Bree lay on the bed, curls sprawled on the pillow, the sheet draped over her delicious body. She smiled as he stood in the doorway. Adrenaline surged through Gavin’s body—how would she react? Might she reject him out of hand? Then his plans would lie in ruins and he’d have to tell her father he’d failed to hold up his part of the bargain.

Her dark lashes flickered as she looked at him, expectant, probably wondering why he stood over her, hesitating, one hand behind his back. The ring prickled against his skin, hard facets of diamond goading him to ask her his burning question.

He walked to the bed and sat down on the covers next to her. The heat from her skin warmed him and eased the tension in his limbs. “Bree, I know we haven’t known each other long.” His voice sounded oddly gruff. Her eyes widened. “But sometimes life offers you a rare opportunity, something you weren’t expecting and couldn’t even have hoped for.” He swallowed. “Bree, will you marry me?”

Five

Bree blinked. Obviously she was asleep and dreaming.

But it felt so real.

Gavin sat next to her on the bed, muscles honed by the soft lamplight, a towel wrapped around his waist like a toga. In his fingers, something sparkled. A ring. Just like in fairy tales when the handsome prince gets down on one knee and …

“I know it’s sudden.” His voice interrupted her thoughts. “I’m sure you’re surprised. I am, too. I had no idea I could develop such strong feelings for a woman so quickly.”

Chest tightening, Bree pushed herself up onto one elbow. “I’m not dreaming, am I?”

Gavin’s handsome features creased into a smile. “No, you’re not. I’m as real as you are.” He caressed her thigh through the sheet. Her skin hummed under his touch.

“And I’d like you to be my wife.”

She swallowed. Gavin Spencer wanted to marry her? This couldn’t be real. For a start, they’d known each other less than three weeks. Plus, he was gorgeous, a drop-dead knockout who must have women trailing after him wherever he went. Why would he want to be stuck with one woman for the rest of his life—least of all her?

“It’s too sudden, isn’t it?” He tilted his head.

“No. I mean, I don’t know.” She had no idea how to respond. Did she want to marry him? All the nerves and muscles in her body—especially those newly awakened by the evening’s activities—sang yes! in a harmonized chorus.

But the old Bree muttered something quite different. Beware. Something’s off here. It’s too soon. He’s too good to be true.

Bree drew in a long breath, which didn’t help steady her racing nerves. “I don’t know what to say.” Her voice came out high and squeaky.

“‘Yes’ would work.” Gavin’s gray eyes sparkled, much like the glittering ring in his palm. Odd that it lay flat in his hand. Didn’t men in the movies usually hold it between their fingers?

But this wasn’t a movie. It was her life. Which had suddenly taken such a strange turn that she hardly knew who she was anymore, let alone how she should react.

“But we only just met. You don’t know me.” What if he married her, then realized she was just boring old Bree, not the fantasy woman he’d built up in his mind? “You probably think I’m a lot more exciting and interesting than I really am.”

Gavin cocked his head. “You should have more faith in yourself.” He eased closer on the bed and rested his free hand at her waist. “We’ve spent hours talking and you’re undoubtedly the most thoughtful, intelligent and interesting person I’ve ever met.”

“Am I really?” The question flew out before she could stop it. How embarrassing to go fishing for a compliment like that.

“No question about it. And that’s not all. I’m entranced by your beauty, too.”

“Oh, come on.” She blushed. “I’m hardly a head turner.”

“That’s where you are so wrong. Heads turn wherever you go.”

Bree bit her lip. Elle’s makeover had apparently had its intended effect. She’d never attracted so much attention in her life as she had in the past couple of weeks. Even the time she’d accidentally worn two unmatched shoes to school on Awards Day.

“I’d be a good husband.”

“I’m sure you would.”

But doubts still niggled. Why was he trying so hard to sell himself? Couldn’t they date for a while and test each other out more?

“I’d cherish and honor and ravish you.” A mischievous gleam lit his eyes. A flash of desire echoed in Bree’s belly. “Why don’t you just try it on?” He shrugged, as if it was something casual. Try on an engagement ring and see how the whole engagement experience feels.

