He gazed across the room at Savannah, who was walking out of the bathroom. She had just showered and was wearing a beautiful blue silk bathrobe. A towel was wrapped around her head because she"d also washed her hair.
"Mom, Savannah and I eloped and got married in Lake Tahoe. Ian knew about it but I swore him to secrecy, so he was right not to tell you."
He nodded moments later. "Yes, it"s okay for you and Savannah"s mom to get together and plan a reception, but I"ll have to get back to you and let you know when we can come to Atlanta. It won"t be for another three to four weeks."
After a few moments of nodding, he then said, "Savannah and I met at Chase"s wedding, fell in love and decided to get married quietly. Without any hoopla," he tacked on, borrowing Savannah"s words.
He turned and watched as she removed the towel from her head, and he saw how the ma.s.s of dark, curly hair tumbled around her shoulders. He watched as she lifted her arms and began drying her hair. Doing so stretched her silk robe, showing off her generous curves. There was something about watching her dry her hair that was a total turn-on. He hoped it had nothing to do with the fact that this was his bedroom and she looked so d.a.m.n good in it. Even her clothes that were hanging next to his in the closet looked right.
He frowned, not liking the thought of that. And then he cleared his throat, trying to concentrate on what his mother was saying. "Yes, Mom, you can tell the rest of the family, and yes, Savannah is here. Would you like to speak with her?" he asked, eager to get off the phone.
He could last only so long under his mother"s intense inquisition. Just like Ian had said, their mother had been angry at first, but the news that another of her sons had married had smoothed her ruffled feathers. And it amused him that already she had her sights on the next of her sons who she felt was ready for matrimony. He chuckled, thinking Ian, Spencer, Quade and Reggie had better watch out.
"Okay, Mom, and I love you, too. Give Dad my best. Now here"s Savannah."
"Be prepared," he whispered, before handing her the phone.
He then watched and listened while Savannah began talking to his mother. She first apologized, and accepted all blame for their decision to elope. Then told Sarah Westmoreland in an excited voice that she would love for her to plan a reception, and agreed with the older woman that it would be a wonderful idea to get Savannah"s mother involved, too.
Durango was about to walk out of the room when Savannah promised to send his mother digital pictures taken at the wedding. Sending pictures was a nice touch that was sure to win Savannah brownie points with his mom.
When Durango returned twenty minutes later after taking a shower, Savannah was still on the phone with his mother. He gave Savannah an apologetic smile as he sat on the bed beside her. After another ten minutes he"d had enough and surprised Savannah by taking the phone out of her hand.
"Mom, I think you"ve talked to my wife long enough. It"s our bedtime. We"re newlyweds, remember?"
"Durango!"
He placed a finger to his lips, prompting Savannah to silence. "Thanks, Mom, for understanding. And yes, I"ll make sure Savannah sends those photos to you tonight before she...ahh, goes to sleep. Good night, Mom." He chuckled as he quickly hung up the phone.
Savannah glared at him. "Durango Westmoreland, how could you embarra.s.s me that way by insinuating that we-"
He kissed her mouth shut and then tugged her backward on the bed, removing her robe in the process. "I didn"t imply anything that isn"t true," he said, after releasing her lips.
He kissed her again, then pulled back and said, "Mmm, this is how I like you-naked and submissive." He knew his words would definitely get a rise out of her.
She pushed against his chest. "And just who do you think is submissive? I want you to know that..."
He kissed her again, thinking how dull his life had been before she came into it. Then just as quickly he decided that kind of thinking sounded like he was getting attached-and he didn"t do attachments. But then again, he had to be honest enough and admit that for a man who"d always liked his privacy, he was thoroughly enjoying having Savannah around...even if she would only be there on a temporary basis.
When he finally released her mouth, she looked at him as desire darkened her eyes and said softly, "You aren"t playing fair."
He met her gaze with an intensity he felt all the way to his toes and said hoa.r.s.ely, "Sweetheart, I"m not playing at all."
Durango then stripped off his robe and stretched his naked body out beside her, pulling her into his arms and kissing her again. When he finally broke off the kiss he smiled down at her. "So, did you enjoy our trip to Lake Tahoe?"
She reached up and ran her fingers through the hairs on his chest, thinking about all the things they had done together, especially the time they had spent in bed. Durango, she had discovered, had extraordinary stamina. "Yes," she finally said, thinking just how much she had liked spending time at the Rolling Cascade with him. "It was a very rewarding experience."
"And you didn"t once have morning sickness," he pointed out.
She grinned. "And I did enjoy the break. Maybe this bracelet works after all."
He lifted her hand and kissed her wrist. Then he smoothed his hands over her stomach, ma.s.saging gently, liking the thought that his child rested there. "And I take it our baby is well?"
"Yes, she"s doing just fine."
"That"s good to know. Now I can turn my full attention to the mother." He whispered the words in her ear and the sound was so low and seductive that it made every muscle in her body quiver.
