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  He swept into her mouth, claiming her. She lay on the blanket, the ground hard beneath her, yet she didn’t want to move. Not when his tongue moved against hers so deliciously.

  He put his hand on her waist and pulled her closer to him. Her hips were against his belly and that part lower. She longed to know if he was aroused, but couldn’t tell through the layers of her skirt and petticoats.

  He moved his hand from her waist to her rib cage, then higher still. The path was deliberate and she found herself catching her breath in anticipation.

  He settled on her breast, his palm a light weight, his fingers moving back and forth, teasing her nipple into a tight knot. With each stroke, she felt a distinct tug between her legs, a powerful need that made her squirm to get closer.

  She told herself to stop, that he was doing this on purpose. That if she let him continue he would win and she would be forced to leave town. But she couldn’t seem to resist, not even when he moved his hand back down her body, toward her most secret place.

  He continued to kiss her, as if distracting her, but she was aware of him pulling up her skirts. He slipped his hand under the yards of fabric and settled it on her thigh. There was only the thinnest layer of delicate cotton between his skin and hers. Between his fingers and her very center.

  She had to know. That was her weakness, the need to discover if what had happened that single night so long ago had been real or merely a trick of her imagination. Was her body truly capable of the erotic pleasure that had made her scream into her pillow? If anyone could help her find the answer, it was Zeke.

  His fingers drifted across her thigh, then slowly, oh, so slowly, moved between her legs. Still kissing her, he dipped in deeper, as if searching for something. As if—

  He brushed against a place that sent fire burning all through her. Her breath caught as he rubbed that spot again, then circled it.

  Wanting poured through her. Her clothes were too tight and there were too many of them. She longed to rip herself free and be bare before him. To feel more, to spread her legs wide.

  Instead, she kept her eyes closed and continued to kiss him as if he wasn’t really touching her there and pushing her closer and closer toward a place she didn’t understand.

  Zeke touched her with a sureness that allowed her to relax into all he was doing. He moved faster, taking control of her until she had to drop her head back and concentrate only on what he was doing.

  Around and around until she was flung off the edge of the earth and falling into a surging, wonderful world of sensation. She clung to him, not sure exactly what was happening but never wanting it to stop.

  And then everything righted itself. She was back on the blanket, in Zeke’s arms, his hand smoothing down her skirts. Blushing, she forced herself to open her eyes.

  She’d thought he would be smiling or giving her that look of male superiority that she found so annoying. Instead, his expression was serious and maybe a little tender.

  “My Alethea,” he whispered.

  She swallowed. “I don’t know what to say.”

  “Then we will be quiet together.”

  “But we…you…”

  “Shh.” He brushed her hair off her forehead. “Nothing happened. You are as you were.”

  She supposed that was true. They hadn’t lain together as married people did. But what’d he’d done to her had been so intimate. So perfect.

  Why had he done it? Because he had wanted to? Could she trust him?

  Did it matter? If she’d already given her heart to him, then it was a little late to be worried about something like trust.

  Chapter Seven

  Alethea spent the rest of the weekend wanting to see Zeke, but he was nowhere to be found. She kept peeking behind her at church, then hoped to see him in the dining room Sunday evening. But she did not.

  On Monday after school, one of her students yelled that someone was coming up the slight rise toward the schoolhouse. A man. Her heart jumped in her chest, then returned to normal when Timmy said it was the mayor.

  Was Zeke avoiding her? she wondered as she smoothed down the front of her skirt, then went to greet her visitor. Did he regret what had happened? Was he ashamed of her?

  She supposed she should be feeling a little shame herself. To allow a man who wasn’t her husband to touch her like that. But she couldn’t summon the emotion. Being with him felt too right. In his arms, she was completely herself. There was nothing to hide. She loved him. The true question was how did he feel about her? There was no way for her to know if he’d acted as he had because he cared about her or because of the bet with his friends.

  Something to think about later, she told herself as the mayor entered the schoolhouse and greeted her.

  After they’d politely inquired about each other’s health, he said, “Mrs. Harbaugh, we’re all very pleased with your performance here in Titanville. Not only have you done an excellent job teaching our children, you’ve made a place for yourself in the community.”

  The mayor, an older man with a graying mustache, smiled. “There are those who complain about your society, but I think it’s for the best. A town isn’t going to grow until the women take charge and civilize things. You’ve taken the first important step in that happening.”

  Alethea glowed with pleasure. “Thank you, sir. I enjoy the people of Titanville and hope I can make my home here for many years to come.”

  “That’s what we want, as well.” He placed several drawings on her desk. “Your contract states that should you elect to stay after your first year of teaching, a house will be provided for you. The building will be yours to do with as you wish. Although the school year has several more weeks, we have decided to go ahead with building your house. Assuming you won’t be leaving.”

  Alethea stared at him. A house? They were asking her to stay and offering a house? She’d known about that part of her contract, but hadn’t really considered what would happen after this year. At first she’d been so busy getting to know everyone, teaching and starting the society that there hadn’t been time. Recently she’d been determined to make sure Zeke didn’t run her off. Apparently he hadn’t. Did this offer mean he’d conceded defeat?

