Texas Haven (5 page)

Burke opened a bottle of champagne with a loud popping of the cork. The sparkling libation bubbled up and out of the bottle. “Quick, get the glasses!” He cried, in amusement. He poured six glasses and handed them out. The last one went to, Mrs. Harvy a slender older woman with an unmistakable twinkle in her eye. She had just put a beautiful wedding cake on the table and accepted the glass. “About time you found yourself the right filly,” she remarked with a mischievous smile.

“I’m glad you approve.” He kissed her on the cheek, then walked her over to his bride and made the introductions. “Annie, honey this wonderful woman is not only a friend, but she is the best cook in all of Weltworth.”

Mrs. Harvy blushed at his compliment. She took Annie’s hand and simply said, “She’ll do.”

With that, everyone drank a toast to the newlyweds. Annie seemed to be having great time getting to know everyone especially Sherry.

Soon enough the champagne was gone and every one had eaten some cake. He hoped that the guests would leave soon so he could get
some alone time with his bride, but just as Ted was about to go, Annie turned to Burke and asked about the prenup. “I’d really like to sign it if it’s been rewritten,” she said softly.

Burke looked into her eyes trying to gage her reaction. He wanted her to want to sign it. He’d thought about it a lot last night and decided that he really wanted
her
more. He’d thought to give it a bit of time and then have her sign a document relinquishing any claim she might have on the land. Now, she had made it a lot easier.

“Ted,” he called out.

Ted turned as he was unlocking the car door. “What do you need?”

“Bring the papers we’ll sign them now.”

Ted grabbed his briefcase.

He handed the papers first to Annie for her perusal. She gave Burke a smile and signed. Burke signed too and handed them back to his friend. “Well, what are you waiting around for?” he teased Ted. “I have some honeymooning to do.”

Ted just grinned. “Well, you two have at it,” he teased back. “Remember Burke old boy, slow and steady wins the race.”

Annie gasped and Burke threw his head back and laughed.

After Ted and his wife left, they were finally alone. He turned to Annie and embraced her, loving the feel of her against his hard body. Her dress impressed him, but he wanted her out of it. He lifted her into his arms and he could see by Annie’s wide eyes that she was surprised. He took the steps two at a time carrying her into his room.

Burke watched the display of emotions as they played across her face. He saw fear and determination. He hoped to God that he could make it good for her. He smiled to himself as he remembered Ted’s advice. Slow and steady would probably be the right thing to do.

Burke set her down on her feet and turned her toward him. He looked into her eyes cupping her shoulders with his big hands. Caressing her creamy white shoulders he felt her begin to tremble and he hoped to hell it was out of desire and not out of fear. He knew that she must be somewhat nervous; what virgin wouldn’t be? Running his hands up and down her arms, he felt her skin begin to warm. She trembled again. “Cold?” he asked.

Annie blushed and looked at his chest. “I don’t know what to do.”

“Do what you want to.”

Annie put her arms around Burke’s neck and pulled his head towards hers for a kiss.

The kiss started soft and gentle. Burke tried to rein himself in, not wanting to scare his new bride, but to his surprise and pleasure, Annie deepened the kiss and put her tongue in his mouth. He could feel her smile as their tongues danced together. Burke pulled her tight against him and could feel her nipples grow hard through the fabric of her dress. His hands began to work quickly, unbuttoning her gown, but much to his dismay, the buttons were so tiny that he needed to see them to unbutton them.

He quickly turned her around and unbuttoned her gown. He was tempted to rip it off, but he knew how a woman treasured her wedding gown and it would do nothing to calm her nerves. He finally unbuttoned her gown down her back, but her hands held up the front of her dress refusing to let it drop. Burke took a deep breath as he remembered that he needed patience.

She turned to him, her face flushed with desire. “Maybe if you took off some of your clothes first…”she suggested shyly.

