You’re telling me it’s for my own good, and next you’ll have me to believe that I’d be better off not working at all. You want me completely dependent upon you.” She pinned him with a defiant stare. “Forget it. Not a chance.” In that moment, his temper flared. She saw the blaze burn in his eyes. “How dare you compare me to that bastard you married. This isn’t about domination. You have your own money, your own bank account, and you’re an authorized signer on every single one of mine.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “This is about you—the way you’re working so hard when you should be taking care of yourself.” “This is about your child,” she responded. “You refuse to lose another baby, and you’re taking it out on me.” He walked across the kitchen and placed his hands on her shoulders. “Damn it, Sierra, is it so hard for you to accept that I care about you?” “Use all the sappy words you want, Kaden. I know the truth. You’ll say anything—do anything—as long as you come out the victor.” Her insides twisted. Somewhere along the way, she’d started to care for the rough and gentle Kaden. She didn’t want this to be about their baby, but she would be stupid if she believed it could be about anything else. Loving Kaden would be difficult. He’d never return the emotion, and he’d use it against her, like Tim had. The result of that fallout had settled like shards of glass, most of it implanted in her heart. Then quietly, but with the force of an explosion from a bomb, he said, “Maybe this marriage started out because you’re carrying my baby, but are you going to refute the physical attraction that resulted in our child?” “Kaden—” “And what about the way we make love? You cried out my name last night, and I spilled myself deep inside you, against your womb. Did you 14


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forget that?” She trembled. “This is only about the baby, right?” he asked softly. “So why did you reach for my belt the night after my ride? Are you claiming that I can’t make you sexually aroused?” A dark blush crept up her neck. “And what about the way we talk about our day after I pick you up from work? No friendship has evolved between us?” “I have a lot of friends.” “But only one lover.” She struggled to think, to breathe. He was right. She only had one lover, him. No other man had the same influence over her that Kaden did. No other man could coerce her. Make her crave things she’d promised she’d never crave again. No other man had taken possession of her heart. No other man exuded the risk Kaden did. Kaden had delved in a pit of emotion deep within her. If she let him stay long, she’d never persevere without his love. That fear eating at her, she shrugged from underneath his hold. “Sierra, wait!” Running from him in distress—and from herself—she ran across the land, needing space, needing air, needing to be away from him. Her tears obstructing her line of sight, Sierra didn’t see the large rock until it was too late.

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Chapter Twelve Kaden raced to Sierra’s side and dropped to his knees. “Are you all right?” Sierra cried uncontrollably, grabbing for him and encircling her arms around his neck. She hadn’t anticipated for him to respond with anything but fury. Instead, she found his kindness. He held her, swearing that everything would be okay, vows she clung to through her fear. “I’m sorry,” she murmured. Panic numbed her body. What if she lost the baby? She’d never thought she would be a mother; now her own stupidity might cost her that opportunity. Sobs shook her body. What if she lost Kaden, too? Self-defense instincts had blinded her to the reality of what she had—Kaden. She loved him, but instead of finding that reassuring, she’d let it cripple her. Now, faced with the potential of losing everything, she realized how significant it all was. Reaching toward his bunched up brow, she whispered, “I’m so, so sorry.” “I know, Sierra, I know.” In that instant, she believed he did. “Where are you injured?” “I just feel jolted” she responded. “We’ve still got to get you to the doctor.” She agreed, needing his comfort. “It’ll be okay,” he said. She held onto those words, as well as his lucky button, through the worrisome long drive into town. When they arrived, Kaden carried her into the office, the antiseptic smell stinging her nose and tightening her stomach. Kaden didn’t break his pace. He gave a brisk order to the nurse, telling her to get the doctor immediately. They were escorted into an examination room, and Kaden helped Sierra change into the gown. Less than a minute later, Dr. Askew rushed in, asking Kaden to wait outside. She swallowed deeply, needing, wanting 1


