Page 14 of The Grouchy Lumberjack’s Bride

Jade squeaks and bangs her head on the lid of her car compartment. She pops up, holding a duffle bag and a picnic basket. “No, I’ve got it.”

I ignore her, step into my yard, and pull the items from her arms.

“The basket was a gift from the Blue Haired group. They came into the shop today to wish us well,” she says.

“Had several packages on the porch when I got home this afternoon.”

“Sasha get off okay?”

I snort. “She’s living the high life in a private jet and staying at a fancy-ass hotel in Hollywood.”

The minute we step into my cabin, Jade’s face pales. “I just remembered; you only have two bedrooms.”

I drop her bag on the floor, set the basket on the table, and close the distance between us. “That going to be a problem, wife?”

She bites down on her bottom lip. “I think we need to talk.”

chapter nine

Jade

Why is he calling me “wife?” And why is he standing so close to me? His pupils are blown wide as he leans in and inhales deeply. Is he sniffing me?

“Fucking Juicy Fruit,” he growls.

Goosebumps spread over my skin. My nipples pebble hard in my bra. His warm breath dances along my collarbone, and my neck tilts, giving him better access to the sensitive flesh.

What is he doing? Why is he all up in my space?

“I get that you want to practice, or whatever, so our intimacy looks natural, but no one is here right now, and we have time to work out the rules.”

I swear he licks my neck, but I must be imagining it. Still, there’s no stopping my body from reacting. My eyes flutter closed, and I whimper.

“You want to establish some rules, Peanut? Is that what you’re saying?”

Another phantom lick. “Yes. I think we should figure out our exit strategy.”

His hands go to my hips, and he squeezes, his fingertips digging into my flesh. My body is on high alert. On fire for a man who has always felt like home to me.

“For when custody is finalized,” I continue, “and you don’t have to worry about appearances so much.”

“It’s our wedding night,” he murmurs.

That’s when I finally come to my senses. I put my hands on his massive chest and push him back. “Is that what this is? You thought it would be a hilarious way to punish me? Get me all hot and bothered? And then what? You walk away? Turn on the TV and ignore me again?”

“Punish you? For what?” His voice is raw.

I swallow hard. “For paying for your dad. I love him, too, you know. He was a huge part of my life. Is! He is a huge part of my life.”

For the first time in as long as I can remember, Cain looks at me with unfettered affection. “I know you love him. He loves you, too. And I know the truth about all of it.”

My heart takes a nosedive into my belly and seems to bottom out. “What truth?”

“That he asked you. That he was lucid enough to call you to his side and beg for your help so he wouldn’t bankrupt me.”

I release a watery laugh and realize I’m crying. Awesome. I exhale a slow breath. “He said he knew it was only a matter of time before we realized we were meant to be together, and he was hoping I’d consider it taking care of my family.” The last word comes out as a sob, and I slam my hand over my mouth.

“Hey,” he says, his voice so gentle. He pulls me into his body and wraps himself around me in a hug.