Read The Prince's Texas Bride for Free Online Page B

pacifying him and would argue with him at the drop of a hat, yet he sensed that a part of her wanted him. Tempted, more so than he’d felt in a long time, he wondered if Eve could handle an affair with him. He suspected she met his requirement of being discreet. How messy would it be once their affair ended? Because they all ended.
    She closed her eyes as if she were trying to shut down her emotions. That annoyed him. He wanted her open to him. He wanted to see the desire in her eyes again.
    Taking another breath, she opened her eyes and took a step away from him. “Thanks for the night ride,” she said in a husky voice that brushed over his nerve endings. “Good night.”
    He watched her jog inside the back door to the staff quarters and felt a surprising urge to go after her. He snuffed it out, of course. Even though Eve aroused more than his curiosity, he couldn’t rush into anything. There was too much at stake to be impulsive. There always had been and there always would be.
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    At ten o’clock the next morning, Eve was returning one of the horses to the stall when she heard Bridget’s voice.
    â€œBonjour, Mademoiselle Jackson,” she called. “I am your rescuer and have come to help you escape your drudgery for a while.”
    Eve sighed, although she couldn’t deny she wasamused. Bridget would do anything to get out of palace duties. She closed the door to Gus’s stall. “Bridget, that’s very sweet of you, but—”
    â€œNo refusals allowed,” Bridget said. “You and I have received orders from on high.”
    Eve turned to face the princess and blinked at the sight. It was clear what the plans for the outing were from Bridget’s beach cover-up, gigantic sunglasses, a large-brim, black straw hat and designer beach bag.
    â€œOrders from on high?” Eve echoed.
    Bridget nodded. “Stefan has spoken. He says you need a day off, and I’ve been assigned to take you to the beach.” She lifted her finger. “Don’t you dare fight me on this. It wasn’t my idea, but it’s my first opportunity to have a little fun in what must be a century. If I have to attend another charity tea, I’ll scream. Besides, Stefan is right. You must take a break. Forgive me for being blunt, but you’re looking a bit, well, haggard.”
    Eve hardly knew how to respond to Bridget’s mouthful of drama. She’d already shot down Eve’s objections before she’d had a chance to voice them. “I have difficulty believing the palace protests other members of the staff working too hard.”
    Bridget gave a tsk -ing sound. “Eve, other members of the staff take every possible break. Besides, you’re not just staff. Tina gave you to us. The rules are different. Oh, for goodness’ sake, I’m suggesting a day at the beach. Not the guillotine. Your reluctance is insulting. Do you dislike me so much?”
    Eve laughed in exasperation. “I don’t dislike you. I just need to stay on top of my duties. The parade is days away—”
    â€œAnd everything is going to go brilliantly. In the meantime, the sun is shining and the beach is calling.”She clapped her hands lightly. “Come, come. You do have a swimsuit, don’t you?
    â€œYes, but—”
    â€œNo buts,” Bridget said.
    â€œYou Devereaux drive a hard bargain,” Eve said.
    â€œOh, good,” Bridget said. “I smell the sweet scent of surrender. Don’t worry about sunscreen. I have plenty. Move along.”
    Within forty-five minutes, Eve and Bridget were reclining in lounge chairs on a semi-private beach where, magically it seemed, servers appeared to deliver refreshing beverages and snacks.
    â€œAre you sure you don’t want more than water?” Bridget asked.
    â€œFor now,” Eve said, closing her eyes and enjoying the feeling of sunshine and gentle ocean breeze over her skin. “You and