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Kaden’s soothing presence. He held her hand for a few more seconds, squeezing it before tucking her hair behind her ear. “It’ll be all right,” he promised again. “Outside, Mr. Stasso,” Dr. Askew reiterated. **** Until that exact moment, Kaden had never known gut-wrenching fear. The doctor closed the door, blocking off Sierra—and her wide-eyed terror—from his view. He paced the waiting area, his boots scraping against the floor as anxiety swept through him. Several moments later, he stopped and slapped his palm against the wall, cursing silently. A million thoughts raced through his mind. He didn’t want to lose the baby—God knew he wouldn’t survive it. But more so, he didn’t want to lose Sierra. The thought of life without her floated as dark as a storm cloud overhead. When his first marriage ended and a judge had ruled against him, Kaden had sworn to never give his heart away ever again. But Sierra, with all her spunk, had managed sneak inside without him even realizing it. He’d meant it when he informed her that the request he made was about her and not just their child. He’d been battling it for days, if not weeks. There was something about Sierra, with her smile, her sensual response and empathetic nature, that bulldozed by all his selfpreservation. A perfect combination of chastity and eroticism, she turned him on. He slammed his hand on the wall again, not paying any attention to the looks from a nurse and the receptionist. He loved Sierra. No doubt about it, and complex as hell, he loved her. The thought was as strange as it was not wanted. But the more he shoved it away, the more powerful it became. He was kidding himself when he said he only cared for her. He admitted that her as a person, her commitment to their child, her job, even the things that drove him mad, he cherished. “I love her,” he said aloud. “Of course you do, Mr. Stasso,” the nurse said. Why hadn’t he seen it before now? He’d been attracted to her at Andy and Hillary’s anniversary party, 2


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and now, knowing Sierra, he had no doubt she honestly believed he didn’t want to be a father. Open and truthful, she didn’t have a deceitful bone in her body. In comparing her to the dishonest, disloyal Leah, he’d come to the wrong judgment. Having an affair would be as farfetched to Sierra’s nature as it would be to his. She hadn’t wanted their marriage, but she’d made the best of it, doing what was right. This was a woman who could love and be loved, a woman who still carried his lucky button, and who hadn’t laughed in his face when he’d given it to her. This was a woman who put others first, who cared that he didn’t believe in the spirit of Christmas, and wanted their baby to always believe. Kaden had been so blinded by his own past he hadn’t seen that their ethical standards pointed in the same direction. He released a pent up breath, settling into one of the uncomfortable waiting room chairs, feet planted square on the floor. She’d be correct to accuse him of trying to boss her. He was so set on making sure he didn’t lose another baby, he’d threatened Sierra with the most dangerous weapon in his arsenal, a custody battle. From the beginning, he’d been desperate to have it his way. Caught up on that, he hadn’t even owned up to the truth to himself—that even before their wedding, Sierra mattered to him every bit as much as their child. And now he loved her, would do anything to keep her. He promised to tell her as soon as he could hold her, uncertainty be damned. Kaden wanted her as his wife, in an emotional as well as physical way—till death do they part. “You can come in now, Kaden,” Dr. Askew said. Kaden raced through the door, walking to where she sat on the table. He took her hand in his. “I love you, Sierra,” he said, the words filled with pure honesty. “Tell me you’re all right.” “You—I—” “Both mother and baby are okay,” the doctor said, clearing her throat. “I’ll leave all three of you alone now.” The doctor left, and a grin spread across Kaden’s face. The news that they were both fine poured light into his core. “I’m sorry,” she said, eyes wide, sparkling with unshed tears, “for frightening you, for running off.” 3


