The Tycoon's Reluctant Bride (7 page)

His large hand cupped her breast. Laura sighed into his mouth, enjoying the touch of his thumb against her taut nipple through the soft fabric of her dress and bra. What would his touch feel like when she was nude?

Alex’s lips left hers and trailed along her neck. Shivering when he kissed a particularly sensitive spot, she gave herself up to the sensations rioting through her. Hardly knowing what she was doing, Laura unfastened the top button of his shirt, and then the next. A smattering of crisp dark chest hair greeted her, and she placed her hand on the small expanse of bare chest.

“
Don’t tempt me,” he suddenly growled, capturing her hand and enfolding it in his. Her gaze flew to his face. Placing a gentle kiss on her palm, he laced his fingers through hers. “I’m not a saint, Laura.”

She moistened her swollen, freshly kissed lips, blushing when Alex‘s gaze narrowed in on the small movement of her tongue.

“I guess I better go to bed,” she whispered. Wanting to make love with her husband, but not having the courage to tell him so, she tugged her hand from his, rising from the sofa.

“
I’ll be along soon,” he said gruffly, watching her as she left the room.

Why, why, why,
she berated herself when she reached the bedroom.
Why didn’t I have the courage to tell Alex I wanted him?
Because deep down, she couldn’t help wondering exactly why Alex had married her. She had no money, no connections, and wasn’t exactly a supermodel. She’d only had a couple of boyfriends in the dim, distant past, and both those relationships had fizzled out, Laura always wondering if her ample figure had been to blame.

Stripping off her clothes and slipping on the nightgown she'd worn last night, she hopped into bed, pulling the covers over her. If Alex had wanted to seduce her tonight, she would have let him, she realized, turning off the bedside light. But when it was up to her to do the seducing …

Laura stiffened when she heard her husband enter the bedroom. Should she pretend to be asleep? Closing her eyes, she tried to breath evenly.

The mattress depressed when Alex climbed in beside her
.
Forgetting about faking sleep, Laura held her breath, wondering what his next move would be. Would he lean over and kiss her? Touch her?

Torturous seconds later, she had her answer. Just like last night, he gathered her in his arms, pressed a kiss on her hair and spooned her. Before long, she fell asleep.

###

To Laura’s relief, Alex didn’t mention last night when they woke up the next morning. Once again, he hit the shower first, so she was barely aware he’d woken until she heard the shower running in the bathroom. Waiting her turn for the bathroom, she wondered how many more nights they could sleep in the same bed without doing … anything? How long would Alex be content to hold her in his arms at night, without becoming truly intimate? One week? One month? One year?

Laura touched her fingers to her lips at that last thought
.
She didn’t think
she
could chastely sleep in the same bed as Alex for a whole year without going crazy. What would that do to him?

“
All yours.” Her husband appeared in the doorway, showered and dressed in faded jeans and a blue polo shirt. “I’ll start breakfast.”

“
Thanks.” She smiled shyly at him, waiting for him to leave before she got out of bed, although she didn’t know why she was worried about him seeing her in her white nightgown. He’d proven himself perfectly capable of controlling himself two nights in a row.

After a quick shower, Laura dressed in the bathroom, wondering who would make breakfast when they returned to his penthouse. Would Alex? Or would he expect her to do so, because she was his wife? She was used to just having a bowl of cereal and some fruit for breakfast; although she loved cooking and did a lot of it in her job, sometimes it was nice not making an effort at home. Would all that change tomorrow?

He’s got a housekeeper, remember?
Laura wondered what Sandra would be like. Would she be an older woman like Helen, or someone a little younger?

The rest of the day passed in a blur. More horseback riding, although her muscles protested when Alex helped her mount Prince. Then they went for a country drive, through Elk View Corner and along rustic roads; Laura marveling at the wide-open spaces as well as the mountains in the distance, still snow-capped even though it was late June.

Then they were back at the ranch house and it was the last night of their honeymoon.

“
I wish we could stay longer,” Laura ventured as they sat down at the dining table, the savory fragrance from the large dish of lasagne tickling her nose. “It’s so beautiful here.”

Alex’s eyes crinkled at the corners, a smile tugging his lips upwards. “I feel the same way about Wyoming. I try to get here when I can, but lately it hasn’t been as much as I’ve liked. Once we get to the bottom of what’s happening with your catering business, I’ll make sure we come out here more often.” He paused. “Would you like that?”