Burke grinned. At first, he was half-afraid she was going to suggest that they consummate their marriage another time, but that he could do. He began to unbutton his dress shirt, actually feeling a bit self-conscious at her rapt attention. She gasped as his chest came into view. He knew that he didn’t have an ounce of fat on him, with all the physical work he did, but he never made a woman gasp before. He liked it.

There was something wrong with her breathing as she stared at him. She actually panted.

Burke felt incredible by her reaction to him. He couldn’t wait to see her. He cocked his eyebrow as he looked at her and she blushed. She knew that it was her turn to undress. He could tell she was nervous, but he could also see the desire in her glorious green eyes. He watched as she turned around and let her gown drop. Burke stared in fascination as he looked at her back, but he began to frown as his perusal went downward. Annie had whip marks on the small of her back, her buttocks, and the top of her thighs. He suddenly felt sick. How could anyone mark such perfection? He wasn’t sure what to do; he wanted to kill someone, but instead, he simply walked toward her and turned her to face him.

She looked so very beautiful. Her breasts were full and her hard pink nipples ripe for the tasting. Her stomach was flat and sexy and she was nicely curved in all the right places. He looked lower and her auburn curls excited him. Pulling her toward him, he kissed her as his hands roamed her bare back, careful not to touch her scars. He didn’t want to address them just yet. His only goal now was to make Annie feel like a woman, his woman.

He held her with one arm and shimmied out of his boxers with the other. His hard arousal pressed against her stomach.

Annie looked down, turned white and backed away. “Surely that won’t… I mean we couldn’t possibly… you wouldn’t,” she stammered.

Burke laughed lightly and pulled her back into his embrace. “Don’t worry we’ll be a great fit. I don’t want you frightened, but believe me darlin’, it’s not as bad as it looks.”

Annie looked doubtful, but they continued to kiss and explore each other. She touched his hard stomach, avoiding his erection and then rubbed his back. Finally, she began to relax and she even laughed as Burke lifted her in his arms and gently laid her on the bed.

He watched her for a moment, noticing the glow of her skin and he wanted her more than he could ever remember wanting any other woman. He took a deep breath, reminding himself to take it slow. Annie opened her arms to him and he accepted the invitation, kissing her rosy breasts, making her cry out in ecstasy. When he suckled her hard nipples, she practically sprang up from the bed. Slowly he kissed his way down to her stomach, hands stroked her inner thighs, making her wet.

Slowly he entered her, feeling just how tight and slick she was. She bucked as though she wanted more of him. He seemed to be going too slow for her. Burke continued to stoke her as he entered her. She was like a wild animal when she finally spun out of control and yelled her passion. Burke thrust into her as she slowed, and he felt her stiffen in pain. Tears spilled from her eyes.

He tenderly kissed away her tears and murmured encouragement to her. Soon enough he felt her move against him again. He kissed her as he thrust in and out of her. He could feel her moving against him, matching him stroke for stroke. He wouldn’t be able to last much longer. Suddenly he felt her contract wildly around him, squeezing him as she came. Thrusting two more times, he flung his head back as he spilled himself into her.

Burke stilled inside her, enjoying the feel of her around him. She brought him a sense of peace he hadn’t known since before he met his ex-wife. He luxuriated in the serenity as he kissed her face and neck. Slowly he withdrew and rolled off her, bringing her with him and splaying her on top of him. He held her as he gazed into her eyes. In her sleepy eyes he could see her passion and satisfaction, and he smiled as she snuggled against his side, her head on his shoulder and her arm on his chest.

The tenderness he felt for her overwhelmed him and for a moment, he wanted to run. He hadn’t bargained for this, he hadn’t bargained for Annie. This was just sex and nothing else; he couldn’t afford emotional tangles again, especially not with Annie. She could wield the power to devastate him if he allowed it. He vowed to enjoy her but never love her. He would give her kindness, sex, and hopefully children. That would be enough. It would have to be.

