The Prince's Texas Bride by Leanne Banks Read Free Book Online

Stefan were right. I needed this.”
    â€œOf course I was right,” Bridget said, neatly eliminating Stefan from the equation. “The staff has prepared lunch. We can eat in an hour or two. They’ll also be putting up umbrellas soon. It has occurred to me that you’ve been too busy to make new friends in Chantaine since you arrived. In the same vein, you haven’t had the opportunity to meet any men. While I’ll confess that the selection is much better in Europe than here,” Bridget said in a dry voice, “I could introduce you to someone who could amuse you. You and I could visit one of our nightclubs.”
    â€œNot my thing,” Eve said, keeping her eyes closed.
    â€œWhy ever not? What do you do for fun?”
    â€œI enjoy riding and taking care of horses. I enjoy the beach. I like to read. I like to play card games and Chicken Scratch—”
    â€œOh, well, I can agree with Chicken Scratch. We areall determined to have you return for family dinner night and another round of it,” Bridget said.
    â€œGreat,” Eve said wryly. “I can’t wait to have the entire Devereaux dynasty gang up on me.”
    Bridget laughed. “It’s your fault. You started it.”
    â€œI thought this was supposed to help me relax,” Eve muttered, but focused on the sound of the ocean waves. She cautioned herself not to get used to it, but this was bliss. She drifted off….
    Â 
    â€œIs she getting too much sun?”
    The voice, which seemed to affect her on a cellular level, awakened her with no warning and she sat up, disoriented. “What?”
    The tall, strong body of Prince Stefan towered over her, casting a long shadow. Eve covered her eyes at the bright sunlight.
    â€œNot at all. She applied sunscreen, and the staff put up an umbrella to shield her. Poor thing must be dead tired. She’s been asleep for the last half hour. Stefan, you’re working her too hard,” Bridget said.
    â€œIt’s not me,” he said. “She insists on working from before dawn to after dusk. The American way.”
    Eve drew in a mind-clearing breath and tried to dismiss the effect Stefan had on her. She noticed he was dressed in a dark suit and the contrast with the white sand distracted her. She wondered how he would look wearing just a swim suit. Or less. “I’m awake now. You can talk to me instead of about me.”
    Bridget giggled. “I tried to talk Eve into going to a nightclub with me, but she wasn’t interested. You should wave your imperial wand, Stefan. That was the only way I was able to persuade her to join me at the beach. I’msure Tina would want to make sure we’re introducing her to new friends, including new male friends.”
    â€œPerhaps Eve isn’t interested in the kind of men she would meet at a club,” Stefan said.
    â€œWon’t know till she tries,” Bridget said in an airy voice. “However, I would be more than willing to escort her to Italy. I have the perfect club selected for tonight, thought—”
    â€œI couldn’t be less interested in a club tonight,” Eve said. “The little trip to this perfect beach has relaxed me so much it scares me. Even though I’m being a slug today, I’m certain I’ll sleep like a log tonight. I think it’s the sea air.”
    â€œGood to hear it,” Stefan said with a nod. “The family is having an early dinner with Jacques since he will be returning this weekend. We want you to join us.”
    Eve slid a sideways glance at Bridget, who looked as innocent as possible in her black bikini and straw hat with a martini in her hand. “I’m sure you would prefer to keep the night to just your family. I don’t want to interfere.”
    â€œWe insist,” Stefan said, using the royal we.
    â€œThis is about Chicken Scratch, isn’t it?” Eve said glumly.
    â€œMy siblings are compelled to hold