Vegas Vows, Texas Nights. Charlene Sands

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      “The shower made me realize that if being in Vegas got us into this mess, then why can’t being in Vegas get us out of it?”

      Luke gave her a long stare and slowly shook his head. “What?”

      “I want a divorce. Immediately. Surely there’s someone in this city that can accommodate us.”

      Luke scratched his head, looking at her as if she were a child asking for the moon. “That’s not possible, Katie.”

      “How can you say that? We haven’t even tried. Look, I wasn’t myself last night and you know it. How long have we known each other? Ten years?”

      “Twelve and a half.” She stared at him and he shrugged. “I have a good memory for dates. We met at the first anniversary of the Red Barrel Rescue.”

      Katie remembered that day. She’d chosen the rescue to be the subject of her high school term paper and had gone there not knowing what to expect. She’d taken one look at the beleaguered and maimed horses being cared for and had fallen in love. Luke had been a mentor of sorts, and through her, he’d met her sister, Shelly.

      “And in all those twelve and a half years, have you ever known me to be impetuous or wild or, as you put it today, the kind of girl who could drink you under the table?”

      “No.” He scratched his head. “But then, I’ve never been with you in Vegas.”

      She rolled her eyes. “This is serious, Luke. I don’t recall all that happened last night, but I do know we have to undo the problem as soon as possible.”

      “I…agree.”

      “You do? Good, because for a second there, I was starting to believe you didn’t think this was a big problem.”

      “I can’t get a divorce until I speak with my attorney. I’m sorry, Katie, but this isn’t going to happen today.”

      “Why not?”

      “Because it’s more complicated than that. I’m a Boone, and that means divorce proceedings can get pretty nasty. My attorney isn’t going to let me sign my name to anything until he sees it.”

      “Goodness, Luke, I don’t want anything from you or your family. If that’s what you’re getting at, you can go straight to—”

      “It’s not me, Katie. It’s just the way things are when you’re…”

      “Rich?”

      “A Boone.”

      “How horrible it must be for you not knowing who you can trust. I suppose you had those very same issues with Shelly?”

      “Let’s leave your sister out of this.”

      “Easy for you to say.” Katie’s stomach burned now, the acid churning violently. This was not going well. He was being obtuse and the implication that she was somehow out for Boone money only ticked her off. “There’s nothing we can do? Maybe if you give your attorney a call—”

      Luke frowned. “I can’t. He’s out of the country on a personal matter.”

      “Personal matter? You could say this is your personal matter.”

      He sighed. “His mother is extremely ill and he’s there to help get her affairs in order. That is, if the worst happens.”

      “Oh. I’m sorry to hear that. Can’t you use someone else?”

      Luke shook his head. “I’m afraid it doesn’t work that way. At least not for me.”

      She jammed her hands on her hips and his attention immediately was drawn there. Gosh, how much of last night did he remember? He was looking at her differently than he ever had before. As if he was taking their marriage seriously, as if she was…his wife. “I can’t go back to Boone Springs married to you, Luke.”

      “Looks like you’re going to have to. Our flight leaves in a few hours.”

      Katie sighed and tears welled in her eyes. “I can’t believe this.”

      He kept silent.

      She had no choice but to relent. She saw no other way out. If she prolonged her stay here in Las Vegas, the entire wedding party would get suspicious. She didn’t need that. She had to keep what happened between her and Luke quiet. She’d think of something before the Boone company plane took off.

      “Fine. I’m not happy about this. If the truth comes out, I’m doomed. It’ll ruin my relationship with my family. And who knows how this would affect my mama’s health. Promise me that no one will know about this, promise me you’ll keep our secret.”

      Luke touched her hand, his slight caress sweet, comforting and confusing as hell. “I promise, Katie. No one will know.”

      Luke waited until everyone boarded the Boone company plane, keeping his eyes trained on Katie. She took a seat by the bridesmaids in the back, all the girls huddling around the bride-to-be.

      He couldn’t keep from admiring Katie’s beautiful blond hair tied up in a ponytail, the strands framing her face making her look wholesome and sweet. She was all those things, but last night at the club, he’d seen her flirty, passionate side. Mischief had glowed in her soft green eyes, especially while she’d been dancing in her sexy black dress. Now, in a denim jacket and jeans, she contrasted beautifully with the creamy leather seats and ambience of the custom designed plane.

      She was his wife now. He could hardly believe it. He was actually married to Katie Rodgers. While Mason was engaged to Drea and his other brother, Risk, was engaged to April, Luke had inadvertently beaten his brothers down the aisle.

      Katie glanced his way and their eyes met. He could look at her forever and never tire of it. But as soon as she caught him eyeing her, she turned away.

      He smiled inside but didn’t dare appear content around a quiet, sullen Katie. She was just cordial enough to her friends to ward off questions. She’d told everyone she’d gotten sick last night, barfing up her brains and Luke had taken her to urgent care in the wee hours of the morning to make sure she wasn’t dehydrated. It was a feasible fib, one everyone seemed to believe, with the exception of his brothers. While Drea had thanked him for taking care of her best friend, both Risk and Mason had given him the stink eye.

      Hell, he certainly hadn’t planned any of this, but hearing Katie’s softly spoken desire about wanting love in her life, wanting to be married, had reached down deep inside him and wrung out his lonely heart. He’d been drunk, too, and his willpower around her had been at an all-time low. She’d flirted with him, practically asked him to make love to her, and well…he didn’t have much defense against that. Not with her.

      The pilot, a navy veteran, came by to say hello to the passengers and make sure everyone was ready for takeoff.

      Luke shook his hand. “Hey, Bill. Hope you didn’t lose too much at the tables while you were here.”

      “Nah, my big gambling СКАЧАТЬ