Chapter Five

Annie woke up feeling like a budding rose that had finally opened. She felt very sexy and much loved. She wasn’t used to this warm and fuzzy feeling, but she relished in it. Her one disappointment was that Burke was not in bed with her when she woke, but she knew that the ranch came first. She smiled to herself; she was now a rancher’s wife. Scooping up Cat, she nuzzled her under her chin. Getting out of bed, naked, she went to the window, and greeted the sun as an old friend. Feeling as radiant as the sunrays, she wanted to dance. Grabbing her robe, she held it to her like a dance partner, waltzing around the room, laughing the whole time. Joy was hers for the taking and she was taking it. When she noticed Burke watching her from the door she came to a sudden stop giving him a brilliant smile. Walking toward him, she tried to embrace him, he only half
-heartedly hugged her in return
. She saw regret in his eyes and wondered what was wrong, but before she could ask, Burke mumbled something about the day wasting away and he left.

All of Annie’s joy and sunshine faded in that moment. She had been on the cusp of a brand new wonderful life and Burke somehow snatched it away. Dejected, she sat on the bed wondering what had gone wrong. She had thought that the previous night had been magical, but then again she had nothing to compare it to. All of her doubts and insecurities were coming back to haunt her. Tears began to fall down her face. Angrily she dashed them away and got up. She had a spine, a backbone and she wasn’t going to let him ruin her day.

Annie felt better for making a strong stand and got herself dressed. She’d go through her day as though nothing bothered her, but deep inside her heart was breaking. She swore herself for a fool, imagining herself dancing naked around the room. Nobody ever loved her and maybe nobody ever would, but she had a wonderful place to live and she had hope for children. That would have to be enough.

The days were beginning to get warmer. Annie skipped breakfast and decided to work in the vegetable garden. It was her garden now and she felt a sense of pride as she looked at it. She wasn’t exactly sure what was what, but everything was planted in neat rows. It obviously needed tending and Annie grabbed some gloves and proceeded to weed it, laughing often at Cat’s romping and exploring. She had been at it for about three hours when Burke rode in. Shielding her eyes from the sun, she watched him. God, he looked so masculine and she felt her body responding to him. Her nipples tightened as he drew near.

Annie stood up too fast and swayed a bit, feeling dizzy.

I’ve probably stayed out in the sun too long
, she mused.

“You’ll need to wear a hat out here,” Burke admonished her. He gave her a long look and locked on her chest He gave her a roguish look and almost laughed as she blushed. “What’s for lunch?”

“I’m sorry, I wanted to finish weeding, and I forgot the time,” she explained.

Burke looked at her sunburned skin. “Don’t you wear sunblock in the city?”

“I couldn’t find any.”

He looked over the garden and she could see his face grow irritated. “Don’t tell me, you’ve never gardened before. You’ve pulled up more plants than weeds,” he sighed.

“All I can do is apologize, Burke. I do have a lot to learn.” She turned away from him and started toward the house with a frown. She suddenly stopped and whirled on him. “You know I’ve been bullied and hurt by every man in my life! Hell even my mother didn’t love me. Somehow, I thought you were different. I should have stuck to what I know: men can’t be trusted and they just hurt you in the end!”

She thought she saw a look of regret in Burke’s eyes before he turned and walked toward his horse. Sadly, she watched him ride away, feeling as though all her hopes and dreams were riding away with him. She stood there until she could no longer see him.

Her head ached and she started to feel the pain of her sunburn. Slowly she went in the house and took an aspirin for both her head and burn. Next, she found a bottle of aloe and slathered it all over her red-burnt skin. It soothed the outside of her, but there was no soothing her broken heart.

Maybe she should have known better. She had seen his temper on occasions, but somehow she dismissed it. How could he be so kind and gentle one minute and so irritated another? Annie supposed that was just the way of men.

It hurt to move, her shoulders, arms and face were on fire. It was a good thing she wore jeans or she wouldn’t be able to walk. Annie went into the family room and sat on the worn sofa. She could still feel the house embracing her, welcoming her, inviting her to make it her home. Sadly, she didn’t know if she could accept such an invitation. She wondered about all the Dawson women before her and if they had such hard men to live with. A strong breeze came through the front window bringing the fresh scent of the red and yellow roses with it. Somehow, that brought her comfort. She knew she was strong enough to fight for what she wanted. The problem was that she wasn’t sure what she wanted anymore.

