Chapter Ten
“She’ll be fine,” Ashley whispered, helping Chase with his tie as Jessie hurried down the hall to change into her dress for the New Year’s Eve party. He watched his wife until she disappeared from view then noticed Ashley staring at him. “You like her, don’t you?”
He feigned indifference as he lifted his chin so Ashley could fasten the cross tie she’d insisted he wear. In fact, the tuxedo looked exactly like the one he’d worn to the wedding. Ashley said the photographers would love seeing him in the formal wear. He didn’t really care about the photographers, but the interested look Jessie tossed at him before she left the room made him glad he’d agreed to Ashley’s bossy orders, even if he’d spend the next several hours trying not to mess up the tie or undo the top buttons of his shirt.
“Are you sure this is a good idea?” he asked, still unconvinced of Ashley’s grand plans. She’d arrived the day after Christmas with Stacey in tow, much to Jessie’s delighted surprise. The three women had taken over the ranch. They acted as though winning a war hinged on the flawless execution of their plans. Chase, Lori, Lucas, and his two hired hands, Tim and Mike, did whatever was asked, even if Chase grumbled about it.
Tate Morgan had come over the past two days with Cort and Kaley McGraw to offer their assistance. Tate’s wife, Kenzie, was expecting a baby in a few months, so she stayed home to watch over their son and Cort and Kaley’s two children.
Kaley was a crafting genius and helped make Ashley’s vision for the party setting a reality. Jessie seemed to connect with the woman and they’d spent hours talking as they worked on decorations.
Chase was glad Jessie was making friends in the area. Once he returned to the rodeo circuit, she’d spend long, lonely weeks at the ranch. It would be good if she had people to visit with while he was gone.
Thoughts of leaving her behind, of not seeing her for extended periods, made his heart ache. In spite of his vow to stay away from her, he couldn’t seem to help himself. He loved listening to her talk, trying to make her laugh, seeing her smile.
He couldn’t even begrudge the presence of her cat because the fuzzy nuisance made her happy. As though he sensed Chase’s determination to stay away from him, Tinsel went out of his way to get close to Chase, rubbing on his legs and following him around. Chase had taken almost an entire bottle of allergy medicine to keep from sneezing his head off, but he didn’t mind too much. Not when the cat meant so much to Jessie.
Aware of her tendency to be shy and veer away from the center of attention, he hoped the party wouldn’t prove traumatizing for her.
They had a houseful of guests and, according to Ashley, reporters from four magazines, one newspaper, and a television station coming to the party. Two of the magazine reporters would come back the following day for exclusive interviews.
Determined to make the most of this evening and hoping Jessie would enjoy it, Chase glanced down at his cousin. “I still don’t know how you talked me into this,” he said, softening his harsh tone with a smile.
Ashley grinned. “Because you know I only want what’s best for you. Besides, Jessie helped plan this. She’s got a fabulous eye for detail and came up with some great ideas that will make tonight spectacular. Everyone is going to love her, Chase. Maybe not as much as you, but they’ll be charmed by her.”
He started to refute her statement then clamped his mouth shut when his aunt and uncle walked into the kitchen.
“There’s the man of the hour,” Jack said, thumping him on the back. “Where is your beautiful bride?”
“Getting ready.” Chase pushed at Ashley’s hand and she stepped away with a huff.
“If you’re going to be ornery, I’ll go see if I can help Jessie get ready. I think Stacey stayed in the shop to greet guests.”
“Only you would invite two hundred guests to a party in a shop, in the midst of a winter storm,” Chase said as Ashley stopped long enough to hug her mother before walking across the kitchen toward the hall.
“I didn’t order the cold or the snow and the shop looks great. So there.” She stuck her tongue out at him then scurried down the hall.
Jack chuckled and took a seat on a barstool at the long kitchen counter. “Ashley is right about the shop. If you didn’t know what the building was used for, you’d never know it wasn’t some swanky ballroom.”
Chase wouldn’t admit it, least of all to Ashley, but she and Jessie managed to transform his shop into a beautiful place for the party. After he and his crew had moved everything out of it and brushed down the walls, they’d hung what seemed like a million strands of lights across the ceiling along with a huge, glittering chandelier Ashley had rented. Lights encircled the support posts and framed each of the windows.
The volume of boxes and crates that had arrived at the ranch the last few days left Chase acquainted with the delivery men on a first name basis. In addition to all the party supplies, the boxes Jessie had shipped before she left San Diego had arrived. Although she’d sold most of her furniture and home décor, she had kept her computer desk and chair. She’d shipped those, along with a chair her grandmother had given her years ago, a filing cabinet with her client files, and her collection of books. Chase hauled everything down to the basement out of the way.
