Oops...We′re Married?
Oops...We're Married?
Susan Lute
Once she'd dreamed of those words, but Eleanor Silks Rose had grown up and kicked her crush on Dillon Stone like a bad habit. So why had she blushed as the widowed single dad touched his lips to hers during the mock ceremony? And when their charity dating-game wedding turned out to be real, why did she start dreaming she'd be Mrs.Dillon Stone forever?Dillon was on a quest for the perfect wife, yet he'd never expected to be wed to an irresistible Eleanor! But he didn't need passion; he needed a mother for his son. Could his accidental bride be the woman he'd been searching for to bring love and sizzle to his life?
Put me down.
Eleanors voice sounded husky. Could she possibly be as affected as he was by their proximity?
Entering her bedroom, Dillon stopped beside the bed, releasing her legs so they dropped until just the tip of her toes were touching the rug. She was just the right height, he realized, oblivious to everything but the woman standing still in his arms.
You can let me go now, Eleanor said in a hoarse whisper.
What if I dont want to let you go just yet? Heating up at the tremor in Eleanors voice, Dillon wondered exactly what he did want from her.
You dont really want to do this.
I dont? He gulped, her voice splashing like coldwater on his growing desire.
Well, if we dothis, we cant get an annulment.
Dear Reader,
Oh, baby! This June, Silhouette Romance has the perfect poolside reads for you, from babies to royalty, from sexy millionaires to rugged cowboys!
In Carol Graces Pregnant by the Boss! (#1666), champagne and mistletoe lead to a night of passion between Claudia Madison and her handsome bossbut will it end in a lifetime of love? And dont miss the final installment in Marie Ferrarellas crossline miniseries, THE MOM SQUAD, with Beauty and the Baby (#1668), about widowed mother-to-be Lori ONeill and the forbidden feelings she cant deny for her late husbands caring brother!
In Raye Morgans Betrothed to the Prince (#1667), the second in the exciting CATCHING THE CROWN miniseries, a princess goes undercover when an abandoned baby is left in the care of a playboy prince. And some things are truly meant to be, as Carla Cassidy shows us in her incredibly tender SOULMATES series title, A Gift from the Past (#1669), about a couple given a surprising second chance at forever.
What happens when a rugged cowboy wins fifty million dollars? According to Debrah Morris, in Tutoring Tucker (#1670), he hires a sexy oil heiress to refine his rough-and-tumble ways, and they both get a lesson in love. Then two charity dating-game contestants get the shock of their lives when they discover OopsWere Married? (#1671), by brand-new Silhouette Romance author Susan Lute.
See you next month for more fun-in-the-sun romances!
Happy reading!
Mary-Theresa Hussey
Senior Editor
OopsWere Married?
Susan Lute
www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)
To my children,
Darren, Damon and Saritha,
you bring nothing but great joy to my life.
And
to my husband, David,
I love you.
SUSAN LUTE
lives in the Pacific Northwest, in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. She married her high school sweetheart, has three children who are the best thing shes done with her life and a dog named Wolfe.
Susan is fascinated by ancient history, loves reading, gardening, black-and-white photographs and traveling. Shes a veteran of the Portland to Coast Relay and plans one day to hike the Pacific Crest Trail.
By day she is a registered nurse. By night she loves to spin tales that resemble her own happy-ever-after, about that click of instant recognition that happens when a man and woman fall head over heels in love. When writing, her priorities include that first vanilla latt in the morning and a steady infusion of chocolate.
Dear Reader,
Used to moving from place to place with my family, I was thirteen the summer I discovered a lifelong friend in the guise of a book titled Black Beauty. Thus began my career as a reader, which ultimately led to aspirations of becoming a writer. For me, writing about that special, true love is like finally coming home.
I must confess to being an ardent student of human nature. Add a fascination for the ridiculous and the unusual, and you have the conception of Eleanor and Dillons story. I knew I wanted to explore the relationships between grandparent, parent and child. OopsWere Married? is about widower Dillon Stone and how he reacts when his father and son decide they heartily approve of Eleanor Silks, a corporate librarian so totally opposite from the wife and mother hes decided he has to find.
When I wondered what these two different people would do if they accidentally got married after being thrown together as contestants at a dating-game benefit dinner, their story ran away with me. Theres nothing more devastating than love gone horribly wrong, and nothing more heavenlyand satisfying than love when it goes completely right. In the end, only Eleanor and Dillon could tell me how their love would triumph.
In heartfelt appreciation to Silhouette for this opportunity, I give you my first book.
Contents
Prologue (#ueb54dcc4-b63b-5d00-8ce2-eda1ee97c218)
Chapter One (#u47a8494b-fb0b-55f5-ba92-2d56118e3b90)
Chapter Two (#uab3f1917-bd65-5efa-bbe4-a427a3a21d17)
Chapter Three (#u94077df6-617c-54af-98a2-cbfff6e9bd19)
Chapter Four (#u4ae7e921-ca3b-536a-9dde-9f346b00a0f5)
Chapter Five (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Six (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Seven (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Eight (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Nine (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Ten (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Eleven (#litres_trial_promo)
Prologue
Eleanor Silks Rose sat in the church pew wishing more than anything that it was she standing at the altar becoming Dillon Stones new wife. It wasnt fair that Joan Butler, Centennial Highs sweetheart, with her dark beauty and serene personality, had gotten the most perfect guy in the whole world to walk her down the aisle.
Squirming in pinching panty hose that she rarely put on for any reason, Eleanor watched the ceremony from a seat as far in the back of the small church as she could get and still see down the center aisle to where the couple stood taking their vows. She was oblivious to the soothing music, the serenity of lighted candles and the near tranquillity of the expectant hush as the priest said the words that would join Joan for life to the man Eleanor had secretly loved from the first moment shed laid eyes on her foster brother Jakes newest friend.
Shed been fourteen then, and still she would give anything to be in Joans white patent leather shoes, only Eleanors choice of elegant footwear ran more to new Nikes than anything shiny or with a heel. To be fair, it wasnt the other womans fault Dillon had never noticed her, a ragtag tomboy, who would much rather go hiking or follow the boys fishing than do girl things like primp in front of a mirror, clean house, or cook. She would rather eat dirt than do more than pop something frozen into the microwave.
Of course, Joan did all those housewifely things. Tugging on a piece of hair that insisted on curling around her neck, instead of staying in the French braid shed tried for the first time, Eleanor dropped her gaze as the ceremony ended so she wouldnt see Dillon enthusiastically kissing his new bride.
At the start of the bold music that announced another couple had tied the knot, she looked up to see the happy couple start down the aisle toward her, sparkling in the congratulations of their wedding guests.
Her foster parents were always telling her she had her whole life ahead of her. But, to Eleanor, it sure didnt feel like it.
She refused to cry.
Her heart was not broken.
Another woman had gotten the only man in the world worth considering spending the rest of her life with. King Arthur of Camelot and the Man of Steel all rolled into one, Dillon would always be the only man for her.
Chapter One
Jake Edward Solomon. You are not my father.
No, El, but a big brother is the next best thing. Now, are you going to do me this little favor or not? Jakes voice fairly crackled with humor.
Pushing the phone between her ear and hunched shoulder, Eleanor settled behind her desk and swiveled her chair to gaze unseeing out her office window at the intercity park below.
Jake knew he was going to get his way. Just once, Eleanor wished she could resist her foster brother and one of his crazy schemes. She hated being emotionally blackmailed, especially by the one and only person who came the closest to being any kind of family to her.
Im not saying Ill do it, but tell me again what you want me to do? Eleanor was resigned to helping him out, just like she always did. But, this time, she was determined he was going to have to work hard for his victory.
The Marshals service is putting on this benefit dinner, and for the price of the ticket were going to do a dating-game theater show, with a mock marriage at the end
Youve got to be kidding, right? Eleanor knew her voice was on the rise, but at the moment she didnt care as she caught a glimpse of where her foster brother was heading.
No, Im not, El. Weve got it all arranged for Saturday night, and now one of the girls has backed out.
Eleanor ignored the begging tone Jake tried to trap her with. Shed been exposed to it more times than she cared to remember. In fact, anytime Jake wanted his way.
I hope youre not suggesting that I should replace thisperson in your charade. You know I dont like to do datesblind, for charity or otherwise, Eleanor reminded Jake flatly, hoping to make him back off.
Wishful thinking.
Come on, El. I told you Im in a bind here. I need you. This is very important to a lot of peopleand to me.
Eleanor hated it when Jake used his soft, nobody-loves-you-more-than-I-do voice from their teenage years. Emotional blackmail. Thats what it was. And, even though it pushed her buttons, she still caved every time.
Okay, Jake. Ill do this for you. I dont care about all those other people. They dont mean a thing to me.
Of course they dont. Thanks, El. Youre a champ and a
Yeah, right, Eleanor broke in, not quite ready to concede the brat his victory.
Listen, Jake said, meet me at the Harbor Room tomorrow night and we can go over the details. Im meeting a friend at five, but we should be done by six. Love you, baby sister.
And then all that was left of Jake and his current mad scheme was the dial tone in Eleanors ear.
Dillon Stone studied his friend suspiciously in the dim lighting of happy hour at the Harbor Room. Jake couldnt possibly know about his plans to find a wife.
It had been one month since his sisters wedding and his decision to go wife-hunting. And watching Ryan trying to settle into their new home near the university had only strengthened his determination.
Dillon remembered what it had been like after his own mother had died when he was a young teenagerhow hed felt so lost and alone. Hed missed her horribly. He didnt want Ryan to grow up feeling that same loss.
Tangled up in his memories, Dillon wiped away the moisture on the outside of his beer glass with his thumb. He wasnt looking for love for himself. Hed been lucky. Hed had love once. That wasnt something that happened twice in a mans lifetime. The best he could hope for was someone he could respect and live comfortably with. It was doable. Many married for far less.
Dillon thought about the two lists stashed away in his office at home. On one, hed listed all of the qualities he required in a wife. On the other, all of the single women he thought would fill the bill. Not that the second one was long, but it was a start.
so, you can see, Im kind of in a tight spot here.
What tight spot? Dillon lifted his beer to his lips, wincing at having to admit hed just missed a good portion of his friends conversation.
I need a favor. I need a guy Saturday night, Jake spoke slowly as if talking to a slow-witted child, plunking his beer glass on the table between them.
Sorry, I have a lot on my mind. Ive got this involved case Im reviewing. It wasnt a total lie, Dillon reasoned.
You dont work in the courts anymore, youre a law professor. What case?
Dillon had no intention of sharing his latest project with Jake. When the man got ahold of an idea, he was like a dog with a bone. Remembering the number of failed blind dates his buddy had conned him into before hed started going with Joan at the end of their senior year of high school, he shuddered to think what kind of woman his friend would try to scrounge up for him.
Hows your sister? Dillon asked, determined to distract Jake.
El? Shes okay. Listen, you have to do this for me
For a split second Dillons stomach churned. Surely, Jake didnt want him to go out with his sister. He remembered the shy tomboy whod followed them everywhere. If his memory was correct, not long after his marriage to Joan, shed gone back east to college.
Do what for you? he asked cautiously.
The department is putting on a charity dinner for the East Side Womens Shelter. Well have a silent auction and some dancing, but most of the program is a mock dating-game theater show, and the guy from the department who was going to be the contestant backed out at the last minute.
Dillon took a long gulp of his beer, relief flowing down his throat with the malt. His best friend was not setting him up to date his kid sister. The corporate workaholic Jake had said shed become was not on his agenda. What happened to the guy?
Got married and his new wife doesnt want him participating.
What about one of the other guys?
All on assignment, and Im going to be too busy being master of ceremonies to be a contestant, so dont ask.
As a U.S. Marshal, Jake took his assignments very seriously, including this one, apparently.
When is this important event? Dillon asked, frowning at the delay to his own plans. Hed just have to work around it. He owed Jake too much. If it hadnt been for his tenacious friend, he didnt know how he would have survived Joans death.
This Saturday. Im sorry this is so last minute, but Im desperate. And maybe after the show is over, you and the lucky lady you choose can spend some time together. An incurable romantic, Jake had already informed Dillon, ad nauseam, that it was about time he rejoined the singles dating scene.
Not likely, knowing the type of woman you usually rake up for your schemes. For a brief moment, Dillon wondered if he was out of his mind to get mixed up in anything his good buddy was involved in.
Its for charity, Stone.
Okay. I can do it. I guess Im not doing anything that night, anyway.
Great. Jake raised his beer in the air. To success and to finding that perfect woman.
Slowly, Dillon clinked his beer glass to Jakes, suspicion dancing along his nerves. No, Jake couldnt possibly know he was in the market for a new wife. This was just another one his friends wacky do-gooder schemes.
Finishing his beer, he idly glanced around the dimly lit room until his gaze settled on a woman just entering the lounge. For a breathless moment, with her face half hidden in shadow, she stood motionless, like a priceless porcelain sculpture.
Without his permission and faster than a heartbeat, all Dillons predatory male instincts came alive. Where in the world did she come from? Interest sneaking up his spine, he couldnt resist feasting on the vision silently taking in the occupants of the room.
