Free How To Host a Seduction by Jeanie London Page A

good shot at getting her to give me another chance.”
    A good shot. He sampled the effect of the words on his tongue, decided he disliked the taste of potential defeat—a feeling he hadn’t experienced much in his life. “That’s what I came to tell you.”
    â€œYou’re convinced she still loves you.”
    â€œYes.”
    Only a beat of silence passed before Miss Q took him at his word. “Good, because I want everything to go your way, dear. You’ve gone through a great deal of trouble and expense to arrange this get-together and I must tell you how impressed I am with your ingenuity and imagination. If anyone can prove himself to our fiercely independent Ellen, you’re the man.”
    â€œThank you for helping me pull this off.”
    â€œMy pleasure. It’s been a good time, and I’m delighted that Olaf has taken to this place the way he has. He hasn’t had so much fun in ages, and he deserves some after working so hard to organize the Eastman Gallery.” She referred to the erotic art gallery she’d recently opened as a memorial to her late lover. “I want you to have fun, too. I think you’ll be pleased with the script we’ve cooked up.”
    â€œI’m sure I will be.”
    â€œThen, smile, dear. You’re an innovative businessman, the senior vice-president of sales in that fancy company, for goodness’ sake. You can sell yourself to Ellen.”
    If only selling himself were as simple as wheeling and dealing for controlling interest in a Black Sea vacation resort or an antebellum plantation. But Miss Q did have a point, and he wasn’t embarrassed to admit that her opinion mattered. He’d known Miss Q his whole life and he respected her. Knowing she returned the sentiment went a long way toward dispelling the lingering sense of defeat he’d been grappling with since Ellen ended their relationship and refused his calls.
    â€œI’ve already taken the up-front approach, and she wasn’t impressed. She’s a very strong woman, so chasing after her was never an option. Ingenuity and imagination are all I have.”
    â€œEllen’s a tough sell. No doubt.” Miss Q sounded thoughtful. “But then, so were you. Finding a woman to catch your eye hasn’t been easy. Trust me.”
    â€œShe has me between a rock and a hard place.”
    â€œYour favorite place to be.”
    â€œAdmittedly. But I normally have more options.”
    â€œEven better,” she shot back. “You like challenges.”
    â€œThe more challenging the better. Usually. ” Taking a deep breath, Christopher steeled himself to admit the truth. “I don’t want to lose her.”
    Miss Q sighed, and Christopher shook off the grim effects of his admission to manage another smile. This woman was a true romantic.
    â€œEllen’s an intelligent girl and you two are perfect for each other. I know. I brought you together, and I don’t make mistakes about grand passion.”
    â€œWith luck I’ll convince her, too.”
    Miss Q grinned a grin that lit up her wizened features, hinted at the gorgeous daredevil she’d been in her youth. “Luck has nothing to do with it. You just be your dashing self and let her heart do the rest. She’s a smart girl.”
    â€œWho chooses to play it safe. She won’t allow herself to get too close or too vulnerable, and right now she’s convinced being involved with me is the worst possible move she could make. But one thing I do know is that beneath her cool exterior beats the heart of an idealist. She may hide it well, but editing those romances feeds her soul. She’s very influenced by heroes, fantasies and happy endings, whether she admits it or not. It so happens I’m targeting idealistic souls this weekend.”
    â€œYou’ll be a wonderful hero, dear. It’s in your blood. Just look at your parents. They’re the love match