Once all the extra company cleared out of the house, he’d set her up with a home office. For now, though, she’d even had to give up her bedroom to accommodate the extra guests.
When Ashley had moved Jessie’s things into Chase’s room, they’d both protested. Ashley informed them they had to keep up appearances with the reporters. “Surely the two of you can figure out a way to make it work for a day or two,” Ashley said. “After all, you’re both adults, and you are married.”
Chase would worry about the sleeping arrangements later. He had to get through the next six hours before they could call it a night.
Trucks full of rented tables, chairs, heaters, linens and flowers had come and gone all day. The caterers arrived right after lunch and had gone to work. The smells of roasting meat lingering in the air had made his stomach growl in anticipation of the meal.
He’d asked Ashley how much this little shindig was going to set him back, but she’d assured him he could afford it with all the new contracts he’d signed for sponsors and product endorsements.
Regardless, he didn’t like having his ranch overrun with strangers. Not at all.
He was glad they’d all be gone tomorrow. Then he could enjoy a week or so of quiet before he had to leave for the first rodeo of the year.
Dragging his thoughts back to the moment, he draped an arm around his aunt’s shoulders and kissed her on top of the head, knowing she’d smack him if he messed up her hair or makeup.
“Thank you, both, so much for the amazing wedding present. It’s perfect for Jessie, but completely unnecessary. I think you totally blew her away when you drove up.”
In truth, Chase had been every bit as astounded by the new SUV his aunt and uncle had driven up from the dealership as a wedding gift. He’d mentioned to Ashley that Jessie was driving an SUV that looked like a throwback to the eighties. She must have said something to her parents. Even though Jack assured Chase the vehicle was from them as well as Daphne and Bill, Chase highly doubted his parents had anything to do with the deep teal vehicle that featured all the bells and whistles, including heated leather seats.
When Jack handed Jessie the keys, she’d blanched white and stared at them like some alien growth had sprouted from her hand. “I can’t take this. It’s far, far too much and I’m not even part of your family.”
She handed Chase the keys and took a step back, but he’d put them back in her hand and closed her fingers around them.
Amy had given her a hug then passed her off to Jack. “As long as you’re married to Chase, you’re family, and don’t forget it. You can’t be driving around in the wilds of Oregon in an old vehicle. What if you broke down somewhere? This rig will give Chase peace of mind that you’re driving a safe, reliable vehicle when he’s not home.”
He nodded his head in agreement. If he’d been thinking, he would have suggested they get her a new car, but he’d been rather preoccupied with this party and Jessie’s distracting presence in his home.
His uncle thumped him on the back again. “We couldn’t have your girl running around in that old heap she was driving. Although the paint doesn’t look bad, Ashley was worried it would leave Jessie stranded somewhere. Now, no one will have to worry.”
“It really is a generous gift, Uncle Jack. I’d be happy to pay for it, if you’d tell me…”
Jack held up his hand, cutting off Chase. “No. It’s a gift, from your folks and us.”
Chase couldn’t contain his snort of disbelief. “I know it’s from you two. My parents don’t care about my bride, my life, or anything else.”
“It really is from all of us,” Amy said, then amended. “Well, at least your father and us. Your mother wasn’t too pleased to hear about your bride.”
“I know. She’s left two tirades on my voice mail.” Chase didn’t want to spoil the party with morose thoughts of his parents so he changed the subject. “Are you two dressed warm enough for this?” He glanced at his uncle’s suit and his aunt’s wool dress with knee-high boots.
“We’ll be fine. Ashley assured us the heaters will keep the space warm. Once it is packed full of guests, we’ll all be toasty.” Amy smiled and patted Chase on the cheek. “The shop looks beautiful, honey. Have you seen it since the girls turned on all the lights?”
“No. I’ve been busy doing a bunch of other stuff this afternoon.” Chase was tempted to run outside and peek in the building, but Ashley wanted him to escort Jessie to the shop once all the guests had arrived.
“I’m going to go help Jessie so Ashley can get back out to the guests,” Amy said, nudging her husband toward the mudroom door. “Jack, will you please check on the caterers and make sure they’re on schedule.”
“I’m happy to do that, especially if they let me taste a sample or two.”
Jack left and Amy scurried down the hall toward Chase’s room. Only a minute passed before Ashley rushed into the kitchen, grabbed the long coat she’d tossed over a chair, and sailed outside.
Chase watched her walk across the snow-covered yard to the shop. The dusting of snow they received lasted through Christmas Day then the temperature warmed and the snow melted the following morning.
The weather had been mild all week, making accomplishing the long party preparation to-do list easier than it would have been in freezing temperatures with a foot of snow on the ground.