She nodded. “Yes.”

“
Then we’ll definitely do that.” Alex passed her the bowl of salad. Once again, he’d cooked the evening meal, waving away her offers of help. Laura hoped he would remain as relaxed and approachable as he was now when they returned home tomorrow.

“
Are you sure you’re not a caterer in a past life?” she teased as she tasted her first bite of lasagne.

“
I’ll leave the expert cooking to you,” he bantered, digging into his own meal. “I still remember the raspberry cheesecake you made for my business event.”

Warmth flickered through her at his reply. “That’s my own recipe.” She couldn’t help the smile lighting up her face. Creating her own recipes was one of her passions, but since her parents had gone on vacation, she’d had her hands full running the catering business with little time for anything else.

Except marrying Alex.

After dinner, they washed the dishes in companionable silence. Laura was enjoying Alex’s company right now, and didn’t want to think what could happen in a couple of hours. Would she be brave enough to invite him to bed? Should she wear the new nightgown she bought yesterday, or leave the sex side of things as they were, until they returned to San Diego?

Before she could decide what to do, Alex spoke. “We’ve got to leave here by nine tomorrow morning for the airport so we should have an early night.”

Laura gnawed her lip. “Okay.” Although she was used to getting up early because of her job, it had been nice the last couple of mornings to wake up when the sun woke her, and not to the shrill tone of an alarm clock. Now, she guessed, even if she tried to seduce her husband tonight, it mightn’t be the best time if they had to get up early tomorrow.

Deciding to have a quick shower, she cast a wistful glance at her new nightgown in the dresser drawer. Would she ever have a chance to wear it? Bundling her white nightgown in her arms, she walked across the hall to the bathroom.

Laura enjoyed the scent of the designer body wash as she showered, hoping the same awaited her at Alex’s penthouse. If not, she could always buy it herself, although she might wince at the price tag. Although she was now married to a billionaire, they hadn’t discussed finances. Even though she paid herself a reduced wage from the business, she could still buy her own personal items, such as gourmet chocolate, and she guessed Alex would pay for everything else. Resolving to talk to him about it once they returned to the city, she stepped out of the shower and dried herself with a fluffy towel.

Laura entered the bedroom, halting at the look on Alex’s face when he saw her. Although the nightgown covered everything, she felt naked under his burning gaze. Perhaps the gown covered her flesh, but it also artfully flattered her generously curvy figure, including her breasts.

She held her breath, aware her cheeks burned with warmth as he continued to look at her, smoldering desire in his eyes.

“I’ll jump in the shower.” He moved past her, his lean, muscled frame coming into close contact with her, but not touching any part of her.

Laura let out her breath with a whoosh when he left the room. If he’d tried to kiss her just then, or even touch her, she knew she would have melted in his arms, consummating their marriage a foregone conclusion.

Scurrying to her side of the bed, she hopped in and pulled up the covers. She was sure Alex would continue to be a gentleman in bed, just as he had been the last two nights. In fact, she was rather looking forward to being held in his arms tonight.

Laura frowned when she looked at the bedside clock. Alex had been in the shower for a while. Finally, she heard the water shut off and turned off her bedside lamp.

A few minutes later, she heard her husband enter the bedroom. Holding her breath, she started to wonder why he hadn’t gotten into bed. She sensed him standing there, next to his side of the bed. Just as she was about to turn onto her back and ask if something was wrong, she felt the mattress give, and then Alex lay next to her.

She waited for him to gather her close in his arms. And waited. His steady, even breathing reassured her he was all right. But was it too steady, too even?

Laura wrinkled her brow. Should she do the wifely thing and ask Alex if he was okay? Or should she continue to feign sleep? Opening one eye, she looked at the clock. Quarter to ten. She guessed they’d have to get up around seven or even a little earlier to pack and have breakfast before leaving for the airport.

Slowly turning on her back, she turned her head toward him. “Alex?” Her voice was tentative.

“Go to sleep,” he advised.

In the gloom, she slowly made out his form. He lay on his back, seeming to stare at the ceiling.

“Is everything okay?”

“
Everything’s fine,” he said gruffly, remaining still.

