Royal Affair Read Online Free PDF Page B

raised his eyebrows and showed no signs of quaking in his boots. “Crosby Systems is headquartered in Portland, Oregon. If you leave on the nine-twenty flight tonight, you can be there tomorrow morning.”
    â€œWhy would I do that?”
    â€œTo woo the American beauty. It wouldn’t be a bad match. She’s smart, well-educated and used to moving among the elite of her society.”
    â€œIn other words, she wouldn’t be an embarrassment as my queen,” Max cut in dryly.
    â€œShe’s also compassionate and does more than take part in charity auctions. She volunteers at a clinic called Children’s Connection. It’s an adoption agency, mostly funded by another family in the area, the Logans.” Chuck paused. “The Logans and the Crosby family are enemies, I think. Twenty-eight years ago, two of the sons were best friends, then six-year-old Robbie Logan was kidnapped while playing at Danny Crosby’s house. His mother was supposed to have been watching them.”
    â€œThe year before Ivy was born,” Max said, combining what she’d told him with Chuck’s information.
    â€œYes. The families are also rivals in the high-tech-systems business world.”
    â€œYou have been busy,” Max murmured.
    â€œOnce the conspirators were behind bars, I had time to check out…other things.”
    â€œLike my wild, passionate night with the rose.” Max gave his friend a sardonic glance. “Have you booked my reservation on the nine-twenty flight?”
    â€œWell, I did take the liberty of reserving a seat for you. And alerting Ned to pack a bag.”
    Max exhaled heavily. “Are you coming, too?”
    â€œIf you like. Someone has to, but it can be another security agent, if you prefer.”
    Max laid a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “You’ll do. Who, besides Ned, knows me better?”
    â€œAre we going as prince and bodyguard?”
    â€œThis isn’t an official visit, else I’d have to contact the White House, then the press would be all over us. Let’s go as Max Hughes and Chuck Curland. We’re consultants on the educational system Crosby is planning for the country.”
    â€œFine by me.”
    Another worry came to Max. “I’ve never investigated a woman with an eye toward her being my queen. You have any suggestions?”
    Chuck stared at him for a full fifteen seconds, then burst into guffaws.
    â€œIf you weren’t my friend and security advisor, I’d have you thrown in irons for that,” Max told him, becoming somewhat irritated at the joke he didn’t get.
    Chuck laughed harder. Finally he clamped an arm around Max’s shoulders and said in a conspiratorialwhisper, “Try flowers. That usually works when courting a woman.”
    â€œThis is not a courtship,” Max informed the American coolly. “This is business.”

Three
    F riday night Ivy stood near the door of the recreation room located in Children’s Connection annex. The combination adoption agency/fertility clinic was holding a bazaar to raise money for new equipment.
    â€œHey, Ivy,” a masculine voice called.
    She turned and smiled warmly at the handsome widower who caused no flutters in her heart whatsoever. His hair was blond and sun-streaked, but his eyes were brown, like those of another man who had made her heart flutter.
    â€œHunter, hello,” she said. “I was wondering when my cohost for the big event was going to show up.”
    â€œSorry to be late. You know the life of a rancher. Ifit isn’t one thing, it’s another.” His complaining words were belied by the humor in his eyes. His face became somber. “Actually, Johnny wasn’t feeling well. I was a little worried about leaving him with a sitter.”
    â€œA late-summer cold?” she asked.
    â€œI don’t think so. He seems…tired. Not the usual bundle of energy four-year-olds normally