However, about the time dusk fell, the temperature plummeted to eighteen degrees and snow began to fall in big, fluffy flakes.
Jessie stared at the sky with a goofy smile on her face, making Chase smile in turn, until she raced off to finish setting up the decorations.
Lori, Lucas, and Stacey remained in the shop to greet everyone while Ashley and Jessie had run around making last minute adjustments. An hour ago, Ashley shoved Chase toward the house and told him to go shower and change because Jessie would need to get ready soon.
He’d hurried to shower and shave then dress in the tux. Now, he was antsy to get the evening started so it would end. He still couldn’t believe he’d allowed Ashley to talk him into all this craziness.
Was it really worth it?
A rustling behind him caught his attention and he turned around, awed at the sight of his wife.
Although Ashley assured him Jessie would not be dressed in a wedding gown, she had on a layered white skirt, tulle he thought he’d heard Aunt Amy call it. The material floated around her in airless layers to the floor. As a complete contrast to the skirt fit for a princess, she wore a red plaid flannel shirt, tucked into the skirt, while a wide leather belt cinched her tiny waist. Her hair was twisted up on her head with an array of tendrils falling around her face. She wore a glittering necklace that sparkled in the overhead light, like the diamond ring on her finger, and the rose bracelet he’d given her on their wedding day. She wore more makeup than he’d seen her wear since their wedding and knew Stacey and Ashley had a hand in it.
Chase had to clear his throat twice before he regained the ability to speak. “You look amazing, Jessie. That’s an unusual outfit.”
Self-conscious, she brushed a hand down the front of her airy skirt. “Ashley and Stacey talked me into wearing this. If you don’t like it, I can change. Ashley had the wedding dress sent here. I could…”
Chase kissed her cheek, silencing her nervous rambling. “You look lovely, darlin’. Are you sure you’ll be warm enough, though?” She’d basked in the warmer temperatures they’d had all week. He was afraid her system would go into another shock with the sudden cold snap.
Jessie lifted her skirt and held out a foot covered in a cream winter boot lined with sheepskin. The thick sole would provide traction on the snow while the warm lining should keep her toes from freezing. “Thank you for the boots, Chase. I don’t know where you found them, but they are perfect.”
“You’re welcome.” When he’d heard Ashley and Jessie discussing her footwear selections for the party, he’d gotten Ashley to tell him Jessie’s shoe size and ordered the pair online. With a rush delivery, they’d made it that afternoon. He was glad he’d purchased them. Jessie looked adorable in her outfit, holding out her foot as she showed off one of the boots. “I’m glad they fit.”
He took a step back and analyzed her from head to toe. She blushed, which made him grin. “Are you sure they’ll keep you warm enough?”
“I may have snuck on a pair of thermals beneath all this fluff and stuff,” she said, her blush deepening, but a spark of amusement flickered in her eyes. “Just don’t tell Ashley.”
He leaned down slightly, so his mouth brushed the curl by her ear. “Your secret is safe with me.”
She shivered, and this time he realized it wasn’t from a chill, but his presence. Pleased he could elicit such a response from her, he held out his arm to her and tipped his head. “Would you do me the pleasure of accompanying me out to this idiotic party my nitwit cousin has insisted we host?”
Jessie laughed. “With an invitation like that, how could I refuse?”
Chase lifted his hat off the kitchen table and settled it on his head, then guided Jessie out the mudroom door. Together they went down the porch steps, across the yard and made their way to the shop where the symphony of excited voices spilled out into the crisp evening air.
“Ready for this?” Chase whispered as they neared the door. He stopped and looked down at Jessie. She looked so young, so pretty, so delightfully delectable, he clamped his jaw to keep from leaning down and kissing her rosy lips.
She ran a nervous hand up to her hair and pushed in a few loose pins, took a deep breath, and smoothed the front of her skirt.
As she expelled the breath, she nodded her head and he took her hand in his.
Bothered by how right, how good it felt to have her delicate fingers entwined with his, he opened the shop door and followed her inside.
Taken aback by the appearance of the shop, he glanced around, noticing the tables covered with white linens and runners made of burlap and lace. Garlands of winter greens, interspersed with big burgundy roses, trailed across the centers of the long tables that took up a good portion of the floor space down the center of the shop.
Smaller round tables sat around the perimeter with food and beverage tables along the far wall. After dinner, they’d clear out some of the tables and create a place for dancing. He hadn’t mentioned anything to Jessie about dancing or the band he’d hired to play that evening. He had an idea the thought of dancing with him might send her into hiding.
Later, when the band began playing the first song of the evening, would be time enough to worry about her reaction. For now, they needed to make two hundred guests feel welcome.
