Mistress for Hire

by Letty James

  The crowd sat stunned, then erupted into a standing ovation. The attendees swarmed Gérard as he stepped off the stage. Those at Nikki’s table, two of whom were investors, peppered her with questions about the Milk for Africa project. Neither of them admitted their involvement, nor offered their support.

  “Come dance with me.” Gérard led her out onto the dance floor as the throng parted for them.

  They danced in silence, her body stiff. It was all a sham. She was glad she was leaving, because she couldn’t bear knowing her feelings were a joke to him. He twirled her to the music and brought her close again. And closer still. His lips brushed her ear.

  “You could love a flawed man?”

  Her head snapped up, clipping Gérard’s jaw. He leaned back, shaking his head, his eyes glittering with mischief under the light of several chandeliers.

  Her heart pounded as she met his gaze. She finally spoke, trusting her instincts just as she had the first time she’d met him. “It depends on the flaws. Perhaps if he were stubborn to the point of being pig-headed. If he had a skewed sense of responsibility. And if he were generous to a fault.” She paused as he skillfully glided them out the open door and stopped on the balcony. The cold air chilled her flushed face. “I’d think about it.”

  “What can I do to influence your decision?” His fingers caressed her back as a slight smile played on his lips.

  “What decision is that?” She played dumb, wanting to hear the words.

  He molded his body to hers, kissing her until the sparks from the bonfire resembled fireworks. They parted and he took her hands in his.

  “To love me. To marry me. To make me the happiest Beast of all. I couldn’t believe you cared for me until I overhead you.” His eyes suspiciously bright, he smiled. “Ever since you perched your beautiful bottom on my desk, I’ve wanted you.” He pulled her close again. “I need you, Nikki.”

  She laughed, snuggling up against him. “The happiest Beast? Truly?”

  Gérard stepped back to look into her eyes, his hands on her waist. “Truly. For real this time. Will you marry me, Nikki?”

  “I will. I do. Yes.”

  He picked her up, laughing as she squealed.

  “Je t’aime,” he whispered. “I love you, Nikki.” He sealed his words with a kiss.

  “I love you, too, Gérard.” Her words swirled around them like smoke as they danced into the dark.

  Epilogue

  Nikki bounced into the kitchen, displaying the open laptop like a trophy. “She’s done it again!” She stopped short at the sight of Gérard plating braised chicken. “You’re cooking again?”

  He grinned at her. “I like feeding you.”

  Nikki snorted. “You just want to be prepared when you interview the new chef.”

  “That, too.” The big man sighed. “I shouldn’t have let Jean-Luc leave.”

  “Why? He’s done a wonderful job taking over Emmaline’s bakery.” She set the computer on the counter and hugged him. “Jean-Luc’s fantastic in the new television show you created for him.”

  He raised his eyebrow. “Don’t tell him that.”

  She laughed. “Of course not.”

  He sat down and pulled her onto his lap. “What’s Jessica done, now?”

  Punching his arm in affection, she pointed. “Singing your praises, again. Look. ‘If not for Gérard Beauvais, the neediest regions would not be reached. His continuing tireless work and commitment, etc. etc.’”

  Gérard ran his hand over her protruding tummy. “Tireless, hmm. I suppose I have been.”

  “Oh, you.” She snuggled into his neck. “Just wait until this baby arrives. We’ll be exhausted.”

  “Exhausted, but happy.” He then proceeded to show her how happy he could make her. Which was very happy indeed.