Santa Fe Fortune & How to Marry a Matador

thing was a lie. But it hadn’t been, starting out. That was the hard part. Jessica caught sight of him and waved, her flowing sundress rippling in the morning breeze. She was a sight to behold by the trellis, her golden hair catching sparkles of sunlight. Fernando felt a pang of regret, knowing he’d have to let her go. That seemed such a contrary thing to do, when every ounce of his being argued that she belonged right here.
    He sent her a soft, sad smile, then made his way along the path, snapping a beautiful red rose off its stem along the way. His mother wouldn’t appreciate his pilfering her garden, but he could no more stop himself from securing this impromptu offering than he’d been able to quell his desire for Jessica last night. He’d barely slept a wink in the study, tossing and turning… Wanting nothing more than to sneak up into that bed and kiss her languorously. Perhaps if he made love to her long—and perfectly—enough, she’d ultimately change her mind? Fernando chided himself for letting such absurd, romantic notions fill his head. The sooner he faced reality, the better. Jessica Bloom wanted nothing more than to be rid of him. And, soon enough, her wish would be his command.

    Fernando stepped onto the patio, extending a pretty red rose in Jessica’s direction. She felt the warmth in her cheeks as he captured her in his hypnotic green gaze.
    “Forgive me for being forward, but it reminded me of you.”
    “I hardly think it’s forward, considering that we’re married,” she said, deflecting the moment.
    “You don’t have to remind me.”
    She accepted the flower and brought it lightly to her nose, inhaling its sweet scent. “Thank you,” she said, meeting his eyes. “It’s beautiful.”
    “Well, this is what I like to see!” Ana María said cheerily, stepping over the great room’s threshold. “Two lovebirds in the morning, making up.”
    Jess and Fernando exchanged glances as Ana María took her seat.
    “Oh sorry, Mamá.” He scuttled over to help her with her chair and then assisted Jess with hers.
    Within seconds, Consuelo appeared to pour fresh-squeezed juice and serve up a bounty of aromatic foods.
    “So, what are your plans for the morning?” Ana María asked, spreading her napkin on her lap.
    Jessica stared at Fernando and blinked.
    “We…haven’t really had time to talk about it,” he said.
    “Wonderful, then I have a suggestion.”
    Jess turned her attention on the older woman. “Oh?”
    “Fernando,” she encouraged with a smile. “Why don’t you take Jessica into town today? Show her around, let her get acquainted with our nice little village.”
    “I think that sounds like a fine idea,” Jess piped in. And it did too. Anything sounded better than sitting around here, second-guessing her decision all day through.
    “You do?” Fernando asked with mild surprise.
    “Absolutely.” She took a heavenly bite of huevos rancheros cooked with chorizo, and to perfection. “How soon can we get started?”
    Fernando met her gaze with a puzzled frown. “Just as soon as you’d like.”
    “Fernando!” his mother scolded, slapping his arm with a whack. “Where are your manners? Show some enthusiasm!”
    Fernando glanced at his mother and then slowly turned his gaze on Jess. “I apologize,” he said with devilishly disarming eyes, “if I came off as anything less than enthusiastic. As you’re aware, I’m quite capable of giving you my focused attention.”
    Jess gave a little laugh and fanned her face with her napkin. She be damned if he didn’t look like he wanted to take her, right then and there—on top of this linen tablecloth! Jess felt a rash of heat sweep from her temples to her toes, but the hottest spots were those situated somewhere in between.
    “Perhaps you two should take a little nap before heading out?” Ana María noted astutely.
    “Excellent idea, Mother,” he said, not pulling his gaze from Jessica’s while he lightly kissed the back of her hand.
    Jess’s pulse whipped into overdrive as Fernando’s lips lingered an extra-long moment.
    “You’re looking a little tired, my love,” he said in a husky whisper. “Why don’t we finish up? Then I’ll take you to lie down.”

    Fernando firmly took Jess’s hand and led her up the stairs. Okay, she had twenty-two steps to think about it. The trouble was, she’d already lost count of which one they were on, and they were nearly to the landing. Hopping back into bed with her