Sidney Sheldon Read Online Free PDF Page A

I’ve never been so happy. “Yes, Richard.”
    He nodded. “Good. We won’t wait for the army. Let’s start.”
    While they ate, there was so much to talk about, and every word seemed to bring them closer. There was a strong sexual tension building up between them, and they could both feel it. And in the middle of this perfect afternoon, it began to rain. In a matter of minutes, they were soaked.
    Richard said ruefully, “I’m sorry about this. I should have known better—the paper said no rain. I’m afraid it’s spoiled our picnic and—”
    Diane moved close to him and said softly, “Has it?”
    And she was in his arms and her lips were pressed against his, and she could feel the heat racing through her body. When she finally pulled back, she said, “We have to get out of these wet clothes.”
    He laughed. “You’re right. We don’t want to catch—”
    Diane said, “Your place or mine?”
    And Richard suddenly became very still. “Diane, are you sure? I’m asking because…this isn’t just a one-night stand.”
    Diane said quietly, “I know.”
     
    H ALF AN HOUR later they were in Diane’s apartment, undressing, and their arms were around each other, and their hands were exploring tantalizing places, and finally, when they could stand it no longer, they got into bed.
    Richard was gentle and tender and passionate and frenzied, and it was magic, and his tongue found her and moved slowly, and it felt as though warm waves were gently lapping at a velvet beach, and then he was deep inside her, filling her.
    They spent the rest of the afternoon, and most of the night, talking and making love, and they opened their hearts to each other, and it was wonderful beyond words.
    In the morning, while Diane was making their breakfast, Richard asked, “Will you marry me, Diane?”
    And she turned to him and said softly, “Oh, yes.”
     
    T HE WEDDING TOOK place one month later. The ceremony was warm and wonderful, with friends and family congratulating the newlyweds. Diane looked over at Richard’s beaming face and thought of the fortune-teller’s ridiculous prediction, and smiled.
    They had planned to leave for a honeymoon in France the week after the wedding, but Richard had called her from work. “A new project has just come up and I can’t get away. Is it all right if we do it in a few months? Sorry, baby.”
    She said, “Of course it’s all right, darling.”
    “Do you want to come out and have lunch with me today?”
    “I’d love that.”
    “You like French food. I know a great French restaurant. I’ll pick you up in half an hour.”
    Thirty minutes later, Richard was outside, waiting for Diane. “Hi, honey. I have to see one of our clients off at the airport. He’s leaving for Europe. We’ll say good-bye and then go on to lunch.”
    She hugged him. “Fine.”
    When they arrived at Kennedy airport, Richard said, “He has a private plane. We’ll meet him on the tarmac.”
    A guard passed them through to a restricted area, where a Challenger was parked. Richard looked around. “He’s not here yet. Let’s wait in the plane.”
    “All right.”
    They walked up the steps and entered the luxurious aircraft. The engines were running.
    The flight attendant walked in from the cockpit. “Good morning.”
    “Good morning,” Richard said.
    Diane smiled. “Good morning.”
    They watched the flight attendant close the cabin door.
    Diane looked at Richard. “How late do you think your client is going to be?”
    “He shouldn’t be very long.”
    The roar of the jets started getting louder. The plane began to taxi.
    Diane looked out the window, and her face paled. “Richard, we’re moving.”
    Richard looked at Diane in surprise. “Are you sure?”
    “Look out the window.” She was panicking. “Tell—tell the pilot—”
    “What do you want me to tell him?”
    “To stop!”
    “I can’t. He’s already started.”
    There was a moment of silence and Diane looked at Richard, her eyes wide.