TheNine-MonthBride Read online

  “I’m not going to bite you,” he growled and pulled her a little closer.

  “I didn’t think you would, but I don’t like to dance so close,” she informed him in a schoolteacher voice.

  He grinned. “I know. I watched you straighten Max out.”

  She leaned back and caught his grin. “Is he a friend of yours?”

  “Nope.”

  “Ah.”

  Neither spoke for several minutes. Lucas noticed how small her waist was, how neatly she fit into his arms, the top of her head right next to his cheekbone. He even noticed how good she smelled. Like springtime in the mountains.

  Beth had always worn a heavy scent, too sophisticated for—he’d promised himself he wouldn’t think about Beth. Not tonight.

  “You haven’t managed to stumble over my toes yet,” he muttered, pulling her just that little bit closer, so that her breasts brushed against his chest when they turned. His groin tightened and he was suddenly very conscious that he was a man…and that Susannah was a desirable woman.

  “I guess you’re lucky,” she said, her voice breathless, as if she’d been running a race.

  “You tired?” he asked, frowning down at her. If she was in such bad shape, how would she handle having a baby? But she didn’t look weak.

  She took a step back from him. “No, I’m fine. And the dance is almost over.”

  “Counting the minutes, huh? Maybe I should tell you some women around here are eager to dance with me.” He hadn’t meant to sound so cocky, but she’d damaged his ego with her reluctance.

  She lifted her chin and met his gaze. “How would you know, Mr. Boyd? According to you this is your first dance in three years. Maybe local taste has changed.”

  He gave a cynical chuckle. “Money never goes out of style, Susannah, so I reckon I’m safe.”

  “Is that why Beth married you?” she retorted and then gasped. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have—I let my temper—I’m sorry.”

  He’d stiffened in rage, but her immediate apology had made it impossible to vent his anger. So he clenched his jaw and continued to dance.

  “Mr. Boyd, that was horribly rude of me. I’m sure your wife loved you very much. I—”

  “You don’t know anything about Beth, Miss Langston, so keep your comments to yourself.”

  And she did.

  They circled the room, in each other’s arms, not speaking. Lucas regretted his rough words, but he was still angry. When the music ended with a flourish, the leader, Red Jones, stepped to the mike. “Grab your partner, fellas, and head for the tables. There’s good food awaitin’!”

  Susannah acted as if she hadn’t heard the man’s words. She started away from Lucas as if walking away from a car she’d parked. He grabbed her arm.

  “Didn’t you hear the man?”

  She looked as pale as when she’d first stood in his living room, but her gaze was harder. “I assumed that was a suggestion, not an order.”

  “Well, we’re going to follow it, whatever it was. You’ll eat with me,” he said sternly, urging her on.

  She came to a complete halt. “Mr. Boyd, you have a distressing habit of issuing orders and expecting me to comply with them. In case you haven’t noticed, servitude has gone out of fashion. So has manhandling a woman in public. Now, excuse me.” She jerked her arm from his hand and gracefully crossed the room to Abby’s side behind one of the tables.

  In the rush for food, Lucas didn’t think anyone noticed his partner abandoning him in the middle of the floor, but he was still angry. He casually strolled over to several of the men talking and joined the conversation. But he watched Susannah Langston out of the corner of his eye.

  Which is probably why he didn’t notice Abby approaching.

  “Lucas Boyd, I want a word with you!”

  “Uh-oh, Luke,” Joe said, “you’d better watch out. I think Abby’s on the warpath.”

  “You’d better be scared, all of you, since I remember changing your diapers!” she said, glaring at the four men. Then she grabbed Lucas’s arm and tugged him in the direction of the open door.

  He was reminded of Susannah’s words when he’d tried the same thing with her, but he didn’t think Abby would pay any attention. “What’s wrong, Abby?”

  “Wait till we’re outside. I don’t want anyone overhearing us.”

  They stepped out into the clear, crisp October night. After they’d gone past several parked cars, she turned to face him. “What did you say to hurt Susannah?”

