The Texan's Contract Marriage - By Sara Orwig Page 0,35
distressed him, bringing back too many memories of Jillian.
The marriage ceremony had opened old wounds. Camille had been aware of his pain. Her kindness and understanding and, later, her happy expectations and quiet cheer, had lifted him out of the hurt. She was a beautiful, intelligent, talented woman. For that afternoon, at least, he had forgotten and set aside the past, something that was happening more and more since she had come into his life. Now he reached out to take her hand, then impulsively tugged her closer and leaned forward to kiss her. It was a brief kiss because anything longer would set him on fire.
When he sat back, he smiled at her, and she smiled in return. “It’s been a good day,” she said. He nodded.
She had been convincing in assuring him that a marriage of convenience was all right. He knew people who felt that way and then fell in love and marriage was the thing they wanted most. She had made her choices, and both Camille and her family seemed happy.
Their wedding night would be a letdown for most, but they had had a frank talk about their plans for this honeymoon and both had agreed to set aside a physical relationship at this point in their lives. He would let their relationship develop at whatever pace worked out, but he wanted to make love to her. It would please him if they could have a real wedding night.
He thought about the day’s events. His parents had seemed wary of Camille and Noah. They always had great interest in Ginny’s girls when they were with them. Once they returned to California, they seemed to retreat back into their own world. Perhaps they’d come around to welcoming Camille and Noah.
Shifting his attention to Camille again, he wished her long hair was down. She looked sophisticated, composed, satisfied. Her expression and demeanor hid the stormy emotions he was sure she battled.
“You look beautiful. You have all day,” he said, meaning what he told her.
“Thank you. And you look breathtakingly handsome in your new tux and your fancy new boots.”
He wiggled his foot. “Thank you. I don’t know about fancy, but they are new, clean and comfortable.”
“The boots made the men in the wedding look like the cowboys they are.”
“Frank didn’t have on boots. Just Jess and I did. My dad wore them. He’s continued wearing them even after leaving the ranch.”
“I’m excited about our destination. I know this may be old to you, but it’s a marvel I haven’t experienced before.”
“Enjoy yourself. Just don’t swim alone except in our pool.”
“Our pool. You’ve made the transition quickly.”
“I’m trying to. This is what I wanted and I’ll go as far as I can to make it work. In every way, Camille,” he added, thinking about the physical side. Her cheeks flushed, so he knew she understood his reference and reacted to it.
She turned to look outside, and he glanced down at the band on his finger. It seemed unreal in so many ways. Marek touched the band, which was wide and plain gold. Jillian’s face floated in front of him, her cascade of white-blond hair, her large blue-green eyes, her smile that always made him smile in return. He took a deep breath. He missed her so and she was supposed to be sitting beside him as he headed off for his honeymoon. Instead, he was traveling with a black-haired beauty he barely knew.
“You’re thinking about Jillian, aren’t you?” Camille asked gently, touching his hand.
“Yes. It’s the wedding that’s triggered a lot of memories. They’ll fade out of my thoughts. Sorry.”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” she said. “I understand.”
“I’m surprised, because you’ve never lost anyone extremely close.”
She shook her head. “No, but I’ve played characters who have, and I have given a lot of thought to feelings and reactions.”
“Maybe that’s part of your success,” he said, speculating about her and realizing he should hear her perform. “I wonder if Noah will sing. Kern could whistle. That was his musical ability.” He grinned. “My brother didn’t sing. If he did, the dogs started howling.”
She laughed, and his insides heated. She was not only beautiful, but desirable. Her laughter was an enticing, contagious sound.
“You should have had more laughter today,” he said.
“I’m doing all right. I never thought about Noah singing. Right now, I think more about him talking. Do you think your family will ever accept Noah or me?” she asked.
“If we stay together, probably more than they do now. They’ve surprised me.