Free The Proposal Book 1 (Submissive Romance) by Lucia Jordan Page A

she would always put her career first.
    **
    Brooke refused to acknowledge Chris’s
presence at the table. The four-course, elaborate meal was being
served, and Brooke’s stomach tightened in protest at the sight.
Gorgeous seared scallops were adorning her plate, but she couldn’t
quiet the miserable feeling in the pit of her stomach. Christopher
Hunt had offended her and it was not a feeling she could easily
fathom.
    Brooke was used to being in charge, of being
in control of what went on in her life – professional or personal.
She inwardly cursed the man for being the groom’s brother, which
meant that he would be in close proximity during the four days of
the wedding.
    She glimpsed up without really meaning to,
knowing for sure that Chris would be watching her again.
Christopher Hunt was smiling, staring at his plate of food, while a
gorgeous blonde, probably in her early twenties, clung to his arm.
He seemed to be enjoying himself, and although uncalled-for, her
bones were suddenly taught with rage.
    He had been staring at her face a few minutes
ago as if he wanted to have her for his next meal, preferably raw,
and now he was sitting there, thoroughly enjoying the clingy
blonde.
    Brooke’s jaw tensed and she
shook herself mentally. What do I care? Why
do I give a damn what Christopher Hunt is doing?
    Thankfully, her reverie was interrupted by
Valerie’s fiancé, Conner. He turned to tell her something about the
wedding photographer. Temporarily, her mind had broken out from
under the spell that Chris had placed upon her. But soon she found
herself wondering how two brothers, Conner and Chris, could look
and be so different.
    Conner was blonde and lean, athletically
built. Chris was incredibly tall and his dark hair was as black as
sin. His features were chiseled, masculine, and heart-meltingly
gorgeous.
    She lurched physically to
escape the pleasurable vision. What is
wrong with me? She screeched in her
head.
    “You seem distracted,” Conner said with a
smile. “Did something happen with Chris?”
    Brooke’s eyes widened and her face turned
white as a sheet. “No no no. No!”
    Conner’s laugh sounded through the table.
“That’s a lot of no’s for a very simple question.” Brooke blushed
beetroot red and to her embarrassment, funny, carefree Conner was
not done. “Hey Chris? What did you say to Brooke? She’s acting a
little funny. All shaky and breathless.”
    Snickers sounded at the table and Brooke
couldn’t lift her eyes. Burning, crippling embarrassment was
heating up her cheeks.
    Chris saw the sandy-haired beauty sitting in
her seat, her head held high, her eyes averted. The embarrassed
blush on her cheeks – although beautiful – did not suit her. He
felt a sudden burst of possessive instinct. “Conner, keep your eyes
averted, turn to the left and stare at your affianced bride,” he
boomed.
    Silence spilled through the inhabitants of
the table and several of the nearby guests who had heard the
exchange. Brooke’s eyes lifted instinctively, and what she felt was
beyond anything she had experienced. Her body was on fire. Giddy
happiness, liquid lust, and craving were the feelings ruling her
mind. Chris was looking at her with an expression that could only
be described as…tender.
    A loud guffaw from Conner made everyone join
in, and Brooke saw the brothers exchange knowing smiles. To her
complete shock, Conner turned away from her, to the left, and
pointedly faced Valerie.
    **
    Chris stood at the balcony with a glass of
Brandy in his hand. His eyes were glued to a modestly dressed
figure seated at the bench outside. Brooke was tall, lean, and had
a figure that was made for a man’s hands.
    My hands.
    The thought interrupted him and he smiled to
himself. Even though Brooke was quite far, he could feel the scent
emanating for her body. It was fruity and fresh, just like she was,
and Chris was mesmerized.
    Brooke sighed as she rested her back against
the bench. “I don’t know, Val. I