“
Are you sure?” Laura raised herself on one elbow, peering down at him.

“
Laura.”
He exhaled through gritted teeth.

She blinked in surprise at his tone, then looked down. Through the darkness of the room, her pose
had caused the neckline of her gown to gape, exposing a large portion of her cleavage.

“
Oh.” Hastily tugging up the gown, she lay back down. “Well, good night then.” She hoped he hadn’t heard the slightly forlorn tone in her voice. Until now, she hadn’t realized just how much she’d enjoyed Alex’s night-time embrace.

Trying to match his even breathing, she hoped the steady rhythm would send her off to sleep, but it seemed to do the opposite. After a few minutes, she couldn’t rein in her imagination any longer. Images of them together in bed, entwined in the sheets, naked and glowing, rose in her mind. If Alex was half as good in bed as he was at kissing, then ...

“Go to sleep.” His murmur was close to her ear.

“
I can’t,” she confessed. How could she fall asleep when she imagined his hands on her, caressing her breasts, smoothing over her hips, exploring her secret place? Just thinking about making love with Alex was making her all hot and bothered, not to mention dampening the valley between her thighs.

Should she make her move? Even though it seemed Alex was attracted to her, especially right now, would she be enough for him? Could he enjoy making love with her? Once he saw - or felt - her naked form, would he be turned off - or turned on?

Just as she was about to lean over and kiss him - a hot, passionate and hopefully demanding kiss - he muttered something and sighing heavily, rearranged her on her side, and wrapped his arms around her, his front to her back. Laura instinctively snuggled into him, feeling a hard bulge his pajama bottoms couldn’t hide. While she thrilled at the evidence that he seemed to desire her, at the same time she couldn’t help feeling a pang of disappointment that she hadn’t had a chance to show him how much she wanted him.

Would she ever be brave enough to consummate the marriage? And would she ever discover why Alex married her?

The next morning, Alex gently shook her awake. “Time to get up.”

Laura squinted at the bright sunshine streaming in around the edges of the drapes. It had taken her a while to fall asleep last night, although her husband had held her in his arms all night long.
Again.

While Alex took a shower, she packed her suitcase, laying out the clothes she planned to wear today. When they returned to the city, would they continue to get to know each other, as they had slowly been doing here on the ranch, or would Alex become an enigmatic man of mystery once more?

After a quick breakfast, they tidied the kitchen. Alex loaded the suitcases into the SUV and assisted Laura into the vehicle
.
“Got everything?” he asked.

“
Yes.” She was sure she hadn't forgotten anything.

Laura looked regretfully out of the window as the miles flashed past. Alex drove expertly, but she couldn’t help wishing he was a mile an hour driver, so she could savor her last hour or so in Wyoming.

She turned to look at him. “When can we come back?”

His eyes met hers for an instant before returning to the road. “As soon as I get to the bottom of your business problems.”

“Good.” His answer made her smile. Perhaps next time they were here, she would get to meet Garrett and Maddie.

When they arrived at the airport, Alex parked, then ushered her over to the private plane. Noticing she looked back at the SUV, he explained, “I’ve already arranged for it to be picked up and taken back to the ranch.”

Laura nodded, aware of how easy some things seemed to be when she was with him. She guessed that’s what happened when you traveled with a billionaire.

Once aboard the plane, she settled back in the luxurious recliner. How was she supposed to travel on a commercial plane ever again? It was so nice having the plane to themselves
.
Perhaps she wouldn’t have to, she mused. But she didn’t want to become spoiled. As long as she remembered who she was,
she should be okay.

Laura didn’t know whether to be sad or glad when they touched down in San Diego. Sad, because her honeymoon was officially over, or glad that today would mark the next phase of her marriage to Alex.

After they walked off the plane, Alex handled everything in his usual efficient manner. In fact, he seemed to be efficient at
everything
. Apart from consummating the marriage. A small giggle tried to erupt from her lips, but Laura tamped it down.

“
What’s so funny?” he inquired, ushering her into the waiting silver town car.

“
Nothing.” She bit her lip, hoping the small jab of pain
would stop her from laughing. Somehow, she didn’t think her husband would find it amusing.

His eyes darkened as he watched the small movement of her teeth. Blushing, Laura scrambled into the soft leather seats, her eyes widening when Alex slid in beside her, pulling her to him.