  “Me? She’s the one who said something! Hell, she said Beth married me for my money, Abby!” He hadn’t intended to repeat the idiotic words, but he hadn’t realized how deeply they’d cut him.

  “Susannah wouldn’t do that, Luke. Why, she’s the gentlest, kindest—”

  “I’m tired of everybody saying that. She’s not gentle or kind with me.” He crossed his arms over his chest. Saint Susannah didn’t exist as far as he was concerned.

  “You must’ve said something mean for her to try to hurt you. What did you say first?”

  “I asked her to dance. Is that a crime?”

  “No. But you must be wanting something she can’t—”

  “Abby, this is ridiculous. I didn’t do anything.”

  “Then what did you want from her? When you came to the library yesterday, you did something to upset her then, too. She was almost in tears.”

  Lucas’s nerves were stretched tight, what with his appearance among his neighbors this evening, and his plans for the future. Suddenly he couldn’t stand Abby’s prying any longer. With a roar, he said, “I want her to have my baby, Abby. That’s what I want!”

  Unfortunately, several other couples had also come outside for the cool air. They all froze as his words rang in the air.

  Then there was a concerted rush back inside, each hoping to be the first to pass on the delicious gossip they’d just overheard.

  Chapter Four

  S usannah stood near one of the serving tables, chatting with several ladies who frequented the library. Even so, she kept her eye on the door, watching for Abby and Lucas’s return.

  It didn’t take long for her to realize something had happened outside that was causing a lot of excitement. Three or four people rushed in and immediately began whispering.

  When everyone who heard the gossip turned to stare at Susannah, she knew she was in trouble.

  “What’s goin’ on?” Mrs. Wilson wondered, staring across the room.

  “I have no idea,” Susannah said, then fell silent. Abby and Lucas Boyd entered the room.

  “There’s Abby. I bet she’ll know. Yoo-hoo, Abby!” Mrs. Wilson called across the room.

  Wishing the floor would open and swallow her whole, Susannah stepped away from her acquaintance. Suddenly she didn’t want to know what was causing all the ruckus. Because it involved her…and Lucas Boyd.

  Whether it was in response to Mrs. Wilson’s call, or something else, Abby started across the room, determination in her every step.

  Followed by Lucas Boyd.

  And the gazes of everyone in the room.

  Susannah stood frozen, unable to escape or think. She never liked to be in the spotlight, but when Lucas Boyd was involved, she became absolutely paralyzed.

  Abby reached her and clutched her hand, as if to comfort her. “Lucas didn’t mean no harm, Susannah.”

  Considering her friend’s words, Susannah looked at the handsome cowboy, surprised to discover his lean cheeks filled with color. “About what?”

  Vaguely, out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Mrs. Wilson whispering with another woman. Before either Abby or Lucas was able or willing to answer her question, Mrs. Wilson turned to her.

  “Oh, I’m thrilled. I mean, I had no idea! Why didn’t you let on, Susannah? Why, you’ve caught the most eligible man in the county!”

  Dread filled Susannah. She’d been right to be afraid. Taking a deep breath, she said, as calmly as possible, “I haven’t caught anything, Mrs. Wilson.
There must be some mistake.”

  With an arch laugh that grated on Susannah’s nerves, Mrs. Wilson said, “Well, I hope you’ve caught him if you’re going to have his baby!”

  Susannah let her eyelids sink, shutting out everything. When she opened them again, she had no clue what she should do or say. Especially when she still didn’t know exactly what had been said. But now wasn’t the time to be asking. A quick glance at Abby and Lucas Boyd showed them frozen. “There’s been some mistake, Mrs. Wilson.”

  She couldn’t go on. How could she explain about her baby, without everyone thinking it was his baby? They’d never believe the scientific arrangements she’d made. It would be so much more fun for them to speculate on her sleeping with Lucas Boyd. The man had ruined everything!

  The plate she was holding, filled with various samplings of the delicious food, held no interest for her now. With a rigid smile, she set it on the edge of the table. “Excuse me, please,” she murmured and turned to head for the rest room.

  “Susannah—” Abby called.

