Pleasure Island
Page 30
“So you’re hoping to use Edward’s name to further your own career...?”
I interrupted before Edward was forced to say something to his mother that would make her hate me even more. “Actually, Claire, Edward hasn’t told me much about your family, only that he’s involved in the family business. My interest in him is purely him.”
“She makes it sound like we run a mom and pop shop.” Claire sipped a glass of champagne then dabbed her lips with a white linen napkin.
“Did he take over for you?” I asked the much more friendly face across from me.
“Me?” He looked surprised. “No. I’m actually Edward’s stepfather. You can call me Albert.”
“I’m so sorry! How rude of me,” Edward said. “Albert and my mother have been married for eons. I can’t believe I didn’t introduce you two.”
Albert smiled and waved a hand, like he was used to being forgotten. “Why don’t you tell us about the marriage proposal before you tire of telling the story?”
Edward pulled our joined hands up above the white tablecloth and held up my engagement ring. He squeezed my fingers. “Starlight, champagne, a fountain in the rose garden. I must have done it right because this beauty said ‘yes’.”
Claire shot my emerald cut diamond solitaire a begrudgingly impressed look.
“How did you and Albert meet?” I asked, determined to win her over.
“Albert was the headmaster at the boarding school I wished for my boys to attend. They were still young, of course, but one must be diligent if one wants only the best for their children.” She looked over at her husband. “Of course, once we decided to get married, he had to resign so as to avoid the appearance of favoritism.”
I decided to go with a question that had nothing to do with how odd I thought it was that her husband had to give up his job rather than just sending the kids to another school. “You went to an all-boys boarding school?” I asked Edward.
“One of the finest in the country,” Claire said it like there was no other option. “Where were you educated?”
Her attitude sucked. Arching a brow, I smiled coolly. “Tennessee public schools.”
Her gaze slid to Edward’s. He stared back, his face impassive. After a moment, she smiled a little and began to discuss work.
It took less than a minute to figure out that they were involved in the fashion industry. It took less than five to realize that they just might have a fair hand in controlling it. My heart started to race and under the table, I twisted my hands over and over around the heavy material of the napkin I’d put in my lap.
Kendra had told me about the executives who could make or break entire collections and countless careers with one phone call. That probably explained why she thought she recognized him, but couldn’t put a name to a face.
The sommelier brought champagne to the table. “Here you are, Mrs. Bouvier.”
My jaw dropped. “I’m sorry, did you just say Bouvier?”
Bouvier…shit. Edward…Bouvier…my heart was about to jump out of my chest. Lifting my gaze, I stared at him. “I…you…” Shaking my head, I looked around and then said, “Are y’all seriously the Bouviers?”
I heard the accent thickening my voice, but I couldn’t even think about that now.
From the corner of my eye, I could see his mother watching me, could see the sommelier fighting not to do the same.
Edward laughed, a sheepish smile on his face. “I told you my last name was quite recognizable.”
“You didn’t tell her your last name?” Claire raised an eyebrow.
Edward’s expression stiffened. “I thought you’d be pleased, Mother. We dated, fell in love, and she agreed to marry me all without knowing I’m a Bouvier.”
“I don’t believe this,” I said, pressing my hand to my forehead.
“Gabriella, are you well?”
The soft question came from the man across from me.
Weakly, I looked at him. “I’m fine, Mr. Bouvier—”
“Albert is not Mr. Bouvier. His name is Albert McCreary,” Claire said, her voice pure ice. She stared at me, clearly offended. “When I remarried, I kept my first married name because of the company and my sons.”
I barely heard the final words she said, though…
Coincidence?
Had to be.
McCreary…
No way.
“Hey there, big brother. I hear I’m getting a sister-in-law...”
The familiar voice trailed off as I lifted my head.
He moved around the table, all sexy grace and cadet blue eyes. My future brother-in-law. Flynn McCreary.
Shit.
Continues in Vol. 2. CLICK HERE to download the complete 4 book box set and continue reading.
Also by M. S. Parker
Pure Lust Box Set
Rescued by the Woodsman
Sex Coach
The Billionaire’s Muse
Bound
One Night Only
Damage Control
Take Me, Sir
Make Me Yours
The Billionaire’s Sub
The Billionaire’s Mistress
Con Man Box Set
HERO Box Set
A Legal Affair Box Set
The Client
Indecent Encounter
Dom X Box Set
Unlawful Attraction Box Set
Chasing Perfection Box Set
Blindfold Box Set
Club Prive Box Set
The Pleasure Series Box Set
Exotic Desires Box Set
Casual Encounter Box Set
Sinful Desires Box Set
Twisted Affair Box Set
Serving HIM Box Set
About the Author
M. S. Parker is a USA Today Bestselling author and the author of over fifty spicy romance series and novels.
Living part-time in Las Vegas, part-time on Maui, she enjoys sitting by the pool with her laptop writing her next spicy romance.
Growing up all she wanted to be was a dancer, actor and author. So far only the latter has come true but M. S. Parker hasn’t retired her dancing shoes just yet. She is still waiting for the call to appear on Dancing With The Stars.
When M. S. isn't writing, she can usually be found reading– oops, scratch that! She is always writing.
For more information:
www.msparker.com
msparkerbooks@gmail.com
Acknowledgments
First, I would like to thank all of my readers. Without you, my books would not exist. I truly appreciate each and every one of you.
A big THANK YOU goes out to all the Facebook fans, street team, beta readers, and advanced reviewers. You are a HUGE part of the success of all my series.
Also thank you to my editor Lynette, my proofreader Nancy, and my wonderful cover designer, Sinisa. You make my ideas and writing look so good.