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He placed his index finger on her lips and shook his head. “You were right.” With a shaky hand, she pushed wild strands of hair back out of her face. “I was wrong,” he continued. “No.” “You can continue to work full-time, and I’ll do what I can to support that in every way. You don’t have to give up anything. I’ll hire extra workers, a nanny if you want me to. Whatever you want, I’ll support you fully. As long as you’ll come home to me at the end of every day.” “You still want me to?” He frowned. “Of course I want you to.” “You’re not mad at me?” He squeezed her hand and looked deeply into her eyes. “I’m mad at myself.” “I don’t understand.” “You were right when you said I wanted to have complete control. I wanted you home, taking care of yourself and the baby, relaxing. It was about what I wanted, not what was best for you.” She sighed deeply. “I thought I might lose the baby,” she murmured hoarsely. Bright tears hid the sparks of green in her eyes, leaving them hazel. “And if I lost the baby, I might lose you, too.” “You wouldn’t have,” Kaden reassured her. “What are you saying?” “I want our marriage to be forever.” “Even if—” “Even if there wasn’t going to be a baby, I’d want us to stay together.” **** She was afraid to hope. “Did you mean it, that—” “Yes. I love you, Sierra. I’m willing to change, be the sort of husband you want.” Shaking her head, she whispered, “I don’t want you to change.” Tears shimmered in her eyes, but this time, they were tears of joy. “You love me?” she murmured dubiously. “Yes. With all my heart and soul.” 4


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He loved her. Her. Sierra was so certain she’d never be loved, positive she’d live the rest of her life as a foreigner in her own marriage. She had battled hard, determined not to fall in love. Then, when it was too late and she’d already given up her heart, she’d tried to hide her weakness where he’d never see it. A tear fell, splashing on his hand. “It was me who was blinded,” she said, her voice trembling. “I let the wounds that Tim left behind deter me.” The two men couldn’t have been more dissimilar. Kaden didn’t want her to wait on him like an indentured servant, never even asked her to quit work. Instead, he’d asked her to consider cutting back on her hours, so she could rest more. He never demanded she fix his dinner; in fact, most nights he cooked for her. He quit work early every day to pick her up at the shop, turn his dream over to someone else in order to care for her. “You were right when you said there’s a huge difference between control and caring.” And now she saw where that line was drawn—down the middle of his heart. She didn’t have anything to prove. Kaden would never try to turn her into the image of someone he thought she should be. She could achieve her dreams of being a mother, knowing her husband supported her wholeheartedly. “Earlier, you said I could work for you. Does the offer still stand?” “With your assistance, the ranch will be more profitable.” “And it’s okay if I want to work part-time at the store?” “As long I get to dote on you when you’re home.” Her heart soared. With a slight pause between every word, he asked her, “Do you love me?” She met the fervor in his eyes, responding to it deep within her soul. “Yes, Kaden. I love you. I’ve loved you since our honeymoon, from the instant you allowed me to set the tempo.” “I promise to love, adore, protect, spoil, trust, and more than anything else, honor you,” he said, raising her hand and resting it over his heart. 5


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“Will you be my wife till death do us part?” Trembling with the significance of her commitment, she responded, “Yes.” Drawing her into his arms and holding her close, he validated the agreement with a kiss that set fire to every nerve ending in her. She responded with everything she had to offer—her passion, her honesty, her love. His dark eyes were sparkling when he drew back and said, “I want to take my wife home.” “I want that, too.” “Your wish is my command,” he said, lifting her from the table and holding her snuggly against his chest. After she dressed, they left the room, his fingers resting possessively against the small of her back. “We’re in love,” he told Dr. Askew on their way out of the office. “I don’t think anyone would doubt it,” the woman retorted, smiling. “You’re incorrigible, Mr. Stasso,” Sierra said as he assisted her into the SUV. “You have a lifetime to rectify that, Mrs. Stasso.” “I have a feeling one lifetime might not be enough.” “Sierra, you can have as long you desire.” Then, clearly not caring who was looking, Kaden tilted her chin up with his index finger, then lowered his mouth to hers, whispering words of love.

