The Twenty-Four-Hour Bride Read online

  “Nick! What are you waiting for?”

  He drew a ragged breath. His jaw clenched and his hands collapsed into fists. There was life on the other side of that gate. An abundance of rich, nourishing life.

  That’s what he needed. If he was ever to find his way out of the cold, he needed what lay on the far side of the gate.

  “I’m not waiting for anything,” he announced, determination seizing him. “Not anymore.”

  Dani kicked the cartons stacked at her feet. “I’m telling you, Nick, I can’t fit another box into the spare bedroom. I’m going to have to crawl over stacks of them as it is just to find my bed.”

  “You don’t have to sleep there. You know that.”

  “We’ve been through this already. I’m not sleeping with you. Now, where are we going to put the rest of this stuff?”

  “The hall closet?”

  “Not a chance. Raven Sierra might see it there.”

  Exasperation edged his voice. “What difference does that make?”

  “You told me his former wife soured him on the institution of marriage. I don’t want to exacerbate it.”

  Nick lifted an eyebrow. “You’ve lost me. How do boxes in the hall closet exacerbate Raven’s poor opinion of marriage?”

  She shook her head at his ignorance. “The boxes are bound to make him wonder. We’ve been married for five whole weeks. Don’t you think he’ll find it strange that I’m just moving in today?”

  “Public opinion never bothered you before.”

  “Well, it does now.” Though why, she couldn’t say. She kicked the box again. Yes, she could. Ever since meeting his parents, she’d hated the idea that she might cause him any pain or embarrassment. He’d already had more than his fair share.

  “I’d think he’d find the five-week-old daughter produced from our five-week-old marriage of far greater interest. Compared to that, a few boxes don’t amount to much of anything.”

  She set her chin. “How about putting them in your office?”

  “Not a chance. How about the baby’s bedroom?”

  “No. Your bedroom?”

  He sighed. “Yeah. I guess. Let’s get a move on, though. Raven’s due in an hour, and we still need to get cleaned up.”

  She hesitated at the reminder. “I forgot to ask about dinner. Is there anything I can do to help?”

  “Not a thing. I’m having the meal catered, since I knew we wouldn’t have time to do it ourselves.”

  “The dinner’s that important?” she asked uneasily.

  “Important enough. Word is out over the fiasco at the Toy Company.”

  “But that wasn’t our fault!”

  He hoisted a box. “Sure it was. A security system should be secure. Our competitors are making quite a point with consumers over the fact that a ten-year-old child managed to crack our system and wreak havoc.”

  Dani winced. “Point taken. I guess we’d better do one heck of a sell job tonight.”

  “We will.” His mouth tilted. “We make a good team, don’t we, sweetheart?”

  Her smile blossomed in return. “Yeah. We do.”

  Dani had just zipped her dress when Gem announced the arrival of their visitors. “EXPLAIN FEMALE OFFSPRING UNIT SIERRA,” the computer demanded.

  “Raven’s daughter? What do you want me to explain?”

  “SIERRA UNIT WALKS AND TALKS. CLARIFY ANOMALY.”

  “Oh. River’s older than Abbey. Access human stages of development, Gem. That should give you the information you need. Before long Abbey will be able to walk and talk, too.”

  “PROCESSING.”

  “Fine. Process away. But while you’re doing that, I’m going to join our guests.”

  She found everyone in the living room and studied Raven Sierra with interest. He looked the way his name sounded—black-haired and craggy-featured. He stood an inch or two taller than Nick and had a lean, hungry appearance. He brought to mind a lone cougar she’d once seen. Wounded and starving, it had prowled close to civilization, as though sensing help could be found just steps away. But the animal had proved too wary to accept a handout, even though it meant certain death.

  She couldn’t help but wonder which Raven would choose—trust and salvation, or solitude and the emotional death that would eventually result. What had happened to cause such a reaction? He suffered her curious look with ease, scrutinizing her in return with an intensity akin to the cougar’s. Then he held out his hand, his grasp cool and firm. She noted the cynical appreciation in his gaze. So, he was as world-wise as he was world-weary.

  “A pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Colter.” She noted a remoteness in his gruff tones, a signal that clearly announced, “Man off-limits.”

