One Christmas Night, page 9
She didn’t want control enough to give up her freedom or to be trapped. Morgan stepped away and adjusted her purse strap on her shoulder.
“I guess we’ll both just have to stay in control outside of the bedroom.”
Which was a shame when they were both so, so good inside.
Eleven
Ryan stared at the black-and-white image. He’d seen plenty of livestock ultrasounds, but he had no clue how the hell to decipher anything with Morgan’s. The doctor assured them this little peanut shape was indeed their baby. A strong heartbeat and measuring right on target eased a worry he hadn’t realized he’d been holding on to.
The first baby picture of his child. He really didn’t know where to put it because nobody could see this. He’d have to keep it in his bedroom because anywhere else in the house he would run the risk of one of his staff seeing it.
He hated hiding the pregnancy like something to be ashamed of. Nothing about what he and Morgan shared should be labeled as shameful, but he also had to respect her wishes. She wanted to share the news at the right time. Her family knew but were sworn to secrecy. He hoped they could share an engagement announcement at the same time.
Ryan stepped from his truck and headed into the house. He knew exactly where he’d keep the ultrasound photo...right next to the ring he’d purchased the day after he had discovered the pregnancy.
He and Morgan had parted ways after the doctor’s appointment this morning. He had paid a hefty sum for a private appointment at a discreet office two towns over with the doctor Morgan wanted. If they were keeping this under wraps for now, they couldn’t exactly be seen together at the ob-gyn’s office in Royal.
Ryan had been relieved to know the baby and Morgan both looked great and the summer due date would be here before he knew it. He needed to bring in a designer to work with Morgan on the nursery. No doubt she would want her touch on everything and he would give her nothing but the best.
She might see his move as over-the-top, but his child and the woman he planned on marrying would both have the best. And even though Morgan could buy anything she wanted, he still planned on keeping her satisfied, with no need to worry about a thing.
Maybe she would see that he wasn’t trying to buy her. Moving in for this short time would show her just how genuine he truly was and how serious he took family matters. Having lost both of his parents when he’d been in his early twenties and then having a fiancée walk out on him days before their wedding, Ryan wanted to cling to the hope that this time he would have his own family. This time Yellow Rose would have a future with the next generation. He didn’t start anything this grand just to grow old alone and sell to the highest bidder. Everything he did, he did with the intention of growth and legacy.
There were several things he needed to get done on the ranch, but he also had a few things to do before Morgan returned home after work.
Home. He kept thinking of his place as her home, but she only occupied one little corner of his three-story house. Oddly enough, he wanted her to put her stamp on other areas. Maybe she’d leave her purse on the kitchen island or a blanket on the sofa where she’d been watching a movie.
Even seeing another set of dishes in the sink would make him so happy. He shouldn’t be this excited, but damn it, he’d accomplished all he’d wanted as far as his career. Now it was time to focus on building his family and settling them here at Yellow Rose Ranch.
Once Ryan had the photo locked away in his bedroom, he changed into his work boots and headed down to the stables. He pulled his cell from his pocket and made a few calls to put his plan into motion. Everything had to be perfect.
He would win her over...and he’d win this challenge.
* * *
The day had been busy and long, which only led to the Rancher’s Daughter being extremely profitable.
As much as Morgan loved her business and providing for her customers, everything in her body ached. She hadn’t expected pregnancy to shrink her energy levels, but since she was brand-new at all of this, she was learning day by day.
Kylie had opened the store this morning, then left around one. Morgan seriously didn’t think she could have gotten through the day without her, but she still needed to hire another employee. Sooner rather than later.
All Morgan wanted was to soak in a hot bath and to lie in bed and read. Kylie planned on opening again tomorrow, which meant Morgan could hopefully sleep in a little.
Or if she had her way, she’d be lying in bed with Ryan, but he still had a roadblock put up. She had every intention of wearing him down...but maybe tonight wasn’t the time. Tired didn’t even begin to describe her body. She should be thankful, though. She still didn’t have any morning sickness.
Morgan stepped into the house and the aroma of garlic and yeast instantly filled her senses. She followed the smell into the kitchen where Ryan stood at the island dishing up dinner.
“I heard lasagna was your favorite.”
Morgan stilled. How on earth had he heard that? Had Vic called and spoken to Ryan?
He turned from the island and faced her. His hands dropped to his sides and he closed the distance between them. Morgan held her breath as he reached out and tipped her chin up.
“You’re working too much. Let Kylie take on more or hire someone else before you wear yourself down.”
“I’m working like I always do.”
His fingertips feathered across her jawline until he cupped her cheek. She resisted the urge to turn in to his comforting touch.
“You’re a different person than you were six weeks ago,” he reminded her. “The doctor said you’d get tired easily and to listen to your body.”
Morgan laughed. “Right now my body is saying it just wants to relax in a bubble bath, but that dinner smells amazing.”
“Go on upstairs and relax. Dinner isn’t going anywhere.”
