The Tycoon's Proposition

“Do I have a choice?”

Their guests collapsed with laughter once more.

“You see how sweet he is? In case some of you didn’t know, until a week ago I worked for the chamber of commerce in South Dakota. It’s the work I do best. That umbrella will allow me much greater scope than the duties of a secretary.

“When Ben let me read the brochure, I noticed right away that the chamber of commerce was missing from the list of businesses. The Atlantis is a city, and every city needs a chamber. With so much on my husband’s mind, I’m sure it was an oversight.”

Some of his directors laughed outloud and burst into applause.

“Fortunately I can now troubleshoot problems of that nature for him. Already I’ve observed a few other things which will need addressing, but not today.

“Today is our wedding day. I want all of you to know I’m married to the most wonderful man I’ve ever known. Every woman should be so blessed. Thank you for celebrating with us.”

As soon as Terri sat down, the captain of the ship took charge. “There will be dancing in the Blue Grotto Lounge on A deck specially arranged for this occasion. Before we go, let us lift our glasses in a final toast to our illustrious couple.”

He beamed at them. “My wife just said she hopes that all your troubles will be little ones. Cheers.”

Terri kept smiling, but inside her heart was breaking. Even if theirs became the normal marriage he’d alluded to, she was terrified she’d never be able to carry his baby the whole nine months.

Ben’s arm went around her waist. “Everything in time,” he whispered, displaying his uncanny ability to know what was going on in her mind. “This will be our first experience dancing together. I’m looking forward to it. Shall we go? Everyone’s waiting for us.”

She gathered the bluebonnets which had been a surprise gift from Ben and left the room on his arm. Outside the lounge where the ship’s photographer took more pictures of them standing with their families, the unmistakable sounds of a Latin band playing salsa vibrated through her nervous system.

Soon her husband was drawing her through the doors to the dance floor. He pulled her into his arms. At this point her senses were uncontrollably alive. The exciting music only served to heighten her awareness of him.

Some of the couples were expert Latin dancers. She was relieved Ben didn’t try to do anything spectacular. He simply moved her around, but even in that there was grave danger she’d give herself away with the motions of their bodies touching and swaying back and forth.

For the next fifteen minutes she struggled to keep a little distance between them. Thank heaven for the flowers she’d insisted on holding even though he’d suggested she put them down somewhere.

She finally lifted her eyes to his. “They won’t last very long. I want to enjoy them as long as possible.”

He studied her for a breathless moment. “In that case, why don’t we slip away and put them in water. Everyone in the room is wondering how soon we’re going to start our honeymoon. We might as well do our disappearing act now and give them a thrill.”

For an exit line it was brilliant. But she had no illusions he was dying to whisk her off to some private place and make love to her.

“That was easy,” he said as soon as the door to his private elevator closed. “Now that we’re truly alone, tell me what you and Captain Ortiz were talking about. Did he say any bodies had been found?”

If anyone could he

ar their conversation right now, they wouldn’t have a clue she and Ben had barely exchanged their wedding vows.

“No. In a word he said he was glad that despite the tragedy, something good had come out of it. He wished us every happiness in our marriage.”

Since Terri feared Ben might side with the captain when it came to giving Juanita money, she decided to leave that part out.

“That was nice of him.”

The elevator came to stop and the door opened to the condo. Their condo now. Wedding presents were piled high in the foyer. Terri could barely make her way through them to the living room.

She whirled around. “It was a beautiful wedding, Ben. Everything a bride could wish for. Thank you for a perfect day. Your family’s wonderful.”

“So is yours.”

He was trying to undo his tie. She reached up and helped him to ease it off along with his jacket.

He trapped her gaze. “I noticed Parker consoling himself with the greatest of pleasure.”

Her pulse tripped over itself. “He hoped you’d notice that kiss. I’m pretty crazy about that brother of yours. I hope he finds his equal one day soon.”