His Heart to Have (Cowboys of Whispering Winds) by Renee Peterson Read Free Book Online Page B

he made it out, she grabbed his arm, catching him by surprise and spun him around.
    “What the hell are you doing?” he snapped, finally losing his cool.
    “This,” she breathed and wrapped her arms around him, pressing her mouth to his. Her breath smelled of alcohol and mint, like she’d just used mouthwash. His stomach churned and he reached to push her away.
    “Get your lips off my husband,” a voice bellowed before Jase could yell himself.
    “Your what?” Lexie released him like a hot coal and backed away.
    “You heard me. My husband . And if you still want a job Ms. Daniels, I suggest you get back to the lodge and finish your work immediately.  Mrs. Allen informed this morning her linens need to be refreshed.  Please take care of that and see to your given tasks before pawing someone’s spouse,” Allie barked.  Her eyes darkened, flashing with anger.
    “I...I’m sorry Ms. Tyndale,” Lexie stammered. “I had no idea.”
    Allie continued glowering, standing with her arms crossed. “Just go,” she spat out.
    Lexie scurried out the door, her head hung in shame, looking properly chastised.
    “Thanks for the rescue,” he said, still partially shocked by what just happened.
    “I can’t believe you.  Three months, Jase, that’s all I asked. You couldn’t even last two weeks before sneaking off with some floozy,” Allie yelled.
    “You asked a hell of a lot more than that,” he growled, taken aback by her accusations.  Of all the times she’d ticked him off over the years, this about took the cake. It was more infuriating then calling their marriage a mistake; this time she attacked his honor. A headache was forming- a headache by the name of Allie.
    “How are we supposed to project a real marriage if you’re in here kissing whatever tramp passes through? Where else would it have led?” Allie spoke bitterly, her arms uncrossing and flying upward, ignoring his defense.
    “If you would stop shouting for one second and think you would realize it’s not what you’re imagining it to be.”
    “I guess that will give us an easy out for when the three months is up,” she continued, still disregarding anything he said. “Picture the headlines of the gossip column- ‘Perfect Jase Callahan finally screws up- ruins marriage.’  Forget dinner- you can go find Lexie Pouty Lips if you want company. And here’s your lunch,” she finished, throwing a sandwich at him.
    Enough was enough. Their eyes met and he refused to flinch under her glare. He took hold of her arms and brought them back down to her side. His thumb and forefinger encircled her wrists, holding them in place. Her reaction to his touch was evident and the fight was leaving her, but he’d have his say.
    “Let’s get one thing straight. Despite what you think, I don’t take those vows lightly.  Sham or not, I promised to be faithful to you and that’s what I’ll be.  I’m not perfect- why you keep saying that, I don’t know, but don’t ever attack my honor again.”
    “You really expect me to believe you weren’t a willing participant in that kiss?” Allie argued.
    Hell, she was impossible. He released her wrists, only to move his hands behind her head and bring her to him. Pressing their lips together, he kissed her until he felt the last bit of hesitation flee her. And then he kept kissing her until she responded, wrapping her arms around his waist and pulling them even closer. Lost in the softness of her caress, he cursed this passing marriage. Knowing they couldn’t take it further, he reluctantly stepped back, dazed and unsteady.
    “Look at me closely, Allie. Listen to my voice,” he demanded huskily. “This is a man who was just engaged in a kiss he wished to be a part of, to a woman he wanted. Does that answer your question?”
    When Allie didn’t respond, he stooped to pick up his hat that had fallen off sometime during the kiss.  Replacing it, he gave her one last look.  “I’ll see you tonight at our home