THE BOSS’S MISTRESS

Out of the office…and into his bed

These ruthless, powerful men are used to

having their own way at the office.

And with their mistresses,

they’re also boss in the bedroom!

Don’t miss any of our
fantastic stories this month:

The Italian Tycoon’s Mistress

by Cathy Williams #13

Ruthless Boss, Hired Wife

by Kate Hewitt #14

In the Tycoon’s Bed

by Kathryn Ross #15

The Rich Man’s Reluctant Mistress

by Margaret Mayo #16

Only in Harlequin Presents EXTRA!

MARGARET MAYO is a hopeless romantic who loves writing and falls in love with every one of her heroes. It was never her ambition to become an author, although she always loved reading—even to the extent of reading comics out loud to her twin brother when she was eight years old.

She was born in Staffordshire, England, and has lived in the same part of the country ever since. She left school to become a secretary, taking a break to have her two children, Adrian and Tina. Once they were at school, she started back to work and planned to further her career by becoming a bilingual secretary. Unfortunately, she couldn’t speak any languages other than her native English, so she began evening classes. It was at this time that she got the idea for a romantic short story. Margaret, and her mother before her, had always read Mills & Boon romances, and to actually be writing one excited her beyond measure. She forgot the languages, and now has more than seventy novels to her credit.

Before she became a successful author, Margaret was extremely shy and found it difficult to talk to strangers. For research purposes, she forced herself to speak to people from all walks of life, and now says her shyness has gone forever—to a certain degree. She is still happier pouring her thoughts out on paper.

THE RICH MAN’S RELUCTANT MISTRESS
MARGARET MAYO

TORONTO • NEW YORK • LONDON

AMSTERDAM • PARIS • SYDNEY • HAMBURG

STOCKHOLM • ATHENS • TOKYO • MILAN • MADRID

PRAGUE • WARSAW • BUDAPEST • AUCKLAND

CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

EPILOGUE

THE RICH MAN’S RELUCTANT MISTRESS

CHAPTER ONE

SMOKY blue eyes looked with shocked disbelief into delicate green ones. Seconds ticked away. Zane was the first to speak.

‘You!’ he exclaimed, his voice deep and gruff and entirely disbelieving, almost accusatory.

Lucinda nodded, slowly and deliberately. ‘Yes, it’s me, and I’m as surprised as you are.’

Except that surprised was far too mild a word. Even shocked wasn’t good enough. Stunned perhaps. And had she known who to expect she would never have come here today. Zane Alexander was not on her list of favourite people. Her experience working for him a few years ago had shown he was insensitive, uncaring and a whole host of other adjectives she could have put her mind to had she wanted. Except—that business was business.

‘What are you doing here?’ came the next curt question.

‘You sent for me.’ Her eyes were full of innocence. ‘I have an appointment.’

‘But—you’re a nanny!’

Lucinda allowed her lips to curve into a smile. Not that it held any pleasure. Her only pleasure was in seeing this man at a loss. ‘I was a nanny,’ she corrected. ‘And, by the way, how’s Tim?’

‘Very well,’ he responded.

‘And I only did it to fund myself while I was preparing to go into business,’ she explained.

Zane Alexander frowned. ‘But it couldn’t have been more than two years ago. Three at the most! How can you possibly be—’

‘Experienced?’ she suggested sweetly. ‘Believe me, Mr Alexander, I’m very experienced.’

Blue eyes narrowed and one brow crooked upwards. Although Lucinda knew what he was thinking she didn’t let it show. She kept a cool smile on her lips and a question in her eyes.

Zane Alexander’s brow dropped again until his eyes levelled on hers. ‘Show me your credentials.’

Lucinda reached out her portfolio and sat there quietly while he studied it. In turn she chose to study him. He was really quite a handsome man—it was a pity he didn’t have a handsome character to match. In the few weeks she had worked for him she had seen enough to recognise that he thought more of going out with one of his numerous lady friends than he did caring for his son.

He had medium blond hair that waved in gorgeous disarray. It was cut reasonably short in an effort to tame it but without much success. She bet it was the only thing in his life he couldn’t take control of.

His eyes were beautifully shaped and a dusky sort of blue, like smoke out of a chimney, with fair lashes and light eyebrows that matched his hair both in colour and disobedience. His mouth was full and wide and at this moment compressed. It was a very mobile mouth, though. She had seen it smiling and even laughing, as well as expressing the grimness he showed at this moment. It was a nice mouth, she admitted reluctantly.

‘I have to confess,’ he said now, waving the folder, ‘that this is very impressive. And you did come highly recommended.’

‘Is that a compliment?’ she asked, eyes wide and questioning.

‘Not at all!’ came the swift reply. ‘I’m not in the habit of handing out compliments to people I hardly know. But I can see that you’ll be capable of doing the job I want.’

‘And that would be?’ she asked. When his PA had phoned to make the appointment with her secretary, apart from saying that it was a prestigious interior design job for Mr Alexander of Revelation Holdings, no further details had been given. The name Alexander had meant nothing to her. She certainly hadn’t equated it with the Mr Alexander she had done the nannying job for and she was deeply curious as to why he had sent for her.

Nothing around here needed refurbishing. His office block was modern, immaculate and totally awe-inspiring. All the best quality materials had been used, the colours were muted and restful and the right accents added. And, from memory, his house was the same! Large and impressive and flawless.

Perhaps he was moving? Perhaps he’d bought a second home? Perhaps his business was expanding? There was no end of possibilities. She waited patiently for him to tell her.

It was rare for Zane Alexander to be taken by surprise, but today he had been literally swept off his feet when Lucinda Oliver had walked into his office. When he’d last seen her she had simply introduced herself as Lucy, and although she was a lovely looking girl he hadn’t thought about her since.

Today she looked far more grown-up, with her flaming Titian hair brushed back in some sort of fancy loop, revealing the fine bone structure of her face and her long elegant neck. Carefully made-up green eyes shone from a matt complexion, her nose was beautifully straight and her mouth held only the merest hint of lip-gloss.

He suddenly realised that she was waiting to hear about the job and he was forced to give his head a mental shake before he could take his eyes from her. He pressed a button on the console on his desk to draw the window blinds, then another to slide down a huge screen that took up most of one wall.

‘Are you ready?’ he asked.

A tiny nod of her head was all the response he got.

The first image appeared on the screen. ‘This is a property I’ve recently acquired,’ he announced. ‘I’ve had one or two alterations made to it but now I need someone to add the finishing touches. I’ve been told you’re the best.’

Lucinda lifted well-shaped brows. ‘I thank whoever said that, although personally I don’t think I have yet achieved such stardom, but I do pride myself on my work and I’ve already won an award, if that’s good enough for you. Where is this property?’ It was a sprawling one-storey building, set amongst palm trees and tropical blue skies. ‘Not in England, that’s for sure,’ she added.

