The Cowboy's Reluctant Bride by Debra Cowan

Author:Debra Cowan
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HarlequinUKLtd
Published: 2014-04-09T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

Gideon could not look at her. If he did, he would kiss her again. And again.

From the bank, they went to the telegraph office and sent a wire to Smith informing him of their marriage. As they walked out, Gideon readjusted his hat and offered Ivy a hand to help her step into the street. He steered her toward the south end of town, past the jail then the livery.

Her skirts brushed against his trousers, the line of her thigh teasing his. He wanted to pull her into him, hold on tight, but didn’t trust himself to release her. He also wasn’t sure how she wanted to inform people about their wedding.

Sliding a sideways look at her, Gideon replayed the press of her lips against his. When he’d realized she intended to kiss him, he had expected some perfunctory peck, but he’d gotten more. He’d gotten a response. A taste of her. He wanted another.

Teased by her soft magnolia scent, the feel of her sleek curves against him, Gideon hadn’t been able to keep his body from reacting. And she hadn’t backed away. For a few seconds, she’d looked just as dazed as he’d felt.

The sun’s rays began to soften. Ivy glanced back toward their wagon in front of the church. “Where are we going?”

“I thought we could eat supper in town.” He nodded toward the restaurant that sat on the lushly treed banks of the Kiamichi River.

Her eyes widened in surprise. “At The Wildflower?”

“Is that a bad idea? I heard it served the best food in town.”

“It’s also the most expensive.”

“All right.”

She frowned. “I can fix something at home.”

“We’re going to celebrate.” He guided her up the slope of green grass to the white frame building. “That means no cooking.”

“What are we celebrating? Oh, you getting half the farm.” She smiled up at him.

“And you getting the loan. And maybe our marriage.”

“You want to celebrate that?” she asked in disbelief.

“Why not? It’s a good thing for both of us.”

“Right. Why not?” she murmured.

He wasn’t about to hint that he didn’t have the willpower to be alone with her just yet. His body was still tight from the feel of her against him, and all he wanted to do was peel her out of that red calico and whatever she had on underneath.

Her lips curved, and Gideon found himself smiling, too. She was so beautiful, her eyes sparkling like polished onyx, a slight flush on her cheeks. As they neared the eating establishment, she drew him to a stop.

“Are you sure you want to eat here?” She gestured at the white two-story building with green shutters. “I don’t want to be rude, but...can you spend the money?”

“Are you asking if I can afford it?”

She flushed, but nodded.

“I actually have some money,” he said dryly. “From working for your family and other jobs.”

“Oh. Good. I hope I didn’t offend you.”

“You didn’t.” He wondered if she had reservations about being seen with him. “If you don’t want to eat in town, we don’t have to.

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