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stutter and her heart rate gallop with just a look. Only Rhett had ever done that. But perhaps Robert was a safer choice. He definitely seemed as though he could be interested in her and something in the back of her mind made her wonder if what she had going with Rhett was only temporary.
    She was slightly disappointed to find that Rhett was once more out of the office when she returned from lunch, but she was busy in the afternoon and soon immersed herself in a whirlwind of activity.
    When she got back to his office to finalise some last-minute details, it was past five o’clock. As soon as she entered, she noticed a hamper sitting in the middle of Rhett’s desk. It was very large and, from what she could see, quite extravagant.
    She cast a furtive look over her shoulder, then walked into the office and over to the desk to inspect the gift, her curiosity overtaking her good manners.
    Presented in a basket, and nestled in red tissue paper, was a startling array of epicurean delights. The first item was a bottle of Dom Perignon. Scattered around the champagne were various gourmet treats including caviar, Swiss chocolates, water crackers and Molives olives. The entire hamper was professionally wrapped in clear cellophane and completed with a large, red satin ribbon. It was clear to whom the gift was intended. An envelope attached to the ribbon read: Rhett.
    Her initial assumption was that a client had perhaps sent the basket, but when her closer inspection revealed the inclusion of luxury bubble bath, scented candles and other items obviously used for seduction, it was clear that the offering was intended for Valentine’s Day.
    Her heart rate increased and her mind swirled wildly with possibilities to explain away the intimate gift, but she could come up with no explanation. The hamper had clearly been sent by a female who appeared to have feelings over and above friendship towards Rhett.
    As the realisation was sinking in, a movement in the doorway caught her attention. She spun around and was surprised to be confronted by a tall, slim woman. Her black hair fell in a silky veil to just past her shoulders, she had high cheekbones and lovely brown, almond-shaped eyes. She possessed a refined, elegant beauty that instantly made Lucy feel inadequate and lacking.
    The woman walked into the office. “Oh, you must be Rhett’s new assistant. I didn’t realise Annie had left,” she said dismissively.
    Lucy was staring in surprise at the visitor when Rhett arrived. And by his agitated expression, it was clear that the newcomer was unexpected.
    “Lucy is not my new assistant,” he snapped in irritation. “Lucy is our interior designer.”
    Upon hearing his voice, the woman spun around to face him. “Oh, Rhett, darling,” she purred and sashayed towards him. “I was hoping I would find you here.”
    “Now is not a good time, Camille,” he said, sidestepping her to avoid her intended embrace.
    With sudden clarity, Lucy realised that this female, Camille, was the sender of the seduction hamper. Surely only a woman who had history with Rhett would send such a gift. It was too intimate and far too personal for a mere acquaintance. Instinctively, she knew that the lovely Camille and Rhett had been in a relationship. She suddenly felt extremely uncomfortable and the need to get out of Rhett’s office and away from what was sure to be an awkward scene became a top priority.
    “I’m s-sorry,” Lucy stammered. Stooping, she picked up her handbag and swung it onto her shoulder. “I’m finished here for the day. I’ll give you two some space. Have a lovely evening.”
    She hastily made her way to the door. Her mind was reeling with questions but she would keep those for another day. At that moment, she just wanted to leave the office. But Rhett blocked her way. “Lucy, please,” he implored, his gaze boring into hers. “Don’t go.”
    “Rhett, let the poor woman leave, for heaven’s sake,” Camille said in exasperation.