Bree shrugged, trying to conceal the odd mass of feelings roiling in her stomach.

“Why not?” Her squeaky voice betrayed her apprehension.

Gavin held the ring for her. She raised her hand. She rarely wore jewelry at all, and never on that finger. Everyone knew it was bad luck to put anything but an engagement ring on it. She’d never really expected to put a ring on that finger, resigned as she was to her quiet life with her cats.

Now a new realm of possibilities glittered, facets shimmering in the dim light. She poked out her naked finger, clutching the sheets about her with her other hand. A shiver of fear and excitement slashed through her as the cool metal touched her skin. Would it be too small? She wasn’t a petite little thing, though her hands were probably the most delicate part of her. Would it stick firm over a knuckle and refuse to budge?

That would be a sign.

But it slid on, smoothly, all the way to the right spot.

“A perfect fit.” Gavin’s triumphant gaze fixed on hers.

“It is. How did you manage that?”

“Pure luck. And I think it’s a message from the universe that it fits so well.” He stroked her hand where the ring glittered on her finger. “I don’t know how you’ll feel about this, but it’s a special ring. It belonged to my grandmother, who was married to the love of her life for fifty-seven years.”

The three stones sat in a pretty setting. Looking at it now, she could see it was probably designed in the twenties. “It’s lovely.”

The ring buzzed a little against her skin. She wasn’t sure how she felt about wearing someone else’s wedding ring. It seemed to underscore the sensation that she’d accidentally stepped into someone else’s life.

“My grandmother was very special to me. She gave me the ring in her will so I could give it to my wife one day. I can’t believe how well it fits you. Like it was made for you.”

Bree gulped. Now that the ring was on her finger, did that mean she’d said yes? “It’s beautiful. Are you sure you want to part with it?”

Gavin held her hand. “I don’t want to part with it. I want it on the finger of the woman I love.”

Bree’s stomach clenched. The word love hung in the air like a flash of smoke from a magic trick.

That’s what had been missing, why the whole proposal had felt rather odd, forced—because he hadn’t told her he loved her.

Until now.

“I love you, Bree.” He caressed her hand with his thumb. “It’s a new love, untried and untested, I’ll admit. But I’ve never felt like this about anyone before. Something in my gut, in my heart, tells me that you’re the woman for me.”

The conviction in his voice wrapped around her like a cloak. Did she love him? She had no idea what love was even supposed to feel like. Arousal and desire sizzled through her like steam, no denying that. And Gavin was sweet and charming and intelligent and fun. And completely hot.

All the things she would have looked for in her dream husband. If she was looking for a husband. Which she certainly should be, according to pretty much everyone she knew. She was just so used to being suspicious, to doubting the motives of any man who came near her because he might be more interested in the Kincannon coffers than in her.

“There’s something special between us, isn’t there?” His voice interrupted her thoughts.

“Yes, there is.” Bree frowned. The connection between them crackled right now, as she sat on the bed, her hands in his. She’d never felt so comfortable with a man, so safe. She’d certainly never felt so desirable and intriguing. “I do feel it.”

She looked down at the three diamonds twinkling on her finger.

“Will you marry me?” Gavin’s simple question, asked with hope in his wide gray gaze, blew away any last traces of resistance.

“Yes. I will.” Exhilaration—and terror—flashed through her as she said the words. But she also felt a fierce conviction that this was right. Strange—and sudden—as it was, their pairing was meant to be.

Gavin wrapped his arms around her and held her tight. The warmth from his body mingled with hers and possibly for the first time in her life—at least since her mother died—she felt totally protected and cared for.

And loved.

As they pulled onto the Golden Gate Bridge in Gavin’s car, Bree snuck a glance backward at the city. When she returned, she’d be a married woman. Mrs. Gavin Spencer. They were getting married right over the bridge in Sausalito.

Gavin had wanted to get married as soon as possible. No guests, just the two of them—and Bree’s cats. Gavin had sweetly insisted that they come, too, since they were members of the family. One of his former clients owned a boutique hotel with a terrace overlooking the city that hosted small weddings quite often. He’d promised to provide the wedding officiant, a photographer and two witnesses.

