What a Bachelor Needs (Bachelor Auction Book 4) (15 page)

Mardie had welcomed
Jett Casey into her house at seven thirty on Monday morning and she said goodbye to him on Friday afternoon at a quarter past five. Jett was uncommonly silent, leaving Mardie to do the talking.

“Thank you,” she said. “For the home improvements, for your time…for everything.”

“It doesn’t have to end like this.”

“You’re going to Switzerland. And in six weeks’ time you’re going to be back in training for ski events. It’s what you do.”

“It’s not all I do.”

“It’s what you want to do.”

“Can I come and see you when I get back?”

“Sure. I’ll probably be at the bar. Drinks are on me.”

His smile faltered and finally fell away altogether. “I’m not taking the commentary job next week. I’ll travel to compete, but that’s it. If that’s not an option, I’m more interested in being here. With you.” He pinned her with his gaze. “Am I going too fast for you? Because I’ve been thinking about my need for speed and your need to consider things thoroughly before making a decision. I have a proposition for you. For you and Claire.”

“I’m listening.”

“You give me six months to prove that we can make a relationship work. I’ll be away for some of it and there’ll probably be challenges. At the end of that time, if we’re still going strong, you give up your job, put tenants in your house, and come with me on tour while I chase one last World Championship. You give me eighteen more months of travel and then I’ll retire from racing and we’ll settle back here in time for Claire to start preschool. What do you say?”

“But… you could have anyone.”

“Exactly. And I want you. We fit together, Mardie, and I’m willing to back us all the way. Marriage when you’re ready for it. In six-month’s time or another ten years. I’ll wait.”

“No fear,” she murmured.

“I have a distinct lack of it.”

“I have more than I need.”

“This is going to work well.”

“And you’re an optimist,” she said darkly. “And a morning person.”

“Guilty. But I can do nights as well. And kitchens.”

“You leave our kitchen alone. That kitchen is beautiful.”

“You said ‘our’.”

“I did.”

“Marry me?”

“Ask me again in six months. On a mountain top. In Switzerland. And we’ll see.”

‡

Six months later, in Grey’s Saloon in Marietta

T
he bar was
crammed to overflowing and, for the first time in forever, Mardie couldn’t keep up with her drink orders. It might have been something to do with the huge flat-screen sports television that had been brought in especially for the event. It might have had something to do with the alpine ski races currently taking place in Lake Louise, Canada.

First thing tomorrow she and Claire were flying there, but for now she contented herself with watching the downhill skiing finals on the big screen. Jett was competing, and he was currently ranked sixth.

She hoped the photo she’d sent through of her and Claire and everyone else standing in front of the ‘No Fear. Go Jett.’ banner currently gracing the wall of Grey’s Saloon inspired him.

The past six months had been amazing. Jett’s attention had been steadfast, unswerving, and utterly illuminating.

She loved him.

Mardie’s parents had come to watch the race. Jett’s family was all here. Four brothers, his parents… Mardie had been met, judged, and overwhelmed with acceptance shortly after Jett had taken her to meet them.

Once upon a time she would have said she didn’t deserve that acceptance.

That was then.

These days she had a whole lot more confidence.

It was Jett’s turn to step up to the starting gate.

“Sit down and watch,” muttered Reese. “That’s an order.”

Well, okay then.

She crossed over to the tables where her family and Jett’s were sitting. She took Claire from Jett’s mother.

“Jett,” said Claire and looked towards the screen.

“I know, baby, he’s up next. See him? Look. Jett!” He was on-screen, looking focused and fit, his eyes hidden by goggles. Claire probably didn’t even recognize him in his racing gear. “We’re going to see him soon, as soon as this is finished. And then we’re going to go traveling.” She’d given her notice. She had tenants coming into her house on a six month lease. She was ready for anything.

Thirty seconds later Mardie was crammed into a chair and surrounded by bodies all crowding into her space and she felt utterly safe because they were all Jett’s people and hers. Electricity crackled and her heart was beating so fast she could barely sit still.

She wondered what Jett was feeling.

Anticipation. Exhilaration. Fearlessness.

He was good at that.

His heart, his ambitions, his plans for their future, he’d spread it all out in front of her and asked her to weigh in. No damn fear at all.

Something to aspire to.

Seth watched her from the farthest chair in the group and grinned. “Having fun yet?”

