Chapter 3
CHAPTER THREE
Arden touched up my makeup and fixed some of the errant curls that had escaped my messy-bun hairstyle that looked both elegant and effortless.
“Okay, I’m going to take some test shots in the barn to make sure everything’s working. Plus, it’ll give you guys some time to get used to one another,” Arden said.
Stratton took a step toward me and angled his body slightly in my direction.
He looked down at me.
I looked up at him.
“Move closer to one another,” Arden commanded.
“She’s going to be bossy,” I whispered the warning to Stratton, who smiled.
I heard the shutter of the camera.
“Good,” Arden said. “Maisie, grab his lapels and stand up on your tip toes like you’re going to kiss him.”
With shaking fingers, I grabbed his lapels and did as Arden directed.
Stratton’s hands immediately grasped my hips to hold me in place. I could feel the heat of him through the fabric of the wedding dress.
My pulse drummed in my neck.
Stratton bent his head and I instinctively closed my eyes, waiting to feel his lips on mine.
“Don’t actually kiss!” Arden yelled. “You’ll ruin her makeup!”
Arden’s shout startled me and I jumped. The boots I wore were one size too big and didn’t give me any control over my own feet and I swayed.
I would’ve fallen over if Stratton hadn’t caught me. And then we both laughed as he scooped me up into his arms, carrying me bride style.
“Oh, this is perfect,” Arden breathed. “Do more like that.”
Stratton instinctively seemed to know what Arden meant and he gently began to twirl with me in his arms.
I twined my arms around his neck, my fingers playing with the hair at his nape.
And the two of us stared at each other.
The sound of the camera disappeared.
So did the scent of horses and hay.
All I smelled was him.
Spicy, clean, and the warm natural scent of his skin.
My nipples pebbled in unashamed adoration.
“Where do you want me to take you on our honeymoon, wife?” Stratton asked, his mouth curving into a teasing smile.
“Somewhere warm,” I said, pressing closer to him. “Somewhere I can wear a bikini and order drinks from a pool bar.”
“Hmm.”
“Not a fan of warm weather?”
“More of a fan of snow outside and a roaring fireplace,” he said, pitching his voice lower. His head dipped so his mouth was closer to my ear when he added, “And you wearing nothing but me.”
A gasp escaped my lips.
He leaned his head back so I could see his eyes.
They were bright with the fire of seduction.
And he made no apologies for it.
This man would be an animal. Feral. Dominating.
He’d liquify my bones and extract every ounce of pleasure I possessed. He’d hoard it like a dragon hoarding treasure.
This man would not stop until I was satisfied.
“Whew,” Arden said. “Maisie, can I talk to you a second?”
I refused to my pull my gaze from Stratton’s. And he didn’t seem inclined to want to look anywhere but deep into my eyes.
“Maisie,” Arden said again, this time more forcefully.
“What? Yeah, okay,” I said.
Stratton slowly lowered me to the ground. I wobbled on unsteady legs and my head felt like I’d had three glasses of whiskey. Which for my body frame, would’ve been a lot.
A cell phone rang. I slid my hand into my pocket and pulled out my phone, but the screen was dark.
“It’s mine,” Stratton said. “You mind if I take it?”
“Nope, take five. Then we’ll get back to it,” Arden said.
Stratton went to retrieve his cell phone which he’d left in the changing room stall. He looked at it, pressed a button, and then put it to his ear. “Hey, Gideon.”
He strode from the barn.
Arden’s hand went to my wrist, dragging my attention back to her. “Uh, what the hell is going on between you two?”
“Nothing,” I lied.
“Oh, please. Not only are you my best friend that I’ve known like, forever, but a blind dog could see that something is going on. I could light up a cigarette off the flames between you two.”
I cleared my throat. “How are the photos?”
“Don’t know yet. Haven’t looked. But if I had to guess, I would say Western Bridal is going to be happy as hell. You guys don’t just look like you’re in love, you look in lust too.”
“I have a boyfriend,” I said weakly.
She rolled her eyes. “Technically. Yes. Actually? Not so sure about that . . .”
I nibbled on my lip, but Arden immediately made me stop. “Lipstick.”
“Right.”
“You two almost kissed,” she said. “And we’d barely started the photoshoot.”
“I know,” I finally admitted because Arden was relentless. “I don’t know what’s happening to me.”
“It’s called lust, darling. You’ve never felt it, so you’re unfamiliar with the concept.”
“I’ve felt it.” I paused. “Maybe.”
“What did he whisper to you?” Arden asked. “When he was twirling you around?”
My cheeks heated. “I won’t repeat it.”
“Oh it must have been good, then. Really good.”
I groaned.
Stratton came back, shoving his phone into his pants pocket. “Ready for round two?”
Arden and I looked at each other.
I’m not sure I’ll survive round two.