had to do was get Lucas to the altar. Then, she’d have five glorious years to make him fall in love with her. She flinched at the direction her thoughts were taking. She was jumping the gun here, thinking love when Lucas didn’t even like her. One thing at a time.
“What happens next?” Lucas asked.
She clasped her hands, the practical side of her brain taking control. “We’ll need to get you some new clothes.”
His eyes bugged before narrowing into slits. “What’s wrong with my clothes?”
“Nothing,” she said lightly, “when you’re working on the ranch.” She paused, trying to figure out how to phrase the rest.
“Spit it out,” he demanded. “You don’t wanna be embarrassed by me.” His mesmerizing eyes held a direct challenge. He was so formidable. So passionate about every little thing. So deliciously exhilarating.
“No, that’s not it at all. I’d never be embarrassed by you. I think it’s awesome that you love what you do.” That was the honest truth. Lucas was the type of man that any woman who had an ounce of sense would be proud to claim as hers.
His expression was suspicious. “Really?”
She nodded. “Really. This doesn’t have anything to do with what I think. It’s what my grandfather and Eric Stanford, the attorney over the estate, think. They have to both consent to the marriage.”
He rubbed a hand across his jaw. “This is a whole horse wagon of crazy.”
“Tell me about it.” Suddenly, she couldn’t do it. She couldn’t take this cowboy, who had such a wonderful life and family, and taint him with the Bentley wealth. She had to think of what was best for Lucas, instead of only thinking of herself. Her eyes prickled with moisture. “This isn’t going to work.” Rocks settled in her stomach. “I’m sorry,” she uttered as she turned to leave.
Lucas caught her arm. “Wait a minute.”
She turned to face him.
He pushed out a heavy breath. “Fine, I’ll get new clothes.”
Laughter gurgled in her throat. “This isn’t about the clothes.”
“It’s not?”
“No.”
“Then what?”
“I just don’t want you to get corrupted by all of this. My grandfather isn’t exactly the warmest and fuzziest person. He’s rigid, tough.”
His laughter cut her off short.
“What?” she demanded.
“Let me get this straight. You’re afraid of corrupting me?”
“Well, yeah.” She motioned at the closed door. “Your family is so awesome.” Her voice cracked. “What y’all shared tonight … the dinner, the conversation in the living room. I’ve never had that.”
A shadow moved over his features. “My family’s not all peaches and cream. We’ve got our problems, same as everyone else.”
“It doesn’t seem like it. You and I are from two different worlds. You’re the rugged cowboy. I’m the hoity toity princess. I don’t see how it’s going to work.”
A dry smile touched his lips.
“What?”
“I see what you’re doing here.”
Her brows bunched. “What do you mean?”
“You dangle the bait. I bite. And now you’re retreating.” He leaned close, a look of triumph flashing in his eyes. “Who’s the one afraid of commitment now?”
She barked out a short laugh. “I’m not afraid of commitment. Forgive me for looking out for your best interest.” His nearness ignited her cells, cascading tingles through her.
“I don’t need you or anyone else looking out for my interest.” His voice was hard as flint—the lone warrior facing down the foe. “I’ve been doing a pretty good job of that myself.”
She lifted her chin. “Indeed, you have.” His caustic attitude was rubbing her the wrong way.
“You need a husband. I need a ranch. Let’s strike a bargain right here and now.” He eyed her with a foolhardy defiance, as if he could bend her will to his. She wasn’t a horse to be broken!
“Fine,” she spat. “Name your terms.” It was always the same with Lucas. Magnolia didn’t know why she allowed herself to believe it could be any different. He’d never let her get through to the real guy behind the tough façade. She couldn’t believe that a few short moments ago, she’d thought she could fall in love with him. Or that he could grow to love her.
“After our marriage, you’ll buy me the ranch of my choice. And, you’ll agree to pay off the mortgage on my parents’ house.”
Her eyebrow shot up. “That’s all you want?” Shivers ran through her body. Her lungs had a sore heavy feeling like she’d been breathing ice. It was so cold out here. She was going to turn into a popsicle.
“Yep, that’s it.”
“What will you give me in return?” Time to set the terms,