Free The Lawman’s Blackmailed Bride (Billionaire Brothers 3): BBW Romance by Jenn Roseton

ear.
    Jolting awake, she took a moment to orientate herself. Cole’s face was close to hers and the SUV idled in the parking lot of a fast food restaurant. She felt her cheeks heating as the memory of last night flashed through her mind.
    “Sorry I fell asleep.” Her throat suddenly dry, she took a sip from her water bottle in the console, glad it gave her hands and lips something to do. Besides being tempted to kiss Cole again. It’s strictly business, remember?
    As she ate the last bite of her hash brown, she resolved to only eat rabbit food for a week once she got home. No chocolate, fries or burgers. Just simple, healthy salads without any dressing. She wasn’t sure if it was her imagination, but this morning the waistband on her skirt seemed a little tighter. Since she already had a curvy figure, she couldn’t afford to put on any more weight. Her thighs were quite plump enough. So was her belly. Maybe it was for the best that Cole wasn’t interested in her. What would he think if he ever saw her naked?
    Phoebe’s stomach started to flutter as they drew closer to their destination. Cole followed the GPS directions and before long they pulled up outside an elegant shop in downtown Pierre.
    Phoebe double-checked the address. “That’s it!”
    Cole looked at his watch. “Eleven-thirty. It should be open.”
    Unfastening her seat belt, Phoebe clutched her purse to her as she exited the vehicle. Cole walked by her side as they made their way to the front door of the store, a tinkling bell announcing their arrival.
    A plump man in his sixties emerged from the back room. “How may I help you? I’m Frank Newton.”
    “ Henry Dawson recommended you,” Cole said easily. “Phoebe has a coin she’d like to get valued.”
    “ Of course,” the numismatist replied.
    Taking a deep breath, Phoebe pulled out the tissue-swathed coin and carefully unwrapped it.
    “Oh my,” Mr. Newton breathed, reaching for gloves and a magnifying glass. “Oh, yes.” He studied the coin closely, turning it over. “Quite remarkable.” He looked at them shrewdly. “Is this yours?”
    “ It’s a client’s,” Phoebe replied, hoping her cheeks didn’t redden. It wasn’t really a lie. She did consider Mrs. Miller to be her client, even though she wouldn’t have a job to return home to. But she’d vowed to herself to do the best she could for the little old lady, even if it meant risking possible arrest.
    “ Definitely Emperor Proculus, 280AD.” The expert turned the coin over again, then placed it carefully on the counter with a wistful sigh. “Quite valuable.”
    She exhaled with relief. Mr. Dawson had confirmed her instincts about the coin, but having her hunch verified by a reputable numismatist made the whole journey worthwhile. As well as meeting Cole.
    “ Could you give me a written evaluation, please?” she asked.
    “ Of course.” Mr. Newton smiled. “This is a very rare coin. I think it would easily sell for fifty thousand dollars at least.”
    She couldn’t help beaming as the coin expert echoed Mr. Dawson’s estimate. Surely that amount of money would help Mrs. Miller buy whatever she needed. “That’s wonderful.”
    “It’ll take me a few minutes to write out the evaluation.”
    She nodded. “Of course.”
    “Feel free to look around while you wait.” Mr. Newton started tapping away at a computer behind the desk.
    “ I’ll stay here,” Cole murmured to her. “You look around if you want.”
    Her pulse jumped at his nearness. “Thanks.” Although she was more interested in antiques than coins, it would be interesting to browse the numismatist’s store. And she knew Cole would never take his eyes off the coin until it was tucked safely away in her purse again.
    Ten minutes later, Mr. Newton handed her the evaluation, watching as she rewrapped the coin and hid it in her handbag.
    “ Be very careful with that precious coin,” he advised. “And be very prudent whom you trust.” He glanced at