“No, it just says I have to be a married woman. I guess my grandparents figured in their way of thinking that I would automatically marry someone they would consider my equal and not just anyone.”

An idea suddenly slammed into Jason’s head. It was a crazy one…but it would serve a purpose in the long run. In the end, she would get what she wanted and he would get what he wanted.

He reached out and took her hand in his, entwined their fingers and tried ignoring the sensations touching her caused. “Let’s sit down for a moment. I might have an idea.”

Bella allowed him to lead her over to the kitchen table and she sat down with her hands on top of the table and glanced up at him expectantly.

“Promise you’ll keep an open mind when you hear my proposal.”

“All right, I promise.”

He paused a moment and then said, “I think you should do what your parents want and get married.”

“What!”

“Think about it, Bella. You can marry anyone to keep your trust fund intact.”

He could tell she was even more confused. “I don’t understand, Jason. I’m not seriously involved with anyone, so who am I supposed to marry?”

“Me.”

Four

Bella’s jaw dropped open. “You?”

“Yes.”

She stared at Jason for a long moment and then she adamantly shook her head.

“Why would you agree to marry me?” she asked, confused.

“Think about it, Bella. It will be a win-win situation for the both of us. Marriage to me will guarantee you’ll keep your trust fund rolling in without your parents’ interfering. And it will give me what I want, as well, which is your land and Hercules.”

Her eyes widened. “A marriage of convenience between us?”

“Yes.” He could see the light shining bright in her wide-eyed innocent gaze. But then caution eased into the hazel depths.

“And you want me to give you my land as well as Hercules?”

“Co-ownership of the land and total ownership of Hercules.”

Bella nibbled on her bottom lip, giving his proposal consideration while trying not to feel the disappointment trying to crowd her in. She had come here to Denver to be independent and not dependent. But what he was proposing was not how she had planned things to go. She was just learning to live on her own without her parents looking over her shoulder. She wanted her own life and now Jason was proposing that he share it. Even if it was on a temporary basis, she was going to feel her independence snatched away. “And how long do we have to remain married?”