Blond hair fell straight past her shoulders like a shimmering pale waterfall, a faint layer of bangs blocked from falling into eyes framed by wire-rimmed glasses. Heart-shaped lips pressed tight in concentration as the woman thoroughly scanned each table, one by one.
Dillons first thought, Shes looking for someone, ambushed him into sudden attention as his gaze followed the lithe line of her body. His silent touch moved slowly down her long, slender neck, past proudly held shoulders, then memorized an unforgettable figure that assaulted him with its mounds and valleysnot the least bit hidden by the high-power business suit she wore.
Then the woman stepped farther into the low-lighted room.
Dillons senses vibrated, like an overstrung guitar string, at the hint of long, lean legs enhanced to perfection by irreverent, practical shoes showcasing fantasy-producing legs and slender feet. Feeling like hed been gut-kicked, he looked up from his frank appraisal to find the woman staring at him. For a heart-stopping moment, she stood still as if in stunned surprise, then just as quickly dismissed him and flicked her gaze to his friend.
Unaccustomed to being ignored like yesterdays day-old bread, andGod only knew whynot liking it, Dillon watched as the womans gaze turned suspicious as she started toward their table with undeniable purpose.
His second thought, Uh-oh, here comes trouble, settled him back in his chair as he realized there was something familiar about the woman approaching them, anger barely suppressed and certainly not hidden in her smoldering expression.
Dillons third thought concluded, This woman is not a Suzie Homemaker.
Jake. Eleanor didnt quite succeed in hiding the blazing temper pulsing through her temples behind the cool, even tone of voice she directed at her foster brother. Shed known the brat was up to no good. Here was the proof.
Shed wondered how long it would take Jake to parade her in front of the man she once would have moved heaven and earth for. That childish crush had died a final death on the day hed married Joan. Though nine years ago she hadnt thought it could be possible, shed gone on and made something good of her life.
Now, in a nanosecond, she saw everything about Dillon Stone. The faded but well-fitting jeans. The casually worn brown tweed sport coat. Ruffled dark hair that annoyingly begged her fingers to run through it. The sharp, piercing gaze that she was afraid could see to her innermost secrets.
Eleanor ignored the faint tremble in her heart as she felt again his prowling interest when shed first entered the lounge.
How often had she fought staring at the wedding picture Jake had given her? Each time, pushing down fierce longing for the look of love that radiated from a younger version of this man to another woman, his wifea dainty, beautiful, dark-haired creature tucked protectively under his arm?
Even though she knew better, for a while shed looked to find that same love for herself. Finally, convinced she wasnt going to be that lucky, shed buried the picture and her dream of a true-and-lasting love for herself in the bottom of a box that contained the few mementos shed somehow saved from her childhood and proceeded to make a successful, independent life for herself that had no room for that unpredictable emotion called love.
Hey, El. Jake jumped up, his six-foot frame barely towering over her own height of five foot nine as he wrapped her in a strong hug.
Out of the corner of her eye, Eleanor saw Dillon stand, too. Taller than Jake by several inches, his eyes, the color of a deep forest, watched them warily. Then, as if shed been mistaken, his strong features went carefully blank and the tension riding his hard, lean body visibly disappeared.
Ignoring the sudden awakening of feelings shed taken great pains to forget, Eleanor pushed at Jakes chest. Let me go, Jake.
Fine. Jakes eyes twinkled with mischief as he grabbed the chair next to him in a silent invitation for her to sit. El, you remember Dillon.
Eleanor shot Jake her most potent Im-going-to-kill-you-as-soon-as-I-get-you-alone look, then held out her hand to the one man shed thought never to see again.
Of course I do. She modulated her voice to cool detachment, strongly shaken by the touch of a handshake that threatened to melt her clear to the center of her soul.
Quickly, she snatched her hand away from his, careful to tuck it behind her back where the man couldnt touch it again.
Green eyes narrowed at her while the sound of Dillons baritone voice bombarded her with unwanted awareness. Hi, Eleanor. Its been a long time.
If the look on his face was anything to go by, she was pretty sure he wasnt pleased by this reintroduction. That was just fine with her, Eleanor decided, sinking into the chair Jake offered, her legs not as capable of holding her up as they had been when shed first entered the lounge. Shed faced many a boardroom piranha and come out the winner since shed last see this man. She could certainly face down Dillon Stone, who meant nothing to her now, without a single ripple appearing in the well-ordered life shed intentionally built for herself.
Jake, Ive got to go. I have to get home to Ryan. Eleanor, it was nice to see you again.
Startled, Eleanor watched Dillons back as he turned and walked away from her, then out the lounge door.
Disappointment pelted her like a cold rainstorm. Obviously, she was as unnoticeable today as shed been all those years ago when shed foolishly followed him around wearing her heart on her sleeve.
Slowly, Eleanor turned to Jake. I think I really am going to kill you this time, she stoically advised her foster brother, painfully aware that her hands had formed into white fists on the table.
Chapter Two
Dillon leaned closer to the mirror, trying to concentrate on the bow tie he was having trouble knotting. It just didnt make any sense. Ever since hed walkedokay run, away from Eleanor Rose, he hadnt been able to concentrate on a damn thing. Not his preparations for classes. Not his lists. Not anything.
For at least the hundredth time he wondered about her. Her attempt to distance herself hadnt escaped him. He couldnt forget her studied indifference when shed been forced to acknowledge him.
The woman hed encountered at the Harbor Room only vaguely resembled the teenage girl Dillon remembered. Shed changed. A lot. The angry tomboy Jake had taken under his wing had morphed into a consummate businesswoman. Too aloof and independent for his tastes, she would never make the cut for his list of potential wife candidates. So, what was his problem?
An attraction for a dyed-in-the-wool corporate businesswoman was not in his plans despite the whiskey-colored eyes haunting him. Or the tall, lithe form and long legs, which he was sure could quite easily wrap themselves around his waist, tempting him. Or the fantasy of sun-struck blond hair cascading through his fingers, taunting him.
A shudder sneaked through Dillon as he savagely clamped down on the runaway images assaulting his good sense. What had happened to the tomboy he used to know?
Dad. I cant tie this.
Dillon glanced at the reflection of his six-year-old son in the mirrored closet door. Ryan reminded him so much of Joan, bringing back memories of his first wife that no longer hurt, but still left him feeling empty and alone. Though shed been gone four years, he still missed her laughter and the comfort of coming home to the safety of her love each day.
Turning off the rush of memories hed worked hard to come to terms with, Dillon squatted down in front of Ryan, quickly tying the boys bow tie. You look sharp, champ.
Standing, he turned them both to the mirror. The last of the Stone men, the son a shorter version of his dad, both dressed in black suits, relieved only by white shirts and matching green eyes. One young and too cautious, the other older and sadly wiser.
Are we going to find a mom tonight? His sons small voice cut through Dillons unbidden fantasy of distant, whiskeyblond
No. Remember, I told you this is just make-believe. Well be helping to raise money for
Charity. But I thought as long as you were going to pick a pretend
Pretend, Dillon agreed firmly, wondering if hed made a mistake including his son in this event.
I know, Ryan said with a childs aggrieved sigh, then perked up. Maybe shell be my pretend mom, too.
Dillons heart fairly broke at the longing in his little boys upturned face. He hated that Ryan couldnt remember his mother. In many ways the little guy was so much like her. He had her dark hair, her smile, her easy sense of humor. Even though Ryan had no memory of her, Dillon was aware his son wanted a living mom just like his friends had.
Its going to be okay, champ. Hey, do you want to help me pick out this pretend wife? Dillon didnt stop to think before he spoke, but he wouldnt have taken the question back for anything once he saw the excited look that lit up Ryans face.
Really?
Really. Dillon hoped Jake wouldnt mind a small change in the game plan.
Do you think well find one who really likes us?
At the wistfulness in his sons voice, Dillon turned them both to look in the mirror one last time.
Of course she will like us. How could any lady resist two handsome James Bond types like us? Dillon asked, grateful for the smile his answer put on the little guys face.
James Bond.
Dillon watched Ryan square his slight shoulders and once again tug on his tie, before adding in his best imitation James Bond voice, Im ready.
Thats good, because Im not sure I am, Dillon acknowledged as he led the way out to his pickup truck.
This is a great idea, having father-and-son bachelors.
Dillon followed Jake, who led them to the mocked-up booths for the game show. Youre not supposed to see the lady contestants, so sit here and well get started as soon as everyone has been served.
It looks like you have a full house, Dillon observed, glad that if he had to participate in one of Jakes schemes, at least it was for something harmless, but important.
Yeah, were packed. Well make a huge chunk of change for the shelter tonight. Ive got to get the ladies settled in their booths. Ryan, sit here next to your dad. You can even ask a question if you want.
Wow.
Dillon watched Ryan wriggle into the offered chair, relieved that Jake had no problem including his son.
Wow yourself, little buddy. Ruffling Ryans hair, Jake pinned on the boys microphone, then turned laughter-filled eyes toward Dillon. Good luck. Im betting youre going to find the perfect woman tonight.
His friends short laugh, before disappearing around the partition that blocked Dillons view of the other contestants, filled Dillon with foreboding. Partly because of Jakes recent insistence that he and Ryan needed a change of location, hed decided to leave Seattle for the smaller, more comfortable Oregon river city of Portland.
Now, he had a familiar feeling his friend was up to no good. He watched as elegantly dressed dinner guests were shown to the tables within his field of vision. No good was his buddys speciality.
Okay, ladies and gentlemen. Its time to begin, Jakes voice announced. Let me start out by thanking each of you for coming tonight to help support this very worthy cause. Remember, at the back of the room is a silent auction. All proceeds made tonight will go directly to the East Side Womens Shelter.
Maybe his friend was right. There were three eligible women on the other side of the wall that separated him and Ryan from them. One of the ladies could be just what he was looking foran addition to the list hed left safely at home.
For a surprise addition, we have not one bachelor, but two very eligible bachelors, father and son, who will pick a very lucky bachelorette.
Eleanor stopped squirming in the hard chair Jake had shown her to, suspicion splashing her with a cold panic that was rapidly turning to anger.
He wouldnt. The one person in the whole world she trusted, wouldnt do this to her, would he? Yeshe would, a small voice offered its opinion in her mind. Eleanor spit silent curses at her brother. The three-sided cubicle where she sat, unable to lay her hands on him, revealed only an excited audience, beginning their dinner as they eagerly waited for the dating game to begin.
Bachelor senior. Why dont you start with your first question. We have three lovely ladies for you to choose from. Will it be Bachelorette number one? Bachelorette number two? Or Bachelorette number three?
Bachelorette number three. What are your hobbies?
Eleanor almost groaned aloud when she heard the unforgettable, familiar voice ask his first question amid cheers and catcalls from the audience. She wasnt prepared for the deep impact of his voice that ignited undisciplined awareness like Fourth of July fireworks.
Bachelorette number three? Dillons dark, gravelly voice washed her in unexplained waves of startled sensation.
Clearing the lump suddenly lodged in her throat, Eleanor blurted without thinking, I dont have any hobbies.
I see. How about Bachelorette number two?
What did he see? Eleanor wondered angrily, feeling both foolish and irritated. Only what she wanted him to see. Which was nothing.
The honey tones used by the other two ladies to answer the law professors question made Eleanor sick to her stomach. There was no way she was going to try to sell herself to this man by sugarcoating her responses just for his benefit.
Bachelorette number three. What are your favorite foods?
This time Eleanor was prepared. Carefully modulating her voice, she responded, Im a vegetarian. Well, she was.
And?
And, I like vegetables.
Dillon looked at Ryan, his eyebrows lifting in question. There was something familiar about that voice, even though it was masked by the microphone and her abrupt responses.
Briefly, whiskey-colored eyes flashed bright in Dillons mind and the last puzzle piece fell into place. So, thats what all Jakes meddling was about. He had three ladies to choose from. Of course, he wasnt going to pick Eleanor just because she was Jakes sister. The guy could be a loose cannon, but this little maneuver absolutely took the cake.
Eleanor stared out at the audience. The dinner was being catered by attendants dressed sharply in white shirts, black bow ties and black dress slacks. The tables were elegantly covered in gold tablecloths. And, without exception, every female eye in the place was focused on the left side of the stage, where she was sure Dillon sat with his little boy.
Heated with disgust, she unbuttoned the top button of the white blouse that seemed bent on choking her and renewed her earlier vow not to stoop to competing for the mans attention. Purposely, she answered each question Dillon asked her in the most bored, disinterested way she could, discouraging any idea the man might have of picking her, while the other ladies blatantly threw themselves at him. Their sugary, come-park-your-shoes-under-my-bed responses made her stomach queasy.
When Jake stepped into her line of vision, frowning at her, Eleanor felt a small pinpoint of malicious satisfaction. She arched her eyebrows at him, smiled sweetly and wished him at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. It warmed her sense of revenge when his frown deepened.
If she could just get to him, she would really hurt Jake, Eleanor promised, finding herself perched on the edge of her seat, leaning out of the small cubicle that marked her end of the stage.