  Susannah didn’t turn around, but she heard footsteps behind her and hoped they were Abby’s, not the cowboy’s. She thought if he touched her now, she’d scream.

  She slipped into the small rest room and entered a stall, closing the door, hoping Abby would allow her some privacy. No such luck.

  “Susannah, he didn’t mean to embarrass you. It’s partly my fault.”

  “Abby, could this discussion wait—”

  “No. I’m trying to tell you it was an accident. He didn’t mean to announce that you were going to have his baby.”

  “He did what?” she gasped, unable to remain silent.

  The stall next to her opened. “Who did?” a quavery voice asked. “Is someone pregnant?”

  “Now, Gertie, I didn’t know you were here. This is a private conversation,” Abby hastily said.

  Susannah leaned her head against the door, trying to hold back a moan. Gertie Lumpkin was probably the only one who hadn’t heard what happened. Until now.

  “Don’t seem too private if he announced it. I just want to know who he is.”

  “Abby, don’t—”

  The door squeaked as two women entered. “Oh, here you are, Abby. Where’s Susannah?” one asked with a giggle.

  Abby remained silent but Gertie didn’t. “She’s in there, I think.”

  “Susannah? Come on out. We want to congratulate you!”

  “You’re supposed to offer best wishes to the bride and congratulate the groom,” Gertie instructed.

  The second voice, which Susannah couldn’t identify, either, protested, “Honey, if she’s getting Lucas Boyd to the altar again, she deserves congratulations!”

  “Is she in here?” someone called as the door squeaked again. There was a rush of footsteps, telling Susannah more than one lady had swelled the ranks.

  Lifting her chin, Susannah opened the stall door. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to keep everyone waiting. Whoever’s next,” she said and waved to the stall behind her.

  “Is it true?” a young woman asked, a pout on her lips. “Have you lassoed Lucas Boyd?”

  “I don’t think so. I don’t even have a rope,” Susannah said with a smile. A weak smile, but still a smile. “I only met the man a couple of weeks ago. If he’s looking for a wife, you know he’s going to choose one a lot prettier than me.”

  With a nod, she began to push through the women, ignoring their startled looks. Abby was right behind her.

  As soon as they were in the hall, Susannah whispered, “Is there a back way out of here?”

  “No. And you got no reason to hide, Susannah. But tell me, is what he said true? Are you going to have his baby?” Abby was watching her anxiously.

  She covered her face with her hands and then looked at Abby. “Are you sure that’s what he said?”

  “Well, he said he wanted you to.”

  “No. I’m not going to have his baby. Dr. Grable…Lucas thought…never mind. The answer is no.”

  When she walked back into the large room, everyone stood clustered in groups, talking. Until they saw her.

  Silence filled the room.

  She felt the heat building in her cheeks, but she pretended all was well. Pausing by one of the committee members who organized the social, she offered her thanks for a lovely evening, shaking the woman’s hand.

  “Are you leaving?”

  “I have to be up early for Sunday School, so I think I’ll call it a night,” Susannah said.

  “Lucas already left.”

  Susannah licked her dry lips. “Lucas? Oh, you mean Lucas Boyd. Did he? Maybe he’s teaching a Sunday School class, too.”

  There was a ripple of laughter at her words, indicating more than a few were listening. She maintained her friendly smile with some effort and started toward the door, bravely meeting the stares and nodding.

  Abby plucked at her sleeve when she reached the door, almost free to hide in the darkness of the night. “Don’t be mad at Lucas, Susannah. It was partly my fault. I wish you’d stay a while longer.”

  Susannah looked down at her dearest friend. “I don’t think so, Abby. But thank you for inviting me.” She pulled free from Abby’s grasp and hurried down the stairs. Her car was parked along the side of the building, out of sight. She breathed a sigh of relief as she turned the corner.

  Until she caught sight of her car.

  And her nemesis leaning against it.

  Lucas feared she was going to run in the opposite direction when she saw him. He wanted to talk to her, but he wouldn’t be able to chase her here. Everyone would be watching them.

