Read Expecting the Cowboy's Baby for Free Online

evening together, don’t you think? We’ve already spent a night together, and that didn’t turn out so badly, did it?”
    She chuckled, the sound a relief to his ears. “No, not really.”
    â€œWhat time is the wedding?”
    â€œWe have to be at the riverboat dock at four-thirty.They’re getting married under the London Bridge in Lake Havasu, so the boat has to leave on time.”
    Jake calculated his timetable. “I’ve got a rodeo event scheduled today. I have to compete. I need those points to win the championship. It’s been my goal for five years and this is the closest I’ve come. But I’ll meet you at that dock at four-thirty. It’s a promise.”
    Cassie stood and for the first time today she appeared hopeful. “Okay, that’s the best offer I’ve had in months. I’d better get into the shower then.”
    He rose from the bed, also. “I’ll get your bags out of the car. Just give me the code this time, okay?”
    â€œOkay, and thanks, Jake.” Cassie stood on tiptoes and brought her lips to his, ready to give him a quick kiss.
    On instinct Jake cupped her head, feeling the silkiness of her short hair fall through his fingers. He bent her head up and brought his mouth down, taking a full taste from her lips. She was sweet and giving and her mouth moved with his too well. She made a little whimpering sound that sped his pulse and he deepened the kiss, pressing her closer, realizing that their bodies touched intimately. Jake backed up slightly, holding her away, fearful she’d know the true extent of his desire. He wanted her. But he wasn’t going to do a darn thing about it.
    He was righting a past wrong, doing them each a favor, and then they’d part company, just as he’d pledged.

Three
    C assie stood on the boat dock, looking out at the bright blue water of the Colorado River rushing by. Its quick, unyielding flow matched the pace of her heartbeats. With clear skies and a slight breeze, it was the perfect setting for a wedding on a riverboat.
    She clutched her black satin purse tight and glanced at her watch, realizing that it was already past four-thirty. Many of the passengers had already boarded, the captain ushering them on with a graceful smile. Cassie closed her eyes and held her breath, taking in warm Nevada air. Any minute now she’d have to board that boat, alone.
    No use prolonging the inevitable, she thought. Jake wasn’t a man to be trusted. He’d told her what she wanted to hear at the moment, but he hadn’t followed through. She’d been a fool, once again where Jake Griffin was concerned. Now she had to face Brian’s guests and her ex-fiancé Rick included, alone. So be it. Cassie mustered hercourage, fighting off disappointment, and began the lonely climb across the plank leading to the Sundance.
    Darn, she’d been looking forward to having Jake accompany her to the wedding, but maybe, in the long run, this was for the best. After the way he had kissed her this morning in the hotel room, Cassie’s mind went on a downward slide. No man had ever kissed her with such immediate urgency and passion. No man had ever made her knees buckle like that before. And no man wore a Stetson the way Jake Griffin did.
    All the more reason she should be glad he hadn’t made it on board.
    Cassie strode along the lower deck of the boat, smiling at Brian and Alicia’s guests as she approached the crowded cocktail bar. She ordered a drink and waited patiently. She had nothing but time. The wedding ceremony wouldn’t happen for at least an hour. When the boat began to move away from the dock, she sighed with resignation.
    Just a few more hours, Cassie, and it will all be over.
    â€œWhiskey sour, for the lady,” the bartender said with a sly wink, sliding the glass her way.
    â€œThanks.” She picked up her drink, brought the glass to her lips and was ready to take a