Pushing her glasses farther up her nose, she briefly glanced toward the other end of the raised platform. Three additional cubicles, undoubtedly perfect matches to hers, stretched across the stage in a half moon, the two middle ones recessed slightly away from the audience. Suddenly, Eleanor found herself traitorously wondering what it would be like to be chosen by Dillon Stone. What would it be like to be the woman he would want to spend the rest of his life with?
Before she could break away from that heart-pounding thought, a solemn face peeked around the front of the bachelor cubicle. Serious eyes studied her without blinking. A sudden smile shattered the illusion of an adult packed secretly into the small boys body.
Ryan.
The longing in his watchful eyes assailed Eleanor with an unfamiliar urge to take the small, serious child and fold him close in her arms. Tentatively, she smiled back.
Bachelorette number three? Dillons annoyed voice broke the fragile connection shed made with the child.
Im sorry. I didnt hear the question, she said as she removed her glasses and winked at Ryan, who was still watching her curiously.
Where is your favorite place to vacation? Dillon repeated, patience struggling with the irritation lacing his voice.
I dont go on vacation, Eleanor answered truthfully, her mind still on a little boys heartbreaking smile as she scooted back into the uncomfortable chair.
Okay The increasingly frustrated voice plowed through her thoughts. For the first time since shed started this nightmare, Eleanor relaxed. For a second, she thought she could hear the man grinding his teeth. She smiled.
Ryan. Come sit down, Dillon whispered to his son, amazed at how hard it was to hide his frustration with Eleanors answers. He didnt really care what they were, and he certainly wasnt planning to choose her for his pretend wife, but the woman could at least make some attempt at being interested in the game; for the audiences sake if nothing else.
Pushing away the image of whiskey-colored eyes and a body that promised to be a perfect match to his in the intricate dance of love, he helped Ryan climb back into his seat. He wasnt interested in love, and it was with irritating effort that he finally wiped the seductive image from his mind.
Okay. Bachelor junior. You get to ask the last question. Jakes booming voice broke into Dillons annoyance.
James Bond, Dillon reminded his son softly.
Bachelor three. Do you like kids? At the small quiver in Ryans voice, Dillon placed his arm around his sons shoulders.
Eleanor heard the loneliness in the childs voice and understood it completely. She couldnt stop herself from remembering how his grown-up study had changed so quickly to a childs curiosity with one beautiful smile. Without further thought, she answered truthfully, from her heart, unable to cause more hurt to the little person whod silently reached out to her.
I thinkkids are coolespecially little boys, she said hesitantly, but simply.
Surprised at the sudden warmth in Eleanors voice, Dillon watched a smile spread over his sons face. He didnt really listen to the other two bachelorettes responses, although chatty number two had the three of them at Chuck E. Cheeses long before she was done.
How could the woman whod answered so warmly to Ryan be the same woman who had been evasive, impersonal and dismissive with him all evening?
As a slow anger began to burn in his throat, Dillon flicked his finger at a piece of lint on his jacket sleeve. Even though he considered himself an average sort of guy, he wasnt used to being treated like a pariah by women. Dillon reluctantly admitted he didnt like it. It didnt matter that he wasnt planning on picking Eleanor. It was just that she could at least play nice.
All right, ladies and gentlemen. Its time for our bachelors to choose their bachelorette. Jakes voice floated over the audio system, reminding Dillon that fortunately this whole nonsense would soon be over.
Okay, Ryan. Which one do we want? Bachelorette number one or number two? Dillon whispered to his son as if asking the boy to help him pick between his two least favorite desserts.
We want Bachelorette three. Ryans excited answer caused blaring alarms to clang loudly in Dillons head.
No, Ryan. We need to pick either one or two. There was no way he was going to pick Eleanor Rose after her obvious lack of interest throughout the whole game. It was only a benefit dinner, for Gods sake. The woman could have at least tried to pretend she wanted to participate.
But I want Bachelorette three. Ryans hands were balling into fists, his voice changing from a whisper to sharp demand.
Ryan, Dillon insisted firmly, pulling the resisting boy against his chest.
But I want her to be my new mom. The shake in Ryans voice and the tears flooding his eyes was more than Dillon had the strength to fight, but he tried, anyway.
This is just pretend, son. And only for tonight. Okay?
Okay. But, I still want Bachelorette three.
At that moment Jake rounded the corner into the cubicle and caught the tail end of their discussion. Dillon groaned inwardly at his buddys apparent amusement at his predicament.
It appears our bachelors are having a difference of opinion over which bachelorette they want, Jake said, playing to the expectant audience for all he was worth.
A burst of chatter erupted, forcing Dillons hand. Resigned to his fate, he stood, taking Ryan up in his arms, anchoring his sons light weight on his hip. As he faced the excited audience, a breathless hush replaced the noisy chatter.
Well take Bachelorette numberthree, he said on a reluctant sigh.
Thank God it was just pretend and just for the night, he told himself. He was a big boy. He could put up with Eleanor Rose for one night. The smile that spread across his sons face and his little hands clapping gleefully amid thundering applause from the audience was all the confirmation he needed that hed made the right choicefor his son.
Dillon thanked Bachelorettes number one and two, speculatively watching number two leave the stage. Her backward look was full of promise, if hed only take her up on the offer. Mary Towers was her name. She was definitely the Suzie Homemaker type he was looking for and appeared to like kids just fine. Maybe he would add her to his list of possibilities.
Shes just what Im looking for. Shed make a great mother for Ryan, he was thinking when his gaze collided with angry, storm-filled, whiskey eyes that reminded him of
Then it was just the four of them left on the stage. Ryan, his smile big, his eyes bright with excitement. Jake, grinning with smug satisfaction. Eleanor, her face white, her lips pressed into a thin, painful-looking line, her expressive eyes swimming with an emotion he couldnt put a name to. And himself.
Dillon didnt like the laughter that tinted Jakes voice when he turned to the audience. Ladies and gentlemen. May I introduce Portlands hottest new couple, Dillon Stone and Eleanor Rose.
Flicking his gaze from his sons excited grin to Jakes triumphant laughter, then to Eleanor Roses disbelieving stillness, Dillon couldnt shake the sinking feeling that instead of being almost over, this nights high jinks were only just beginning.
Chapter Three
Ladies and gentlemen. Were going to have a short intermission while we set up the wedding scene. Dont forget to take a look at the silent auction at the back of the room.
Eleanor wanted to scream at the top of her lungs at the turn Jakes so-called dating game had taken. Hastily she tugged her foster brother away from Dillons frown and the excitement dancing in his little boys eyes.
Jake. I am not going to marry thatman, she whispered fiercely, turning her back on the tantalizing promise Dillon Stone represented.
Of course you are. Its perfectly safe, all make-believe. For charity, remember?
Eleanor shook off Jakes arm when he tried to wrap her in a smothering hug.
He should have picked one of the others. Why didnt he? Eleanor didnt like the feeling that she was losing it.
Because youre so sweet and wonderful? And, he couldnt resist you? Humor played across Jakes face, only inching her irritation higher.
Youre dead meat.
Thanks, El. I love you, too. Look out, here come the wedding props.
Intent on getting as far away from Dillon Stone and his sweet little boy as she possibly could, Eleanor scowled her worst at Jake before moving out of the way of the stage workers who were exchanging the cubicles for an elaborate garden wedding scene.
This isnt going to work, you know, Dillon told his friend evenly, while Jake fixed the bridal boutonniere in his jacket lapel. Covertly, he watched Eleanor across the stage, fidgeting tensely while a woman, presumably one of Jakes assistants, placed a long, trailing, lacy veil over her flowing blond hair.
God, she was beautiful. She certainly wasnt a shy tomboy anymore. Gone was the young girl he remembered. In her place was a gorgeous woman, but one who still lacked all the female graces.
Sure, its going to work. The crowd loves this stuff. Jake indicated the wedding arch that was being placed center stage.
No. I mean Eleanor and me. Dillon didnt believe the picture that was being created of Eleanor as the perfect bride. Unexpectedly, a painful knot formed in his stomach at the fleeting, wistful look she cast at him. A look that was concealed behind indifference before it was ever fully formed.
Damn. Why was he even thinking about this? He wanted more children. Maybe, lots of them. And in his experience, career women did not want children. At least not right away. Anyone could see that Eleanor Rose was a dedicated career woman.
Even now, she was dressed in a gray pin-striped skirt and jacket as if she couldnt wait to get back to the office. Surprisingly, the top button of her blouse was open, exposing a generous amount of her slender throat, slightly spoiling her perfect corporate image. But that didnt change the fact that hed met her type before.
What about you and Eleanor? Jakes pseudo-innocent inquiry made the hairs stand at alert on the back of Dillons neck.
We have absolutely nothing in common. After tonight well probably never see each other again. The ping that poked his heart at the thought of never seeing Eleanor again didnt mean a thing. Suspiciously, Dillon watched his friends unchanging expression. Mary Towers was the more obvious choice for his list of possible wife candidates.
Hey. No problem. But it wouldnt hurt if you and El got together after this.
Get together? With Eleanor Rose? The poster lady of corporate womanhood? No way.
Its not going to happen, Jake, Dillon firmly informed his friend.
All Im saying
Dad, how come shes standing way over there? Ryan pulled insistently on his hand, effectively derailing Dillons conversation with Jakea conversation that had been going nowhere, anyway.
Because the bride and groom are not supposed to see each other before the wedding ceremony, pal. Jake answered for him, dropping on one knee to fix a matching boutonniere on Ryans lapel. Everything seems to be ready. Why dont we get your dad and El in place?
Eleanor turned to face the man shed worked so hard to keep out of her dreams. She couldnt go through with this. She wasnt going to pretend to marry the one man who had once had the power to rock her to her very soul.
El, come stand over here.
Jakes instruction set her teeth on edge. Forcing stiff limbs to move, Eleanor slowly walked to the spot her foster brother indicated.
Why was she doing this? Because it was a fake ceremonyand for charity. Eleanor squared her shoulders. She had a fulfilling career and was just fine living on her own. She was not feeling sorry for herself or wishing for the impossible just because as a young woman shed once wished she could be bound to this man for life.
A small hand nestled into hers. Unable to stop the feelings suddenly warming her, Eleanor looked down into shining green eyes and the biggest smile shed ever seen on a childs face.
Youre going to be my new mom, Ryan said, eyes twinkling at her. Eleanors heart sank. She didnt need any new cracks to form in her armor.
Remember, son, this is just make-believe. Dillons determined words sealed those cracks shut with a lonely clang.
Wheres the judge? Is there a judge in the house? Jake demanded playfully of the audience.
In unison the audience began to loudly chant. Judgejudgejudge
Keep your sense of humor. Dont break your heart over this, Eleanor admonished herself as a sprinkle of laughter drifted through the room. Nervously, she adjusted her glasses on her nose. This mockery of a marriage was for charity. It didnt mean anything more than that.
Taking a deep breath to settle the skittish alarm clanging in her stomach, Eleanor looked up as a new disturbance erupted at the door. Now what?
Causing the minor commotion was an elderly man in a western-style black frock and flat-brimmed black hat. Haphazardly, he was making his way toward the stage, patting his pockets as if hed lost something. Finally, out of one deep side pocket, he pulled out wire-rimmed spectacles and pushed them onto his bulbous nose.
So sorry Im late, the old man wheezed, out of breath as he stopped opposite Dillon.
Eleanor couldnt believe her eyes. Jake couldnt have gotten a more disreputable-looking judge if hed tried, which he probably had, she decided, disgusted. The man looked as if hed been pulled right out of an old-time western.
Are you two young folks ready? Im Jed Banta. This is my third wedding for the day and Id like to get started, the old man muttered as Jake attached a microphone to his once starched collar.
Okay, young fella, whats your name?
Dillon couldnt help smiling at the old mans appearance. Where in the world had Jake found this decrepit old gent? He was perfect for the part of an old boomtown judge. Even down to the unkempt white hair poking out from beneath the wide brim of his felt hat and the thick white mustache that generously covered his lips.
UhIm Dillon Stone. Dillon choked back a chuckle as the old man licked the end of a stubby pencil, then wrote his name on a slip of paper hed pulled from the inside pocket of his coat.
The mans act was perfect, Dillon realized, as the audience openly responded to his antics.
Miss? Whats your name?
For a moment Dillon thought Eleanor wouldnt go along. Her face was as white as the paper the judge was poised over, and he was sure she was about to faint. What was she afraid of? Because from where he stood, Eleanor Rose was definitely afraid.
When hed been a criminal lawyer, hed seen the same look of sick fear on many a defendants face just before the verdict came down. Slowly, he laced his fingers with hers and was shocked by the bolt of electricity that raced from their touching hands clear down to curl his toes.
Eleanor? he prodded. Had she felt that electric zing, too?
Her pale face flushed with a pretty blush as she turned to look at him. The surprised look darkening her remarkable eyes heated the sizzle that was still blistering his fingertips.
My name Finally she looked away, leaving Dillon with an uneasy feeling there was something important he was missing.
