Catherine Mann - Safe In The Rancher's Arms - Stranded with the Rancher / Sheltered by the Millionaire / Pregnant by the Texan

She could tell herself it was because of the storm or because she was staying in Drew’s house or even because she was lonely and displaced. But the truth was far simpler. Yesterday, she had felt the relentless pull of sexual need, and she had given in. Not only that, she had wallowed in it without shame or regret.

The truth was shocking but impossible to ignore.

Gingerly, she lifted his heavy arm and scooted away from him. He stirred, grumbling, but buried his face in his pillow and continued to sleep.

Fortunately, gathering her things was not an issue. One shirt. That was it. One shirt to protect her modesty as she scuttled back to her room. She had no idea how early the household staff arrived, but surely not at this hour.

When she made it without incident to the relative safety of her own suite, she debated what to do. It would probably be a good idea to wet her hair and dry it again before getting dressed. But a yawn caught her by surprise. It had been a harrowing three days. Removing her one item of clothing, she tossed back the covers on the decadently luxurious bed and climbed naked beneath the sheets.

It was a warm autumn in Texas, but the crisp cotton felt chilled after snuggling with Drew all night. Her body was pleasurably sore as she settled into a comfy spot. Remembering Drew’s attentions was not a good idea. After a long hiatus, her libido was alive and well.

Closing her eyes, she gave herself over to the numbing drug of sleep. She had acted rashly, impulsively, totally without forethought. The results had been amazing, but it was time to retreat and regroup.

She knew now what it was like to be with Drew. It was good. Really good. Before she got in too deeply, she had to set some ground rules for herself. Drew’s amicability was only temporary. When she was living in her house again, they would revert to the same impasse. Drew had the time and the money and the determination to badger her until she gave in to his wishes. Plus, the storm had weakened her resolve and her certainty about the farm as her life’s work.

Equally depressing was the fact that Audie would always be a millstone around her neck. She came from questionable roots. Everyone in the horse business knew that breeding was everything.

Even if a tornado had thrown Beth and Drew together—literally—they had nothing in common but sharing a frightening ordeal. That wasn’t enough on which to build a relationship.

After an hour of tossing and turning, she gave up and got out of bed. Perhaps a hot shower would settle her jangled emotions. The prospect of coming face to face with Drew made her ridiculously nervous. What would she say to him?

She dressed in a pair of faded jeans and a comfortable sky blue polo shirt. No need to make a good impression. There was work to be done.

After a quick call to her insurance agent to follow up on Allen’s report, she went in search of breakfast. If she were lucky, Drew would be somewhere out on the ranch tending to business. The thought of a hot cup of coffee with a side of morning solitude was irresistible.

Unfortunately, only half of her order was on the menu. When she entered the kitchen, she pulled up short, dismayed to find it full of people, or so it seemed. Though the housekeeper excused herself to go tend to the laundry, the kitchen table was occupied. Drew and Jed and a woman who looked strangely familiar were helping themselves to bacon and sausage and eggs as well as pancakes and grapefruit.

“Sorry to intrude,” she said quietly. “I’ll just grab a cup of coffee.”

Drew stood up and pulled out a chair. “Don’t be silly. Join us.” The look in his eyes dared her to disagree.

With her cheeks warm and her legs quivering, she sank into the chair and tried not to flinch when Drew’s hand brushed her shoulder. Had the motion been deliberate? The last thing in the world she had expected or wanted was an audience for their inescapable morning after.

Jed touched the woman’s arm. “Kimberly, this is Beth Andrews. Her house was damaged by the tornado, so she’s staying here at Willowbrook for a bit.”

The brunette smiled. “I know who you are, but you probably don’t remember me. I came to Green Acres several times last summer to buy vegetables. Your heirloom tomatoes were so good.”

“Thank you,” Beth said. “And yes, I do remember you now. You used to come into the bank when I was working there...you made deposits for the dress shop.”

“Yes, I did.”

“So,” Drew said, changing the subject and lifting an eyebrow as he stared at his brother. “I’m always glad to have guests for breakfast, but I’m sensing your visit has a particular agenda.”

Jed looked at Kimberly. She motioned for him to do the honors. Jed took her hand and faced his brother. “Kimberly and I are going to get married.” After noting the shocked silence from Drew and Beth, he continued. “We had planned to do something quick and easy at the courthouse, but obviously that’s out of the question. And we’re not sure it’s appropriate to have a marriage ceremony at all with so many people suffering.”

Jed and Kimberly sat shoulder to shoulder, their fingers entwined. Between them shimmered an almost palpable tenderness. Beth couldn’t help but feel a twinge of envy. Jed looked at Kimberly as if she were the answer to all his prayers wrapped up in one lovely package.

Drew cleared his throat, obviously emotional about his younger brother getting hitched. “Congratulations, you two.”

Beth nodded and smiled. “And from me as well. But I have to say, I think a wedding might be the perfect occasion to bring some joy and cheer to what have been pretty bleak days in Royal.”

“You could have the ceremony here,” Drew said. “We’ll invite all our friends.”

“I’d be honored to help any way I can,” Beth said. “Though to be honest, I don’t know much about planning an event like that. But I am pretty organized if that counts for anything.”

Kimberly’s smile held gratitude. “You’re both being very sweet about this, but the thing is...” She trailed off, biting her lip.

Jed picked up where she left off. “The thing is...an affair like that takes time to put together.”

Drew frowned. “What’s the rush, Jed? Can’t Dallas do without you for another six or eight weeks? You could fly back and forth if you needed to.”

Jed’s cheekbones flushed with color. The look he gave Kimberly was so fiercely and intimately personal, Beth felt as if she were witnessing something very private.

“Go on,” Kimberly whispered, her cheeks rosy as well. She gazed at Jed with starry-eyed adoration.

Jed kissed her gently on the cheek before turning back to his brother. “Kimberly and I are going to have a baby. In about six months.”

Beth had seldom seen Drew speechless, but he couldn’t have looked any more surprised if someone had whacked him over the head with a two by four. “A baby? Why didn’t you tell me before now?”

Jed and Kimberly exchanged wry glances. “I only found out myself right before the storm hit. I had just asked her to marry me when all hell broke loose.”

Beth laughed softly. “That must have been some proposal.”

Drew stood up and tugged his brother and Kimberly to their feet, hugging them fiercely. “I’m damned happy and excited for the both of you.” He kissed Kimberly’s cheek gently. “Welcome to the family. Jed’s a lucky man.”

After that, the conversation escalated, everyone talking at once and making plans. Beth glanced at her watch. “Oh, shoot. I’ve got to run. I promised Megan that I’d help her again today.”

Drew’s brows drew together as he frowned. “I’ll take you.”

Beth stood her ground. She needed a little personal space. It was hard to be rational with Drew in touching distance. “It will be better for me to drive myself,” she said. “I don’t know how long I’ll be there. And besides, the three of you have lots to talk about. I’ll be back by suppertime.”