  “Of course I want to stay,” she said. “This is my home.”

  “Excellent. Then I’ll leave these plans with you. Look them over and decide on the one that suits you best. This one here is for a two-story structure divided into two residences. You could keep one for yourself and rent out the other. An additional source of income.”

  “That’s very generous of you.”

  “You’re important to us, Mrs. Harbaugh. We want you to be happy.”

  After he’d left, Alethea studied the plans for the proposed houses. There were two one-story houses, then the two-story house with the rooms to be let. Last was a list of potential sites.

  Still excited, she gathered her reticule and hurried to see her friend Daisy.

  As she walked down the swept sidewalks of town, she passed several men. While they nodded politely, there was something odd about the way they looked at her. Almost with defeat and resignation. When she reached the mercantile, the blacksmith was coming out. He looked at her, then sighed heavily, before holding open the door for her.

  Alethea thanked him, then walked into the large open store.

  Daisy stood behind the counter, finishing with a customer. She waved when she saw Alethea.

  “Have you heard?” her friend asked, nearly laughing as she spoke. “You’ve won! Word is spreading that you’re staying and the society will continue. Husbands throughout Titanville have been bested and it’s all because of you.”

  “I’m not sure I would agree they were bested,” she said slowly, confused by the afternoon’s events. “This is all so strange. The mayor came to see me to discuss my house, even though my contract states nothing will be decided until the end of the school year.”

  Daisy touched her arm. “It’s because you’ve won. Zeke Titan was unable to s
educe you.”

  Alethea thought about their afternoon together and the things he’d made her feel. “How does anyone know whether he seduced me or not?”

  “He told them you were immune to his charms and that you would be staying in town. Instead, he would be the one to leave.”

  “What?”

  “Zeke’s moving. It’s too bad, really. I know you don’t approve of him, but he’s been good for the town.”

  Daisy kept talking, but Alethea didn’t hear the words. Zeke leaving Titanville? How could he? This was his home and he belonged here. Besides, Titanville was a better place with him in it.

  She had a bad feeling she was the cause of his relocation. Guilt flared inside of her. She knew his actions were related to their afternoon together, but she wasn’t sure how. Even if he were upset or angry, he wouldn’t leave town. No, it was something else.

  She glanced at the papers she held in her hand. The house. He had a part in that, as well, she thought. But why would he give her a house and then move away?

  “He can’t,” she said abruptly, interrupting her friend. “He can’t leave.”

  “He seems determined.”

  “Then I will change his mind.”

  She left the mercantile and made her way to the hotel. After climbing the stairs, she knocked determinedly on Zeke’s door. He opened it.

  She hadn’t seen him in two days and in that time she’d nearly forgotten how much she enjoyed seeing him. His warm brown eyes flashed with pleasure. His mouth curved into a smile. She longed to step into his embrace and stay there, as if she was to be with him always.

  “Mrs. Harbaugh,” he said. “An unexpected pleasure.”

  “My name is Alethea,” she said firmly. “Aren’t you going to invite me in?”

  He glanced down the hallway. “I’m not sure that would be proper. It’s my bedroom.”

  She raised her chin. “I’m aware of where we are, Zeke. Please let me in.”

  He stepped aside and she swept into the room. It was similar to hers, maybe a little larger with an east-facing window. The bed was made, the dresser top clean, but there was an open trunk by the wardrobe.

  She turned to face him. “So it’s true. You’re leaving.”

  The smile faded from his mouth. “I have business elsewhere.”

  “You were just away for six months. How can you want to leave again?”

  “I don’t owe you an explanation.” He walked to the window and stared out. “Is there anything else?”

  There were so many things, she thought sadly, aching inside. “Do you need to be away from me so desperately that you’ll leave your home? You belong here, Zeke. The town needs you more than it needs me.” She swallowed, knowing that somehow this was her fault. “I’ll go.”

  “No.” He faced her again. “You have to stay. You’re making changes, good changes. You love it here.”

  “So do you.”

  He shrugged. “I can live anywhere. I don’t have any ties here.”

  This was so very awful. “I know it’s because of me, but I just can’t reason what I did wrong. Is it because of…” She cleared her throat. “Is it because of how I let you touch me? Are you so shamed by the memory that you have to—”

  He was at her side in a heartbeat, taking her into his arms and kissing her with a hungry desperation that stole her strength and her will.

  “No,” he breathed, then drew back. “No. It’s not you, Alethea. You’re everything. Beautiful and intelligent, and being with you…” He released her. “I can’t stay here and not continue to see you. I can’t be around you without wanting things I can’t have. My admiration for you only grows. Better that I remove myself from the situation.”

  She gasped, daring to hope her feelings were to be returned. “If you feel that way, then stay.”

  He shook his head. “No. They’ll build you a house. Did they tell you? It will be strong and you’ll be safe there.”

  “You’re building me the house,” she whispered. “This is all you.”

  He ignored that. “When you’re settled, I’ll send a couple of professors your way. Men of learning. Men who don’t have such sordid pasts. Men more like your first husband.”

