The Rancher's Cinderella Bride

“Well, I just want you to look as if you’re falling in love and really want me. So far, with all the fun we’re having, we look just like what we are—two old buds out together.”

“Oh, darlin’,” he drawled. “I think I can get beyond just buddies without you having to coach me,” he said in a husky, breathy statement that was barely above a whisper. He stood, drawing her to her feet while he watched her intently. He slipped his arm around her waist, pulled her tightly against his side as they walked to the dance floor.

“Oh, my,” she said, gazing up at him. “That’s definitely on target.”

“Just wait, darlin’.” He leaned down to whisper into her ear, his warm breath stirring tingles that surprised her.

On the dance floor she turned to face him, winding her arms around his neck and gazing into his eyes as they moved in unison. Her satisfaction climbed over how well they fit together.

“Gabe, this is positively a dream come true,” she said, dancing closer so he could hear her over the music. “Tanya is here, Justin’s ex-girlfriend, and she’s seen me. She can’t stop glancing at me. When this dance ends, try to be near her and we’ll go talk to her. I’ll introduce you.”

“Dare I hope she’s the one in the skintight jeans and low-cut blue blouse that reveals a lot of her ink? No wonder his parents have focused on you. They’re not the type for tats and blouses with vee necklines to the waist. As adorable as you are, I’m surprised Justin gave in so easily.”

“I think I should feel insulted, but I don’t. Justin’s dad gave him incentives to give in. If he marries me, he gets a partnership in the firm after the first year of our marriage. If I’m pregnant, he gets an even bigger deal,” she said, shivering.

“No wonder you want out of that. Damn. My dad gets an F in fatherhood, but he hasn’t pulled anything like picking a wife for any of us.”

“Until this, my parents have been wonderful. So have my grandparents, and I love them all dearly.”

“We’ll head Tanya’s way. I won’t protest meeting her,” he said, dancing Meg her way.

The music stopped and she turned, smiling at Tanya and pulling lightly on Gabe’s hand. Tanya’s straight, waist-length blond hair fell loosely around her face. She wore a tight blue silk top with bling along the neckline that dipped in a deep vee, revealing half of a butterfly tattoo on the curve of her full breast. Curiosity filled her eyes as she watched Meg and Gabe approach. She glanced back and forth at each of them until Meg greeted her.

“Tanya, meet Gabe Callahan. Gabe, meet Tanya Waters.”

Smiling, Tanya touched the arm of the man beside her. “Hi. This is Bobby Jack Lawrence.”

As the men greeted each other, Gabe held Meg’s hand lightly. They talked a moment until the music commenced again and then Gabe pulled her to his side for a two-step.

“That was absolutely perfect,” Meg said. “I’m so glad we came here. I see Cassie Perkins from Justin’s office. I think she’s interested in Justin, so I’m sure she’ll get the word out around his office.”

Gabe looked down at her. “I didn’t know you could be so plotting and devious.”

“Only because I’m desperate,” Meg said. Then she became quiet, enjoying dancing with him and thinking the evening had been a huge success.

“How in the world did you get involved with Justin in the first place?”

“Friendship. The way I am with you. We go to the same places and see each other. We like the same things—symphony, opera, contemporary art. His folks were giving him a terrible time about seeing Tanya and we talked about that. I just didn’t realize what it would lead to and suddenly he was talking a marriage of convenience.”

“Lesson learned there, I suppose.”

“There’s no danger of our families trying to push you and me into a marriage of convenience. Actually, this ought to set family tongues wagging about us going out together and get Justin out of the conversation.”

“This fake engagement sure as hell isn’t going to endear me to any of your family.”

“I’m sorry about that, but they don’t like any Callahans anyway, so it isn’t like you’re losing their friendship.”

“Somehow, your logic doesn’t cheer me,” he said and she smiled.

It was after midnight when a number ended and Gabe spun her around, catching her and pulling her up against him. She looked up into his eyes and her laughter faded, her grin giving way to a sultry smile.

He gazed back and took her hand. “That look should convince the most doubting spectator. If I didn’t know better, I’d be on fire now,” he remarked.

“Well, I’m thankful you didn’t laugh because that definitely kills the effect.”

“What I felt wasn’t laughter,” he said. The smoldering look he gave her made her tingle, which surprised her. How shocking that she found him so appealing.

“I think we can leave now,” he said, wrapping his arm around her waist and pulling her close against his side.

She slipped her arm around his waist, looking up at him and smiling, as if they were about to go home and make love. She hoped that’s what others thought.

“That was fun, Gabe. You’re perfect for this. You would convince anybody that we’re a couple.”

“Anybody who doesn’t really know you,” he remarked drily. “Otherwise, I think there will be suspicion.”

“No, there won’t,” she assured him, supremely happy with the way the evening had gone and looking up at him as if she thought he was the most adorable man on earth. At the moment that wasn’t even pretend.

Gabe drove to her small home in Downly in an older part of town with tall shade trees. Her bright front light illuminated the porch, the surrounding flower beds, the steps, the walk and half of her front yard.

“That’s some porch light you have. Your house hasn’t been broken into, has it?”

“Heavens, no. I just like a light when I come home. It’s cheerful.”

He shook his head. “It’s like the one at the Hansons’ lumber yard at night. Well, I’d say tonight was a success.”

“Definitely. Next I think we should hit the country clubs in Downly and in Dallas. I’ll get dressed up so I look more like the ladies you normally take out.”

He laughed. “I don’t think old Justin stands a chance.” After parking his pickup, Gabe stepped out to open her door.

She waited, hoping someone she knew would drive by and see them. Getting out of the pickup, she looked around. “I don’t see anyone. My neighbors aren’t the curious type and no one’s ever on this street. Nonetheless, just in case someone is watching, I’ll hang on to you, and you can put your arm around me,” she said as he slipped his arm around her waist.

“This is a unique experience,” he said with laughter in his voice. “Even my first date didn’t tell me what to do and that was fifth grade.”

Meg shook his arm playfully. “I’m not telling you what to do—at least not the entire evening,” she added as they climbed the porch steps and turned to face each other. “Thank you, thank you. I am indebted to you and tonight was a roaring success,” she said, smiling up at him as his hands rested on her waist.

“Meg, this night is not over yet,” he drawled in a deep voice. He glanced around. “I feel like I’m onstage right now, under a spotlight.” He looked up at her porch light. “I take it Justin doesn’t mind the light.”

“There is absolutely no reason for him to. Besides, we haven’t gone out together in Downly.”

“Are you going to let me kiss you?” Gabe asked, his blue eyes twinkling. “I don’t think I’ve asked that question since my first date, either.”

Knowing he was enjoying himself by teasing her, she smiled. “Yes, I will, but I’m not going to bed with you.”

“Now you’ve flung another challenge at me that I’m going to have to deal with,” he said, flirting with her.

Still smiling at him, she shook her head. “That was no challenge. It’s an established, guaranteed fact.”

“Oh, Meg, sweetie,” he drawled, taking her hand and stroking it lightly while his eyes still sparkled, “you’ve done it now. I can’t wait for our next date. My reputation with the ladies may be on the line here.”