She was conscious of his hard, muscled thigh brushing her soft one all the way to the penthouse. Instead of holding her hand, he wrapped his arm around her shoulders, drawing her close. She rested her head against his chest, savoring the physical closeness.

Although the private plane had been extremely comfortable, Alex had buried himself in newspapers the whole time, leaving her to her thoughts and the latest fashion magazines - which seemed comprised of more stick-thin models than she thought existed. She hadn’t seen any clothes that looked like they would remotely suit her, and she’d shuddered at the price tags. Perhaps she could put in a request for some magazines she would actually be interested in reading, next time they used the plane.

The town car drew up to Alex’s elegant building. Tony, the driver, carried the suitcases to the elevator, and in the next moment, the elevator whisked her up to the penthouse, Alex standing beside her in the golden cage.

Laura’s nerve endings sparked as she looked at her husband. Would tonight be the night they became intimate?

Alex set the cases down when they reached the front door. She admired how he preferred to do things like that himself, instead of requesting Tony to carry the cases all the way to the front door of the penthouse. The door swung open and Alex swept her up in his arms.

“
Alex!” Laura clutched his shoulders for support.

“
Welcome home, Mrs. Trask.”

She melted at the tenderness on his face. If she hadn’t already begun falling for him, she knew she would have started right now.

“But you carried me over the threshold at the ranch,” she couldn’t help protesting, wondering why she couldn’t just enjoy his attentions.

“
That was our honeymoon. This is where we’ll be living.” He strode into the penthouse, carrying her easily.

Laura relaxed against him.
It felt so good to be in his strong arms.
Perhaps she wouldn’t have to worry whenever he boosted her onto a horse or picked her up that she was too heavy for him.

Gently setting her down, he looked into her eyes. “Welcome home, Mrs. Trask,” he repeated, tilting her chin up. He slanted his mouth over hers and her eyes fluttered closed.
Bliss.

Laura’s hands crept up to his shoulders as the kiss deepened. He molded her to him, his hands caressing her back as the minutes sped by.

Finally, just when Laura wondered if she was brave enough to tug him toward the bedroom, he stepped back with a wrench, abruptly ending the kiss. “I’ll get the bags,” he said hoarsely, a flush of arousal staining his cheekbones.

Watching him pick up the bags in the doorway, Laura wondered if she would
ever
make love with Alex.

###

Half an hour later, she sat opposite Alex in the living room on a comfortable leather sofa in the conversation nook. He’d shown her how to use the coffee machine - it seemed even fancier than the one at the ranch - and now she sipped a very chocolaty mocha laced with cinnamon.

“
I’ll provide a driver for you,” he announced, sitting opposite her on a matching sofa.

Laura wrinkled her nose. “That’s not necessary. I’ve got a car.”

“Which looks like it mightn’t last much longer.” He frowned when she opened her mouth to protest. “I want you to be safe, especially if you have catering jobs at night. Tony can take you wherever you need to go.”

“
But Tony’s your driver. And my station wagon is very handy to pick up specialty items. Not all our suppliers deliver.”

“
I’m sure the town car will have enough room in the trunk for whatever you need to buy.” A glimmer of amusement touched his lips.

Trying another tack, she said, “But if Tony’s driving me around, who’s going to look after you?”

The words popped out of her mouth, and she wondered if her wifely instincts were kicking in. Did that automatically happen once you were married?

“
I’m old enough to look after myself,” he said matter-of-factly. “You’re taking Tony.”

“
Fine,” Laura grumbled, realizing it was useless to argue any further, and wondering if this was another example of what Alex was like in the boardroom.

“
And I’ve arranged for your own credit card.” He picked up an envelope lying on the walnut coffee table and held it out to her.

Opening the envelope, she stifled a gasp when she looked at the black card. “But … I’ve got a credit card.” Visions of the finest gourmet chocolate in the world danced in front of her eyes. The super expensive brands, little known to the general public, that she couldn’t afford but had always wanted to try.

“I want you to use this one from now on,” he said, his eyes on her.

Laura gazed at the words
Laura Trask
emblazoned on the card. Warmth flickered in her heart. She was Alex’s
wife.

“
Okay,” she agreed slowly. Perhaps he wouldn’t mind if she bought a couple of bars of gourmet chocolate per month.

