The Cowboy's Gamble: Destined For Love Series by Janelle Denison

possibility, Josie.”
    She was relieved to hear that. Even though marriage to Seth would secure her half of the Golden M, she didn’t want to fight with him over the fate of her family’s ranch. And she certainly didn’t want it to become “O’Connor” property again.
    She heard the front door close, and a moment later watched as her daughter skipped down to the barn to tend to her light duty of chores. Kellie looked so young and carefree . . . and happy. It made Josie’s heart twist peculiarly, because she had a feeling Kellie’s exhilaration was linked to Seth . . . the man who would become her dad.
    She wished she could be as excited about Seth becoming her husband, but whenever she thought about her upcoming nuptials, dread was foremost in her mind. This was a man who’d used her and hurt her, and obviously had no qualms about using her once again to gain what he wanted. That fact stung most of all.
    She rinsed off the skillet and set it on the dish rack to dry, her mind drifting back to Seth’s brother. “How does Robert feel about you marrying me?”
    Scooting out his chair, Seth grabbed his coffee cup and brought it to her to wash. She took the mug from his hand, careful not to touch him. Her nerves couldn’t take much more physical contact with him.
    Leaning his hip against the counter, he crossed his arms over his wide chest, looking too masculine. He smelled of leather and something inherently male. “Let’s just say that he’s not quite ready to welcome you into the fold, but I’m confident in time he’ll come around.”
    Done with the dishes, she unplugged the drain and rinsed her hands, remembering too well how cruel Robert had been to her when she was growing up, all for something she’d had no control over.
    “I don’t want Kellie around that kind of animosity,” she said, facing Seth. “I won’t allow Robert to take his grudges out on her.”
    His dark brows snapped together. “And you think I’d subject her to it?”
    No, something in her didn’t believe he’d be so heartless, but she couldn’t find the words to apologize for insulting him. “She’s my daughter, Seth. You can’t blame me for wanting to protect her from any kind of unpleasantness between our families.”
    “I always take care of what’s mine, Josie.” His voice held an odd tightness, despite his casual tone. “Robert won’t be a problem.”
    And she and Kellie would be his, bound by marriage. Her pulse picked up at the thought. She’d never relied on a man to fight her battles before, or to take care of her. She’d always handled any problems on her own. It was odd to think that Seth would be the one who managed any trouble that arose—including dealing with his brother.
    She blew out a taut breath. Not wanting to discuss any more personal issues, or think about Seth being her husband and protector, she made a production of checking the watch on her wrist and gave him a dismissing smile. “Unlike you, I don’t have the luxury of wasting the day away. I’ve got work to do, Seth.”
    “I can take a hint,” he said, and straightened. “I have some things I need to attend to in town, anyway. I’ll make our appointment with Reverend Wilcox for Friday at one while I’m there, and I’ll pick you and Kellie up at noon.”
    He moved away from her, but paused in the doorway leading to the living room to glance back at her. His dark eyes glinted with wicked humor, and his mouth curved in an outrageously rakish grin. “And feel free to get yourself something sexy to wear for our wedding night.”
    A jolt of heat rippled down her spine and settled in too many intimate places. “Don’t count on it, O’Connor,” she muttered darkly.
    His responding chuckle was deep, rich, and confident. “I love a good challenge, Josie, especially if it’s anything like this morning’s dare.” He winked audaciously, then walked away.
    Her face flushed at his blatant reminder of her acquiescence, the way she’d