‘You’re right. I wasn’t going to tell you until you’d seen the rest of the photographs, but since you’ve asked—it’s in St Lucia.’

‘The Caribbean?’ Her green eyes widened ever so slightly and he realised how beautiful they were—wide-spaced and long-lashed—and he wondered why he had never noticed them before. They were expressive eyes and at this moment they revealed an inner tension. She was clearly feeling apprehensive. Perhaps it was because of who he was? Perhaps she had never taken on a job out of England? Perhaps he was asking too much of her?

‘That’s right,’ he answered, watching her closely.

‘And you expect me to go all the way out there?’ An even deeper incredulity darkened her eyes.

‘All expenses paid, of course,’ he answered smoothly, smiling now at her expression. ‘I take it that you’re not accustomed to jetting around the world for the sake of your job?’

‘No, I’m not.’

‘Would you object to it?’ He hoped not. He was enjoying her company and would like to see more of her. Lucy the nanny had done nothing for him. But Lucinda the interior designer was surely every man’s dream.

It was a hot day and she was dressed in ivory silk wide-legged trousers and a jacket that skimmed her waist. Around her neck hung a bronze three-tiered pendant which almost disappeared into her delectable cleavage. It was matched by bronze earrings and even her nails wore bronze polish.

She was elegance personified and nothing like the girl who had turned up at his house in blue jeans and a T-shirt. It alarmed him to realise that he would enjoy the pleasure of peeling the suit off her slow inch by slow inch and feasting his eyes on the sylphlike body beneath.

‘It all depends,’ she said with a faint grimace.

Zane berated himself. It was ridiculous to let his thoughts run in such a foolish direction. ‘On what?’ he asked briskly. ‘On how much I’d pay you?’

‘Amongst other things,’ she acknowledged, her eyes steady on his now, no sign of the tension he had seen earlier. ‘For instance, where would I be staying? Is the house habitable?’

‘Absolutely,’ he concurred, pleased to hear that she was considering his proposition. Perhaps she’d suddenly realised that she was on to a good thing.

‘And how long would I be away?’ she asked. ‘I’m not used to—’

‘Do you have family commitments?’ he interrupted sharply, glancing curiously at her left hand. He felt strangely relieved when he saw no ring, then asked himself why. So long as she could do the job, her personal affairs were inconsequential.

‘None at all,’ she answered. ‘You needn’t fear that there’s anything to get in the way of my work.’

‘No boyfriend who’d object to you being away for a few weeks?’ He watched her face closely. He was intrigued. In almost three years she had changed from a girl, a well-adjusted girl admittedly, to a sophisticated, confident woman whose rise up the ladder of success was truly remarkable.

Lucinda’s smile was wry. ‘No boyfriend.’

Was that regret he heard in her voice? Had there been someone recently? He wanted to know but it was too soon for such personal questions. And he had to ask himself why he was taking such an inordinate interest in her private life. Purely to safeguard his interests, of course! He didn’t want someone who couldn’t give one hundred per cent of her attention.

‘Then I think we should look at the rest of the photographs,’ he said quietly. ‘And tonight I’ll take you out to dinner so that we can discuss the project properly.’ He pushed back a cuff and glanced at his watch.

‘And what is wrong with discussing it now?’ asked Lucinda, hearing the crossness in her voice but ignoring it.

Brows rose disapprovingly. ‘Although you come highly recommended, I prefer to make my own judgement.’

Lucinda tossed her head, her eyes flashing crossly. ‘I thought you’d convinced yourself that I was good enough?’

‘And of course,’ he added, ignoring her question, ‘I need to make sure that you and I get on.’

His eyes connected with hers as he spoke and his meaning was very clear. Lucinda felt the hairs on the back of her neck bristle. Anger flared hot and fluid through her veins and her green eyes sparked fire. But when she spoke there was no hint in her voice that she knew what he had in mind.

‘You think that taking me out to dinner is the best way of doing it? I think not, Mr Alexander. Whatever needs to be discussed can be done right here and now. If that doesn’t suit you then perhaps I shouldn’t be here at all.’

She got up and headed for the door but Zane was there before her, moving remarkably quickly for such a tall man. She guessed he was about six-four—wide-shouldered and hard-muscled, as though he worked out several times a week.

His face was grim, brows pulled tightly together. ‘Hardly a professional attitude.’

‘I beg your pardon?’ Lucinda glared and stood that little bit taller. Not that she was intimidated by him! She was five feet eight herself and equalled most men. ‘My attitude has nothing to do with it. It’s yours that’s in question,’ she parried accusingly. ‘Admit it, you were doubtful once you saw who I was.’ But it didn’t alter the fact that he had designs on her! She could tell that by the way he looked at her. Would he be accompanying her to St Lucia? Would they be sharing his house? Lucinda suddenly realised what a dangerous situation she could be getting herself into.

Broad shoulders shrugged. ‘Can you blame me?’ It was more a statement than a question.

‘So recommendations weren’t enough?’ Lord, she wanted to take a swipe at him, knock that superior expression off his face.

‘I like to make up my own mind.’

In more ways than one, she thought edgily. She’d had enough of this conversation and reached for the door handle.

‘Not so quickly,’ breathed Zane. ‘You’re here for a purpose. Please, allow me to finish the show.’ And, with complete disregard for her feelings, he steered her back into the room and pushed her unceremoniously on to the chair.

Lucinda’s blood boiled and she took several deep steadying breaths. Never in her life had she found a man more irritating than Zane Alexander. She didn’t trust him, so how could she work for him? She would be on tenterhooks the whole time. On the other hand, his business would be highly profitable. For that reason alone she would be foolish to turn him down.

She had no idea how lovely she looked with her face flaming almost as red as her hair and her eyes a more brilliant green than they’d ever been before. All she knew was that she was spitting mad and that this man was the cause.

‘We’re inside the house now and this is the living area.’

Zane’s voice interrupted her thoughts and she fixed her attention on the screen. The room was huge.

‘I’ve had two rooms knocked into one. I like to have plenty of space. And here we have the main bedroom.’

Oh, Lord, if she took this job she would be expected to dress this room. To suit him! Immediately she had a vision of steel and silver and ice-blue. Cold and hard and totally devoid of feeling! ‘Would you be accompanying me to St Lucia?’ she asked in a breathless voice.

‘Obviously.’

A shiver ran down her spine. ‘And we’d both be staying at the house?’

‘Of course,’ he answered and, without giving her time to object, he carried on with the show. ‘This is bedroom number two and, as you can see, they are both fully furnished. And here are numbers three and four, the main bathroom, the kitchen.’ He had realised she wasn’t listening and consequently rushed through the rest of the images. ‘What do you think?’