The whole thing had been arranged so fast. The only holdup was the prenup—Gavin had insisted on one, maybe to prove that he wasn’t a gold digger. She found the whole thing embarrassing. Didn’t it imply that they might one day get divorced? She didn’t want to think about that. Still, he’d managed to get one drawn up and signed in less than a day, and now here they were, barely forty-eight hours after his proposal.

Gavin turned to look at her. “Nervous?”

“A little.” It was all happening so quickly. And a wedding without any friends and family seemed odd.

Still, despite some reservations, Bree had to admit it made sense. She didn’t want the kind of big society wedding her father would have insisted on, which would take a full year to plan and involve more fuss than a royal inauguration. Better to do it this way, quickly and privately. Oddly, her father hadn’t protested their impromptu plans the way she’d expected. He’d seemed quite unsurprised by her news and happy for both of them. Which wasn’t so odd, really, since he’d undoubtedly introduced her to Gavin in the hope that she’d finally find a mate. Finally she’d managed to accomplish something her father approved of! Or at least she would have soon.

Very soon.

“Sausalito’s a fun place to escape to. Even though it’s just across the bridge, you feel like you’re a million miles away.” His warm grin tickled something inside her. Gavin looked even more breathtaking than usual today. A casual black shirt rolled up over his powerful forearms, faded jeans, his thick, dark hair slightly tousled. She could hardly believe she was sitting next to him, let alone driving to Sausalito to marry him.

The diamond ring still glittered on her finger. She hadn’t taken it off since he’d put it on to test the size.

“We can live in my condo until we find a place. But I think we should get a house, so there will be plenty of room for you to have a big studio. What do you think?”

“I don’t know what to think.” She smiled. “I’ve never lived anywhere but the house I’m in now. I’m open to anything. I can always rent a separate studio for my business.”

“No way. We’ll find a house with a great studio for you. And a view of the bay is a must, since you’re used to enjoying one.”

How rich was he? He talked as if he had all the funds in the world at his disposal. Or did he expect her to pay for their new house? Odd how they were about to walk down the aisle but they hadn’t discussed even the most basic practical matters.

Except the prenup. And those often weren’t worth the paper they were written on anyway. If he hadn’t insisted, she wouldn’t even have thought of it. If she couldn’t trust her husband, who could she trust? She wouldn’t let money rule her life.

They drove through the low hills of the Gateway National Recreation area, then climbed up into the steep and picturesque streets of Sausalito. He pulled up in the circular driveway of a small Mediterranean style building with blooms bursting from pots and beds in every direction.

“The wedding’s booked for six o’clock tonight, so we’ll have plenty of time to get ready.”

“Tonight?” Panic flashed over Bree. For some reason she assumed they’d have at least a day to … to what? If they were getting married, might as well get on with it.

Still, she’d barely had a chance to get used to having a “fiancé” yet, and they were going to run down the aisle tonight. Kind of funny how he’d just gone ahead and made all the plans—and she’d let him.

Gavin climbed out of the car, then came around to open her door. She stepped out onto the gravel on shaky legs. He slid a palm across the base of her spine, which sent waves of heat—as well as anxiety—shivering through her. “Tonight will be our wedding night.” His smoky gray gaze smoldered with possibilities.

Bree blinked and blew out a shaky breath. “So it will.”

He squeezed her hand. “I can’t wait to be your husband, Bree.”

“I can’t wait to be your wife.” She squeezed back, and happiness swelled in her chest, pushing away the anxiety. He was so open and affectionate, on top of all the other things she adored about him. Did anyone have a right to be this lucky?

Then she froze. “But what am I going to wear?”

“Anything you like. We have all afternoon to shop.”

Though Bree was nervous about her ability to pick a flattering dress without Elle, she found one quite easily at a stylish shop down near the docks. The silvery-white, tea-length gown in shimmering satin draped elegantly over her curves. Sky-blue heels proved an oddly perfect match. At a local jeweler, they chose engraved wedding bands for the ceremony. Back at the hotel, she was visited by a bubbly hairdresser who piled her curls into a chignon fastened with pearl-tipped pins. Bree put on the sparkly pearl and diamond earrings they’d picked together. Gavin insisted on paying for everything, and her transformation into a blushing bride gave him obvious delight.

