A Calculated Romance by Violet Sparks Read Free Book Online

newlyweds appeared, glowing with joy, and the caravan of expensive, vintage vehicles headed towards the reception at the Fairmont.
    The sight of guests enjoying cocktails around the pool in the hotel's courtyard met the wedding party upon arrival.  A cold ocean breeze drove Landi to the nearest space heater, a tall tower with a large metal shade that directed warmth down from its glowing implement. 
    "I thought you might enjoy this," James said, handing the girl a glass. 
    She lifted an eyebrow in his direction.
    "Don't worry, it's a lemon-lime soda with some grenadine and mint syrup added for good measure—my own creation, made just for you."
    "Thank you," she said, taking a sip.  "It's delicious," she added.
    "After the other night, I realize you really can't handle your liquor, so I instructed the bartender to mix this," he said with a laugh.
    She laughed too, noticing his glass contained the same bubbling liquid as her own. 
    "That was very thoughtful," she said, smiling.  She watched as Jim's eyes shifted from her own to something or someone behind her.  His friendly expression changed to granite as she felt someone brush against her.
    "Hey there!  We'll be moving to the ballroom soon."  He addressed his greeting and comment to both of them, then turned towards Landi.  "I hope you'll save me a few dances after dinner," Douglas said in a chipper voice, his smile revealing an adorable space between his two upper front teeth.
    She noticed his large, brown, twinkling eyes and happy spirit.  His wavy, light brown hair and roman nose hinted at an Italian heritage.  Ireland raked her eyes over his lips and down to the cleft in his chin.  He squeezed her arm in an affectionate manner.  She couldn't keep the corners of her mouth from spreading into a grin.
    "Thank you, Douglas.  That would be nice," she replied.
    "Great," he said before squeezing her again and heading off, allowing his hand to slide over her arm as he left.
    Landi turned back to James, who watched the departing man recede into the crowd.  Her smile fell as she observed the hard line of his lips, the throb of a pulse at the back of his tense jaw, and dark scowl.  A shiver ran up her spine.
    "Are you cold?" he said, his voice filled with steel.
    He still stared after Douglas.  The edge to his tone frightened her.
    How on earth did he notice my shiver without looking at me?
    "A little," she murmured.
    "Please, allow me," he said, flashing her that devilishly handsome grin and removing his tuxedo jacket.
    His entire demeanor changed on a dime, setting off warning signals in Landi.  She wanted to run but stayed, almost against her will, glued to the spot.  The sight of James taking off his coat transfixed her.  She watched as his wide shoulders and large arms emerged from the black jacket.  His starched white shirt stretched tight across his muscular torso as he pulled the garment off and slung it over his shoulder.  When he straightened and tugged on his cuffs, the true size of his biceps and forearms became evident.
    The hair on the back of her neck stood on end as he moved behind her, and she swallowed hard, unable to bolt as she wished.  She felt every nerve ending in her body stand at attention as he placed his coat on her shoulders and whispered in her ear.
    "There, that's better," he said, his breath grazing the nape of her neck.
    But James wasn't finished.  He wrapped his arms around the girl and pulled her gently against him.  She felt his muscles tense against her back.
    "Better still," he growled in a low tone only she could hear.
    She felt the heat of a blush run up her neck and carpet her face.  She hoped he couldn't feel or hear her heart, which pounded against her rib cage.  Ireland attempted to slow her breathing and regain her composure.  What if someone saw them like this?  She hadn't been held since before things went bad between her and Rick.
    "It's all right, Landi," James whispered, sensing her nerves.
    He'd placed