Page 82 of Cowboys & Navy SEALs

Lillian put her hands together. “It’s settled. You guys are staying at the inn tonight.”

“But my grandfather’s expecting us tonight,” Magnolia objected.

“I’m sure Benjamin will understand. He wouldn’t want you out in bad weather. If need be, I can call Benjamin and explain the situation, tell him all about you and Lucas’s heroic actions in saving me and Sam.”

Magnolia’s voice pitched high. “You’d do that for us?”

Lillian’s answer was immediate. “Of course.”

“Thank you,” Magnolia said, sounding genuinely touched. “That would be wonderful. You know,” she mused, “I think Lucas and I should take you up on your offer.” Her voice warmed with a smile. “We would welcome the opportunity to stay at your inn for the night, won’t we Lucas?”

He shrugged. “Sounds good to me.” Anything to keep from driving in these treacherous conditions.

Chapter Seven

Magnolia let out a high-pitched cackle as she spun around. “We can’t stay here! In this—” she threw her hands up “—in this atrocity. The town of Remember, the outside of the inn, the lobby, and common areas are all so quaint. But this … it’s like something out of a freak show!” Her eyes swept over the wallpaper, splattered with hearts of all colors and sizes.

Lucas pointed. “I dunno. The cupid statue is kind of growing on me.” The corners of his lips twitched as he sniggered.

Magnolia’s eyes rounded as she looked at the white ceramic statue, dusted with red glitter. A plump, baby-faced cupid wore a cherubic smile as he cradled his bow, the tip of his arrow pointing up. Magnolia’s shoulders shook, mirth building inside her until she could no longer hold it. She burst out laughing. They both laughed long and hard, dissolving some of the strain from the day.

When the laughter died down, Magnolia mopped her eyes. “You know, in all my twenty-six—almost twenty-seven years—I’ve never before seen a heart-shaped bed.” Her head swung back and forth as she pursed her lips. “That’s something.” She was keenly aware that she was alone in the honeymoon suite with Lucas. The enormous, plush bed was a reminder of theirimpending marriage and all that it would require. Desire spun a twist of ribbons in her stomach. Was it wrong to be excited about marrying Lucas? For so long, she’d been concerned about her lack of devotion to Roman. She’d been fond of him, yes, but he’d never evoked any type of strong emotion within her—be it good or bad. Lucas, on the other hand. Well, all he had to do was walk in the room and the emotion was there, sizzling like a live wire.

A mischievous grin tugged at Lucas’s lips. “So, who gets the bed?” He gave her a lingering look. The smolder in his eyes warmed her blood. His deep blue, button-down shirt brought out the blue in his eyes. Also, it molded well to his abs of steel and his well-defined pecs. She took in his jeans, which showcased his long legs. His cowboy boots had been replaced by mid-tone brown Doc Martens. She actually missed his cowboy boots. They were so intrinsic with his personality. She tore her eyes away from his physique, mortified that she’d been ogling him. “I suppose we could share it. Maybe stack pillows in between us to keep everything prim and proper.”

Heat flamed her cheeks. She didn’t need to look in the mirror to know that they were as bright as the crimson bedspread. “You can have the bed. I’ll take the couch.” She whipped a light tone into her voice. “After all, it’s not every day that a girl gets to sleep on a red, white, and pink plaid couch.”

“Nah,” he chuckled, “I couldn’t do that to you. My mama raised me better than that. I’ll take the couch.” His eyes lit with a teasing sparkle. “Although in a couple of days we’ll be married, and then we’ll have to rethink the bed and couch thing.”

A shaky laugh left her throat. “I guess we’ll have to cross that bridge when we come to it.” Her face was burning to the point where she thought she’d combust. She didn’t know why she was feeling so shy all of a sudden. Maybe it was because of the intense attraction she felt for Lucas. He’d been so larger-than-life back then—Lexi’s older brother. The star footballplayer who had the world by the tail. Heck, he was still all that. The conquering hero, all wrapped up in that tough, sexy cowboy swagger. Even though his clothing had been changed from Western wear to something more neutral, he was a cowboy through and through.

In long, fluid strides, he went over to the couch and put down his duffel bag. “Well,” he drawled, looking around, “what now?”

Magnolia placed her purse on the bed before moving into the bathroom. She took one look, giggling. “Lucas, you’ve got to see this.”

He stepped into the bathroom. The startled look on his handsome face was priceless. She watched with pleasure as his gaze moved over the glistening white clawfoot tub. Red towels embroidered with white hearts were draped over the edge of the tub. Red soaps shaped like hearts were stacked in a pyramid beside the sink. A red fuzzy cover covered the toilet lid. Spread across the black and white checkered floor were two red shag rugs.

“This takes the cake.” He chuckled. “No wonder Lillian had this room open. No one in their right mind could possibly want to stay here.”

Magnolia moved to leave the room. As she walked by Lucas, her hand brushed against his, sending a tremble of a spark through her. This energy building between them was wildly unnerving. She hoped she wasn’t the only one feeling it.

She traipsed over to the couch and plopped down. She looked out the window. They were on the second floor, giving her a splendid view of the large, wooded yard. Snow was still falling. A tall pile collected on the windowsill. She looked out at the large trees, their intricate network of branches clothed in a soft blanket of fresh snow. It was a feast for the eyes, almost magical.

Magnolia’s heart skipped a beat when Lucas came over and sat down beside her. He angled to face her, his leg touching hers.“So, what do we do now? We have several hours to kill before the live nativity.”

Lillian had invited them to attend the live nativity celebration held on the town square. Magnolia had never been to a live nativity before. She thought it sounded like fun. And it would give them something to do. Otherwise, they’d just be sitting in this outlandish room, twiddling their thumbs.

She glanced at his lips as a heatwave swirled through her. She could think of a few things other than twiddling their thumbs that they could do to occupy their time. Amusement flickered in Lucas’s eyes, making her think for one crazy moment that he’d read her thoughts. “What?” she laughed.

He arched an eyebrow as he draped his arm over the ledge of the couch, behind where she was sitting. “You wanna kiss me.”

The cocky expression on his face caused the hair on the back of her neck to rise. “I do not,” she retorted.Sheesh. This was embarrassing. Was she that obvious?

A corner of his mouth pulled into a crooked grin. “Yes, you do,” he murmured as he leaned close. Her skin zinged when he brushed a hand across her cheek. “You’re blushing.”

“You certainly have a high opinion of yourself, Lucas Romeo,” she said tartly. “I’m sure you think all the girls are after you.”

Rich, melodic laughter flowed from his lips. “Not all the girls.” He gave her a meaningful look. “Just the one that matters.”

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