For the Sake of His Heir Page 12

  Right. The only positive about the situation was that the more Brianne talked, the more Gabe understood why his actions hurt her to this degree. Of course, understanding didn’t do anything to erase what he’d done. But seeing the way this affected her—knowing that he’d upset her this much—pained him. When he’d hidden the full intent of his agenda, he never guessed she’d view his omission in this light.

  “I can see now why you might think that.” He took another step closer, hoping he could salvage this night. He wanted to touch her. Hold her. “But I only used the leak as a way to fast-track the news so that everyone in Theresa’s camp knows that Jason is in a stable, two-parent home.”

  Brianne pursed her lips and tilted her head to one side. “I don’t understand why that’s relevant. You’ve assured me, numerous times, that you want to encourage Jason’s mom to be a part of his life.”

  “I do.” He wished, more than anything, that his son would know the unconditional love of both his parents. “But despite my best efforts to facilitate visits between Jason and Theresa, she has resisted every overture.” He’d never been comfortable sharing the deepest disappointments of his life, but he’d have to offer Brianne a whole lot more than he had before. “Until last week, when she phoned to say she wanted to get together with Jason for a Valentine’s Day photo shoot for an online feature about her new album.”

  Brianne frowned. “She doesn’t visit for Jason’s sake, but when she needs an adorable baby in her pictures she’s ready for a meeting?”

  Gabe hated the way that made Theresa sound. But he’d certainly thought as much himself. Truth just stunk sometimes. Especially when it came to his ex.

  “I’m hoping that this is a product of immaturity and being excited about all the new career opportunities.” He had to hope for the best. “But if she’s truly not going to be a meaningful part of his life, I can’t afford to have her show up whenever she wants to jet our son around the globe because he’s a useful accessory for her public image.”

  Brianne let out a low whistle between her teeth. “And you think that letting her know about our marriage will make her less likely to do that?”

  “Not in the slightest. But if she ever gets the idea to sue for custody and renegotiate the terms we’ve agreed to, I think her attorneys will tell her she doesn’t have a shot of winning Jason back permanently.” Gabe needed to protect his son at all costs. And if Theresa refused to put the boy’s best interests first, Gabe would be Jason’s advocate and protector. “I want the people around her to know what they’d be up against before they try coming after the child Theresa abandoned.”

  Finally, Brianne nodded. Her arms fell back to her sides even if her expression was still guarded. “I can understand that, Gabe. You want to protect Jason’s best interests, and that’s honorable. But I wish you’d just let me know your plan to disseminate our wedding photo to the media.”

  He reached for her, wrapping a hand around her wrist beneath the heavy robe sleeve. “I’m still coming to terms with how I failed Jason when I couldn’t make Theresa stay.” He rubbed his thumb along the soft skin on the inside of her wrist. “It hurts to admit to myself, let alone share it with you. But I should have.”

  Slowly, she nodded. “And that’s your biggest reason for entering this union to start with, isn’t it? It wasn’t so much about Malcolm’s will as making sure Jason was safe?”

  “I can guarantee Jason has an inheritance no matter what Malcolm decides.” Gabe would work his ass off his whole life to ensure Jason had security. “But I can’t protect my son if a judge decides Theresa deserves another chance to abandon him. Or to break the boy’s heart when he’s old enough to be hurt by her inconsistency.”

  Brianne nibbled her lip, her gaze shifting away from him to stare out the floor-to-ceiling windows at the spinning snow squall blowing at the glass.

  “And what about a year from now, when our contracted time together ends?” she asked finally, her voice a barely there scrape of sound as she returned her gaze to his. “How will you protect him then?”

  Gabe had already been thinking about that, of course. Not that he’d planned on sharing the idea with her. But he’d just learned that keeping his agenda private wasn’t a good way to proceed with Brianne. Perhaps he’d be better served confiding the possibility that had been teasing the corner of his mind ever since he got the idea for the marriage.

  Gently, he swept her hair behind her shoulder, smoothing his hand over the dark waves still a little curly from their dip in the hot tub.

  “That agreement we signed is just to be sure you have everything you need if we sever our union.” He’d read it carefully. Double-checked the wording. “There’s nothing in there that says we ever have to end this marriage.”

  Eleven

  Stay married?

  The next day, the shock from Gabe’s proposition still circled around in Brianne’s mind as she sat alone in the master suite, the clear, bright Wyoming sun streaking in through the windows lining one wall.

  She had been too exhausted and stunned the night before to press him about what he meant. She’d avoided responding altogether, redirecting the conversation toward their next meal. And then after her late dinner, she went to sleep. Or pretended to sleep.

  Between the travel, the worries about her grandmother and all the directions Brianne’s emotions had been tugged in, she simply didn’t have the resources to quiz Gabe about his radical implication that they could remain married.

  He’d probably been as tired as her and not thinking clearly anyhow. She’d pleaded for a time-out on the discussion and hoped that things would make more sense in the light of a new day. Her mind in turmoil, she’d finally fallen asleep in Gabe’s arms and barely moved this morning when he told her he was going to make some preparations for the meeting with Malcolm and Quinn today.

