Free Falling For Jack by Christina Carlisle Page A

police, they could make things very difficult for him and he had to go on earning a living, not be placed in jail for something he hadn’t done. Besides, her family would probably pay him handsomely if he didn’t cause any trouble.
    “Yes, I understand,” she replied, her manner subdued as she made her decision to keep quiet.
    Her mother’s voice softened. “Lara, don’t worry. I’m sure everything will be all right. We are so looking forward to you coming home and we will make Mr. Lucas welcome.”
    They finished the strange conversation and she sat in a nearby chair, her legs trembling. She had done the most terrible thing to Jack but perhaps he would forgive her. He might never find out what was suspected—that she might be having his baby, and he might even enjoy being a privileged guest of the Challoner royal family. After all, it would make a change from fishing.
    ~ * ~
    Jack climbed the few stairs into the cabin of the private jet. His luggage had already been transferred from the light aircraft that had flown him from Port Margaret earlier that day. He had been rushed through a customs clearance, in the company of two government officials, and was now on his way to Challoner in Northern Europe.
    Nodding to the pretty female flight attendant, he made his way along the aisle of the luxurious cabin. Hmm, nice . Almost as good as my plane. Lara faced away from him seated in one of the small number of wide, beige-colored leather seats. He passed his jacket and carryon bag to the attendant and took the seat opposite her. Now, this should be interesting.
    “Good afternoon, princess,” he said politely.
    Her eyes were huge and very green as she stared at him. He looked for any sign of guilt. Yes, it was there. She instantly averted her face and he could only imagine it was a blush of embarrassment that touched her cheeks.
    She was even more beautiful than he remembered, her hair in an elegant chignon and light make-up emphasizing the creamy texture of her skin and the softness of her lips. She wore a matching jacket and skirt in pale apple green with her slender legs clad in fine silk stockings and on her feet were elegant black court shoes. How well he knew those beautiful feet. He could feel them now, her skin like silk beneath his fingers as he caressed them. He grew hard thinking about it. Perhaps he had a foot fetish? It was definitely turning him on, or was it just seeing her again?
    She leaned toward the window as if to hide from him . Yeah, you’ve got a lot to answer for, Your Royal Highness. He raised a quizzical eyebrow. Surely, she wasn’t going to subject him to the silent treatment for the next twenty-four hours?
    “What’s wrong? Did your media advisors gag you?” His voice was sharper than he intended.
    She looked at him then. “Hello Jack. I’m so glad you could get here. I hope you’ll enjoy your holiday with us.”
    “Oh, the lady doth speak.”
    She smiled but Jack could see she was nervous. Her hands were clasped tightly in her lap and her body radiated tension. He studied her face. She was pale and strained—unsure. She doesn’t know what I’ve been told . Well, let’s string it along a little.
    “I appreciate the opportunity,” he said pleasantly.
    “It’s good that you could get away from your work. Did your employer mind you having a break?”
    “No. I think he was pleased to see the back of me for a while.”
    “So, you won’t lose your job, or anything?”
    “Absolutely not. I’m important to the company.” He made a big thing of fastening his seatbelt, turning away so he could hide his grin. “It’s a long trip but I guess you’re used to traveling,” he continued.
    “Have you flown on long journeys before?”
    Jack almost choked. Had he ever. There had been times when he had done nothing else but spend time in planes flying to and from the Asian countries. “Yes, a few times.”
    “There’s a bedroom with a double bed in the back of the plane.”
    He