She wrinkled her nose and glanced over his shoulder. “It looks like you went to a lot of trouble.”
“Nelson did everything,” he replied. “All I did was keep it warm. Go on. Eat when you’re ready.”
Morgan hesitated, but she really just wanted out of this bra and off her feet. She had no idea her breasts would be the first thing to change. Her bra was already getting a little too tight for her comfort. How would she be in another month? Another six months?
She also hadn’t realized just how much she could change in a month. Never did she think she’d be living in Ryan Carter’s home—even if temporarily. Then again, he’d changed so much, as well. Or maybe he’d been the same and she just now realized what a good heart he’d been hiding.
Either way, all of this confusion stirred a deeper emotion within her. She had to hold her ground, though. Everything had been moving so fast and her thoughts bounced between confusion and excitement.
Morgan made her way up to her room and as soon as she crossed the threshold and flicked the light on, she gasped.
There in the opposite corner right next to the double doors leading out onto her own private balcony stood a Christmas tree at least six feet tall, completely adorned with clear lights, white-and-gold ornaments that glistened in the light, and a gorgeous angel tree topper.
Morgan stood frozen, simply taking in the sight before her. If Ryan was trying to play some kind of game with her emotions, he was doing a damn good job. Tears pricked her eyes and she really wished these pregnancy hormones would calm down.
She closed the door behind her and stripped out of her clothes. After running a warm bubble bath, she nearly cried as she sank into the bliss.
This was all she’d dreamed of all day long. Her own en suite bathroom was pretty grand, but she didn’t have a large soaker tub like this. Her mother loved to redecorate, perhaps she could help. A complete bathroom overhaul wasn’t a bad idea.
When her belly growled, Morgan figured she’d been in the tub long enough. The water had started to cool and she really did need to eat. Then she’d be ready to lie in bed and just relax. She’d likely fall asleep the moment her head hit the pillow even though it was still early in the evening.
Morgan grabbed the towel from the warming bar and dried off before wrapping herself up in the oversized terry cloth. Even these towels were amazing. How did a bachelor have all the right things that any woman would love?
No, not any woman. He wanted her. Not for love, but out of obligation and some sense of loyalty. If she wasn’t pregnant, Morgan knew she wouldn’t be here right now. And the idea of another woman in her place sent an instant burst of jealousy through her.
Why would she care who Ryan married or moved in after this month was up? She didn’t want any part of a relationship her brother hatched by some silly trick. How could she trust such a connection that stemmed from a one-night stand?
Her siblings were all married or getting married to people they absolutely loved, and that was great for them, but Morgan was just fine being single or dating.
Honestly, though, she couldn’t think of the last date she’d been on and once the baby came, she had a feeling her social life would only consist of mommy-and-me playdates.
Even then, Morgan didn’t like the idea of another woman sharing Ryan’s bed, learning his touch, knowing what made him irritated or sad or angry. Morgan had learned many of his character traits and for reasons she couldn’t explain, she wanted to hold every bit of that information close to her chest and keep it all for herself.
She padded barefoot into the adjoining bedroom to grab her robe off the end of the bed. Again, she stopped. Now there was a tray of food on the table beside her bed. She moved closer and smiled at the hearty portion of lasagna, bread, salad and tea. On the perfectly folded napkin was an assortment of colorful vitamins.
The handwritten note simply said, For you and the baby.
She’d been taking her prenatal vitamins with each meal and clearly Ryan had been paying attention. How much had he taken in? Clearly her love for the holidays and the time she got off work he’d noticed.
She also couldn’t help but wonder if he was caring for her to persuade her into marriage or if he would be doing all of this stuff anyway had she already agreed.
Regardless, she was thankful and she’d tell him just how much. Of course, she’d rather show him, but he was still being difficult.
Morgan slid on her robe and tightened the belt, wondering how she could spin all of this to her advantage. Perhaps she could start persuading him. She hadn’t tried enough seducing because she’d been so tired lately, but each night she went to bed, knowing he was so close and aching for his touch.
Now that she’d had him, she didn’t know how she’d ever turn to anyone else. It would be impossible not to compare other lovers to Ryan.
Since her time was limited here and Ryan was still standing his ground, it was time for her to take charge and go after what she wanted. Isn’t that what he was doing?
Ryan Carter had finally met his match...and his ultimate challenge.
Twelve
Ryan rounded the curve of the staircase and headed toward his room. As he started down the hallway, he stilled and his attention landed on Morgan’s closed door.
Was she in there right now soaking in a hot bath with iridescent bubbles kissing her skin? She likely had that red hair piled on top of her head. Maybe a few wayward strands had fallen to lie against her neck.
When he’d brought her food up earlier it had taken every bit of his willpower not to go on into that bathroom and help make sure she was good and relaxed.
Ryan cursed beneath his breath. He could still go in there right now and take her. She’d more than shown him that she was willing, but how would that further his goal? He didn’t want a temporary fix to any situation. He wanted Morgan forever to help him build the next generation and be one cohesive unit as a family.
