2000 Kisses Read Free

that?”
    The Frenchman gave a self-effacing shrug. “Some men build software. I see auras. I'm glad you turned down the private jet to Paris. He was definitely not your type.”
    Tess couldn't help smiling. “If he keeps offering me trips like that, he could become my type.”
    “I doubt it. It will take more than money to reach your heart.”
    “You don't look like a psychic.”
    “Actually, I'm clairvoyant and somewhat telepathic. I'm also a banker, which makes my skills very useful.” He studied her carefully. “I'm Damien Passard. Richard is an old friend of mine.”
    Now Tess understood. This was the man that her boss had picked out for her. “I see. So
you 're
the sacrificial lamb.”
    “It wasn't a sacrifice. He told me he knew a fascinating woman I should meet, and he was right.”
    Tess felt herself blushing.
    “Your aura is particularly strong tonight. You've worked hard at your career in the last year. Unfortunately, that's left no time for your own interests.”
    Anyone could guess that, Tess thought. The description applied to most of the women under the age of thirty in this room. It didn't mean a thing.
    “I see you have a degree in journalism. It might prove useful in ways you have yet to imagine.”
    Another lucky guess, Tess thought darkly.
    “There are other currents swirling around you. One of them will be a wonderful adventure in a place that may seem somehow familiar.”
    Tess pulled her hand away. She was starting to be spooked by these calm pronouncements about her future. “Well, that was fascinating. Not that I believe any of it.”
    A frown edged across his forehead. “I see someone moving into your life very soon. He will touch you deeply.”
    “Is he someone here on die boat?” Not that she really
believed in
all this nonsense.
    The Frenchman released her hand. “I'm afraid I can't say.”
    “Why not?”
    “The energy is still unformed.” He turned as Richard Mainwaring clapped a hand on his shoulder.
    “I see you two have met. Damien is an old friend, Tess. He helped me handle my first agency contract.”
    Tess gave her boss a look that screamed
traitor.
“He's very nice for a sacrificial lamb.”
    Her boss gave her the boyish smile that concealed a razor-sharp business mind. “She's wonderful, isn't she, Damien? This whole millennium cruise was her idea. The cruise bigwigs are thrilled because their high-end bookings have doubled.” He lowered his voice. “They want us as their permanent PR agency. At the figure they've promised, I'd be unforgivably stupid to say no.” He smiled, raising his glass. “I almost regret that I can't take the cruise myself. I think I'd make a rather good Hemingway.”
    Damien chuckled. “You've got the moveable feast part right, anyway.”
    “We've had media people burning down the phone,” Richard said smugly. “You've got an enormous bonus coming, Tess.”
    “That's wonderful.” Tess tried to rein in her curiosity and failed. “Exactly how happy should I be?”
    “Very
happy. Head-for-a-week-in-Kauai happy.”
    Her curiosity zoomed into overdrive. “That could be expensive.”
    “You can afford it. Your cruise bonus will be in your account tomorrow, along with a matching figure as a gift from me. No, don't ask for details. Just go out and enjoy it.” He smiled benevolently. “As your concerned, solicitous boss I'm requesting that you take a week off. That live Internet auction you held for charity last month was brilliant. It brought us at least a dozen new clients.”
    “So that was your idea, Tess?” Damien raised his champagne glass in a salute. “Now I know who to blame. I dropped an unforgivable amount on a Chateau Margaux 1900.”
    “You got off too easy,” Richard said dryly. “Remember that island in French Polynesia?”
    Tess definitely remembered. She'd drooled over the auction description for a week. “The one with the pristine white beaches and the drop-dead sunsets?”
    “That's the one.” Richard gave a