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the Casino in Cannes.'
    Caroline was alarmed. 'I thought you'd given up gambling?'
    'I have—with other people's money. But I got an advance from Penny.'
    'If you blow that lot, don't expect me to help you out.'
    'I won't.' He was unabashed. 'Give my apologies to Matt and the others. I'm sure he won't miss me. He'll only have eyes for you!'
    'What's your girl-friend doing down here oh her own?' she asked, unable to contain her curiosity.
    'Chantal's her name, and she's not on her own—or at least only during the week. Her husband joins her from Paris at the weekends. She's been terribly bored, poor dear. Until we arrived, she was the only one here under sixty!'
    'That's probably the reason her husband thought it safe to leave her here,' Caroline retorted. 'Don't forget we have to be up early.'
    'A short, well-deserved sleep is better than a long restless one!'
    Against her will she laughed, then made her way down to the lobby, where Lee and Ann were waiting by the Mercedes. Their descent to the coast was swift and they were soon driving through the ancient stone arch that led to Antibes harbour. Hundreds of boats were moored there, although most were not in use, as it was too early in the year. The variety of craft was endless—sailing boats, cabin cruisers and motorboats —but Matt's yacht, Mystique, dwarfed them all, its blue and white painted hull giving it the appearance of a mini-liner.
    Matt stood at the top of the gangway, tanned and handsome and casually dressed in navy slacks and open-necked sports shirt, that disclosed the dark hairs on his chest. His wide, sensual mouth broke into a friendly smile as he welcomed Lee and Ann, though the smile lightened as he turned his attention to Caroline, his eyes devouring her hungrily.
    'You look wonderful,' he said as he kissed her. 'I've missed you,' he whispered, his heartbeat quickening to match her own as he felt her response.
    'I've missed you too,' she admitted. 'Thank you for the flowers. They were lovely.'
    'Red roses for a blue lady!' he grinned, and walked with her across the deck where Mark and Helen were waiting.
    'Welcome aboard,' said Helen, sounding as if she were welcoming Caroline to a funeral. No doubt if Helen had had her way, the dinner party would have been turned into a wake!
    Over cocktails in the main saloon they all chatted amiably, though Helen tried to address as few remarks as possible to Caroline.
    'Your hotel is lovely,' Caroline turned to Matt. 'Why didn't you tell me it was yours?'
    'I thought you knew.' His eyes caressed her. 'I only send my special friends there.'
    'Business friends or girl-friends?' she teased.
    'Both,' he replied, then added with a glint in his eyes: 'If you want, you can stay here. This is one place where I can guarantee the room service!'
    Dinner was announced before she could reply and Matt propelled her towards the main deck, seating her next to him. The night was exceptionally mild and because of it they ate under the orange and white fringed awning. The boats around them were in darkness, but the harbour lights glowed softly, reflecting on the water and turning it to black satin.
    Caroline felt as if she was in fairyland. Candles flickered in Baccarat crystal holders on the glass-topped table, and orchids lay scattered between the plates. A sigh escaped her and Matt was quick to hear it.
    'Tired?' he asked.
    'No,' she smiled. 'Happy.'
    'So am I.'
    Before he could elaborate, Helen called to him from the other side of the table, and he obediently turned his attention towards her. Some of Caroline's happiness ebbed. Helen might be engaged to Mark, but she was still determined to retain her hold upon Matt.
    The dinner was half way through before he was again able to talk to Caroline, and. because she was irritated with him—did he always have to do as Helen ordered?—she refused to let him return to anything intimate.
    'You have a superb cook,' she said brightly.
    'I know. He used to work in one of the best