"And how will you do that?" she asked innocently, knowing the answer but wanting him to expound anyway.
"I can show you better than I can tell you."
c.o.c.king her head, and with a seductive glint in the depths of her hazel eyes, she said, "Then show me."
And he did that night. Numerous times.
"That"s it. Move a little to the right. Oooh, yes. Now tilt your head a little back. Just a little. That"s perfect, now hold it right there."
It was at that moment that Savannah took Durango"s picture, just one of several she had taken already that day after he"d come in from work. She had convinced him that she needed to use up the rest of her film and that he would make the perfect model.
"Now open your shirt and let me see your chest."
He frowned. "Hey, just what kinds of photos are you taking?"
She grinned. "I told you. I want to sell my boss on the idea of doing a calendar on park rangers. They do them on firemen and policemen all the time. It"s about time we honor American heroes."
He crossed his hand over his chest, ignoring the fact that Savannah and her camera were still clicking. "And just who will be buying these calendars?" he asked, thinking about a calendar that his cousin Thorn had done for charity a couple of years ago. They had sold like hotcakes.
She chuckled. "Anyone who appreciates good art...as well as a good-looking man. Besides, I think it would be a great idea for a charity fund-raiser. I can see you as Mr. February."
He lifted a brow. "Why Mr. February?"
She shrugged, and then said, "I think of you as Mr. February because that"s the month this is, and so far it"s been a good one-morning sickness and all. Also, February makes you think of hearts, and it was this month I heard a heart...the one belonging to our baby...so, you being Mr. February makes sense even if what I just said doesn"t."
Durango looked at her with understanding because to him everything she said did did make sense. No matter how long their marriage lasted or when it ended, the month of February would always have a special meaning to them. Without saying anything else he undid the top b.u.t.ton while she snapped away with her camera. make sense. No matter how long their marriage lasted or when it ended, the month of February would always have a special meaning to them. Without saying anything else he undid the top b.u.t.ton while she snapped away with her camera.
"s.e.xy. Yes, that was one s.e.xy pose," she said, looking up at him, deciding she"d taken enough pictures of him for now. Just then her pulse quickened due to the totally male look he was giving her.
"You think so?"
"Yes," she said, unzipping the case to put her camera in. "I have to admit it was fun. When did you decide to get into photography?" he asked, leaning against the wooden rail of the outside deck.
Savannah glanced up at him. A great expanse of mountain range was in the background and for a heartbeat of a minute she was tempted to pull her camera out again. He was giving her another s.e.xy pose.
"When I was a teen...sixteen, I think," she said. "My grandparents bought me my first camera and I drove everybody crazy with it by taking pictures whether I had their permission or not. I caught Mom, Rico and Jessica in some very embarra.s.sing moments."
"Um, should I be worried?" he asked, grinning.
Savannah laughed. "No, I"ve grown up a lot since that time. Now I"m harmless."
Harmless? Durango wasn"t so sure about that. Since Savannah had come into his life, nothing had been the same. The people he worked with couldn"t believe it when he"d made the announcement that morning that he had gotten married. A number of them thought he was joking until Savannah had shown up at the ranger station at noon for their lunch date. Then he"d seen both understanding and envy in a lot of the guys" eyes. He wondered what those same coworkers would think a year from now when he and Savannah went their separate ways. Durango wasn"t so sure about that. Since Savannah had come into his life, nothing had been the same. The people he worked with couldn"t believe it when he"d made the announcement that morning that he had gotten married. A number of them thought he was joking until Savannah had shown up at the ranger station at noon for their lunch date. Then he"d seen both understanding and envy in a lot of the guys" eyes. He wondered what those same coworkers would think a year from now when he and Savannah went their separate ways.
"I hope you like what I cooked for dinner."
Savannah"s words intruded, reclaiming his thoughts. "I"m sure I will. But you didn"t have to go to any trouble. I could have fixed something when I got in."
She laughed. "It"s the least I can do while you"re at work every day. I"m not used to being home all day. In fact, I pitched the calendar idea to my boss. If he approves the project, I"ll be busy. Do you think your coworkers will mind having their pictures taken?"
Durango shook his head and grinned. "No, they"ll probably get a kick out of it. The thought of being featured on a calendar will boost a few of their egos, I"m sure."
He studied her, sensing something was bothering her. He hadn"t picked up on it earlier, but now without a camera in her hand it was becoming obvious. He couldn"t help wondering if she oftentimes used her camera as an emotional shield.
"Did something happen today that I should know about, Savannah? Does it have anything to do with your mother or your brother?"
He knew her mother was still in Paris and Savannah had spoken to her the day before. She hadn"t reached her brother until later in the day. He had been surprised but happy with her news and was looking forward to their visit to Philly.
Durango watched as she took a deep breath and said, "No, it"s not about my family."