What did she think? That she didn’t want to be living there with him. ‘I think I’d prefer to stay in a hotel.’

Smoky blue eyes locked on to hers. ‘No deal!’ he announced shortly. ‘The house is remote; there’s no hotel for miles. It would be inconvenient for you to—’

‘Damn the convenience!’ she cried. ‘How about the propriety?’

A faint smile curved his mouth. ‘Who’s to know?’

Lucinda did not find it funny. ‘It’s unethical.’

‘You think I might take advantage of the situation?’

The hot colour in Lucinda’s cheeks gave her away. ‘Actually, yes.’

But she knew she had to trust him—although those wicked blue eyes didn’t invite trust. His lips quirked. ‘Perhaps it’s yourself you’re afraid of. Don’t think I haven’t noticed that you’re very much aware of me.’

Lucinda’s eyes flashed and she ignored the hot streak through her veins. ‘Of all the conceited, overbearing men, you take the biscuit. You know exactly how I feel about you.’

‘The point is, do you know how you feel?’ he asked with quiet innuendo.

Lucinda closed her eyes. The argument was lost; she might as well give in gracefully. It would be foolish to turn down this dream job because of what might happen. If Zane decided to make advances on her, surely she was woman enough to deal with him?

Zane saw her weakening and took advantage. His smile was wide and confident. ‘So,’ he said, ‘is it dinner with me tonight or not?’

CHAPTER TWO

LUCINDA studied her wardrobe, wondering what to wear for her evening out with Zane Alexander. The red slinky number, or perhaps something more decorous? She didn’t want him getting the wrong impression. How about the amber suit? Or even the lime-green dress, which everyone else hated but she loved? It was certainly demure.

She had thought long and hard about accepting Zane’s dinner invitation but ultimately decided to put her personal issues about him to one side. This project was too good an opportunity to miss. Now, though, as she stepped into an elegant black dress, she wondered whether she was doing the right thing.

A job in St Lucia! It sounded too good to be true. Except that she would be out there with Zane, a man she didn’t particularly like. But whom she found devastatingly attractive! It was an admission she hated making—but it happened to be true. There really was something about him that could not be ignored.

Would he stay while she developed thoughts and ideas? Would he want to talk them over with her as she went along? Or would he simply show her around and then wait to hear what suggestions she came up with?

He was a very busy man, of that she was well aware. When she had looked after his two-year-old son, Zane had spent very little time at home. In fact Tim had rarely seen him. Zane was not a good father. On the other hand, perhaps because of Tim, he would not stay on the island the whole time she was there—unless, of course, he had business interests in St Lucia? It could well be the case.

They certainly had a lot to discuss.

And time was running out. Zane was picking her up at seven-thirty; he would expect her to be ready. She finished her make-up and ran a final brush through her hair. It was long and silky, almost to her waist, and her pride and joy. At the last minute, though, she decided to sweep it up. She didn’t want Zane Alexander thinking she looked anything less than professional.

She watched for him to arrive and was out of the door almost before he had stopped his car. Lucinda lived with her mother and stepfather in a large house where she had her own suite of offices. It didn’t really suit her and her bank balance was such these days that she was almost ready to buy a place of her own. In fact she’d been looking at property only the other day.

‘A lady who’s prompt,’ commented Zane with a dry smile, jumping out to open the door for her. ‘I like that. And may I say how elegant you look.’

Lucinda inclined her head in thanks. Zane looked pretty good himself in an oatmeal linen jacket and crisp dark trousers, and as he slid into the sleek silver Mercedes beside her the faint smell of his cologne wafted beneath her nostrils. It was masculine and woody and reminded her of nights spent on an exotic island paradise.

She suddenly realised where her mind was going and checked it. How would she know what it felt like? Was she thinking about the job that lay ahead? Was it wishful thinking? Never! Not with Zane Alexander. Not in a million years.

Besides, wasn’t he married? Not that there’d been a wife around. Maybe they were divorced. Maybe there wasn’t a Mrs Alexander any longer. Maybe she’d dumped the child on him on that occasion and, Zane being Zane, he hadn’t wanted to give up his precious time.

‘You must be doing rather well for yourself, judging by where you live,’ commented Zane as he pulled away from the house.

‘It’s not mine,’ she answered quickly. ‘It belongs to my stepfather. I’m moving out shortly.’

‘You’re not happy there?’ he asked intuitively.

Perhaps her tone had given too much away. But she didn’t get on well with David Goldberg. He had once told her that she hadn’t the imagination of a sparrow and would never enter the world of business. How she had loved proving him wrong. Her own father had died when she was fifteen and her mother had remarried far too quickly in Lucinda’s opinion. They’d gone from being very poor to very rich in a short space of time; not that she had accepted any help from her stepfather when setting up her design company.

‘I feel it’s time I have a place of my own,’ she answered quietly.

‘Of course.’

She had expected him to probe, to make some disparaging remark about her still living at home, but he didn’t.

‘How old are you?’ he asked instead.

‘Twenty-eight,’ she answered.

‘And running your own successful business. Congratulations.’

His compliment pleased her.

‘What is your ambition?’ He kept his eyes on the road in front where it looked like a young mother was ready to roll a pushchair out in front of them. ‘To have a team of workers under you so that you can sit back and count your pennies? Or to always be a hands-on person?’

Lucinda thought she heard sarcasm and tossed her head. ‘Ultimately I want to get married and have children. I love children; I used to earn money looking after them when I was a student.’

‘The nanny job?’

Lucinda nodded. ‘I could have made it a career but it would have been a waste of the design course I was taking. I’d always set my heart on interior design. Each job is different. It’s a new challenge. I love it.’

‘Then I shall very much look forward to showing you over my place in St Lucia.’

‘You’re assuming I’ll take the job?’ she questioned, glancing at him, seeing nothing but the hard contours of his profile. Until he turned briefly to look at her and she caught a twinkle in his smoky eyes.

‘I thought you already had,’ he said. ‘Otherwise why would you be here?’ And he looked back at the road.

There was nothing more for Lucinda to say. There was trepidation in her heart but a sense of excitement too.

The restaurant was small and intimate and not the sort of place where business deals were done. It had a more romantic atmosphere, where couples looked into each other’s eyes and drank champagne and wished for the moon. Lucinda felt uncomfortable, her heart beating far louder than it should.

‘Have you been here before?’ Zane asked.

Lucinda shook her head.

‘Then you should have,’ he admonished. ‘The food is superb and the head chef incidentally is a very good friend of mine.’