  But instead of running, the woman started walking toward her car again, her gaze on the ground.

  “Susannah,” he began, keeping his voice quiet.

  “Please move,” she ordered.

  He’d blocked her door on purpose. He wasn’t about to abandon his position of strength before he’d had his say. “I want to apologize. I lost my temper.”

  “Did someone refuse to follow your orders?”

  He couldn’t believe her cool challenge. He’d been prepared to grovel because he figured he’d upset her, maybe made her cry. A gentleman didn’t cause a lady grief. But her cool voice, challenging him, didn’t inspire him to wallow in remorse.

  “No,” he responded through gritted teeth. “But your behavior certainly didn’t help.”

  Her chin rose slightly. “My behavior was exemplary.”

  “Oh, yeah? You walked off and left me standing like a fool on the dance floor!” His fists went to his hips and he glared down at her. Not too far down.

  “The last I heard, a woman has a choice about her dinner companion.”

  “There was no call to embarrass me.”

  “Is that why you said what you did? To pay me back? You certainly accomplished your goal, Mr. Boyd.”

  He felt a few inches shorter at her words. “No! No, I wasn’t trying to embarrass you, Susannah. I promise. Abby was pressing me about—about upsetting you. Did I upset you?”

  “I don’t find it charming to be the object of gossip, Mr. Boyd.”

  “Before that. While we were dancing. Abby said she thought I’d upset you.” He watched her face carefully, seeing changing emotions reflected in her eyes. Her full bottom lip trembled slightly. He’d never have noticed if he hadn’t been watching so closely.

  She looked over his shoulder. “I was embarrassed that I had behaved so rudely. I never meant to insult your wife or imply that your marriage was—was less than a love match. Abby interpreted my embarrassment as something else.” She brought her brown-eyed gaze back to him. “I suppose I owe you an apology also.”

  She amazed him. He’d never expected her to apologize. In his experience, women accepted apologies well. But they weren’t in the habit of owning up to any guilt for an argument. Some of the tension flowed out of him.

  “Thanks, Susannah. I guess neither of us showed our best social skills this evening. I don’t know about
your excuse, but I’m a little out of practice.” He tried a smile, curious to see if she’d give him one back.

  She didn’t.

  “Now that we’ve finished our discussion, could you move so I can get in my car?” She stared at his boots.

  “Well, I would,” he drawled, watching her, “but I don’t think we’re finished.”

  His words drew a flash of her brown eyes filled with questions and not a little alarm. “What do you mean? Of course we’re finished.”

  “Nope. We have to decide what we’re going to do about my little mistake.” He crossed his arms over his chest, as if he intended to remain in place for the next century.

  Any softness, or sympathetic feelings, he’d thought he’d seen in her apology disappeared. “We’re going to do nothing, Mr. Boyd. Absolutely nothing.”

  “Don’t you think you could call me Lucas? After all, since everyone thinks we’re already sleeping together, being formal seems a mite silly.”

  She gasped. “All the more reason to remain formal. And to avoid each other. All we have to do is go back to our normal routines. You avoid the library. I’ll avoid your ranch. Problem solved.”

  Rubbing the back of his neck, Lucas asked her another question. “You still going to have a baby?”

  “Of course I am!”

  “You know people are going to say it’s mine.” This time he held her gaze, waiting for her reaction.

  “If—if we continue to deny it and aren’t seen together, I’m sure that rumor will disappear…eventually.”

  Again there was that slight tremble of her bottom lip. He wanted to reach out and stroke its softness. Reassure her. “Maybe.”

  “I need to go home. I’m cold.”

  Now he had no choice but to move aside. Any other woman, he might offer to warm her up. But Susannah had suffered enough tonight at his hands. He wouldn’t make things worse. But he was surprised at the disappointment that filled him.

  He must’ve been too long without a woman.

  But thoughts of Beth had made the idea of seeking physical relief impossible. He couldn’t imagine holding another woman in his arms.

  Turning, he opened the car door and held it for her. She slid past him, leaving as much room as possible between them, murmuring a thank-you.