Free Falling For Jack by Christina Carlisle Page B

watched in delight as she positively wriggled with embarrassment as soon as she had made the unthinking statement. He made no comment, deciding to let her suffer a little longer.
    “And there’s a shower,” she added, as if to try and take his mind off the double bed. No way, princess.
    “That’s great.”
    “Did either of my parents speak to you, about coming on holiday, I mean?”
    Yes, wriggle away, Lara. I’ve got you hooked on the end of my fishing line, gorgeous . “You’re referring to the king and queen, of course. No, it was one of your companions from the palace.”
    “Oh. I know my parents are looking forward to meeting you.”
    He looked around making sure the two attendants weren’t close to them, and leaned toward her. He said in a low voice, “Let’s cut the crap, Lara. I know exactly what you told your parents.”
    “I don’t know what you mean.” Her eyes widened. He had to give it to her; she was the epitome of an innocent ingénue.
    He let ten long seconds tick by before saying, “I understand you could be having my baby.”

 
     
     
     
     
    Five
     
    Lara gasped. He knew. How humiliating. How embarrassing. She took a deep, controlling breath aware she had to face the situation but, what must Jack think of her. Oh hell .
    “I don't know what to say.” She needed more time to sort out her thoughts. Besides, there was nowhere to run.
    “You could start by telling me why you said anything about our…our being intimate.”
    Good. She wasn't the only one grappling for words or was his hesitation deliberate? She couldn't tell.
    “I thought we had agreed to keep that information to ourselves,” Jack added, with a twist of his mouth.
    “My mother guessed.”
    “She guessed? You must have given something away.”
    The inquisition was on, well and truly. She looked along the aisle for one of the attendants. Surely they must be near to the flight leaving, for heaven’s sake.
    “I…I actually didn’t say anything, Jack, except that you had behaved like a gentleman.”
    “Huh. Such a gentleman that I seduced you and made you pregnant.”
    He wasn’t taking this well and who could blame him? Being accused of making a baby with a royal princess, then to be literally forced to accompany her to Challoner to face the music.
    “Excuse me, Your Royal Highness. Mr. Lucas.”
    Thank goodness . They were being interrupted at last. She concentrated on what the flight attendant relayed about the safety features of the aircraft, even though she had heard it many times before.
    “Mr. Lucas.” The attendant turned to Jack and gave him a flashing smile. “For your information, we have a satellite phone, a fax and a computer on board should you wish to make contact with your business.”
    “He won’t require them.” She could have bitten out her tongue as soon as she’d said the thoughtless words, which had drawn an enigmatic look from Jack.
    “And we have a well-equipped gymnasium. There are showers and toilets at the rear of the plane and when you are ready to sleep, we have a comfortable bed for you.”
    “Thank you. A double bed?”
    The attendant blushed under Jack’s teasing manner and Lara could have hit him.
    “I’m afraid not, sir. The main bedroom is for Her Highness but we will ensure you are very comfortable.”
    “I’m sure you will.”
    Lara pressed her lips together. He was flirting with the attendant. How dare he? She turned to look out of the window as the plane began to taxi toward the main runway.
    A touch on her knee made her jump. “We haven’t finished this conversation by a long shot,” he said, settling into his chair as the jet began its ascent.
    When the seat belt sign had been turned off, she remained seated not quite sure what to say next to the handsome and relaxed man in front of her. He was casually dressed in a short-sleeved blue and white checked shirt and clean, but very old, jeans with a tear across one knee. On his feet were navy sneakers and as she