The Rancher's Marriage Pact by Kristi Gold

can’t see a thing with the window up.”
    More very vivid images filtered into her thoughts. Risqué images that caused her face to fire up. She didn’t know whether to fan herself or faint. “I’m referring to discussing details about each other, in case anyone asks. After all, we’ve presumably been together for three years.”
    He released a rough sigh. “Talking wasn’t what I had in mind.”
    â€œOf course not. You’re a man. You’re averse to conversation.”
    He traced a random pattern on her knee. “Not always. Just at the moment.”
    She slapped her palm on his hand and placed it on the seat between them, even though she considered sliding it up her thigh. “Now, now. Be a good groom. We both know the terms.”
    â€œI don’t like the terms one damn bit.”
    In reality, neither did she. But she liked the thought of another divorce even less. “First get-to-know-you question. What’s your favorite color?”
    â€œBrown. Yours?”
    â€œCoral. Favorite pastime?”
    â€œI thought I made that clear right before you threw the no-sex terms up in my face.”
    Definitely a bad boy. “Your second favorite then.”
    â€œTaking a long, hard ride on a—”
    â€œDallas,” she said in a scolding tone.
    â€œBull.” He tried on an innocent look that didn’t quite erase the devilish gleam in his blue eyes. “What did you think I was going to say?”
    The man knew exactly what she’d been thinking, and with good reason. “Moving on. Favorite food?”
    â€œSteak.”
    She knew the answer to that before she’d asked the question. “I love hummus with red peppers.”
    He frowned. “I’d rather eat hay. Your favorite vacation spot?”
    â€œI haven’t been on a vacation in so long I couldn’t really say. I do know it’s not Vegas. I’ve seen enough of that place to last a lifetime.”
    â€œNever been a big fan,” he said. “Except when I was at the National Finals Rodeo. Now that I’ve retired, give me a fishing trip any day.”
    â€œI’ve never been fishing,” she said.
    â€œNever?”
    â€œNo. My father spent his career on boats so he avoided taking us anywhere that involved water.”
    Dallas remained quiet for a while before he asked, “How would you feel about going fishing?”
    â€œToday?”
    â€œSure. We’ve got to spend our honeymoon somewhere, not to mention the press is hanging out at the ranch, waiting for our return. We could just kick back a couple of days. I can teach you how to cast a line and we can just relax.”
    Had this been a traditional marriage, she might have preferred a tropical paradise in lieu of a fishing excursion. However, that fit Dallas’s cowboy persona, not consuming fruity drinks with umbrellas during an island escape. Avoiding any more media coverage for the time being sounded like a good idea no matter where they went. She did see one problem. “I didn’t pack a bag, Dallas.”
    â€œJust leave it all up to me. I promise you’ll have everything you need.”
    She trusted he would make good on that promise. “Okay. Exactly where will we go?”
    â€œLady, this is your lucky day. I just happen to know this little cabin on a lake.”
    * * *
    It had to be the biggest log cabin she’d ever seen.
    When they’d arrived at the airport an hour ago, they’d been greeted by a fiftysomething-year-old man who’d delivered Dallas a tricked-out black truck, complete with leather seats, satellite radio and a high-tech computer. They’d immediately set off for Texas Hill Country, northwest of San Antonio, luggage on board as promised, for their impromptu honeymoon. And now they traveled up a steep drive lined by a myriad of trees toward another magnificent property.
    â€œThis place is really yours?” Paris asked as