Strictly Taboo(22)
She studied the tall man waiting for her. Her mouth curved into a restrained smile. She thought, “If that’s my future husband, I don’t object. If I must have sex, he’s not the worst partner.”
Nathan removed his hat. “Miss Manning, I’m Nathan Burdette. Thank you for your quick action.”
Victoria shook his hand and noticed the confidence in his manner. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Burdette.” Victoria liked dealing with confident men. Discarding them was easier. No gaping wounds to embarrass her.
“Let’s get your luggage and go to the office of the Justice of the Peace.” He stopped speaking. “Let me explain the reason for the speed at which we’re moving through this process. My father left me a gold mine with more than three million dollars worth of gold ore still untapped. He constructed a will that forces me to marry and produce an heir before I can touch it. I don’t want to offend you, but I want a marriage without emotional entanglements. I don’t mind the presence of a woman in my life. I just don’t have the time or resources to look after her. I hope that doesn’t offend you.”
“No, it doesn’t. In fact, that is exactly what I’m looking for. I love being alone and independent and will continue that state for the rest of my life. I would also like to raise a child. I see this as an arrangement that will meet both our needs.”
The wagon was loaded with her bags and suitcases. Nathan helped her up the first step. Her back was toward him. He glanced at her body and said, “Just a minute.”
Victoria glanced over her shoulder. “What is it, Mr. Burdette?”
“I noticed your exquisite shape as you climbed the step. I have never had the pleasure of a woman’s intimate company. I must say you are lovely indeed.”
Victoria didn’t blush, as a rule. In fact, she hadn’t blushed since Mr. Simpson, the chemistry teacher, got his pants caught on fire and had to shed them quickly. His long underwear was burning also and she had her first look at a man’s equipment. She hadn’t blushed since that time until now. She paused to see if it she could get it under control and found she couldn’t. She didn’t turn around, simply said, “Thank you, Mr. Burdette. That is an enjoyable compliment.”
They boarded the wagon. She smiled at Nathan who smiled back.
Nathan said, “As I said, this business has to be completed as soon as possible. If it doesn’t distress you, we will proceed from the Justice of the Peace to a room in a hotel and make our first attempt at creating a child at that time.”
“I love action, Mr. Burdette. Your plan pleases me.”
The ceremony at the Justice of the Peace was very quick. When the Justice said, “I now declare you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.” Neither moved. They didn’t look at each other or say anything. After long moments of embarrassment for Nathan and Victoria and the Justice of the Peace, Nathan thanked the Justice and they left.
They drove in silence to the Denver Prime Cut Hotel. Nathan had a room reserved. They completed the necessary ritual of checking in and walked upstairs.
They hit a snag as soon as the door closed.
Nathan said, “Let’s get our clothes off as quickly as possible and get my sperm planted near your cervix. I see no reason to indulge in the usual preliminaries.”
Victoria raised her eyebrows. “You have little knowledge of female anatomy, Mr. Burdette. My body will not allow your stiff and enlarged penis to enter until my vagina has been sufficiently stimulated and produced lubrication to facilitate entry.”
“I apologize, Miss... Well, I guess I can say Mrs. Burdette. With your permission, of course.”
“That’s my name, now. Of course, you may use it.”
They faced each other across the room. The bed in the room seemed huge and unavoidable.
Ten minutes passed without a word being spoken by either Nathan or Victoria. They shifted from foot to foot and cleared their throats or coughed gently into their hands.
Nathan broke the painful silence. “We must face this problem or we will never move forward. I think we need to simply jump off the bridge, as it were. Let’s take our clothes off and see if that doesn’t get us closer to our goal.”
“I agree, in theory. I am loathe to reveal myself to a stranger.” She held up her hand in a stopping gesture. “I know that this moment is exactly what I signed up for. I apologize. I wish I were able to jump into it, if I can use that phrase; but I can’t.”
“How about this. I’ll leave the room. You take your clothes off and get into bed and pull the covers up to your chin. I’ll come back and get into bed alongside you, and we’ll see if we can touch each other.”