The Tycoon's Reluctant Bride

by Jenn Roseton

  Alex put down the cases and pulled out a small key ring. He unlocked the front door and turned to her. “Mrs. Trask.” He swept her into his arms.

  Laura squeaked with surprise. “Alex!” Her arms flailed for a second, then she rested her hands on his shoulders.“What are you doing?”

  “Carrying you over the threshold.” He grinned down at her, and she now understood why some women swooned. She felt like joining them.

  He carried her into the house. She bit her lip, wondering if she was too heavy for him, although his stride didn’t seem to be affected by her weight at all. When they reached the living room, decorated in earth tones, he gently set her on her feet.

  A pang of disappointment flittered through her. She’d felt safe and secure in his arms, and a frisson of desire had flashed through her. She wished the journey to the living room had been a lot longer.

  “Let me show you the house.” He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering over the delicate shell. A sensual thrill ran down her spine and she nodded.

  He wrapped his arm around her waist and guided her into the kitchen. The decor and fittings were dated, and reminded her of pictures she’d seen of a 1950s home, the interior suiting the exterior of the house.

  “It’s small, but serviceable,” Alex said, gesturing at the kitchen before opening the refrigerator and peering inside. “Good. Carol bought the champagne.” He pulled out a bottle of Dom Perignon and placed it on the table, his other arm still wrapped around her waist. “We’ll have some in a moment.”

  After viewing the dining nook next to the kitchen, Alex led her to the bedrooms. One was a guest room with two twin beds with sturdy wooden frames and neutral colored bed linen. The main bedroom was furnished with a large brass bed, a cream comforter draped over it. Sunshine yellow curtains were pulled back from the large window, and Laura caught a glimpse of green pasture outside the house. A wooden closet and two nightstands on either side of the bed were the main furnishings.

  “The bed’s comfortable.” A sexy grin rumpled the corners of his mouth. “I come here whenever I can get away from the city.”

  Alone? Laura wanted to ask, but didn’t, in case she didn’t like the answer. A sudden thought occurred to her. What if … what if their definitions of marriage differed?

  “Alex.” She licked suddenly dry lips, barely aware that he’d caught the small movement and turned all his attention on her. “When … when you said a real marriage …” she paused. This was so awkward. Why on earth hadn’t she thought of this before she’d married him?

  “I meant a real marriage.” He pulled her towards him, until there was barely an inch of space separating their bodies.

  Finding it hard to think, let alone breathe, Laura tried again. “Yes, but what about … other people?”

  He scowled. “There won’t be anyone else in our marriage, Laura,” he said firmly. “Just you and me.”

  Relief flooded through her. “Okay,” she whispered, allowing herself to relax in his embrace.

  The next instant, he tightened his arms around her. “I hope we’re clear on this point,” he growled.

  “Very,” she managed to utter, before he kissed her.

  His lips claimed hers, his tongue demanding immediate entry. Surrendering with a small sigh, Laura curled her arms around his neck as he deepened the kiss. Just as well he was holding her, she thought hazily, as she met his increasingly passionate demand, otherwise she didn’t think she could stand upright on her wobbly legs.

  When he finally released her, she looked up at him in a daze, her lips tingling, glad she’d asked the question.

  ###

  After that amazing kiss, Alex led her to the kitchen where he poured them each a glass of champagne.

  “To us.”

  “To us,” she echoed, the male satisfaction in his eyes causing her to grip the stem of the champagne flute even tighter.

  “I’ll make us dinner,” Alex said, once he’d swallowed half the champagne in his glass. He opened the fridge. “Carol’s left us some steak and salad for tonight. As well as bacon and eggs for breakfast tomorrow and a few staples.”

  Laura settled back in the comfortable wooden kitchen chair, watching his economical movements around the small kitchen. It was nice having someone fixing her something to eat for a change. Although she wondered if she should offer to help, she decided she’d sit back and let her new husband make their dinner.

  She realized they still wore their wedding finery, and smothered a giggle. There was something completely incongruous watching a billionaire wearing formal wear cook dinner.

