‘Just what did she tell you about me?’ she flashed, her mouth tightening.
‘Not a lot, I must admit. I didn’t see any husband with you when you arrived.’
‘I wasn’t aware you’d seen us arrive.’
‘I never miss out on a beautiful woman.’
’I hope you aren’t referring to me,’ she said stiffly.
‘Your cousin is lovely, but she doesn’t have your fragility, your wraithlike beauty. I noticed you as soon as you came in.’
She wondered how many other women he had told the same thing this evening. ‘Am I supposed to be flattered?’
‘Not particularly. You really meant it when you said you don’t like men.’ He sounded surprised.
‘Did you think I didn’t?’
‘Some women like to pretend they feel that way. For some reason they imagine it makes them more interesting to men.’
Her top lip curled back. ‘I’m sorry to disappoint you, but I’m the real thing.’
‘Except for your husband, of course.’
‘Sorry?’ she frowned.
‘You must like your husband.’
‘If you say so,’ she agreed tautly.
‘Is he here with you?’
‘No.’
‘In that case, would you like to leave?’
Helen was taken aback. ‘Are only single people and married couples allowed at your parties, Mr Masters?’
‘Hardly,’ he gave a husky laugh, his teeth firm and white against his tanned skin. ‘I wasn’t suggesting you leave alone, I was asking you to leave with me.’
Helen looked puzzled. ‘But this is your party.’
Leon shrugged nonchalantly. ‘I want to leave. I thought you wanted to come with me.’
‘You thought I—! Why on earth should you think that?’ she demanded angrily, curious in spite of herself.
‘Didn’t you?’ he quirked one blond eyebrow, his superior height making her feel small and strangely fragile.
‘Certainly not!’ she told him crossly. ‘Whatever gave you that impression?’
‘You did.’
’I did?’ she exclaimed. ‘I’m sure you’re mistaken, Mr Masters. I have no wish to leave here or anywhere else with you.’
‘That isn’t what your eyes were saying a few minutes ago.’
Helen had to tilt her head right back to look at him. ‘Does every woman who so much as looks at you have to be attracted to you?’
He grinned down at her. ‘No. But I’m attracted to you, cool Helen.’