THE TEXAS WILDCATTER'S BABY by CATHY GILLEN THACKER Read Free Book Online Page A

again at his clowning around and buried her face in her hands. Rand was doing what he always did when things got too intense between them. He used the combination of their mutual chemistry and his good humor to get her to relax. The trouble was, she didn’t want to relax. Didn’t want to let her guard down with him for one red-hot second.
    Just like that, the zipper on her wedding gown came down, easy as you please. Cool air assaulted her spine.
    Behind her, Rand sucked in his breath. And went very still.
    Silk organza bodice pressed tightly against her breasts, Ginger pivoted to face him. “Now what’s the holdup—?” she started to say. Then stopped at the expression on his face. She knew that look. All too well.
    “I was right,” he said. His blue eyes darkened as if he were imagining what the front view of her lace-and-satin bustier, garter belt and tiny panties would be. “Those are some mighty fancy underthings you’ve got on.”
    And some very elemental feelings they were both having, Ginger noted. “I think we should stop here,” she said softly. Before they felt even more really and truly married than they did at this moment. Rand nodded, as if agreeing that things were getting way too complicated, way too fast.
    “Probably should,” he stated gruffly. “But...how about just one kiss?” Pulling her to him, he dropped his head low. His lips hovered just above hers, tempting...seducing. “It is our wedding night, after all.”

Chapter Four
    Knowing it was crazy to even pretend any of this could ever work out, Ginger started to pull back. Only to be brought slowly closer. “One kiss,” Rand repeated. “That’s all I’m asking.”
    And all, Ginger thought, she was prepared to give. But when his lips fit over hers, all rational thought went right out of her head. She moaned at the soft, sweet heat. The touch of his tongue to hers sent her even further over the edge. Pulse pounding, body trembling with need, she wrapped her arms around his neck and shifted even closer. Emotions soaring, she nestled the softness of her breasts into the sinewy hardness of his chest.
    One kiss melded into another. And another.
    The next thing Ginger knew, he was pulling her to her feet. Pushing her unzipped gown down. A circle of ivory satin puddled at her feet.
    He paused to take her in; his eyes roving the fullness of her breasts, the nip of her waist and the swell of her hips before sliding downward, along her thighs. Clasping her to him, he kissed her cheek, the line of her jaw, her throat. His lips toured the hollow of her collarbone. Then, straightening slowly, his gaze raked over her with startling possessiveness. Once again, he enveloped her with his warm strength, seeming at that moment to be fighting his own battle.
    Tenderness emanated from him as first his fingertips and then his mouth caressed the uppermost curve of her breast. His other hand slid down her back to her hips, finding the delicate stretch of exposed skin between panty and garter belt. His breath was hot against her skin, the lazy ministrations of his mouth giving her a whole body shiver. She arched helplessly, wanting him, wanting this, so much. Feeling wild and wanton, she pressed her lips to his.
    He held her face in his hands. “You are so beautiful.”
    When he kissed her and touched her like that, she felt beautiful, inside and out. Thrilling at his touch, eager to explore his body, too, she undid the remaining buttons and spread the edges of his shirt. His smooth skin was delineated with hard ridges of muscle. Beneath her questing fingers, she could feel the slow, fierce beating of his heart. The tantalizing traces of his aftershave mingled with the clean fragrance of soap and the more masculine scent unique to him. Needing, wanting, she tangled her fingers in his hair, shimmied up against him, closer yet. “You’re breathtakingly gorgeous, too.”
    He laughed softly, his demeanor wickedly sensual, his eyes dark with desire. “I’m