They sipped their drinks as they studied the menu and, while they were waiting to be seated, Zane made no attempt to talk business. Instead he asked her questions about herself, almost as though they were on a date. Which made her feel even more uncomfortable.

‘I don’t see that it has anything to do with the job,’ she protested when he wanted to know whether she had any brothers or sisters.

‘I’m curious about you, that’s all,’ he answered with a disarming smile, a smile that probably made many women go weak at the knees. And she was in grave danger of following suit!

‘All you need to know are my qualifications,’ she told him, her voice a little more cool than she had intended, ‘and you’ve already seen those. When are we going to get down to business?’

Zane smiled, his teeth amazingly white in his subtly tanned face. ‘There’s not really much to discuss, is there, not until we arrive on site, so to speak? I’ve already decided I want you to do the job; this is merely an opportunity to get to know you.’

Lucinda swallowed hard. ‘A complete waste of time.’

Zane frowned. ‘I don’t understand?’

‘Is this the way you usually conduct your business affairs?’ she questioned coolly. Perhaps it was. Especially with members of the opposite sex! And how did he expect the evening to end? Lucinda realised she was being fanciful. There was nothing in his attitude at this moment to suggest that he wanted anything more from her. It was all in her mind. But then didn’t she have reason to be fearful?

Simon, her ex-fiancé, whom she’d met at university, had left her wary of men. He had wooed and won her, they’d had a long and happy engagement, they’d even been planning their wedding, and then he’d dumped her without any real explanation except to say that their relationship wasn’t working. She’d heard afterwards that he’d met someone else—and it hadn’t done much for her ego. From that day on she had sworn she would be careful not to lose her heart so easily to another man. Especially one like Zane Alexander!

‘If you mean do I enjoy taking beautiful young ladies out to dinner, then the answer is yes.’

Lucinda frowned. ‘And your wife, what does she have to say about it?’ Thinking about Simon had made her feel angry and her voice was waspish.

Well-marked brows rose; his surprise very evident. ‘I don’t have a wife.’

‘You mean you’re divorced?’ she asked sharply.

‘I’ve never been married,’ he answered, more puzzlement in his tone. ‘I’ve never met anyone I’ve wanted to settle down with.’

‘So where does Tim fit into the equation?’ she asked, feeling hopelessly lost now.

‘Ah!’ Enlightenment dawned on Zane’s handsome face. ‘You think Tim is my son?’

‘Well, isn’t he?’ she questioned crossly.

‘Actually, no, he’s my brother’s child. I was merely looking after him.’

Lucinda leaned back in her seat and stared. ‘You were looking after him?’ She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. It was an even worse scenario than she had thought. ‘That is disgraceful—paying someone to look after a child who’d been put into your care.’ Her eyes were a vivid angry green and she sat forward on the edge of her seat, wanting to take a swipe at him. ‘How could you do such a thing?’

‘Perhaps I should enlighten you,’ Zane said tersely. A waiter showing them to their table had interrupted their conversation, but once their first course had been placed in front of them he could hold his tongue no longer. Who the hell did Lucinda Oliver think she was? How dared she condemn him?

‘Nothing you can say will excuse the fact that you let your nephew down,’ Lucinda snapped. ‘How could you offload Tim on to a stranger?’

‘Just listen,’ he rasped, annoyed now by her determination to cast him as the bad guy. ‘To start with, my brother and his wife died in a road accident when Tim was eighteen months old.’

Lucinda’s lovely eyes widened. ‘That’s awful; I didn’t know.’

‘Of course you didn’t,’ he snarled. ‘His maternal grandmother took him in. When one day she was rushed into hospital there was no one to look after him except me. Unfortunately I had a series of extremely important business meetings—hence employing you.’ Damn, why was he explaining this to her? She didn’t deserve an explanation. Except that she was beginning to get under his skin like no other woman ever had!

‘Not that I expect you to understand,’ he declared shortly. ‘I think maybe this evening was a mistake. Let’s go.’ And he pushed back his chair.

‘I’m sorry,’ said Lucinda quietly.

‘And that’s supposed to make it better, is it?’ he growled. Two miserable little words of apology after she’d made aspersions on his character. It wasn’t good enough. He’d had his fill of this woman and her patronising behaviour.

‘I love kids, that’s all,’ she added, as if reading his thoughts. ‘I don’t think they should be given a hard time. But I can see now that you did the best you could, and I’m sorry I thought ill of you. Have I blotted my copybook as far as the job’s concerned?’

Her eyes were wide and apologetic—and incredibly beautiful. Zane felt himself weakening and hated himself for it. ‘I really haven’t time to start looking for someone all over again.’

‘So you still want me?’ she asked, her voice husky now.

Want her? Of course he wanted her! Far too badly! She was exceptionally fine-looking—too gorgeous to ignore. He loved the little black dress with its rhinestone straps and a décolletage that stopped just short of revealing the delightful fullness of her breasts. Her skin was velvety smooth and her perfume sweet and tantalising. She looked stylish, yet there was an innocent freshness about her as well.

He drew in a long breath and let it go slowly before pulling his chair back up to the table. ‘Let’s talk about it.’

By the end of the evening Lucinda began to look forward to working in St Lucia. Zane was going to fly her out in a few days, giving them both time to sort their diaries. It would be the most exciting job of her career.

As they sipped their coffee, Lucinda telling Zane that she already had some ideas, the head chef came out to say hello.

‘Zane, it is good to see you again.’ The two men shook hands. He was French and short and rotund, and he looked curiously at Lucinda.

‘This is Lucinda Oliver,’ introduced Zane, ‘an interior designer who’s going to do some work for me.’

‘She is beautiful, is she not, you lucky old dog,’ said the chef. And then, in his native language, ‘Is she your girlfriend as well, or is that what you would like her to be?’

Zane answered in French also. ‘She is not my girlfriend.’

‘But you are working on her? And who can blame you? She is—extraordinarily attractive. If I were not married I would pursue her myself.’

‘You would not stand a chance, my friend,’ said Zane with a dazzling smile.

Of all the conceited men, Zane Alexander took the biscuit! Lucinda flashed her green eyes and, speaking in perfect French, said, ‘Excuse me, gentlemen, but I do not like being talked about like this.’

The chef’s mouth fell open and, in English, he said, ‘Mademoiselle, I am so sorry. Do accept my apologies. But you are indeed beautiful.’

Lucinda smiled and waited for Zane’s apology also—but it didn’t materialise. And when his friend had gone back to the kitchen she turned on him. ‘Do you normally talk like that about someone who’s going to do a job for you?’

‘Only when they’re particularly lovely,’ he acknowledged with a tiny tug at the corners of his mouth. He looked not in the least concerned that he had been found out. Instead he said, ‘I congratulate you on your fluent French.’