“You girls did a great job. The shop looks like a winter fairyland.” Chase admired glass bell-shaped jars full of tiny fairy lights that glowed from the centers of the round tables and on the food tables.
The chandelier overhead sparkled and refracted the twinkling white lights that draped across the ceiling like a glittering canopy.
“Oh,” Jessie whispered, remaining by the door. Chase wondered if she’d had time to see the shop all lit up and fully decorated.
Hesitant to rush her, he allowed her a moment to take in the sight of the beautiful setting she’d helped create before he slid a hand to her lower back and nudged her forward. “Let’s welcome this bunch of yahoos so we can eat. The smell of that beef has been making my mouth water for the last hour,” he whispered in a low, teasing voice. In truth, Jessie’s fragrance, that unusual blending of summer roses and vanilla, made his mouth water far more than any thoughts of food ever could.
She offered him a guarded smile and walked with him to the stage area where the band would play. Chase stayed a step behind Jessie as they moved onto the stage and turned to face the crowd. He bent his knees slightly so he could speak into the microphone and smiled at their guests.
“Good evening, everyone!” he said in a loud, commanding tone that caused conversations to fade and all eyes to turn to the stage. He drew Jessie close to his side, leaving his hand lingering on the curve of her waist as he spoke. “Thank you for coming out in the cold and snow tonight. For those of you who might have missed it, I married this beautiful girl a few weeks ago when we were in Las Vegas. Jessie and I thought it might be nice to celebrate our marriage and ring in the New Year at the same time. So welcome to our party. If you’ll all get in line over there by the food tables, the grub is hot and I’m hungry!”
Cheers and laughter filled the shop as people wandered toward the food tables.
“The bride and groom have to go through the line first,” Ashley said, appearing at Chase’s side.
Since he was hungry and figured there would be plenty of other opportunities to argue with her in the next few days, he took Jessie’s hand in his and led her to the food table. The pastor from the church Chase attended when he was in the area stood at the microphone on the stage and asked a blessing on the meal, on the newlyweds, and those gathered there that evening.
“You go first, darlin’,” Chase said, handing Jessie a plate. He could tell by the stiffness of her spine and the slight flush to her cheeks she hated being in the spotlight, but had handled it well. Most people would only see a lovely, fashionable girl, not a woman who dreaded being the center of attention.
After they filled their plates, Jessie led the way to the head table where they sat with Lucas and Lori, Jack and Amy, and Stacey.
Jessie forced a smile on her face and carried on a conversation with Stacey and Lori while Chase spoke primarily with his aunt and uncle.
Once everyone had eaten, Lucas and Stacey offered toasts to the newlyweds. After that, Ashley insisted Jessie and Chase pose by an elaborate four-layer cake that looked like tooled leather, accented with a few of the dark burgundy roses.
As he held his hand over Jessie’s on the long silver knife and they sliced into the cake, his heartbeat accelerated. For tonight, it was easy to believe they were truly married. That she was the one girl meant just for him, the one he would love for a lifetime.
Cameras clicked as they each lifted a thin slice of cake and held it for the other to take a bite. Chase had never been big on the joke of the bridal couple smearing cake all over each other’s faces. Even if he had thought it was funny, the wary look on Jessie’s face would have staid any childish impulses. Intuitively, he knew it would embarrass her even more than she already was.
With great care, he held the slice out for her and watched as she took a small bite. It seemed like the world around him shifted into slow motion as her tongue darted out and licked away a bit of frosting clinging to her lip. So enthralled with her, he didn’t realize she still held a piece out for him, waiting for him to take a bite until Lucas bumped him from behind.
He quickly bit into the cake and grinned at the crowd. Jessie seemed to relax beside him and he couldn’t stop himself when he swiped a finger through the frosting and placed a dollop on the end of her nose.
Her eyes widened and she stared at him. The crowd roared with approval when Chase leaned forward and kissed it away. He brushed a little spot of lingering frosting away with his finger then let his thumb graze across her cheek.
The skin he touched was so soft, so incredibly soft. For a moment, Chase allowed himself the indulgence of fantasizing about touching all of her skin before he yanked his thoughts back in line.
“This cake is awesome,” Chase muttered as Jessie cut a bigger slice and placed it on a plate for him.
“You didn’t even really get a taste, but Ashley said chocolate is your favorite.” Jessie handed him the plate, which he set aside then cut her a piece.
“I didn’t mean the taste. I meant the way the cake looks. The frosting looks like the leather on my favorite saddle.”
Jessie smiled. “That’s where we got the pattern. Ashley had me take a photo of it and send it to the bakery.”
