Free The Wedding Night by Unknown Page A

plate.
    "Would you mind telling me what is going on here? A few minutes ago you were mad as hell. Now you’re eating like a horse and acting as if nothing happened."
    Her eyes widened as she munched a forkful of salad. "Something happened, all right. We had a major fight. But now it’s over and I’m hungry."
    "Is this the way you always are after a fight?" Owen picked up another cracker.
    "Usually."
    "Even when you don’t win?" Owen’s eyes mocked her.
    "Who says I lost?" she smiled sweetly. She was feeling sweeter, she realized. It was amazing what food could do for a bad mood.
    "I’ve still got you locked away here in my gloomy castle, surrounded by a moat and several irritating relatives," Owen pointed out dryly.
    "They are irritating, aren’t they?"
    "Very." Owen brushed that aside, his gaze intent. "Angie, why don’t you feel you lost that argument we had in the study? Why aren’t you still ranting and raving?"
    "I never rant and rave."
    "Don’t fence with me. Tell me why you’re suddenly in a much better mood than you were fifteen minutes ago."
    Angie sighed and put down her fork. "I suppose because I realized something during our argument.
    Something important."
    "What was that?" he pressed.
    She met his eyes. "You have a great deal of pride, Owen. As much pride as any member of my own family. I understand that kind of pride. It makes me feel that maybe I wasn’t entirely wrong about you, after all. You do have feelings about a few things besides business. It’s kind of reassuring, if you want to know the truth."
    He stared at her. "You find it reassuring that I lost my temper? If that’s all it takes to make you feel more at home around here, believe me, I can accommodate you."
    "I just said I appreciate your sense of pride, that’s all. I understand it, and it makes me feel as though we might perhaps have something in common, after all. And now I do not wish to discuss this any
    further."
    "Is that right?" Owen drawled, looking dangerous.
    Angie picked up a cracker, heaped tuna on it and stuffed it into Owen’s mouth. "Mother always said the easiest way to make a man shut up was to feed him."

    ANGIE WOKE THE NEXT morning feeling surprisingly well rested. She lay quietly for a few
    minutes, listening for sounds from the adjoining bedroom. When she heard nothing she got up
    cautiously and peeked around the corner.
    Owen’s bed was empty. The covers on the bed had been carelessly thrown to one side. Owen evidently expected the housekeeper to perform the chore of making up his bed.
    Either that or he expected his new wife to do it, Angie thought in annoyance. She stalked into the bathroom and turned on the shower. She certainly was not going to fall into the trap of waiting on Owen Sutherland hand and foot.
    When she had finished showering, she pulled on a pair of jeans and a sunny yellow sweater. She saw the note stuck on the mirror over the dressing table when she went to brush her hair.
    Angie:
    I’d appreciate it if you would make up your cot before leaving the bedroom. Betty will be in later this morning to clean. I’d just as soon she didn’t notice we’re using two beds. Felt certain you’d understand.
    Owen Angie grimaced in exasperation, put down her brush and went into the sitting area she was using as a bedroom. She was not particularly surprised by the note. It was little wonder Owen did not want the housekeeper speculating on their sleeping arrangements. He had his male pride. It would no doubt be extremely humiliating for him if Betty noticed he was not sharing a bed with his new bride.
    She had fully intended to make up the cot, anyway, Angie reminded herself as she tucked in the sheets and arranged the comforter. She was quite accustomed to making her own bed in her Tucson apartment.
    The memory of the chic, Spanish-style apartment she had given up shortly before marrying Owen made Angie wistful for a moment. She went to the window and looked out. The sunlight had finally risen above