Men For Hire by Jennifeer Denys Michelle Roth Bella Settarra Tina Donahue Page A

friends. She smiled when she saw them. They certainly had everything under control, and she was grateful for it.
    “You look … beautiful. Are you feeling better?” Richard looked stunned as he turned to face her at the foot of the stairs.
    “Yes, thank you. Sorry to have kept you waiting.” She smiled. Naomi felt beautiful. More beautiful than she had ever felt when she was with him.
    “I need to have a quiet word later,” he whispered to her.
    She frowned. He looked unhappy. She looked to Paula, who was standing on the other side of the room. She didn’t look as excited and pleased as she usually did. She didn’t even look as pretty as usual—or maybe it was just that Naomi felt even prettier herself tonight.
    “Okay.” She smiled at her ex, curious about what he wanted.
    “Naomi, you look gorgeous!” Aaron swooped in and took her hand. “Come and meet the Frobishers.”
    Both her men looked dashing in their suits, their muscles bulging through their jackets. Although they had looked quite at home in their casual clothes earlier, they slipped into their roles here just as easily. Naomi wondered if it was all part of their job at the agency—they must be able to slip into whatever guise they were called for. The thought sobered her a little. Were they just playing a role with her? Was this all part of the job, seducing the clients? She hoped not.
    “Daphne and Sam, this is Naomi Preston.” Aaron introduced them politely and they shook hands.
    Daphne Frobisher must have been in her sixties and reminded Naomi a little of Barbara Cartland. She was dressed all in pink, fluffy frills and wore the most uncomfortable-looking cerise stilettos. Not surprisingly she was holding onto her husband, presumably more for her support than his. “How lovely to meet you, dear.”
    Naomi smiled sweetly; she seemed a pretty odd character but very likable.
    “Ah, I’ve heard a lot about you, Naomi,” Sam told her conspiratorially.
    Naomi felt a jolt in her stomach and wondered just what he had heard. She looked questioningly at Aaron and James, who were just smiling politely.
    “We must talk about your books,” Sam Frobisher went on.
    “Yes, of course.” Naomi felt a little unnerved.
    Paula came over and gave her a friendly hug. She looked apologetic which surprised Naomi. Paula never apologized for anything.
    “Well, now that we all know each other, perhaps we should eat?” James smiled as he ushered everyone to the dining room and they went to take their seats.
    Naomi felt Richard’s eyes on her as she took her place at the head of the table, with James and Aaron sitting to either side. Daphne sat beside James with her husband next to her, while Paula wasted no time in sidling in next to Aaron. Richard sat beside Paula, though he didn’t seem at all happy about it.
    The first course was served and they all tucked in. Naomi was surprised at how hungry she was. As polite murmurs filled the room, she gazed at the two gorgeous hunks sitting by her. They seemed very relaxed and content, chatting to her guests. It occurred to her that it was odd that Aaron had introduced the Frobishers, and not Paula, their employee. Both guys were perfect at co-hosting her party and she felt proud that she was with them, and relieved that she didn’t have to do it alone. She wondered what Richard made of it all. He certainly didn’t look happy.
    “So, Daphne, what did you think of Naomi’s last book?” James asked, turning to the lady next to him.
    “Darling, I thought it was wonderful!” Daphne gushed loudly. “Just the sort of thing we’re looking for, isn’t it, Sam?”
    Sam smiled. “Oh yes, definitely. Exactly up our street,” Sam replied, finishing his starter.
    “But I thought you were looking for sweet romance?” Richard looked horrified. “She was going to write more mainstream novels in future.”
    Naomi felt irked. She knew Richard hadn’t approved of her foray into Erotic Romance, but she had loved writing it.