5. Josie
five
Josie
This is crazy. I’m not actually going to let him kiss me there—am I?
I should stop him, tell him no to the dare. But for the life of me I don’t want him to stop. I need to at least tell him the truth, that I’m not his mail-order bride—give him a chance to pull away and stop before it’s too late and he regrets everything.
“Stop.” I place my hands on his chest with a little shove. “I’m not who you think I am.” I pause, waiting for him to scream and yell at me, something I’m more than familiar with since that’s the life I grew up with—parents that would rather scream and yell than calmly ask questions.
“Let me guess, little liar. You’re not really Jane, my mail-order bride.
” He leans close—close enough that I can feel his hot breath against my lips.
“You’re only pretending to be, which I’m still confused about.
” I expect to see hurt or anger in his eyes.
Instead, they seem to be dancing in amusement.
“Let me explain. But how did you know I wasn’t your bride?”
“Oh, Josie, you’re still my bride, just not the one I expected—you’re better.
” Dang, this guy is a smooth talker. “Your boss, Aspen, was worried about you breaking the news to me that my mail-order bride had run away, so she thought it best to call me and give me a heads-up.” Relief washes over me in more ways than one.
I can finally relax around Brewer, and he’s not upset that his mail-order bride ran away.
“But that doesn’t explain why you told me you were my mail-order bride.
” He gently strokes the side of my cheek. “Why, Josie?”
With a deep breath, I open my mouth, and everything I’ve been holding back about my family life spills out.
I should be embarrassed telling a virtual stranger that my parents treated me more like a servant than a daughter.
On the day I learned I had a full scholarship to my dream college, they tried to sabotage it.
They finally left me alone after I threatened legal action against them.
“I’ve been working hard to build a life and a future for myself.
When I saw the ad for the job at Aspen’s company, I jumped at the chance, especially after reading reviews about couples who found love and are now living happily ever after.
That’s the life I wanted. I’m sorry I tried to steal it from Jane and force you into it with me.
” The shame of saying those words out loud hits me harder than I expected.
I lower my gaze so I don’t have to face the look of pity, hate, or indifference—you name it, I can’t bear to see any of it on Brewer’s face.
He places his fingers under my chin and lifts my head to meet his gaze.
I shut my eyes tight, still not ready to face whatever I see in his.
“Open your eyes, Josie.” Knowing it’s better to face my demons head-on than hide, I open them.
The look I feared isn’t there. In its place is a look of possession and love.
“I’m glad you pretended to be Jane. It might not have been the most ethical thing for you to do, but I’m not sure what I would have done if you had just walked into my cabin, told me the news, had me sign a few papers, and then walked out of my life without ever knowing what your kisses feel like.
” His eyes drop to my lips as he lowers his head. “Stop me if you don’t want this.”
Without hesitation, I wrap my arms around his neck and pull him closer. “You haven’t finished the dare.”
“As you wish, little liar. But I’m altering the dare.
” With a wicked gleam in his eyes, he picks me up bridal style, carries me to his bedroom, sets me down, slips off my clothes, then removes his own before guiding me to lie on the bed.
“I’m still going to kiss you here.” He runs his hand up the inside of my thigh and through my wetness.
“But I’m also going to make you mine tonight, forever.
” A flash of lightning lights up the room, as if sealing the deal, and I know Mother Nature just gave us her blessing.
“Take me, mountain man, and make me yours forever.” I make a vow of my own, and just like with the lightning, a crash of thunder follows my words.