  “Please, call me Dani.” She smiled at Raven’s daughter. Poor little thing. Imagine having a father as sexy as sin, but who clearly had no intention of providing his daughter with a mother. “And you must be River.”

  The name suited the little girl. She was small, her movements like quicksilver and her eyes an odd shade between gray and blue. Like her father, she wore her dark hair long, the wisp of bangs drawing attention to her unusual eyes. She regarded Dani gravely for a moment, then offered a shy, gap-toothed grin.

  “Would you like to see Abbey?” Dani offered. “She’s sleeping, but you can peek in on her, if you’d like.”

  River didn’t require any further prompting. She slipped her hand into Dani’s, and they set off for the nursery. They walked in on a story-in-progress. “What’s that?” River asked, wide-eyed.

  Dani stifled a groan. “Sleeping Beauty, if I’m not mistaken.”

  The little girl peeked around the room. “Who’s talking?”

  “That’s Gem. She’s our computer. She does all sorts of things for us. She can turn lights on and off, lock and unlock doors, fix coffee or tea or cocoa. She can even cook dinner with a little help.”

  “Does she... does she talk to you?”

  “All the time.” Fortunately River was too young to register the dry tone in Dani’s voice. “Would you like to speak to her?”

  “Yes.” She clasped her hands together, looking uncertain. “What should I say?”

  “Anything you like.”

  River took a deep breath. “Hello.”

  The story came to an abrupt halt. “IDENTIFY, PLEASE.”

  At the girl’s bewildered expression, Dani prompted, “She wants you to introduce yourself. Tell Gem your name.”

  “Oh. My name’s River Sierra and I came to visit the baby.”

  With that one sentence she succeeded in cementing an instant friendship. Gem took great delight in telling River all about the female offspring unit. Apparently the computer had accessed the various stages of human growth and development. She gave River a detailed lecture—a lecture Dani called a swift halt to just before Gem started in on the particulars of puberty.

  “Implement educational program for discussions with River. Set program at age-level six.”

  “AUTHORIZATION CODE?”

  “I don’t need an authorization code, Gem. Nick told you to accept voice command, and you know it.”

  “VOICE COMMAND SET AT SHERATON RESIDENCE, NOT PRIMARY COLTER LOCATION.”

  “You have got to be kid—”

  “Problem?”

  Dani forced a smile to her lips and turned to greet Raven, praying he wouldn’t sense her annoyance. Yeah. That was likely, considering she’d practically been shouting at Gem. “Not at all. I’m just setting the computer so she keeps her discussion and language age-appropriate.”

  “It doesn’t sound like it was a successful program set.”

  To her relief, Nick walked into the nursery. “My fault, I’m afraid. Gem, Dani’s voice command is approved regardless of location.”

  “AFFIRMATIVE. RESET IN PROGRESS.”

  “There you go, River,” Dani said. “If Gem says anything you don’t understand, just ask her and she’ll explain what she means.”

  “Can she tell me a story?” River da
rted a nervous glance toward her father. “Like...like a mommy would?”

  Tension ridged Raven’s squared shoulders, and Dani hastened to answer, wishing she had the nerve to sweep the girl into a motherly embrace. “Sure. Would you like to sit in the rocking chair next to Abbey’s crib? You can watch the baby while you listen to the story. If she cries, come and get me.”

  “REQUEST UNNECESSARY.” the computer interrupted. “CRYING RECEIVES SECURITY ALERT STATUS ONE.”

  “Gem! Let River come and get us, will you please?”

  The computer emitted a harsh beep.

  Raven lifted an eyebrow, and Dani offered her most innocent smile. “That means yes.”

  “Of course it does,” came the dry response.

  Fortunately, Gem behaved herself after that. She “played” with River and gave Raven a detailed description of her capabilities, as well as a demonstration. During dinner they discussed how the system would benefit the Sierras at home as well as in business. The frustrating part, as always, was determining the level of client interest. Dani found it impossible to tell. Raven had the uncanny ability to maintain as expressionless a facade as her husband.

  Toward the end of the evening, Dani escaped to the kitchen to fix coffee, leaving Nick to answer some of the technical questions. The catering crew had long ago departed, leaving the kitchen immaculate. Everything gleamed a glossy high-tech Mack—the counters, the cabinets, even the appliances. Somewhere among all the black had to be a stove and refrigerator, but she was darned if she could tell where.

