Free The Sheikh's Secret Son by Kasey Michaels Page A

Matt’s son?” Eden collapsed against the back of the chair. “Dear God…”
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    Eden’s brain was still reeling with Holden’s news as the limousine pulled up in front of her house on Edgewood Drive, part of a sprawling suburb outside San Antonio. She vaguely remembered giving the address to Haskim, who had given it to the limousine driver before climbing back into the “escort”car that traveled along behind, guarding the Sheikh of Kharmistan.
    The sheikh, her own Ben Ramsey, who had been sitting quietly beside her, stroking her hand, allowing her time to regain her composure.
    Only now, as she realized that the limousine was no longer moving, did Eden snap to some sort of attention, become aware of her surroundings. Aware of her stupidity.
    She remembered the jungle gym in the backyard. The large container of Lego blocks she’d placed at the front door, ready to take to the ranch. Sawyer’s colored drawings stuck to the refrigerator door with Mickey Mouse magnets. The pictures of Sawyer that sat on tables in nearly every room. Her house screamed the fact that she didn’t live alone. That a child lived with her.
    She couldn’t let Ben in her house. She simply couldn’t.
    But how did she keep him out?
    She ran a hand through her hair, wincing as she realized that several long dark strands had escaped her French twist to curl beside her face, at her nape. And then, calling on every reserve of strength at her disposal, she smiled.
    â€œI’m so sorry, Ben,” she said, extracting her hand from his warm grip. “I’ve had…I’ve had such a shock… ”
    â€œI understand, Eden,” Ben told her, stroking a finger down her cheek. “And I am honored that you chose to share your sorrow with me, take me into your confidence. I also understand that you will wish to depart for the family ranch as soon as possible. Holden told me your mother has a home on the ranch, that many of the Fortunes reside on the property. My limousine is at your disposal.”
    â€œOh, no, no, I couldn’t do that. Really. I mean, it’s wonderful of you to offer, but—”
    â€œYour car is still parked in the city, Eden,” Ben pointed out gently. “Haskim will return to your office and make arrangements for it to be delivered either here or to the ranch, if you feel in need of private transportation. But I will not allow you to drive to the Double Crown while you are still so upset.”
    â€œYou will not allow? ” Eden felt her temper building, and was grateful to feel her anger, as it was better than her earlier fright, her recent shock. “I don’t think you understand, Ben. I’m not asking your permission. I don’t have to. I won’t.”
    â€œReally?” Ben shifted on the seat, looked at her rather indulgently, which angered her even more. “What are you going to do, Eden? How are you going to retrieve your automobile? Please, tell me. I would be very interested to know.”
    The driver had already opened the door on Eden’sside of the limousine, and she briefly thought about making a break for it, running up the walk, her key in her hand, and then locking the front door behind her.
    The thought fled as fast as it had come. Ben was right, she was being stupid, and she had to give in, allow him to help her.
    But she still wasn’t going to allow Ben inside her house.
    â€œAll right, all right,” she said, giving an inch so that hopefully she would not be required to give a mile. “If your driver would return in about an hour, I’ll be ready to go.”
    â€œSuch a gracious acceptance of my offer of assistance. Is that an example of Texas hospitality, Eden? If so, may I suggest that you amend your statement to include the fact that I will be accompanying you to the Fortune ranch for dinner. At the express invitation of your brother, as a matter of fact.”
    â€œHolden