One Night with Morelli(48)

                And the man was Draco. His back was to her but there was no mistaking the identity of the tall figure who sat casually there. Him being here like this was wrong on so many levels.

                ‘Steady!’

                She was conscious of him unfolding his long length from the desk and then towering over her as she struggled to regain first her balance and then her composure. She grabbed hold of it in both hands and enclosed herself in a shell of rigid formality.

                Shell or not, it didn’t protect her from the waves of whatever it was he exuded, and her jangling nerves made civility impossible. ‘What the hell are you doing here, Draco?’

                She sensed rather than saw her PA’s wide eyes.

                ‘There, didn’t I tell you she’d be delighted to see me, Shelley Ann?’

                Her assistant laughed, not her usual raucous giggle but a low sexy chuckle. The woman had a boyfriend whom she said she adored, so what was she doing? Eve slung her an exasperated look. Shelley could not be more obvious had she been salivating—but for Eve’s interruption she’d probably be ripping off her top and screaming Take me!

                Eve’s generous lips tightened. She was all for women taking the initiative but there was such a thing as too eager. Not that she expected this view to be shared by a man like Draco. Her eyes made a scornful sweep over the tall, lean figure now propped casually back against the end of the desk. She had no doubt he enjoyed having women fawn all over him—in fact, he probably expected it and she was one in a long line of those who had helped build his belief in his irresistibility.

                ‘I came to take you to lunch.’ One corner of his mouth curled up in a slow intimate smile as his warm brown eyes moved over her face.

                ‘How did you know where to find me?’

                He produced a gilt-edged business card. ‘You left it behind.’ And the smell of her perfume.

                Eve swallowed and hissed under her breath. ‘I’m busy.’

                ‘Actually the supplier emailed to cancel your meeting.’

                ‘Thank you, Shelley Ann.’ His smile made the younger girl blush and thrust out her not inconsiderable chest. ‘So, you see, you’re free, cara.’

                Instead of asking him just what he was playing at Eve found her eyes drawn to his mouth. Free was the last thing she felt; she felt compelled! Willing her heart to slow, Eve brought her lashes down in a protective curtain.

                ‘Did I hear you say that you liked Italian?’ he asked.

                ‘She adores Italian,’ the younger girl cut back.

                Eve winced, her jaw clenched, embarrassed for her assistant. ‘It’s not my favourite,’ she lied.

                ‘She loves it.’

                Eve slung her another exasperated look and Shelley winked and directed a lascivious leer at Draco’s back, mouthing an exaggerated, He’s gorgeous—go for it!

                I already did, Eve thought, and felt the colour staining her cheeks flame even brighter. ‘I really am a little pushed for time today.’

                He gave an exaggerated sigh and shrugged. ‘Oh, well, if you can’t make lunch, I suppose,’ he conceded, ‘we could discuss it here.’

                Discuss…it…? Panic slid through Eve. Shelley was a great PA and totally discreet about work but when it came to less professional gossip…!