Kate Hardy - British Bachelors - Delicious & Dangerous

After knocking and entering the room, Kit stared wide-eyed at the proudly displayed evidence of his achievement—awards he’d received from the music industry and stunning photographs of the various sporting challenges he’d participated in round the world. The only evidence of anything more personal was a lovely silver-framed portrait of his sister Sam.

Unable to help herself, Kit twitched her lips in amusement when her glance collided with the calendar above Hal’s desk. The photograph depicting the current month was of a generously curved, famous blonde model wearing a white bikini... Scratch that... Nearly wearing a white bikini. She was still smiling when her gaze returned to Hal and saw that his chameleon-gold eyes were studying her intently, as if he was wondering what she made of all the awards and pictures on show...never mind the audacious calendar.

‘You must be very proud of all your achievements,’ she commented brightly. She didn’t anticipate the downturned mouth and impatient shrug he gave her in response.

‘There are other things I’d like to achieve more,’ he answered intriguingly.

‘Like what, exactly?’

The handsome features were instantly guarded. ‘It’s not something I feel inclined to discuss right now, if you don’t mind.’

‘I don’t mind at all.’

Kit genuinely meant that, but she couldn’t help but be curious as to what exactly Hal Treverne wanted to achieve that was even more commendable than what he’d attained already. Was there any goal or pursuit in the privileged world he inhabited that he hadn’t accomplished or excelled at? It didn’t seem likely.

Lightly folding her arms over her flannel shirt, she asked, ‘What did you call me in for?’

Leaning back in his leather chair, he extracted a business card from his leather wallet and handed it to her.

‘I’d like you to book a table for two at this restaurant for lunch today. Tell them that I’d like one of the more private tables, with some space around it so that I can stretch out my leg.’

Briefly examining the card and recognising the name of an elite Michelin-starred restaurant that the rich and famous were known to frequent, Kit quickly scanned her memory banks for easily accessible nearby parking in the area.

As if reading her mind, Hal said, ‘You don’t have to worry about parking. The concierge will have a member of staff do that for us when we arrive.’

‘Okay. What time should I book the table for?’

‘Half past one will be fine.’

‘And are you meeting your guest at the restaurant?’ Her heart thudded heavily at the thought that he was probably meeting some nubile blonde who was his latest lady-friend. Kit didn’t quite buy his assertion that he hadn’t dated in over six months. A man like Hal Treverne wouldn’t be without a woman for very long—not if his colourful reputation was anything to go by.

‘What guest?’ He was looking distinctly perplexed. ‘It’s you I’m going to lunch with, Kit. Isn’t that obvious?’

Now her heart thudded even harder. ‘But you’re booking a table at one of the most fashionable eateries in town. Do I have to dress up? If I do then I can’t go. My wardrobe doesn’t stretch to anything remotely suitable for a restaurant like that, and I don’t want to embarrass you.’

‘Embarrass me? You obviously don’t get out a lot do you, sweetheart?’ Tunnelling his fingers through his thick mane of dark curls, Hal shook his head bemusedly. ‘You don’t need fashionable clothing, or indeed any adornment other than that mane of glorious fiery hair and those beautiful blue eyes of yours, to make you fit to appear in any fancy restaurant in the world. Besides, I’ve frequented this particular establishment more times than I care to mention, and trust me...’ the sculpted lips shaped themselves into an irrepressible grin ‘...the owner—who happens to be a personal friend of mine—would cut off his right arm rather than risk losing my custom.’

Silently reeling from the totally unexpected effusive compliment she’d just received, and the fact that yet again he had called her sweetheart, Kit struggled for a moment to reply.

‘All right, then. I’ll go ahead and make the reservation.’

‘Good. Now, as much as I regret bringing our little tête-à-tête’ to an end, I suppose I’d better get on with some work. By the way, Mrs Baker, my cleaning lady, is due in soon. Let her in and introduce yourself, will you?’

‘Of course.’

‘Good.’

As he turned his attention back to the paperwork strewn untidily across his desk Kit quietly let herself out, wondering what she could do to help make her more impervious to Hal Treverne’s irresistible charm and charisma if she were to continue to stay working for him.

CHAPTER SIX

IN ADMIRATION, HAL had seen Kit turn what might have been a somewhat awkward entrance into the restaurant into a flawlessly smooth operation that he could never have managed on his own. Even though he was well-known, and it had no doubt not gone unnoticed by the other notable diners that he’d been injured in a foolish skiing accident, Hal hated the idea of inviting unnecessary attention when all he wanted to do was enjoy some of the finest cuisine in the country in peace with his chosen companion.

But even when he’d happened to catch someone’s inquisitive gaze Kit’s gracious smile and softly spoken reassuring words at his side had helped him to brush it off and they had proceeded to their table unhindered.

Pleased that his confidence in walking with the aids was definitely improving, Hal relaxed. His spirits rose even more when he saw that it was his beautiful Titian-haired companion who was drawing most of the attentive glances that came their way—he certainly wasn’t above feeling some typically masculine pride at having an attractive companion.

The interest in Kit had started with the charming French maître d’, who had all but gone into Gallic ecstasy at the sight of her rippling burnished hair. She wore it loose at Hal’s request, because he’d wanted to see it unbound again. And it hadn’t been hard to detect the curious minds of the other diners avidly whirring at their entrance into the restaurant. They must be wondering about their relationship, putting two and two together and undoubtedly making five...

But whatever people were imagining about his association with Kit Hal couldn’t deny that his idea of making their relationship more intimate had been growing stronger the more time they spent together, and he longed to make it a reality.

‘Can I tempt you with some wine?’ he asked as Kit’s extraordinary blue eyes gravely studied her copy of the leather-bound menu.

‘Wine?’ She blinked up at him in astonishment. ‘I’m driving. Did you forget?’

Unbelievably, he had. He was so lost in his contemplation of her captivating features that it seemed he had forgotten how to think straight. Embarrassed heat pulsed through his bloodstream and he knew it must have invaded his face. The atypical reaction made him feel like an inexperienced schoolboy instead of a thirty-two-year-old man who had always been supremely confident around women... It was hardly a feeling he welcomed.

‘I confess I did. It’s a shame. They have some incredible wine here.’ Lifting his own copy of the menu, he attempted to peruse it.

Taking him by surprise, Kit leaned across and curled her elegantly slim hand round his.

‘It doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t have a glass if you want one. Although I’d advise you not to overdo it since you’re taking medication at the moment.’

Hal hardly registered her words because the touch of her skin against his was like receiving an electric shock that left him reeling. Now he didn’t just like her touch, he realised...he had begun avidly to crave it. But as his heartbeat slowly started to return to its normal rhythm he couldn’t deny that she’d pricked his pride by reminding him of his current despised condition.