The French Aristocrat's Baby (10 page)

‘Your staff didn’t turn a hair when you introduced me. I suppose they’re used to you bringing an endless procession of women on board,’ she said, reminding herself that spectacular skills like his weren’t honed over one night, or even a thousand.

Etienne had an easy answer. ‘The reason for that is simple. They know you’re here on business.’

Gwen laughed. ‘When their boss has your taste for the ladies? The staff here must have seen a thousand different ones. I’ll bet they’re all discussing exactly what sort of “business” we’re up to right now!’

‘Gwen!’ Etienne looked shocked as he showed her into a boardroom and flipped the sign outside to ‘In Conference’. ‘They wouldn’t dream of it, if they wanted to keep their jobs. I hope you don’t allow that sort of gossip in your kitchens at Le Rossignol!’

‘Of course I don’t. My staff don’t have time to look up from their work. Nattering about anything is right out of the question.’

Trying to forget all the gossip she had heard about the Countess Sophie’s plans for Etienne, she followed close behind him. He led the way into a light, airy room furnished with high-tech screens and projectors. A long, highly polished table stood in the centre, surrounded by chairs. A crystal carafe of iced water and two glasses stood beside a blotting pad placed at the head of the table. Gwen also noticed a small collection of official-looking documents. Etienne strode towards his place and pulled out the grand carved chair nearest it. He gestured for her to sit down. As she did he poured a glass of water and placed it on a coaster beside her.

‘I thought you would be too sensible to allow chit-chat to distract your staff. It’s another sign of a good businesswoman. The other night I saw how much you hate to disappoint your customers.’

That wicked smile was dancing around his handsome
mouth again. Gwen stared at him, willing herself not to blush. It didn’t work.

Taking his seat at the head of the table, he opened the file that lay on top of the pile before him. She watched his eyes scan the first page, wishing he would look at her. When he did, she was unprepared for the effect it would have. Her blush returned with increasing heat. The urge to move in her seat with the memory of squirming beneath his hands fired her with a desire she knew she could never risk tasting again.

‘It’s true: any visitor to Le Rossignol can be sure their privacy will be respected,’ Gwen said, trying to settle herself. Despite everything, the amusement in his eyes was infectious. Her façade of disapproval cracked with a smile, but she was determined to keep this business meeting on track. ‘Any secret is totally safe with me.’

‘I knew it would be. That’s good. I’d prefer our discussions here today to remain confidential,’ he said, and then dropped his voice to a seductive whisper. Leaning forward, he smiled at her with a warmth that threatened to melt the core of her resistance.

‘The fact is, I’m hoping to make you an offer you can’t refuse, Gwen Williams.’

Her eyes widened with alarm. If he was making a move on her, she would be powerless to resist. They were miles out to sea. There could be no escape this time. Terrified he would trample all over her feelings again, Gwen knew she must resist. She also knew it would be far too great a test of her will power. Her body was urging her to stay, and melt into his arms again. It was left to her mind to try and save her self-respect.
Dropping her hands flat on the boardroom table, she tried to spring to her feet. Quickly, Etienne dropped his hand over hers. It was a heavy, decisive movement with no trace of seduction or romance. She froze, and looked into his eyes. They were glowing, but with nothing more than cold reason.

‘Relax! I’ve told you before. It isn’t that sort of offer, Gwen.’

Slowly, she sank back into her seat. His message was received and understood. She looked down at her reflection in the mirror-like sheen of the boardroom table. For some time Etienne didn’t move a muscle. Then slowly he withdrew his hand, dragging his slightly roughened palm across the smooth, delicate skin of her fingers. Picking up his pen, he switched his attention to a report on his blotter. While Gwen waited in silence, he made some notes. The sound of his gold nib inscribed the silence. When it seemed he had forgotten her, she lifted her palms slowly from the table, ready to put them in her lap. She was mortified to see they left prints behind on the polished surface. They lasted only as long as the pressure of his hand had done on her skin.
His memory of our night together must have vanished in the same way
, she thought.

Etienne continued to study the open file before him. When he sensed she had settled again, he looked up from his notes. His expression had all the integrity of jet. It combined beauty and inescapable darkness in one irresistible look.