Gingerly she got up and went into the kitchen, made a simple stew and set it on low to simmer. She set Cat’s food on the floor and took a moment to watch her eat. For such a little thing, she sure ate a lot. Slowly, she made her way upstairs and climbed into bed, their bed, and promptly fell asleep.

A few hours later, Annie awoke crying out in pain. She sat up in the darkness and wondered how long she’d been sleeping. At least she’d learned her lesson about the hot Texas sun. She got out of bed making the least possible movements and gingerly went downstairs. She was hungry, and she needed more aloe. Aloe first, she decided, definitely aloe first. Walking into the kitchen, she noticed the dirty dish in the sink. He’d come home after all. Annie tried to tell herself to buck up, that it didn’t matter what he did. Nevertheless, deep inside her, she was both glad and very nervous. She knew she wasn’t in any condition to spar with him tonight.

She grabbed the bottle of aloe and jumped when she felt Burke’s big hand take it from her. She turned in surprise ready to face him down. The look of concern on his face surprised her. He took her small hand in his and led her to the family room. Without a word, he sat her down and removed her shirt. She had taken her bra off earlier because the straps irritated her burn. Slowly he covered her arms and shoulders with the aloe. He even got the back of her neck and part of her back that she couldn’t reach earlier. His touch was tender, not sexual in any way. Annie had a hard time trying to reconcile this Burke with the one who had been so annoyed earlier over a little mistake. She was glad for the truce though.

They sat in silence. What was there to say? She’d already apologized about the garden and she’d be damned if she would again. He needed to be more understanding. Didn’t he know that this was all new to her? Couldn’t he see that she was trying? Hell, he never even mentioned how good the house looked or how much the floors shone.

Same story, different locale. She’d wasted her efforts once again. It would be so much easier if she didn’t feel so attracted to him.

“Darlin’ you’re going to be in a world of hurt in the next few days,” he commiserated.

Annie took a deep breath and turned her head to look at him. “I already am,” she said, with a halfhearted smile.

“If you weren’t in pain I’d take you in my arms and hold you. I’m sorry about earlier. You don’t deserve my anger. In fact now that I think about it, it’s actually kind of funny that you don’t know a weed from a plant,” he said sincerely.

Annie groaned. “I was just trying to show you what a wonderful wife you married and I failed miserably.”

Burke kissed the top of her head. “As soon as I can touch you without hurting you I’ll show you just how little of a failure you are.”

Annie looked puzzled. “What do you mean?”

Burke laughed at her confusion. “Honey, last night was the best in my life. We are as explosive in bed as we seem to be out of it. I’m determined to keep the fireworks in the bedroom from now on.”

“So last night was good?”

“Why, you didn’t think so? I thought you enjoyed it, Annie.”

Annie looked away. “I thought it was fine.”

“Fine? What’s that supposed to mean? I thought it was better than fine.”

She studied him. “Are you being honest? I was good? I need you to be honest. I know it was my first time and I didn’t know what to do, yet again.”

Burke carefully kissed her cheek. “I said it was the best and I meant it.”

Annie relaxed. A glow emanated from her at his praise. It made her ecstatic to know that she had brought him as much pleasure as he had brought her. It made her wish for a brief moment that she could shove Burke’s words down Jeffrey’s throat. She wondered why she even thought of that creep anymore, but his words had really shattered her. Now she knew he could never hurt her again. She was a passionate pleasing woman who enjoyed sleeping with her husband.

That night when they went to bed neither touched each other. Annie knew that Burke was afraid to hurt her sunburn and she was glad for his consideration. Even Cat slept at the bottom of the bed instead of on Annie’s pillow. Once again she woke to an empty bed, but she realized that she was either going to have to accept it or get up earlier. She decided that she would have find out how much earlier.