  Now, three hours later, he still hadn’t returned, but he’d texted her that she should dress casually for dinner tonight since they were taking a snowmobile over to the main ranch house.

  A snowmobile.

  She was kind of excited about that, even though she worried that casual attire wouldn’t be right for meeting Gabe’s superwealthy grandfather, who probably traveled with a whole fleet of servants. Not to mention the McNeill cousins that Malcolm had so far won over in his efforts to connect with Donovan’s family. Brianne decided to dress in her nicest jeans and a butter-colored cashmere sweater she’d discovered in the closet. Gabe had requested plenty of wardrobe choices for her, his thoughtfulness all the more welcome since she didn’t own a winter wardrobe.

  But even hours after she’d rolled out of bed, she was just as confused as ever about her conversation with Gabe last night. Would he really sacrifice his chance at true love to give his son stability? Or had he been implying that he could envision his feelings for her growing into something more?

  Butterflies flitted through her stomach at the thought of him falling for her. How many times had she secretly dreamed about him?

  But she didn’t dare to let herself hope. Not when there was a chance he might be thinking of a purely practical arrangement. Already she knew that sleeping with him had been a mistake, sure to hurt her in the long run. He hadn’t been honest with her about his reasons for marrying her in the first place, quietly using their wedding photo to solidify his custody arrangement without letting her know. What else might he be keeping from her?

  Desperate to divert her thoughts while she waited for Gabe to return, Brianne curled into one of the matching recliners in the master suite and opened her laptop to check the photos emailed by the security company that had packed up Nana’s apartment. There were so many images, including a video of the entire operation, but she could easily sort through the items by room, including the findings in the broom closet.

  Not that she deluded herself Nana had hidden away anything terribly valuable. But she was curious to
know what her grandmother had deemed most important to keep out of Wendy’s hands. After fast-forwarding the video through to the broom closet and the removal of the very clever false wall, Brianne set the video footage at regular speed and watched.

  The guys in charge of the packing were systematic, holding up item after item for the camera and cataloging what went into their boxes. Sometimes they narrated what they were doing, sometimes not, but everything was numbered and itemized.

  “Autographed copy of the Beatles’ A Hard Day’s Night,” the first packer said in a monotone for the camera.

  “Autographed?” the other packer asked, his hand reaching forward into the picture. “By who?”

  “It says it’s ‘To Rose.’ Looks like all the Beatles signed it.” Packer Number One—a muscular man in a tight-fitted T-shirt only visible from the back—pointed to the writing on the record sleeve. “Here’s John Lennon’s signature. And the other three are here.”

  Brianne couldn’t believe her ears.

  He passed the record into a box, while, off camera, the other packer let out a string of soft curses. “Are you kidding?”

  She hit the pause button on the video, thinking. Brianne knew that her grandmother had met a lot of famous people during the years she’d worked as a singer. But the Beatles? And were records like that worth anything if they weren’t in great condition? Nana’s treasures had been packed away for a long time.

  When she tuned back into the video, the guys were hauling out a lot more music memorabilia from Rose Hanson’s brief career. She’d married her piano player, but the union had been tumultuous and Nana had kicked her cheating husband to the curb within a year; they’d been married just long enough for her to give birth to Brianne’s father. And, of course, that cut short her time on stage.

  Now those years of Nana’s life were returning in full color as the two strangers pulled treasure after treasure out of that broom closet. There were what appeared to be mint-condition posters from performances Rose had given that had been headlined by groups like the Platters and Bill Haley and the Comets. Other posters advertised Rose as the main act and featured photos of her that Brianne had never seen. One showed Rose dancing on stage while shaking maracas, dressed in a gorgeous costume. Rose had given up everything she’d worked for to raise a son who hadn’t been good to her. Brianne had her own reasons for resenting her father, but now she saw his selfishness through fresh eyes. And it made her more determined than ever to be true to herself.

  True to her heart and her own dreams.

  Brianne wasn’t certain how much time had passed when Gabe appeared in the master suite. But seeing him in the doorway, his arms full of shopping bags, made her realize that the sun had almost set. Out the windows, twilight cast purple shadows in the room.

  “Is everything all right?” Gabe set down the purchases on the floor, then crossed the room to join her, his blue eyes unswerving from her face.

  He was undeniably handsome. He had a few snowflakes in his dark hair, and his coat and scarf were open, revealing a jacket and tie with dark jeans—his answer to Cheyenne casual, apparently.

  “I’m fine.” Self-conscious, Brianne swiped at a tear that she hadn’t realized was trickling down her cheek. “I’m just looking over the memorabilia from Nana’s music career that she had hidden away.”

  “Music career?” Gabe frowned, and it wasn’t until that moment that Brianne made the connection between Rose and Gabe’s first wife, Theresa.

  And the very different choice Nana had made as a mother. Then again, maybe that was simply a product of the times. If she had it to do all over again, would Nana still leave her singing career to be a full-time mother?