He nodded. That could only mean one thing. It was about his. his. "Did someone in my family call you today?" "Did someone in my family call you today?"
"Yes."
"Who?"
He saw the small smile that touched her lips before she said, "It would probably be easier to ask who didn"t. You have a rather large family."
Large and overwhelming, Durango thought, giving her his full attention. "And?" Durango thought, giving her his full attention. "And?"
"And...er...everyone, although surprised by the news we had gotten married, seemed genuinely sincere in wishing us the best, which made me feel like a phony."
He understood her ambivalence because he"d felt the same way at work today. "You"re not a phony. Our decision to have a temporary marriage is our business and no one else"s."
"Yes, I know...but."
He lifted an eyebrow. "But what?"
"But everyone was so nice. Even your cousin Delaney called all the way from the Middle East. And all the Westmoreland spouses, those married to your cousins and brother, called to welcome me into the family. They said from this day forward we would all be sisters. It was the same welcome Jessica told me they gave her. Do you know how that made me feel?"
She was staring at him with a strained expression on her face. He smiled at her. "No, how did that made you feel?"
"Special. I"ve always dreamed of belonging to a huge family, but it"s not for real. Do you know what I"m saying? Am I making much sense?"
Yes, he knew what she was saying and she was making plenty of sense. He remembered that one of the main reasons she had agreed to marry him was that she wanted their child to have something she"d never had-a chance to belong to a large family; a family who would always be there for you through the good times or bad; a family who stuck together no matter what; a family that instilled strong values in future generations and a family who proved time and time again that when the going got tough, they didn"t get going. They rallied around each other and gave their support.
"Yes, I understand," he said, after expelling a deep breath. "No matter what, there will always be a bond between us because of our child. You know that, don"t you?"
"Yes, I know it, but I still feel like I"m being deceitful and that bothers me."
Not for the first time, Durango compared Savannah with Tricia. The more he did so, the more he was discovering there was no comparison. Both were city girls for sure, but where being deceitful actually bothered Savannah, Tricia hadn"t shown any remorse when she"d looked him dead in the eyes and told him that she"d played him for a fool.
"I"m going to put dinner on the table now, Durango. I"ll let you know when everything is ready."
Feeling her need to change the subject, he asked, "Need my help?"
"No. I can manage."
Moments after Savannah left, Durango turned to gaze out at the mountains. Today was a clear winter day and what he saw was breathtaking, a sight to behold, and it provided such a picturesque view that it made him appreciate his decision to settle down in these parts years ago.
He"d always found comfort in looking at the mountains when something weighed heavily on his mind and today Savannah was weighing heavily on his mind.
Although he had decided that Tricia"s and Savannah"s characters weren"t anything alike, he still felt as though he was reliving the past. It had been so quick, too easy to fall in love with Tricia, and he had done so, proudly wearing his heart on his sleeve. But once she had ripped that sleeve, he had decided it could never be repaired. Under no circ.u.mstances would he allow himself to be that vulnerable again.
Durango knew the difference between l.u.s.t and love and right now what he felt for Savannah was nothing more than l.u.s.t. She had caught his eye from the first; they had made love, made a baby, and now they were married. But still the very thing that had drawn them together from the start was good old-fashioned l.u.s.t. And they were taking it to a whole other level. Just the thought of what they had shared over the past few days made his breath catch, and last night, through the wee hours of the morning, had been the epitome of perfection.
He would be the first to admit that during one of those moments, a part of him had a.n.a.lyzed, fantasized, even had gone so far as to consider the idea of more than a year with her. But then that rip in his sleeve, that deep gash in his heart, had reminded him that there were some things in life that a man never got over. The pain he had suffered that one time had completely closed his mind to the prospect of ever loving again.
That"s the way it was and that"s the way it would stay.
Later that night Durango and Savannah sat cross-legged on the floor in front of the fireplace. They had eaten and showered and were ready to relax.
"Dinner tasted wonderful tonight, Savannah."
She smiled over at him. "Thanks. That"s my grandmother"s favorite dish," she said of the steak and baked potatoes she had prepared.
"So," Durango said, stretching out to lie on his side. "How do you suggest we spend the rest of the evening?"
She grinned at him and said teasingly, "I could take more pictures."
"I don"t think so. Let"s think of doing something else."
"Something like what?"
"Something like finding out just how hot things can get between us."
His words made her pulse quicken and she watched his mouth tilt into a very seductive smile. "Um, what do you have in mind?" she asked, meeting his gaze and holding it tight.
"Come here and let me show you," he said, reaching out and gently snagging her wrist to bring her on the floor beside him. She watched his every movement as he removed her robe. "Aren"t you curious about the next step?" he asked.
She glanced down at his lap and saw the size of his arousal through his robe and immediately, her feminine muscles clenched in appreciation and antic.i.p.ation. "No, I have an idea how this is going to get played out," she said, her breath almost catching in her throat.
"Good."