‘I’ll come straight to the point, Gwen. I need to broaden my investment portfolio. The hospitality industry is exactly the type of diversification I need. Le
Rossignol has been my favourite restaurant from the moment Nick bought it. I’ve since discovered its success is entirely due to your flair in the kitchen. I’d hate to see it close through lack of working capital. That’s why I want to inject some money into your business.’ He paused minutely as Gwen opened her mouth to interrupt. The look on his face dared her to disagree. Taking her cue from his expression, she said nothing, but smiled instead.

Etienne looked back at his notes and reconsidered. Clearing his throat, he rephrased his last words. ‘I want to ensure I can dine there whenever I like, safe in the knowledge that you are going to be the hostess and head of the kitchen. In short, Le Rossignol needs money, and I have plenty of it. Funds would be the only thing on offer—it’s no good expecting me to lend a hand with the washing-up,’ he coaxed her with a smile.

Gwen tried to respond, but she could barely form a reply. ‘If you know so much about the money side, I’m amazed you aren’t ready to employ someone for little details like that,’ she said faintly.

‘Talking about the work is the extent of my skill in the kitchen,’ he replied with dry humour. ‘That’s why you will remain in complete control. I’ve had my experts draw up a legal document—this is your copy.’ He closed the file he had been working on and slid it across the table to her. ‘Where they’ve been too pompous I’ve added a few footnotes so that you and I both know exactly what they mean.’

Gwen stared at the orange file as though it were a snake ready to strike. How could anyone put money into a business without wanting to control it?

‘Th-thank you, Etienne. That’s very kind of you,’
she said slowly, hoping she really could believe that. She had been brought up by hard-nosed business people. She knew what business life did to people, and couldn’t bear to think of Etienne being similarly underhand. ‘But I have to ask—what’s in this for you?’

‘I’ve told you: it is part of my wider strategy to spread my investments. In addition, I get to eat and entertain at the finest venue in this part of France.’

‘And that’s all?’ She watched him carefully. He showed no outward signs of tension whatsoever. Leaning forward, he clasped his hands loosely on the desk before him. He was the perfect businessman, ready for the next topic on his agenda.

‘What happens if I say no?’

He stared at her, taking some time to compute what she had said. Then without warning he broke eye contact, poured himself a glass of water and took a long, slow drink. When he put down his glass, he stretched the silence further until eventually he announced: ‘If you do, you will prove yourself to be as sadly misguided as the last woman who refused to take my advice. I’m sure you know what happened to her.’

Gwen felt her stomach turn a somersault. In a couple of days, Etienne had flipped her life upside down to devastating effect. When she looked at him now, her eyelids fluttered with apprehension. In contrast, his gaze was rock steady. Penetrating her puny defences, his single-minded power alarmed her. She passed the tip of her tongue nervously over her parched lips.

‘I hardly like to ask,’ she said faintly. Etienne looked surprised, and suspicious.

‘You must have seen the press coverage at the time?’

Gwen shook her head, confused. His laughter subsided into a bitter smile.

‘It was front-page news. The glossies had a field day.’

Gwen, who couldn’t remember when she last had the time to read anything beyond a recipe book, stared at him bleakly.

‘Thank you for your discretion, Gwen, but don’t worry about hurting my feelings. I no longer have any. They were burned away long ago. Angela Webbington’s deceit made sure of that. And with your links to Nick, I’m sure he’s told you all the repulsive details the media missed.’

‘No…I hardly know the man.’ She shook her head, bewildered. ‘He’s my landlord, that’s all. Since Carys jilted him and I bought out their share of the business, we’ve rarely had time to chat.’

Etienne stared at her for a long time. Gwen felt under intense pressure, but she could do nothing about it. She had never heard of this Angela Webbington in her life, but she was certain of one thing. The moment she next got her hands on a computer, search engines would be humming with the name.

‘There’s no point in expecting me to crack and change my story, Etienne. I can only tell you the truth. I have no idea what went on in your past. And I’m not sure I want you to tell me, right now,’ she said uneasily. ‘I’d rather feel free to come to my own decision over your plan. I don’t want the shadow of some other woman’s mistake hanging over me.’