Burke laughed as she approached him on the subject that night at dinner. “I get up with the roosters, darlin’. I’m perfectly fine in the morning. You already pack a great lunch for me to take every day and the dinners have been delicious.”

He took a good long look at her. “Do you want me to wake you when I get up?” he asked.

“It’s a lonely feeling to wake up alone.”

Burke laughed and gave her a roughish grin. “But the nights are anything but lonely.”

Annie felt her face turn red. “I know. Well, lately I don’t know, but I’m hopeful for when my sunburn fades.”

Burke threw his head back, laughed and gave her a wolfish grin. “Oh, darlin’ we’ll be making up for lost time, believe me.”

Annie was both embarrassed and excited by her husband’s teasing. She’d always heard of a man’s needs and frankly, she was shocked to realize that she had needs too. Now that Burke had awakened her sexually she felt as though he’d created a monster. Maybe it was the fact that they couldn’t that made her want it even more. She didn’t know, but wanting him preoccupied her mind a great bit over the next few days.

Finally, her burn and
bruises
disappeared. Annie studied her image in the mirror critically, but she had to admit she’d never looked better. She hoped that Burke agreed because she had wifely plans for him tonight. Annie put on her yellow sundress. The one she had first worn to the ranch.

She went downstairs. There really wasn’t much to do. Dinner was cooking and she had worked hard cleaning earlier. Cat napped in the sun. She decided to go out to the barn and meet the horses. She had wanted to get a look at them. The red barn was the most well-kept building on the ranch. The smell was a bit overwhelming, but she figured she’d get used to it. She stopped at the first stall and looked in. The head of chestnut colored horse appearing right in front of her startled her. She gasped, taking a step back and then smiled at the horse. “I live here now,” she told him. “I would like for us to be friends.” She took a cautious step forward. She wanted to touch it, but she knew she was out of her element and didn’t want to explain a bitten hand to Burke. “My name is Annie,” she continued until she heard a slight snicker.

*
*
*
*

Burke walked into the barn. He grew enchanted while he watched Annie talking to his roan. She’d actually introduced herself and he wanted to double over in laughter, but didn’t want to offend her. God, she was beautiful. Best of all, she looked fully healed. He could feel himself getting hard as his eyes devoured her.

Annie turned and smiled brilliantly, lighting up the whole barn. “Well, hello, cowboy.” She moved toward him, swaying her hips, stopping right in front of him, locking her green eyes with his. He could read the blatant desire there.

Burke pulled her against him. He buried his hands in her long auburn hair enjoying the softness of it. He brought her closer and dipped his head to kiss her. He nipped at her lips giving her light, teasing kisses. Raining her face and neck in sumptuous kisses, he pa
i
d particular attention to the place between her neck and shoulder. He felt her shiver. Her eagerness seemed to match his. He drew back, gazed into her heavy lidded eyes, and saw her look of desire. It felt as though it could explode at any moment. He grabbed her hand and a blanket, and led her to a couple of stacked hay bales. They looked to be the perfect height for what he planned.

Burke covered the bales with the blanket and bent Annie over them. He reached up her skirt, ripped off her panties and pushed her dress up over her back. Burke admired her perfectly rounded rear end for a moment before he untied the halter on her sundress, allowing her large breasts to fall heavily toward the ground. Peppering the back of her neck with kisses, he rolled both nipples between his fingers. He heard her moan and felt her hips begin to move. He knew what she wanted, what he wanted. He let go of her breasts and reached around her waist as he massaged her. Quickly he guided himself inside her and thrust for all he was worth. Nothing in his life compared to the feeling he experienced as he made love to her. Burke felt her tense as she came all around him bringing him to an immediate completion, a
nd what a completion it was. He’d
n
ever had completion quite like that in his life. He was spent as he held onto Annie after they both finished. Finally, he pulled away, adjusted his jeans, and lifted her up into his arms. He sat on the bales of hay with her on his lap. The look she gave him was one of amazement and satisfaction. He couldn’t help feeling proud to have brought those expressions to her face.