A Wicked Persuasion Read Online Free PDF Page B

George’spayroll. He even gave me a rise. I was really good at my job, remember. Or had you forgotten?’
    ‘No. I hadn’t forgotten.’ Anything. She looked at him steadily. ‘I haven’t told my father who you are other than the client paying good money to hire River House for a party.’
    He eyed her grimly. ‘So when I introduce myself he might cancel the whole idea!’
    Harriet shook her head. ‘It’s all signed and sealed. My father can’t back out.’ Nor would he if it meant losing such easy money.
    ‘When Ms Brewster suggested River House as a location I thought I was hearing things.’ James’s smile sent shivers down her spine. ‘It was just too good to pass up.’
    ‘For payback?’
    ‘What else?’ He frowned. ‘Yet you don’t actually live in the house any more. What the devil are you doing alone at the Lodge?’
    ‘I wanted a place of my own.’
    ‘I can understand that, but if that was your goal why not live down in the town? Or couldn’t you bear to be too far away from Daddy?’ When she made no response to that he eyed her curiously. ‘I thought you’d be married by now.’
    ‘Ditto!’
    He shook his head. ‘After the treatment you dished out, Miss Wilde, I gave up on relationships and concentrated on the really important things in life—success and money.’
    ‘With spectacular results. I congratulate you.’ She stood up. ‘If that’s all you wanted I’ll go home now, and let you get back to Claudia.’
    He laughed. ‘She’s jealous as hell of you, Harriet.’
    She eyed him blankly. ‘Really? Why?’
    ‘I told her that you and I had a fling together once upon a time.’
    ‘A fling?’ she said with distaste.
    He raised a mocking eyebrow. ‘How else would you describe something so unimportant?’
    She dropped her eyes. ‘I never thought of it that way.’
    ‘I’m surprised you ever thought of it at all!’ he said caustically.
    ‘Are you?’ She looked at her watch. ‘I really must go. Does ten on Saturday work for you?’
    ‘Perfectly.’ He opened the door for her.
    Harriet caught a whiff of soap and expensive wool as she passed him; and something else that was so familiar and singularly James she felt dizzy.
    ‘Hey,’ he said quickly, ‘are you all right?’
    She forced a smile. ‘Too much coffee, and too many late nights.’
    ‘You’re as white as a sheet,’ he said roughly. ‘Let me drive you home. I’ll get your car back to you tomorrow.’
    ‘No! Please, I’m fine. I just need to get to bed.’ And, please God, sleep when she got there.
    James eyed her closely as they made for the conservatory. ‘You obviously work too hard,’ he said, the familiar husky tone in his voice more pronounced. ‘No change there; you always did, even as a teenager.’
    Moira got up with a welcoming smile as they joined the others. ‘You weren’t long.’
    ‘Mission accomplished,’ said Harriet, and returned the smile warmly. ‘It’s been such a pleasure to meet you. Thank you again for the delicious dinner.’
    Moira’s face fell. ‘Surely you’re not leaving already, dear? It’s early, and I’ve had no chance to talk to you!’
    Marcus came to stand by his wife. ‘They obviously work you too hard at your firm, Harriet.’
    From the look on Claudia’s face, this plainly meant shelooked like a hag. Harriet smiled brightly. ‘It’s a busy time right now.’
    ‘It’s been lovely to meet you. Please come again,’ said Lily eagerly. ‘We don’t know anyone here.’
    ‘And never likely to out in the wilds like this,’ complained her sister, and pouted at Marcus. ‘All right for you newly-weds, but not much fun for us.’
    He gave her a quelling look and put an arm round his wife. ‘Since you city girls only come here on flying visits it’s hardly a problem.’
    Time to go, thought Harriet. I get enough angst with my own family. ‘I really must be off. Thank you again. Goodnight.’
    ‘I’ll see you out,’ said James.
    Claudia scrambled to her feet.