Page 3 of A Fortunes of Texas Christmas (Fortunes of Texas)

Robin put a hand to her chest in mock appreciation. “Then I’m flattered...but not interested.”

“Really?”

He sounded shocked, and it made Robin laugh. “Really,” she replied. “And right now you should be thinking about your meeting with Kate and not anything...else.”

He stared at her. “Is this what’s called Texas hospitality?”

“No,” she said and took another step. “Simply good advice, Mr. Beaudin. Good luck with your interview.”

Then she turned on her heels, headed down the steps and raced around toward the guesthouse—far away from Amersen Beaudin and his absurdly sexy blue eyes. Hoping that with a little luck, she’d never have to see him again.

Must. Not. Think. He’s. Sexy.

Not ever.

But she did. Which spelled nothing but trouble.

* * *

Interview?

Amersen was still mulling that idea a couple of minutes later as a plump sixtysomething housekeeper invited him inside the big house. He ignored the idea that he’d been thoroughly and emphatically rejected by the nameless garden goddess and crossed the threshold, following the woman down the hall. It was a grand home, with a wide stairway, polished floors and stylish furnishings. The front living room was equally impressive, and it occurred to him that many people would be intimidated by the wealth and opulence. But he wasn’t. Maybe he’d become overused to wealth in the past few years.

And Kate Fortune was as incredible as he’d expected—she was tall and still striking despite her years, and she regarded him with a kind of high-browed curiosity as he walked through the door and introduced himself. She was standing by the fireplace, looking elegant in a shell pink suit with an ivory silk blouse and a thin row of pearls around her neck. Her hair was neat, her makeup impeccable and her demeanor one of style personified. Yes, Kate Fortune was every bit as imposing as he’d been led to believe. But he wasn’t daunted. Far from it. Amersen was keen to talk to her and hear her out.

“It was very good of you to come all this way to meet me,” she said, stretching out one long, elegant hand toward him. “I trust you had a comfortable flight?”

Amersen nodded and shook her hand. “Yes, thank you. Supplying the jet for my trip was very thoughtful of you.”

She shrugged lightly and then waved a hand. “Would you prefer to converse in French?”

His curiosity deepened. “You speak French, Ms. Fortune?”

“Some,” she replied. “And please, call me Kate.”

He nodded. “I’m happy to speak in English.”

She smiled a little and motioned for him to take a seat on one of the sofas. “Yes, well, you speak it very well. You studied business at Cambridge for several years, correct?”

Amersen’s brows rose fractionally as he sat down opposite her. “You’ve done some homework.”

“Of course,” she said and shrugged lightly. “I like to know who I’m going into business with.”

“Is that what we’re doing?”

Her mouth rose in one corner. “Time will tell, I suppose. No doubt you’re curious as to why I asked you to come here.”

“Yes.”

She sat back. “You’ve heard of Fortune Cosmetics?”

“Of course.”

She nodded approvingly. “It’s no secret that the business is very successful in this country, but I want to extend the reach of our products. To bring something new to the brand. A kind of European flair, for want of a better expression. And I wanted to discuss that idea with you.”

Amersen frowned. “You do know that I own a nightclub and a winery? I mean to say, I don’t have any connection to the cosmetics business in my country.”

“I know that,” she replied. “But when it comes to my company, I like to approach opportunities from different angles.”

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