Page 2 of Unknown Royal Baby

Hurriedly she pressed her thighs together.

‘That was a useful session, don’t you think?’ Her voice was stilted and she took refuge in her notes, pretending absorption in what she’d written.

Because she feared what he might see in her eyes. It was vital she remain professional, unswayed by his bone-melting smile.

He flopped into a chair beside her. From the corner of her eye she saw him spin to face her, knees close to her, solid thighs encased in charcoal superfine wool. ‘Very useful. What did you think of him?’

‘Me?’

She shouldn’t be surprised. Isam regularly sought her input. But something in his tone made her look up sharply.

Dark grey eyes regarded her intently. Beneath his imposing, straight nose, his sensuously sculpted mouth had flattened. The angle of his jaw seemed sharper. He looked—not disapproving, but not happy.

What had Drucker said to get Isam offside?

‘It’s not my decision but—’

‘That’s never stopped you giving input before.’

Startled, Avril hesitated. Isam might be demanding but he was never impatient. She firmed her lips and lifted her chin. ‘I wouldn’t employ him.’

Something flared in that gunmetal gaze but she had no hope of identifying it. ‘Go on.’

She shrugged. ‘On paper the deal seems promising. But I’m not sure he has his priorities right and that doesn’t say much for his judgement. He pumped money into creating executive suites in his hotel but I think he’s overcapitalised. They’re underutilised, maybe because of the location. It’s the more affordable accommodation that brings in the money there, yet he refuses to take an interest in that. Plus...’

A nod encouraged her to continue. ‘He skimmed over the issue of staff underpayment. From what I’ve been able to discover that’s an ongoing issue. If rumours are to be believed, it’s a major problem. Apart from the legalities, do you want to take on someone who doesn’t value and reward staff? If you acquired the hotel I definitely wouldn’t keep him on as executive manager.’

‘I caught him staring at you.’

Discomfort lifted her shoulders. ‘Some men seem unable to resist leering at a woman.’

Even an altogether ordinary woman in a plain navy suit and white shirt. It was something she hadn’t missed when she left her job in an office to work from home remotely as a virtual PA.

‘I apologise that he made you uncomfortable, Avril. That’s why I cut off the meeting. I won’t do business with him. But I needed to meet him and ensure I was making the right decision.’ His tone darkened. ‘That short session convinced me.’

Isam had ended the meeting because his visitor ogled her? She blinked, digesting the idea. Avril had known there was something wrong—they hadn’t got through half the points she’d prepared. She slanted a glance at Isam and discovered him watching her with a look of concern.

‘It’s all right. I—’

‘It’snotall right, as I made clear to him just now. But thank you for your patience today. I’m sorry it happened.’

He’d called the guy on his behaviour? Avril reminded herself it was only what any decent person would do. She should have done it herself instead of pretending it wasn’t happening by focusing on her work.

That Isam hadn’t ignored the behaviour, but had done something about it, released a flood of warm emotion.

You’re not here to feel emotion. You’re here to work.

But she couldn’t suppress the warm glow inside.

‘I’ll tidy my notes and send them to you. And the list of action items from today’s meetings.’

She paused, reluctant to continue because, despite the long day, and the session with Drucker, she’d enjoyed herself. Enjoyed being with Isam. She liked the way he worked and that he valued her input.

A secret, feminine part of her thrilled at being with this potently masculine, charismatic man.

Plus she hated the idea of returning to the empty house she’d shared with Cilla. Isam was soalive, so real and strong. She craved some of that strength and assurance. Craved the excitement of being with him as an antidote to the bleak loneliness of her home.

‘Thanks.’

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