Can't Buy Me Love Read Online Free

will stop fussing about the security guard that Linc insisted on hiring.”
    Eli was Lydia’s security guard?
    â€œAre you okay?” As Reid placed an arm around her shoulders, the scent of his understated cologne wrapped around her.
    â€œI’m fine.” She relished the warmth of his solid embrace. “I can’t believe I was that naïve.”
    â€œThere was no way you could know he wasn’t the family photographer.” He clasped her hand, his thumb rubbing a gentle circle on the back of her hand. “I didn’t mention that Francine Frey has taken our family’s photos for years. She photographed Lydia’s wedding last year.”
    A personal photographer. Mrs. Stanton had a personal chef. And a chauffeur. Mr. Stanton had a private pilot to fly his personal plane. Her whirlwind romance with Reid kept bringing her back to these questions: How long would it takefor her to fit into the Stantons’ lifestyle? What other mistakes would she make before she did?
    She allowed Reid to lead her away, waving off her brothers and father. Let them talk to Lydia. She didn’t want to handle the barrage of questions that was sure to come either now or later. She’d take later—much later. Or somehow manage to avoid it all.
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    A few more miles and they’d be at Bellamy’s—well, at her parents’. Reid couldn’t hold back the smile that tugged at his lips whenever he thought of Bellamy living over her parents’ garage—it was so old-fashioned. Bellamy said it was a great way to save money, but readily confessed that somehow her savings account never quite grew the way she anticipated.
    â€œAll in all, the engagement party went well.”
    Bellamy remained quiet, her eyes closed, her head resting back against the seat of his car, her long curls wilted around her shoulders. Was she asleep?
    Then she half turned to face him, her face hidden in the shifting light and shadow of the moving automobile.
    â€œI’m sorry about what happened—”
    â€œBellamy.” He covered her hands with one of his, his palm brushing against her engagement ring. “You’ve apologized to me. To Lydia. To Francine. To my parents—and to anyone else you could think of. It wasn’t your fault.”
    â€œI just feel so stupid.”
    â€œNo more apologies. It was a small part—a very small part—of our celebration. I had a wonderful time showing you off to my friends and colleagues.”
    â€œShowing me off—right.” Even as she shrugged off his comment, her fingers tightened around his.
    â€œI meant what I said about showing you off. You’re lovely. Charming.” The tires spit out loose gravel as he turned the car onto the unpaved road leading to the Hillmans’ house, causing Reid to decrease his speed. Then he lifted her hand to his lips, kissing her fingertips adorned with those unexpected red nails. “You had everyone laughing while we were opening presents. You were gracious. People now know several reasons why I am marrying you.”
    â€œBecause I make you laugh.”
    â€œThere is that. For the past few years, I’ve been so focused on work it’s as if I’d forgotten how to have fun. You’ve reminded me to slow down and make time for the good things in life.” Reid parked the car alongside the garage, turning the engine off. Leaning toward her, he caressed the side of her face with the back of his hand. “Think one of your parents would come out and check on us if we do a little passionate necking in the car?”
    â€œReid Stanton! You are a grown man!”
    â€œExactly—a grown man engaged to a very beautiful woman whom I haven’t kissed once today.”
    â€œThat is not true. You kissed me when you picked me up.”
    â€œI did? That was hours ago. You’re going to have to remind me.” He curved his hand around her