“There are callers, Señor Galtero.” An elderly housemaid informed us as we walked through the back door of the rancho.
I held in a sigh of relief. Our lunch at the cabin had left me dazed and beyond confused. Carlos had asked questions and listened attentively to my opinions, teasing and fixing his charming smile on me. Even suggesting I could teach the children of El Ocaso. I needed time to compose and remind myself what my goals were. Time would also help scrub the image of that Adonis-like body out of my mind. I feared the glorious image branded itself in my thoughts permanently. I would write to Charlotte today. That would put everything back in perspective. “I will see you at dinner. I need to refresh.” I said, preparing to escape.
“Señora, the callers are here to see you,” said the maid.
“Gracias, Carmen.” Carlos smiled at the woman, causing a small blush to her cheeks. It seemed no woman was safe from his charm.
We entered the parlor and found my father sitting across from two ladies, a tea cup in each of their hands. My chest tightened at the sight of the man who had practically sold me. After uprooting my life, he still felt he had the right to call. Perhaps there was more for him to gain. Once I was back in New York, he would not be allowed to be part of our lives.
I glanced at the regal-looking women. Both had light-brown hair pulled high on their heads in curls, matching blue eyes took me in from head to toe. The older woman wore a lime-green gown with white lace. The youngest sported a light-blue dress that complemented her gaze, which pierced me with annoyance.
Father cleared his throat. “Good day to you both. I am happy to see you well. Carlos, you already know these lovely ladies. Daughter, may I introduce Mrs. and Miss Nelson? The Mayor’s wife and daughter.”
“It is nice to meet you both,” I said.
The women smiled, but their eyes brimmed with judgment. The daughter’s gaze swept to Carlos, her judgment turning into resentment.
“And to what do we owe this visit?” asked Carlos, nodding at the women.
My father spoke. “I thought my daughter would enjoy seeing her father and meeting new friends.”
“Really, on her honeymoon? Well, you are fortunate to find us dressed,” he said, eliciting a gasp from the women.
I took a shallow breath and a few steps forward. I turned to address our appalled guests. “What my dear husband means to convey is that we were at the river. We were about to change for dinner,” I corrected, glancing at Carlos’ mischievous grin, heat rising up my face.
“We will not be long,” said the mother, setting her teacup down and standing, her daughter following suit. “We were hoping for a brief introduction, so we might invite you both to a dinner party at our home in a couple of days. It would be an honor to have you. I do apologize for not being present at your wedding. Alice and I had other obligations.”
A lopsided smile appeared on Carlos’ lips. “Mrs. Nelson, Do not worry. Your absence was not noticed.”
The woman’s posture straightened at his words, and her face furrowed.
Carlos gave her the most charming of smiles. “I am sure you were here in spirit.”
“Yes, well. We look forward to your visit,” she said, tight-lipped. They both nodded and strolled to the door.
“Thank you for the invitation. We will love to join you,” said Carlos, sweeping his hand toward the exit.
The women lifted their chins and proceeded to leave the room.
Father gave me a small bow and followed.
I stared at the closing door. “I sensed hostility,” I said, turning to face Carlos.
“Yes, I am surprised to see them here. We are not on good terms. I was expected to marry Alice.”
My posture slumped, and the thumping in my chest lurched. “She refused you?”
“No, why would anyone refuse me?”
I scoffed. “So you left her at the altar?”
He shook his head. “No, I do not care for her. She is not who I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. We were never betrothed. Alice and her mother tried to entrap me, but their ruse failed.”
I folded my hands across my chest. “Entrap?”
“Yes. She faked a dizzy spell during a dance, asking me to take her outside for air. Once there, she launched herself at me and screamed, signaling her mother to appear.” Carlos huffed as if still shocked at the behavior. “Mrs. Nelson came in like a charging bull, making a scene and demanding marriage. Luckily, Alice did not survey the surroundings well. Witnesses came out of the shadows, reassuring all that Alice must have been scared by some critter. I thought that would be the end of it.” Carlos walked to a tray of spirits on a side table, pouring white liquid into a tiny glass, then emptying the contents in one quick shot, as if trying to clear the bad taste our guest had left.
“But it was not?” I asked.
Carlos emptied a second glass in another swift motion. “No. It was not. Mrs. Nelson and the mayor appeared the next day with accusations, claiming witnesses were planted and incorrect. I refused, and the bad blood between us ensued. They have been the catalyst of the distrust and animosity against my family.”
My eyes widened at the Nelson’s scheming behavior. “Then this invitation is an olive branch.”
“Perhaps.” His long strides approached me.
My spine tingled as he closed the space between us. I looked up at his tall stature, hoping his lips would not lean in, but anticipating them to capture mine.
“I enjoyed hearing you say I was your dear husband. It rolled beautifully off your tongue.”
His husky voice sent goose bumps up my arms.
“My tongue was being polite.” I cringed at my ridiculous answer.
He inched closer. “Was it? Perhaps I should thank her personally.”
“What?” I said. His teasing smile disappeared as his head dipped and took my breath. This time, he tasted of hard alcohol and promises. I leaned into his kiss, making him groan. His hands traveled up and down my back, one settling behind my neck, holding me captive while he explored. My hands rested on his warm, hard chest and soon began their own exploration.
He broke the kiss and trailed his lips down my neck.
Shivers ran up and down my limbs.
His hands became bolder, tracing down my side. “Corazon, tell me to stop.”
I could not. I only wanted to feel his touch. My body hummed, and an ache began to pulse. In one quick move, I found myself laying on the settee, his warm body beside mine. I welcomed his warmth.
He stopped and tilted my chin up with a warm finger.
I met his heated stare.
“Corazon, you will be mine forever if we continue. Tell me what you want.”
“I-I…” I had misplaced my thoughts and morals because what I wanted was his lips and warm hands tracing every one of my curves.
“Yes?” he whispered into my ear.
“More,” I said. He groaned and his ravenous lips returned to mine. His lips, body, and touch felt so familiar, so right. I could drown in every vibrant sensation his adoring body bestowed.
A knock on the door cleared the spell.
I bolted upright, pushing against him. I got to my feet and dashed to the door, flinging it open.
The maid gasped.
I rushed past her, staring at the floor and praying a crack would open and swallow me whole.