The French Aristocrat's Baby by Christina Hollis Page A

to run her fingers over the polished, turned wood of handrails or the sleek chrome and glass fittings. Each time they passed an open door, she couldn’t resist peeking in. Etienne clearly did a lot of entertaining. There were several lounges and public areas, all decorated with restrained good taste. Everything had the look of money well spent—a lot of money. The only thing the place lacked was people.
    ‘Where is everyone? You’ve got dozens of staff on here—I’ve seen them. Where are they now?’
    ‘In a ship this size it is easy to disappear. That’s why I like it so much.’ He ran his hand along a polished rosewood rail. Gwen saw real pride in his movements, and satisfaction in his smile. ‘I can slip away from the largest party, and everyone will assume I’m merely circulating in some other part of the yacht.’
    ‘It sounds like you enjoy socialising about as much as I do,’ she joked.
    ‘No, I hate it.’
    He was deadly serious. So was Gwen.
    ‘Snap.’
    ‘I can’t believe that.’ His expression eased, as though the ice had been broken and he was glad neither of them had fallen through. ‘You were born to entertain, Gwen, if anyone ever was.’
    His voice was like satin now. With blinding insight, Gwen knew he was calling to mind the way she had pleased him in bed. Her mind filled with unforgettable images, too, but she wasn’t going to fall under his spell again. Her first experience had given him the impression she was his mistress for the asking, and that made her wary. She wasn’t going to let him take advantage of her so easily this time. Her self-esteem depended on it.
    ‘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 handsomemouth 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