Lucinda huffed but said nothing more, finishing her coffee instead and then pronouncing herself ready to leave. Of one thing she was very sure—she was not going to be Zane’s girlfriend, no matter how hard he tried. Or how much she was attracted to him!

After her experience with her ex-fiancé, she had no intention of taking any man at face value; trust would have to be earned over a long period. Far longer than the few weeks this project would take. In any case, she felt sure that Zane Alexander had no real interest in her long-term. It would simply amuse him to try and seduce her while on the island.

She imagined him to be somewhere in his late thirties and if he wasn’t married there had to be a good reason for it. In all probability it was because he enjoyed playing the field. Not that she had any proof; it was all pure conjecture on her part, but why else would he still be a bachelor?

When Lucinda told her mother about her plans she was thrilled for her. ‘What a wonderful opportunity,’ she said. ‘I almost wish I was coming with you.’ Not that Ruth was ever short of exotic holidays. If David was too busy to go with her she went with one of her many friends. When Lucinda told her mother about her plans she was thrilled for her. ‘What a wonderful opportunity,’ she said. ‘I almost wish I was coming with you.’ Not that Ruth was ever short of exotic holidays. If David was too busy to go with her she went with one of her many friends.

‘It will be pure work,’ reminded Lucinda. ‘There won’t be much pleasure in it.’

‘Nonsense!’ chided Ruth. ‘All work and no play? I don’t believe it for a second. What’s this Zane Alexander like? Is he married? Perhaps you need to work your charm on him. It’s time you found yourself another boyfriend. He sounds interesting.’

Because he had money, thought Lucinda bitterly. It was all her mother ever thought of.

‘What’s this about Zane Alexander?’ Lucinda’s stepfather walked into the room and looked enquiringly at the two women. He was a tall striking man, not particularly good-looking, but there was something about him that most women found attractive. Not so Lucinda. She had never felt happy about her mother marrying him and in turn David did not show much love for his stepdaughter.

‘Lucinda’s going with him to St Lucia,’ answered Ruth excitedly.

David Goldberg frowned harshly and was about to say something when Lucinda interrupted.

‘It’s purely business. I’m doing a job for him.’

Goldberg snorted in a derogatory manner. ‘He’s out of your league.’

Lucinda lifted her chin. ‘We’ll see about that.’ Ever since she had started her business, her stepfather had taken great pleasure in putting her down, and it grieved him to think that she was succeeding under her own steam. He would have liked it better had she gone crawling to him for money. But never in her life would she give him that satisfaction. Where money was concerned she was as different from her mother as chalk from cheese.

‘Are you sure that doing a job is all he wants from you?’ asked David. ‘Zane Alexander is a playboy. Surely you must know that?’

‘Actually I’d never heard of him until he approached me,’ confessed Lucinda, not wishing to admit that she had formed the same opinion. Or that she had met him previously.

‘Then, unless you want to spend the entire time in his bed, I’d get out of it fast,’ he advised.

Lucinda shook her head. ‘I can’t do that. This will be my most valuable job yet. I can handle him.’

‘Of course you can, darling,’ said her mother. ‘In any case, you’re only young once. Enjoy yourself…’

David’s dark brows rose. ‘You mark my words; it will be all play and no reward. He’s got you where he wants you, girl.’

Lucinda refused to listen, though there were times in the days that followed when she couldn’t help wondering whether David was right. Zane’s words to his chef had suggested that he might be after something more than a business relationship.

CHAPTER THREE

ZANE sent a car to pick Lucinda up and drive her to the airport. Not the Mercedes he had driven himself, but a sleek black limousine with a liveried driver. The man was young but polite and courteous and, although he looked at Lucinda curiously, he asked no questions.

She was not entirely surprised when she was met and escorted to a private jet, having already gained the impression that Zane enjoyed all the trappings his extreme wealth could give him. When she climbed on board he was already there. She saw white teeth and glittering eyes and for a fraction of a second Lucinda considered turning round and making a quick exit.

She felt as if she was bearding a lion in his den, or a wolf ready to snarl and snap and swallow her down whole. David’s warning still rang in her ears. But somehow she managed to fix a smile to her lips.

‘You made it, then,’ growled Zane. ‘I did wonder whether you would change your mind.’

‘I’d given my word,’ announced Lucinda stiffly.

‘Then relax, I don’t bite,’ he told her tersely. ‘Take off your jacket. Sit down. We have a long flight in front of us.’

The plane had a luxurious black leather interior with one part partitioned for use as an office, another area for dining and amazing deep sofas for relaxing. Lucinda looked about her curiously, smiled at the two pretty flight attendants and shrugged off her coat, which was immediately whisked away.

‘You certainly believe in doing things in style,’ she commented.

‘Why not?’ he asked with a smile.

Why not indeed! With his money he could do anything he liked—including whisking her away to a tropical island! Again Lucinda couldn’t help wondering whether she’d made a terrible mistake.

‘You look apprehensive,’ he said, motioning her to sit down. ‘Is something wrong? Are you having second thoughts?’

‘Not at all.’ Lucinda took hold of herself and smiled. Not for anything was she going to let this man know that he disturbed her.

‘That’s good because I’ve given up a lot of my time to make this trip with you.’

‘You didn’t have to,’ she protested. Zane wore a black open-necked shirt and black close-fitting trousers which should have made him almost invisible against the upholstery. But it didn’t. He was long and lithe and incredibly sexy. Out of formal clothing he was relaxed and somehow different, more threatening to her sanity.

‘How else would you have known what I wanted?’ he asked, an eyebrow lifted quizzically.

‘It seems to me you’re going to a lot of trouble for a holiday home.’

And now he frowned. ‘Who said it was a holiday home?’

‘So what is it?’ she asked, staring right into those smoky blue eyes. They made her insides shiver but she resolutely ignored it and continued to look at him.

‘It is a home, yes, but not solely for holidays; I rarely take those. My business interests take me all over the world. It gets tiresome staying in hotels.’

‘I see,’ she said, but she didn’t, and if her stepfather was right in his declaration that Zane Alexander was a playboy then this was just going to be another place set up for that purpose. All of a sudden the job didn’t seem like such a good idea.

‘What’s wrong?’ His eyes narrowed on hers, trying to see into her mind, to guess at the thoughts that had suddenly disturbed her.

‘Nothing,’ she said, trying her hardest to keep her unease at bay.

‘In that case, let me offer you a drink.’ He gave a nod to one of his attendants and immediately crystal flutes of champagne were produced. Zane held his up towards her. ‘Here’s to a successful business relationship.’ Those were his words but not what his eyes told her. They were intent, boring into her soul, reading her, almost telling her what sort of a relationship he hoped to have with her.

