The Surrogate Husband Page 13

  The rest of the family followed suit, despite Dex’s insistence that getting Logan out of harm’s way had been a group effort.

  After Dex climbed the stairs toward his room, Niki and their mom helped Trisha gather her gifts as the others headed to their rooms for the night. Lucy poured four glasses of wine and handed them out. Her mother didn’t even object to Niki drinking this time.

  Trisha tapped her glass to each of theirs. “Here’s to no more drama this weekend.”

  “Dex was so brave,” Mom said. “Thank heaven he looked out the window when he did. He and the other men are heroes. Alan said if Dex hadn’t glanced out the window when he did, who knows…” Her voice broke on the last word.

  A sob rose in Lucy’s throat. All she could manage was a nod. It had been Dex who’d played the biggest part in saving Logan’s life. He really was a hero, more than anyone she’d ever known.

  A few minutes later she found Dex in their room, a towel wrapped around his waist. Closing the distance between them, she threw her arms around him, holding on to him so tightly, telling herself she was acting needy. But she didn’t care. He’d saved Logan’s life by risking his own. The floodgates opened and refused to be shut.

  “Shh. It’s okay. I’m here. Everything’s fine.” Dex held her until the waterworks tapered off.

  I’m here.

  She kept hearing his simple assurance, over and over. She’d never been with a man who’d nurtured and comforted her like that.

  Dex lifted her up and carried her to the bed. Laying her on top of the covers, he kissed her so tenderly that her tears almost started again. Then he climbed over her and held her tightly against him. “I’m here,” he said again.

  “We could have lost him.” She buried her face in his chest and shuddered. Thanks to her father, she was well aware of what it felt like to nearly drown.

  “He’s fine now.”

  “Did you hear him go outside?”

  He shook his head. “I saw him on the dock.”

  Her gut clenched. “If you hadn’t, God only knows what could have happened to him. The Swanns said the gators have been out in force lately. A neighbor’s dog was eaten a few weeks ago.”

  He didn’t say anything, just hauled her closer.

  She kissed his skin. “You’re a hero.”

  He chuckled. “Nah, I did what anyone would have.”

  “I couldn’t have. Because I can’t swim.” She felt him tense. “What is it, Dex?”

  After a long pause, he sighed. “Seeing you so vulnerable today in the pool, and Logan in the lake, it stirred up some memories for me. It’s not often that you let anyone witness that side of you, is it?”

  Swallowing hard, she shrugged. How had he come to know her so well in such a short time?

  “You remind me of the woman I was engaged to. Caroline loved flirting with danger just like you do, to cover up her vulnerability. She had to have the fastest car, and drove it so recklessly that one night, it killed her. Not that you’re so much like her in other ways. You’re not.”

  Lucy tightened her arm around him. “I’m so sorry, Dex. But I don’t have a death wish.”

  “I know. Seems like you do some of the things you do to keep people at arms’ length.”

  Meeting his stare, she said nothing. Admitting that he was right was pointless. And a little too scary.

  “Thinking that something had happened to Logan tonight made me realize that…” He sucked in an audible breath. “…what we feel for people we care about is worth the pain. It’s so much better than closing ourselves off and being alone.”

  She averted her gaze.

  Kissing the top her head, he smoothed her hair down. “You’re not the only person in the room who’s kept people at arms’ length. Lucy, I…” His voice trailed off.

  After a few minutes Dex’s breaths grew even, and she suspected he was falling asleep. But she wanted to touch him, to let him know how much she desired him.

  Sliding her hand along his arm, she marveled at the feel of his sinewy muscles beneath his skin. She wondered what it would be like to be his woman. Would he always be this wonderful to be around? This nurturing?

  “Dex,” she whispered.

  He stirred but didn’t wake up.

  She pressed her cheek to his, felt the scratch of his whiskers. Something about his supercharged masculinity made her more aware of her femininity. Perhaps it was the heat she felt in her most intimate spots every time he was close. Her nipples hardened and pressed against the fabric of her bra. She propped herself up on one arm and watched him sleep.

