The Tycoon's Reluctant Bride

by Jenn Roseton

  “Where would you like to be dropped off?” Alex inquired once he helped her into the town car. He reached for her hand again, as if it were the most natural thing in the world to do. She couldn’t deny the thrill that ran through her when he touched her.

  Back to King Royale? She was glad for once they didn’t have any events booked, but doing the accounts was never ending, even with the downturn in business. With a jolt, she realized she had to buy a dress for tomorrow. Her wedding gown.

  She named the part of the city that several posh boutiques clustered together. Perhaps she would find something that would flatter her curves as well as be suitable for a hasty marriage.

  Alex nodded and imparted the instructions to the driver, before the privacy panel slid into place.

  Once again, they didn’t speak during the short journey. Laura wondered if this was what her married life would be like. Long silences and short conversations with the most attractive man she’d ever met.

  She looked down at their entwined hands. Alex’s thumb stroked hers, but when she turned to look at him, he was staring out the window, seemingly lost in thought. Her pulse quickened, but she couldn’t help thinking, did he even know he was touching her like that?

  They pulled up outside a ritzy enclave of shops. Alex turned to her. “Don’t forget I’m picking you up at ten tomorrow.”

  “I won’t.” She cataloged his features - his dark brown eyes that looked almost jet-black, his straight nose, and firm lips. No five o’clock shadow yet. How on earth could he think she would forget she was getting married tomorrow? To him?

  “Good. Call my office when you’re finished shopping and Tony will pick you up and take you home.”

  “There’s no need--”

  He leaned closer towards her, until only an inch of space separated them. “There’s every need, Laura.” His lips almost touched hers when he spoke. “You’re my fiancé.”

  She held her breath, wondering if his lips would descend a few infinitesimal degrees closer. Would his kiss be--?

  His lips brushed against hers, then again. Alex deepened the kiss until Laura realized she’d have to curl her arms around his neck or else she’d dissolve in a puddle of jelly. Her fingers trembled against his nape, her eyes closed tight as excitement quivered through her. When he finally released her lips, Laura tried to control her shredded breathing.

  Alex rested his forehead against hers for a second, then shifted back against the seat. Reluctantly dropping her hands from his neck, she drew in a wobbly breath.

  “Call Tony when you’re finished shopping,” he repeated, helping her out of the car.

  Laura nodded. “Okay,” she acquiesced. After that wonderful kiss how could she deny him?

  CHAPTER 4

  Laura studied her reflection once more. The ivory gown with its sweetheart neckline, and soft satin fabric and ballerina length skirt flattered her generous hourglass figure, for once making her look perhaps a little glamorous. She’d kept her make-up subtle. Laura usually didn’t wear much makeup if any, and she didn’t want to look like a clown on her wedding day - even if it was a hastily arranged marriage of convenience.

  Her dark brown hair fell in shining waves to her shoulders. For once, her session with the curling iron had produced credible results. Turning around, she studied her backside. Even her bottom didn’t look too bad in this amazing dress.

  She grimaced as she thought of the price tag. She’d almost fainted, and had gone to three other shops nearby in case she could find something similar and less expensive, but in the end she knew that this dress was the one she wanted. Hoping Alex wouldn’t mind the exorbitant price, she’d tried on the gown once again, in case she’d mistaken how well it fit her. She hadn’t.

  He did say to buy anything, she reminded herself, admiring her reflection once more.

  As well as the gown, Laura had bought a cute matching purse and elegant ivory pumps with pretty little bows. Since she was used to wearing flats all day when working, she didn’t want to risk falling over in an unfamiliar pair of heels. Although it would be nice, she thought, to one day be nearly tall as Alex, instead of five feet five. At times she felt dwarfed by his height.

  The doorbell rang. She froze. Concentrating all morning on getting dressed, she’d conveniently shoved all her doubts to the back of her mind. Now they flooded back.