  The simple meal of steak and green salad was delicious. Laura hadn’t realized how hungry she was until she’d eaten her first bite. Because she’d been so busy worrying about tonight. Would Alex expect her to jump into bed with him? After all, it was their wedding night.

  But we’re practically strangers, she reminded herself. He might be her husband, but so far they’d only shared three kisses. Laura told herself to relax and try to enjoy the meal, and Alex’s company. There would be plenty of time to worry about what might happen later on.

  Alex made light conversation during the meal. This is not the same man, she found herself thinking, as she laughed in response to a humorous story Alex shared with her. Somehow out here, Alex seemed more relaxed and at ease. Was that because he loved being here, or because they were married?

  The thought continued to tease her all evening. After dinner, they enjoyed coffee in the living room, sitting on an old sofa that was surprisingly comfortable. Alex had hauled out a gleaming new coffee machine and a selection of capsules from a kitchen cupboard Now, as they sipped coffee from thick china mugs, Laura wondered what would happen next.

  “Maybe we should think about turning in,” Alex said, his voice breaking into her thoughts. He stood up, reaching out his large hand to her. Placing her hand in his, she couldn’t help wondering if this was the moment she’d waited for all day. Her pulse thrummed in her throat.

  “You can have the shower first,” he said as he led her to the main bedroom.

  “Okay,” she agreed, busying herself with zipping open her suitcase and rummaging around for her nightgown and robe in order to avoid her husband‘s gaze. She’d visited the small utilitarian bathroom earlier and had been disappointed to find only a shower, toilet and basin, not a large claw footed tub to soak in. But, she’d reminded herself, Alex’s penthouse had the largest bathtub she’d ever seen - she’d caught a quick glimpse of it yesterday when he’d shown her his condo.

  Clutching her nightclothes to her, she hurried into the bathroom across the hall and shut the door. She bit her lip when she studied the back of the door. No lock. Perhaps this bathroom had been built with a nervous bride in mind. A hysterical giggle caught in her throat. Calm down.

  Laura enjoyed a hot shower, washing away the dust and grime of her long day. She’d been surprised but pleased to find luxurious body wash, along with matching shampoo and conditioner in the spotless shower stall. There was also a male version of the same brand for Alex. He really did think of everything, she mused, stepping out of the shower and drying herself with a soft, fluffy towel. Although the house and furnishings were comfortable but rustic, the little touches like the coffee machine, the towels and the bathroom products made her feel pampered.

  Sliding the white silk nightgown over her head, the butterflies in her stomach returned full force. She’d been partly successful in shoving her worries about tonight to the back of her mind, but she couldn’t do that any longer. What would happen when she walked into the bedroom? Would Alex pounce on her? Did she want him to? If she was honest with herself, part of her did. But another part of her wondered what he would think when he saw her nude for the first time.

  Would he still want to consummate the marriage?

  Belting the matching silk robe tightly around her waist, Laura took a deep breath and opened the door.

  Her steps faltered once she’d left t
he sanctuary of the bathroom, but she forced her feet across the hall into the bedroom. Alex’s bedroom.

  “It’s all yours,” she said brightly, hoping he couldn’t hear the underlying tremor in her voice.

  He turned from the nightstand, taking in her appearance with hungry, dark eyes that devoured her from head to toe. A warm flush stole through her body.

  “I won’t be long,” he said hoarsely, his body almost grazing hers in passing as he left the room.

  She sat down on the bed, placing one hand over her racing heart. Maybe she should have had more than one glass of champagne at dinner. The mellow effect of those bubbles had worn off and now she didn’t know what to do. Hop into the bed and wait for him? Curl up in the bed and pretend to be asleep? Surely Alex wouldn’t disturb her if he thought she was truly asleep?

  Or should she just stay where she was, perched on the edge of the large bed, which actually did feel comfortable, just like her new husband had said?

  She was so focused on her swirling thoughts that she didn’t realize that Alex had emerged from the bathroom until he stood in front of her.