  When he rolled onto his back, she took advantage of his position to kiss his chest. Lord, he had nice pecs. And abs. She traced a line from his neck down the middle of his chest to his waist.

  The corners of his mouth curled up in a slow grin as he covered her hand with his. “What are you doing?”

  “Waking you up, apparently.”

  “Anything else?”

  She stifled a laugh. “Maybe.”

  “Mm.” He pressed his lips to hers, ventured his tongue inside her mouth.

  She tasted and sucked and licked to her heart’s content. Then she kissed his cheek, his forehead, and all over his face. There was something thrilling about the new emotions trying to bubble up inside her, but she refused to give them any credence. It was merely gratitude for all Dex had done for her family. That was it.

  He shifted onto his side and leaned on his elbow. Sliding his index finger along her neck, down between her breasts, then along her stomach, he followed the trail with soft kisses.

  All the way to the juncture of her thighs.

  She grasped handfuls of his hair as he rubbed, licked, and explored as if he lived inside her head. Pleasuring her seemed more important to him than it had ever been to the other men she’d been with. It was nice to feel like he put her needs ahead of his own, made her feel special.

  Moreover, there was a new tenderness in his caress, as if he cherished every touch. His kisses had become sweeter, more lingering, his hands more gentle. She could tell his feelings for her were growing.

  The very last thing she wanted to do was hurt him. Tomorrow she’d have to push him away, gently. But for tonight, they could be whatever she wanted them to be. Tonight they’d be together.

  Desire tugged so hard, she couldn’t possibly deny its call.

  Sex had always been about physical need for her. She absolutely refused to let it seep deeper. Too deep. As her desire grew, a war brewed inside her. She had to keep her feelings in the safe zone, as she’d always done in the past. Of course she could do that.

  Dex easily brought her to climax. Her pleasure hit like a slow-moving lava flow, a steady rush that filled her up and held her firmly in its grip, pulse after pulse of ecstasy.

  As she lay in his arms after, he pressed gentle kisses on her eyelids and her lips as if she was someone he cherished, someone he’d never let fall. “I care about you very deeply, Lucy.” He held her face in his hands for a soul-stealing kiss.

  No, she would not succumb to something she didn’t want. This was all pretend. Regardless of what Dex said, how he touched her, they had to go back to being what they used to be when they left the inn.

  Despite how good it felt to touch him, to have him touch her, she meant what she’d told him. This was only for now.

  …

  Lucy’s head throbbed. She reached across the bed for Dex, but the sheets were cool to her touch. She propped herself up on her elbows and scanned her surroundings. The Victorian elegance felt empty without Dex. Had she dreamed that he’d said something about playing golf?

  She realized the pounding she’d been hearing was actually someone knocking at the door. “Who’s there?” Her voice sounded froggy and hoarse.

  “It’s me,” Niki said.

  Lucy pulled the covers up to her neck since she didn’t have on a stitch of clothing. “Come on in.”

  Niki poked her head through the door. “You’re still in bed
?”

  “Did I sleep through something?” She racked her brain to recall the schedule but couldn’t remember anything that had been planned for the morning. After a night of lovemaking with Dex, recalling anything besides the feel of his skin, his scent and taste, the intense pleasure he’d given her, was going to be impossible. At least until she shook off the sweet hangover he’d left her with.

  Niki climbed onto the bed and stretched out at the foot end. “Several of the men, including Dex, went to play golf, and Trisha’s dad’s nurse or companion guy showed up. Who’s kind of hot, by the way. Not Dex hot, but still nice looking. I think you’ve missed breakfast, but I bet you could talk Mrs. Swann into making you something if you hurry.” She squinted at Lucy. “Are you naked? I guess the whispers about you and Dex are true.”

  “Turn away.” When she did, Lucy hopped out of the bed, grabbed Dex’s bathrobe from the closet, and pulled it around her. “What whispers?”

  Her sister faced her and rolled her eyes. “Seriously? You two are oozing lust all over the place. Which is…unexpected. I didn’t think you’d ever go for such a clean-cut guy.”

  Lucy climbed back onto the bed and pulled her knees up to her chest. “I haven’t gone for him. He’s…nice to have around. That’s all. Things’ll go back to normal for us when we get back to Miami.”

