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He went to the mini-fridge and opened an overpriced bottle of water. After swallowing a handful of aspirin and half the water, he returned to face her.
Concerned, she asked, “Should you really be taking that many aspirins?”
“Who’s the doctor here?” He rolled his eyes. “I know how many is safe for a man my size. Now we need to get something straight between us.”
“And what would that be?”
“I'm not any happier than you are about these circumstances. I don't want a wife. I don't want kids. Not now. Maybe not ever. I am here because my lousy excuse for a brother doesn't have a responsible bone in his body.”
He paused and looked at her as if waiting for something specific.
“Is this where I'm supposed to thank you?” she asked.
“A little gratitude wouldn't be out of order.”
“Don't hold your breath.”
He growled deep in his throat and smoothed a hand over his short-cropped hair, distracting her for a heart-stopping moment. “I don't think you realize what a sacrifice I am making here. In all my years at the hospital, I haven't taken a single personal day and almost no sick days. I don't do vacations. I love my job. Currently, I am up for a huge promotion and this little adventure might knock me out of the running.”
“No one asked you to play hero.”
“I had to clean up my brother's mess.”
“Mess?” Her hands went to her hips. “Are you talking about Simon's baby? You think a baby is a problem to be solved?”
“Stop putting words in my mouth. I didn't say that.”
“Yes, you did. You said exactly that. Some uncle you're going to be.”
He rubbed his forehead for a moment. They stood there in awkward silence until he held his hands up in surrender. “I let things get off track here. We’ll start over. I didn't mean to gripe at you about the circumstances that brought us together. Let's just stick to the topic.”
She nodded slowly, anxious to hear his thoughts. “You were saying we need to get something straight.”
“Number one and most importantly, this is not a real marriage. I gave you my name so the baby won't get cheated out of its birthright, but that's as far as it goes. As soon as the child is born, we will divorce. Do not get any ideas on making this permanent.”
She held a hand up, stopping his ridiculous speech. “Okay, ego-trip. You need to get something straight. I may have had a crush on you when I was a child, but I grew up. I don't want to be married to you a single day, let alone a lifetime. All I want is the ranch.”
“And you shall have it. That's number two. As soon as I can, I will call Skylar Griffin. He's my attorney in Boston. He'll draw the papers up. The ranch and everything that goes with it will be yours, even after the divorce.”
She chewed her lower lip. “What about Simon?”
“He won't be able to take it from you. Don't worry. Big Jim left him enough money to support him for the rest of his life. He doesn't need the ranch.”
“What if... there is no baby?”
“If you're worried about a miscarriage, don't. I will make sure Skylar words the contract so that you keep the ranch, no matter what happens. Fair enough?”
It was more than fair. Her conscience began to burn again. Jared was going to hate her when he found out she wasn't pregnant. He'd probably have a case against her if he wanted to sue, but she didn't think he would bother. He didn't want the ranch. Never had. Knowing him, he would tell her what he thought of her, ripping her to shreds with his tongue like he had that night in the barn. Then he would disappear from her life forever.
“Is there a number three?” she asked.
He slowly shook his head.
“Good,” she said. “I'm going to bed. Alone. You get the couch.”
She whirled around, disappeared into the bedroom, and slammed the door. Maybe she should have taken Alice up on her offer to trade rooms. Spending the night alone with Jared was not a good idea. Despite his over-the-top arrogance, he was sexy as hell and difficult to resist. Even though the logical side of her wanted to slap him for forcing her into this sham of a marriage, the rest of her still wanted to jump his bones.
Chapter Six