“You’re breathtaking.” He came up behind her as she put the finishing touches on her lipstick. His face appearing next to hers in the mirror made her smile.

“You’re pretty smashing yourself.” She glanced at his crisp, black satin bowtie. The elegant tuxedo only enhanced his matinee-idol good looks.

“We do make a nice looking couple.” He slid his arms around her satin clad waist.

“And we do fit well together.” She didn’t look at all big or ungainly next to him—at over six feet, he made her feel perfectly proportioned. She wriggled under his tempting, warm touch. “In fact, I rather wish we didn’t have to leave the room.”

“It’ll be worth it.” He pressed a soft kiss to her cheek. Her skin, already hot and made up with blush, flushed deeper under his lips. “And we’ll have all night to celebrate.” Gavin’s throaty whisper echoed through her, a promise of sensations she was quickly becoming addicted to. “Are you ready?”

“As ready as I’ll ever be.”

Panic and excitement tingled to Bree’s toes and fingers as they stepped out onto the hotel’s terrace. Glorious sunshine lit up the simple gazebo where the officiant waited for them. Gavin tightened his reassuring grip on her hand, and shot her an encouraging glance. Petunias spilled from carved pots and planters, and ribbons festooned the table holding the official paperwork.

The hotel’s manager walked up to them, followed by a pretty blonde holding a boutonniere for Gavin. “Welcome, and congratulations on your special day.” The speech sounded a little canned, Bree thought, then cursed herself for the petty thought. They were just being polite, and trying to make them feel at home.

She glanced out at the impressive view over the bay, where sailboats scudded over the dark water. It was a lovely spot to get married. Perfect, even. Besides, the whole point was to join herself to this wonderful man and begin an exciting new chapter in her life.

Still, her breathing came a little shallow as they walked toward the gazebo where the officiant stood waiting.

Could something that came together this quickly and easily really be permanent? Despite Gavin’s strong and soothing hand in hers, Bree found herself pestered by doubts.

Maybe Gavin thought he was marrying the ringleted temptress Elle had turned her into, rather than the real her. What would happen when he discovered he’d married a dull mouse rather than the exciting woman of his dreams?

“I love you, Bree.” His whispered words banished her worries like a strong breeze.

“I love you, too, Gavin.” She rasped the words back with conviction. How had he known to turn and reassure her at just the right moment?

Because he was perfect—for her.

A few pleasantries were exchanged, and before she had a chance to gather her wits, the ceremony was underway.

“Do you, Bree Kincannon, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, to cherish and love, as long as you both shall live?”

“I do.” She spoke the words clear and loud, determined not to let any lingering doubts become evident to the witnesses, even if they were strangers. Gavin said his vows with a reassuring, deep voice and an expression of honest enthusiasm that almost made her laugh aloud.

“You may now kiss the bride.”

In front of the assembled strangers, Gavin eased his arms around her waist, pulled her close, and kissed her—gentle, yet firm. Heat shimmered through her from head to toe.

“We’re married,” he whispered. “I’ve never felt so excited and happy in my whole life.”

“Me, either.” Bree spoke the truth. A whirlwind wedding to the most gorgeous man she’d ever met was unquestionably the high point of her quiet life so far. “It’s all happened so quickly, I can’t quite believe it.”

“When something’s right, it’s like all the forces in the universe converge to make everything come together. That force has been in motion since the moment I met you.”

“Even though I was wearing that horrid gray dress?”

Gavin laughed. “An ordinary dress can’t hide the light that shines from inside you, Bree. I could tell right away that you were special. And then when we danced.” He let out a low whistle that tickled a laugh from down deep in her belly. “We’re definitely going out dancing later.” Then he hesitated. “Or maybe tomorrow. It’s our wedding night and I have some very detailed plans for it.” A slightly raised brow made desire quiver in Bree. The promise of sensual pleasure thickened her nipples under her silky dress.

She almost slid her hand inside his jacket to enjoy the hot hard muscle she knew lay under his elegant tux.

Then she remembered they still stood in the middle of the hotel terrace, under the professional gaze of the “witnesses.”