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Epilogue Kaden Stasso didn’t bother to hide the fact that he only had eyes for his wife and baby. It had been Sierra’s idea to host a Christmas Eve party at the ranch for a few of their close friends and family. He didn’t care, for he had everything that he needed—and wanted—for Christmas. Yet as his gaze traveled over to Sierra, cradling their newborn, Micah, gently against her breasts, he was drawn to them. He crossed the room and placed a tender kiss on Sierra’s forehead and one on the side of Micah’s head. Sierra smiled up at him and his heartbeat began to race. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Andy and Hillary arrive. “I’ll go greet our new arrivals.” Sierra nodded and Kaden strode over toward them. Hillary greeted him briefly before making her way over to Sierra and Micah. When Hillary began to coo over Micah, Kaden asked Andy, “When do the two of you plan to start a family of your own?” “Anytime now,” he responded. Kaden arched a dark brow. “We don’t know yet. But you’ll be one of the first to know.” He congratulated his friends. Then he smiled when Andy inquired about Kaden’s marriage. “You were right. It’s not just about convenience.” The corners of Andy’s mouth curved upward. “Thought so.” His conversation with Andy was interrupted when Sierra’s mother called his name. A smile was one her face as he neared. They’d come a long way since their initial meeting. “Yes, ma’am.” “I just wanted to remind you that we expect you, Sierra, and Micah for dinner at four o’clock tomorrow.” “We’ll be there, Mrs. Walker,” Kaden promised. “Mom,” she corrected. “Mom?” “I don’t mind you calling me that if you don’t.” His heart gave a funny extra thump. A real mom? He couldn’t find the 1


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words to say. Kissing her on the cheek, he said, “I’d be honored.” Sierra neared his side to catch the end of the exchange. “Still don’t believe in Santa?” she whispered. “I’m starting to,” he admitted. Being with Sierra and Micah and experiencing a real family Christmas, all his dreams were starting to come true. There was just one more thing he had to do. A small Christmas gift for Sierra. Wrapping his arm around Sierra, he led her over to Pastor Miller. “I have a favor to ask,” Kaden began. “Name it.” “I’d like to say my vows again tonight. Adding the promise to love my wife, till death do us part.” Sierra gasped, tears springing to her eyes. “Kaden, you don’t—” “Yes, I do, Sierra. I want you to hear the words officially. I want everyone to hear them.” Before Sierra could respond, Vernon interjected. “I can’t think of anything more appropriate.” A short time later, Micah was secure in the arms of his grandmother while he, Sierra, and Vernon stood in front of the fireplace again. With a few promptings from Vernon, Kaden recited his vows again, this time offering them from the heart and with trust. Then, making his soul soar, Sierra did the same. A few hours later, they were alone, encased in the magic and tradition of Christmas Eve. Kaden was cradling his son and looking with amazement into his perfect face. Micah stared back, eyes wide with pure love, his tiny hand clutching Kaden’s much larger index finger as he blinked up at his father. “I’ve been blessed, Sierra,” he murmured. “Thank you.” She walked over, her bare feet sinking into carpeting in the nursery. Stroking his forearm, she whispered, “I love you more each day.” **** And she did. She’d worked at the shop a few hours a day and had taken over doing the ranch’s books almost up until the time she went into labor with Micah. Kaden didn’t try to hold her back and her heart seemed to open up more 2


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every day. And now that she was a wife and a mommy, she’d never been happier. She wasn’t satisfied to let it stop there. She tried, every day, in every way possible, to be the sort of wife he deserved, loving him with every inch of her sol. Together, they lay Micah in his crib. By silent agreement, they stood arms wrapped around each other, watching their child sleep, observing him during the sacred moments that led to midnight and their first Christmas as a family. And in her pocket, Kaden’s lucky button rested, a token of his love. “Merry Christmas, Sierra,” Kaden said softly against her ear. Her body stirred, the way it always did when she was in his arms. “There’s mistletoe in the doorway leading to our bedroom.” “Then what are we waiting for?” He smiled and led her out of their son’s room. As they cross the landing, she looked down into the family room where the gold star on top of the tree seemed to sparkle with the offer of the same promise of love that it had when Kaden presented it to her. There were presents there for all of them, as he’d told he’d always dreamed of—a perfect holiday for them. Outside their bedroom window, snow landed on top of fluffy white piles, decorating the landscape. “I know it’s too soon to make love,” he said seductively. “But I have a few ideas we could try, to celebrate.” “Oh?” she asked chastely. Murmuring a very wicked, “Ho, ho, ho,” he reached for her. Then proceeded to unwrap her while whispering she was the greatest gift he’d ever received. The End

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The Price of Passion

The Price of Passion

The Price of Passion