Page 28 of Perfume Girl

“Join us,” Astor said, his tone enticing.

“That’s very generous of you!” Embry burst out.

“Actually, I was asking Raquel,” he said blandly.

I stood there stunned at his invitation.

“I was expecting your call, Raquel.” Astor threw in a smile. “We have a job vacancy for a chemist at the House of Beauregard.”

“What job?” asked Damien.

“The one I offered her,” replied Astor.

“That’s great, babe.” Damien looked conflicted. “She’ll really need one after closing the—”

“I am interested in hearing more,” I interrupted.

Astor started to respond, but Damien cut him off.

“I’m her ex, by the way.” Damien reached out to shake Astor’s hand.

Astor shook it, his gaze darting back to my shirt.

“Yeah.” Damien rolled his eyes. “You see what I had to contend with.”

“I do,” said Astor. “I had the pleasure of meeting Raquel in South Beach. It was truly inspiring.”

Damien looked at me. “When did you go there?”

“A week ago,” I replied, not that it was any of his business.

“I’m Astor Beauregard.” He reached out to shake Embry’s hand, too.

“Mr. Beauregard, you invited me in for an interview,” I clarified. “There was no official offer.”

“Let’s continue this onRiveting.” Astor pointed to the yacht.

I felt tempted. It was the way he’d spoken those words, the way he’d invited me onto his “pleasure palace,”seeminglythe center of his world where answers awaited and hope lived on.

The same happy crowd who had disembarked now made their way back on the yacht. A member of the staff followed them carrying a crate of champagne.

I recognized Penelope Beauregard, the elusive woman I’d been trying to hunt down. She was dressed in a white trouser suit and I could see a bikini top showing through her open blouse. She glanced my way and then quickly boarded following the others.

“Raquel,” Astor said, “since you’ve lost access to your boat for the day, please take advantage of mine.”

I had to remind myself that this man was my enemy. He swaggered around with a wealthy bad boy attitude that riled me up. The way he smiled—oh, so innocently—and most of all the way he loomed over everyone with his intimidating height.

I didn’t trust myself to be close to his sister either. Being trapped on a yacht in the middle of the ocean after confronting either of them would be a nightmare scenario.

Maybe Astor was playing with me. Maybe he knew who I was. That strange glance back from Penelope had intrigued me. It could have been guilt, but then again my T-shirt was a close contender for her disapproval.

How long had I waited for the chance to get close to her and ask the kind of questions that would bring about a resolution to my dilemma? Still, being spontaneous brought with it the kind of risks I didn’t take.

“If you change your mind,” Astor said, heading toward the ramp, “we leave in ten.”

My gaze followed him and I couldn’t look away. He strolled onto his boat with confidence, keeping his hands in his pockets as he boarded without looking back.

“I’d jump at the chance to work for him,” admitted Embry, her tone incredulous that I’d passed on his offer. “What?” she said, responding to the disapproving look from Damien. “Look how rich he is. He’d pay well.”