Free The Tycoon's Reluctant Bride by Jenn Roseton

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