Eleanor Rose Silks. My name is Eleanor Silks Rose.
That brief moment of vulnerable emotion caused strange feelings of protectiveness to quicken Dillons heartbeat. The woman was so filled with contradictions. It didnt make sense that he didnt want to let her go when she pulled away from their connecting touch.
Well, lets get started, the old man said. We are gathered here
Eleanor was still trying to catch her breath from that moment when Dillon had held her hand. Shed been feeling so chilled, thinking about pretending to do something she would have given her right arm to do for real when she was nineteen.
But, of course, she didnt want to marry Dillon Stone now. Shed made a perfect life for herself, resigned that her knight on a white charger had already been taken and his twin was not to be found anywhere. Then hed intertwined his fingers with hers and consuming heat and hunger had licked at a loneliness she hadnt known shed lived with for too long.
Still reeling from the warm embers that scorched her, Eleanor looked up into her foster brothers sympathetic smile. Before she could throw the tantrum she was thinking of and stick out her tongue at him, mischief-filled eyes dared her to go through with this farce of a pretend marriage.
Eleanor swallowed the fear crowding her throat. Her gaze moved from Jakes satisfied expression to little Ryans equally excited face. Something long buried stirred near her bruised heart. How could she protect herself when such a sweet little boy persisted in staring at her with stars in his eyes? Eyes that exactly matched the older, more experienced ones of his father.
Do you, Dillon Stone, take Eleanor Rose to be your wife, to love and to cherish, as long as you both shall live?
Dillons deep I do made a pair of excited shivers somersault up Eleanors spine as she locked gazes with the man standing so calmly at her side. What was he thinking? Frantically, she fought a bubble of hysteria.
Do you, Eleanor Rose, take Dillon Stone to be your husband, to love and to cherish, as long as you both shall live? Unbidden, a very secret part of her heart surprised her with the wish that she could love and cherish Dillon, and that he would love and cherish her, for longer than the rest of their lives.
I Eleanor cleared her throat. This is for charity. She tried again. I do, she whispered.
I now pronounce you husband and wife. Young man, you may kiss your bride. The judges pronouncement stretched Eleanors sense of the unreal.
No, she objected in a croaked whisper, earning a frown from Dillon that stopped her in her tracks. She didnt like the sudden glint of determination that lit his searching green eyes.
Realizing his intent, Eleanor turned her head at the last minute so that his warm lips landed on the corner of hers. Instead of quickly kissing, then releasing her immediately, he tantalizingly stayed there a second too longlingeringtestingnibblingseducing.
Stunned by the feeling of his lips exploring her sensitive skin, Eleanor forced herself to push against the hard landscape of his chest. Somehow, she had to resist the feelings tumbling through her stomach and the heat attempting to warm her skin. Closing her heart off to any more temptation, she stepped back from Dillon, only to find his hands firmly clamped at her waist, preventing her escape.
Here. If you young people will sign this, well be all done. Amid cheers from the audience, Eleanor watched Dillon sign the phony license, then added her name below his bold scrawl.
How about a big round of applause for our winners. Jake was at the microphone again. Lets see if we can get our newest couple to lead us in a dance. Come on, everyone. Lets give them some encouragement.
Dillon glanced at Eleanor, surprised by the panicked look that spread over her classic features, as the swell of goodwill and rhythmic clapping grew around them. Still stunned by the raw feelings racing through him from the brief brush of his lips across hers and the firm feel of her waist between his hands, he wondered what was going on in the womans head.
He thought about the vulnerability that occasionally flickered across Eleanors lovely face, the loneliness she tried so hard to hide. The unmistakably sensual way she moved pulled at Dillon despite his best efforts to ignore the alarming fireworks that went off every time he got too close to the woman. The way he was now.
As the demand of the dinner guests grew, he watched Eleanor struggle to recapture the cool reserve that pricked his normally nonexistent temper. What was wrong with her that she couldnt relax and just go with the flow for the evening?
Frowning, Dillon decided he was going to have a talk with his friend. Jake shouldnt have put his sister in such an uncomfortable position. He suspected his buddy had his own reasons for maneuvering them both into being heretogether. But it wasnt right.
Lets dance. Its the only way well get them to leave us alone. Expressive eyes darted to Dillons, anger darkening them to a shuttered brown.
Come on. I wont bite, he offered in reassurance, even as her tension sneaked into his body by way of the hand hed never moved from the small of her straight back. Briefly, she leaned into his shoulder, causing annoying waves of hard-hitting awareness to leap through him. Then her back became rigid again, her delicate features wearing a careful, blank mask.
Sure. Eleanor couldnt believe shed almost melted into Dillons arms when the expression on his handsome face changed to bewildering concern.
She lifted her chin and sealed her heart. How long could one measly slow dance last, anyway? As Dillon pulled her close, his touch ignited unwanted tremors of excitement that began in her belly and spiraled out of control to the rest of her suddenly alert body. There was only one thing left to do. She had to take this bull by the horns and toss him out of her corral as soon as possible.
So, what made you decide to pick me? Werent the other two ladies more to your liking?
They were. I didnt pick you. Ryan did. Dillon couldnt bite his tongue quick enough to stop the rude words, peeved that the woman had maneuvered him into being so juvenile. When this dance was over he and Ryan were out of here as soon as he could make it happen.
Do you always let your son pick your dates for you?
Dillon didnt miss the angry flush that spread over Eleanors porcelain skin or the way his body responded to the slender form he held close to him. If he wasnt careful, the wasp would realize she ignited more than his temper.
This isnt really a date, so I figured this time it wouldnt matter. Whirling Eleanor to the tempo of the music, Dillon got tangled in the vanilla fragrance hed noticed earlier when hed kissed the stiff woman in his arms.
Telling himself he was not going to give in to the overwhelming desire to smell her long hair, Dillon stepped back slightly to escape the irresistible entrapment she seemed to weave around him.
Fortunately, Eleanor didnt notice his withdrawal. She was too busy ignoring himand watching Ryan, who was eating an ice-cream sundae with Jake and the fake judge. A rare expression softened her features. How could she be as prickly as a cactus one minute and soft with unspoken longing the next?
Before Dillon could pursue that thought, Eleanor muttered, Now, whats he up to?
Who? But he already knew the answer as he saw one of Jakes fellow U.S. Marshals lean close to his friends shoulder. Jake nodded briskly, changing instantly from the laughing mischief-maker he usually portrayed to the no-nonsense U.S. Deputy Marshal he really was.
Looks like maybe were done here, Dillon said cheerfully as he and Eleanor walked to the table where Jake was now standing.
Whats up? Dillon pulled a chair out for Eleanor to sit next to Ryan.
I just got the orders Ive been waiting for on a case I was assigned last week. I have just enough time to pack a bag and turn my house keys over to a friend Im subletting to.
Youre subletting your house? To whom? Dillon watched Ryan climb down from his chair to stand close to Eleanors shoulder as he seriously studied her. He was afraid to guess what was going through his sons agile mind.
Remember my buddy who just got married? Well, the closing on their house got delayed and their lease ran out, so he and the new wife are going to stay at my place until the deal on their house closes.
Dillon knew better, but he asked, anyway. Where are you going?
Jake only shrugged his shoulders and smiled his most secret grin, not about to give anything away.
Youre my new mom, arent you?
Dillon glanced quickly at his son and groaned. Once the little guy got something stuck in his mind, it was so hard to convince him otherwise.
Son, remember this is only make-believe. Eleanor and I didnt really get married tonight
Suddenly spitting into his napkin, the fake judge jumped up from his seat. What do you mean youre not married? Of course youre married. I just married you in front of God and witnesses.
Dillon laughed. Youre kidding, right?
No.
Stunned, Dillon looked from the old guy to his excited son, then noticed the horrified look on Eleanors frozen features.
No. This cant be real, she whispered, one elegant hand going to the frantically beating pulse at her throat.
Unable to believe what he was hearing, Dillon looked at Jake, suspicion starting to crawl up his spine as a delighted smile spread across his friends face.
Yes, maam. I married ya. As a duly appointed judge in the State of Oregon, Ive been marrying folks for nigh on forty years. Cant think why it wouldnt be legal now. You young folks signed the license, all right. We had witnesses. And I signed, too. Thats how its done. Pulling his spectacles from his nose, the old gent squinted while he gingerly wiped the glasses with a snowy-white hankie he pulled from his breast pocket.
Legally married to Eleanor Rose? But shes not even on my list. Shes not what Im looking for, was all Dillon could think. Freezing mid-thought, he glared at his good buddy.
Barely suppressing a desire to punch him in the shoulder the way she did when they were kids and hed gotten her into one more mess, Eleanor hissed at Jake. You did this.
No, I didnt. I swear it. I wish I had. Jake backed away, holding his hands up, palms toward her in surrender, his voice filled with as much surprise as she felt. I admit, I did work to get you both here, but even I wouldnt have the guts to deliberately plan a secret marriage between the two of you.
Then how did this happen? Eleanor fired back at her foster brother, horrified to find tears gathering behind her eyes before the thought of murdering Jake rescued her.
Maybe Cupid had something to do with it, Jake offered, his expression suddenly soft with caring, before changing to pleased approval as he continued his retreat, his hands still lifted in total surrender.
Cupid? Did the brat have any brain cells left at all?
Jake Solomon, dont you dare leave now. You have to fix this. I cant be married to him. Eleanor watched her foster brothers expression change to naughty-boy mischief, and her heart sank.
I cant stay, El. Ive got an assignment. I have to leave. Im sorry. I cant fix this for you. Dillon will have to take care of everything. But if you want to know my opinion, I think this is the best thing to ever happen. I only wish I could claim responsibility, so I could take the credit and hold it over your heads for the rest of your lives.
With a quick wave, a deep chuckle of delight and the parting words, Dillon, take care of El for me, shes very special, Jake was gone, leaving Eleanor feeling very frustrated and suddenly more alone than ever.
Eleanor turned slowly, her mind working at top speed for a way out of the bizarre predicament Jake had left her in. Dillon and Ryan waited behind her; Dillon warily, Ryan not containing his wild excitement.
Wheres that judge? We have to talk to him, get him to undo this, make us unmarried or something. Eleanor couldnt stop the panic that edged her babbling.
Hes gone, Dillon said. Couldnt stop him. Said he had another wedding to perform. Still feeling as if his wits had been scrambled, he clutched their wedding license in one hand and Ryans hand in the other. And, by the looks of this paper, unless I can find a loophole, Id say we are legally married.
Chapter Four
Dillon shifted uneasily at the smothering tension that surrounded them as he, Ryan and Eleanor climbed into his pickup. Once Ryan heard that his dad and Eleanor were really married, his son had latched on to Eleanors hand as if he was never going to let the woman go.
Even now, Ryan was leaning forward from the back seat of the extended cab, his tiny hand resting possessively on Eleanors shoulder. In a brief movement, she shifted, trapping his sons fingers between her shoulder and ear. Gently, she moved her head back and forth as if she was trying to smooth away some disappointment she knew was coming.
Sudden desire streaked through Dillon at the surprising gesture. Did Eleanor care for his sons tender feelings? She probably didnt have a clue how attractive that possibility made her.
Ryan, sit back and put your seat belt on. Dillon turned the key to start the engine, still thinking about the seemingly distant woman beside him. Her classic features carefully blank, Eleanor turned away from him, looking into the still night outside her window.
I cant believe Jake left me without a ride home, she mumbled unhappily.
What do you want to do now? he asked a little gruffly, unreasonably wanting to shatter her isolation.
I want to go home.
Youre going home with us. Youre my new mom.
The enthusiasm in Ryans little voice sparkled brightly, filling Dillon with regret and anger. Ryan deserved to have a mom. A real mom, not this silent, remote, accidental mom whod gently rubbed her cheek against his sons small hand before the child reluctantly sat back and fastened his seat belt.
Ryan, Miss Eleanor and I are not really married, Dillon gently reminded his son as Eleanors stiff posture made him wonder angrily what was really going on behind the silent mask of her features. For a moment, while theyd danced, shed taken her glasses off, but now they were firmly back in place, a shield she apparently hid behind. There was a mistake. She doesnt want to come home with us.
When Eleanor swung around to glare at him, her silky blond hair swinging wildly around her shoulders, he realized hed chosen the wrong words. And it made him even angrier. It wasnt his fault she didnt want to be married to him. He didnt want to be married to her, either. And, just for that brief second, crawling out from under some hidden rock in his soul was a feeling of confusing disappointment.
The man said he married you. That means shes my mom.
In a heartbeat, the wildfire in the deep whisky eyes hiding behind the windows of her glasses, changed to disbelieving panic, matching the feeling starting to fuel Dillons own emotions.
.
.
, (https://www.litres.ru/susan-lute/oops-we-re-married/) .
Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, , , , PayPal, WebMoney, ., QIWI , .