  What on earth was she doing? She couldn’t marry Alex Trask. Even if was an expert kisser. A soft sigh escaped her at the memory of his lips against hers. What would it be like to be intimate with Alex?

  Don’t go there, she ordered herself. But it was too late. She’d never been interested in casual relationships, which meant her sex life had been very quiet - for a long time.

  Shaking her head as if to dislodge that thought, Laura gazed around her apartment, her eyes resting on the small suitcase by the bedroom door. Was it too late to back out?

  If she didn’t marry Alex, what would happen? My parents will lose nearly everything they’ve worked for and I’ll have let them down.

  The doorbell rang again, this time more shrilly. Picking up her ivory purse and suitcase, Laura headed to the front door, nerves swirling in her stomach.

  “Hi.” She almost stammered, gazing up at Alex, gorgeous and confident in a formal light gray suit, white shirt and robin’s egg blue tie.

  “Everything okay?” His dark eyes swept over her.

  It was hard to tell from his expression what he was thinking. Did he think she looked good? It would be nice if he told her he liked her dress. After all, he did pay for it, she thought a little guiltily.

  She pasted a smile on her face. “Yes.” Gesturing to the suitcase at her feet, she added, “I’m ready.”

  “Good.” Alex picked up her case and held out his other hand to her.

  Placing her hand in his large, strong grasp, she shut the door behind her, checking it was locked. Before she could think about the fact that she was leaving her old life behind, Alex handed her suitcase to the driver and whisked her into the silver town car.

  Her groom held her hand again once she’d settled herself against the luxurious leather seat. Laura decided to take comfort in that, and tried not to think that maybe he laced his fingers with hers so she wouldn’t get cold feet and decide to make a run for it.

  Biting back a giggle that threatened to turn hysterical at the image of herself running through the streets of San Diego in her bridal gown, she was startled out of it by Alex squeezing her hand.

  “Are you okay?” His eyes glinted with concern.

  Warmth flickered through her and she took a deep breath. “I’m fine.” She smiled, relieved that it was the truth. When he looked at her like that, she could believe her own words. “I’m just a little nervous,” she confessed.

  Everything will go smoothly,” he reassured her. “My assistant and her husband will be our witnesses.”

  “Oh.” Laura hadn’t even thought about the necessity of witnesses. It would have been nice to have a couple of her close friends there, but it was Wednesday, which might have been awkward for her girlfriends to get time off work. Besides, she hadn't even had time to tell them she was getting married.

  “Helen has worked for me for the last ten years,” he continued. “Her husband’s recently retired but she says if she stayed at home all day she’d end up a golf widow.”

  Appreciating the fact that he was sharing another facet of his life with her, however small, she smiled. “It will be nice to meet her,” she offered, wondering if Helen knew her boss and his bride were practically strangers to each other.

  “I’m sure you two will get on fine.” He stroked his thumb over her knuckles, a trail of anticipation fluttering in her belly as she thought of what would happen at the wedding ceremony. Would Alex kiss her again like he did yesterday? What would happen when they arrived in Wyoming?

  Alex didn’t let go of her hand for the entire journey to the courthouse. When they arrived, he helped her out of the silver car. Passers-by
barely glanced at them as she and her groom stepped towards the entrance.

  Once inside, Alex whisked her into a room marked Reserved Trask. Plush red and gold tones greeted her eyes. A male officiant sat behind a desk, while a woman in her late fifties and a dapper man with gray hair and wearing a fawn suit sat in the small front row.

  The woman jumped up, her companion likewise. “Alex, you look very elegant. And this must be Laura?” She held out her hand. “I’m Helen, Alex’s assistant.”

  Laura smiled back at the other woman. “Hello.” Dressed in a smart jade suit, Helen looked grandmotherly and efficient at the same time.

  “And this is my husband Walt.”

  “Hello,” Laura murmured again, shaking the older man’s hand. Walt smiled, his eyes twinkling.

  “Shall we begin, Mr. Trask?” the officiant inquired.

