Tough Luck Hero Read Online Free PDF

waited in line to check out, Colton took his phone out of his pocket and dialed the airline. After giving all of the relevant information, he made a request for a change of flight.
    â€œMr. West, that is going to be an expensive fee,” the woman on the other end of the line—Julia, according to her initial introduction—said.
    â€œI don’t care,” he responded.
    â€œFour hundred dollars a ticket,” Julia continued.
    He gritted his teeth. It didn’t really matter to him, in any way beyond principle, anyway. “I understand. But my new wife and I need to get back as quickly as possible.”
    Lydia shot him a deadly glare. He shrugged.
    â€œYou’re on your honeymoon?” Julia asked, sounding surprised and delighted now.
    â€œYes. But regrettably we have to cut it short.”
    â€œWhen you get to the airport, explain the situation,” she continued. “I can’t make any guarantees, but let’s see what they can do.”
    He hung up after that, then smiled at the man behind the counter. This was an awful lot of human interaction for being this hungover. “Just checking out,” Colton said.
    â€œOh yes, Callie from the gift shop called over to let me know you would be over here. Newlyweds.”
    He rubbed his hand over his forehead. “Yes.”
    â€œDo you need transportation to the airport?”
    â€œYes,” Lydia supplied for him. “A taxi would be great.”
    â€œI think,” the guy said, smiling as though he had just managed to procure them heaven and earth, “I can make that a little bit more special for you. The car will be waiting at the curb in a few moments.”
    â€œThat isn’t necessary,” Colton said.
    â€œOf course it is, Mr. West,” he said. “We want to make sure you have the best possible service during this special time.”
    Colton supplied his credit card and everything else, signing the bill before handing it back to the man.
    â€œThank you,” Colton said, keeping a tight leash on his temper.
    Because that was what he did. Regardless of how he felt. Even when all was right with the world.
    Then he walked toward the automatic doors that would lead them outside into the bright midafternoon sunlight. And when they arrived outside, they both stopped in their tracks.

CHAPTER THREE
    â€œN O WAY ,” L YDIA SAID , looking around the inside of the Hummer limousine they were currently taking to the airport. “There’s a stripper pole over there. In the limo.”
    â€œMaybe it’s just so people have something to hold on to.”
    â€œWell, that’s all I would be using it for.”
    â€œThis is our honeymoon,” he pointed out, probably just to rile her because there was no way in all the world Colton was sincerely suggesting she get up and dance.
    â€œDoes that mean you’re going to get up on the pole for me?” Lydia asked, leaning back in her seat and stretching her legs out in front of her. She was doing her very best to keep her tone casual, to keep from blushing. To keep from remembering anything that might have happened last night.
    This entire morning—afternoon—had been a study in walking through the deepest darkest pit of hell as far as she was concerned.
    A hangover like she hadn’t experienced in ever, a walk of shame in a ridiculously fluffy bridesmaid dress and rhinestone-encrusted high heels along with hair so large she would inspire envy in beauty pageant contestants everywhere.
    But that wasn’t the worst part. Experiencing this with any guy would be traumatic. Experiencing it with Colton West was just too much. Her dignity was now a rare and endangered species. Like a spotted owl or snowy plover. She needed someone to come and protect it. Maybe if she had feathers people would be more concerned for her well-being.
    Her dignity might have been damaged, but her sense of self-pity had never been healthier.
    â€œYou