Susan Lute
Once she'd dreamed of those words, but Eleanor Silks Rose had grown up and kicked her crush on Dillon Stone like a bad habit. So why had she blushed as the widowed single dad touched his lips to hers during the mock ceremony? And when their charity dating-game wedding turned out to be real, why did she start dreaming she'd be Mrs.Dillon Stone forever?Dillon was on a quest for the perfect wife, yet he'd never expected to be wed to an irresistible Eleanor! But he didn't need passion; he needed a mother for his son. Could his accidental bride be the woman he'd been searching for to bring love and sizzle to his life?
Put me down.
Eleanors voice sounded husky. Could she possibly be as affected as he was by their proximity?
Entering her bedroom, Dillon stopped beside the bed, releasing her legs so they dropped until just the tip of her toes were touching the rug. She was just the right height, he realized, oblivious to everything but the woman standing still in his arms.
You can let me go now, Eleanor said in a hoarse whisper.
What if I dont want to let you go just yet? Heating up at the tremor in Eleanors voice, Dillon wondered exactly what he did want from her.
You dont really want to do this.
I dont? He gulped, her voice splashing like coldwater on his growing desire.
Well, if we dothis, we cant get an annulment.
Dear Reader,
Oh, baby! This June, Silhouette Romance has the perfect poolside reads for you, from babies to royalty, from sexy millionaires to rugged cowboys!
In Carol Graces Pregnant by the Boss! (#1666), champagne and mistletoe lead to a night of passion between Claudia Madison and her handsome bossbut will it end in a lifetime of love? And dont miss the final installment in Marie Ferrarellas crossline miniseries, THE MOM SQUAD, with Beauty and the Baby (#1668), about widowed mother-to-be Lori ONeill and the forbidden feelings she cant deny for her late husbands caring brother!
In Raye Morgans Betrothed to the Prince (#1667), the second in the exciting CATCHING THE CROWN miniseries, a princess goes undercover when an abandoned baby is left in the care of a playboy prince. And some things are truly meant to be, as Carla Cassidy shows us in her incredibly tender SOULMATES series title, A Gift from the Past (#1669), about a couple given a surprising second chance at forever.
What happens when a rugged cowboy wins fifty million dollars? According to Debrah Morris, in Tutoring Tucker (#1670), he hires a sexy oil heiress to refine his rough-and-tumble ways, and they both get a lesson in love. Then two charity dating-game contestants get the shock of their lives when they discover OopsWere Married? (#1671), by brand-new Silhouette Romance author Susan Lute.
See you next month for more fun-in-the-sun romances!
Happy reading!
Mary-Theresa Hussey
Senior Editor
OopsWere Married?
Susan Lute
www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)
To my children,
Darren, Damon and Saritha,
you bring nothing but great joy to my life.
And
to my husband, David,
I love you.
SUSAN LUTE
lives in the Pacific Northwest, in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. She married her high school sweetheart, has three children who are the best thing shes done with her life and a dog named Wolfe.
Susan is fascinated by ancient history, loves reading, gardening, black-and-white photographs and traveling. Shes a veteran of the Portland to Coast Relay and plans one day to hike the Pacific Crest Trail.
By day she is a registered nurse. By night she loves to spin tales that resemble her own happy-ever-after, about that click of instant recognition that happens when a man and woman fall head over heels in love. When writing, her priorities include that first vanilla latt in the morning and a steady infusion of chocolate.
Dear Reader,
Used to moving from place to place with my family, I was thirteen the summer I discovered a lifelong friend in the guise of a book titled Black Beauty. Thus began my career as a reader, which ultimately led to aspirations of becoming a writer. For me, writing about that special, true love is like finally coming home.
I must confess to being an ardent student of human nature. Add a fascination for the ridiculous and the unusual, and you have the conception of Eleanor and Dillons story. I knew I wanted to explore the relationships between grandparent, parent and child. OopsWere Married? is about widower Dillon Stone and how he reacts when his father and son decide they heartily approve of Eleanor Silks, a corporate librarian so totally opposite from the wife and mother hes decided he has to find.
When I wondered what these two different people would do if they accidentally got married after being thrown together as contestants at a dating-game benefit dinner, their story ran away with me. Theres nothing more devastating than love gone horribly wrong, and nothing more heavenlyand satisfying than love when it goes completely right. In the end, only Eleanor and Dillon could tell me how their love would triumph.
In heartfelt appreciation to Silhouette for this opportunity, I give you my first book.
Contents
Prologue (#ueb54dcc4-b63b-5d00-8ce2-eda1ee97c218)
Chapter One (#u47a8494b-fb0b-55f5-ba92-2d56118e3b90)
Chapter Two (#uab3f1917-bd65-5efa-bbe4-a427a3a21d17)
Chapter Three (#u94077df6-617c-54af-98a2-cbfff6e9bd19)
Chapter Four (#u4ae7e921-ca3b-536a-9dde-9f346b00a0f5)
Chapter Five (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Six (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Seven (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Eight (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Nine (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Ten (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Eleven (#litres_trial_promo)
Prologue
Eleanor Silks Rose sat in the church pew wishing more than anything that it was she standing at the altar becoming Dillon Stones new wife. It wasnt fair that Joan Butler, Centennial Highs sweetheart, with her dark beauty and serene personality, had gotten the most perfect guy in the whole world to walk her down the aisle.
Squirming in pinching panty hose that she rarely put on for any reason, Eleanor watched the ceremony from a seat as far in the back of the small church as she could get and still see down the center aisle to where the couple stood taking their vows. She was oblivious to the soothing music, the serenity of lighted candles and the near tranquillity of the expectant hush as the priest said the words that would join Joan for life to the man Eleanor had secretly loved from the first moment shed laid eyes on her foster brother Jakes newest friend.
Shed been fourteen then, and still she would give anything to be in Joans white patent leather shoes, only Eleanors choice of elegant footwear ran more to new Nikes than anything shiny or with a heel. To be fair, it wasnt the other womans fault Dillon had never noticed her, a ragtag tomboy, who would much rather go hiking or follow the boys fishing than do girl things like primp in front of a mirror, clean house, or cook. She would rather eat dirt than do more than pop something frozen into the microwave.
Of course, Joan did all those housewifely things. Tugging on a piece of hair that insisted on curling around her neck, instead of staying in the French braid shed tried for the first time, Eleanor dropped her gaze as the ceremony ended so she wouldnt see Dillon enthusiastically kissing his new bride.
At the start of the bold music that announced another couple had tied the knot, she looked up to see the happy couple start down the aisle toward her, sparkling in the congratulations of their wedding guests.
Her foster parents were always telling her she had her whole life ahead of her. But, to Eleanor, it sure didnt feel like it.
She refused to cry.
Her heart was not broken.
Another woman had gotten the only man in the world worth considering spending the rest of her life with. King Arthur of Camelot and the Man of Steel all rolled into one, Dillon would always be the only man for her.
Chapter One
Jake Edward Solomon. You are not my father.
No, El, but a big brother is the next best thing. Now, are you going to do me this little favor or not? Jakes voice fairly crackled with humor.
Pushing the phone between her ear and hunched shoulder, Eleanor settled behind her desk and swiveled her chair to gaze unseeing out her office window at the intercity park below.
Jake knew he was going to get his way. Just once, Eleanor wished she could resist her foster brother and one of his crazy schemes. She hated being emotionally blackmailed, especially by the one and only person who came the closest to being any kind of family to her.
Im not saying Ill do it, but tell me again what you want me to do? Eleanor was resigned to helping him out, just like she always did. But, this time, she was determined he was going to have to work hard for his victory.
The Marshals service is putting on this benefit dinner, and for the price of the ticket were going to do a dating-game theater show, with a mock marriage at the end
Youve got to be kidding, right? Eleanor knew her voice was on the rise, but at the moment she didnt care as she caught a glimpse of where her foster brother was heading.
No, Im not, El. Weve got it all arranged for Saturday night, and now one of the girls has backed out.
Eleanor ignored the begging tone Jake tried to trap her with. Shed been exposed to it more times than she cared to remember. In fact, anytime Jake wanted his way.
I hope youre not suggesting that I should replace thisperson in your charade. You know I dont like to do datesblind, for charity or otherwise, Eleanor reminded Jake flatly, hoping to make him back off.
Wishful thinking.
Come on, El. I told you Im in a bind here. I need you. This is very important to a lot of peopleand to me.
Eleanor hated it when Jake used his soft, nobody-loves-you-more-than-I-do voice from their teenage years. Emotional blackmail. Thats what it was. And, even though it pushed her buttons, she still caved every time.
Okay, Jake. Ill do this for you. I dont care about all those other people. They dont mean a thing to me.
Of course they dont. Thanks, El. Youre a champ and a
Yeah, right, Eleanor broke in, not quite ready to concede the brat his victory.
Listen, Jake said, meet me at the Harbor Room tomorrow night and we can go over the details. Im meeting a friend at five, but we should be done by six. Love you, baby sister.
And then all that was left of Jake and his current mad scheme was the dial tone in Eleanors ear.
Dillon Stone studied his friend suspiciously in the dim lighting of happy hour at the Harbor Room. Jake couldnt possibly know about his plans to find a wife.
It had been one month since his sisters wedding and his decision to go wife-hunting. And watching Ryan trying to settle into their new home near the university had only strengthened his determination.
Dillon remembered what it had been like after his own mother had died when he was a young teenagerhow hed felt so lost and alone. Hed missed her horribly. He didnt want Ryan to grow up feeling that same loss.
Tangled up in his memories, Dillon wiped away the moisture on the outside of his beer glass with his thumb. He wasnt looking for love for himself. Hed been lucky. Hed had love once. That wasnt something that happened twice in a mans lifetime. The best he could hope for was someone he could respect and live comfortably with. It was doable. Many married for far less.
Dillon thought about the two lists stashed away in his office at home. On one, hed listed all of the qualities he required in a wife. On the other, all of the single women he thought would fill the bill. Not that the second one was long, but it was a start.
so, you can see, Im kind of in a tight spot here.
What tight spot? Dillon lifted his beer to his lips, wincing at having to admit hed just missed a good portion of his friends conversation.
I need a favor. I need a guy Saturday night, Jake spoke slowly as if talking to a slow-witted child, plunking his beer glass on the table between them.
Sorry, I have a lot on my mind. Ive got this involved case Im reviewing. It wasnt a total lie, Dillon reasoned.
You dont work in the courts anymore, youre a law professor. What case?
Dillon had no intention of sharing his latest project with Jake. When the man got ahold of an idea, he was like a dog with a bone. Remembering the number of failed blind dates his buddy had conned him into before hed started going with Joan at the end of their senior year of high school, he shuddered to think what kind of woman his friend would try to scrounge up for him.
Hows your sister? Dillon asked, determined to distract Jake.
El? Shes okay. Listen, you have to do this for me
For a split second Dillons stomach churned. Surely, Jake didnt want him to go out with his sister. He remembered the shy tomboy whod followed them everywhere. If his memory was correct, not long after his marriage to Joan, shed gone back east to college.
Do what for you? he asked cautiously.
The department is putting on a charity dinner for the East Side Womens Shelter. Well have a silent auction and some dancing, but most of the program is a mock dating-game theater show, and the guy from the department who was going to be the contestant backed out at the last minute.
Dillon took a long gulp of his beer, relief flowing down his throat with the malt. His best friend was not setting him up to date his kid sister. The corporate workaholic Jake had said shed become was not on his agenda. What happened to the guy?
Got married and his new wife doesnt want him participating.
What about one of the other guys?
All on assignment, and Im going to be too busy being master of ceremonies to be a contestant, so dont ask.
As a U.S. Marshal, Jake took his assignments very seriously, including this one, apparently.
When is this important event? Dillon asked, frowning at the delay to his own plans. Hed just have to work around it. He owed Jake too much. If it hadnt been for his tenacious friend, he didnt know how he would have survived Joans death.
This Saturday. Im sorry this is so last minute, but Im desperate. And maybe after the show is over, you and the lucky lady you choose can spend some time together. An incurable romantic, Jake had already informed Dillon, ad nauseam, that it was about time he rejoined the singles dating scene.
Not likely, knowing the type of woman you usually rake up for your schemes. For a brief moment, Dillon wondered if he was out of his mind to get mixed up in anything his good buddy was involved in.
Its for charity, Stone.
Okay. I can do it. I guess Im not doing anything that night, anyway.
Great. Jake raised his beer in the air. To success and to finding that perfect woman.
Slowly, Dillon clinked his beer glass to Jakes, suspicion dancing along his nerves. No, Jake couldnt possibly know he was in the market for a new wife. This was just another one his friends wacky do-gooder schemes.
Finishing his beer, he idly glanced around the dimly lit room until his gaze settled on a woman just entering the lounge. For a breathless moment, with her face half hidden in shadow, she stood motionless, like a priceless porcelain sculpture.
Without his permission and faster than a heartbeat, all Dillons predatory male instincts came alive. Where in the world did she come from? Interest sneaking up his spine, he couldnt resist feasting on the vision silently taking in the occupants of the room.
Blond hair fell straight past her shoulders like a shimmering pale waterfall, a faint layer of bangs blocked from falling into eyes framed by wire-rimmed glasses. Heart-shaped lips pressed tight in concentration as the woman thoroughly scanned each table, one by one.