  Niki sat up. “Nice? That’s all? How many genuine heroes do you know?”

  She shrugged but inside she swelled with pride. “Yeah, that was pretty spectacular last night.” Even though they were talking about Dex’s rescue of Logan, she thought about how fantastic the sex after the rescue had been, and she allowed herself a secret smile. Warmth spread through her, but she shook it off.

  It was only sex.

  Niki shoved Lucy’s arm. “So give me the dirty lowdown. I want all the deets.”

  She and Niki usually shared most everything, but for some reason, Lucy wanted to keep all that had happened between Dex and her private. “There’s nothing to tell. We’re friends. With benefits. For the here and now benefits.”

  Niki crossed her arms over her chest. “I’m not buying that. I’ve seen the glances you two exchange. For God’s sake, Lucy, the man talked you into the pool.”

  “I’d like to know how he did that, too.” Their mom stuck her head inside and smiled at them. “Sorry, girls. The door was cracked, and I heard you two talking.”

  Lucy waved her over.

  Mom sat on the other side of the bed. “So Dex is a golfer, huh? Jack and Alan already like him. You can be sure Uncle Alan made some sort of wager on their game.”

  Niki nudged Lucy’s arm. “Does Dex have a younger brother?”

  Lucy laughed. “Sorry. He’s an only child.”

  “Too bad. He’s fine, Lucy. Like really fine.”

  She pictured him as he’d appeared the night before—damp skin, muscles tensed and ready. A quiet sigh escaped her lips.

  “The sparks flying between you and Dex last night made up for the lack of moonlight,” her mom said.

  Apparently Niki had been right and their attraction really was obvious. She pulled his robe tighter around her and caught a whiff of his scent. Sniffing the fabric, she smiled.

  Niki poked a finger at her. “That’s got to be his robe, right? Everything you own is uber-feminine.”

  “Okay, so I’m wearing his robe. What’s the big deal?”

  Her mother patted her leg. “The big deal is that we know you. This is out of character for you.”

  “Dex is out of character for you,” Niki said.

  Lucy glanced toward the door. “You both know why I’m here with him. I couldn’t find anyone else.”

  They exchanged a knowing glance.

  Her mother smoothed Lucy’s hair off her face. “There’s more going on here than him pretending to be your husband. It’s apparent you two are…close.”

  Lucy shook her head and tightened her arms around her knees. “It’s not like that. We’re having fun, that’s all. Like I always do with my dates.”

  Her mom put on her stern face. “Now that I’ve been around him a little more, I really like Dex, even more than before. He’s a terrific guy, Lucy. I hope he doesn’t end up getting hurt if you go back to business as usual with him after the weekend.”

  Lucy squared her shoulders. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  She huffed. “Come on, sweetheart. It’s me you’re talking to. You keep men around about as long as most people keep a quart of milk.”

  “Mom!” But she wasn’t far off.

  The door swung open the rest of the way. Lucy glimpsed Aunt Bev’s cane before she saw her face. Was her room suddenly Grand Central Station? “Morning.” She gave her aunt a smile but prayed Bev hadn’t overheard any of their conversation.

  Mom sat up straighter. “Oh, hi, Aunt Bev. What are you doing up here?” She twisted the sheet in her hand, and Lucy knew she had the same fear. Bev had the only guest room on the ground floor and they all figured she wasn’t able to climb the stairs, but here she was. How much had she heard?

  Bev’s frown gave Lucy pause. “Hoping to find Lucy,” she said. “Do you mind if I come in?” Without waiting for an answer, she made her way to the fainting couch and slowly lowered herself onto the cushion. “I’d like to discuss something with you, dear.”

  Niki got up. “I guess I’ll leave you all to talk in private.”

  Lucy tugged on her sister’s shirt to make her stay put. “Oh no you don’t,” she said under her breath.

  Niki huffed as she sat back down.

  Dex strode into the room then stopped dead in his tracks as he glanced from one person to the next. “What’s going on? Is this a ladies-only party?”

