The Debutante's Revenge: Western Historical Romance (Debutantes of Durango Book 6) Page 8

  "A bite? Where would you bite me?"

  "Not any place you wanted," she said.

  In a snowstorm, they were flirting and teasing one another. And it felt good.

  "Honey, right now just thinking about you biting me, my blood heated enough to chase away the frostbite."

  "Good, we're almost home. Semi-warm green chili stew is waiting."

  "My little cook and housewife."

  That was something she never thought anyone would ever say about her. Strange, she was enjoying cooking and cleaning.

  "Debutante extraordinaire becomes Pagosa Springs’s leading young housewife.”

  Laughter bubbled up. Not at all the type of life she had planned.

  Chapter 21

  For the first time in his life, he worried he wouldn't make it home. After all the herd was settled, Roxy threw a shoe and he had started walking in the snow. After a while, he realized he was in trouble. Frozen to the core, all he focused on was putting one foot in front of the other and hoping he would make it to the cabin. Somehow back to Daisy.

  But she had come searching for him. He was still bowled over she would risk her life to come after him. What if she hadn't come?

  Tonight, he would have either died or gotten frostbite so badly, his fingers would have fallen off. Still, they were stiff and cold.

  When they arrived at the cabin, he glanced at her. The cold had seeped into his bones, and he didn't think he would ever be warm again.

  "I'm taking a hot bath," he said.

  At least his feet and toes would thaw.

  "I'll heat the water. You get the tub," she said.

  Whenever she asked, he would go outside while she bathed. Tonight, he didn't want her to leave. Oh, no, he wanted her close to him.

  Fear does strange things to a man, and walking in the snow, pulling his horse, he feared for his life. Sure, he could have bedded down somewhere for the night, but would the storm be worse in the morning? Would he freeze without a fire? Regardless, he needed to return home to Daisy.

  Yet she'd been the one to come after him.

  As she filled the tub with hot water, he peeled his wet clothes from his body. The time for protecting her modesty was over, and he didn't care she could see him. Naked, he stepped into the ornate tub and sank down, letting the warmth surround him.

  With a sigh, he let the water come up to his chin and closed his eyes.

  When he blinked, Daisy was staring at him. An innocent, he doubted she had ever seen a man before.

  "You all right?" he asked.

  Licking her lips, she whirled around. "I'll get more water."

  The door to the cabin shut, and she went out to the pump. In a matter of moments, she returned, removed her snowy boots and put the pan on the stove to heat.

  Poor thing, she was blushing.

  "Would you do me a favor?"

  "Of course," she said, keeping her back to him.

  "Would you wash my back?"

  She kept her gaze high, not glancing in the water where she took the rag from him. The touch of her fingertips on his naked skin had his breathing catching in his throat. Risking her life to come after him showed she cared for him.

  Also, her father tried to take her home, and she refused. At the time, he had been uncertain if she stayed because of her anger or him. Now he was starting to believe she had feelings for him. Just like he was developing intense emotions for her.

  Suddenly she dropped the rag into the water. Then he heard her clothes hit the floor.

  Breathless, he watched as she stepped into the bath water with him, nude. The sight of her firm breasts, trim waist, and rounded hips had him gasping for air.

  "Daisy? What are you doing?"

  "I'm crawling into the tub with my husband."

  "Does this mean what I think it means?"

  Staring at him, they sat at each end. “You’re not rich, but you’re a good man and there is something powerful that exists between us. I'd like to give our marriage a try."

  "It won't be just an attempt. It will be lasting and forever. Are you willing to be poor until I get us out of debt?"

  "I've never been poor. Can we work together to make this ranch successful? I want to be a part of that. Today, when you didn't come home, it really scared me and made me realize how important you are to me. Not only for my physical, but my emotional well-being. I couldn't imagine living without you."

  It was time. A big grin spread across his face. "Come here."

