Free The Sinister Touch by Jayne Castle Page B

looked at her in mild surprise and then nodded. "If that's what you'd like. Sure."
    "Once this kind of party is up and running, no one really needs the hostess," Elizabeth confided lightly as she led the way out of the white-and-pastel living room. The royal-blue bodice of her gown was sequined and cut to reveal a surprising amount of cleavage. For some reason the look was elegant on Elizabeth . Not at all tacky, Zac decided. Just the same, he wouldn't want Guinevere wearing anything like that out in public. Elizabeth 's blond hair moved around her face as if it had been privately trained by her hairdresser. Until now Zac had only seen Elizabeth Gallinger in French designer suits. It didn't surprise him that she looked just as at home in what was probably a French designer gown.
    They stepped through a pair of open French doors and out into the cool evening. The rain had disappeared shortly after noon today, and the temperature had immediately climbed into the low seventies. Some of the pleasant warmth still lingered although it was fading rapidly. Elizabeth walked over to a teak railing and leaned against it to gaze out over a discreetly lit garden. Acres of sloping lawn stretched down to the waters of Lake Washington . Across the expanse of dark water the lights of Seattle and Bellevue glittered.
    "A lovely evening, isn't it, Zac?"
    He nodded again and then realized she might not be able to see the affirmative motion because of the shadows. "Very nice." God, he was a stunning conversationalist. It wasn't like this with Guinevere. He had no trouble at all talking to her. And she had no trouble talking to others. It was one of the reasons he'd wanted her with him tonight. She could keep a conversation going. Unfortunately she was wasting her talent in a discussion of babies this evening.
    "I've been extremely pleased by your analysis of Gallinger's security needs, Zac. Now that the project is almost concluded, I want you to know that I'll be recommending you to other people in my position."
    "I appreciate that, Elizabeth ."
    "We've spent a lot of time together over the past few weeks. I feel as though I've gotten to know you quite well," Elizabeth continued in a thoughtful tone.
    Zac, who didn't feel he knew this woman at all well, except as a client, tried to find something neutral to say. "It's been an interesting project."
    She was silent for a moment. He could see her perfectly chiseled profile as she continued to gaze out into the garden. "On occasion during the past few weeks I've found myself talking to you about a subject I haven't discussed with anyone else, Zac. Something about you made me think you would understand."
    Zac froze. Babies. She was going to bring up biological clocks agin. He knew it. Where was Gwen when he needed her? "Uh, well, Elizabeth , I'm sure a lot of women are discussing the same thing these days."
    She swung around, a smile curving her perfect mouth. "You see? I knew you sensed what I was getting at. I've made the decision, Zac. I'm going to have a baby. I'm going to become a single parent."
    He cleared his throat. "That's terrific, Elizabeth . I'm sure you'll make an excellent mother."
    "Oh, I will," she assured him serenely. "I'm in a position to give a child everything. And I will. But the most important thing I can give my baby, Zac, is good genes. My own are impeccable. But I must make certain the father's are equally sound."
    Zac felt his mouth go dry. "Genes." He didn't know what else to say, but he could feel a wave of panic unfolding in his stomach.
    "I don't intend to marry, of course. There's no need for that at this point."
    "I see."
    "But I will certainly expect to pay well for the services of a good father. I want the best, Zac. I can afford the best."
    Zac took a step backward and found himself up against a wall. His tie was suddenly much too tight around his throat, and it seemed to him that the night air had become almost unbearably warm. Behind him he could hear the laughter