Dillons first thought, Shes looking for someone, ambushed him into sudden attention as his gaze followed the lithe line of her body. His silent touch moved slowly down her long, slender neck, past proudly held shoulders, then memorized an unforgettable figure that assaulted him with its mounds and valleysnot the least bit hidden by the high-power business suit she wore.
Then the woman stepped farther into the low-lighted room.
Dillons senses vibrated, like an overstrung guitar string, at the hint of long, lean legs enhanced to perfection by irreverent, practical shoes showcasing fantasy-producing legs and slender feet. Feeling like hed been gut-kicked, he looked up from his frank appraisal to find the woman staring at him. For a heart-stopping moment, she stood still as if in stunned surprise, then just as quickly dismissed him and flicked her gaze to his friend.
Unaccustomed to being ignored like yesterdays day-old bread, andGod only knew whynot liking it, Dillon watched as the womans gaze turned suspicious as she started toward their table with undeniable purpose.
His second thought, Uh-oh, here comes trouble, settled him back in his chair as he realized there was something familiar about the woman approaching them, anger barely suppressed and certainly not hidden in her smoldering expression.
Dillons third thought concluded, This woman is not a Suzie Homemaker.
Jake. Eleanor didnt quite succeed in hiding the blazing temper pulsing through her temples behind the cool, even tone of voice she directed at her foster brother. Shed known the brat was up to no good. Here was the proof.
Shed wondered how long it would take Jake to parade her in front of the man she once would have moved heaven and earth for. That childish crush had died a final death on the day hed married Joan. Though nine years ago she hadnt thought it could be possible, shed gone on and made something good of her life.
Now, in a nanosecond, she saw everything about Dillon Stone. The faded but well-fitting jeans. The casually worn brown tweed sport coat. Ruffled dark hair that annoyingly begged her fingers to run through it. The sharp, piercing gaze that she was afraid could see to her innermost secrets.
Eleanor ignored the faint tremble in her heart as she felt again his prowling interest when shed first entered the lounge.
How often had she fought staring at the wedding picture Jake had given her? Each time, pushing down fierce longing for the look of love that radiated from a younger version of this man to another woman, his wifea dainty, beautiful, dark-haired creature tucked protectively under his arm?
Even though she knew better, for a while shed looked to find that same love for herself. Finally, convinced she wasnt going to be that lucky, shed buried the picture and her dream of a true-and-lasting love for herself in the bottom of a box that contained the few mementos shed somehow saved from her childhood and proceeded to make a successful, independent life for herself that had no room for that unpredictable emotion called love.
Hey, El. Jake jumped up, his six-foot frame barely towering over her own height of five foot nine as he wrapped her in a strong hug.
Out of the corner of her eye, Eleanor saw Dillon stand, too. Taller than Jake by several inches, his eyes, the color of a deep forest, watched them warily. Then, as if shed been mistaken, his strong features went carefully blank and the tension riding his hard, lean body visibly disappeared.
Ignoring the sudden awakening of feelings shed taken great pains to forget, Eleanor pushed at Jakes chest. Let me go, Jake.
Fine. Jakes eyes twinkled with mischief as he grabbed the chair next to him in a silent invitation for her to sit. El, you remember Dillon.
Eleanor shot Jake her most potent Im-going-to-kill-you-as-soon-as-I-get-you-alone look, then held out her hand to the one man shed thought never to see again.
Of course I do. She modulated her voice to cool detachment, strongly shaken by the touch of a handshake that threatened to melt her clear to the center of her soul.
Quickly, she snatched her hand away from his, careful to tuck it behind her back where the man couldnt touch it again.
Green eyes narrowed at her while the sound of Dillons baritone voice bombarded her with unwanted awareness. Hi, Eleanor. Its been a long time.
If the look on his face was anything to go by, she was pretty sure he wasnt pleased by this reintroduction. That was just fine with her, Eleanor decided, sinking into the chair Jake offered, her legs not as capable of holding her up as they had been when shed first entered the lounge. Shed faced many a boardroom piranha and come out the winner since shed last see this man. She could certainly face down Dillon Stone, who meant nothing to her now, without a single ripple appearing in the well-ordered life shed intentionally built for herself.
Jake, Ive got to go. I have to get home to Ryan. Eleanor, it was nice to see you again.
Startled, Eleanor watched Dillons back as he turned and walked away from her, then out the lounge door.
Disappointment pelted her like a cold rainstorm. Obviously, she was as unnoticeable today as shed been all those years ago when shed foolishly followed him around wearing her heart on her sleeve.
Slowly, Eleanor turned to Jake. I think I really am going to kill you this time, she stoically advised her foster brother, painfully aware that her hands had formed into white fists on the table.
Chapter Two
Dillon leaned closer to the mirror, trying to concentrate on the bow tie he was having trouble knotting. It just didnt make any sense. Ever since hed walkedokay run, away from Eleanor Rose, he hadnt been able to concentrate on a damn thing. Not his preparations for classes. Not his lists. Not anything.
For at least the hundredth time he wondered about her. Her attempt to distance herself hadnt escaped him. He couldnt forget her studied indifference when shed been forced to acknowledge him.
The woman hed encountered at the Harbor Room only vaguely resembled the teenage girl Dillon remembered. Shed changed. A lot. The angry tomboy Jake had taken under his wing had morphed into a consummate businesswoman. Too aloof and independent for his tastes, she would never make the cut for his list of potential wife candidates. So, what was his problem?
An attraction for a dyed-in-the-wool corporate businesswoman was not in his plans despite the whiskey-colored eyes haunting him. Or the tall, lithe form and long legs, which he was sure could quite easily wrap themselves around his waist, tempting him. Or the fantasy of sun-struck blond hair cascading through his fingers, taunting him.
A shudder sneaked through Dillon as he savagely clamped down on the runaway images assaulting his good sense. What had happened to the tomboy he used to know?
Dad. I cant tie this.
Dillon glanced at the reflection of his six-year-old son in the mirrored closet door. Ryan reminded him so much of Joan, bringing back memories of his first wife that no longer hurt, but still left him feeling empty and alone. Though shed been gone four years, he still missed her laughter and the comfort of coming home to the safety of her love each day.
Turning off the rush of memories hed worked hard to come to terms with, Dillon squatted down in front of Ryan, quickly tying the boys bow tie. You look sharp, champ.
Standing, he turned them both to the mirror. The last of the Stone men, the son a shorter version of his dad, both dressed in black suits, relieved only by white shirts and matching green eyes. One young and too cautious, the other older and sadly wiser.
Are we going to find a mom tonight? His sons small voice cut through Dillons unbidden fantasy of distant, whiskeyblond
No. Remember, I told you this is just make-believe. Well be helping to raise money for
Charity. But I thought as long as you were going to pick a pretend
Pretend, Dillon agreed firmly, wondering if hed made a mistake including his son in this event.
I know, Ryan said with a childs aggrieved sigh, then perked up. Maybe shell be my pretend mom, too.
Dillons heart fairly broke at the longing in his little boys upturned face. He hated that Ryan couldnt remember his mother. In many ways the little guy was so much like her. He had her dark hair, her smile, her easy sense of humor. Even though Ryan had no memory of her, Dillon was aware his son wanted a living mom just like his friends had.
Its going to be okay, champ. Hey, do you want to help me pick out this pretend wife? Dillon didnt stop to think before he spoke, but he wouldnt have taken the question back for anything once he saw the excited look that lit up Ryans face.
Really?
Really. Dillon hoped Jake wouldnt mind a small change in the game plan.
Do you think well find one who really likes us?
At the wistfulness in his sons voice, Dillon turned them both to look in the mirror one last time.
Of course she will like us. How could any lady resist two handsome James Bond types like us? Dillon asked, grateful for the smile his answer put on the little guys face.
James Bond.
Dillon watched Ryan square his slight shoulders and once again tug on his tie, before adding in his best imitation James Bond voice, Im ready.
Thats good, because Im not sure I am, Dillon acknowledged as he led the way out to his pickup truck.
This is a great idea, having father-and-son bachelors.
Dillon followed Jake, who led them to the mocked-up booths for the game show. Youre not supposed to see the lady contestants, so sit here and well get started as soon as everyone has been served.
It looks like you have a full house, Dillon observed, glad that if he had to participate in one of Jakes schemes, at least it was for something harmless, but important.
Yeah, were packed. Well make a huge chunk of change for the shelter tonight. Ive got to get the ladies settled in their booths. Ryan, sit here next to your dad. You can even ask a question if you want.
Wow.
Dillon watched Ryan wriggle into the offered chair, relieved that Jake had no problem including his son.
Wow yourself, little buddy. Ruffling Ryans hair, Jake pinned on the boys microphone, then turned laughter-filled eyes toward Dillon. Good luck. Im betting youre going to find the perfect woman tonight.
His friends short laugh, before disappearing around the partition that blocked Dillons view of the other contestants, filled Dillon with foreboding. Partly because of Jakes recent insistence that he and Ryan needed a change of location, hed decided to leave Seattle for the smaller, more comfortable Oregon river city of Portland.
Now, he had a familiar feeling his friend was up to no good. He watched as elegantly dressed dinner guests were shown to the tables within his field of vision. No good was his buddys speciality.
Okay, ladies and gentlemen. Its time to begin, Jakes voice announced. Let me start out by thanking each of you for coming tonight to help support this very worthy cause. Remember, at the back of the room is a silent auction. All proceeds made tonight will go directly to the East Side Womens Shelter.
Maybe his friend was right. There were three eligible women on the other side of the wall that separated him and Ryan from them. One of the ladies could be just what he was looking foran addition to the list hed left safely at home.
For a surprise addition, we have not one bachelor, but two very eligible bachelors, father and son, who will pick a very lucky bachelorette.
Eleanor stopped squirming in the hard chair Jake had shown her to, suspicion splashing her with a cold panic that was rapidly turning to anger.
He wouldnt. The one person in the whole world she trusted, wouldnt do this to her, would he? Yeshe would, a small voice offered its opinion in her mind. Eleanor spit silent curses at her brother. The three-sided cubicle where she sat, unable to lay her hands on him, revealed only an excited audience, beginning their dinner as they eagerly waited for the dating game to begin.
Bachelor senior. Why dont you start with your first question. We have three lovely ladies for you to choose from. Will it be Bachelorette number one? Bachelorette number two? Or Bachelorette number three?
Bachelorette number three. What are your hobbies?
Eleanor almost groaned aloud when she heard the unforgettable, familiar voice ask his first question amid cheers and catcalls from the audience. She wasnt prepared for the deep impact of his voice that ignited undisciplined awareness like Fourth of July fireworks.
Bachelorette number three? Dillons dark, gravelly voice washed her in unexplained waves of startled sensation.
Clearing the lump suddenly lodged in her throat, Eleanor blurted without thinking, I dont have any hobbies.
I see. How about Bachelorette number two?
What did he see? Eleanor wondered angrily, feeling both foolish and irritated. Only what she wanted him to see. Which was nothing.
The honey tones used by the other two ladies to answer the law professors question made Eleanor sick to her stomach. There was no way she was going to try to sell herself to this man by sugarcoating her responses just for his benefit.
Bachelorette number three. What are your favorite foods?
This time Eleanor was prepared. Carefully modulating her voice, she responded, Im a vegetarian. Well, she was.
And?
And, I like vegetables.
Dillon looked at Ryan, his eyebrows lifting in question. There was something familiar about that voice, even though it was masked by the microphone and her abrupt responses.
Briefly, whiskey-colored eyes flashed bright in Dillons mind and the last puzzle piece fell into place. So, thats what all Jakes meddling was about. He had three ladies to choose from. Of course, he wasnt going to pick Eleanor just because she was Jakes sister. The guy could be a loose cannon, but this little maneuver absolutely took the cake.
Eleanor stared out at the audience. The dinner was being catered by attendants dressed sharply in white shirts, black bow ties and black dress slacks. The tables were elegantly covered in gold tablecloths. And, without exception, every female eye in the place was focused on the left side of the stage, where she was sure Dillon sat with his little boy.
Heated with disgust, she unbuttoned the top button of the white blouse that seemed bent on choking her and renewed her earlier vow not to stoop to competing for the mans attention. Purposely, she answered each question Dillon asked her in the most bored, disinterested way she could, discouraging any idea the man might have of picking her, while the other ladies blatantly threw themselves at him. Their sugary, come-park-your-shoes-under-my-bed responses made her stomach queasy.
When Jake stepped into her line of vision, frowning at her, Eleanor felt a small pinpoint of malicious satisfaction. She arched her eyebrows at him, smiled sweetly and wished him at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. It warmed her sense of revenge when his frown deepened.
If she could just get to him, she would really hurt Jake, Eleanor promised, finding herself perched on the edge of her seat, leaning out of the small cubicle that marked her end of the stage.
Pushing her glasses farther up her nose, she briefly glanced toward the other end of the raised platform. Three additional cubicles, undoubtedly perfect matches to hers, stretched across the stage in a half moon, the two middle ones recessed slightly away from the audience. Suddenly, Eleanor found herself traitorously wondering what it would be like to be chosen by Dillon Stone. What would it be like to be the woman he would want to spend the rest of his life with?
