Free The Bachelor's Bed by Jill Shalvis Page A

shouldn’t have surprised her, but it did. She’d never felt so out of control in her life.
    She had liked it very much.
    So where was he?
    She glanced at the clock for the tenth time in as many minutes. It was nearly 9:00 p.m. and it was becoming more and more clear that her reluctant fiancé wasn’t coming home.
    It wouldn’t do to get annoyed. All she’d accomplish would be to raise her blood pressure because she did understand Colin. He didn’t want to be tied to her, didn’t want the commitment.
    Neither did she, Lani reminded herself.
    But Colin had been backed into a corner. He had no choice and, whether he realized it or not, he was rebelling. Pushing him now would be a big mistake.
    Besides, his nonappearance could be an innocent mistake. She couldn’t imagine Colin would ever hurt her on purpose, but she could imagine him in his downtown office, working frantically, completely into what he was doing, oblivious of the passing time.
    Without stopping to consider the wisdom of interrupting the lion in his den, Lani grabbed her keys and was out the door. Typical of a Southern California summer, the night temperature hadn’t dropped to a comfortable level, despite the recent storm. It was over eighty degrees and unbearably muggy.
    It didn’t stop her. Truth was, nothing could. She was driven to help Colin, and she wouldn’t give up.
    The building Colin owned and worked in was one she’d admired often. It had once been an old warehouse, but Colin had remodeled it to suit his own needs. It was made of an intriguing mix of brick and glass, and exuded character and charm, proof that Colin possessed both.
    The reception area was deliciously cool. So muchso that Lani stood there a long moment, absorbing the breathable air. Then she followed a dim light that shone from down one of the two hallways. She came upon an office where a young woman was hunched over a set of books. Wearing faded denim, no makeup and a scowl, the woman was obviously not happy about her hours or her work.
    â€œHello,” Lani said softly, not wanting to startle her.
    Too late. The woman let out a squeak of surprise.
    â€œI’m sorry,” Lani exclaimed as the woman put a hand to her chest and took a deep breath. “I didn’t mean to scare you, I’m just looking for Colin.”
    â€œWho are you?”
    â€œLani Mills, his—” cleaning lady came to the tip of her tongue, but she was much more. Wasn’t she? “I’m his fiancée.”
    The woman blinked. “Colin West? ”
    The disbelief was understandable. Not only was Colin the most eligible bachelor around, he wasn’t exactly known for having long-lasting relationships, much less an engagement. “Yes. I think he’s working—”
    â€œHe’s always working.” The woman still looked stunned and Lani couldn’t blame her, she herself was still reeling over the strange, unexpected turn of events.
    â€œYes, well…he’s incredibly dedicated.” Lani smiled. “I admire that.”
    The woman sighed and stood, shoving her huge glasses higher on her nose. “ Engaged. Hard to believe. Well, I’m Claudia, his overworked, underpaid, not-quite-appreciated secretary.” She stuck out her hand. “Maybe women will stop calling him now?” she asked hopefully.
    â€œWomen will definitely stop calling him now,” Lani answered firmly. “You’re working pretty late yourself.”
    â€œSpecial project and I’m behind on the books.” Claudia stretched her back and yawned. “But I’m outta here. He’s all yours.” Her look said she wasn’t sure why Lani would want him.
    Lani should have left well enough alone. She knew better than to interfere, really she did, but she couldn’t seem to help herself. She had a streak of loyalty a mile wide, it was deeply ingrained. She protected those she cared about, and she cared