Raffa missed nothing. Laden platters had been placed in front of them, and Rose couldn’t face a thing. ‘It all looks delicious.’ Her stomach grumbled right on cue. When had she last had something to eat?
Finally, she ate, and the food was indeed delicious. She told Raffa so in a series of appreciative moans. She could do this. She had to do this if she wanted to progress in her career. When he began to talk about the ponies they both loved, she knew it would be possible, because this was once again the serious-minded man she worked for and respected, the man whose unparalleled equine knowledge had drawn Rose to work for him in the first place. It wasn’t long before her enthusiasm for the topic spilled over, and the glamorous occasions ahead of her lost their power to intimidate.
Rose continued to impress him over dinner. The press had been less than kind to her since the wedding, suggesting she was an opportunistic gold digger, making the most of her surprise inclusion in his sister’s wedding. He was accustomed to being picked over by the press, but it was new for Rose, yet she made no mention of it. Even when he broached the subject, she brushed it aside, and got back to talking about the animals she loved.
‘Rest easy, where those articles are concerned,’ he said as she continued to weave the magic of unaffected charm over him. ‘They won’t influence my thinking on your work. The post of Head Groom is too vital for that.’
‘Thank you for the reassurance,’ Rose said as she dabbed at her mouth with a napkin. His gaze followed her movements. The evening had grown chilly while they’d been eating, and when she reached for the throw on the back of her chair, he leaned forward and draped it around her shoulders.
‘I’ve learned so much while I’ve been working for you,’ she admitted, staring up at him with the frankness in her eyes that made her irresistible. ‘I adore my work, and I’m open to any and all developments where my career is concerned. I’ve got such wonderful colleagues. We wouldn’t be the team we are without them, and I’ve made so many friends.’
As she talked, he saw the passion in her eyes, and suddenly wanted that same passion directed at him, but relationships outside his immediate family had proved impossible since the tragedy. He could go so far and no further, before his concern to protect others from his darkness kicked in. So many things had become impossible on the night he saw his parents perish in front of him. His mother used to say love is beautiful, but he thought it agonisingly cruel.
Something in his thoughts must have communicated to Rose and triggered a surprising response in her. ‘Tears?’ he queried. ‘Does your job mean so much to you?’
‘It means everything to me,’ Rose confessed fiercely, pulling herself together fast. ‘When my mother fell ill, she made me promise to take her place and look after the family. My brothers have flown the nest, but my father’s still a constant worry, so I have to succeed, to be in a position to support him, just as my mother asked.’
Hostage for life, he thought, realising that Rose would never believe she’d done enough. He was glad she’d confided in him. It explained the shadows in her eyes, and her constant drive to be the best. He could relate to those emotions.
‘Everything I do is geared to keeping the family afloat,’ she continued. ‘And please don’t feel sorry for me. Remember, I chose this path.’
Had she, or had Rose’s direction in life come from a desire to break free from what must have been a difficult childhood? ‘Thank you for your company tonight,’ he said formally, bringing the evening to a close. ‘You’ve got a big day ahead of you tomorrow, so try to get some sleep.’
Rose stood and thanked the stewards, who reappeared at exactly the right moment to hold her chair and open doors. ‘Goodnight, Raffa. Sleep well.’
He doubted that would happen with Rose lying in a bed only a few yards away from his.
Rose was determined to keep things upbeat the next morning at breakfast. She and Raffa had trodden a tightrope over grief the previous evening that could alter the course of this week, if she dwelled on it. Working in a top stable was tough for all concerned, which meant a good-humoured, purposeful attitude was essential.
‘Good morning,’ she said brightly, joining Raffa at the table. The only problem now was Raffa in cut-off jeans, revealing rock-hard muscles in his deeply tanned legs, and a top that showed off everything, including his infamous wolf tattoo.
But this was not the time for feasting on Raffa, who launched straight in with the news that he had more conference calls to make that morning. ‘Meanwhile, you will liaise with the galley staff and everyone else on board thePegasus, to ensure the champagne reception runs smoothly tonight. I have some additions to the list of people I’ve asked you to talk to at the event. It always helps to have a plan.’ His black stare lingered on her face, unreadable and inconveniently arousing. ‘Rose?’
‘Sorry.’ Moistening her lips, she quickly refocused. ‘I’m delighted to help in any way I can. I’m so looking forward to meeting your guests.’
‘No careless revelation of trade secrets,’ he warned.
‘You can rely on me for discretion.’
‘We’ll heave to in the ocean off the coast of Monte Carlo. My crew has entertained like this many times before, but I’m looking to you to add something more...an extra dimension, if you will.’
‘Of course.’ Excitement gripped Rose as she switched on the part of her brain that delighted in organising the heck out of things.
Raffa went on to explain that thePegasuswould be dressed for the reception as well. ‘Pennants, lights, champagne, music, and, of course, you’ll join me in welcoming His Serene Highness on board.’
‘Of course,’ she agreed, imagination running riot at the thought of sharing the occasion with Raffa.
‘The event starts at eight. Things move fast in the Acosta world,’ Raffa cautioned.
‘I think I already know that,’ she pointed out good-humouredly, ‘and I promise not to let you down.’
‘Excellent,’ Raffa said briskly. ‘The following night, as I mentioned to you yesterday, I will be the Prince’s guest of honour at his most important charity event of the year. There’ll be more people for you to meet at the ball, so I suggest you mug up on the names I’ve given you.’
To hear the brazen invitation to sin sitting next to her coolly detailing plans for upcoming events made Rose want to smile at the unlikely clash of sex and heat and business.
‘It’s an opportunity to start building relationships at the very highest level,’ Raffa explained, staring straight into her eyes. ‘You’ll be adding to your knowledge of how deals are done in the horse world. Your reputation in Ireland was second to none, and now you’re going global, Rose.’
‘I’m excited,’ she admitted, and not just by the professional opportunities Raffa was putting her way. ‘I’m guessing formal dress will be required?’
