The Tycoon's Reluctant Bride by Jenn Roseton Read Free Book Online Page A

Alex planned for that contingency with the pre-nup?
    Telling herself not to be silly, Laura blinked back the sudden moisture in her eyes. This was her wedding day. She was going to try and enjoy it.

CHAPTER 5

 
    The plane touched down in a small Wyoming airfield. Alex touched her gently on the shoulder. “We’re here.”
    Laura wriggled her toes, waking up slowly. She’d only flown a few times in her life and the private plane was the most comfortable and luxurious aircraft she’d ever traveled in. She’d had a soft leather recliner to herself, while Alex sat next to her, holding her hand during take off. Debating whether to tell her new husband that she wasn’t scared of flying, she thought better of it, wondering if perhaps he didn’t like flying all that much, before instantly dismissing the thought. She didn’t think Alex Trask could be scared of anything.
    Alex had shown her a selection of gourmet snacks and drinks when they‘d boarded, but her stomach had been too knotted up to try anything except a few sips of orange juice.
    They’d shared a companionable silence before her eyes drooped and she fell asleep. Was it any wonder, she thought now, stretching in her seat. She’d been up since the crack of dawn, making herself look presentable for her wedding day, gotten married and boarded a private plane. Catering a large party seemed easy in comparison.
    Laura looked around with interest as she carefully walked down the steps of the plane in her wedding gown. The Wyoming airfield was surrounded by large fields with an occasional cow grazing on the lush, green grass.
    Before she barely had time to blink, Alex settled her into the back of a waiting black SUV. After giving the driver instructions, he turned to her. “Almost there.” He grinned, and her heart skipped a beat. There seemed a lightness to her brand new husband as the vehicle left the small airport and traveled to the ranch.
    “ Tomorrow we can go horseback riding at my brother Garrett’s.” His eyes flashed with enthusiasm. “Do you ride?”
    She shook her head. “No.”
    “I’ll teach you.” He brushed his thumb over her hand, the glint in his midnight eyes changing from good humor to banked heat. Laura caught her breath. When he looked at her like that, she thought she’d let him teach her anything he wanted.
    They drove off the main road and onto a dirt road. Douglas Firs and green bushes lined the driveway until they arrived at a clearing. “Garrett lives over there.” Alex gestured to a large expanse of land on the left.
    A small brown timber house with an attached garage stood in the clearing. It reminded her of a woodsman’s house from a storybook. Weathered shingles covered the roof, while a neat green lawn surrounded the dwelling.
    “ It’s a bit rustic, but it’s got everything I - we need.” Alex helped her out of the SUV, her gown making climbing in and out of vehicles a little difficult.
    Laura waited while Alex paid the driver . Empty green fields dotted with trees surrounded the clearing, with snow-capped mountains in the far distance. She didn’t think she’d been anywhere so rural and private, but already she could feel the peace and stillness around her. It was a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
    “ How much land do you have?” she asked as Alex picked up their bags and walked toward her, the SUV departing down the dirt road. She swallowed, realizing that this was the first moment she’d been alone with Alex all day, since he‘d picked her up at her apartment.
    “ Two hundred acres. Garrett owns seven hundred next door.” He carried the small suitcases easily, walking up to the front door. She followed him, memories of him kissing her earlier that morning flashing through her mind.
    Alex put down the cases and pulled out a small key ring. He unlocked the front door and turned to her. “Mrs. Trask.” He swept her into his arms.
    Laura squeaked with surprise. “Alex!” Her arms flailed