“How do you stand it?”

“It’s Jett. He loves this shit. Trust me, you’ll get used to loving it right along with him.”

“And when it stops?”

“He’s already found something else to love.”

“Me?”

“Kitchens.”

Mardie threw a nacho at him and Seth picked it up and ate it. A small girl watched him intently.

“Manners,” said Claire in exactly the same tone Mardie used. Six months on and her baby’s world view was changing, her vocabulary improving right along with her social skills. She had five grown men and one honorary Granddad Casey wrapped around her pigtails.

As for Jett’s mother…five sons and no grandchildren on the horizon made for a cornucopia of pink playthings that Serah Casey delighted in giving.

Best not to talk about the hair ribbon wars taking place between two grandmothers and four uncles.

Claire’s current ribbons were vivid pink with white snowflakes on them, courtesy of Serah.

Yesterday’s black and white skulls-and-crossbones had been Ry’s contribution.

And then Jett was out of the gate and racing, a vision of speed and elegance, and half the crowd was screaming their encouragement and Mardie was one of them.

He’d texted her last night while she’d been sleeping, and she’d woken to a wedding proposal.

It’s been six months and I still love you more than anything. Marry me.

She’d only had one word for him by way of an answer.

Yes.

She hadn’t heard from him since.

Patience.

Patience, love, and understanding. Their relationship was built on it.

Mardie had one eye on Jett and one eye on the clock on the screen.
Don’t fall, don’t fall, the thought waged war with faster, faster.

And then it was done and Jett had won and the crowd erupted. Marietta’s favorite downhill racer had brought glory home again and she wished he was here to enjoy the celebration. He’d have so much fun.

Fun was important.

Mardie stayed, watching the screen as Jett skied to a halt and journalists swarmed around him. His helmet came off and a microphone was shoved in his face. He was breathless and panting, happy and smiling.

How did it feel to be on top of the world championship ladder again?

“Feel’s good,” he said, and there were dimples.

Who was he most concerned about when it came to competition?

“Anyone who wants to win.”

What was he looking forward to next?

“Getting married,” he said. “I love you, Mardie. This one’s for you. They’re all for you from here on in.”

The Grey’s crowd cheered again and Mardie really needed to come to terms with living life big, because Jett Casey sure as hell didn’t do small.

He had a heart as big as the world.

“I love that man,” she said.

“And he loves you,” said Ry, Jett’s middle brother. Or maybe he was the second eldest brother. No matter, he was a tease. “He said something about black-eyed daisies and engagement rings. He mentioned sleigh rides and ponies. Or was it moose? I didn’t take a lot of notice.”

“You’re going to be a groomsman,” she said. “And I’m going to make you wear pink.”

“You wouldn’t.”

“Oh, but I would.” She stood up and deposited a willing Claire into his arms. “I’m fearless.” And ready. And she needed to call his brother and leave a message.

You did it, I love you, I’ll be there tomorrow and I think we should definitely have kids. Three more or four? Am I going too fast for you?

Three hours later, Jett called.

“I hear there’s a party going on,” he said.

“And it’s all for you. Congratulations, speedy.”

“I want several more kids. We can start tomorrow.”

Mardie smiled. He just never held back. “I love you, Jett Casey. I don’t want to be here while you’re there anymore. I’m coming for you.”

“I’ll be there. Cross my heart.”

And he was.

The End

Bound to the Bachelor
by Sarah Mayberry

Buy now!

Bachelor at Her Bidding
by Kate Hardy

Buy now!

The Bachelor’s Baby
by Dani Collins

Buy now!

What a Bachelor Needs
by Kelly Hunter

In Bed with the Bachelor
by Megan Crane

Coming soon

One Night with Her Bachelor
by Kat Latham

Pre-Order now!

They were on the honeymoon of a lifetime. Pity it wasn’t theirs.

Eli Jackson has just married the woman of his dreams. Sure, it was part of an online role-playing game and not exactly real, but he totally dominated the wedding battle that followed and his lady wife was very impressed.

Eli never imagined that his brothers would bestow on them a real-world honeymoon package at one of the Gold Coast’s premier hotels. He never figured on costume designer Zoey Daniels being such fun. Together they’re dynamite, but Eli’s not looking for a real relationship and Zoey lives only for the day.

Besides, no one falls in love this fast. Do they?

*

Buy now!