Read Online The Cowboy's Gamble: Destined For Love Series by Janelle Denison - Free Book Online

it back on the table, keeping her fingers wrapped around the mug. Finally, her gaze met his. “I’d like to offer an alternative arrangement-”
    “Marriage is part of the deal, Josie.” Finished with his muffin, he pushed his plate aside. “Your father stipulated it, and I’m not willing to jeopardize the deed to the Golden M by striking an off-beat bargain with you.”
    “I understand that,” she said indignantly. “But I think I have a solution, one that would cater to both of us.”
    He took a long drink of his black coffee, studying her over the rim and wishing he knew what she intended. He’d find out soon enough, he supposed. “I’m intrigued,” he said, his tone a trifle mocking. “By all means, let’s hear your wonderful idea.”
    Her chin lifted—showing that stubborn streak of hers. “I want a marriage of convenience.”
    He almost laughed out loud. He’d just bet she would! “No.”
    She frowned at him, as if she couldn’t belief he’d refuse such a golden opportunity. “Seth, it’s the best option available for our predicament. Our marriage could be like a business partnership-”
    “No.”
    She blew out a frustrated steam of air. “You’re being unreasonable!” Shoving back her chair, she stood and crossed the kitchen to the sink, where she dumped out the last of her coffee.
    “ I’m being unreasonable?” He turned his chair around to look at her, incredulity replacing his earlier amusement. “God, Josie, I’m not a monk, and I refuse to remain celibate for the next fifty years.”
    “Well . . .” Her eyes were wide, as though she was groping for a feasible reply. “You could see other women.”
    Anger vibrated through him. “That’s not my style, Josie.” She flinched at his crude remark, but he didn’t regret saying it. “I’m a one woman man. I’d expect the same of you once we’re married. Will that be a problem for you?”
    She glared at him, something emotional shimmering in her gaze, an odd combination of hurt and deeply buried bitterness. “I’ll be true to our wedding vows, but I have no desire to sleep with you.”
    His ego was beginning to feel a little bruised. “Be that as it may, you’ll be my wife. Conjugal rights come with the package.”
    She huffed in annoyance. “If you’d give yourself time to consider the idea, you’d see that a marriage of convenience would work perfectly between us.”
    “ No .” The one word boomed like thunder in the kitchen. So much for keeping his voice down in consideration of her sleeping daughter. “You’re not in a position to negotiate, Josie. We’ll sleep in the same bed, and if you don’t like that arrangement, then you don’t have to marry me. That’s your alternative choice.”
    She opened her mouth to reply, then immediately snapped it shut again. “Why are you making this so difficult?” She started toward him, waving a hand in the air in aggravation. “We can’t stand each other, so why would you want your rights ?”
    “Because forever is a mighty long time, and I’ve got a fairly healthy sex drive,” he said bluntly. And despite every reason he had to hate her, he was still strongly attracted to her. “Just because we don’t like one another doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the more physical aspects of marriage. So, which will it be, Josie?”
    She stood by the kitchen nook window, back to him, staring out at the expanse of yard separating the main barn from the house. She was silent for so long, he began to wonder if she’d seriously consider giving him the ranch because she couldn’t stand the thought of him touching her.
    “Fine,” she said flatly after long seconds had passed, keeping her back to him. “A real marriage it will be.”
    Damned if he didn’t experience a rush of relief at her answer. He didn’t question it, but the hum of anticipation of being with her was already pulsing through his blood. “Good. Then I’ll expect your cooperation starting on our wedding