Page 28 of A Week To Wed
“Great answer!” I say, hoping he picks up the sarcasm.
At least we’re not arguing around the horses this time.
The argument spooks Harley and Ray, who have discreetly taken their dinner into their rooms.
The dogs don’t care; all three are curled up by the fire on this blustery autumn day. Of course, Frank and Molly have had a busy day with the cattle. Who knows what Loki’s excuse is.
“Princess.”
I hold up my palm. “No. You don’t get to call me princess while we’re arguing.” It comes off as condescending, even though I know he doesn’t mean it that way.
“Maisy. It’s a stupid will. My dad hassled me constantly about getting married and settling down. This was just his way of having the last word.
“But I didn’t want to lose the ranch, so I decided to do this. And I didn’t tell you at first because I was ashamed that I was doing this out of desperation. I have my pride.”
That came out of nowhere and hit me in the gut. This man? My cowboy, feeling ashamed? I won’t have it.
“No one would believe that about you. I could drop you in the middle of downtown Dallas, and a thousand women would be offering you marriage proposals. Look at yourself. You’re kind, considerate, gainfully employed, and not bad in the looks department. Basically, a dreamboat compared to what else is out there right now for a single woman.”
Lincoln shifts his weight from one foot to the other. “I don’t know why you’re building up my ego while we’re supposed to be arguing.”
I huff. “You should have just told me. It’s not any stupider than me running away from my family to marry a stranger in a huge, blowout wedding.”
“You could have spent that money on a vacation or some fancy work of art,” Lincoln says.
I look down at my socked feet, then examine my fingernails. Shoot. I wonder if there’s still time to get a manicure before the wedding. I finally look up at him and smile. “It was a convergence of things. I was crushed after Godfrey revealed his hand. At the same time, I was resentful about the circumstances and had no say in my wedding day or anything else. Plus, I wanted to get away. I felt suffocated. By my family. By everything I ever knew. I wanted a change of scenery, and I found myself wishing I could see Meemaw again. Eat her cooking and listen to her advice. It all came together in my head, and I took the plunge.”
Lincoln leans against the kitchen counter and crosses his arms over his chest. “That takes the wind out of my sails. I was trying to be mad at you for going through my things.”
I don’t understand it, but the idea of being scolded does some nasty things to my body. Heat pools inside my panties, and my blood feels hot.
Without stopping to think, I take a step closer.
“Oh. So, you’re not gonna spank me for that?”
He puffs out a breath. “Should I?”
“What about for going to Willie’s when you told me not to?”
Lincoln’s jaw tics.
“Come on, I know you’re still mad about that. You’ve been holding it in.”
I smile.
He frowns.
And I wait.
The dogs simply lift their heads and stare blandly as they watch Lincoln carry me over his shoulder up the stairs to his room.
“You want to behave like a dirty little snoop? You get what’s coming to you.” The wicked smile in his voice is the most playful thing I’ve heard this man say since we met.
“Hmm. Then I’ll make sure I go through your medicine cabinet next.”
ChapterNineteen
Lincoln
