“I know you, Kitty. You don’t need to fill out an application.” He does, however, slide a notepad over toward me. “I could use your number though.” I pick up the pen and scribble down my number for him.
“When do you think I can start?” When I look up, I see Jackson’s eyes are wide as he stares over my shoulder. Before I can turn around to see what he’s staring at, a hand comes down on the counter and makes me jump.
When I see the hand, my body heats, knowing who it is. He grabs the paper with my number on it and crinkles it into a ball. I turn around to glare up at Judge, and for a second I forgot how big he is. In all fairness, I don’t think I’ve ever been this close to him before.
My heart flutters in my chest, and I fight the need to lean into him. Nope, I’m mad at him. For years he’s ignored me, and all of a sudden he’s noticed me? I guess he couldn't find a wife so he settled on me. I’m suddenly worked up and without thinking I lift my foot and stomp it down on top of his boot.
I let out a scream because I’ve only hurt myself. His hand comes around my waist as his face grows angrier.
“Kitty,” he growls, and my entire body heats up. How does he make me excited and needy with just the sound of my name?
“What are you doing here?” I try and push on his broad chest, but he doesn’t budge. He’s built like a brick wall.
“I came to get my bride. We’re getting married today.”
“What?” I manage to say as he lets me go. His hand grabs my wrist, and he pulls me from the store. It’s then I see Sherriff Howell standing there. “Are you going to stop him?” I ask as Judge tugs me along.
“He’s with me,” Judge says, and my mouth falls open. The sheriff gives me an apologetic shrug and a bonfire of anger ignites in me.
“You called the cops!” I shout as his dark eyes stare into mine.
“I’m a man who gets what he wants, Kitty. You know that.” I swallow because it’s true. Everyone in town knows it. “You have two options today. You can marry me and come home with me, or you can go to jail.”
I purse my lips, and he stares at my mouth. There’s a flash of heat in his eyes, and damn it, I have to clench my thighs together.
“I’ll make you regret this.” I point my finger at him, trying to get in his face, but he’s too damn tall. “I’ll be the worst wife in the history of all wives!”
His mouth pulls into a slow smile. “I’m glad you’re seeing things my way,” he says before he’s walking again and dragging me behind him to the courthouse.
“Didn't you hear me? I’m going to make your life hell. You’re going to have to sleep with one eye open!”
“With you in my bed, Kitty, I don’t think I’ll be sleeping at all.”
He stuns me into silence, which might be the first time ever. I have a feeling it’s not going to be the last time either.
Chapter Two Judge
“You can’t do this,” Kitty mumbles as we walk into the courtroom and toward the judge’s bench.
“Looks like I just did.” She tries to jerk her arm out of my hold, but once again I don’t let her go.
“You’re an ass,” she hisses while we walk through the wooden gate and up to the front.
“Did anyone ever tell you how cute you are when you’re mad?” I don’t look down at her as I say it, but I can feel her hot glare on me when I raise my chin to the front of the courtroom. “Let’s get started, Earl.”
The town’s notary public waddles around from behind the desk and holds out a little booklet with a piece of paper in front of him. The squatty man that reminds me of a penguin clears his throat and begins to read.
“Dearly beloved—”
“Nope,” I say, cutting him off. “Skip to the end.”
“Uh okay.” He looks at Kitty, who just curses me under her breath. “Do you, Judge Russo, take…um…” He searches the piece of paper for her name.
“Kitty Spencer,” she grits out unwillingly.
“Oh yes of course, it’s right here on the license. Do you, Judge Russo—”
“Yes,” I cut him off once more, and he nods as his glasses slide down his nose.
“A resounding yes.” He smiles at us, but then quickly looks down at his paper when he sees Kitty scowling.
I’ve paid off the people in this town well, and although what we’re doing might not actually be legal, nobody is about to stop me.
“And do you, Kitty Spencer, take Judge Russo to be your husband?”
There’s a pause and I look down at her. “Do I have a choice?” she asks, and I shake my head. “Well, then I guess I have to.”
Earl looks uncomfortable as he turns the paper over and offers me the pen. “If you’ll both sign on the license, please.”
I scribble my signature and hand the pen to Kitty. For half a second I think she might not, but I watch as she grits her teeth and scratches what looks like a K and an S beside mine.
“Now you may kiss the bride.” Earl smiles broadly as he looks between us, and I turn to face Kitty.
“Try it and I’ll bite your face off,” she hisses.
“Goddamn, you’re beautiful,” I tell her, and her cheeks flush. She tucks her chin and turns to stomp out of the room, but I’ve still got a hold