He handed her a plate with a piece of cake and lifted his own. “You did a great job making this old shop look amazing, Jessie. I was a little worried you and Ashley would go all girly on me, but this is perfect. It’s beautiful and elegant with just enough hint of rustic country to really reflect both our personalities.”
“That’s what Ashley was going for. She said the photographers would love it.” Jessie spoke in a low voice only he could hear as they took seats back at their table.
Once everyone enjoyed pieces of the moist cake, several of the men moved aside a section of the tables so those who wanted to could dance.
Chase watched as a look of panic gave way to horror on Jessie’s face as she realized she’d have to dance with him. Thank goodness, none of the photographers were watching her at the moment.
When he started over to where she stood with his aunt, Chase recognized resignation as it settled over her features.
He kissed her cheek and wrapped an arm around her waist when he reached her. “Do you know how to dance?” he whispered in her ear.
“Not really. I can manage a slow dance, but that’s about it.”
Chase grinned. “That’ll do, Mrs. Jarrett.”
He motioned to the band and they began playing Kenny Chesney’s “You Had Me From Hello.” He took Jessie in his arms and swayed back and forth with her on the shop floor, beneath thousands of twinkling lights while a few hundred people watched.
In that moment, he knew he’d picked the right song for the first dance. Ashley had called him a genius when he told her what song he thought the band should play.
Anyone who’d questioned his sudden and unexpected marriage would think he had taken one look at Jessie and fallen in love. As he gazed into her eyes, lost himself in their depths, he realized the words weren’t far from the truth.
Oh, he wouldn’t admit he was in love with her, but he was certainly in something with her.
Infatuated? Maybe.
Entranced? Definitely.
Jessie was so, so different from any female he’d ever known. While some might think she seemed plain or unsophisticated, he found her refreshing and sweet.
Ashley had been correct when she’d said Jessie was genuine and uncomplicated. Although, the more he got to know her, the more he discovered her complexities were deep below the surface where few people bothered to look. Most people glanced at Jessie and saw an attractive yet reserved girl. They didn’t bother to discover she was an intelligent woman with a keen wit and an almost child-like wonder.
Even though he didn’t know her well, what little he’d discovered intrigued him. He’d been surprised Christmas night when she’d opened up to him about her family. Odd, protective feelings he’d never experienced welled up in him. He had half a mind to call her parents and tell them what morons they were for ignoring their daughter. It really was their loss, though. He couldn’t imagine anyone who knew Jessie not treasuring her friendship or enjoying her company.
Since she’d been at the ranch, he’d come to anticipate spending time with her. She didn’t feel a need to fill the quiet with nonstop chatter. She listened with both her heart and mind open. The few times she’d come out of her shell enough to offer him an opinion on something, he’d been impressed with her insight and ability to objectively solve problems.
More and more, he found himself seeking her out, looking for excuses to be with her. And that greatly disturbed him.
He didn’t have time for a woman to clutter up his mind, his home, or his life. Determined to end the year as the world champion bull rider, he was not going to let anything, even this beautiful girl, derail his plans.
For tonight, though, it couldn’t hurt to surrender to his need to hold her. If his fascination with her was apparent, he didn’t care. It could only make the love story the reporters were weaving even better.
As the song ended and everyone clapped, Chase motioned to the band, a prearranged signal to play another slow song.
Jack and Amy approached them. Chase handed his bride off to his uncle while he danced with his aunt.
“She’s so lovely, Chase. We simply adore her.” Amy smiled at him then turned to watch Jessie dance with Jack.
She appeared at ease with the older man as she laughed at something he said.
“I’m glad you like her Aunt Amy. She does seem like a nice girl.”
His aunt scowled at him. “Nice girl? That’s all you can say about her? Ashley said Jessie came up with most of the ideas for this party and jumped right in to implement them. Jessie is a good cook, grew up on a farm, and has a great sense of humor. Even you can’t help but notice how pretty she looks tonight.”
Chase glanced over at his bride. She didn’t look pretty to him. No. She looked beautiful, especially with all those soft little lights shining down on her, gleaming in her auburn-streaked brown hair and shimmering in those big blue eyes.
“She does look lovely.” Chase grinned. “I don’t know how she came up with the idea of wearing a flannel shirt with a Cinderella skirt, but it looks good on her.”
Amy laughed. “Ashley wanted her to wear the wedding dress again, but Jessie said it wasn’t a wedding, it was a party. Her outfit is different, but it suits her, suits the setting, and especially suits you.”
Chase turned his gaze from Jessie to his aunt and caught the hint of amusement in her smile and the mischief dancing in her eyes.
“Maybe. Maybe not. I’m not saying anything that might later get me into trouble.”
