Free The Tycoon's Reluctant Bride by Jenn Roseton Page A

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