Read Online The Billionaire's Bodyguard Bride by Lisa Weaver - Free Book Online

enjoy. I’ve learned to love working out so I can offset my indulgences. I swim, jog, and practice yoga. I try to mix my routine up so I don’t get bored.”
    “You’ll like my gym, then. It’s one of my favorite features of my country house in Pawling.”
    “You have a place in New York? Still, I don’t see why I have to give up my home for this temporary arrangement of yours.”
    “It’s simple. You’ll be Mrs. Rafe Dimitriou. Separate residences aren’t an option. The house is outfitted with an annex to my main office, and I use it as my base of operations while I’m in New York. You can keep your home for when we dissolve our agreement, of course, but until then you will reside under my roof.”
    Lauren’s body language clearly telegraphed that his casual assumption she would fall into line and do his bidding rankled her, but she didn’t press the issue. “Let’s see how we’re coming along on today’s agenda,” he continued.
    “You drew up an agenda?”
    “Sure. Why not?”
    “Well, for one thing, there’s nothing wrong with spontaneity.”
    “Of course not. But spontaneity and successful business deals don’t mix,” he noted wryly before turning his attention back to the tablet in his hand. “So, we’ve found a swimsuit.”
    “Check,” she confirmed, a blush spreading across her cheeks as she no doubt pictured the cleverly designed scrap of next-to-nothingness in dazzling emerald he’d selected.
    “Cocktail dresses?”
    “Check.”
    “Riding pants and tennis outfit?”
    “Check and check.”
    “Good. Our work here is almost done. We’ll head back to the front after dessert. We still need to track down shoes, lingerie, and a gown for the gala Sunday evening.”
    “This is the first time you’ve mentioned a gala. The Fullertons are hosting a party while we’re guests at the estate?”
    “They’re throwing a bash to celebrate Gracious Living ’s fiftieth anniversary. It’s going to be the social event of the year.”

Apparently there wasn’t a dress in the entire city of New York that was good enough for the occasion. Rafe dragged her to a dozen exclusive designer boutiques in search of the perfect gown, yet scores of exquisite designer creations later he still hadn’t found one he deemed suitable.
    He purchased several of the fashions for other functions they would be attending together, but none, he insisted, were appropriate for the event. By midafternoon, Lauren’s patience was beginning to wear thin.
    “I’ve reached the shop-till-you-drop pinnacle, and I’m about to go over the edge,” she sighed in exasperation. “Can’t we just go with one of the gowns you’ve already selected?”
    Rafe shook his head. “Hang in there for a little longer. I have an idea.”
    Puzzled, she waited while he pulled out his cell and placed a call.
    “Paul,” he greeted. “You once said if I ever needed a favor I was to call on you. I was wondering if I might collect. My fiancée and I are attending the Gracious Living gala this weekend, and she needs something special to wear for the occasion.”
    After a brief pause, Rafe grinned. “Yes, I said, ‘fiancée.’” There was a pause as he listened to the response. His dimples danced again. “I knew you would have just the thing. We’ll see you soon.”
    Fifteen minutes later he parked in front of an elegant brownstone. A sign emblazoned with beautifully detailed calligraphy hung outside the entrance, identifying the building as the DeChamps Workroom.
    Lauren blew out an amazed breath. “Wow. The Paul you just phoned was the Paul DeChamps? The man who designed the dream of a wedding gown I modeled for the benefit fashion show?”
    “Is that a problem?” he drawled, amused at her animated response.
    “Yes. I mean no,” she hastily corrected, flustered. “His designs are exquisite. It’s just that I’ve heard his consultations are by appointment only and his waiting list is six months out.”
    “No worries. He’s assured