Lessons in Seduction by Sandra Hyatt Page A

making love. I attend endless diplomatic functions with dignitaries from around the world.”
    Danni was grinning at him.
    â€œYou’re winding me up, aren’t you?”
    â€œYou do leave yourself wide open for it. Anyway, like I said, you clearly don’t need me driving for you, or giving you advice. You’re managing and I don’t think we’re going to agree on anything important.”
    â€œNo,” he said slowly.
    â€œSo, I’ll get going.” She turned away and headed for the table to get her hat and gloves.
    â€œI wasn’t agreeing with you, I was disagreeing.”
    Slowly, she turned back and a smile quirked her lips. “You usually are.”
    Which was exactly the kind of comment he expected from her. “Anna was clearly a mistake.”
    â€œThat might be one area where we agree.”
    â€œBut she’s not the type of woman I expect to be dating in future. I don’t think there’s going to be anyone else quite as…forward as her on the list. At least I hope not.” If Danni didn’t stop grinning at him he really was going to have to kiss her. He turned back to the window. “And I’ll admit you were right about the tie.” The tie she’d made him take off, practically ordering him to undress.
    He shook his head sharply, disallowing the sudden image that wanted to insinuate itself there. He rested his fists on the window ledge and stared into the night. “A college education.” Focus. He had to stay focused. “Preferably post graduate. Preferably international.”
    â€œGo on,” he heard her say and could discern nothing of her thoughts from her voice. That was probably a good thing.
    â€œA good conversationalist, a good hostess, diplomatic.”
    â€œOf course. Anything else?”
    â€œShe’ll need to be good with the press and the public, especially children.”
    â€œWhat about looks?”
    â€œTall, slim, attractive, graceful.”
    â€œHair color?” There was something different about her voice, something controlled. Which wasn’t like Danni at all.
    â€œIt makes no difference.”
    â€œBig of you.” That had definitely been a hint of anger in her voice.
    He turned to see her standing with her hands onher hips, her gaze narrowed on him and her lips thin. “What have I done now?” he asked.
    She dropped her hands to her sides and shook her head. “You honestly have no idea, do you.”
    â€œI have no idea why you’re suddenly so angry, like a vengeful pixie, when all I did was answer the questions you asked. You were worried about me not taking criticism well but it seems to be you who’s not handling the honesty.”
    â€œI’m outraged on behalf of all women.”
    â€œWhy? Because I have criteria? You can’t tell me women don’t do that. Must be tall, must be good-looking, must not have a beard, must drive a luxury car and be able to support the lifestyle I’d like to have.”
    â€œIt’s not what was on it that I objected to, it’s what you left off. What about kindness, Adam? A sense of humor? What about love and someone you can just be with in the quiet moments of your life? All these criteria you have, they’re just more of your barriers.”
    â€œI don’t have barriers.”
    She laughed. At him. “You have more barriers than we’ll need for the Grand Prix.”
    â€œI do not.”
    â€œYou do. And they’re all designed to stop people seeing the real you. You only want them to see the prince, a leader. But, trust me, you don’t want to marry someone who sees you like that. You want a companion for life, not a subject. You don’t want someone who’s going to jump to do your bidding, who says only what you want to hear.”
    â€œActually, that might be pleasant. Surely it would be better than living with someone who constantly challenged and provoked