Read Online Buying His Bride (The Donovan Brothers Trilogy Book 1) by Alison Ashlyn - Free Book Online

else. Eat your lunch.”
    Jen shook her head. “I’m not eating another bite until you give me a little dirt. You owe me that much. At least tell me whether Michael liked the outfit.” There was a gleam in her eye. “Although he’d have to be dead if he didn’t!”
    No one could take their eyes off you when we walked in just now. You’re a beautiful woman.
    “He liked it, okay? Now can we just finish our lunch in peace?”
    “Oh wow, you have it bad, don’t you? I’ve never seen you like this!”
    Sierra gave up on her salad. “Seen me like what? And I do not have it bad! Yes, Michael’s an attractive man, and okay, we, um, enjoyed each other’s company.”
    That much was true, at least.
    She battled an inclination to play down the date.
    “This is fabulous! I’m so glad for you!”
    “Jen, it was nothing but a first date!” Even if she did have to create the impression that she and Michael were interested in each other, she felt a knee-jerk need to dial back the pace at which her friend was leaping to those very conclusions.
    For her own peace of mind, if nothing else.
    Jen leaned forward. “So what does Brian think of all this?”
    Sierra shrugged. “He’s not thrilled.”
    Doubts assailed her. Had she embarked on a desperate mission to save her and her mother’s home and business in a way that was guaranteed to backfire? How had what was supposed to have been a simple business interview for some extra money turned into this baroque arrangement and the need to convince those around them that she and Michael were falling in love?
    Her desperation, that’s how. And she was desperate enough to make it work.
    Jen watched Sierra’s face. “Grace liked him, though, didn’t she?”
    Sierra nodded.
    “So what’s the problem?” Jen asked. “I like him, your mom likes him, and judging from all your blushing, you seem to like him. Brian will come around once he sees Michael treats you well.”
    Sierra bit her lip, wishing she could tell her the true circumstances of her relationship. If ever she needed to confide in someone it was now. But she couldn’t. “Nothing, I guess,” she replied with determined brightness. “I suppose I’m just nervous about meeting Michael’s family this coming Friday. You know, his father and two brothers.”
    “Whoa!” Jen exclaimed. “That’s quick”
    “Right?” Sierra matched her friend’s tone. “Cocktails at his father’s home in Sea Cliff, with a few family friends.”
    “Wonderful! Another opportunity to dress you up!”
    The enthusiasm on her friend’s face made Sierra laugh despite herself. “Well, I’ll need all the help I can get, I guess, so yes.” She glanced at her watch. “Yikes, it’s late. I’d better get back to the office. Let’s talk later this week, and set it up, okay? I’m going to need all my courage to walk into a den of illustrious Donovans.”

Chapter Five
    The cocktail party was in full swing when Sierra arrived at the Donovan home. Michael insisted on sending a car to her office because Sierra had put in a long day. As she was helped out of it by the driver and greeted at the door by the family housekeeper, she couldn’t help but feel a little overwhelmed by her surroundings.
    It was amazing what a great distance in social class and wealth only a few geographical miles could represent in San Francisco. While the real estate prices in her area of town had skyrocketed in the past couple of decades, it had originally been a middle-class neighborhood. Sea Cliff, on the other hand, had been a site of luxury homes since its earliest days.
    As Sierra entered the large foyer, Michael emerged from a room beyond it where the party was already in full swing. Her heart pounded. He looked incredibly attractive in dark trousers and black cashmere turtleneck.
    They hadn’t seen each other since their date, but Michael had called nightly to speak with her about her day. Sierra half-suspected it was to make sure she didn’t rethink the