  “Gem, do you know where the stove is?”

  “AFFIRMATIVE.”

  Dani closed her eyes and counted to ten. Slowly. “Could you tell me where?”

  “UNABLE TO COMPLY. THAT INFORMATION REQUIRES SECURITY LEVEL ONE CLEARANCE.”

  “You’ve got to be kidding!”

  “ACCESSING ‘KIDDING.’ ONE MOMENT.” An instant later, Gem announced, “KIDDING. TO JOKE. TO UTILIZE OR EMPLOY TEASING, HUMOR OR DECEIT IN ORDER TO TRICK. I AM NOT PROGRAMMED FOR THIS FUNCTION.”

  “Nick gave me voice command, you mechanical piece of garbage. Now tell me where the stove and refrigerator are right now!”

  “UNABLE TO COMPLY. THAT INFORMATION REQUIRES SECURITY LEVEL ONE CLEARANCE. YOU ARE AUTHORIZED FOR LEVEL TWO ACCESS ONLY.”

  “What!”

  Nick thrust open the kitchen door. “What the hell is going on in here? We can hear the two of you arguing all the way in the dining room.”

  “It’s not my fault,” Gem and Dani retorted in unison.

  CHAPTER NINE

  DANI GLARED at her husband. “Your computer won’t tell me where the refrigerator is.”

  “Gem!”

  “MRS. COLTER IS LIMITED TO SECURITY LEVEL TWO ACCESS. REQUEST FOR SECURITY ONE INFORMATION DENIED.”

  “Give Mrs. Colter level one clearance. From now on you answer her questions and obey her commands. All of them. Is that clear, Gem?”

  “AFFIRMATIVE.”

  Dani folded her arms across her chest. “Now tell me where the damn refrigerator is!”

  “PROCESSING. DAMN REFRIGERATOR IS TWO METERS TO YOUR RIGHT. DO YOU WISH ME TO OPEN THE DAMN DOOR?”

  “Abso-damn-lutely,” Dani snarled. “Then I want my husband to explain why kitchen appliances rate security one clearance. And then I want him to explain why I, his wife and partner, didn’t already have it.”

  “This particular discussion will have to be postponed until after our guests have left.”

  The oddest sensation gripped her. Nick was hiding something. She couldn’t say how or why she knew. She just did. She wanted to push him for an explanation now. Because by the time the opportunity arose again, he’d have a logical fabrication all ready to go.

  “Give it a quick stab,” she insisted. “I’m sure Raven won’t mind waiting another thirty seconds.”

  He hesitated. “I’m the only one who’s ever had security one access, aside from Peter’s father. You’ve never had it. Nor did Peter.”

  “Why?”

  “Because level one access enables you to change Gem’s programming.” His eye darkened, reflecting a hint of self-derision. “I think you can understand my reluctance to give up that much control.”

  He told the truth, she didn’t doubt it. But not all of the truth. “All right, Nick. I’ll let it go. For now.” She turned to confront the blank expanse of cabinets. The refrigerator door stood open. Dani stared in disbelief. Gem must have done it. Wild. “Good grief. Have you shown Raven this?”

  “I thought about it. But then I realized I hadn’t shown you. Since you were so concerned about Raven finding out you’d just moved in...” He hooked a finger under her chin and eased her mouth shut. “Your reaction would have given the game away. Gem? Fix the coffee, will you?”

  “AFFIRMATIVE.”

  At one end of the counter a black cylinder began to emit coffee-making hisses and burbles. Dani shook her head. “This is incredible.”

  “Glad you’re impressed.” He hesitated, then dipped his head and kissed her. He took his time, his mouth making a leisurely exploration of hers. Apparently he’d decided Raven could wait. “Welcome home,” he said at last.

  Dani clung to him, the possessive words singing with promise. For the first time in a very long time, hope returned to her life.

  Night had fully furled, caging the house in what Nick had long ago termed a painful silence. He’d suffered periodic bouts of insomnia ever since childhood and often turned to work as a panacea. Work offered no solace tonight, however. An hour ago he’d listened to Dani creep into Abigail’s nursery. More than anything, he’d wanted to join them. But he’d hesitated, uncertain of the reception he’d receive, even more uncertain of his ability to keep his hands off his wife.

