Marry in Haste... Read Online Free PDF

packed for her honeymoon. She and Winston were supposed to spend the week in Bermuda in a posh hotel that recommended dressing for high tea. When she’d emerged from the bathroom at the motel in this outfit, Reed had given her the once-over but hadn’t said anything. She couldn’t tell what he was thinking. He’d told her he’d made arrangements for her car, and they should leave for the airport immediately. Both lost in their own thoughts, they hadn’t talked much on the drive.
    Now Reed asked, “Do you still want to ride up front?”
    She nodded.
    â€œGo on up, then,” he said. “I’ll be ready in a few minutes.”
    Even she could tell the aircraft was state of the art as she settled in and fastened her seat belt. The instrument panel meant nothing to her. When Reed climbed inside, she gave him a tentative smile. “Do you do much of this?”
    â€œAre you worrying about how experienced I am?”
    The glimmer of amusement in his eyes made herblush. She’d bet he was experienced in more than flying an airplane. “Do you fly in Australia?”
    â€œAs often as I can. I fly jets now and then on excursions, and we have a twin engine on the Crown Peak.”
    â€œThe Crown Peak?”
    â€œThe name of my family’s ranch. Both Ryan and my dad, like all the Fortunes, have a hereditary birthmark in the shape of a crown.”
    It was on the tip of her tongue to ask if Reed did. She’d tried so hard not to look at his naked body this morning…. Keeping her lips firmly closed to keep herself out of trouble, she stared straight ahead.
    After Reed had done everything necessary for take-off and spoken with the tower, they taxied to the runway, then waited until he received a go-ahead. Looking over at her, he said, “Here we go. Are you nervous?”
    She shook her head. “Excited.”
    With that slip of a smile that made her stomach flip-flop, he focused his attention and they took off.
    Leaving the Sierra Nevada behind them, Mallory couldn’t help glancing at Reed as well as at the scenery. His hands were large and capable, his movements quick and deft. He’d taken off his Stetson and was wearing a headset. His profile was strong and defined. She might not remember marrying him, but she sure remembered kissing him, drowning in the sensuality of it—
    Turning his head, he caught her looking. She quickly looked away.
    After a few moments Reed remarked, “I supposeyou saw the articles about the Fortunes in the newspapers and tabloids that Bentley referred to.”
    â€œAbout Ryan Fortune’s grandson being kidnapped? Or about his fiancée, Lily Cassidy, being accused of murdering the wife he was divorcing? Sophia, I think.”
    Reed grimaced. “Unfortunately, the Fortunes are newsworthy without the crises the family has been through.”
    â€œThe baby was returned unharmed, wasn’t he?”
    Reed nodded. “And Lily was cleared of Sophia’s murder.”
    â€œFrom what I read, Lily and your uncle Ryan knew each other when they were younger, before his two marriages.”
    â€œThey were much younger. Did Dawson tell you about the scandals?”
    â€œSome. He said he knew Lily could never murder anyone. He was relieved when Clint Lockhart was arrested for murdering Sophia.”
    â€œLockhart had revenge on his mind for years. Another dangerous man.”
    Mallory knew Reed was referring to Winston. She’d never suspected he’d try to kidnap her.
    Reed must have been thinking about what had happened that morning, too, because he asked, “Did you manage to reach Dawson from the airport?”
    â€œNo. I still got his machine, and the Fortune offices are closed on Saturday.”
    â€œMaybe he’s at the Double Crown. He has an open invitation to visit anytime he wants. My uncle is like that with people he trusts. But I guess you know that.”
    â€œYou mean, because of