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her shredded breathing.
    Alex rested his forehead against hers for a second, then shifted back against the seat. Reluctantly dropping her hands from his neck, she drew in a wobbly breath .
    “ Call Tony when you’re finished shopping,” he repeated, helping her out of the car.
    Laura nodded. “Okay,” she acquiesced. After that wonderful kiss how could she deny him?

CHAPTER 4

 
    Laura studied her reflection once more. The ivory gown with its sweetheart neckline, and soft satin fabric and ballerina length skirt flattered her generous hourglass figure, for once making her look perhaps a little glamorous. She’d kept her make-up subtle. Laura usually didn’t wear much makeup if any, and she didn’t want to look like a clown on her wedding day - even if it was a hastily arranged marriage of convenience.
    Her dark brown hair fell in shining waves to her shoulders. For once, her session with the curling iron had produced credible results. Turning around, she studied her backside. Even her bottom didn’t look too bad in this amazing dress.
    She grimaced as she thought of the price tag. She’d almost fainted, and had gone to three other shops nearby in case she could find something similar and less expensive, but in the end she knew that this dress was the one she wanted. Hoping Alex wouldn’t mind the exorbitant price, she’d tried on the gown once again, in case she’d mistaken how well it fit her. She hadn’t.
    He did say to buy anything, she reminded herself, admiring her reflection once more.
    As well as the gown, Laura had bought a cute matching purse and elegant ivory pumps with pretty little bows. Since she was used to wearing flats all day when working, she didn’t want to risk falling over in an unfamiliar pair of heels. Although it would be nice, she thought, to one day be nearly tall as Alex, instead of five feet five. At times she felt dwarfed by his height.
    The doorbell rang. She froze. Concentrating all morning on getting dressed, she’d conveniently shoved all her doubts to the back of her mind. Now they flooded back.
    What on earth was she doing? She couldn’t marry Alex Trask. Even if was an expert kisser. A soft sigh escaped her at the memory of his lips against hers. What would it be like to be intimate with Alex?
    Don’t go there, she ordered herself. But it was too late. She’d never been interested in casual relationships, which meant her sex life had been very quiet - for a long time.
    Shaking her head as if to dislodge that thought, Laura gazed around her apartment, her eyes resting on the small suitcase by the bedroom door. Was it too late to back out?
    If she didn’t marry Alex, what would happen? My parents will lose nearly everything they’ve worked for and I’ll have let them down.
    The doorbell rang again, this time more shrilly. Picking up her ivory purse and suitcase, Laura headed to the front door, nerves swirling in her stomach.
    “Hi.” She almost stammered, gazing up at Alex, gorgeous and confident in a formal light gray suit, white shirt and robin’s egg blue tie.
    “ Everything okay?” His dark eyes swept over her.
    It was hard to tell from his expression what he was thinking. Did he think she looked good? It would be nice if he told her he liked her dress. After all, he did pay for it, she thought a little guiltily.
    She pasted a smile on her face. “Yes.” Gesturing to the suitcase at her feet, she added, “I’m ready.”
    “ Good.” Alex picked up her case and held out his other hand to her.
    Placing her hand in his large, strong grasp, she shut the door behind her, checking it was locked. Before she could think about the fact that she was leaving her old life behind, Alex handed her suitcase to the driver and whisked her into the silver town car.
    Her groom held her hand again once she’d settled herself against the luxurious leather seat. Laura decided to take comfort in that, and tried not to think that maybe he laced his fingers with hers so she