  In the tub, she shifted until her back pressed against his. A shiver rippled through her and he understood she was as affected by their nudity as he was.

  Could they make this marriage work?

  Taking the rag, he trailed it down her limbs, letting the cloth slide down her soft silken body.

  Now, if she left him, he would be devastated. Though he knew the pain he would face, he could no longer resist her.

  "Promise me you won't come after me in the snow again."

  "No, I'm not. If you're in danger, I'm going to search for you."

  A growl came from deep in his throat. "Damn, you're stubborn."

  "And you wouldn't have me any other way."

  Dang, but she was right. One of the things he liked about her was the fact she stood up for what she believed. Never would his wife be a wishy-washy female afraid to go after what she wanted.

  Her fingers trailed along his thigh, his hip and ribs. "So many strong, vigorous muscles.”

  Heat exploded inside him and the water had cooled. Time to take his woman to bed.

  "Let's get out," he whispered against her forehead, trailing kisses down her cheeks to her neck, to her shoulder and wishing he could reach farther.

  For the last three weeks, he had patiently waited for this moment or for her to pack up and leave. Finally, they were going to celebrate their wedding night.

  Standing in the tub, he helped her to her feet. Water cascaded down her smooth skin. Grabbing a towel, he wrapped them both in the cloth before he began to dry her limbs. As he rubbed the towel over her body, he moved down, his lips trailed the soft cloth as he kissed her chest, her breasts, her navel and even lower.

  "Lee," she moaned.

  Rising, he quickly finished toweling himself off, and then he took her hand, and she stepped from the bath water.

  Her hand in his, he led her to the bed.

  "Are you certain?"

  "Yes," she whispered. "Kiss me."

  A groan escaped him as he leaned into her body, pushing her back onto where they slept. Her womanly body fit in the hollows of his embrace like this was where she belonged, and he marveled at the way they melded together. Releasing her mouth, he nibbled down past her ears to her neck.

  "Daisy," he drawled, needing her more with each passing minute, his manhood swelling, his blood pulsing and centering between his legs.

  With his palm down, he skimmed her body, caressing her sleek skin until he found her breasts. When he touched her nipples, they tightened beneath his fingers.

  He'd wanted her since that damn ball in Durango when she had flirted with him. Those were dreams, and this was reality. A reality he couldn't believe.

  A low, throaty growl resounded from him as he caressed the hardened pebble of her nipple. He trailed his hand over her breasts soft as satin. Oh, how he loved the feel of his wife's skin.

  Gently he put his mouth to her nipples, savoring their sweet taste. With a gasp, she arched her back toward him. Her hands grabbed his hair and held his lips to her hardened kernel.

  This lady was a strong woman in a silk package who wasn't afraid of danger and had willingly learned how to care for the two of them. The type of woman a man would be proud to call his woman and one who would always have his back. The type of woman who would love their children.

  And she was his wife. Bank robber, Lee Sackett's woman. Would he tell her? Now was not the time, and he pushed the thought away.

  His hand skimmed down her body, past her ribs, her belly button, down her sm
ooth stomach, to the wispy curls covering her womanly folds. A moan, a deep, throaty purr escaped her as he slid his fingers into her moist center.

  Grasping his naked back, she raked her nails across his shoulders, down his muscles, her touch leaving hot trails of desire branding him. How could his wife be so sensuous? So pleasing?

  "Lee," she moaned as passion rippled through him unlike anything he had ever experienced.

  Wanting to consume her, he moved his lips over hers. When she called out his name in passion, the sound seemed like he was the only man she needed and wanted. Like he was the one person in this world she depended on.

  All he wanted was to give her the world. Fulfill all her wishes and have those sapphire eyes gaze at him like he was a man she would always believe in.

  Yet he would not rob a bank for her or anyone ever again.

