White Collar Wedding Read Online Free Page B

a run.
    The thought made her smile.
    The first time she’d come to this place, Gavin had been out for a run. He’d come into the house, wet from a post-workout swim, and deliciously naked.
    She’d been half-naked as well—interrupted in the process of changing into a bikini. One look at his lean, muscular frame, and she’d allowed him to undress her and take her to the shower. Take her in the shower.
    Hard to believe that had been just a few months ago.
    Lauren was happy they hadn’t waited any longer to get married. It had taken Lauren less than a week alone with Gavin to realize he was the only man for her.
    “Ah, there’s my sleeping beauty. What’s got you lost in thought this morning?”
    Gavin surprised her by walking out of the bathroom, freshly showered and dressed. She admired the way the jeans hugged his hips. The gray T-shirt proudly sporting his college logo wasn’t too shabby, either. Lauren swore the man could make a burlap sack look sexy.
    “I was just remembering our two weeks here over the summer.”
    “Where it all began.” Gavin sat down beside her and caressed her cheek. “Would you do it all again?”
    “In a New York minute.”
    His thumb brushed over her lips. “You’re on Texas time now, baby. We like to take things a little slower down here.”
    “As long as the end result is the same, husband , time can move as fast or as slow as you want. And why are you up and dressed so early? I thought we would stay in bed all day.”
    Gavin laughed. “You’ve no idea how tempting I find that idea. We’ll have plenty of time to laze away in bed, I promise. For now…” He tugged on her hand. “It’s time for you to get a move on. We’ve gotta go.”
    “What?” She fought to keep the whine out of her voice. “Where are we going?”
    “I figured we might as well make sure our honeymoon wasn’t cancelled for no reason. We’re meeting the contractor at the house in two hours.”
    Lauren felt horrible about canceling their honeymoon without discussing it with him. Gavin had been angry at first, but he’d agreed it was for the best.
    “Come on, darlin’.” Gavin bent to peck her lips. “Go jump in the shower. I’ll throw together a quick breakfast. Let’s get this thing done.”
    * * *
    There wasn’t a vehicle in sight when Gavin pulledup to the house exactly two hours later.
    Shit.
    Where was he?
    Gavin’s stomach was in knots. Lauren was so happy, the last thing he wanted to do was spoil it with more delays.
    From the outside, the house looked complete. The large brick structure sported two columns and a porch that went all the way around. There was still the issue of landscaping and if they were going to pour concrete all the way to the main road, but neither of those things would keep them from moving in.
    “I thought you said he’d be here. Are we early?”
    Gavin checked his watch. “No. Right on time.”
    All the happiness drained from Lauren’s face. “And the contractor is late.” Her sigh nearly broke his heart. “Guess we had to come back to reality at some point.”
    Gavin’s gut clenched. He’d rather lose a limb than see that pained expression on her face. “Let’s go inside. Maybe he parked around back.”
    Lauren got out of the truck and followed him to the front door.
    Gavin put the key in the lock and wished he’d had a shot of something stronger than coffee this morning. He pushed the door open, but stopped Lauren from entering.
    “Oh no. We might not live here yet, but it’s still our house. Up you go.”
    It killed him that her laughter was half-hearted this time as he carried her over the threshold … and into a floor-to-ceiling wall of milky plastic sheeting.
    What the…?
    Lauren swore softly. “I love you, Gavin, but please put me down. I need to be on my feet for this.”
    Yes, she did. He hoped.
    Gavin set her down. His blood pounded in his ears. His hands shook and his heart beat as though it were trying to escape his