Claimed: The Pregnant Heiress by Day Leclaire Page A

handed them each their menus. He described the specials for the evening at great length and seemed somewhat taken aback when Chase declined the need for a sommelier.
    â€œYou can have something to drink, if you want,” Emma said once they were alone.
    â€œI’ll order sparkling water.” He glanced around the room. Along one wall a fire crackled in a stone hearth. “I understand they open this room during warmer weather.”
    â€œYes, they remove the glass windows and you can either have it open-air or screened. Jacques’ will even arrange for a private table on the beach for special occasions.”
    â€œI was given that option but it’s too chilly tonight. Plus the wind is blowing straight off the water and I’d rather not spend the night picking sand out of my sea bass.”
    Emma chuckled. “This is a lovely alternative, thank you. The fire is a particularly nice touch.”
    â€œI’m glad you like it.” He gathered up her hand and interlaced their fingers. “You look stunning, by the way. I can’t decide if that dress is red or orange.”
    â€œBurnt orange, and thank you.” It was one of her favorites, a strapless confection that hugged her breasts and drifted to her ankles in layers of feather-light chiffon. “I was afraid I might be too chilly, but the fire makes it just warm enough.”
    Emma stared down at their joined hands and then lifted her gaze to study Chase with intense curiosity. Gently, she pulled her hand free of his. “If you don’t mind my asking, what are you hoping to achieve by bringing me here?”
    â€œAchieve?”
    â€œYou’re a businessman, Chase. That means you have a plan.” She tilted her head, half amused, half exasperated. “Men like you always have a plan.”
    He sat back in his chair, so that shadows leaped across his face. They carved deep into the hollows beneath his sky-high cheekbones and turned his eyes to ebony. “Maybe you should clarify what you mean by that.”
    â€œWhen I say men like you?” At his nod, she continued, “Men like you and Dad and Rafe. You all look at the world like it’s some giant oyster and you’re all trying to figure out the best way to pry it open and seize the pearl inside for your own. Somemen just whack at it, willy-nilly. Others sit around and wait, hoping the oyster will open up on its own. Businessmen—”
    â€œâ€”like me, your father and Rafe,” he clarified.
    â€œExactly. Businessmen always have a plan of attack.” She took a sip of water and gazed at him over the rim. “Care to share yours?”
    â€œNo problem.” He snapped open his leather-bound menu and perused the contents. “I plan to seduce you into compliance.”
    â€œReally?”
    â€œReally.” He peered over the top of the menu and lifted an eyebrow. “How’s it working so far?”
    She considered. “Fairly well,” she admitted. “But it’s early yet.”
    â€œIn that case, I’ll wait until after the appetizers.”
    The appetizers nearly worked. The crab-stuffed artichoke hearts were incredible and if she’d been foolish enough to combine them with wine, she might have crawled right into his lap and let him have his wicked way with her. Again. But the reason she refused the wine—her pregnancy—helped keep her libido in check. Or it did for the most part.
    A three-course dinner followed the appetizers, the seafood perfectly cooked and plated. They shared each other’s meals, which only deepened the level of intimacy. All the while, Emma waited for Chase to make his first move, curious to see if it would come as a romantic overture or under the guise of “getting to know you better.” He chose the latter, much to her distress.
    â€œSo, I gather you’re an only child, which probably explains the princess label everyone in town is intent on hanging around