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

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?

CHAPTER 7

 
    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