Read Online Amaryllis by Jayne Castle - Free Book Online

percent of the time. That’s one of the reasons I registered with them.”
    Nelson uttered his famous, well-modulated chuckle. “After covering Trent all these years, I can assure you that he doesn’t believe in wasting time. The Iceman is a man of action, Miss Lark.”
    Amaryllis turned a vivid shade of pink. She did not exactly breathe fire, but Lucas was almost positive he could see the flames in her spectacular green eyes. For some reason, her glare did wonders for his mood.
    “So the rumors are true, Mr. Trent?” Elaine asked. “You are registered?”
    “It’s time,” Lucas said. “I’m not getting any younger.”
    Nelson nodded. “I know what you mean. I’ll be registering myself one of these days. Will you be staying here in New Seattle after you get married, or will you return to the Western Islands?”
    “I intend to run my business from the city.” Lucas watched Amaryllis. “It’s time for Lodestar Exploration to diversify and expand its scope beyond the search for jelly-ice. I’ll need to be here at company headquarters to oversee that change in direction.”
    “Sounds like new horizons for Lodestar.” Nelson gave Lucas a speculative look. “Any chance that one of those new ventures might be a shot at politics? Your name has come up as a possible candidate for city-state senator. Any interest?”
    “None whatsoever,” Lucas said. “If you want to talk politics, I suggest you corner Sheffield.”
    “I spoke to him earlier.” Nelson winked. “He’s on an agency date, too. I have a hunch he’ll be announcing his engagement soon.”
    “Not much of a surprise there,” Elaine muttered as she made an adjustment on her camera. “Everyone knows that the voters will never go for an unmarried governor. Especially not one who’s so big on founders’ values.” She gave Amaryllis a determined smile. “Now then, Miss Lark, if you’ll just step a little closer to Mr. Trent, I’ll get this shot, and then Nelson and I will stop pestering you.”
    Amaryllis made one last bid to avoid the inevitable. “I really don’t think—”
    “Don’t be shy, Amaryllis.” Lucas reached out to catch hold of her before she realized his intention. He felt her flinch in surprise as he carefully wrapped his fingers around the fine bones of her wrist. He smiled at her as he drew her gently but inexorably to his side. “As I said, we’re going to be intimately acquainted before this evening is finished.”
    Amaryllis opened her mouth with the obvious intent of making a scathing retort, but before she could say anything the camera flash went off. She blinked several times and closed her mouth.
    “Got it.” Elaine lowered the camera and gave her victims a breezy smile. “Thanks. And best of luck to you both.”
    Nelson nodded. “Appreciate the info on Lodestar’s new direction, Mr. Trent. Okay if I give your office a call later this week to get some details?”
    “Sure,” Lucas said. “My secretary will put you in touch with the right people.” He kept his grip on Amaryllis as Nelson and Elaine plunged back into the crowd in search of new victims.
    “That was unnecessary,” Amaryllis hissed.
    “It was unavoidable. We agreed on the cover story for this evening. The press was bound to want photos.”
    “A shot of you would have been fine. There was no need to let that photographer take a picture of us together. It’ll probably be in the paper tomorrow.”
    “Probably. And there will undoubtedly be several more photos taken before the evening is finished.” Lucas glanced down at her. “What of it?”
    Amaryllis sighed. “My aunt may see one of them.”
    “So?”
    “You don’t know my aunt.” Amaryllis’s mouth tightened. “Never mind. Let’s get on with our business, shall we? Where are Miss Locking and Mr. Beech?”
    Lucas surveyed the crowd and spotted Miranda on the other side of the room. She was not alone. Beech was next to her, his head bent attentively. They were obviously involved