Emma Darcy - The Incorrigible Playboy

Elizabeth barely stopped her hand from clapping her cheek to rid it of his electric touch. She clenched it into a fist and swiftly decided there would have to be some rules made about this short-term job on the island—like no touching from Harry. No kissing on the cheek, either. He was altogether too cavalier about taking liberties with her.

She was his stand-in manager, not his girl !

She was never going to be his girl .

She needed to find herself a serious man to share all that could be shared.

There was no hope of that happening with a playboy like Harry.

In fact he’d been quite masterful in manipulating Michael into complying with what he wanted. She would have to watch that particular skill of his and not fall victim to any manipulation that would end up with her in the playboy’s bed!

Australia’s most eligible billionaires!

Everyone has heard about Harry Finn’s reputation: he’s utterly ruthless in the pursuit of beautiful women, and his devilishly charming smile is virtually irresistible! What he wants, he gets—and top of his list is secretary Elizabeth Flippence …

Notorious for being merciless in the boardroom, tycoon Michael Finnis all work and no play. Distractions aren’t on his agenda—especially in the too-tempting shape of bubbly, beautiful Lucy Flippence …

Look out for Michael’s story—coming soon from Mills & Boon ®Modern™ Romance.

Initially a French/English teacher, EMMA DARCYchanged careers to computer programming before the happy demands of marriage and motherhood. Very much a people person, and always interested in relationships, she finds the world of romance fiction a thrilling one, and the challenge of creating her own cast of characters very addictive.

Recent titles by the same author:

AN OFFER SHE CAN’T REFUSE

THE COSTARELLA CONTRACT

HIDDEN MISTRESS, PUBLIC WIFE

Did you know these are also available as eBooks? Visit www.millsandboon.co.uk

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Dear Reader

I want to dedicate this book to Marilyn Callaghan, who was my personal assistant, dear friend and travelling companion for eighteen marvellous years. She was involved in the writing of over sixty Emma Darcy books, not only as my muse but also as the person I trusted to keep me on track to deliver the best I could do. It was our friendship that made my writing continue to be a joy in my life.

Last year when she became very ill, and I was too worried about her to be creative, she still kept pushing me to write—coming up with ideas, wanting to be involved with another story. To please her, and to try and distract us both from what was happening in the real world, I started this book. All too soon she was hospitalised, and I sat by her bed reading to her the first few chapters as I finished them. It made her happy to feel she was still part of a world we could make together. I’d just started Chapter Four when she died, leaving me too bereft to go on with it for months afterwards.

But I had to finish it. For Marilyn. The last story that she shared with me. I hope I’ve got it right for her. I hope you enjoy it. She would want you to.

Love always

Emma Darcy

THIRTY.

The big three zero.

If ever there was a birthday to inspire the determination to make a change in her life, this was it.

Elizabeth Flippence assessed her reflection in the mirror with a mixture of hope and anxiety. She’d had her long brown hair cut to just below her ears and layered so that it fluffed out around her face in wild waves with bangs across her forehead. It was a much more modern look and softer, more feminine, but she wasn’t sure she should have let the hairdresser talk her into the vibrant auburn colour.

It was certainly striking. Which was probably what she needed for Michael Finn to really notice her today—notice her as a woman instead of taking her for granted as his superefficient personal assistant. She desperately wanted their relationship to shift from its consistently platonic level. Two years was long enough to pine for a man who seemed fixated on not mixing business with pleasure.

Which was ridiculous. They were so well suited to each other. Surely Michael knew that in his heart. It couldn’t be more obvious. Her frustration over this stand-off situation had been simmering for months, and Elizabeth had decided that today was the day she was going to try smashing down his guard. This makeover should at least capture his attention.

And the hairdresser was right about the auburn tones making her dark brown eyes look brighter. The new hairstyle also seemed to put her rather long nose in better proportion with the rest of her face. It highlighted her slanted cheekbones in a strangely exotic way and even her slightly wide full-lipped mouth looked more right somehow.

Anyway, it was done now and she fiercely hoped it would promote the desired result. When Michael commented on her changed appearance, she would tell him it was her birthday present to herself and maybe … please, please, please … he would suggest celebrating the occasion by taking her out to lunch, or better still, dinner.

She didn’t want to be his Girl Friday anymore. She wanted to be his every day and every night girl. If that didn’t start happening … Elizabeth took a long deep breath as she faced the unavoidable truth. Thirty really was the deadline for a woman to give serious consideration to finding a life partner if she wanted to have a family of her own. Michael Finn was her choice but if he didn’t respond to her differently today, she’d probably be wasting her time to hope for any change from him in the near future. Which meant she would have to move on, try to meet someone else.

She quickly banished the downer thought. It was imperative to be positive today. Smile and the whole world smiled back at you, she told herself. It was one of Lucy’s principles and it certainly worked for her sister, who invariably carved a blithe path through life, using her smile to get her out of trouble. A lot was forgiven with Lucy’s smile.

Elizabeth practised her own as she left the bathroom. She was just slipping her mobile phone into her handbag, ready to leave for work when it played her signature call tune. Quickly flipping it open she lifted it to her ear, anticipating the caller would be Lucy, who had spent the weekend with friends at Port Douglas. Her sister’s voice instantly bubbled forth.

‘Hi, Ellie! Happy birthday! I hope you’re wearing the clothes I bought for you.’

‘Thanks, Lucy, and yes, I am.’

‘Good! Every woman should look bold and beautiful on their thirtieth birthday.’

Elizabeth laughed. The beautiful butterfly blouse, basically in glorious shades of blue and green but with the wings outlined in brown and enclosing a vivid pattern in red and sea-green and yellow and lime, was definitely eye-catching, especially teamed with the sea-green pencil skirt. The outfit was a far cry from her usual style in clothes, but under Lucy’s vehement persuasion, she had let herself be seduced by the gorgeous colours.

‘I’ve had my hair cut, too. And dyed auburn.’

‘Wow! Can’t wait to see that! I’ll be back in Cairns later this morning. I’ll drop in at your office for a peek. Got to go now.’