In the Arms of a Reluctant Husband

er aside in the elevator... w

rtbeat before swiftly lowering

election gala, she had gone out of her way

s irony, had other plans. Don Ashford had wanted a quiet, obedien

of the gentle and dutiful woman he expected. Her real self - one who pulled off covert ops a

was... If he found out she was behind tonight's stunt that embarrassed

ot to let it show, a light-hearted, te

t into random women throwing themselves at him," the voice drawled with mock drama.

amusement, part exaspera

nessed their secretive wedding. Of all the people in Don's circle, Charles was the one Lind

said sent a wave of r

gnize me... then Don p

o heavy her own mother might not have known her. Still, she kept her head low and whis

rembling fingers, slipped out quickly, and va

cared off the pretty lady," Ch

the faint smudge now staining the sleeve of his designer coat. A fai

on did that woman

ath. She couldn't believe how narrowly she'd escaped being recognized. Just t

at be hi

lized her frantic movements might draw unnecessary suspici

ard the lingering staff and glared, barking o

heir eyes, cle

ked briskly to the

swear-how she had looked when she delivered the explosive cake earlier. Now, dressed in a

y floor, her eyes locked with someone stepping

Ashf

omach

o scroll through her phone. Once she saw his car pull away and disapp

hat evening, Linda was the

st pastel cardigan and pajama shorts, she sat cross-l

ing a nature documentary. She had even brewed some cha

od up immediately, carefully placin

ather shoes, handed him his slipp

ady?" she as

ly, handing over his coa

d to get ba

N

w your bath," she offer

om romance novels and soap operas. Soft voice, gentle ste

curt nod i

le. She was certain now-he hadn't recognized her at the hotel.

urance, unease continued to

than to underest

blem immediately. He studied it, wai

know... he wouldn't let

d. One slip, one moment of carelessness, and her

sband would do once he realized his quiet, o