Million Dollar Marriage

He shrugged. “Hell, it was worth a try.” He sighed deeply, shaking his head. “So what would I have to do to make a woman of good reputation give me a shot, do you think?”

“Oh, come on. The greatest Romeo in Texas is asking me for advice on how to win a woman?”

“Well, yes. A real woman. I don’t need any help with bimbos, you know. Real women are a whole other breed.”

She tilted her head to one side. “At least you’re aware there’s a difference.”

“So?”

Lucinda leaned back again. “So…you’d have to change your ways, I suppose. Promise not to cheat. Real women, as you call them, are not fond of sharing.”

“It would be an effort, but I could give it a try.”

She rolled her eyes. “I imagine this woman you choose would have a lot of trouble with all the others you’ve had. You know, she’d probably believe you were constantly comparing her to them. You’d have to convince her she was…special. So special that the first time you were with her you forgot every other woman you ever had.”

Holden’s brows lowered. “That would be piling it on a bit, don’t you think?”

“Maybe. For you. I guess the most effective thing you could do would be to actually love the woman, but I suppose that’s beyond your…range, as well, hmm?” He only stared at her blankly. She sighed. “I thought so.” Then she shrugged. “I guess my best advice to you, Holden, is to make a business arrangement with some woman. Find one you think you might be able to stand for, uh, how long would you need to be married to inherit?”

“A year,” he said.

“A year, then. I’m sure some woman somewhere would be willing to play the part of happy bride for a year, then let you off the hook. For the right price, I mean.”

He nodded slowly. “So you think the only way I could get a decent woman to marry me would be to pay her?”

She shrugged. “It was just a thought.”

Soft footsteps outside made Lucinda look up. The door opened and Lily peered inside. “Holden, Sheriff Grayhawk would like to speak to you now.”

He glanced at Lucy, then at the two in the bed. “I don’t really want to leave you here alone,” he told her. “If they wake up again…”

“I’ll stay with her, Holden,” Lily said softly. Holden looked at her, looked at Lucy, lifted his brows.

“We’ll be fine,” Lucinda assured him. “The sedative shouldn’t wear off for hours anyway.”

“All right. If you’re sure.”

“I am.”

Holden started for the door, then paused. “Lucy…do me a favor and don’t leave for a while. I’d really like to continue this conversation.”

She shrugged. “If my beeper goes off, I don’t have much choice in the matter,” she said. “But I’ll hang around as long as I can.”

“Good,” he said, looking at her oddly. “Good.” He left the room and closed the door.

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