Almost but not quite!

Nevertheless something stirred in Lucinda’s stomach. She clamped it down firmly, lifting her chin instead, returning his gaze with a firm one of her own. ‘To business.’

The champagne slid coolly down her throat, fizzing quietly in her stomach, joining the apprehension. Maybe she ought to have realised that this job would be like no other. Maybe she ought to have considered the danger instead of jumping at the opportunity of adding to her portfolio.

Too late now! They were well and truly on their way.

If she had expected that Zane would spend the whole journey chatting to her she was wrong. ‘Please excuse me, I have work to do,’ he announced after he had finished his drink. ‘Just relax and enjoy the flight.’

In truth Zane knew that he had to keep away from Lucinda. He found her truly exciting and it was going to take all of his not inconsiderable willpower to resist her. She had given every indication that she wanted a strictly business relationship and if he didn’t want to frighten her away before she had even started the job he must respect that and keep his feelings well hidden.

Nevertheless it would be interesting to find out what made her tick. To see whether there were any cracks in her armour. He might even stay on the island longer than he had originally planned!

He smiled at the thought and then concentrated on his paperwork. At least he tried to concentrate, but in reality his mind was with the stunning Titian-haired woman sitting just the other side of the partition. She was as nervous as hell and he could hardly blame her. She was flying thousands of miles with a stranger. She had put her faith and trust in him.

Again he tried to concentrate but within a few minutes he gave up and joined her. She’d had her glass refilled and was scanning the skies and when he sat down she turned with a smile. ‘I love cloudscapes, don’t you?’

He’d never really thought about it. And even now he didn’t want to look out the window, he wanted to feast his eyes on his beautiful companion. ‘I must confess I rarely study the sky.’

‘You’re always too busy.’

It was almost an accusation. However, he inclined his head and said nothing.

‘Have you finished what you were doing?’

‘I didn’t think it fair to leave you here alone.’

Green eyes looked scathingly into his. ‘And I’m supposed to believe that? A man who can offload an upset little nephew on to a complete stranger won’t think twice about leaving someone who’s simply doing a job for him alone. Go to your work; I don’t need you with me.’

Strong words. He admired her for it but it didn’t please him.

For the rest of the flight Zane left Lucinda strictly alone. She had seen his displeasure at her outburst, his face turning thunderous when she reminded him of his behaviour, but she wasn’t sorry and felt immense relief when he returned to his little office area.

Now they were nearing their destination. Below them the sea was a glorious turquoise and when the Windward Islands came into view Lucinda gasped with pleasure. As they lost height she could see long white beaches and lush green hinterland and when they finally landed on St Lucia she had forgotten her resentment and turned to Zane with a smile wide enough to split her face in two. ‘It looks fantastic. I can’t believe I’ve come here to work. It’s like a dream.’

Zane’s face lost some of its hardness. ‘It is indeed very beautiful and it will be my pleasure to show you around.’ But his voice was businesslike and Lucinda didn’t know whether to be happy or sad.

They were met by a car and driver and whisked away to a spacious single-storey home that sat on a promontory miles away from any other dwelling. Mindful that they were here on business, Zane gave her a whistle-stop tour of the house and Lucinda felt like a child in paradise. The furnishings were shabby, the paintwork peeling, but it had tremendous potential and Lucinda could see why Zane had bought it.

The rooms were large and airy; it really needed not much more than a lick of paint and some new furniture. She could hardly believe that he was paying her to organise so little. Not that she was complaining. This was an opportunity too good to miss.

The only fly in the ointment, as far as she could see, was that they would be living here together. It troubled her deeply and she knew that she would need to be on her guard at all times.

Outside she discovered a swimming pool and a Jacuzzi and they ended their tour on the sun deck, where they were able to watch the antics of a brilliantly coloured parrot in one of the many trees growing in the steeply sloping garden. ‘So,’ said Zane, turning to her, ‘what do you think now that you’ve seen it all?’

Lucinda smiled broadly; she couldn’t help it. ‘I think it’s wonderful. How did you find such a place?’ Far below was a bay dotted with boats and, even though the day was hot, at this height there was a most welcome mountain breeze.

‘It used to belong to a colleague of mine,’ answered Zane. ‘He nursed his wife through a long illness and I’m afraid everything got neglected. When she died he had no interest in it.’

‘I’m sorry,’ said Lucinda. ‘Have you stayed here yet?’

Zane shook his head and a wicked twinkle sparked in his eyes. ‘You have the honour of sharing my pleasure.’

Sharing! Lucinda wasn’t sure that she liked his choice of word. And, even though he’d had the foresight to have two bedrooms made habitable, she had noticed that there were no locks on the doors.

‘What are you thinking?’ he asked, noticing her frown.

Lucinda shook her head, not wishing to reveal her fears.

‘If it will make you feel any better, you have my word that I won’t enter your space.’

Which was one way of putting it, she thought. But what happened if she entered his? They would be living in such close proximity that she could hardly avoid him. She knew that she had to trust Zane, but somehow those wicked blue eyes didn’t invite trust.

‘Perhaps you’re afraid of being tempted to stray into my room?’ he suggested casually.

Lucinda’s eyes flashed and she ignored the hot streak through her veins. ‘You are unbelievable, Zane Alexander. I’ve made it clear how I feel about you.’

‘But are you sure you know how you feel?’ he asked.

Lucinda moved away, not wishing to take part in such a conversation. And then she felt a hand on her arm and a ripple of pleasurable heat where his fingers touched. Intense heat! Burning heat!

She found herself looking into smouldering blue depths, close enough to see the attractive dark line around his irises, the clear whites, the amazing length of his lashes. They were quite magnificent eyes for a man and she was mesmerised by them. She felt them drawing her in, feeding a need inside her that she had not known was there.

After Simon she had felt nothing for any man and had been determined to keep it that way. Why then was this particular man affecting her to such an extent that she wanted to turn tail and run? She gritted her teeth and said the first thing that came into her head. ‘Which bedroom is mine?’

A mere flicker suggested that he knew the fight she’d had, but there was nothing in his voice to confirm it. ‘Let’s go and look, shall we?’

Both of the bedrooms had fabulous views over the bay, each with its own en suite bathroom. ‘The choice is yours,’ said Zane.

The house was kept cool by an ancient air-conditioning system that creaked and groaned and definitely needed replacing. But the warmth on the back of her neck had nothing to do with it not running properly. It was Zane standing far too close for comfort.

She stepped further into the room. ‘I’ll take this one,’ she announced. It was the second one along the hallway. Zane would have no need to walk past it. Small comfort, but better than nothing.

There were four bedrooms altogether, each with beautiful high ceilings and floor to ceiling windows, which allowed them to fill with light. Zane could host a whole harem of girls here, thought Lucinda, and then despised herself for such unworthy thoughts.

