The Formula One Gala Dinner, an event of exclusivity and splendor, made for one of the social highlights on the Monaco calendar. It didn’t surprise Rachel to see the names of Prince Albert and his beautiful new South African wife on the list of attendees.
Rachel stepped into the lavish ballroom dressed in a figure-hugging, silver couture gown. The classic design hinted at her cleavage and the low, draping back revealed her shoulders, drawing several appreciative looks from the men around the room. With a slight nod, she acknowledged the knowing look in Tina’s eyes.
She smiled at the battle of wits she’d had with her friend in finally selecting her gown for the evening. For almost an hour she modeled the seemingly endless selection of evening gowns from Tina’s expansive walk-in wardrobe.
“Too daring — I might as well go naked,” Rachel complained all too often.
“Oh, come on, Rachel — you have the body for it. Flaunt it. Some debonair Frenchmen will appreciate it,” Tina would counter. In the end, the combination of chilled champagne and Tina’s persistence won the battle.
And Tina was right. Despite her hectic schedule, she had always found the time for her morning run. It didn’t take her long to regain her tight body after the birth of her children, and the gown’s fit accentuated the curves of her taut figure. It had been a while since she had found the time or the inclination to dress so sensually.
Tina flipped her hair over her shoulder with confidence and flashed Luke a radiant smile as he escorted them to their table. She was dressed in a daring, strapless, couture gown, the soft mint green stunning against her sultry skin.
Seconds after they were seated, Rachel became aware of Alain’s intent eyes on her from the far corner of the room. Her heart jumped at the sight of his tall, muscular frame. He was dressed in a tailored black dinner jacket, his bronzed face contrasting with the pristine white of his formal shirt. He smiled and struck out across the room toward their table with long, easy strides.
“You look lovely tonight, Rachel,” he said with a husky note in his voice. Rachel smiled up at Alain, and then turned to Tina and Luke.
“Alain, this is my dear friend Tina and her husband, Luke.”
Alain greeted them with a warm smile.
“Please, sit,” Luke invited, and Alain took a seat at next to Rachel. “Was your driver hurt?” he directed at Luke.
“Just his confidence. But the mental challenge to come back in the next race will be tough on him,” Luke replied, and Rachel reveled at the ease with which Alain found a common connection to get the conversation started.
As they settled into the rhythm of light conversation, Rachel noticed the effect of Alain’s charismatic personality on Tina and Luke. Light laugher soon rang from their table, and when Alain excused himself to see to his guests, it was with a sense of shared disappointment from all at their table.
“My guests must think I have deserted them, but I will be back to call on you for our dance,” Alain promised before he left. Rachel suddenly wished the servers would hurry along with the evening’s dinner.
Eyes downturned, Tina sat in silence opposite her. Rachel noticed the teasing smile on her lips. “Yes, and what now?” Rachel asked.
Tina toiled with the seared scallops starter in front of her. “Alain’s a fascinating man,” she said, leaving the statement hanging.
Rachel sat back, inclining her head as if surprised by Tina’s comment. “He sure is. What do you think, Luke?”
Luke looked up at her from his plate. “Certainly. I believe he owns a couple of exotic vintage cars. Wouldn’t mind having a peek at his garage one day.”
“Men … ” Tina mouthed at Rachel and shook her head in mock amazement.
By the time the servers hauled in the elaborate cheese trolleys, the performing four-piece band had succeeded in warming up the crowd with a couple of well-executed numbers. Alain made his way over to their table and laid a light hand on her chair back.
“A man of my word.” He held his hand out to her.
She stood from her chair with controlled grace, but her heart was racing. She tensed at the pleasure of his touch on her arm as he guided her to the dance floor. Strong arms encircled her body with a familiar confidence, and then they glided across the floor. She shivered with excitement. He truly was a gracious dancer and he steered them with skill and confidence through the crowd.
Pleasure rippled over her skin at the sensual touch of his warm hand on her bare back, and she relaxed, enjoying the closeness of their bodies as they moved together. She reveled at the easy balance of his muscular frame and was just beginning to lose herself in the sensual haze of music and movement when the dance ended.
“That didn’t really count as a dance,” he suggested and took her in his arms again when the next song started. The band had increased the tempo, and soon Alain had them sweeping across the floor in flowing, graceful arcs.
As they flitted over the dance floor, Rachel found herself distracted by the latent strength in his shoulders and upper torso, the warmth from his body. With a light frown she willed herself to concentrate on the intricate dance routine Alain had them executing.
That’s better, she thought and focused on her dancing, but then, while her hand rested lightly on the nape of his back, she had difficulty restraining herself from playing with a tangle of his long hair tickling her fingers.
Get a grip on yourself, Rachel.
Her heart raced to a healthy rush as the pace of their dancing increased, and she started breathing deeper, matching the slow, strong rhythm of Alain’s breathing. He was fit and strong, and she enjoyed the closeness of his male strength as they swirled across the parquet flooring.
The band started another slow, romantic song, and he pulled her tighter to his body. She gasped at the intimate closeness of their bodies. Her hand trembled, but she slid it higher up on his back. Inhaling his manly warmth, she closed her eyes and rested her head against his shoulder. His hand traced down her spine and she sighed softly.
Song after song, they enjoyed the thrill of dancing, their bodies locked in rhythm to the pulse of the music, oblivious to their surroundings.
I’ve never desired a man more — does he feel the same?
Time stood still.
The band stopped, and Alain led Rachel to a table on the balcony to enjoy the cool, fresh air. He leaned forward to say something, but then looked up with mild surprise when a server approached their table with an apprehensive request to clear the table.
Surprised, she glanced at her watch. Alain’s mouth drew in a tight line of disappointment, but he stood from the table. He extended his hand to her. “Let’s go.”