The Marriage Trap Read Free

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    Maggie made her way through the richly decorated Tuscan kitchen, focused on getting a glass of wine. Why couldn’t anyone else see that the man was after her best friend? Her brother used to hate him, but now Nick invited him to family events and gave him every opportunity to be with his wife. The few times she mentioned it to Alexa, she laughed it off, citing no sexual chemistry.
    Bullshit.
    She knew Alexa never imagined the possibility because she was so in love with Nick and believed the best in people. Maggie trusted Alexa.
    She just didn’t trust the charming Italian who’d wormed his way into their family.
    She’d researched him for the past year, positive she’d discover a damning weakness in case she needed to blackmail him to stay away from Alexa and her brother.
    She’d come up empty each time, except for one blaring item.
    The women.
    Michael was a well-known womanizer. She’d bet in Italy that females had lusted after him, and that hadn’t changed in New York. He was one of the most eligible bachelors in the Hudson Valley. Never a harsh comment regarding his behavior could be unearthed, even from the gossip columns. Yet, one fact remained.
    He never got serious.
    His longest relationship in the past year was two weeks. Maggie smothered a humorless laugh. In a way, she felt as if she’d met herself, only in male form. She could only come up with one solid reason for why he wouldn’t commit.
    Alexa.
    He was so in love with Alexa that he refused to give himself completely to another. Thank God he hadn’t taken her up on her proposition for another date. The memory still embarrassed her. She’d never been rejected by a man before, especially one she initially wanted.
    Maggie poured herself a glass of cabernet, then wandered through the elegant dining room. She noticed the removal of certain antiques and sharp edges, the beginning of baby proofing in her brother’s mansion.
    Alexa swooped down on her with a plate filled with food. “Why aren’t you eating? I need support. I’m trying to lose the baby weight but these appetizers are too good.”
    Maggie grinned at her best friend. “You look fantastic. God, your boobs are huge. I’m so frickin’ jealous.” The black dress emphasized her curvy figure with the scooped neckline and knee-high length.
    Alexa stuck out her tongue. “The benefits of breast-feeding. Let’s hope I don’t leak and ruin my sexy effect. Where’s Lily?”
    Maggie fought a satisfied smirk. “With Michael. He’s changing her diaper.”
    Alexa groaned. “Why did you do that to him? You’re always giving him a hard time. I have to go help.” She put down her plate of food, but Maggie grabbed her arm.
    “Oh, all right, I’ll go check on him. I’m sure he gave Lily to your mom. He’s not stupid, Al, and he’s a man. Men don’t change diapers.”
    “Nick does.”
    Maggie rolled her eyes. “Rarely. He gave Lily to me because he knew she pooped.”
    Alexa glared at her husband from across the room. “Why am I surprised? The other night he asked me to hold her for just a minute and when I went to look for him, he’d gone out. Out of the actual house. In his car. I mean, are you kidding me?”
    Maggie nodded. “I’ll schedule a shopping trip with you soon and we’ll make him pay. Literally.”
    Alexa laughed. “Go save Michael. And be nice to him, for God’s sake. I don’t know what’s up with you two. It’s been almost a year since you went out on that blind date. Did something else happen you didn’t tell me about?”
    Maggie shrugged. “Nope. I told you, I think he’s secretly in love with you. But no one believes me.”
    “This again?” Alexa shook her head. “Maggs, we’re just friends. He’s like family. Trust me, even Nick came around—there’s nothing between Michael and me. Never was.”
    “Right.” Maggie looked at her friend, whom she loved like her sister. Alexa never knew how beautiful she really was, on the inside and outside. Nick