  Unable to wait another moment, he placed her hand on his cock. Lovingly she wrapped her fingers around him, but he felt her touch all the way to his heart. In a gentle move, he slid her hand up and down his shaft, and the world moved. At this rate, he wouldn't last long. The caress of her fingertips gliding up and down was rushing him to the edge, pushing him ever closer.

  And he couldn't wait to reach that plateau with her. Only her.

  "Lee," she cried, not understanding what she needed.

  "Daisy," he said, his voice sounding almost guttural as he moved over her, spreading her legs with his knees. If this was her first time, he wanted to make this as painless as possible, but now, he was throbbing with such urgency, he didn't know how much longer he would last.

  With a slow glide, he pushed into her and hit the resistance. One quick thrust stretched her, and she moaned as her maidenhead gave way. Then he was inside her, surrounded by Daisy.

  For a moment, he let her catch her breath and grow accustomed to him deep within her body. His woman was so tight, and he loved the way she moaned as he slowly began to move with her.

  In the light of the lantern, she opened her eyes, her pupils were full and dilated. As she stared at him, her gaze held him hostage, her body tormented his, filling his empty soul.

  He never expected a snowstorm would bring them together. He never expected her to join him in the tub. But she had, and right now, he feared he would die of the sweetness he was experiencing in Daisy's arms.

  With her inner muscles, she gripped his shaft, and he thought he was going to lose it right then. Sweet, sweet friction stroked him, surrounded him, their hips moving in rhythm with fierceness, an intensity which surprised him. Slowly he plunged deeper into her, and she matched him with every driving movement.

  His virgin wife was as seductive in bed as her lips were when he kissed her at the ball. How had he gotten so lucky she married him?

  Burning pleasure encompassed him with each long stroke and swirled him closer. Every pounding thrust, she stroked his erection, consuming him with a wildness that drove him to the edge.

  Passion filled him until he thought he would burst from the feelings Daisy evoked in him. The sensations were so stirring and so right; leaving him amazed at their joining. Never had he experienced these types of emotions. They startled and overwhelmed him.

  Could he be falling in love with her?

  Desire raced through him as he reached for her head and brought her mouth to his. Devouring her with a hungry kiss that consumed him, holding her lips firmly against his.

  "Oh," she cried, her body racked with tremors.

  Her orgasm rocked through him, and he relinquished the tightly controlled rein as he shuddered his release deep within her.

  "Daisy," he moaned as the pleasure of his wife imprinted on his soul. Joining with a woman had never been so whole, so complete, and so loved in all his years.

  They were married until death did they part.

  In the glow of the lantern, they lay together, their breathing harsh, their naked skin warm against one another's. Slowly he rolled them over to their sides and pulled her against him, not wanting her far from him.

  What had just happened to him? Never had sex been so gratifying, so emotional it left him astounded. Tears sprang to his eyes, and he wanted to protect her and keep her safe.

  The air cooled their bodies, and she shuddered. Not ready to leave her side, he pulled the covers over them. Wanting to see to her comfort.

  Now all he longed to hear were the words that filled his heart. That she loved him. Because Lee was certain she had claimed his heart.

  If she left him now, he would be destroyed.

  Chapter 22

  Daisy glanced at her husband who sat talking with her brother-in-law in the parlor while she and Meg were in the kitchen. The last two weeks had been the happiest of her life.

  Today, they had ridden out to Meg and Martin's ranch for lunch. The spread was owned by Martin's grandparents until his grandfather passed away. Now Martin ran the ranch while his grandmother lived with them.

  Again, Daisy gazed at Lee and smiled. Their days were spent working and their nights cuddled up in their bed, exploring each other's bodies.

  "You can't keep your eyes off your husband. What is going on?"

  A smile spread across her face. Should she tell her? "We finally consummated our marriage."

  Meg's emerald eyes widened.

  "What? You waited until now?"

  "Yes, because he insisted I be certain I wanted to remain married to him. Lee is nothing like what I thought my husband to be like, but I'm all right with that."

  Lee's kindness and the way he accepted her had her falling in love with the man.