Before she could break away from that heart-pounding thought, a solemn face peeked around the front of the bachelor cubicle. Serious eyes studied her without blinking. A sudden smile shattered the illusion of an adult packed secretly into the small boys body.
Ryan.
The longing in his watchful eyes assailed Eleanor with an unfamiliar urge to take the small, serious child and fold him close in her arms. Tentatively, she smiled back.
Bachelorette number three? Dillons annoyed voice broke the fragile connection shed made with the child.
Im sorry. I didnt hear the question, she said as she removed her glasses and winked at Ryan, who was still watching her curiously.
Where is your favorite place to vacation? Dillon repeated, patience struggling with the irritation lacing his voice.
I dont go on vacation, Eleanor answered truthfully, her mind still on a little boys heartbreaking smile as she scooted back into the uncomfortable chair.
Okay The increasingly frustrated voice plowed through her thoughts. For the first time since shed started this nightmare, Eleanor relaxed. For a second, she thought she could hear the man grinding his teeth. She smiled.
Ryan. Come sit down, Dillon whispered to his son, amazed at how hard it was to hide his frustration with Eleanors answers. He didnt really care what they were, and he certainly wasnt planning to choose her for his pretend wife, but the woman could at least make some attempt at being interested in the game; for the audiences sake if nothing else.
Pushing away the image of whiskey-colored eyes and a body that promised to be a perfect match to his in the intricate dance of love, he helped Ryan climb back into his seat. He wasnt interested in love, and it was with irritating effort that he finally wiped the seductive image from his mind.
Okay. Bachelor junior. You get to ask the last question. Jakes booming voice broke into Dillons annoyance.
James Bond, Dillon reminded his son softly.
Bachelor three. Do you like kids? At the small quiver in Ryans voice, Dillon placed his arm around his sons shoulders.
Eleanor heard the loneliness in the childs voice and understood it completely. She couldnt stop herself from remembering how his grown-up study had changed so quickly to a childs curiosity with one beautiful smile. Without further thought, she answered truthfully, from her heart, unable to cause more hurt to the little person whod silently reached out to her.
I thinkkids are coolespecially little boys, she said hesitantly, but simply.
Surprised at the sudden warmth in Eleanors voice, Dillon watched a smile spread over his sons face. He didnt really listen to the other two bachelorettes responses, although chatty number two had the three of them at Chuck E. Cheeses long before she was done.
How could the woman whod answered so warmly to Ryan be the same woman who had been evasive, impersonal and dismissive with him all evening?
As a slow anger began to burn in his throat, Dillon flicked his finger at a piece of lint on his jacket sleeve. Even though he considered himself an average sort of guy, he wasnt used to being treated like a pariah by women. Dillon reluctantly admitted he didnt like it. It didnt matter that he wasnt planning on picking Eleanor. It was just that she could at least play nice.
All right, ladies and gentlemen. Its time for our bachelors to choose their bachelorette. Jakes voice floated over the audio system, reminding Dillon that fortunately this whole nonsense would soon be over.
Okay, Ryan. Which one do we want? Bachelorette number one or number two? Dillon whispered to his son as if asking the boy to help him pick between his two least favorite desserts.
We want Bachelorette three. Ryans excited answer caused blaring alarms to clang loudly in Dillons head.
No, Ryan. We need to pick either one or two. There was no way he was going to pick Eleanor Rose after her obvious lack of interest throughout the whole game. It was only a benefit dinner, for Gods sake. The woman could have at least tried to pretend she wanted to participate.
But I want Bachelorette three. Ryans hands were balling into fists, his voice changing from a whisper to sharp demand.
Ryan, Dillon insisted firmly, pulling the resisting boy against his chest.
But I want her to be my new mom. The shake in Ryans voice and the tears flooding his eyes was more than Dillon had the strength to fight, but he tried, anyway.
This is just pretend, son. And only for tonight. Okay?
Okay. But, I still want Bachelorette three.
At that moment Jake rounded the corner into the cubicle and caught the tail end of their discussion. Dillon groaned inwardly at his buddys apparent amusement at his predicament.
It appears our bachelors are having a difference of opinion over which bachelorette they want, Jake said, playing to the expectant audience for all he was worth.
A burst of chatter erupted, forcing Dillons hand. Resigned to his fate, he stood, taking Ryan up in his arms, anchoring his sons light weight on his hip. As he faced the excited audience, a breathless hush replaced the noisy chatter.
Well take Bachelorette numberthree, he said on a reluctant sigh.
Thank God it was just pretend and just for the night, he told himself. He was a big boy. He could put up with Eleanor Rose for one night. The smile that spread across his sons face and his little hands clapping gleefully amid thundering applause from the audience was all the confirmation he needed that hed made the right choicefor his son.
Dillon thanked Bachelorettes number one and two, speculatively watching number two leave the stage. Her backward look was full of promise, if hed only take her up on the offer. Mary Towers was her name. She was definitely the Suzie Homemaker type he was looking for and appeared to like kids just fine. Maybe he would add her to his list of possibilities.
Shes just what Im looking for. Shed make a great mother for Ryan, he was thinking when his gaze collided with angry, storm-filled, whiskey eyes that reminded him of
Then it was just the four of them left on the stage. Ryan, his smile big, his eyes bright with excitement. Jake, grinning with smug satisfaction. Eleanor, her face white, her lips pressed into a thin, painful-looking line, her expressive eyes swimming with an emotion he couldnt put a name to. And himself.
Dillon didnt like the laughter that tinted Jakes voice when he turned to the audience. Ladies and gentlemen. May I introduce Portlands hottest new couple, Dillon Stone and Eleanor Rose.
Flicking his gaze from his sons excited grin to Jakes triumphant laughter, then to Eleanor Roses disbelieving stillness, Dillon couldnt shake the sinking feeling that instead of being almost over, this nights high jinks were only just beginning.
Chapter Three
Ladies and gentlemen. Were going to have a short intermission while we set up the wedding scene. Dont forget to take a look at the silent auction at the back of the room.
Eleanor wanted to scream at the top of her lungs at the turn Jakes so-called dating game had taken. Hastily she tugged her foster brother away from Dillons frown and the excitement dancing in his little boys eyes.
Jake. I am not going to marry thatman, she whispered fiercely, turning her back on the tantalizing promise Dillon Stone represented.
Of course you are. Its perfectly safe, all make-believe. For charity, remember?
Eleanor shook off Jakes arm when he tried to wrap her in a smothering hug.
He should have picked one of the others. Why didnt he? Eleanor didnt like the feeling that she was losing it.
Because youre so sweet and wonderful? And, he couldnt resist you? Humor played across Jakes face, only inching her irritation higher.
Youre dead meat.
Thanks, El. I love you, too. Look out, here come the wedding props.
Intent on getting as far away from Dillon Stone and his sweet little boy as she possibly could, Eleanor scowled her worst at Jake before moving out of the way of the stage workers who were exchanging the cubicles for an elaborate garden wedding scene.
This isnt going to work, you know, Dillon told his friend evenly, while Jake fixed the bridal boutonniere in his jacket lapel. Covertly, he watched Eleanor across the stage, fidgeting tensely while a woman, presumably one of Jakes assistants, placed a long, trailing, lacy veil over her flowing blond hair.
God, she was beautiful. She certainly wasnt a shy tomboy anymore. Gone was the young girl he remembered. In her place was a gorgeous woman, but one who still lacked all the female graces.
Sure, its going to work. The crowd loves this stuff. Jake indicated the wedding arch that was being placed center stage.
No. I mean Eleanor and me. Dillon didnt believe the picture that was being created of Eleanor as the perfect bride. Unexpectedly, a painful knot formed in his stomach at the fleeting, wistful look she cast at him. A look that was concealed behind indifference before it was ever fully formed.
Damn. Why was he even thinking about this? He wanted more children. Maybe, lots of them. And in his experience, career women did not want children. At least not right away. Anyone could see that Eleanor Rose was a dedicated career woman.
Even now, she was dressed in a gray pin-striped skirt and jacket as if she couldnt wait to get back to the office. Surprisingly, the top button of her blouse was open, exposing a generous amount of her slender throat, slightly spoiling her perfect corporate image. But that didnt change the fact that hed met her type before.
What about you and Eleanor? Jakes pseudo-innocent inquiry made the hairs stand at alert on the back of Dillons neck.
We have absolutely nothing in common. After tonight well probably never see each other again. The ping that poked his heart at the thought of never seeing Eleanor again didnt mean a thing. Suspiciously, Dillon watched his friends unchanging expression. Mary Towers was the more obvious choice for his list of possible wife candidates.
Hey. No problem. But it wouldnt hurt if you and El got together after this.
Get together? With Eleanor Rose? The poster lady of corporate womanhood? No way.
Its not going to happen, Jake, Dillon firmly informed his friend.
All Im saying
Dad, how come shes standing way over there? Ryan pulled insistently on his hand, effectively derailing Dillons conversation with Jakea conversation that had been going nowhere, anyway.
Because the bride and groom are not supposed to see each other before the wedding ceremony, pal. Jake answered for him, dropping on one knee to fix a matching boutonniere on Ryans lapel. Everything seems to be ready. Why dont we get your dad and El in place?
Eleanor turned to face the man shed worked so hard to keep out of her dreams. She couldnt go through with this. She wasnt going to pretend to marry the one man who had once had the power to rock her to her very soul.
El, come stand over here.
Jakes instruction set her teeth on edge. Forcing stiff limbs to move, Eleanor slowly walked to the spot her foster brother indicated.
Why was she doing this? Because it was a fake ceremonyand for charity. Eleanor squared her shoulders. She had a fulfilling career and was just fine living on her own. She was not feeling sorry for herself or wishing for the impossible just because as a young woman shed once wished she could be bound to this man for life.
A small hand nestled into hers. Unable to stop the feelings suddenly warming her, Eleanor looked down into shining green eyes and the biggest smile shed ever seen on a childs face.
Youre going to be my new mom, Ryan said, eyes twinkling at her. Eleanors heart sank. She didnt need any new cracks to form in her armor.
Remember, son, this is just make-believe. Dillons determined words sealed those cracks shut with a lonely clang.
Wheres the judge? Is there a judge in the house? Jake demanded playfully of the audience.
In unison the audience began to loudly chant. Judgejudgejudge
Keep your sense of humor. Dont break your heart over this, Eleanor admonished herself as a sprinkle of laughter drifted through the room. Nervously, she adjusted her glasses on her nose. This mockery of a marriage was for charity. It didnt mean anything more than that.
Taking a deep breath to settle the skittish alarm clanging in her stomach, Eleanor looked up as a new disturbance erupted at the door. Now what?
Causing the minor commotion was an elderly man in a western-style black frock and flat-brimmed black hat. Haphazardly, he was making his way toward the stage, patting his pockets as if hed lost something. Finally, out of one deep side pocket, he pulled out wire-rimmed spectacles and pushed them onto his bulbous nose.
So sorry Im late, the old man wheezed, out of breath as he stopped opposite Dillon.
Eleanor couldnt believe her eyes. Jake couldnt have gotten a more disreputable-looking judge if hed tried, which he probably had, she decided, disgusted. The man looked as if hed been pulled right out of an old-time western.
Are you two young folks ready? Im Jed Banta. This is my third wedding for the day and Id like to get started, the old man muttered as Jake attached a microphone to his once starched collar.
Okay, young fella, whats your name?
Dillon couldnt help smiling at the old mans appearance. Where in the world had Jake found this decrepit old gent? He was perfect for the part of an old boomtown judge. Even down to the unkempt white hair poking out from beneath the wide brim of his felt hat and the thick white mustache that generously covered his lips.
UhIm Dillon Stone. Dillon choked back a chuckle as the old man licked the end of a stubby pencil, then wrote his name on a slip of paper hed pulled from the inside pocket of his coat.
The mans act was perfect, Dillon realized, as the audience openly responded to his antics.
Miss? Whats your name?
For a moment Dillon thought Eleanor wouldnt go along. Her face was as white as the paper the judge was poised over, and he was sure she was about to faint. What was she afraid of? Because from where he stood, Eleanor Rose was definitely afraid.
When hed been a criminal lawyer, hed seen the same look of sick fear on many a defendants face just before the verdict came down. Slowly, he laced his fingers with hers and was shocked by the bolt of electricity that raced from their touching hands clear down to curl his toes.
Eleanor? he prodded. Had she felt that electric zing, too?
Her pale face flushed with a pretty blush as she turned to look at him. The surprised look darkening her remarkable eyes heated the sizzle that was still blistering his fingertips.
My name Finally she looked away, leaving Dillon with an uneasy feeling there was something important he was missing.
Eleanor Rose Silks. My name is Eleanor Silks Rose.
That brief moment of vulnerable emotion caused strange feelings of protectiveness to quicken Dillons heartbeat. The woman was so filled with contradictions. It didnt make sense that he didnt want to let her go when she pulled away from their connecting touch.
