Free The Academic Bride: Billionaire Marriage Brokers Book One by Lucy McConnell Page A

another country—you need to take care of yourself, and we’re trying to help. A personal trainer is a perk. You don’t have to work out; but you’ll be healthier and happier if you do.”
    Janel considered Trish’s words. It couldn’t hurt to get in better shape. She’d need to haul her own gear into the Guatemalan jungle, and she might as well be strong enough to do it. “Okay. This guy isn’t going to yell at me or anything is he?”
    “Steve will walk you through the machines in Nick’s gym so you understand how to work each one on your own.”
    Nick’s gym. Was he offered the same “perks,” or did grooms get off easier than brides?
    “On subsequent visits he’ll teach you different types of workouts so you don’t get bored.”
    “Uh-huh. Does Nick work out?”
    Trish didn’t miss a step. “He alternates weightlifting and running.”
    Janel remembered the way Nick’s suit fit, and his broad shoulders. Yeah, he works out. She quickly changed her focus from Nick’s physique to Trish’s instructions.
    “Now, after your session, you’ll have time to shower and get dressed for the day. Then you’ll meet with the staff—Did you read the information Nick put together for you?”
    “Yep. Wait, how did you know about that?”
    They reached the bottom of the grand staircase and crossed the gathering room to the stairs that led to the basement. This level was just as impressive as the rest of the house. The theater room was located under the garage, the game room was insane, the gym was immaculate, the mother-in-law apartment was stunning, and a hot tub waited off the patio. There was also a bar, a pool table, a water feature, a reading nook, and a couple of guest rooms. Janel could spend weeks down here!
    “Standard procedure. Nick gave us a job outline when he signed up.
    “We’ll have a short break for lunch and hit the stores for some workout clothes. I have to be back to the office by three, so you’ll have some time this afternoon to input your school schedule into the system. I have a new phone for you.”
    Janel started to protest—there was already so much “new” in her life that she was off-balance.
    Trish held up her hand. “We kept your old number. The new phone is compatible with Nick’s. You guys can see real-time updates to your calendar, talk at the push of a button, and do a whole bunch of other things that I don’t have time to tell you about because Steve hates it when people are late.” Trish opened the door and motioned for Janel to go in first.
    Janel entered the gym, took one look at Steve, and stepped backward into Trish.
    Steve was built like a locomotive. He had more muscles in his arm than Janel had in her whole body. She wondered if he took steroids.
    Steve smiled in welcome, and Janel thought her heart would jump out of her chest in fear. He looked at her like the mechanic looks at her car every time she brings it in—she was a lemon and he was about to make lemonade. At that moment, Janel swore she would never be late for her workout, because if that was Steve’s welcome face, she had no desire to see Steve’s upset face.
    The day went by quickly, and by the time Janel returned home with an arm full of shopping bags, she was ready to go to bed. Nick’s chef, Enzo, made two dinners, and she found hers in the warming drawer under the oven.
    A warming drawer was a luxury Janel never thought she’d have. It was beautiful with its stainless steel finish and easy-grip handle. She spent the next couple of minutes running her fingers over every surface in the kitchen. The long day listening to Trish give her the dos and don’ts of fashion was worth it to come home to this room.
    As she sat down at the table to eat, she realized she hadn’t heard from Nick all day. She played with her new phone, finding the text icon and debating over what to say. She finally just typed a quick hello and asked if he wanted her to keep his dinner warm or put it in the