Hired Bride by Jackie Merritt Read Free Book Online Page B

though, were her own reactions to Zane Fortune. Whatever had made her think that she would be impervious to the famous Fortune charm?

Four
    G wen left the tent to avoid having to dance with someone else while Zane was away. Instead of going to the house and to her bedroom, as she would have liked to do, Gwen sat just outside the tent on a lawn chair. The sounds of music, merry laughter and a hundred conversations caused Gwen to heave a sigh. The disparity in the life-styles of the very rich and people like herself suddenly seemed more conspicuous than it had all day. Obviously she’d been so caught up in pretense that she’d believed her own charade. And it had been fun for a while being all dressed up and socializing with the upper crust. Yes, she’d had moments of genuine enjoyment today.
    But then reality— her reality—had returned. Zane Fortune making a pass—or rather, handing her a line—had brought her back to earth.
    Gwen wished he hadn’t done that. Other than a few strained moments, they had gotten along quite well all day, and now she felt as though she was no more than the most current entry on his list of ‘Possible Conquests.’ She was not going to advance to the ‘Conquest’ list, no matter how handsome, charming and downright sexy he was. And Zane was those things and more, she thought miserably. Why couldn’t she find a man of her own class who could knock her deadwith a smile and then bring her back to life by simply breathing in her ear?
    There’s no such person, you romantic fool! Even Zane Fortune isn’t Prince Charming.
    â€œBut he’s close,” Gwen mumbled under her breath.
    â€œThere you are.” Zane pulled a lawn chair over to the one Gwen was using and sat next to her. “I saw you leave, but I thought you only wanted a breath of cool air and would come back in a minute or so. Are you tired, Gwen? Would you like to call it a day?”
    Would I ever! “I am tired, Zane,” she said evenly. “Would leaving before the party is over insult anyone?”
    Zane chuckled. “That party could go on until dawn. Oh, you didn’t get to see Parker and Hannah’s departure. She threw her bouquet directly at her mother. Lily couldn’t have missed catching it if she’d tried.”
    â€œWell, apparently she’s going to be the next bride in the family, so it was sweet of Hannah to toss Lily her bouquet.” After a pause, Gwen added, “Hannah and Parker seem perfect together.”
    â€œThey do now, but they went through a lot to reach this stage.”
    â€œI guess true love rarely runs smoothly. Isn’t that what the poets say?”
    â€œSomething to that effect. I’m going to go back in and say good-night to Dad and Lily. I’ll only be a minute. Don’t move.” Zane was on his feet and gone in a flash.
    He’s a kind, considerate man with extremely good manners. Gwen sighed, wishing she could pinpoint at least one flaw in Zane’s character or personality. Then she pondered his reputation with women and decided that could be a flaw.
    But it could also be an advantage, depending on which gender was analyzing it. Men undoubtedly admired Zane’s prowess with the opposite sex, while women…? Darn, Gwen thought uneasily, women probably admired it too. At least they might until he left them with a broken heart.
    You’re becoming much too interested in Zane Fortune’s love life. Think of something else!
    Gwen tried to follow that sensible advice, and was considering next week’s work schedule in a relatively relaxed position, with her eyes shut, when she heard footsteps. Thinking that Zane had returned, she opened her eyes. Maria Cassidy was standing in front of her.
    For some reason a chill went up Gwen’s spine, but she said calmly, “Hello, Maria. Are you enjoying the reception?”
    â€œIt’s just another excuse for the Fortunes to