Tempted by Her Innocent Kiss (Pregnancy & Passion #3)(10)

He made a sound in his throat that was part growl, part resignation.

“I don’t want to hurt you, Ash. As much as you tempt me, I’d rather wait until you’re fully healed from last night.”

She pushed out her bottom lip.

“As adorable as you are when you pout, it won’t move me this time. Now get your pretty behind out of bed and hit the bathroom. Breakfast will be served in forty-five minutes. Plenty of time for you to soak.”

She sighed. “Okay, okay. I’m going.”

She got up and walked toward the bathroom but just as she got to the doorway, something he’d said the night before came back to her. She paused and turned around, her head cocked to the side.

“Dev, what did you mean last night when you said I’d be sleeping here with you every night from now on?”

He rose and pulled his robe tighter around his waist. He stared back at her, his gaze intense and serious.

“Exactly what I said. I’ll want you to move in as soon as possible. I’ll arrange to have what you need transferred from your apartment. You’re mine, Ash. From now on, you’ll spend every night in my bed.”

Four

“Well, you finally took the leap,” Cameron Hollingsworth said as he stared across the room to where Ashley stood with a group of women.

Devon took a sip of the wine, though the taste went unappreciated. He was too distracted. Still, he forced some of it down, hoping it would at least take the edge off.

The official announcement would be made in a few moments. By Devon himself. Ashley’s father had wanted to do the honors, but Devon had preferred to do it himself. William Copeland had already orchestrated entirely too much of Devon’s relationship with Ashley. From now on, things would be done his way.

Though everyone in attendance was well aware it was an engagement party they had been invited to, Ashley had insisted on waiting until all the guests had arrived before their engagement was announced.

“Cold feet already?” Cam asked dryly. “You haven’t said two words since I got here.”

Devon grimaced. “No. It’s done. No backing out now. Copeland has all but signed off on the deal. After the ceremony he’ll fax the final documents and we’ll move forward with the merger. I’ll want to meet with you, Ryan and Rafe as soon as I return from the honeymoon.”

Cam arched an eyebrow. “Honeymoon? You’re actually going on one?”

“Just because this marriage is part and parcel of a business deal doesn’t mean Ashley has to have any less of a marriage or honeymoon,” Devon murmured.

Cam shrugged. “Good idea. Keep her happy. If she’s happy, Daddy’s happy. You know what they say about Daddy’s girls.”

Devon frowned. “Don’t be an ass. She’s…”

“She’s what?” Cam prompted.

“Look, she has no idea what her father’s done. She thinks this is a wildly romantic courtship that culminated in an equally romantic marriage proposal. If I don’t take her on a honeymoon, it’s going to look strange.”

Cam groaned. “This can’t end well. Mark my words. You’re screwed, my friend.”

“Anyone ever tell you what a ball of joy you are?”

Cam held his hands up in surrender. “Look, I’m just trying to warn you here. You should tell her the truth. No woman likes being made a fool of.”

“And have her tell me to go to hell and take my proposal with me?” Devon demanded.

He sighed and shook his head. Yeah, he knew Cam had been through the wringer in the past. He couldn’t blame his friend for his cynicism. But he wasn’t in the mood to hear it right now.

“This deal is important to all of us. Not just me,” he continued when Cam remained silent. “Marriage isn’t my first choice, but Ash is a sweet girl. She’ll make a good wife and a good mother. Everyone gets what they want. You, me, Ryan and Rafe. Ashley, her father. Everyone’s happy.”

“Whatever floats your boat, man. You know I’m behind you all the way. But remember this. You don’t have to marry her to make this work. We’ll find another company. We’ve suffered setbacks before. Not one of us expects you to martyr yourself for the cause. Rafe and Ryan are deliriously happy. There’s no reason you shouldn’t hold out for the same.”

Devon snorted. “Turning into quite the rah-rah man. I’m fine, Cam. There is no love of my life. No other woman in the picture. No one I’d rather marry. I’ll be content with Ashley. Stop worrying.”

Cam checked his watch. “Your intended bride is looking this way. I think you’re on.”

Devon glanced over to where Ashley stood surrounded by friends and relatives. He could never sort out who was who because there were so many. She smiled and waved and then motioned him over.

He handed Cam his wineglass and made his way through the throng of people until he reached Ashley.

She sparkled tonight. She wore a radiant smile that seemed to captivate the room. But then she always drew people. She’d talk to anyone at all about anything at all.

As soon as he approached, she all but pounced on him, took his hand and dragged him into her circle. He smiled at each of the women in turn, but their names and faces kind of blended. After a moment he bent to murmur in Ashley’s ear. “It’s time, don’t you think?”