Paradise Wild by Johanna Lindsey Read Free Book Online Page A

coming?”
    “Yes, he’s coming.”
    “Russell Drayton is Corinne’s unofficial fiancé,” Cynthia offered for Jared’s benefit, then beamed at Corinne. “Mr. Burk isn’t married yet, either.”
    “Are you one of those confirmed bachelors, Mr. Burk?” Corinne questioned. “Or have you come to Boston in search of a wife—among other things?”
    “I’m here on business, Miss Barrows.”
    “Not looking for a wife? That’s too bad, isn’t it, Cynthia? Why, we have some of the most refined, intelligent, sophisticated women in the world here in Boston.”
    “If I didn’t know better, I would swear you just described yourself, Corinne,” Cynthia said. “Haven’t you obligations to attend to—like seeing to the rest of your guests? We would not want to detain you.”
    “Yes, of course. We will talk again, I’m sure, Mr. Burk. I see Russell and I really must go and greet him,” Corinne said smoothly. She couldn’t resist adding, “You know, Cynthia, you really shouldn’t be so obvious. You might make Mr. Burk nervous. He might not be used to aggressive women like you and me.”
    Corinne left Cynthia blushing and heard her say, “I am not! My God, she can be rude when she chooses.”
    Corinne smiled and moved to the front of the hall. She greeted Russell with exaggerated pleasure and kissed him lingeringly before everyone, which embarrassed him considerably.
    “Was that exhibition necessary?” he whispered as they walked arm in arm to join the other guests.
    “It was for my father’s benefit, though I doubt he was around to see it.”
    “He saw it, all right,” Russell said tightly, looking directly at Samuel Barrows’ disapproving stare.
    “So there you are, Father,” Corinne greeted him. “Where have you been hiding? I didn’t see you earlier.”
    Samuel’s arm slipped possessively around his daughter’s waist. “There was some trouble at the shipyard. Nothing serious, but it did require my attention. I didn’t think it would take so long, though.”
    “Well, at least you’re back before dinner,” Corinne teased lightly. “I wouldn’t have forgiven you if I had had to act as both host and hostess.”
    “You would have managed superbly.”
    “I know, but you would never have heard the end of it,” she smiled.
    Samuel nodded stiffly to Russell, then ignored him. “Have you met Jared Burk yet, Cori?”
    “Yes, though I can’t say I like him.”
    “Oh? Did he say something to upset you?”
    “No, it’s just a feeling. I can’t explain it, but the man seems—well, dangerous.”
    “Come now, Cori,” Samuel laughed. “He’s interesting, but I wouldn’t say dangerous.”
    “Why have you taken such a liking to him, Father? You can’t know very much about him.”
    “I don’t, to tell the truth. But I do have it on good authority that he’s here to invest a sizeable sum of money. His lawyer has been all over town making inquiries.”
    “So? What has that to do with you?”
    “Will you excuse us, Mr. Drayton?” Samuel said curtly. “This conversation has become rather personal.”
    “Father, really!” Corinne complained.
    “That’s quite all right,” Russell said. “I could use a drink, anyway.”
    Corinne fumed as Russell walked away. “That was uncalled for, Father.”
    “I suppose so, but I’m not going to pretend I like Russell Drayton.”
    “Obviously, but he’s going to marry me , not you!” Corinne snapped furiously. “You don’t have to like him—just approve of him.”
    “I can’t do that either, nor will I discuss it anymore. Now about Mr. Burk—”
    “To hell with Mr. Burk!” Corinne cut him off in fury and stalked away to find Russell.
    The party progressed successfully without much attention from Corinne. Dinner, served in the formal dining room, was superb. There was roast chicken in a glazed orange sauce, and three varieties of beef, as well as a variety of vegetables and sauces.
    Corinne, annoyed with her father, ignored him throughout