She glanced around and took a step back. “Perhaps we should go somewhere more private?”

Back in their comfortable suite, which also featured breathtaking views of the bay, Gavin had the whole evening arranged down to the finest detail. Even the cats were settled near the sofa with gourmet meals and plush cushions. A knock on the door confirmed that everything was happening according to plan.

“That must be dinner.” He kissed Bree’s sweet lips one more time before heading for the door to their suite. He’d secretly placed an order for the hotel’s finest meal, for them to enjoy in the privacy of their suite.

Only the best for Bree. Not because she was an heiress and accustomed to it anyway, but because he truly did want to cherish her, and to see that pretty face light with its familiar glowing smile.

“I’d just assumed we’d go out.” Bree glanced at the door.

“On our wedding night? I prefer privacy.” He shot her a teasing glance.

The waiter wheeled in a cart laden with pretty Mediterranean pottery, then congratulated them and left. Bree lifted the lid of the first dish to reveal a rush of steam and the tempting scent of delicate hors d’oeuvres, two of each, an array of tiny pastries and bite-sized morsels.

He fed them to Bree, and she returned the favor, both of them laughing. When had he ever done anything this simple—this silly—with a woman, and had such a great time?

Never. That’s when.

Bree’s easy, drama-free approach to life was so refreshing. Even if one million big ones weren’t currently winging their way into his bank account, he’d be very pleased with his choice of a life partner.

The soup was creamy vichyssoise sprinkled with fresh chives. Tender steak tips, baby vegetables and new potatoes in a rich gravy made a satisfying main course, and he was sure he couldn’t eat another thing until they uncovered the desserts—tiny éclairs and profiteroles, delicate tarts and hand-decorated cakes. He licked cream off Bree’s lips and toasted their marriage with a glass of Moet.

“I think we should retire to the bedroom.” He picked up the champagne and their two glasses. “We’ll be more comfortable there.”

He waited while she stood, looking radiant, glowing like a movie star in her wedding finery. So different from the quiet, almost apologetic woman he’d met that first night at the gala. She’d blossomed magnificently since he met her. Eyes darted toward her wherever they went, taking in her statuesque beauty, and she looked quite comfortable and assured under the gaze of all those envious males.

The bed was turned down, fresh white sheets gleaming in the soft light. Bree settled herself gingerly on the edge and accepted the offered glass of champagne.

Gavin sat down next to her and pulled a pearl-tipped pin from her chignon. “Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair.”

She giggled. “Wouldn’t it be a shame to undo all the hairdresser’s hard work?”

“But I can’t run my hands through your tresses when they’re all piled up on your head.” He pulled out another pin, this one with a spray of baby pearls around a tiny diamond. A single coiled ringlet tumbled free.

Bree tugged gently at one end of his bow tie. It slid apart and she pulled the black silk loose from his collar. “Two can play at that game.” Her green eyes glittered, pupils wide and dark.

The flame of desire burning deep inside Gavin all day roared through his muscles. But he kept his cool and slowly pulled another pin from Bree’s shiny updo. A thick lock of luscious dark hair fell to her shoulder.

Bree reached for the button on his collar and pulled it loose. She undid the next one and ran a cool finger along his chest between his pecs.

Arousal snapped inside him. He lifted the fallen lock of hair and found the delicate shoulder strap of her dress. Pushing it aside, he kissed her shoulder and neck, inhaling the rich scent of her and burying his face in her hair. “Bree, you drive me crazy.”

“Crazy enough to make you marry me, apparently.”

“I’m the luckiest man alive.” He found the zipper on the side of her dress and tugged it down gently. “To have the woman of my dreams right here in my arms.”

Or in his hands. He let them roam, shameless and hungry for the touch of her after a day of restraint. His palms cupped her full, heavy breasts, sending desire pounding through him like a drumbeat. He slid his hands to her hips, to enjoy the lush curves draped in seductive satin. Breathing ragged, he pressed a hot kiss to her mouth.

Bree pushed herself against him, breasts crushing against his chest, her hands tangling under his jacket. “Your clothes are in the way,” she gasped, when they broke for air.

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