‘In that case I’ll get your suitcase brought in,’ said Zane.

He did more than that. A maid appeared as if from nowhere and unpacked their cases and in no time a buffet meal and chilled drinks had been placed on a table outside in the shade.

Lucinda helped herself to aubergine and peppers in a sweet and sour sauce and smoked mahi mahi served with crispy potato and onion. She slowly sipped pineapple juice before finally admitting she could eat no more.

Zane’s appetite was healthy too and there wasn’t much food left by the time they had finished. He leaned back in his chair. ‘I suggest we rest now before taking a dip in the pool.’

Lucinda shook her head, the thought of swimming with Zane, seeing him half naked, filling her with dread. She could imagine a hard body, smooth golden skin, firm stomach, long legs and everything else that went with it. ‘I’m here to work,’ she reminded him firmly. ‘You rest if you want to but I need to wander around again and familiarise myself with each of the rooms in turn before I can even begin to think about design.’

Zane put a hand over hers where it rested on the table. ‘There’s plenty of time for that. Today you can relax. Today I would appreciate your company.’ And he meant it. The touch of his hand was firm, his smoky eyes narrowed and warning.

A heat that had nothing to do with the climate swept through her and Lucinda wanted to pull her hand free. But of course she couldn’t do that; she couldn’t give away the fact that his touch sent shivers of apprehension rushing through her limbs. So she looked him squarely in the eye and said, ‘It’s not what I’m getting paid for.’

‘What are you, a workaholic?’ he asked harshly, letting his hand drop back to his side. ‘Don’t you believe in a little pleasure?’

‘I thought you wanted the job done as quickly as possible,’ asserted Lucinda. Pleasure was the last thing she wanted. Pleasure in her surroundings, yes, in the warmth of the sun, in the glorious blue skies, but not in Zane Alexander’s company. He was too discomfiting by far. ‘And I can’t believe that you’re willing to waste time like this. If anyone’s a workaholic it’s you.’

‘I agree,’ he said with a shrug, ‘but there’s a time and place for everything. I declare today an official holiday. Lucinda Oliver, you are not allowed to work.’

She couldn’t help smiling. This was a side to Zane that she hadn’t seen before. Relaxed, cheerful, teasing. And she couldn’t deny that she liked it. ‘In that case I think I’d like to change into something more relaxing,’ she announced and headed indoors.

She chose a gypsy skirt and a cool camisole top and as she had popped in a bikini at the last minute—just in case—she donned that as well and rejoined Zane on the sun deck.

He had moved to a reclining chair and still wore the black shirt and trousers. Lucinda had half expected him to change too, and she had listened carefully while in her room but heard no movement next door. For the moment he appeared to be a different man but she did not altogether trust him and knew that she still needed to be on her guard.

Zane patted the reclining chair he had placed near to his and reluctantly Lucinda slid on to it. It felt intimate, far too cosy for comfort. She lay back and closed her eyes but he was impossible to ignore. She could hear his breathing, she could smell the faint tang of his cologne, and knew that he was looking at her.

When the silence ran into minutes Lucinda could stand it no longer. She shot open her eyes, ready to lambaste him, or at the very least to jump to her feet and return indoors. To her amazement his lids were closed and when she looked closer she could see by his deepened breathing that he was asleep.

He had undone the buttons on his shirt and as expected his skin was firm and bronzed and she had the irrational urge to touch. Her eyes skimmed over the rest of him, over the hard flatness of his stomach and the long length of his legs. He was an extremely sexy man, even fully clothed, and it was going to be hard denying the fact.

‘Like what you see?’

Lucinda hadn’t noticed Zane open his eyes and swift heat shot through her, though she did her best to appear undisturbed. ‘You have a good physique. Do you work out?’

He nodded. ‘I have a gym in my London home.’

‘And was a swimming pool a requisite here?’

‘Of course.’

‘Do you have other homes?’ There was a lot about Zane that she didn’t know. Not that it was any business of hers, but sitting here in his relaxed company it didn’t feel like an intrusion of privacy.

He nodded. ‘LA, Australia, the south of France.’

Lucinda shook her head. ‘How can you warrant them?’

Zane’s lips tugged wryly up at the corners. ‘What else do I have to spend my money on?’

Your women friends, she felt tempted to say, but wisely kept her own counsel. ‘Why have you never married?’ she asked instead. ‘Or is that a stupid question? I guess you’re too busy making money.’

‘Not the right answer,’ he informed her tersely, his eyes flashing almost silver. ‘I’ve simply never met anyone I want to spend the rest of my life with.’

‘Let me guess,’ she dared to say. ‘Most girls are only ever interested in the state of your bank balance?’

‘Something like that,’ he agreed.

‘Are you resigned to staying a bachelor?’

‘It doesn’t worry me, though it does worry my mother,’ he admitted. ‘My parents live in Australia and my mother is for ever nagging me to get married. She wants more grandchildren.’ He smiled ruefully. ‘Here am I almost telling you my life story and I know nothing about you. Except that you don’t have a boyfriend. Which I find extremely odd because you’re a very attractive lady.’

As he spoke he looked at her appreciatively, just as she had looked at him earlier. Only he did it blatantly, not caring that she watched. Every part of her responded! Nerves tingled; hormones leapt into life; nipples tautened and strained against her soft cotton top—and he missed nothing.

‘So—tell me about yourself,’ he said, his eyes finally moving up to her face, narrowing sharply when he observed the tip of her tongue moistening her lips.

Lucinda hoped that he didn’t take it as a sign of encouragement. Her mouth had gone nervously dry and the butterflies in her stomach intensified. Heaven knew how much she wanted to dislike this man, so why didn’t she? What was it about him that caused every one of her senses to go into overdrive?

‘There’s not much to tell,’ she answered, alarmed to hear how husky her voice sounded. Damn the man! Why was he confusing her like this? Or, more importantly, why was she allowing it? Why was she letting him affect her?

Because he was one hell of a sexy man, that was the answer. She couldn’t help herself. She didn’t want to like him but was constantly pulled towards him in a cycle that would be difficult to break.

Zane probably took it for granted that most women, if not all, would fall at his feet. He could bed any woman he liked. But she didn’t have to be one of them! Without any shadow of doubt she would need to be on her guard at all times.

‘Your mother’s remarried. What happened to your father?’

‘He died,’ she answered bluntly, trying to hide the pain that still shot through her whenever she spoke about him.

‘I’m sorry. How did that happen?’

‘He’d been ill a long time. It was inevitable,’ she told him, while knowing that he didn’t really care.

