Rebecca Hagan Lee - [Borrowed Brides 01] by Golden Chances Read Free Book Online Page B

plan of yours is realistic?” David asked.
    “Of course it is,” Reese said. “With enough money you can buy just about anyone or anything.” Reese broke off at the light tap on the door. He walked to the door and pulled it open.
    Faith stood in the hallway clutching his robe tightly against her.
    “Come in and have some coffee.” Reese’s voice was a soft, rumbling purr. “You must be freezing.” He frowned at the sight of her bare toes curling against the cold floor. He should have remembered to leave a pair of socks on the foot of the bed along with his bathrobe.
    “I don’t want to intrude on your conversation,” Faith said.
    “It’s no intrusion,” David assured her, “We were just passing the time while we wait for the breakfast tray.”
    Faith’s eyes sparkled. “You’ve ordered breakfast?”
    Reese smiled. “There should be enough for a small army. Will that be sufficient?”
    Faith’s cheeks colored with embarrassment. “Don’t go to any trouble on my account. You bought my dinner last night. You’re not under any obligation to purchase my breakfast.” She looked at the floor to keep from meeting his gaze.
    “My cousin was teasing.” David stepped into the breach. “I apologize if he embarrassed or offended you. Reese is always ill-tempered before breakfast.”
    “I’m not offended,” Faith admitted. “And I would appreciate breakfast.”
    “Then it’s settled,” David pronounced. “Think nothing of it. Come in and join us in the wait. Allow me to introduce myself. I’m David Alexander, Reese’s attorney, business partner, friend, and first cousin.” He offered Faith his hand as Reese ushered her into the room, then closed the door behind them.
    “I’m Faith Collins,” Faith said. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Alexander, but I really shouldn’t intrude on your breakfast.” She headed for the safety of the bedroom.
    “Nonsense.” Reese took her elbow and led her to the sofa. “Sit down, Mrs. Collins, you aren’t intruding.”
    “But I’m not properly dressed,” she protested.
    “You look fine. Besides, it’s early. You don’t have to be completely dressed to eat breakfast.” He flashed his wickedly handsome smile once again.
    Faith wanted to point out the impropriety of dining alone with two men, but found herself unable to utter the necessary words. Something about Reese Jordan’s devastating smile affected her sensibilities. Her logical protests vanished. She smiled back at him as she graciously accepted the cup of coffee he placed in her hand. “Thank you, Mr. Jordan.”
    “You’re very welcome, Mrs. Collins.” The teasing light in his dark eyes matched the warmth of his smile. Reese looked as if he might elaborate, but the single, sharp rap on the door interrupted him. “That must be breakfast.”
    “I’ll get the door.” David walked to the door to admit the waiter.
    “Mr. Alexander, I must speak to Mr. Jordan about the impropriety of this situation immediately.” Howard Clegg, manager of the Madison Hotel, pushed his way past David and into the Presidential Suite. The waiter, pushing a cart laden with breakfast, followed in Clegg’s wake as a small crowd of curious women filled the doorway.
    “I knew something unsavory was going on up here!” The hotel manager crowed triumphantly. “I knew it as soon as the night clerk reported seeing you, Mr. Jordan”—he pointed his index finger at Reese’s nose—“carrying this…this… woman up here late last night.” Clegg spat out his last sentence and directed his accusing finger at Faith.
    Faith gasped aloud and stepped back to avoid Mr. Clegg’s pointing finger and the malicious gleam in his tiny eyes. David made a move in Faith’s direction as the meddlesome group of onlookers pushed farther into the room, but his cousin was quicker. Reese stepped between Faith and the hotel manager, using his body to shield her from the accusatory faces of the crowd.
    Reese Jordan stared