  Silently he left his bedroom and stood outside hers. The door was ajar, the bedside light burning. He entered, smiling when he found Dani sound asteep. a book open on her lap. Setting it aside, he straightened her covers. It would seem he wasn’t the only one finding sleep elusive.

  Luck had been with him the past few weeks. After five long years, he’d finally convinced Dani to marry him. She’d gifted him with a daughter. And now she slept beneath his roof, committed to a one-year marriage. Before long, he hoped to have her share his bed, as well. He had it an—everything he’d ever wanted.

  Now all he had to do was find a way to keep it.

  It wouldn’t be easy. She didn’t trust—thanks to Peter. Of course, she had more justification than she realized. In addition, she expected total commitment from marriage, and though he felt comfortable offering that commitment, she also wanted love. And that was.something he couldn’t easily give. He didn’t even know if he felt such an emotion any longer. Physical desire—that he understood and could provide in abundance. But love? He shied from the possibility.

  “MR. COLTER?” The computer spoke in whisper mode.

  “What is it, Gem?”

  “IS SOMETHING UNUSUAL HAPPENING?”

  A small smile cut across his face. “No, Gem. I’m just checking on my family.”

  “THERE ARE NO DEVIATIONS IN PROGRESS?”

  “Not so far.” He reached out toward Dani, then hesitated. No. Not yet. Not until he could offer more than physical desire. His hand fell to his side. “Lights out, Gem. Alert me if she needs anything. Anything at all.”

  “AFFIRMATIVE, MR. COLTER.”

  The next two weeks slipped by with a swiftness Dani could scarcely believe. She hadn’t known what to expect from marriage to Nick, how her newly discovered feelings would affect their relationship. To her relief, they hadn’t caused any discomfort at all. In fact, an easy camaraderie had developed between them, helping to mute the underlying intensity.

  Three weeks after their dinner with Raven Sierra, he agreed to give Gem a trial run. She and Nick worked together on the project, developing a closeness she’d never have thought possible. After they finished work each day, they’d sit together, talking and laughing about a vari
ety of topics. Some evenings, they’d read or watch a video. But the most precious moments were those when they’d curl up on the couch together, Abigail tucked between them. Unfortunately, those occasions came far too infrequently.

  She fought to keep her fears in check throughout the passing weeks, fought to convince herself that just because Peter had proved an unreliable husband, the same wouldn’t happen with Nick. There was a depth to him, a strength and directness lacking in her former husband. Whether Nick was willing to acknowledge it or not, he had a deep well of emotional fortitude. All she had to do was find a way to tap into that well. A smile flitted across her face. To prime his pump. Until she found a way to back feed his lines and free what lay buried deep inside, she’d have to be patient.

  Time. All she needed was time.

  “Dani?” Nick exited his study. “Where have you been?”

  She paused in the hallway, sensing his tension and surprised by it. “Oh. I guess I forgot to tell Gem. I had a doctor’s appointment today.”

  “An appointment. With Abbey’s doctor?” His tone warned of his displeasure.

  Understanding was instantaneous. “I didn’t steal a memory from you, Nick,” she said gently. “I wouldn’t do that. The appointment was mine. It’s been two months since Abbey’s birth and—” She broke off, a blush rising in her cheeks.

  He visibly relaxed. “And the doctor gave you the all clear.”

  “Yes.” She waited for him to say something more. To her relief, he didn’t, simply nodded.

  “I’m glad to hear you’re all right.”

  “Thanks.” Dani hesitated, shifting awkwardly. “I’ll be in the nursery, if you need me. It’s time to feed Abbey.”

  “Sure.”

  Nick stepped into his office but not before she saw a brief flash of longing darken his eyes. Acting on instinct, she asked, “Would you like to join me?”

  He shook his head. “Somehow I don’t think you’ll be able to relax with me watching.”

  “I have every other time.” It was true. He might make her a little self-conscious, stir feelings she fought to suppress. But he had the uncanny ability to help her relax enough to feed Abigail. “Are you sure? I don’t mind.”