‘I’m genuinely interested,’ he assured her, reading her expression. ‘I’m interested in people. I like to find out what motivates them. I already know that you don’t like your stepfather.’ Lucinda frowned and sat up just a little bit straighter. ‘I didn’t tell you that.’

‘No, but you gave the impression.’

‘Actually, it’s true.’ Her shoulders relaxed a little. ‘I hate him, and the feeling’s mutual—except that he doesn’t let my mother know it. And I hate my mother for marrying him simply for his money,’ she added bitterly.

‘She did that?’

‘It’s what many women do,’ she retorted, her eyes shooting sparks of angry fire. ‘Not that I have any intention of falling into that same trap! I’ll make my own money, thank you.’

Zane pursed his lips and nodded his head. ‘Wise woman! We’re two of a kind, you and I.’

Lucinda frowned. She knew what he meant but she didn’t like being lumped into the same category. She would never spend her money on lavish houses all over the world, not if she had a thousand million in the bank. Such extravagances didn’t appeal. The fact that people did it, and needed the likes of her to improve their interiors, was a different matter altogether.

‘So—tell me about your father,’ he said encouragingly. ‘How old were you when he died?’

Lucinda pursed her lips and her eyes grew sad. ‘Fifteen. I was heartbroken. He’d spent most of his life in and out of hospitals; we didn’t have any money, but he more than made up for it. There was always love and laughter in our house. I was so happy. What I didn’t know was that my mother gradually resented the fact that we were poor.

‘After my father died she met Goldberg, a very wealthy property developer. She shamelessly threw herself at him and within a few months they were married. We moved from our tiny rented property into his palatial mansion. He paid for my higher education; I appreciate that, but he will never replace my father. He was the most wonderful man.’

Tears misted her eyes and instantly Zane leaned forward and gathered her into his arms, dabbing her eyes with his handkerchief, murmuring words of reassurance. At first Lucinda didn’t resist; she actually felt comforted by his action, but then the reality of the situation hit her.

This man had employed her to do a job, and he was in the same league as David Goldberg; there was no way in this world that she was going to have an affair with him. He may have been only consoling her, but that wasn’t the point. She had seen the hungry look in his eyes; she knew his reputation. If she weren’t careful she would end up in his bed.

‘I’m sorry,’ she said, straining to pull away. ‘It always gets to me when I talk about my father. If he knew what my mother had done he’d turn in his grave. He loved her so much. Love was all he had to give. And he gave it in bucketfuls.’ Tears welled again.

Zane pushed her head into his shoulder and held her there until she began to feel better. He stroked her hair, which had become free from its restraining tie. It amazed Lucinda that a man as important as Zane Alexander should have this caring side to him. It was totally unexpected.

Unless, of course, it wasn’t because he cared! Maybe he was using her distress as a way of getting through to her? Maybe he thought it would lead to other things? Even as the thought occurred to her Lucinda pushed her hands hard against his chest. ‘I’m all right now.’

‘Are you sure?’ He blocked her escape by cupping her face between warm firm hands. There was something almost primeval in his eyes as they locked with hers, a desire as old as man himself, and Lucinda felt unwanted warmth steal into her. It started in her toes and gradually worked its way through each limb until her whole body raged with fire. This was a situation she had told herself she would avoid at all costs. This was Zane the playboy in action. And already her needs were being fuelled by his closeness.

CHAPTER FOUR

ZANE knew that Lucinda was torn between letting him kiss her and doing the right thing and pushing him away. He was sorry about her father, of course he was, and when he persuaded her into his arms it hadn’t been his intention to take the situation any further. But holding her against him, feeling the warmth of her body and smelling its sweetness, had aroused all of his base instincts. He wanted her! And he wanted her now.

It took all of Lucinda’s will-power to move out of Zane’s embrace. It felt as though she was wrenching herself free of an iron clamp instead of the light touch of his hands. It really had been a big mistake coming here. She had put greed for his business before what was best for her.

‘I wish you hadn’t done that,’ she told him tightly, the words crackling out of a throat gone tremendously dry.

‘Done what?’

Did he really need her to spell it out? ‘You know what I’m talking about,’ she retorted. ‘I appreciate the use of your handkerchief but I don’t need comforting in other ways.’

‘And what way would that be?’

A steely glint appeared in his eyes and Lucinda began to wonder whether she had misjudged him. Whether it was her fertile imagination that had seen something that wasn’t there. Whatever, he looked far from pleased.

She shook her head and got up from her chair. ‘It doesn’t matter.’

‘And I say it does matter,’ he rejoined fiercely. ‘I do not like being criticised.’

‘It doesn’t count that you’re already cast as a playboy?’

‘You’ve heard the rumour?’ A faint smile curved his lips. ‘Who told you that, I wonder?’

Lucinda jutted her chin and stared hostilely. ‘Actually I’d had my suspicions, but my stepfather confirmed it.’

‘Ah!’ Enlightenment filled his eyes. ‘And you took his word as truth? A man you incidentally hate the sight of? It didn’t occur to you that he could be saying it because he didn’t want you working for me?’

It was true; David Goldberg definitely didn’t like to think that her career was taking off. He liked to think that she hadn’t the intelligence to do well for herself. Why, she had no idea. Maybe because she had always resented him! At the age of fifteen her hormones had been all over the place; she’d just lost her beloved father, her mother had all too quickly remarried and Lucinda’s resentment of the new man in their life had caused ill feelings between them, which had never gone away.

‘I don’t care whether it’s true or not,’ she told him now. ‘And I have no wish to continue this conversation.’ She sprang up from her seat and ran round to the other side of the house, where she stripped off her skirt and top and dived cleanly into the pool. She desperately needed to cool off.

She was feverishly hot and the water mercifully cold, and after a few energetic lengths her ragged nerves were calmed. She had half expected Zane to follow and was both relieved and pleased when there was no sign of him. She kept telling herself that it wasn’t going to work, staying here with him, feeling his presence, knowing that at any minute she could give in to temptation. And he was a big temptation. She could hardly believe that she was attracted to him. It was totally inconceivable.

Finally she hauled herself out of the pool, rinsed herself down beneath the huge outdoor shower and headed back towards the house. Zane appeared in front of her as if from nowhere.

‘You swim like a mermaid,’ he complimented. ‘Graceful, swift and beautiful.’ A pair of dark glasses shielded his eyes but she felt his eyes studying her body in its neat white bikini. The heat returned.

‘You were watching me?’ Accusation made her voice shrill.

Zane inclined his head. ‘And very pleasant it was too. I wanted to join you but I wasn’t sure that you’d appreciate it.’

‘No, I wouldn’t have done,’ snapped Lucinda, her green eyes flashing magnificently. ‘In fact I don’t appreciate your presence here at all.’

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