Page 47 of Big Bad Wolfe

Zane commandeered the seat beside Jillian, enveloping her in the warmth from his lean-muscled body and clean, male scent. He’d been in his room juggling all the arrangements when her dad arrived, so he hadn’t met him. Just as well. Better for the tougher-than-galvanized-nails contractor to meet his taciturn new son-in-law after the elopement was afait accompli.Once Zane was officially family, Dean wouldn’t kill him.

Probably.

She groaned inwardly. Explaining her enigmatic “husband” to her overprotective father and brothers would merit a spot up there on the fun meter with her annual gyno exam.

She would have to be honest with her family about the situation. They’d see through any attempts to fib, anyway. And as much as her dad and brothers loved Casey, they’d question her sanity—with good reason.

Knowing the Ramsay men, they wouldn’t be too happy to have been purposefully cut out of the entire process, either.

She squelched the doubt attack. This was the best thing for Casey. A crazy, last-ditch desperation move, but way better than fleeing with the little boy.

Which didn’t make charging into a bogus marriage with a man she didn’t love any less intimidating. Or scary.

The flight attendant started to swing the aircraft door closed, then hesitated when a flurry of commotion from the ramped corridor outside was accompanied by a man’s deep shout.

Dread coiled through her. Had Richard somehow found out? Was he trying to stop them?

Dallas and Mia rushed aboard, prompting a relieved, surprised smile from Jillian.

“I’ll take the inside spot, darlin’,” Dallas drawled to his wife while waving hello at Jillian and Zane. “You’ll have to get up at least five times.” He stowed their bags, then folded his long frame into the window seat across the aisle.

“Yeah, you can carry the next baby and let it trampoline onyourbladder, Cowboy.” Panting and breathless, and glowing in a ruffled fuchsia sleeveless dress that lovingly draped her petite baby bump, Mia dropped down next to her husband. She leaned across the aisle to greet Zane and Jillian. “Whew! My current court case dragged out until the last possible minute, and we almost missed the flight! Cowboy fractured at least eight traffic regulations getting here.”

Zane chuckled. “Damned good thing, because you barely made it.”

The plane taxied into position, and Jillian covered Zane’s hand draped over the armrest. The heat and energy radiating from his smooth copper skin made her fingers tingle, her bloodstream sing. “I didn’t know you’d invited them along.”

“I thought having our attorney present was wise. Plus, they can serve as witnesses.”

The lawyer was a good idea, though not a necessity, and he’d told her the chapels supplied witnesses. Her smile widened. “I’m glad your friends are here, too.”

One wide shoulder lifted, but a flash of sentiment in his eyes revealed he wasn’t as unmoved as he appeared. His affection warmed her heart and eased her jitters somewhat as the plane streamed down the runway and hurtled into the air.

She studied Zane’s handsome profile. Long, thick lashes framed piercing eyes that glowed with intelligence and alert awareness. A straight, strong nose that managed to be both graceful and masculine. Sculpted, sensual lips, full and moist … and firm with steady resolve.

Deb had said Casey’s father was nobody special. Jillian disagreed whole-heartedly.

Jillian knew the belly-clenching, blood-sizzling intoxication of having all of his focused intensity concentrated solely upon her. Zane the ally was a formidable presence. Zane the lover would be an irresistible force. This man would demand everything. No holding back.

Fantasies of gentlemanly seduction didn’t fit on Zane’s muscular shoulders, in his big, hard hands and lean, primed body. If making love to him was as powerful as merely kissing him, the sex would be raw, elemental.

Devastating.

Her stomach swooped and her breath hitched on a wild rollercoaster of fear and fascination.

She didn’twantto be devastated.

Zane flicked a concerned glance her way. “You okay?”

“I’m nervous,” she admitted.

“No need. The marriage bureau in Reno is open 365 days a year from eight a.m. until midnight. We’ll make it with plenty of time to spare. All arrangements and reservations are confirmed, everything’s on track and in place. Nothing at all to worry about.”

“Right. Not a thing.” She’d always anticipated a joyous, happily-ever-after, big fat Ramsay family wedding. Never in a million years had she believed she’d sneak off alone and elope—with a virtual stranger. Who planned to divorce her ASAP. But a little boy needed her.

So for now, she’d relinquish her dreams.

Suddenly lonesome, she leaned her cheek against the cool glass window, watching Mt. Hood and the Cascade range shrink from sight beneath wispy clouds in the brilliant blue sky. Dallas’ low, amused rumble and Mia’s answering giggle from across the aisle as the couple bantered added to her sense of isolation.

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