  One thing was certain: if she’d chosen to keep singing, she would have found a way to balance motherhood and work. Abandoning an innocent child would have never occurred to Nana.

  “Yes.” Brianne turned the laptop around so he could see the still images she’d been reviewing—all the concert posters, photos of Nana with famous people, signed records and matchbook covers. There were a few costumes and pairs of shoes. “Nana gave up her career when she married and had my father, but she kept some of the things from her days as a singer.”

  Just like Gabe was giving up everything for his son. The work that he liked best. The chance at real love to be with a woman he trusted to care for Jason. Suddenly, his proposal that they stay married made more sense. And yes, Brianne had been foolish to think for a minute he could be falling for her.

  Cold from the outdoors still hovered on Gabe’s coat. It didn’t keep her from wanting to get closer to him. Memories of the night before had been blindsiding her all day long. Vivid, sensual thoughts about the way he had made her feel kept twisting up with the sense of betrayal that had come afterward. The frustration of knowing he would hold on to their marriage for the sake of his child. She understood, but it still hurt to be used that way.

  “Wow.” Gabe used the touch screen to scan through the photos and pull up one of Nana on stage. “I can sure see the resemblance to you in this.”

  “Really?” Brianne tipped her head to see the screen better, more than willing to be distracted from the painful direction of her thoughts. “Do you think so?”

  “For sure.” He sketched a touch along the screen. “Through the eyes and mouth. A great beauty, just like her granddaughter.” Turning Brianne’s chin toward him, he kissed her lips.

  Slowly. Thoroughly.

  Her laptop would have fallen if he didn’t catch it when it started sliding. Setting it aside, Gabe pressed closer. She lost herself in the kiss. The touches. Gabe had been the man she dreamed about for so long, and the reality of his arms around her was so much better than she’d ever imagined.

  And maybe a part of her needed this moment with him to reassure herself last night hadn’t been a fluke. That the chemistry between them was every bit as amazing as she’d thought.

  “Put your arms around me.” Gabe’s whispered command told her he wanted the same thing she did.

  Wordlessly, she gripped him, her defenses melting away like they’d never existed.

  “Hold on tight,” he told her, right before he lifted her from the chair.

  And deposited her on the nearby bed.

  The need for him was a physical ache this time. She pulled impatiently at her own clothes while he shed his. His efforts were more effective, however, his hands steadier as he ditched his shirt, pants and everything else. Her fingers were shaky from how much she wanted this. Him.

  When he joined her on the bed, he made quick work of the rest of her clothes, kissing her all the while. Closing her eyes, she allowed herself to simply feel.

  He lingered over her breasts, igniting an answering heat between her thighs. She clutched his shoulders harder, needing the completion he could bring. Restless and hungry for more, she arched into him. His groan was gratifying, a rough acknowledgment of how much he wanted her, too. By the time he entered her, she was beyond ready for him. The feeling transported her, taking her higher with every movement of his hips. Every skilled kiss.

  She tossed her head against the pillow, seeking the bliss he had shown her the night before, a surprise gift that she hoped to feel again.

  “Brianne.” Her name on his lips was as tempting as his touches, especially when his eyes locked on hers.

  She wanted to lose herself in this feeling. To stay here with him until they understood one another. Until this heat between them made sense and she could give him everything. Not just her body, but her heart.

  The realization rolled through her at the same moment Gabe shifted the pace, thrusting harder.

  The tension inside her went taut for an instant. Then her release came, hard, fast spasms that made her shudder over and over. Maybe it was the way she moved against Gabe that made him find his own peak right afterward. Their shouts mingled, leaving her breathless and spent.<
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  Leaving her certain she’d never experienced a more perfect moment. Though as he shifted to lie beside her, she had to acknowledge that it would have been even more perfect if Gabe trusted her enough to be honest with her.

  If he loved her the way she’d loved him.

  Wrenching her eyes open, she knew it was futile to deny it. Her heart had been Gabe’s since long before this marriage. But now he possessed the power to hurt her more deeply. How unwise she would be to allow that to happen again and muddle her thoughts.

  “We should head over to your grandfather’s.” She untwined her legs from his and levered up on one elbow, her body still humming pleasantly from Gabe’s lovemaking. Except it couldn’t really be lovemaking, could it? Not when Gabe didn’t return her feelings.

  “What’s wrong?” He studied her face, no doubt sensing her retreat. His hand covered her hip.

  Even now, with her emotions raw and her body sated, she felt herself sway toward him.

  Wanting him again.

  “This is all happening too fast for me.” That was true enough even though there were more complicated reasons for why she wanted to keep her distance. She needed to be true to herself and follow her dreams instead of swooning over a man who would never love her. “I will execute our agreement, Gabe, but I think we’d be wise to keep physical intimacy out of the arrangement.”

  * * *

  Gabe gave the throttle more gas, pushing the snowmobile faster as he sped the few miles between the guest cabin and the main ranch house.

  Riding behind Gabe, Brianne wrapped her arms around his waist and tucked her head against his back, her warmth welcome even though he knew the contact wouldn’t be happening if not for the excuse of the snowmobile ride.