Taming Texanna by Alyssa Bailey

and if she were his wife now, he would have no hesitation about doing that, but he thought maybe that would put paid to any relationship she might ever have with her father. Not that a lack of relationship was any significant heartache for him, but Colton knew it might be important to have that opportunity for her someday.
    Besides, Mr. Grant wouldn’t understand that the need for the extra warmth she would get if she rode in naked but dry under the blanket to be the overriding reason for the irregular attire. When she was warm, dry, and calm, he would marry her. Then he would paddle that bottom raw for taking such a risk and not giving even a glance to the weather, a nod to obeying him or thinking of her safety. He would be remedying that issue before they went home today.
    After reassuring himself that she was not hurt and that the horse most likely went home, he gathered this woman who had absconded with his heart and headed back to her father’s house. He knew she was as desperate to be loved, as he was to love. He knew the exact moment when she realized they were going to her father’s house because she stiffened and begged him not to take her there.
    “I don’t want to go back, please don’t make me. Just take me to your home. I promise to be no trouble.” She began to wiggle her bottom into his crotch causing some disturbances he was not yet ready to address.
    “Shush. You need clean, dry clothing and so do I. I’ll come back in less than two hours and we can talk about how things will be.” She whimpered and it tore at his heart. “I promise, sweet pea.”
    He held her face up to his and placed a gentle kiss that turned hungry quickly. Colton was encouraged when she returned it with as much fervor an innocent young woman could. He could feel her inexperience and that thrilled him. He pulled back and smiled at her whimper of loss. He felt the same. They would most assuredly handle that at another more appropriate time later this evening, but it was coming up on ten in the morning, and he needed to get them married by afternoon if possible.
    Colton pulled up outside and jumped down unseating Texanna after him. She stubbornly resisted his encouragement toward the entryway. The quilt moved aside. Her skirts shifted with the blanket, and her wet bottom was slapped hard several times. She squealed and bounced with the shock of the reverberating sting. The sudden downpour might have passed but her bottom was going to get a squall of its own soon.
    “Texanna, we are going to address this after I have a ring on your finger and the vows said. You will have to answer to me then about this mess and your sass. Do you never do as you’re told?”
    “You’re angry with me.” The tears welled up.
    “I’m frustrated, honey. This whole morning has frustrated and irritated me for a number of reasons. Nevertheless, you’re going to need to learn to do as you’re told. Do you understand me?”
    “Yes, sir, I understand but please don’t leave me here. Please may I go with you?” her tear stained cheeks and entreating eyes almost annihilated his resolve to have her gather her things, dry and warm up before setting the plan in motion.
    He leaned down and kissed her again, lingering on her lips for a moment longer. “I’ll be back soon.”
    “But he’s going to be so angry with me. I don’t want to face him alone.” That got Colton’s attention.
    “Yes, I think I’ll see to that little bit of business now. Come along with me.”
    He opened the door to allow her in before following into the kitchen through the mudroom. He stayed in the entryway to confine the water mess.
    “Is that you, Texanna? Where the Sam Hill, have you been? You had that marshal out looking for you. Bet he’s wondering if he should keep you now. Well, it’s too late. I have created no other way out for him.” She sidled up closer to Colton and he could feel her tremors.
    Horace rounded the corner continuing his tirade. When he looked