  “Zeke, no.”

  He pulled a deck of cards out of his pocket and handed her the top card. The queen of hearts. “You deserve the best, but this is what I am. Cleaned up and sometimes dressed in expensive suits. But I’m still that poor child who never went to school and begged for food for his family. I’m accepted because I have money, but I’ve never been a proper gentleman. That’s what you want, Alethea. A man born to it.”

  And then she knew everything. He was leaving because he cared about her. It was the ultimate sacrifice and a very foolish one. But heartfelt and honorable.

  She took a step closer, then reached for his hands. “I was fortunate in that I truly loved Wesley. He was a good man and, yes, educated and comfortable in society. I was seventeen when we met, eighteen when we married and not quite nineteen when he died. I was a girl and what I wanted and needed in a husband reflected that.”

  She stared into Zeke’s eyes and willed him to believe her. “I’m a woman now, with different desires. I understand that what matters is the measure of a man’s character and his heart. I admire you, Zeke. The truth about your past only increases my feelings for you. Your kindness to me and the town makes me want to be worthy of you.”

  He stared at her. “How could you not be?”

  She smiled. “I bring so little.”

  “You bring everything. You are perfection. Holding you in my arms—touching you, pleasing you—I couldn’t ask for more. Hearing you laugh, listening to you talk, it’s all I want.”

  She gathered her courage. “Then why are you leaving me?”

  “Alethea.”

  “Tell me. I have known love, but I have never felt my heart so full. It overflows for you, Zeke.”

  His fingers tightened on hers. Passion and something else, something wonderful, flared in his eyes. “You’re sure?”

  She nodded, fighting tears and reaching for hope.

  He released one hand to touch her cheek. “I didn’t dare hope.”

  “It is true.”

  He smiled, then kissed her. “Will you marry me? Stay here with me?”

  Joy swept through her, making her feel lighter than air. “Yes, yes, a thousand times yes.”

  He put his hands around her waist and swung her in a circle. “I’ll build you the biggest house Titanville has ever seen.”

  She laughed. “I would be happy with something smaller.”

  “I wouldn’t. We’ll raise cattle and have children and grow old together.”

  “How could I refuse such an offer?” she teased. “It will be glorious.”

  He lowered her to the floor and kissed her again, his mouth lingering on hers. “You are glorious, my love.”

  “As are you. You’re all that I want, Zeke. For always.”

  “Then you shall have me.”

  Author’s Note

  Alethea and Zeke were married the Saturday after the school year ended. Over the summer they traveled to Baltimore to meet Alethea’s family. By the time they returned in the fall, she was already pregnant with the first of their five children. Three boys and two girls. Zeke and Alethea lived long, happy lives and died within three days of each other, as they both would have wished.

  Their oldest son, Joshua, inherited the massive house and thousands of acres that would become Glory’s Gate. Joshua is the great-great-grandfather of the Lone Star Sisters.

  If you liked this story by New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery, read more about the Titan family in the Lone Star Sisters trilogy from HQN Books!

  UNDER HER SKIN

  (May 2009)

  LIP SERVICE

  (June 2009)

  STRAIGHT FROM THE HIP

  (July 2009)

  For more information about Susan Mallery and her books, visit her website www.susanmal
lery.com!

  Discover other titles by Susan Mallery always available from www.ebooks.eharlequin.com and wherever eBooks are sold:

  Accidentally Yours

  Delicious

  Falling for Gracie

  Her Last First Date

  In Bed with the Devil

  Irresistible

  More Than Words: Stories of Strength

  The Prince & the Pregnant Princess

  The Sheik & the Bride Who Said No

  The Sheik and the Christmas Bride

  The Sheik and the Pregnant Bride

  The Sheik & the Princess Bride

  The Sheik & the Princess in Waiting

  The Sheik and the Runaway Princess

  The Sheik and the Virgin Princess

  The Sheik and the Virgin Secretary

  The Sheik’s Arranged Marriage

  The Sheik’s Kidnapped Bride

  The Sheik’s Secret Bride

  Sizzling

  The Substitute Millionaire

  Sweet Talk

  Sweet Spot

  Sweet Trouble

  Tempting

  There’s Always Plan B

  The Ultimate Millionaire

  The Unexpected Millionaire

  Or, get your favorite Susan Mallery series in one download with Harlequin’s eBook Bundles!

  The Bakery Sisters Bundle (contains Sweet Talk, Sweet Spot and Sweet Trouble)

  The Desert Rogues Part 1 (contains The Sheik’s Kidnapped Bride, The Sheik’s Arranged Marriage, The Sheik’s Secret Bride, The Sheik and the Runaway Princess and The Sheik and the Virgin Princess)

  The Desert Rogues Part 2 (contains The Prince & the Pregnant Princess, The Sheik & the Princess in Waiting, The Sheik & the Princess Bride, The Sheik & the Bride Who Said No, and The Sheik and the Virgin Secretary.

  The Million Dollar Catch Bundle (contains The Substitute Millionare, The Unexpected Millionaire and The Ultimate Millionaire.)