  "Of the three of us, you always had such grand ideas of what you expected your dream man to be."

  There was no denying her thoughts and dreams had been unrealistic. Now, she lived in reality, and while she wished their home was bigger, she could wait.

  "They were a young girl’s foolish beliefs of marriage. Actually, Lee is everything I wanted in a husband. Kind and selfless, he puts my needs above himself, and I'm learning from him. I only wish we had more money. But I know he's trying."

  After this cattle season, she hoped they would have an easier time. By this time next year, she could be pregnant, though she enjoyed her time alone with Lee. She only wished he would tell her he loved her.

  "Give him time. He owns one of the most beautiful properties in the area, and with cattle, he should start making money soon. Martin is doing well. Mother believed he was wealthy when she forced me to marry him, but he had nothing. Now the ranch is prosperous, and he's found his calling. Give Lee time."

  As her sister breast feed the baby, Daisy gazed in wonder. "He's growing so fast."

  Their child would be her cousin, and she expected that soon she would be pregnant. And she feared Lee's reaction. The man wanted to wait until they were in their new home, but when would that happen?

  "Yes, he's been a blessing to us. You're going to find yourself expecting soon."

  The thought of having a baby made her smile. She would love to have Lee's child, but right now, she knew he worried about this year’s cattle sale more than anything. If he didn't make enough, they would lose Whispering Pines, and he worked on their finances every week.

  Plus, having another person in the small cabin would be difficult, but manageable.

  "We'd like the land to be paid off before we had a child."

  "Since you're making love to your husband, there is a chance you'll soon be pregnant."

  This was her fear. Until the bank note was paid, he would worry, and she wanted more time together before a baby arrived.

  "Yes, I know.”

  They sat drinking their tea.

  "Our husbands seem to get along," Meg said, gazing into the parlor where they were talking.

  As she watched Lee talk about the land he loved, Daisy smiled. The man did not lack for ambition, and she admired that about him.

  "It was sweet of them to give us this time alone," Daisy said giggling. "Especially since I wanted to tell you about us finall
y becoming man and wife."

  Meg shook her head at her sister as she lifted the baby to her shoulder to burp him. "I think your husband was embarrassed when I said it was time to feed the baby."

  What Meg said was true. In some ways, Lee was very proper and conservative. Of the two of them, she acted more outlandish.

  Daisy laughed. "Yes, Lee is rather cautious and restrained which shocks me. The man is so good to me, even when I act out, he calms me."

  Meg reached out and squeezed her hand. "How nice to see you two are happy. Maybe it wasn't such a bad thing Papa forced you to marry."

  The memory of her father coming and asking her to return home made her angry once again.

  "Papa came by the other day. Right before that last snowstorm. He begged me to go home with him. At the time, we hadn't consummated the marriage, but still I knew it would not be right. I'm ashamed to say I acted rude to him. I couldn't go back to the way things were before Lee."

  Her father's face still haunted her, but he created this union and for him to come and offer to take her home infuriated her.

  Meg smiled as she gazed down at her son. "Mother has still not come to visit me or her grandson. Now, that it’s all behind me, I'm glad I married Martin. Even though she got what she wanted, so did I. The two of us are happy, we have our son, and I have my dress shoppe. Everything worked out."

  "Have you spoken to Fannie?" Meg asked.

  After standing, she wondered how her middle sister was doing. How quickly her sisters seemed to become pregnant. Would she be the same?

  "No, Martin and I discussed inviting the family to our home, but we just haven't decided when. He's busy moving the cattle and I watch the baby and sell clothing."

  Martin and Meg in their spacious home could hold everyone including her sister’s rambunctious twin boys.

  "Why do you think our parents are so head strong on who we married? Momma comes from a poor background, but she was so insistent you marry into money. Fannie, they forced to wed the mine owner, but, boy, did they miss with me. Papa was shocked when he saw the one-room cabin we live in."