The British Billionaire Bachelor, Act Three by Maggie Carpenter Read Free Book Online Page A

Belle grinned, pouring herself a cup of tea. “Lucinda and I can catch up.”
    Settling into the welcoming armchair across from her sister, Belle watched the two men head out towards the foyer, and the thought that Joseph might be a good match for Lucinda flashed through her mind. He was tough, but in a kind way, and he was nobody’s fool. She couldn’t imagine him putting up with Lucinda’s short temper and willful behavior for a moment, and perhaps that’s what Lucinda needed, a man who’d stand up to her.
    “So, looks like you’ve got it made. Aren’t you lucky to hook such a big fish?” Lucinda remarked.
    How did I not see this before? Belle asked herself. Every comment she makes is designed to put me on the defensive, and it’s worked. For years, for my whole life, it’s worked.
    “Any new men in your life?” Belle responded, refusing to bite. “You could do worse than Joseph,” she continued, as she watched the confused frown cross her sister’s face.
    Lucinda wasn’t happy, this wasn’t how the game was played. She would jab, and Belle would snap back a counter, and Lucinda would be filled with a delicious feeling of satisfaction.
    “Joseph? He’s nothing but a driver. Why would I date a driver when I’m going out with Jarrod Miller?”
    “Who’s Gerald Miller?” Belle asked.
    “Jarrod, Jarrod!” Lucinda barked. “Jarrod Miller is the hottest actor in the biz right now. He’s been called the next James Dean, and he and I have been named Hollywood’s Hottest Couple. Jeez, don’t you get any news over here?”
    Belle didn’t react, but reached for a crumpet and carefully poured the melted butter from its china jug into the inviting nooks and crannies, then drizzled across the honey. Taking a bite she rolled her eyes.
    “Man, they are so good. You know our pastry chef makes them here. They’re so much better than the store bought ones.”
    “Belle, you’re not listening to me. Didn’t you hear what I said?” Lucinda exclaimed, raising her voice. “Why would I a date a loser like Joseph, when I have the coolest guy in Hollywood?”
    “Well,” Belle sighed, washing down the crumpet with a mouthful of tea, “I don’t know this Jarrod person, but I do know Joseph, and as I said, you could do a lot worse.”
    Belle was feeling free, liberated, and in control. Her sister was doing everything she could to put her on the defensive, to get a reaction, but her attempts were falling flat.
    Lucinda stared at her; something had changed. This was not the Belle she’d grown up with, the Belle who was scared of her, the Belle she could manipulate and coerce.
    “I want to meet Prince Harry,” Lucinda suddenly announced.
    Belle burst out laughing, almost spilling the tea from the teacup in her hand.
    “I’m serious,” Lucinda declared. “Simon’s a big deal over here. He could arrange it!”
    “I’m afraid that’s not possible,” Simon’s voice declared, startling them. Neither of them had seen Simon and Joseph amble in the room, and Simon’s tone had an edge to it, an edge Belle knew all too well.
    “Oh, hi, I didn’t see you there,” Lucinda crooned, the pitch and tone of her voice instantly changing. “Are you sure, Simon, can’t we go to a club he might be at, something like that,” she pleaded.
    “No,” Simon replied.
    He’d delivered the refusal with such clipped energy, it was clear there would be no further discussion about the matter, and Lucinda, shocked at the repudiation, found herself turning red and reaching for a second crumpet, the one on her plate still uneaten.
    “Did you find your accommodations satisfactory?” he continued.
    “The rooms are fantastic, Simon, yes, thank you,” Lucinda managed, still embarrassed by his veiled reprimand. The truth was, she had been astounded by the suite Henry had led her to. It was a luxurious multi-roomed apartment, more spacious than her condo.
    “Good, glad to hear it. One thing I should mention, you have free reign