A Wife for a Westmoreland - Brenda Jackson [52]
“They’re going to think you’ll eventually hurt me,” she said quietly.
“Then I guess it will be on me to prove otherwise, because I’m not letting what they think cause a rift between us. Besides, they know we’ve been out a couple of times, and once they see how taken I am with you, they’ll start minding their own business.” And he was taken with her, he’d admit that much. He was taken with her in a way no other woman could claim. He couldn’t help but smile when he then said, “But I’m not the one they need to be concerned about. Zane’s and Canyon’s womanizing ways are probably right up there with Raphel’s.”
“Your great-grandfather? The one who was married to all those women?” she asked.
“Well, we’re still trying to figure out what’s fact and what’s fiction. So far, the women we thought were his first two wives actually weren’t. Dillon gave all the records he’d accumulated to Megan. She’s determined to find out the truth as to whether Raphel actually lived all those lives,” he said, pulling her down to him before he would be tempted to take one of her nipples into his mouth. As much as he loved tasting her, he figured they needed to eat something more nourishing now.
“I think I’ll shower and then go into your kitchen to see what I can throw together for us,” he said.
She looked surprised. “You’re going to feed me?”
He couldn’t help but smile, thinking that wasn’t all he intended to do to her. “Yes, but trust me, I have a reason for doing so. I meant what I said earlier about keeping you inside all weekend, sweetheart.”
And then he leaned down and locked his mouth with hers. This was one snowstorm that he would never forget.
Eleven
“So how are things going with you and Derringer?”
Sensations of excitement rippled in Lucia’s stomach at the mention of Derringer’s name. She and Chloe had decided to do lunch at McKay’s, and as soon as the waitress had taken their orders and moved away, Chloe had begun asking Lucia a number of questions.
The weather had started clearing up a little on Sunday night, and Derringer had talked her into going to his ranch and leaving for work on Monday morning from there. He had even helped her pack an overnight bag. What she hadn’t expected was his siblings and cousins showing up early Monday morning to check on him because no one had seen or heard from him all weekend. She hadn’t missed the look of surprise on their faces when she’d come down the stairs dressed for work, giving everyone a clear idea of how he’d spent those snowed-in hours and with whom.
That had been a couple of weeks ago. “So far, so good. I enjoy spending time with him.”
And truly she did. He’d taken her to the movies several times and picked her up from work on several occasions, and had spent the night over at her place a number of times as well.
Chloe beamed. “I’m glad. Ramsey is too. Already he’s seen a change in Derringer.”
Lucia raised a brow as she took a sip of her iced tea. “What kind of change?”
“Peace. Calm. He seems more focused. Less untamed and wild. Not only Ramsey but the other Westmorelands think you’re good for him.”
Lucia nervously nibbled at her lower lip. “I hope they aren’t getting any ideas. I told you what’s between me and Derringer is only temporary. He made sure I understood that, Chloe.”
Chloe waved her words away. “All men think nothing is forever at first, only a few have love on their minds initially. Callum was an exception. He knew he loved Gemma before she had a clue.”
“But Derringer doesn’t love me. He’s said as much. I’m in this relationship with both eyes open.”
Later, back in her office, she recalled her words to Chloe as she sat staring at the huge arrangement of flowers that was sitting on her desk that had been delivered while she was at lunch. The card had simply said, I’m thinking of you.
Just the thought that he was thinking of her made everything inside her rock with anticipation to see him again. It was Friday and they were going skating again tonight and she couldn’t wait.
The intercom on her desk went off, almost startling her. “Yes?”
“Someone is here to