  Laura raised her eyes, taking in his bare, muscular chest. Swallowing hard, she noticed a smattering of dark chest hair before her eyes rested on black silk pajama pants. She hastily averted her eyes from his groin area, forcing herself to meet his eyes. The reality of her new husband in the flesh certainly matched her fantasies.

  “Laura,” he murmured, brushing her hair back from her cheek.

  Her heart hammered when he captured her hand and pulled her to her feet. He tilted her chin, taking her mouth in a slow, deep kiss that she felt all the way to her toes. Her bones felt liquid as she relaxed in his embrace, her hands clutching his shoulders to steady herself.

  She didn’t think she’d ever been kissed like this before. Melting in his arms, Laura barely registered his hand moving to her breast, grazing his finger over her nipple. She sighed as he continued to kiss her, arching her back to encourage his touch.

  The juncture of her thighs grew damp as Alex continued to tease her with his lips and fingers. When he’d kissed her, Laura pushed her worries to the back of her mind, just wanting to enjoy his touch. But now, when he urged her even closer to him, and she felt his hard manhood pressed against her, she stilled.

  Was she ready to make love with Alex?

  Alex caught her response, his hands leaving her breasts and clasping her waist. He dragged his lips from hers. “You don’t know what you do to me, Laura.” Resting his forehead against hers, he drew in a deep breath.

  After a long moment, he cupped her face in his hands. “We won’t consummate the marriage until you’re ready, sweetheart.”

  Relief and regret chased through her at his words. She’d never been attracted to a man as much as she had to Alex, from the first moment they’d met. And now, he was giving her time to get to know him before they became truly intimate.

  She was mesmerized by the desire and tenderness in his eyes. “Thank you,” she whispered, a soft smile touching her lips.

  “Even if it kills me,” she thought she heard him mutter under his breath as he crushed her to him.

  Laura heard the throb of his beating heart as she remained wrapped in his arms. Then, after pressing a kiss to her hair, he led her to the bed.

  “We better get some sleep,” he said ruefully, pulling back the covers and claiming the right side.

  Laura wriggled under the sheet and blanket.

  “Good night.” Before she could react, Alex reached over and pressed a swift kiss to her lips.

  “Good night,” she echoed, watching him turn off the bedside lamp. Lying in the darkness, she didn’t know if she could go to sleep. She heard Alex breathing steadily, aware of his presence right beside her. His tall, muscled, sexy presence.

  After a few minutes of silence, Alex muttered, “Come here.” He arranged her on her side, her back nestled against his chest, his strong arms holding her close. “Good night.” He kissed the shell of her ear, and Laura tentatively placed her hands on his.

  Before she knew it, she was asleep.

  CHAPTER 6

  The next morning after breakfast, they drove next door to Garrett’s ranch. “I’m sure you’ll like horseback riding,” Alex informed her as they traveled a few miles down the country road. “And afterward, we’ll have lunch at Elk View Corner.”

  “I’m looking forward to it,” Laura answered, hoping he couldn’t hear the trepidation in her voice. Although she’d always admired horses, she’d never ridden one before. What if she fell off? What if she fell off, landed on her butt and made a total fool of herself?

  This morning, she’d woken in Alex’s arms. She couldn’t remember ever feeling so content before. He’d kissed her neck, then departed for the shower, informing her he’d make breakfast.

  As she’d yawned and stretched herself fully awake, she wondered if tonight she would be brave enough to make love with him.

  Now in the SUV that had awaited them in the garage, Alex turned into a dirt road. A couple of minutes later and they faced a large, one-story house fashioned in a T shape. Pink roses greeted them in the small garden in front of the house.

  “The barn’s around the back.” Alex jumped out of the vehicle and came around to assist her. She placed her hand in his, a small thrill sparking through her. Images of what might happen tonight raced through her mind as they headed toward the stables.

  “Is someone looking after the ranch while your brother’s away?” Laura looked around curiously. A well kept, large barn loomed before them, and everything looked well taken care of.

