When the door opens, I spin around.
Adam steps into the room wearing nothing but a towel around his hips. Once again, he freezes and stares at me. That smile reappears. It makes my body tingle when he looks at me like that.
“The, uh, the dress is kind of big.” I can’t take my gaze off his chest. He’s so huge, and he looks even larger without a shirt on.
“It’s perfect. You look amazing,” he tells me again.
“Is the bow too much? Too immature?”
“No. It’s just right. I told Aaric to get you some pretty bows. I’ve only known you to be more of a tomboy with overalls and wild braids, but I thought you might like some things that make you feel feminine.”
He’s right. I can’t wait to try on all the dresses. I can’t remember when I last wore a dress. Probably as a toddler. There was never any use for pretty things living in the mountains. How could I climb trees and traipse through the woods in a dress?
“Do any of those shoes fit you?” he asks.
“I don’t know yet.” I shuffle back to the bed and pick up a pair of white flats. They are so impractical, but I love them. They will go with my dress. After bending down to put them on, I grin. “Perfect.”
“I’m so glad. I didn’t think you’d ever worn heels, so I didn’t figure you’d want to risk breaking your neck. But like I said, next time we go to the city, you can get whatever you want.”
I don’t bother arguing with him. It seems like a waste of energy. Instead, I rush toward the bedroom door. “I’ll wait in the living room, so you can get dressed.”
My heart is pounding as I shut the door. Adam does things to me. Things I’ve never experienced before. I can’t catch my breath as I think about the expanse of his chest. He has tattoos, too. Lots of them. I didn’t let my gaze linger long enough to know what they represent. I want to explore them. I want to curl up against him and feel his heat.
There are a lot of things I want, and most of them scare the bejesus out of me. I’m drawn to him like no other human. I want to feel his lips on mine. I want his lips on other parts of me, too. What will it be like to have him inside me? I know he’ll be gentle, but it will still hurt. My sister told me once. I think Mama told her it always hurts the first time. Adam’s so huge. I’m not looking forward to that part, but it’s my duty.
I wander around this enormous front room, exploring. There aren’t a lot of decorations, but he’s only been living in this cabin for about a month. He hasn’t had time to do much. He does have furniture, though. He also has a television. It’s huge and flat. Odd looking. It’s also mounted on the wall. I’ve never had a television. I’ve seen one, though. Here in the Gallant’s original main house before it burned down.
I’m trailing my fingers over the soft leather of the sectional when I hear a door open and turn around to see Adam striding toward me. All the oxygen leaves my lungs. He’s wearing a suit and tie. His hair is slicked back. His shoes are black and shiny.
Adam is the handsomest man I’ve ever seen. I feel like a waif.
“You look like you’re going to faint, sweetheart. Do I look that bad?”
I gasp, my jaw dropping open. “You’re so handsome. I’m so boring.”
“Not even close. You’re the prettiest woman I’ve ever seen, and you look gorgeous in this dress. I’m sure your mother is looking down on you and smiling.”
I swallow as he cups my arms and meets my gaze. “I’m so fucking lucky.”
Eight
Adam
* * *
I don’t tell Rebekah that all my brothers are going to be at the courthouse because it may stress her out. So she’s shocked when we step inside. It’s a small space. Maple Creek doesn’t have enough population to warrant anything larger. Filling this room with me and my five brothers is tight. In addition, there’s Judge Henderson, Mrs. Olsen—his secretary—and Rebekah.
Rebekah squeezes my hand with her small fingers. Harder than I would think her capable.
Like me, my brothers all have suits on. They know how to clean up when it’s important. This is one of those times.
Each of them greets Rebekah, holding out a hand. There’s a round of, “you probably don’t remember me, but I’m Adrian…Aaric…Aaron…Andrew.”
Asher is last. He takes my girl’s hand in his, looks her in the eyes, and says, “I’m very sorry about this morning. Please forgive me. I tend to act first and ask questions later.”
“It’s okay,” she whispers softly. Her face is bright red.
I’m glad Asher apologized. He can be abrasive. It’s often for good reason. He’s mistrustful. We all understand, and deep down we’re all grateful he has taken on the role of guarding our property, even if sometimes he’s over-the-top about it.
