The Tycoon's Reluctant Bride (11 page)

Relief whooshed through her. “So you won’t be disadvantaged because of Crawson?”

“
No.” He shook his head. “In fact, he might have done me a favor. Being involved in that merger would have meant some long days at the office, when I’d rather spend that time with you.”

“
Where is your office, anyway?"
She couldn’t help asking, still processing his amorous tone when he said he’d rather spend time with
her.

“
Downtown. Tony has instructions to take you there whenever you need to see me. And before tonight is over, I’ll put the address in your phone.” He kissed her again.  “You’re welcome to visit me anytime, sweetheart.”

Laura curled her arms around his neck. “Oh, Alex. I was so worried last night about what had gone wrong between us.”

“That was my fault,” he muttered, his words muffled against her hair.

She frowned. “I thought you might have regretted marrying me.” Her hands tensed on the nape of his neck.

“Never,” he growled, kissing her fiercely. “Marrying you was the best decision I ever made.” Pulling back slightly so he could look at her, he admitted, “I was an idiot last night. I know you only asked if I’d be okay financially because you cared, but I sensed you were worried about something, and I allowed myself to think it was my money or lack of it, that concerned you.”

“
Alex--”

He kissed away her protest. “When I started out in the business world, I thought I was in love with a woman who turned out to only love my money. When someone richer and more powerful came along, she chose him over me.” He shrugged. “I realized later my pride more than my heart was damaged, but last night that memory flashed through my mind. Because I knew this time, my heart would be broken if you didn’t have any feelings for me at all.”

“How could you say that?” Laura gazed up at him in appeal, her cheeks feeling warm. “Especially after we … became intimate?”

“
Like I said, I’ve been an ass.” A self-deprecating expression crossed his face. “My only excuse is I wasn’t thinking clearly. All I could think about was discovering if you returned my feelings.” He brushed a soft kiss against her lips. “Waiting to consummate the marriage nearly killed me.”

A shiver of delight raced through her
.
“Why
did
you marry me?”

“
Because as I said before, I knew I had to have you the moment I saw you,” he admitted, pressing her body even closer to his.

“
At your party? In my catering outfit?”

“
Yes. And the most effective way to make you mine was to marry you.”

“
Alex!” She didn’t know whether to be scandalized or ecstatic at his answer.

“
And when you told me about the problems you were having with King Royale, I saw my opportunity.”

“
And you took it.” She studied the confident expression on his face.

“
That’s why I’ve been successful in business.” He paused. “And I hoped I’d be successful in love too - with you.” He dug out a black velvet box from his pocket. “I’m in love with you, Laura. And I want to love you for the rest of your life.”

She gasped at the sight of the ring nestling in the box - a large, solitaire lilac diamond with a gold band.

“I know lilac’s one of your favorite colors. This was meant to be your belated engagement ring. It was finally ready today from the jeweler.” His white teeth flashed in a grin. “He must be tired of me calling him about it.”

Alex dropped to one knee, his expression becoming serious. “Will you continue to be my wife, Laura?”

Stunned by the intensity of his voice, she replied, “Oh, Alex. I’m in love with you, too.”
Laura suddenly blinked back tears of happiness. Her secret fantasy had come true! Not only was she married to Alex, but they truly loved each other.

Alex grinned, and slipped the ring on her finger. Rising, he gathered her in his embrace.

“I couldn't have married you if I hadn’t had feelings for you in the first place,” she confessed, snuggling into his arms. A blush rose to her cheeks as she added, "I was attracted to you when your secretary introduced us at your party." Loving Alex felt so right. A thrill of anticipation raced through her as he passionately claimed her lips.

“
How about we go away on a proper honeymoon? Paris, Rome, London - wherever you want,” he murmured when he finally lifted his head.

“
I’ll need to check if we’ve gotten any new catering jobs now that you’ve solved the problem with King Royale,” she teased, trailing her finger down his cheek, his faint five o’clock shadow bristling against the tender pad of her finger.

He grinned. “Just let me know when and where and I’ll take time off from the office.”

A smile lit up her face. She must be the luckiest person in the world. “I can’t wait.” Standing up on tiptoe, she kissed him lovingly.

“
Either can I,” he growled, holding her close and kissing her passionately once more. “Let’s start the honeymoon right now.” Alex swept her up in his arms, striding to the master bedroom. “I’m going to show you just how much I love you, Mrs. Trask. Now and forever.”

THE END

Jenn Roseton believes that romance and happy endings go together. When she's not writing, she indulges in delicious gourmet chocolate.

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Other Titles by Jenn Roseton

The Cowboy's Runaway Bride (BBW Romance - Billionaire Brothers 1)
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#1 Bestseller in Western Romance (March 2014)

Curves and Cowboys: BBW Romance Boxed Set (Coldwater Springs 1-4)

Curves and the Cowboy (BBW Romance - Coldwater Springs 1)

Curves and the Sheriff (BBW Romance - Coldwater Springs 2)

Curves and the Rancher (BBW Romance - Coldwater Springs 3)

Curves and the Rodeo Star (BBW Romance - Coldwater Springs 4)

A special free
very
short story featuring Chase and Sarah from Curves and the Cowboy is now available through my website at:

www.jennroseton.com/free-reads/

I hope you enjoy it! (Note: it's a little spicier than Curves and the Cowboy, Curves and the Sheriff, Curves and the Rancher and Curves and the Rodeo Star.)

BBW Needs Hot Sex (BBW Erotic Romance - Amy and Nick 1)

Bridegroom Wanted (Amy and Nick 2)

Hot and Sexy 1: Seductive Persuasion
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Hot and Sexy 2: Bridal Jitters

Seduced by the Boss 1: Pent-Up Passion

Seduced by the Boss 2: Spanking Miss Jones

Seduced by the Boss 3: For Her Pleasure

Seduced by the Boss 4: Loving Miss Jones