  Laura noticed a vase of beautiful deep pink roses on the desk and realized she hadn’t even thought of a wedding bouquet. It would have been nice, she thought wistfully, to have a posy of her own.

  “This is for you, dear.” Helen rummaged next to her chair and unsnapped a small cooler box. She held out a gorgeous bridal bouquet of soft pink and cream roses. “Alex wasn’t sure if you’d have time to organize one for yourself.”

  Laura lifted her eyes from the flowers and looked at Alex. To her surprise, a small flush of red stained his cheekbones.

  “Thank you.” She buried her nose in the fragrant blooms, appreciating the heady scent of myrrh.

  “Mr. Trask?” The officiant tried to get their attention.

  “Of course.” Alex held out his arm to Laura. “Ready?”

  She gazed at him, her heart suddenly hammering. Was she ready to marry Alex? Laura drew in a deep breath. She couldn’t back out now.

  Nodding, she took his arm and they walked a few steps in front of the desk. The officiant stepped around the desk until he stood in front of them.

  The short ceremony began. It was mostly a blur to Laura, until they came to the if anyone objects part. She fleetingly wondered if one of the slender women Alex had occasionally been photographed with would suddenly burst into the room, but the moment passed without incident.

  They exchanged rings. Small diamonds studded her gleaming gold band while Alex’s was plain gold. When the officiant pronounced that Alex could kiss his bride, Laura’s knees started to tremble. He’d only kissed her once before - was she ready for Alex to kiss her in front of three strangers?

  She was. The moment he gathered her in his arms, she became lost to the world. His lips claimed hers, softly at first, and then with increasing hunger. Laura forgot there was anyone else in the room, until a soft “ahem” brought her back to reality.

  Blinking, she clutched Alex’s shoulders to steady herself as he reluctantly loosened his embrace. Laura tried to stem the blush rising to her cheeks as they faced their witnesses.

  “Congratulations, dear.” Helen kissed her cheek. “You too, Alex.” She winked at him.

  “Thanks, Helen. Walt.”

  “What are you two going to do now?” Walt inquired

  Alex looked at his gold Rolex watch. “We’ve got a plane to catch. We’re going straight to my ranch for three nights.”

  Laura blinked, a little surprised at his answer. She knew they were going to Wyoming that day, but surely not this very minute? No cake, no celebratory meal, not even a glass of fancy champagne? Although, she supposed, they did have one when she accepted his proposal. Her shoulders drooped for a second. She hadn’t even packed her favorite chocolate bar.

  “Lovely.” Helen smiled at them. “But make sure you give Laura time to catch her breath.”

  “I will,” Alex promised, looking down at his bride, tenderness and desire glinting in his eyes.

  A rush of awareness ran through her. Maybe … maybe this marriage would be a success?

  After thanking the officiant and saying goodbye to Helen and Walt, Alex guided Laura back to the town car. She stared down at her sparkling ring, tracing the elegant diamonds with the pad of her finger.

  “How long will it take us to get to Wyoming?” She raised her eyes to meet his.

  He took her hand. Laura wondered if Alex would hold her hand every time they were in a car. She wasn’t about to complain, though.

  “About three and a half hours. Then a forty minute drive from the airport to the ranch.”

  During the drive to the airport, Laura couldn’t stop thinking about tonight. Would Alex make a move on her? Would he expect to consummate the marriage tonight? What would she say?

  Peeking at him from beneath her lashes, she caught her breath. She was married to this sexy man. But why had he married her? Surely a good-looking billionaire like Alex could have any woman he wanted. Why had he wanted to marry her? And what would he think when he caught his first glimpse of her body … nude?

  She’d packed her prettiest lingerie, and had even splashed out yesterday and bought an elegant white silk nightgown today, using her own money, not Alex’s. Just in case …

  But would he like her curves? Her ample breasts? Her soft, plump figure? Although she was on her feet a lot when catering parties, she needed to taste each dish in the kitchen to make sure it was perfect. And when she came home from a long day at work, the last thing she wanted to do was hit the gym.