  Bev shook her head. “I’m glad you’re back from the golf course. My Clyde was a golfer, too. He enjoyed strolling the green as soon as the course opened.”

  Dex nodded. “So do I. And that was exactly what we did this morning. Got to see the sunrise on the drive over there.”

  “I was hoping to speak to you and Lucy.” Bev cleared her throat. “In private.”

  Lucy gulped. This sounded serious. Had her aunt figured out their subterfuge?

  Her mother and Niki vacated the scene so fast, Lucy hardly had time to blink.

  Lucy glanced at Dex and shrugged at his unspoken question. Damn, he was handsome in his cargo shorts and golf shirt. His face and arms were sun-kissed and his hair—despite the short length—was somehow windblown. She wanted to pull him back into the bed with her and have her way with him.

  Until she remembered her aunt was sitting in the room. Her cheeks heated.

  Dex grinned at Lucy, and she knew he’d read her mind. He took a couple golf tees out of his pocket and set them on the dresser, never releasing her stare. “You look spectacular in my robe, sweetheart.”

  She hadn’t thought her face could grow any hotter but apparently she was wrong. Turning to her aunt, she remembered that they could very well be in trouble. Lucy licked her suddenly dry lips. “What was it you wanted to discuss with us?”

  “What’s that, dear?” Aunt Bev cupped her ear. “You’ll have to speak a louder for me.”

  Lucy breathed a little easier, recalling her aunt’s hearing loss, since it meant she probably hadn’t heard any of what she, her mom, and Niki had been saying. “What’s up?” she said louder.

  “Oh, yes. First, I must add my sincerest thanks to you, Dex.” She pointed a gnarled finger at him. “We might have lost our precious Logan if you hadn’t been here.”

  In typical Dex fashion, he shrugged off her gratitude. “Alan or Mr. Swann would have gotten him out. I just happened to be there.”

  Bev shook her head. “You’re way too modest. I understand you’re the one who noticed he was on the dock in the first place.” She rubbed her finger over the handle of her cane. “But I’m very upset with the two of you.”

  Lucy gulped. “W-why is that?”

  “For depriving me of your wedding.”

&nb
sp; Lucy’s stomach flipped. Far back as she could remember she’d often had an inkling when something bad was going to happen, and she was having that feeling.

  “Since we have a minister coming to marry Alan and Trisha …” Bev said. “I thought we could go ahead and meet with him and discuss having him redo your vows back in Miami, before I head back home to Wisconsin. I phoned that lovely restaurant where the rehearsal dinner was held. They can accommodate all of us on Tuesday evening. Isn’t that wonderful?”

  Inside her head, Lucy screamed. She concentrated on keeping her voice calm. “No, no we can’t.”

  Think.

  Dex shook his head. “My family is away. Out of town. And since we eloped and they weren’t able to attend our real wedding, they’d never forgive us.”

  Lucy wanted to hug him for thinking so fast on his feet.

  Bev smiled. “Which is why I took the liberty of looking them up. I called and left a message for them, inviting them to join us. Dex, if you’d make sure to reach them wherever they are, hopefully they can cut their trip short. Certainly they would in order to see their son get married.”

  Oh no.

  Dex’s face was no longer tan. In fact, he now resembled one of those white spreadsheets he was always pushing on her. He grasped the edge of the dresser.

  Bev stood up and started for the door. “I hope you have something lovely and bridal to wear Tuesday night, Lucy. We don’t have much time to find you something.”

  As Bev shut the door behind her, Lucy and Dex locked gazes. He looked how she felt—like they’d just stepped aboard a sinking ship.

  They were so dead.

  Chapter Ten

  Dex paced the floor, trying to keep his mind on the task at hand.

  Lucy dropped her bath towel to the floor, then pulled on a black g-string.

  He bit his lips as she opened the dresser drawer and grabbed a lacy bra, then she moved to the mirror and combed her wet hair. Her exotic scent surrounded him.

  How was he supposed to think with her so close, half naked, and 300 percent sexy? But he had to concentrate or he’d surely have consequences to deal with. He turned away from her and tried his parents’ home number for the fourth time in as many minutes. “I don’t know why they’re not answering.”