Well, lets get started, the old man said. We are gathered here
Eleanor was still trying to catch her breath from that moment when Dillon had held her hand. Shed been feeling so chilled, thinking about pretending to do something she would have given her right arm to do for real when she was nineteen.
But, of course, she didnt want to marry Dillon Stone now. Shed made a perfect life for herself, resigned that her knight on a white charger had already been taken and his twin was not to be found anywhere. Then hed intertwined his fingers with hers and consuming heat and hunger had licked at a loneliness she hadnt known shed lived with for too long.
Still reeling from the warm embers that scorched her, Eleanor looked up into her foster brothers sympathetic smile. Before she could throw the tantrum she was thinking of and stick out her tongue at him, mischief-filled eyes dared her to go through with this farce of a pretend marriage.
Eleanor swallowed the fear crowding her throat. Her gaze moved from Jakes satisfied expression to little Ryans equally excited face. Something long buried stirred near her bruised heart. How could she protect herself when such a sweet little boy persisted in staring at her with stars in his eyes? Eyes that exactly matched the older, more experienced ones of his father.
Do you, Dillon Stone, take Eleanor Rose to be your wife, to love and to cherish, as long as you both shall live?
Dillons deep I do made a pair of excited shivers somersault up Eleanors spine as she locked gazes with the man standing so calmly at her side. What was he thinking? Frantically, she fought a bubble of hysteria.
Do you, Eleanor Rose, take Dillon Stone to be your husband, to love and to cherish, as long as you both shall live? Unbidden, a very secret part of her heart surprised her with the wish that she could love and cherish Dillon, and that he would love and cherish her, for longer than the rest of their lives.
I Eleanor cleared her throat. This is for charity. She tried again. I do, she whispered.
I now pronounce you husband and wife. Young man, you may kiss your bride. The judges pronouncement stretched Eleanors sense of the unreal.
No, she objected in a croaked whisper, earning a frown from Dillon that stopped her in her tracks. She didnt like the sudden glint of determination that lit his searching green eyes.
Realizing his intent, Eleanor turned her head at the last minute so that his warm lips landed on the corner of hers. Instead of quickly kissing, then releasing her immediately, he tantalizingly stayed there a second too longlingeringtestingnibblingseducing.
Stunned by the feeling of his lips exploring her sensitive skin, Eleanor forced herself to push against the hard landscape of his chest. Somehow, she had to resist the feelings tumbling through her stomach and the heat attempting to warm her skin. Closing her heart off to any more temptation, she stepped back from Dillon, only to find his hands firmly clamped at her waist, preventing her escape.
Here. If you young people will sign this, well be all done. Amid cheers from the audience, Eleanor watched Dillon sign the phony license, then added her name below his bold scrawl.
How about a big round of applause for our winners. Jake was at the microphone again. Lets see if we can get our newest couple to lead us in a dance. Come on, everyone. Lets give them some encouragement.
Dillon glanced at Eleanor, surprised by the panicked look that spread over her classic features, as the swell of goodwill and rhythmic clapping grew around them. Still stunned by the raw feelings racing through him from the brief brush of his lips across hers and the firm feel of her waist between his hands, he wondered what was going on in the womans head.
He thought about the vulnerability that occasionally flickered across Eleanors lovely face, the loneliness she tried so hard to hide. The unmistakably sensual way she moved pulled at Dillon despite his best efforts to ignore the alarming fireworks that went off every time he got too close to the woman. The way he was now.
As the demand of the dinner guests grew, he watched Eleanor struggle to recapture the cool reserve that pricked his normally nonexistent temper. What was wrong with her that she couldnt relax and just go with the flow for the evening?
Frowning, Dillon decided he was going to have a talk with his friend. Jake shouldnt have put his sister in such an uncomfortable position. He suspected his buddy had his own reasons for maneuvering them both into being heretogether. But it wasnt right.
Lets dance. Its the only way well get them to leave us alone. Expressive eyes darted to Dillons, anger darkening them to a shuttered brown.
Come on. I wont bite, he offered in reassurance, even as her tension sneaked into his body by way of the hand hed never moved from the small of her straight back. Briefly, she leaned into his shoulder, causing annoying waves of hard-hitting awareness to leap through him. Then her back became rigid again, her delicate features wearing a careful, blank mask.
Sure. Eleanor couldnt believe shed almost melted into Dillons arms when the expression on his handsome face changed to bewildering concern.
She lifted her chin and sealed her heart. How long could one measly slow dance last, anyway? As Dillon pulled her close, his touch ignited unwanted tremors of excitement that began in her belly and spiraled out of control to the rest of her suddenly alert body. There was only one thing left to do. She had to take this bull by the horns and toss him out of her corral as soon as possible.
So, what made you decide to pick me? Werent the other two ladies more to your liking?
They were. I didnt pick you. Ryan did. Dillon couldnt bite his tongue quick enough to stop the rude words, peeved that the woman had maneuvered him into being so juvenile. When this dance was over he and Ryan were out of here as soon as he could make it happen.
Do you always let your son pick your dates for you?
Dillon didnt miss the angry flush that spread over Eleanors porcelain skin or the way his body responded to the slender form he held close to him. If he wasnt careful, the wasp would realize she ignited more than his temper.
This isnt really a date, so I figured this time it wouldnt matter. Whirling Eleanor to the tempo of the music, Dillon got tangled in the vanilla fragrance hed noticed earlier when hed kissed the stiff woman in his arms.
Telling himself he was not going to give in to the overwhelming desire to smell her long hair, Dillon stepped back slightly to escape the irresistible entrapment she seemed to weave around him.
Fortunately, Eleanor didnt notice his withdrawal. She was too busy ignoring himand watching Ryan, who was eating an ice-cream sundae with Jake and the fake judge. A rare expression softened her features. How could she be as prickly as a cactus one minute and soft with unspoken longing the next?
Before Dillon could pursue that thought, Eleanor muttered, Now, whats he up to?
Who? But he already knew the answer as he saw one of Jakes fellow U.S. Marshals lean close to his friends shoulder. Jake nodded briskly, changing instantly from the laughing mischief-maker he usually portrayed to the no-nonsense U.S. Deputy Marshal he really was.
Looks like maybe were done here, Dillon said cheerfully as he and Eleanor walked to the table where Jake was now standing.
Whats up? Dillon pulled a chair out for Eleanor to sit next to Ryan.
I just got the orders Ive been waiting for on a case I was assigned last week. I have just enough time to pack a bag and turn my house keys over to a friend Im subletting to.
Youre subletting your house? To whom? Dillon watched Ryan climb down from his chair to stand close to Eleanors shoulder as he seriously studied her. He was afraid to guess what was going through his sons agile mind.
Remember my buddy who just got married? Well, the closing on their house got delayed and their lease ran out, so he and the new wife are going to stay at my place until the deal on their house closes.
Dillon knew better, but he asked, anyway. Where are you going?
Jake only shrugged his shoulders and smiled his most secret grin, not about to give anything away.
Youre my new mom, arent you?
Dillon glanced quickly at his son and groaned. Once the little guy got something stuck in his mind, it was so hard to convince him otherwise.
Son, remember this is only make-believe. Eleanor and I didnt really get married tonight
Suddenly spitting into his napkin, the fake judge jumped up from his seat. What do you mean youre not married? Of course youre married. I just married you in front of God and witnesses.
Dillon laughed. Youre kidding, right?
No.
Stunned, Dillon looked from the old guy to his excited son, then noticed the horrified look on Eleanors frozen features.
No. This cant be real, she whispered, one elegant hand going to the frantically beating pulse at her throat.
Unable to believe what he was hearing, Dillon looked at Jake, suspicion starting to crawl up his spine as a delighted smile spread across his friends face.
Yes, maam. I married ya. As a duly appointed judge in the State of Oregon, Ive been marrying folks for nigh on forty years. Cant think why it wouldnt be legal now. You young folks signed the license, all right. We had witnesses. And I signed, too. Thats how its done. Pulling his spectacles from his nose, the old gent squinted while he gingerly wiped the glasses with a snowy-white hankie he pulled from his breast pocket.
Legally married to Eleanor Rose? But shes not even on my list. Shes not what Im looking for, was all Dillon could think. Freezing mid-thought, he glared at his good buddy.
Barely suppressing a desire to punch him in the shoulder the way she did when they were kids and hed gotten her into one more mess, Eleanor hissed at Jake. You did this.
No, I didnt. I swear it. I wish I had. Jake backed away, holding his hands up, palms toward her in surrender, his voice filled with as much surprise as she felt. I admit, I did work to get you both here, but even I wouldnt have the guts to deliberately plan a secret marriage between the two of you.
Then how did this happen? Eleanor fired back at her foster brother, horrified to find tears gathering behind her eyes before the thought of murdering Jake rescued her.
Maybe Cupid had something to do with it, Jake offered, his expression suddenly soft with caring, before changing to pleased approval as he continued his retreat, his hands still lifted in total surrender.
Cupid? Did the brat have any brain cells left at all?
Jake Solomon, dont you dare leave now. You have to fix this. I cant be married to him. Eleanor watched her foster brothers expression change to naughty-boy mischief, and her heart sank.
I cant stay, El. Ive got an assignment. I have to leave. Im sorry. I cant fix this for you. Dillon will have to take care of everything. But if you want to know my opinion, I think this is the best thing to ever happen. I only wish I could claim responsibility, so I could take the credit and hold it over your heads for the rest of your lives.
With a quick wave, a deep chuckle of delight and the parting words, Dillon, take care of El for me, shes very special, Jake was gone, leaving Eleanor feeling very frustrated and suddenly more alone than ever.
Eleanor turned slowly, her mind working at top speed for a way out of the bizarre predicament Jake had left her in. Dillon and Ryan waited behind her; Dillon warily, Ryan not containing his wild excitement.
Wheres that judge? We have to talk to him, get him to undo this, make us unmarried or something. Eleanor couldnt stop the panic that edged her babbling.
Hes gone, Dillon said. Couldnt stop him. Said he had another wedding to perform. Still feeling as if his wits had been scrambled, he clutched their wedding license in one hand and Ryans hand in the other. And, by the looks of this paper, unless I can find a loophole, Id say we are legally married.
Chapter Four
Dillon shifted uneasily at the smothering tension that surrounded them as he, Ryan and Eleanor climbed into his pickup. Once Ryan heard that his dad and Eleanor were really married, his son had latched on to Eleanors hand as if he was never going to let the woman go.
Even now, Ryan was leaning forward from the back seat of the extended cab, his tiny hand resting possessively on Eleanors shoulder. In a brief movement, she shifted, trapping his sons fingers between her shoulder and ear. Gently, she moved her head back and forth as if she was trying to smooth away some disappointment she knew was coming.
Sudden desire streaked through Dillon at the surprising gesture. Did Eleanor care for his sons tender feelings? She probably didnt have a clue how attractive that possibility made her.
Ryan, sit back and put your seat belt on. Dillon turned the key to start the engine, still thinking about the seemingly distant woman beside him. Her classic features carefully blank, Eleanor turned away from him, looking into the still night outside her window.
I cant believe Jake left me without a ride home, she mumbled unhappily.
What do you want to do now? he asked a little gruffly, unreasonably wanting to shatter her isolation.
I want to go home.
Youre going home with us. Youre my new mom.
The enthusiasm in Ryans little voice sparkled brightly, filling Dillon with regret and anger. Ryan deserved to have a mom. A real mom, not this silent, remote, accidental mom whod gently rubbed her cheek against his sons small hand before the child reluctantly sat back and fastened his seat belt.
Ryan, Miss Eleanor and I are not really married, Dillon gently reminded his son as Eleanors stiff posture made him wonder angrily what was really going on behind the silent mask of her features. For a moment, while theyd danced, shed taken her glasses off, but now they were firmly back in place, a shield she apparently hid behind. There was a mistake. She doesnt want to come home with us.
When Eleanor swung around to glare at him, her silky blond hair swinging wildly around her shoulders, he realized hed chosen the wrong words. And it made him even angrier. It wasnt his fault she didnt want to be married to him. He didnt want to be married to her, either. And, just for that brief second, crawling out from under some hidden rock in his soul was a feeling of confusing disappointment.
The man said he married you. That means shes my mom.
In a heartbeat, the wildfire in the deep whisky eyes hiding behind the windows of her glasses, changed to disbelieving panic, matching the feeling starting to fuel Dillons own emotions.
.
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Susan Lute
Тип: электронная книга
Жанр: Современные любовные романы
Язык: на английском языке
Издательство: HarperCollins
Дата публикации: 16.04.2024
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О книге: Once she′d dreamed of those words, but Eleanor Silks Rose had grown up and kicked her crush on Dillon Stone like a bad habit. So why had she blushed as the widowed single dad touched his lips to hers during the mock ceremony? And when their charity dating-game wedding turned out to be real, why did she start dreaming she′d be Mrs.Dillon Stone forever?Dillon was on a quest for the perfect wife, yet he′d never expected to be wed to an irresistible Eleanor! But he didn′t need passion; he needed a mother for his son. Could his accidental bride be the woman he′d been searching for to bring love and sizzle to his life?