SIX
Calvin held Rayne’shand as they walked toward his condo. They’d been quiet during the drive from the yacht to his place. His mind spun with plans toexistfor the next year with his beautiful bride, knowing that her heart belonged to another man, but there was only one decision to make. She washiswife now. He needed to show her his sweet and tender side.
He stopped at the front door and looked down at her. “So, Mrs. Gates,” he said, with a hint of laughter in his voice, “should I carry you across the threshold?”
Chuckling, she rolled her eyes. “Seriously, Calvin. You don’t need to keep up the pretenses.”
He shrugged. “But I’m not pretending. I was just married. So were you. In fact, if I’m not mistaken, we were married to each other.” He motioned toward the door. “So why can’t I carry you inside? Isn’t that what happens when people get married?”
She opened her mouth to reply, but then she quickly closed it. Her gaze darted between him and the door. She sighed and nodded. “Fine. Carry me across,husband.”
She lifted her arms to wrap around his neck as he lifted her. Balancing her with one hand, he used the other hand to unlock the door. She slipped, and he quickly caught her. Together, they laughed at the silliness of it all. Finally, he opened the door, kicking it wide as he carried her inside.
He kept her in his arms until he closed the door and locked it. Staring into her brilliant blue eyes, he gradually released her. As her body slid down his, her quick intake of air was noticeable, but he didn’t comment on it. Probably because he was also breathing irregularly.
Rayne stepped away from him, wringing her hands against her middle. He couldn’t believe how gorgeous she looked today. True, all brides were beautiful, but it was different with her. She didn’t have to get all dressed up for her wedding – a wedding she hadn’t really wanted. But she arrived at the yacht, looking as beautiful as any bride he’d ever seen. It didn’t matter that she wasn’t wearing a traditional white wedding gown, but the dress she wore fitted her personality. And it definitely hugged her slender curves. A few times during the evening, his friends asked if they could date her after the year was up and Calvin was divorced from her. He’d wanted to punch them in the face for even thinking such a thing abouthisbride.
Finally, she tore her gaze away from him and looked around the room. She stepped to one of his many waterfalls inside his home and watched the water trickle from the top rock to the one just below it, and the one below that until it reached the small pool encircled by a group of rocks.
She then moved toward another one in the other corner of the room that was made of metal, in the shape of two trees. The water ran from one leaf to the next until it gathered at the bottom of the sculpture.
“These are lovely, Calvin.” She glanced at him over her shoulder. “I’m surprised, though. I would never figure you for a guy who likes waterfalls.”
“I love to watch them. They’re calming. I love to listen to the trickling water when I’m stressed.”
“Yes, they are calming, and...” she shifted from one foot to the other, “they make me want to go to the bathroom.”
He laughed out loud and pointed down the nearest hall. “First door on your right.”
She hurried past him and down the hall. He grinned and moved into the kitchen. He took two wine goblets down and placed them on the long counter, but then paused. Perhaps she didn’t want any more to drink. He’d noticed she had quite a bit of champagne during the wedding.
Changing his mind, he returned the goblets to the shelf and brought down two porcelain cups and saucers. Maybe she’d be more in the mood for some hot cocoa tonight. It was still too early for bed, and he didn’t want to leave her side yet. He’d fixed up the guest bedroom for her, knowing that there was no way she’d want to share his room and bed.
“You have a really nice place, Calvin.” Rayne walked into the kitchen and sat on a stool behind the long counter.
“Thanks. It’s still new to me. I’ve only been here for about six months.”
“Where did you live before that?”
“In an old rundown apartment. That’s where I lived while getting my law degree, and even after I’d gotten the job at the firm.”
“How long have you been working at the firm?”
“One year and two months.”
“I assume you’re very successful there.”
He rested his elbows on the counter and leaned closer to her, smiling. “I’m doing okay, but it’s my goal to be my own boss or even partner with a top-notch lawyer.”
Her smile softened. “Yes, I’m sure that is every lawyer’s dream.”
“And what, my lovely wife, isyourdream?”
Her gaze dropped to the counter and her smile wavered. She appeared to be thinking hard, but why would she have to think about her dream? Wasn’t that something that came naturally to everyone?
She shrugged and raised her luminous eyes back to him. “Like you, I’m going in the right direction for my dream. I own a shop and make my own designs, but...” She sighed and her smile disappeared.
“But what?”