His expression changed, but she found it impossible to tell what was going on in his mind.

‘Then you’re very wise,’ he said quietly. ‘Let’s concentrate on my plans to become your business partner, instead. What do you think, Miss Williams?’ he said, gently mocking her earnest expression.

Gwen took a deep breath. She felt on safer ground when the talk turned to Le Rossignol, but had to speak her mind. The chances were Etienne wouldn’t like that, and she didn’t relish the thought of provoking him.

‘I—I shall have to think about it,’ she ventured, too afraid of what she might see to lift her eyes from the smart, customised file in front of her. Then she thought of a way to escape from this confrontation with her dignity intact. ‘Can I take this away with me and study it? I could give you my answer tomorrow.’

He was silent for so long, Gwen couldn’t stand it. Finally she let her eyes work their way across the table until she reached his blotting pad. His hands were there, as smooth and golden as ever. They cradled the barrel of his fountain pen as lightly as they had once danced over her body. Now they were still. Her gaze was drawn inexorably upwards, over the body she craved to his resolute stare. It was softer now, but still warned her to keep at arm’s length.

‘Is that all right? Can I have some time to consider your offer?’ she repeated nervously. He pressed his lips together. It was a gesture of exclusion, concealing every trace of their naturally sensuous shape.

‘I can’t deny I’m surprised, Gwen. I thought you’d jump at the chance. But you can certainly take time to read over the contract—of that I insist.’

‘I didn’t come this far to sign away everything I’m
fighting for in a moment of desperation—I mean,
to sign away all my rights without studying what my responsibilities will be
,’ she corrected herself quickly.

Etienne raised a brow at the word she had been swift to cover up. ‘Desperate, Gwen?’

There was no point in denying it. This man knew all about her unpaid electricity bill. He probably suspected lack of money was the reason her car ran out of petrol. That stung, because it wasn’t true. Gwen raised her chin and looked him straight in the eye. ‘I always pay my debts. It’s finding the time to do it that’s the problem.’

He nodded. ‘That’s why my idea is your perfect solution.’ Looking closely at her face, he ran his gaze over her again and again as he catalogued all the details. ‘I can see how heavily the responsibility weighs on you. When was the last time you had a decent night’s sleep?’

Gwen blushed. Etienne’s eyes, which until then had been riveted on her, flicked away. It was his turn to make a correction. ‘
Uninterrupted
sleep, that is?’

‘I can’t remember. There’s always something that needs attention. Or somebody,’ she finished lightly.

‘Then why don’t you look upon my offer as a way to buy yourself some time? My investment in Le Rossignol would fund extra staff, new equipment, IT training and anything else you need to make your business run more smoothly. Notice how I used the term investment. I didn’t call it my
money.
I know how you feel about offers of personal generosity.’ He looked at her acutely from beneath his fine dark brows.

Gwen did not share his quiet amusement. She winced
at the memory of what had happened over breakfast the previous day. Etienne didn’t let that stop him for a minute. He was already moving on.

‘Under this scheme, you’ll be free to concentrate on the things you do best—catering and entertaining. I’d be your sleeping partner, an arrangement that will benefit us both. A
business
arrangement, that’s it,’ he stressed again.

Gwen hardly needed his emphasis. The perfectly produced business plan in front of her and his quiet formality would have been reassurance enough. The fact she was indeed desperate added another good hard shove in the direction of accepting his offer.

She sat on her hands. Every instinct told her to play it cool; this just seemed too good to be true. Could anyone be so kind without an ulterior motive? She organised her face into an expression of deep scepticism. It was either that, or throw herself across the desk, showering him with grateful kisses while she searched for his chequebook. She let her dangerously dishonest expression slide across the table and onto her lap. There she studied her hands with their crossed fingers, and hoped.

‘I still don’t know…’ She squeezed the words out as though they were taxable. ‘I need to think about it.’

Well—I never knew I could lie like that!
she thought, astonished. In a few short hours Etienne had introduced her to all sorts of new experiences. She despised dishonesty, both in herself and others. The only way she managed to get the words out was by telling herself she wasn’t actually altering the truth. She was only backing away from it.