“
And a monthly allowance will be deposited in your bank account.”

“
What?" Her eyes flew to his. First the driver,
a
virtually limitless credit card, and now… “It’s too much,” she protested. “King Royale is paying me a salary.”

He shook his head. “I’ve seen the books, remember? Right now the business is barely covering your living expenses.”

Laura saw the credit balance of her other card flash before her eyes, but didn’t want to make the situation worse by telling Alex that “barely” was an understatement.

“
But--”

“
Don’t argue,” he said brusquely. “You'll receive your allowance whether you use it or not.” He paused. “If ten thousand per month isn’t enough, just let me know.”

Laura’s mouth dropped open. Ten thousands dollars - each month? No, that couldn’t be right. Perhaps he meant to say per year. After all, what would she do with all that money? Even if she used it to pay off her credit card, she‘d still have plenty left over from the first month's allowance. Besides, how could she be okay with using Alex’s money to pay off a credit card debt that she’d accrued before she’d met him?

“Laura?” he prompted when she remained silent.

“
You can’t be serious,” she muttered.

“
If you don’t think it’s enough, just tell me.” Amusement flashed across his face.

She took a fortifying sip of her mocha. “It’s too much, Alex. I wouldn’t know what to do with it!”

“You don’t have to spend it all at once.” He grinned briefly. “It’ll be deposited in your account every month regardless.”

Frowning, Laura wondered how Alex had gotten hold of her bank account details, then remembered when she signed the pre-nup she’d had to provide those particulars. She’d thought it was for legal purposes to do with the pre-nup, but now wondered if it was for the sole intent of depositing her allowance.

Laura savored another mouthful of her mocha, deciding that Alex Trask was quite impossible at times. The silence stretched. “Thank you,” she finally said. “But I don’t need an allowance. The credit card is quite enough.”

Feeling brave, she met his scrutiny. His eyebrow arched, but his tone was deceptively mild. “The allowance is non negotiable.” He rose, effectively putting an end to that discussion. “When’s your next catering job?’

Laura rose as well, not wanting to give him the advantage of looming over her. “I’m not sure. We didn’t have anything booked when I … married you. I'll call Edna.”

“
I’ll start looking into the books.” He gestured to the hall. “All your belongings should be in the guestroom, but I want you to move everything you need into the master bedroom.”

“
But … I was going to pack everything up from my apartment when we got back here.” She frowned.

“
I thought this would save you some time.” Alex reached out and snagged her hand, drawing her to him.

Laura looked up at him. He was right, it would save her time, but she’d been looking forward to spending a few hours alone in her old apartment, packing up everything and reflecting on what her new life with Alex might be like.

Had her husband arranged this fait accompli because he was worried she might be having second thoughts about their marriage?

“
Thanks. But it would have been nice if you’d discussed it with me first.”

Surprise flickered across his face, as if he were unused to being chided, no matter how politely. “Sorry,” he finally said. Kissing her forehead, he released her. “I’ll go and look at the King Royale books while you unpack.”

Laura watched him stride towards the study, her heart fluttering at his commanding sexiness. She couldn’t help smiling to herself at the way she’d just challenged him. Somehow, she suspected she might have to stand up to him again in the near future.

But he’d taken it well, she mused, digging her phone out of her purse. As long as he meant what he’d said.

After calling Edna, she hovered in the doorway of the study. Alex looked up from the computer screen. “Edna says we’ve got a job in three days’ time.”

“
Great.” He smiled. “I should have gotten to the bottom of things by then.”

So soon? Laura had puzzled over the business’s sinking bottom line for weeks now. Maybe that was why Alex was a billionaire and she wasn’t. Resolving to make him show her how he figured out the problems, Laura nodded. “I’ll go and unpack then.”

“Good.” His eyes smoldered with banked heat, making her feel breathless.

Laura hurried down the hall, wondering what would happen if Alex looked at her like that every day.
He has so far
, she reminded herself, kneeling on the plush carpet of the guest room and opening a box. They’d only been married for three and a half days, but she didn’t know how much longer she could sleep in the same bed as him, without consummating the marriage. It was the best feeling in the world to be wrapped in his arms, to snuggle against his back, to feel safe and secure in his embrace, but every night the sexual tension seemed to increase. What would happen tonight?