  What would Alex think when he saw her naked?

  The thought haunted her all the way to the airport. She tried to shove it to the back of her mind, and finally succeeded when they pulled up outside a private area.

  Alex ushered her out of the car and into a small office. “Hey, Mr. Trask.” A man with dirty blond hair greeted them. “The plane’s ready and waiting.”

  “Good.” Alex nodded, looking pleased. “My wife and I will see you on board.”

  His wife.

  Panic hit her. She really was married to Alex. This wasn’t a surreal dream where she would wake up any second. Although it had seemed real for a second when he’d kissed her at the end of the ceremony, Alex referring to her as his wife brought it all home to her.

  Till death do us part.

  Or we divorce. After all, hadn’t Alex planned for that contingency with the pre-nup?

  Telling herself not to be silly, Laura blinked back the sudden moisture in her eyes. This was her wedding day. She was going to try and enjoy it.

  CHAPTER 5

  The plane touched down in a small Wyoming airfield. Alex touched her gently on the shoulder. “We’re here.”

  Laura wriggled her toes, waking up slowly. She’d only flown a few times in her life and the private plane was the most comfortable and luxurious aircraft she’d ever traveled in. She’d had a soft leather recliner to herself, while Alex sat next to her, holding her hand during take off. Debating whether to tell her new husband that she wasn’t scared of flying, she thought better of it, wondering if perhaps he didn’t like flying all that much, before instantly dismissing the thought. She didn’t think Alex Trask could be scared of anything.

  Alex had shown her a selection of gourmet snacks and drinks when they‘d boarded, but her stomach had been too knotted up to try anything except a few sips of orange juice.

  They’d shared a companionable silence before her eyes drooped and she fell asleep. Was it any wonder, she thought now, stretching in her seat. She’d been up since the crack of dawn, making herself look presentable for her wedding day, gotten married and boarded a private plane. Catering a large party seemed easy in comparison.

  Laura looked around with interest as she carefully walked down the steps of the plane in her wedding gown. The Wyoming airfield was surrounded by large fields with an occasional cow grazing on the lush, green grass.

  Before she barely had time to blink, Alex settled her into the back of a waiting black SUV. After giving the driver instructions, he turned to her. “Almost there.” He grinned, and her heart skipped a beat. There seemed a lightness to her brand new husband as the vehicle left the small airport and traveled to the ranch.r />
  “Tomorrow we can go horseback riding at my brother Garrett’s.” His eyes flashed with enthusiasm. “Do you ride?”

  She shook her head. “No.”

  “I’ll teach you.” He brushed his thumb over her hand, the glint in his midnight eyes changing from good humor to banked heat. Laura caught her breath. When he looked at her like that, she thought she’d let him teach her anything he wanted.

  They drove off the main road and onto a dirt road. Douglas Firs and green bushes lined the driveway until they arrived at a clearing. “Garrett lives over there.” Alex gestured to a large expanse of land on the left.

  A small brown timber house with an attached garage stood in the clearing. It reminded her of a woodsman’s house from a storybook. Weathered shingles covered the roof, while a neat green lawn surrounded the dwelling.

  “It’s a bit rustic, but it’s got everything I - we need.” Alex helped her out of the SUV, her gown making climbing in and out of vehicles a little difficult.

  Laura waited while Alex paid the driver. Empty green fields dotted with trees surrounded the clearing, with snow-capped mountains in the far distance. She didn’t think she’d been anywhere so rural and private, but already she could feel the peace and stillness around her. It was a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

  “How much land do you have?” she asked as Alex picked up their bags and walked toward her, the SUV departing down the dirt road. She swallowed, realizing that this was the first moment she’d been alone with Alex all day, since he‘d picked her up at her apartment.

  “Two hundred acres. Garrett owns seven hundred next door.” He carried the small suitcases easily, walking up to the front door. She followed him, memories of him kissing her earlier that morning flashing through her mind.