Free Miss Lavigne's Little White Lie by Samantha Grace

to her voice, drawing it out and sending his pulse into a sprint. This was the first time she dared to call him by his given name.
    He smoothed a finger over her cheek and across her bottom lip. Every inch of her was exquisite to the touch, like the finest Oriental silk. “And it’s very improper for me to touch you, do I have that correct?”
    “Funny how you know the rules and yet never follow them.”
    “They aren’t my rules.”
    A knock sounded at the outer door.
    “They’re here.”
    He sighed when she moved away. At the threshold of his office, she stopped to glance over her shoulder. “Thank you, Daniel. You have no idea how grateful we are for your assistance with Rafe.”
    He shrugged and reached for his jacket draped across the chair. “You may thank me later if our endeavor is successful.”
    Lisette hurried forward to play hostess to the dinner guests, which suited him since it saved him the trouble of exchanging obligatory pleasantries. Once everyone was seated, he assisted Lisette to her chair before taking the seat across from her. It was time for the performance to begin.
    Daniel scooped two dollops of mashed potatoes onto his plate then rubbed his hands together.
    “Sailor’s Delight,” he pronounced, watching Rafe’s face to see if his words elicited any response.
    The lad looked up from his plate of bread with what Daniel hoped was a spark of interest. Rafe’s unwavering eyes fixed on his face, which was an accomplishment in itself. If Daniel could entice Rafe to add another food to his repertoire, he would consider tonight’s venture successful.
    Lisette reached for the serving spoon, and Daniel swatted her hand.
    “Ouch!”
    “None for you, madame.”
    She huffed. “I beg your pardon, sir?”
    “This is Sailor’s Delight.” Daniel raised a brow. “Are you a sailor?”
    “I’m most certainly not. In case you haven’t noticed, I’m a lady.”
    Daniel bit back a sarcastic reply. Lisette was all curves, softness, and graceful lines. Even a blind man wouldn’t mistake her for a man. “Well, the dish is not called Lady’s Delight, now, is it?”
    Rafe glanced between them, a small smile lifting the corner of his mouth.
    “How thoughtless of your cook,” she said. “Why, hardly any of us at the table are seamen.”
    Jake reached for the bowl and plopped a serving on his plate. “I’ve been a seaman, so I shall have a serving.”
    Daniel’s first and second mates helped themselves as well, digging into the fare with exaggerated gusto.
    Rafe tilted his head to the side. “What is Sailor’s Delight?”
    Mademoiselle Vistoire patted his shoulder. “You heard the captain, dear child. It’s food for seafaring men.”
    The stubborn set to the lad’s jaw reminded Daniel of Lisette. “I’m a sailor too.”
    Daniel nodded toward Mademoiselle Vistoire. “He has worked by my side every day this week. He even took his turn at watch this afternoon. He too shall enjoy Sailor’s Delight.” Scooping a serving of potatoes, he placed the mound on Rafe’s plate, the silver spoon clicking against the china. The lad eyed the white lump and poked it with this fork several times before he hazarded a taste.
    Rafe chewed slowly, contemplated the food, and then took another bite.
    Daniel met Lisette’s gaze and winked. “Perhaps you should swab the decks tomorrow, madame. Then you too may enjoy Sailor’s Delight for dinner.”
    A brush of her foot against his calf sent his heart into a gallop. The brief touch seemed intentional, affectionate, and it stirred something inside him unfamiliar but not unpleasant.
    “Thank you, Captain Hillary. I shall take your suggestion under advisement.”
    If only she were as amenable to his more inspired suggestions.
    ***
    With Rafe below deck and under the care of Monsieur Patch, Lisette settled in for the evening reading. Her spirits were still soaring after their victory this evening. She glanced at Daniel and affection swelled within her heart. He had