Chapter One

Emma sighed and pressed her forehead against Mariposa's withers. Exhaustion crept through her like a thief, stealing her energy and her will. It had been an incredibly long day and it was bound to be an even longer night.

She'd sleep in her new husband's house tonight. The thought of being in close proximity to Rafe in just her nightgown gave her the chills. She dared not think about whether the chills were excitement or dread. After making sure all her horses had food and water, she finally left the barn.

Rafe had disappeared at least half an hour earlier. She'd expected him to hover and try to take over her chores. Instead, he'd left her alone, exactly what she needed. Rowdy knew better than to bother her. He'd headed straight for the bunkhouse and a whiskey.

Her new husband was turning out to be a different man than she thought he was, either that or he was really good at pretending to be someone else. It didn't matter one way or the other. Until she was good and ready, if ever, Emma wouldn't trust any man, much less Rafe.

She trudged to the house with a heavy heart and a dose of homesickness. Emma had spent her entire life on her family's ranch. In fact, she'd never slept anywhere else or woken up anywhere else. Everything about this whole marriage thing was turning every aspect of her life sideways.

By the time she reached the house, Emma had built up a head of steam laced with resentment. She opened the kitchen door, ready to give Rafe a piece of her mind. The room was empty of people, but holy hell, he'd been there for sure.

A huge wooden bathtub sat in front of a cheery, crackling fire.

...