it nicely. Perhaps the more accurate description of what I needed was polite intervention rather than saving.
René was so over the top that it would’ve been comical if his hand hadn’t been on my leg since just after we’d sat down. He hadn’t even hesitated for a moment. Just sat down, slung one arm around my back, and placed the other on my thigh.
“What’s your favorite position?” he asked, definitely confident. I had to give him that. Flashing me a set of pearly white teeth, he grinned and scooted closer to me. “Have you ever been with a French man, chérie?”
“I can’t say I have,” I replied as politely as humanly possible. It wasn’t the first time he’d asked me that question, though. He just kept phrasing it differently.
Katie tried to divert his attention once again. “Do you live in Marseilles, Mr. Fayette? I wish we could have seen more of the country while we’re here but I have to admit, this place is beautiful.”
“Not permanently.” He didn’t even look at her, his eyes fixed on mine. “I have a hotel suite that is always available for as long as I need it. Would you like to see it, chérie?”
Jeez. The man didn’t seem to know the meaning of subtlety. He was very much in my face with his intentions. A lot of the things he said was like he was trying to draw a comeback out of me or to tempt me to stand up for myself.
I kept having to remind myself that Jefferson was standing right over there, watching my every move closely. It was more important than ever that I maintain my sweet, nice-girl façade. Hopefully, it would get easier once he and Dane joined us at the table.
“I’ve heard so many good things about the hotels around here, but I have my own hotel to get back to later. Thanks for the offer, though.”
He arched a brow at me, though I wasn’t sure if it was in challenge or surprise. “I could do more than just show you my suite. Perhaps we could take a ride through the city? It’s the oldest city in France.”
While I’d never let him know about it, that had caught my attention. I’d done some research on Marseilles when I’d found out we’d be visiting. There were so many questions I wanted to ask him about the city we wouldn’t be getting to spend any time in, but I refrained.
Guys like him tended to take all and any interest as interest in them, which definitely wasn’t the case. “We’re actually taking a drive around before we leave tomorrow. I can’t wait to see it. I’d have spent a week here if I could.”
“Once your business is complete, perhaps I can collect you from Paris and you can spend some time here with me before you go back to America. I can make alternative flight arrangements for you.”
Was he kidding me? He’d only met me ten minutes ago, and now he was offering to fly me back to the States. Over. The. Top.
“That’s a very kind offer, but I’m afraid I’m going to have to decline. Our schedule is rather busy with this campaign.”
He grinned again. “I could talk to Jefferson if you want. What’s mine is yours. Including my influence. He will not say no to a Fayette.”
I lowered my gaze before he could see my rising frustration, dragging in a deep breath. “I’m still new to this. I’m sure you understand. We have so many commitments that I can’t back out of at the last minute.”
“Why don’t you tell us about your company, Mr. Fayette?” Katie suggested. “You must have some interesting stories to tell about your line of work.”
“My work is whatever I want it to be,” he replied in such a dismissive tone that Katie and I exchanged a look.
When I broke eye contact with her, I looked over her shoulder to where Jefferson and Dane had been standing. They’d disappeared for a minute, coming back with some folders and a tablet computer.
I turned to René when I saw them approaching the table, but he was gawking down the front of my dress now, leaning over like it was no problem that he was trying to catch a glimpse of boob.
“Those girls will love me,” he purred in this smooth voice that was bordering on baby talk before he looked back up into my eyes. “Why do you keep refusing me? You and I could have a lot