Page 71 of Cowboys & Navy SEALs

“It’s not?”

“No.”

“Then what?”

“I just don’t want you to get corrupted by all of this. My grandfather isn’t exactly the warmest and fuzziest person. He’s rigid, tough.”

His laughter cut her off short.

“What?” she demanded.

“Let me get this straight. You’re afraid of corrupting me?”

“Well, yeah.” She motioned at the closed door. “Your family is so awesome.” Her voice cracked. “What y’all shared tonight … the dinner, the conversation in the living room. I’ve never had that.”

A shadow moved over his features. “My family’s not all peaches and cream. We’ve got our problems, same as everyone else.”

“It doesn’t seem like it. You and I are from two different worlds. You’re the rugged cowboy. I’m the hoity toity princess. I don’t see how it’s going to work.”

A dry smile touched his lips.

“What?”

“I see what you’re doing here.”

Her brows bunched. “What do you mean?”

“You dangle the bait. I bite. And now you’re retreating.” He leaned close, a look of triumph flashing in his eyes. “Who’s the one afraid of commitment now?”

She barked out a short laugh. “I’m not afraid of commitment. Forgive me for looking out for your best interest.” His nearness ignited her cells, cascading tingles through her.

“I don’t need you or anyone else looking out for my interest.” His voice was hard as flint—the lone warrior facing down the foe. “I’ve been doing a pretty good job of that myself.”

She lifted her chin. “Indeed, you have.” His caustic attitude was rubbing her the wrong way.

“You need a husband. I need a ranch. Let’s strike a bargain right here and now.” He eyed her with a foolhardy defiance, as if he could bend her will to his. She wasn’t a horse to be broken!

“Fine,” she spat. “Name your terms.” It was always the same with Lucas. Magnolia didn’t know why she allowed herself to believe it could be any different. He’d never let her get through to the real guy behind the tough façade. She couldn’t believe that a few short moments ago, she’d thought she could fall in love with him. Or that he could grow to love her.

“After our marriage, you’ll buy me the ranch of my choice. And, you’ll agree to pay off the mortgage on my parents’ house.”

Her eyebrow shot up. “That’s all you want?” Shivers ran through her body. Her lungs had a sore heavy feeling like she’d been breathing ice. It was so cold out here. She was going to turn into a popsicle.

“Yep, that’s it.”

“What will you give me in return?” Time to set the terms, here and now. She wanted him to recognize that she wasn’t a pushover.

He was amused. “I’m marrying you. Isn’t that enough?”

“Yeah, but where will we live? Together?”

He looked thoughtful. “I suppose. We have to keep up appearances.”

Her heart leapt with anticipation. Luckily, she managed to keep a poker face. “What about the baby?”

A look of horror crossed his features. “Do we have to talk about that now?”

“I guess not. But we will have to cross that bridge … eventually.”

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