  “Garrett’s got a couple of ranch hands taking care of everything until he comes back from his honeymoon,” Alex answered easily. They stopped outside the barn. “You’ll meet Garrett and Maddie next time we visit.”

  “Have you met her?” Laura hoped she would get on with her new sister-in-law. It would be fun to indulge in some girl talk with another new family member if she and Alex visited often.

  “Not yet,” he answered absently, his gaze focusing on the interior of the barn. “The horses aren’t here. They must be in the pasture.”

  They walked over to the pasture. Two horses ambled over to the fence, a palomino and a black horse with a white blaze streaking its nose.

  "This is Prince.” Alex gestured to the palomino. “And this is Blaze.”

  Laura gazed at the gorgeous horses. She turned to her husband, suddenly self-conscious. “Maybe you should ride and I can stay here.”

  “Nonsense.” He clasped her hand. “You’ll be fine. And I’ll be next to you all the way.”

  Nodding, she realized that Alex wasn’t going to accept a weak excuse. Gazing down at her outfit, she was glad she’d packed her serviceable but old ankle boots with a sturdy heel. When she’d emerged in the kitchen a couple of hours ago wearing her jeans, cotton blouse and boots, Alex had looked at her with approval tinged with desire. “Just right for horseback riding,” he’d said, making her feel warm all over.

  Now, it was time to actually get on a horse.

  Alex placed a halter on each horse and led them back to the stables. Laura watched him efficiently saddle and bridle each animal, nervy excitement swirling in her stomach. Somewhat similar to how she felt last night, she admitted to herself. But the only danger here was falling to the ground, not surrendering her heart and body to her sexy husband only to discover that he didn’t feel the same way towards her.

  “I’ll give you a boost.” Alex was suddenly beside her, his breath warm against her ear.

  “Okay,” she murmured breathlessly. Prince suddenly looked so big! Placing her foot in Alex's hands, she wondered if she would be too heavy to toss up into the Western saddle, then the next moment, she found herself scrambling to find her balance on Prince.

  Laura gripped the saddle horn. She couldn’t help smiling at Alex in triumph.

  “We’ll go nice and slow,” he promised, before smoothly mounting Blaze.

 
Laura’s cheeks warmed as she thought of making love nice and slow with Alex. In the brass bed. Tamping down her thoughts, she told herself to concentrate on staying upright on Prince.

  Alex rode beside her. “Okay?” he asked, checking how she held the reins and correcting her hold.

  She nodded. “Yes.” Laura couldn’t help the awareness that ran through her when he rearranged her fingers on the smooth leather reins.

  They rode the horses side by side at a sedate walk. Laura was glad she wore a very supportive bra, otherwise her breasts would have definitely jiggled with Prince's movements. After a while, she stopped clutching the saddle horn every time the horse took a step and started to relax. Peeping at Alex from underneath her lashes, she noticed he seemed very confident on Blaze. Was there anything he couldn’t do?

  Following the fence line along the pasture, Laura breathed in the serenity of the ranch. A cow mooed occasionally and she could hear the flap of a bird’s wings as it flew overhead, but otherwise there was nothing but peace and quiet, apart from the rhythmic clip-clop of the horses’ hooves. Bliss.

  After about fifteen minutes, they turned around and headed back. Prince attempted to break into a trot when he spied the barn, but Alex grabbed the reins. “Whoa,” he commanded in a calming voice. The horse instantly slowed down and halted.

  “Are you okay?” Alex looked over at her.

  Laura clutched the saddle horn. “Uh-huh,” she murmured, looking up at him. Prince had surprised her with his sudden movement, but her husband had controlled the situation instantly. Her breath skipped as his dark eyes remained on hers.

  “Good,” he finally said, giving the horses the command to walk on.

  Once they reached the barn, Alex helped her dismount. She clutched his shoulders for support as her feet touched the ground, her wobbly legs threatening to unbalance her.

  His arms tightened around her. “Thanks,” she said, unable to let go of him for a long moment.

  “You’re welcome.” He bent his head, his lips descending until they brushed against hers.