Trophy Wives Read Online Free PDF

astride their kills, which included mountain goats and wild pigs. But what he enjoyed most was Lucy’s evident pride in the magnificent landscape as she pointed to locations she had ridden to or picnicked at.
    They were alone in the bar now, except for Tom.Everyone else had retired to bed or gone through to the restaurant.
    â€œYou didn’t say you knew the Andersons,” she commented.
    â€œYou didn’t ask.” He shrugged. “First time I’ve met his wife. His wedding was—unexpected.”
    Tom approached, having cleared the tables. “I must apologize for the welcome you received today.”
    Ethan cocked a brow at him, noting that Lucy took a step back.
    â€œIt was not up to our usual high standard, I assure you.”
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    Lucy half turned away, pursing her lips. Darn Tom. Why did he have to make a song and dance about everything? No doubt Ethan would have forgotten the whole thing if Tom hadn’t brought it up.
    She felt herself flush deeply at Tom’s next missive. “A series of unfortunate incidents regarding vehicles—and my sister’s poor timekeeping, I’m afraid.”
    Her heart sank.
    â€œWas she late?” Ethan’s quick response jolted her in mid cringe. “I’m afraid I was so charmed by your sister, I barely noticed the time or the transportation.”
    â€œOh. Well, that’s very generous of you.” Tom sounded a little strained.
    Lucy glowed with delight from the top of her head to her toes. What a nice thing to say—and how smooth. Tom was not going to like being put in his place like that one little bit, and she would no doubt have to pay for it. But for now, she reveled in the pleasure of approbation. She charmed him. Of course she did.
    She could barely contain herself from skipping as all three walked to the bar, but she did manage a grateful grin at her champion.
    â€œIf there is anything we can do,” Tom continued, “to make your stay with us more comfortable…”
    Ethan glanced at Tom briefly, then returned his gaze to her. “Any chance of organizing a fax in my room?”
    Lucy nodded. “I’ll get on it first thing in the morning.” She gave him a warm smile that she hoped conveyed the gratitude she felt. It was not often someone stuck up for her. She wanted him to know she was aware of it, and thankful.
    Not just thankful. Absurdly pleased.
    He smiled back. After a minute, Tom took a step back, huffing about clearing up.
    â€œGoodnight, Lucy.” Ethan threw a nod at Tom. “Tom.”
    â€œSleep well.”
    She reluctantly turned back to Tom as he wiped the top of the stone bar. It had been a shock to discover earlier that Ethan was the vice-president of Magnus Anderson’s company. Tom was fit to be tied, frantic in case she’d said anything inappropriate. The slight undertone of flirting on the way here did not worry her—to her mind it was mutual and harmless. But she could possibly have been more—deferential or something. Tom had a real bee in his bonnet about Magnus and his precious club.
    â€œI told you he was cool about it.”
    â€œIt’s not the point. I need you to pick your socks up. No more fiascos like today. This is a five-star operation, and our guests don’t want excuses. They want professional courtesy. Excellent facilities. Punctual service.”
    Exasperation, something she rarely gave in to, bubbled to the surface. “You should have confirmed the time. That’s our deal. And do you think I can just conjure up vehicles out of nowhere?”
    He scowled. He was a big man, like their father, but lately he had appeared more beefy than powerful.
    â€œWe need the club, Lucy. We cannot afford not to be on the Global List.”
    She rolled her eyes. “Seems to me we’d be a lot busier if we were allowed to advertise in the normal places, instead of just the stupid list.”
    â€œThe Global List is