His aunt offered him a knowing smile as they finished the dance.
Throughout the evening, Chase danced with Jessie several times. He’d even showed her a few dance steps. She caught on fast, even though she seemed a little nervous when she danced with him.
Around eleven, Ashley announced that those who were hungry would find some delicious selections available. Chase escorted Jessie to the food table. Gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches cut into triangles sat atop small white mugs filled with steaming tomato soup. There were cheese and meat trays, veggie trays, chips and salsa, as well as sweets including a S’mores bar complete with an assortment of ingredients. Cans of sterno served as a way to toast the marshmallows.
“This is so cool,” Chase said, picking up a skewer with a marshmallow on the end and holding it above a flame to toast. “Was this your idea?”
Jessie blushed as she picked up a marshmallow and held it above a can of sterno. “Stacey and I saw something similar on Pinterest. I thought it might be fun.”
“It’s awesome,” Chase said, sliding the marshmallow onto a chocolate cookie topped with a piece of chocolate. After he settled another cookie on it, he handed it to Jessie and took the skewer from her.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” He watched her face, aware he’d surprised her with his gallantry. Maybe he’d have to do more of it. Her look of approval and admiration was something he liked seeing.
He poured them each a mug full of the creamy chocolate kept warm in slow cookers, and then guided her to a seat next to her friend Stacey.
Time passed quickly as they laughed with their friends. Before he was ready for the evening to end, Ashley turned on a television she’d insisted be set up above the stage. The band had taken a break, but everyone watched the countdown on television as midnight approached.
Ashley and Stacey walked through the crowd, handing everyone paper cones filled with biodegradable confetti. Jessie had found the product when Chase pitched a fit at Ashley’s idea of having confetti for everyone. The last thing he wanted was to find little glittering bits of paper in his shop for the next several months. When Jessie offered the alternative of confetti that would disintegrate like bubbles if it got wet, he agreed.
Chase stood and drew Jessie up with him. After placing his hand at the small of her back, he guided her toward the stage. Before everyone left for the evening, he wanted to offer a word of thanks to those who attended the party. As soon as the clock struck midnight, their guests would be ready to leave. In fact, those who were worried about bad roads had already gone.
He paused at the foot of the stage, listening as the crowd around them joined in the countdown. When they got to five, Chase turned Jessie so she faced him and brushed his hand across her smooth cheek before burying it into the hair at the back of her head.
“Happy New Year, Jess,” he rasped in a husky tone right before he captured her lips in what he’d intended to be a friendly kiss.
However, what started out as friendly soon filled with passion and desire as sparks ignited between them. Jessie slid her hands up his arms and clasped them behind his neck as she pressed against him.
He deepened the kiss, oblivious to those cheering around them, the photographers snapping photos, or the fact that he’d kissed her right through the first minutes of the new year.
All he knew was how good, how right it felt to hold his wife in his arms and give his yearning for her free reign.
Finally, he lifted his head and shot her a cocky grin. He wasn’t at all surprised when embarrassment reddened her cheeks and she turned her back to the cheering crowd, burying her face against his chest.
With a quick kiss to her forehead, he pulled her up on the stage with him and moved in front of the microphone.
“Jessie and I thank you all for coming tonight and helping us ring in a new year. May it be one full of success, health, happiness, joy, and love for us all. Happy New Year!”
More clapping and cheers ensued.
Chase waited until the noise quieted down to lean toward the mic again. “The roads are probably going to be slick with all the snow that fell this evening, so please be careful driving home. If you don’t want to drive, we can find somewhere for you to sleep. Thanks again, everyone!”
With a final wave to the crowd, Chase escorted Jessie off the stage, took her hand in his and they slowly made their way through the crowd, accepting well wishes and giving them in return.
A dozen of Chase’s rodeo friends asked if they could stay, so Lucas and Lori offered to put a few of them up at their place. Chase sent several guys over to the bunkhouse, and invited the rest to sleep on couches in the main house.
Departing guests stopped long enough to take one of the keepsake ornaments Jessie and Stacey had railroaded Lucas into helping them make. Lucas had cut a long pole into rounds about a quarter-inch thick then drilled a hole into each round. When he finished, Jessie and Stacey tied a piece of jute string through the hole for a hanger. The girls then stamped one side with a snowflake and the other with a small C and J on either side of a larger J and wrote the date in small print with a permanent marker. Again, Chase had been surprised by Jessie’s creativity and willingness to make the ornaments.
Once everyone cleared out of the shop, Chase removed his suit jacket and draped it around Jessie’s shoulders then took her hand in his as they ran through the snow.
He glanced over at her and almost tripped at the look of pure joy on her features as she turned her face up to the night sky.
