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“I don’t really want him to either.” The lie tasted ashen on her tongue. She yearned to spend time in Etienne’s arms again, preferably without clothes. But things must remain professional between them. Nothing could jeopardize the launch party, and getting involved with a client would add an unwanted layer of complication.
    “What do you mean, not exactly?”
    Marie kept at it like a dog with a bone. “We kissed.” One wonderful kiss.
    Marie’s eyes opened wide and her mouth formed a perfect O.
    “It didn’t mean anything, Marie.” Bella spoke quickly, hoping to avoid any more questions. “Crazy moments happen sometimes.”
    “Happen never, honey.” Marie swallowed a mouthful of wine. “Do you like him?”
    “I like him.” The realization hit Bella like a brick thrown from the top of a tall building. Etienne had dominated her every waking thought for days. But what did she really know about him after two brief meetings? She’d drifted into a relationship with Brian, realizing too late his perfect face hid a vicious and controlling personality. Could she ever trust her own judgment again?
    The string quartet tickets were booked–and a killer dress and new high heels she really couldn’t afford hung ready in her wardrobe. Panic skittered within with the realization that this fascination for Etienne put her in danger. In danger of falling for him hard.
    “Not all men are like Brian.” Marie grasped her hand and squeezed tightly. “If you like Etienne, go for it.”
    ****
    E tienne stood outside the darkened windows of Celebrate’s office on Aqua Blanca’s main street. He edged back the sleeve of his formal suit to glance at his watch. She’d said seven, and the time was five past. Where was she? He shoved both hands into his pockets.
    Music swelled from a small club further down the street, and a queue snaked around the corner. The intricate melodies accompanied by complex percussion were exotically unfamiliar. Inside everyone would be dancing. It would be impossible not to.
    Again, he glanced up the street. No sign of her. A small sound behind him caught his attention. He turned to see Celebrate’s door swing open.
    Bella stood in the doorway. “I’m sorry to keep you waiting.”
    Etienne’s heart thumped hard. The vision before him had been well worth the wait. “You look beautiful.” His voice sounded deep to his own ears. Like a man bewitched.
    His nymph had become a siren in a sea green dress that swirled around her long legs. The bodice molded to her breasts was accentuated with dark green crystals sewn into the neckline. Thin straps held it up.
    His body tightened at the thought of her naked under the fabric. Her hair flowed loose and free, just the way it had on release from the clasp at the château. Long green crystal earrings almost reached to her shoulders. Etienne cleared his throat. He glanced back into the darkened interior of her office. “Were you in there in the dark?”
    “No, upstairs.” Her cheek dimpled when she smiled.
    Etienne stepped closer. He wanted to trace a finger over her nose’s subtle dusting of freckles. He breathed in her scent—not light and laced with roses like before—but something deeper. A sensuous mix of spice and musk. A scent designed to entice, and one which did its job spectacularly. “Upstairs?” Etienne glanced up to the lace-covered windows.
    “My apartment is above the office. There’s a stairway in the back,” Bella said with a wave of her hand.
    He could stand here all night, just watching her. Etienne swallowed, and forced a businesslike note into his voice. “If we are going to this performance, we should hurry.” He clasped her elbow, and stepped her to his silver BMW on the sidewalk.
    Ten minutes later, they hurried into the concert hall and barely made it to their seats in the hushed darkness before ‘Strings’ took to the stage.
    Etienne glanced at Bella’s profile in the darkness.
    Her arm rested close on the upholstered