Read Online McFarlane's Perfect Bride by Christine Rimmer - Free Book Online Page A

house.
    Tori remembered the picnic tomorrow. “Wait. I almost forgot. You’re invited to a picnic at the Hopping H tomorrow.”
    â€œWill CJ be there?” The sad dark eyes were suddenly brighter.
    â€œYeah. But I’m sure he’ll understand, if you’d rather—”
    Jerilyn put up a hand. “Please. I want to go. My bike’s at your house. Can you pick me up?”
    Tori named a time and Jerilyn said she would be ready.
    As Tori and her dad got back in the rental, she offered, “Hungry?”
    Her dad shook his head. “Butch gave me a sandwich. And I need to get to Bozeman. There’s a flight to Denver at ten to nine.”
    They drove back to Tori’s house.
    â€œThat’s one shiny SUV,” her dad said when he pulled to a stop behind the expensive vehicle. “And there’s a man on your porch.”
    Tori glanced over and saw Connor sitting on her top step, wearing pricey jeans, expensive boots and a dark-colored knit shirt. The sight of him caused her heart to do a happy somersault inside her chest. Which was ridiculous. And physically impossible. “It’s Connor. He’s…a friend,” she said, sounding absurdly breathless. Connor rose and came down the steps. She added, “I’ll introduce you to him, Dad.”
    Connor was already at her side door. She rolled her window down. He was smiling. But his eyes were cool. Maybe he wasn’t all that happy about watching her drive up with a strange man.
    â€œHey,” he said. “I got worried about you.”
    â€œConnor, this is my father, Dr. Sherwood Jones.”
    Suddenly, his dark eyes had warmth in them again. “Dr. Jones. Hello.”
    Her dad stuck his arm across the seat. “Good to meet you, Connor.” Connor put out his hand, too. Tori leaned out of the way so they could shake.
    Then Sherwood gunned the engine. “I hate to run off. But I have to get a move on or I’ll miss that last flight. And while your stepmother is a very understanding woman, she insists I save Sundays for her and the boys.”
    Tori leaned across the console and kissed his cheek. “Thanks, Dad.”
    â€œAnytime.”
    â€œKiss Lucille and hug my brothers for me.”
    â€œWill do.”
    Connor opened her door for her and she got out. With a final wave, Tori’s dad drove off.
    She felt Connor’s hand settle at her waist. A little thrill went through her at the contact. She chided him, “I said I would call.”
    â€œI should be more patient, I know.”
    â€œYes, you should. Especially considering that we’ve only had one date.”
    â€œTwo, if you count tomorrow.”
    She laughed. “It’s not tomorrow yet.” And then she confessed, “I’m glad you’re here.”
    â€œMe, too.” He pulled her closer to his side. “What was that all about?”
    She looked up into those beautiful eyes of his and wanted to trust him—even if he was a shark. “I’m starving.”
    â€œAre you going to tell me what happened today?”
    â€œProbably. But right now, I want to eat.”
    â€œYou want to go out?”
    â€œYou know, you’re sneaking in a third date on me and we haven’t even gotten through the second one yet.”
    â€œIt’s true. That’s exactly what I’m doing. We could go to—”
    She didn’t let him finish. “No. I’ve got some stuffed shells in the fridge. And I’ll make a salad. You want pasta?”
    â€œI ate with CJ. But if you twisted my arm, I’d have a little something.”
    â€œJerilyn will be coming with us tomorrow.”
    â€œTerrific. I wasn’t looking forward to telling CJ otherwise.”
    They went up the walk together, circling Jerilyn’s bike when they got to it. Tori made a mental note to take it up to the porch before she went to bed.
    Inside, Connor pushed the front door shut behind them and