When she noticed him watching her, she smiled. “I love the snow!” Snowflakes melted on her cheeks and clung to her eyelashes.
He shook his head, although he grinned. “You are a nut, Mrs. Jarrett. Just wait a few weeks. You’ll be thoroughly sick of the snow by then.”
“Maybe, but I’m not right now. It’s gorgeous!” She laughed again as they continued toward the house. Unexpectedly, she slid on a spot of ice and would have fallen if it hadn’t been for Chase keeping her upright.
Without thinking, he swept her into his arms and carried her the rest of the way to the house. The few people who hadn’t yet left or hurried inside where it was warm cheered.
Chase smirked and bent down so she could open the front door when they reached it.
Almost involuntarily, his head dipped toward hers, eager for another kiss.
She turned her head to the side and stiffened in his arms. “You can set me down now,” she said, sounding breathless.
Reluctantly, he set her on her feet in the entry foyer wishing they didn’t have an audience, regretting she wasn’t his true wife. If she was, he’d pull the pins from her hair and back her down the hall to his room while he lavished her with kisses.
Instead, he accepted the teasing of his friends and hurried off to see how many spare blankets and pillows he could find.
Jessie helped make up three beds on the couches in the great room and media room. He watched as she started upstairs to her room, and then realized it was occupied by Cooper and Paige James. Chase had been surprised when he’d received a text from the rodeo clown that morning saying he and his bride planned to be there for the party.
He was glad Cooper made the effort to come. It was good to see him and it gave Jessie a chance to speak with Paige about the Lasso Eight account. They’d been too busy this evening to talk business, but Chase would make sure the two women had time to speak in the morning.
Although Ashley said Jessie did well with her graphic design business, he knew she wanted the Lasso Eight account. If there was anything he could do to help make it happen, he would.
After all, Jessie was helping his career by pretending to be his love-struck bride.
Chase walked through the house, shutting off lights, adjusting the temperature, making sure everyone was settled in for the night.
He found Jessie in the kitchen, loading dishes into the dishwasher. He leaned against the doorjamb and watched her a few moments. She still had on her princess skirt and flannel shirt. His suit jacket was draped over the back of a kitchen chair. She worked efficiently and quickly, not wasting any movements. When she added soap and turned it on, he strode into the room.
“Ready for bed, Jessie? It’s been a long day.”
She gasped and spun around, obviously surprised by his presence. “I, um… I was just… I thought I’d better finish the dishes. We’ll probably need all of them in the morning to feed this crowd.”
Chase smiled, wondering what she’d do if he kissed her again. The kisses they’d shared in the shop at the stroke of midnight had him thinking all kinds of things. Things only a husband should think. Things that were about to drive him beyond the edge of reason. Things that would probably scare Jessie half to death.
“Let’s get some sleep. Morning will be here all too soon.” He removed the dishtowel from her hand and tossed it on the counter then wrapped an arm around her waist, guiding her toward the door.
Frantic, she looked around, as though she searched for some reason to remain in the kitchen a while longer.
Chase clicked off the lights and took her hand in his, leading her down the hall to his room. He didn’t know what Ashley was thinking, forcing them to spend the night together. At least with his large bed, they could both sleep without touching the other. Unless Jessie wanted to.
With the scent of roses and vanilla surrounding him and zaps of electricity shooting up his arm from their joined hands, he certainly wouldn’t mind if his wife decided she’d like more than a marriage in name only.
Maybe it was the pressure of having the reporters around, the excitement of hosting the party, the feeling of magic in the air from the arrival of the New Year, or watching Jessie delight in the falling snow, but something had left him feeling love drunk and thoroughly enamored with his wife.
He opened the door to his bedroom and flicked on the overhead light.
Jessie gulped and took a step back. “I can’t do this, Chase. I just… it’s not… I’m not…”
“It’s okay, darlin’. We’re just going to sleep. I promise.” Chase placed a hand on her shoulder and drew her into the room then closed the door behind him. He pointed to the bathroom door. “Ashley left your things in the bathroom. Go ahead and get ready for bed.”
He yanked off his tie then walked over to the closet and turned on the light. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Jessie hurry into the bathroom. Chase removed his boots and shirt, followed by his undershirt and pants.
Quickly, he tugged on a pair of flannel pajama bottoms then turned off the closet light and shut the door. He turned off the overhead light then switched on the lamp on the side of the bed. After dragging the comforter down to the end of the bed, he folded back the sheets. A vision of Jessie in his bed, gazing at him with love in her eyes and her hair spilling all around made him squeeze his eyes shut and shake his head to dislodge the image.
