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. LeRossignol 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
‘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. LeRossignol 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
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