Temporary Husband by Day Leclaire Read Free Book Online Page A

something you’re not telling me. What is it?”
    Wynne peeked at her friend from beneath her lashes. “I’d really rather not say.”
    “I’d really rather you did.” Laura folded her arms across her chest. “Please. Tell me. What are you hiding?”
    “Just wait until you meet him. You’ll think he’s perfect, too,” Wynne hastened to assure. “And he’s a good man, though I suspect he wouldn’t agree.”
    “He wouldn’t agree? Wynne! What sort of person did you marry? Tough, hard, strong. He sounds like some sort of brute. And you still haven’t answered my question. What have you left out?”
    Wynne cleared her throat. “Not much. And he’s not a brute! He’s the kind of man who can take care of Mrs. Marsh. He’s more than a match for her, even if he onlywants a temporary marriage.” She could see this latest piece of news didn’t go over well.
    Laura looked stunned. “A temporary marriage? You spent all your money on a temporary marriage? I can’t believe this! What happens when it ends? You’ll be right back where you started. No job. No money. No place to live. How will that help? Mrs. Marsh still wins and you’ll have gone through all this for nothing.”
    “Jake won’t let that happen,” Wynne insisted stubbornly. “He says he isn’t interested in a permanent relationship, but I think he’ll change his mind.”
    “You’re willing to gamble everything on a bunch of maybes? You’re willing to risk losing—”
    “I won’t lose a thing,” Wynne interrupted, her voice sharper than she’d intended. She took a deep breath, fighting for composure. “Please, Laura. Let’s not argue. This is my wedding night, and I’m so happy. Wait until you meet him. You’ll see what I mean. You’ll understand why I’m so certain he’s the right man.”
    “You’re spending the night with him?” Laura demanded apprehensively.
    Wynne nodded. “He’s asked me to and I’ve agreed. I came by to pick up my overnight bag and check on you. Is everything all right?”
    “Oh, everything’s fine here,” Laura claimed. “Blissfully quiet. But what about you? Maybe you should—”
    Wynne cut her off. “Maybe I should get my bag and join my husband,” she said with gentle finality.
    Laura raised her hands in surrender. “Okay. I give up. It’s your life to live as you see fit.”
    “Don’t be angry,” Wynne pleaded. “You’re my best friend. Try to be happy for me. I’ve been dreaming of this moment all my life. I have an incredible husband and a whole new life ahead of me.”
    “Right. Besides, look at the bright side,” Laura said dryly. “If things don’t work out, you have an automatic escape clause.”
    “Oh, I won’t need it,” Wynne claimed, flashing an impish smile. “And if I have anything to say about it, neither will Jake.”

CHAPTER THREE
    J AKE STOOD IN FRONT of the hotel window looking out at a starlit night, lost in the darkness of his thoughts. Would Wynne come? he wondered. Or would she have second thoughts about the wisdom of their marriage and run? He didn’t want to care one way or the other. But he did. His future hung in the balance, the choices made by a pint-size elf the determining factor. He clenched his hands, jamming them into the pockets of his robe. Damn. He’d never felt so out-of-control in his life.
    And he didn’t like the feeling.
    A knock sounded then—not a soft, tentative rap, but a rapid, eager tattoo. Suppressing a smile of satisfaction, he strode to the door, flinging it open.
    Wynne stood on the threshold, her green eyes peeping at him from beneath wispy white bangs. “Hi,” she said.
    He lounged in the doorway, his tension fading beneath the sunny warmth of her smile. “Hi, yourself.”
    She tilted her head to one side. “Were you afraid I wouldn’t show up?” she asked gently.
    Was he so transparent? “The thought crossed my mind.” He forced out the admission, and stepped aside so she could enter.
    “You’ll find I’m