A Family Circle 1 - A Very Convenient Marriage Read Online Free PDF

at all. Except to annoy her, and he was certainly succeeding in that. She became aware that Jason was speaking and forced her attention away from plans for Sam Walker's demise.
    "...so I drew out my sword and ran him through, which was an unconventional way to win a trial but effective nonetheless."
    "What?" She stared at Jason in bewilderment, wondering just what it was she'd missed. "What are you talking about? Who did you run through?''
    The opposing attorney, of course." He seemed surprised that she had to ask. "A very annoying man with an irritating habit of rubbing his hands together like Uriah Heep gloating over his coins. I never could stand him, and neither could anyone else, which is probably why the judge cited me for contempt of court rather than murder."
    His blue eyes, only slightly faded by his sixty-five years of living, twinkled at her through the lenses of his neat horn-rimmed glasses. "You missed all the best parts, Nicole. It was a very good extemporaneous effort on my part, if I do say so myself."
    "I'm sorry, Uncle Jason." Nikki's smile was both regretful and affectionate. "I guess I faded out on you."
    "That's quite all right, my dear. Worried about your young man, are you?"
    "Just a little." She nearly choked on hearing Sam referred to as her young man. "It's not like him to be late." She didn't have any idea whether it was like him or not. For all she knew, Sam Walker was always late for incredibly important appointments.
    "Would you like to call and find out what's delaying him?"
    "No, that's all right. I'm sure he'll be here any minute." She could hardly admit that she didn't know where to call. All she knew was that Sam was a cop; she didn't have the slightest idea what city he worked for.
    Luckily, before her nerves were completely shot, Jason's secretary ushered Sam into the office.
    "Mr. Walker." Jason rose and went to greet him, which was just as well because Nikki was momentarily paralyzed by her first sight of her husband-to-be.
    She'd wondered what he'd look like cleaned up and wearing decent clothes. Even covered with several layers of dirt and rags, he'd had a definite impact on her senses, but that was nothing compared to what she felt now.
    Not that he looked all that different, it was just that he looked... different. Taller, even broader through the shoulders, lean hipped and with a long, rangy walk that bespoke confidence and maybe just a touch of arrogance. His dark blond hair was neatly combed and considerably cleaner than it had been the first time they met, but there was still something a little untamed about the way it curled against the back of his collar.
    He wore a well-tailored gray suit and a white shirt. Paired with this conservative attire was a fuchsia-and-black tie, patterned with indescribable swirls and dots. Just looking at it made her dizzy.
    Or was it looking at Sam Walker that made her lightheaded?
    "Mr. Drummond. I'm sorry I'm late. I had to testify at a hearing this morning and the proceedings were delayed."
    "I understand. The legal system is many things, but timely if s not."
    The two men shook hands. "I think Nicole was beginning to get a little worried, though," Jason continued, turning toward her with a fond smile. "I thought she was going to wear out her watch, she looked at it so many times."
    "I'm sorry you were worried, darling. I should have thought to call from the courthouse." Sam's smile was a masterpiece of concerned affection.
    "Darling" stared at him, barely managing to keep her mouth from gaping. This was the unwashed, unkempt, uncivil man she'd met less than a week ago? This attractive, well-dressed man looking at her as if be adored her?
    She realized that Jason was watching them, waiting for her response, and she managed to force a smile that she hoped looked more natural than it felt. "That's all right. I knew it had to be something important that kept you." She stood up so that she wouldn't feel at quite such a disadvantage.
    "Next time, I'll