The bathroom door opened and Jessie hurried out, hair still pinned up, holding her crossed arms in front of her chest. She wore a black pajama set he was convinced was designed specifically to seduce men. Chase could think of no other purpose for it as the thin straps across her shoulders gave way to black lace along the edge of the top. The short shorts had lace insets nearly up to her waist and fancy trim skimming her thighs that made Jessie’s legs seem ten miles long.
In the subdued light from the lamp, her skin looked like a beautiful expanse of creamy silk. His fingers itched to touch every inch of it. He took a step closer to her, then another.
Her eyes widened and she glanced behind her, as though gauging whether she could barricade herself in the bathroom and spend the night sleeping in the bathtub.
Chase grinned and reached out a hand, lightly touching her arm. “That’s a nice outfit.” The husky tone of his voice was one he didn’t recognize.
Jessie tightened her arms across her chest and attempted to turn away from him. “I don’t know for a fact that Ashley did it, because it could very well have been Stacey, but the clothes I planned to wear for sleeping have disappeared.”
Chase would have to be sure to thank whoever brought Jessie the sexy pajamas. “What did you plan to wear?” he asked, trying to distract her so she’d calm down. He could feel her trembling as she stood before him, wearing nothing but bits of lace and satiny fabric.
“I had sweats and an old university T-shirt.”
He chuckled. “Sorry I missed seeing that, but I won’t complain about this one.” Unhurried, he trailed a finger up her arm and across her shoulder. Unable to stop himself, he pressed a hot kiss to the back of her neck.
She jumped and goose bumps broke out on her skin.
About to take things too far, Chase stepped back. “You look gorgeous, Jessie. Really.”
“Thank you,” she whispered.
Chase hurried into the bathroom. It took him less than five minutes to get ready for bed, turn out the light and return to the bedroom where Jessie huddled beneath the covers on her side, facing the wall.
Disappointed but mindful that he needed to keep his hands to himself, he turned out the light and slid onto the bed, pulling a throw blanket over his legs.
“If it makes you feel better, I’ll sleep on top of the covers.”
At her barely perceptible nod, he hid a smile. “Thanks for today. I’m sure it was hard to do what you did, but you really did look beautiful and you charmed every one of my friends.”
“You’re welcome. It was fun to plan the party and dress up. You looked good, too.”
A grin creased his face and he settled his hands behind his head, staring up at the ceiling. “Thanks. Good night, Jessie.”
“Good night.”
Silence settled over them and Chase released a long, frustrated breath. He tried to recall wanting any woman as much as he wanted the one currently clinging to the far edge of his bed. No one had ever made him feel the way she did. No one had driven him as crazy as she had, especially in such a short time.
Uncertain how he’d ever relax and go to sleep with her so close, yet so far away from him, he swallowed back a sigh.
The covers rustled and he felt the bed move as though someone jiggled it.
Remaining perfectly still, he waited, trying to discern what Jessie was doing. When the bed continued to wiggle, he finally figured out she was shivering.
“Are you cold?” he asked, rolling onto his side so he faced her.
“Y…e…s…” she said between chattering teeth.
“Aw, Jess, why didn’t you say something?” Chase got off the bed, pulled back the covers and slid between the sheets. He scooted over until he connected with her arm. His hand wrapped around her waist and pulled her against him.
He wondered if she’d shove him away, but she didn’t. Instead, she inched closer to him as he surrounded her with his warmth.
Shivers wracked over her, tugging at his heart. “How long have you been cold, darlin’?” he asked, shifting his legs until her icy feet rested against his shins.
“Since about five minutes after the party started, although the dancing helped keep me warm. The cold sheets kind of finished me off.”
He grinned against the fragrant locks of her hair. “If I’d known about the dancing, I’d have danced every dance with you. Why didn’t you say something?”
“I didn’t want to be a bother. It wasn’t too bad until about an hour before the party ended. I could have gladly climbed up on the table with the S’mores and stood over the sterno cans.”
A laugh rumbled out of Chase and he kissed her ear. “There are several cowboys here tonight who would have paid good money to see that.”
“I’m sure,” she said, relaxing against him as her shivering subsided. “Thank you, Chase.”
“For what?” he asked, growing more and more aware of just how scantily clad she was dressed. Under the guise of trying to warm her, his hand skimmed from her shoulder, along her ribs, and down her leg then back up again.
The fires of longing he’d attempted to bank earlier flared to life. All he wanted in that moment was to turn Jessie over and lose himself in a night of loving her.
“For being such a good man,” Jessie whispered in a voice thick with sleep.
Her words carried the punch of a being dowsed with a bucket of ice water. No matter how much he wanted Jessie, he wouldn’t do anything about it. Nothing but hold her close to his heart.