Maybe she would come around. He had to keep looking ahead and whether Morgan believed him or not, this decision would be the best for her, too.
He only wished he didn’t have to be so damn noble like she’d accused. He’d used every last bit of his self-control where she was concerned. Over the past few nights, he’d lain awake wondering what she was doing across the hall and wondering if she was over there thinking of him, too.
Usually ranch business kept him tossing and turning, but now the insomnia could only be attributed to the fiery beauty who’d turned his world upside down, yet still refused his proposal.
Ryan ignored the invisible tug toward her room and cursed himself once again as he headed to his. He had some emails to look over and some decisions to make regarding the sale of several head of cattle and he wanted to explore adding in more mares. There was a new ranch about an hour away that he hoped to do business with and build a solid relationship with the new owner.
A nice glass of bourbon and a night on the balcony doing some work should help take his mind off Morgan. Probably not, but he had to at least try and he still had this business to run.
Ryan stepped into his room and closed the door, immediately pulling his tee over his head. He toed off his boots and removed his socks. Decompressing and forcing himself to relax was the only way he was going to get through these next few weeks.
Ryan went to the dry bar in the living area of his room and poured three fingers of his favorite bourbon. He pulled his cell from his pocket and opened up the emails as he headed toward the double doors leading to his balcony. Maybe a little fresh air would calm him.
He loved the outdoors and he loved the vantage point that his room provided over the property. He could see the barns, the pond, and some of the acreage with his livestock dotting the horizon.
There was nothing he loved more than seeing what he’d created. Knowing now that he had an heir to pass his estate to warmed and settled something deep inside. He’d been given a second chance with the most unexpected woman. They would make a dynasty together, of that he was sure. He was pretty damn proud of what he had to offer to not only Morgan, but their baby.
He’d taken wise investments and the inheritance from his parents and turned everything into the Yellow Rose Ranch. No other name would have fit this place. His mother had a plethora of yellow roses in her gardens year after year and he always wanted to remember her. The homage only seemed fitting.
The moment he stepped onto his balcony, Ryan stilled.
“Thank you for the dinner and the Christmas tree.”
Morgan sat on the sofa against the solid balcony wall with her bare legs stretched out along the cushions. Her hair was piled on top of her head as he’d imagined...and that damn robe splayed open giving him the best view he’d ever seen on this balcony. The only thing beneath the parted material was moonlit skin.
Damn. She was good at this.
“You’re welcome.”
Everything in him had to tear his gaze away from all of that exposed skin that he desperately wanted to touch. His grasp on this invisible string was about to snap and he didn’t know how much longer it would hold.
“Did you not want to sit on your balcony?” he asked. “It has a nice view, too.”
A slow grin spread across her face as her gaze dropped to his bare chest. “Not like this.”
His body instantly stirred and the loose grip on his resolve was nearly gone.
“You’re playing a dangerous game.”
Morgan swung those long, lean legs over the side of the couch and came to her feet. She spread her robe even wider as she rested her hands on her hips.
“No, I’m taking what we both want.”
And that was it. The gauntlet had been thrown down and he was damn well going to pick it up because there was only so much a man could take.
Ryan crossed to her in two strides.
Without a care or a second thought, he jerked that robe from her shoulders and let it fall to the floor behind her. Her eyes widened as did her smile, as if she knew she had won.
In his defense, though, he sure as hell hadn’t lost.
“Finally,” she murmured a second before he captured her lips.
Ryan couldn’t touch her enough. He wanted his hands all over her. He gripped her backside and pulled her hips flush wish his, her breasts pressed against his bare chest. He was not a damn bit angry that he’d given in.
They both needed this and she was sexy as hell for taking charge.
“Were you coming out here to work?” she muttered against his mouth.
“Work doesn’t exist for the moment.” He framed her face with his hands and forced her attention on him. “Nothing else matters but right here, right now.”
Her eyes remained fixed on his as her hands went to the buckle on his belt. Ryan sucked in a breath as she worked his jeans open and shoved them down, taking his boxer briefs with them.
“I hope your ranch hands are in the bunkhouse.” She laughed.
“You ask now after you’ve already been sitting out here practically naked?”
She shrugged. “I was only worried about you, nothing else.”
His heart clenched and he hated that unwanted sensation. He didn’t want his heart involved. He’d tried that before and it had left him emotionally scarred.
This was sex. Just like the other two times with Morgan. There were no deeper feelings to explore.
“They’re probably all in the bunkhouse,” he assured her. “And it’s well on the other side of the barns. Nobody can see what we’re doing up here.”
She poked a finger into his chest. “Then take a seat, cowboy.”
Who was he to ignore a demand like that?
Ryan shifted around her and sank down onto the sofa. Morgan stared down at him. The gentle evening breeze picked up her stray tendrils and sent them dancing about her shoulders. Morgan’s body seemed to radiate a shimmering beauty with the moonlight and soft glow spilling out from his bedroom.
