Читать книгу Brides, Babies And Billionaires - Мишель Смарт, Rebecca Winters - Страница 51

CHAPTER FIVE

CLAIR FORD AND her daughter were Lauren’s idea of true corporate wives, dressed in the latest fashion and groomed to perfection. If their greetings and appreciation hadn’t been so sincere and friendly, she might have cut and run.

With young mother and son safely on their way home, the remaining four walked to the Fords’ chosen restaurant. They led the way, allowing for private discussion.

‘I owe you big time for today.’ Matt’s voice was low and subdued, proving the tension he was under.

‘I’ll keep tally, Mr Dalton. This counts too. What do I have in common with Mr Ford and his wife? The nearest I come to their world is walking past executive offices.’

‘Under the current circumstances, Lauren, I think you should call me Matt.’

Lauren. Matt.

This made it personal, more familiar.

She’d liked the way he’d remembered the pronunciation of her name from her first phone call. She wasn’t so sure about the butterfly flutter in her belly as he said it or the pleasurable shivers over her skin every time he guided her past oncoming pedestrians.

‘I don’t understand. You meet and deal with new people all the time. Why the reluctance?’

How could he understand how she felt? He oozed confidence and charm, would have no qualms on walking into a room full of notable people he’d never met. He’d been brought up to meet and greet strangers with ease.

‘I can’t do small talk. My family are all outgoing, garrulous, and at ease with anyone. I was shy. I’d freeze up and hide in my room. I...’

Duncan turned to check where they were as he and Clair turned off towards a waterside restaurant. The warm glow to her belly from Matt’s gentle squeeze at her waist eased her misgivings. The tingles from his hot breath as he bent to her ear generated entirely different reservations.

‘She’s a down-to-earth mother and grandmother who enjoys serving on charity committees. He’s into football and car racing. Trust me, Lauren, I’ll be right beside you.’

They were escorted to a round table by the window. Matt held her chair, leaning over to whisper, ‘Just be yourself, Lauren. I like you as you are.’

His fingers gently brushed a strand of hair from her shoulder, making her quiver, making her heart expand ’til her chest felt full and tight. So much for her internal lectures on the return flight to Adelaide, reinforcing how vital it was to keep distance between them.

Clair insisted on sitting next to her rather than opposite. ‘The men will talk shop,’ she said without rancour, smiling as she accepted a menu. ‘Always say they won’t. Always do. Nature of the beast.’

At the moment the two of them were discussing wine with one waiter while another poured iced water into their glasses. Lauren drank some, and felt cooler, more in control.

‘What do you fancy, Lauren? The veal scaloppini is always delicious, and the perfect size to leave room for dessert.’ Clair put down her menu, her decision made.

After ordering the same, Lauren almost refused wine until she caught Matt watching her, and decided why not? It was a light refreshing Sauvignon Blanc and one glass might give her courage. It would also fortify her for later if she told him the most likely outcome.

‘Duncan’s a stickler for supporting local wineries and we’re rarely disappointed,’ Clair said, leaning closer. ‘Ken really enjoyed himself today, told me you taught him how to win games faster.’

‘He’s very bright, picked up what I showed him easily.’

‘Maybe I ought to get him to teach me. I’m hopeless. My worst fault is somehow sending files into folders they’re not supposed to be in. Then I can’t find them. I’ve also seized everything up a few times.’

‘Have you taken any courses?’ Chatting came naturally when someone took a genuine interest in you. Knowing they were all grateful to her, albeit for different reasons, helped too.

‘A couple. I read the notes, and try to remember. Drives Duncan crazy. He says I rush too much. How do you do it all day?’

‘Different people, different skills. Put me in a kitchen with any more than four or five ingredients, and I’m in trouble. Or rather, whoever wants to eat is.’

Their meals arrived, and the conversation became general until Clair suddenly announced, ‘I’m thinking of asking Lauren to give me a lesson or two on my computer.’

Lauren saw a delighted smile replace the initial surprise on Matt’s face. Duncan’s exaggerated groan and loving expression towards his wife filled her with a longing she couldn’t explain.

‘I’m sure she’s dealt with more incompetent people than me, Duncan Ford.’ Clair’s put-on piqued expression caused laughter round the table. Three pairs of eyes turned to Lauren for a reply.

‘I’m sure I have. The trickiest ones are usually when they’ve tried to rectify the error but can’t remember what they did. Or when they deny knowing.’

She shared a story of an ongoing promotion feud where two women had been sabotaging the other’s computer, costing both of them their jobs. With encouragement she continued.

‘A friend was asked to retrieve permanently deleted emails from the client’s wife’s laptop. He’d found romantic messages between her and another man, lost his temper and deleted them. Became angrier when he realised he now had nothing to confront her with.’

‘Teach him to be destructive even with provocation. Did he get them back?’ Clair asked.

‘My friend refused to get involved so I have no idea.’

‘Duncan, remember when...’

Clair’s voice faded and Duncan’s took over but Lauren barely heard his words. As she’d told the story, she’d become aware of Matt tensing beside her, hadn’t dared look that way. She forced herself to focus on their host.

They were all laughing at the anecdote of his son-in-law wrongly directing an email about a surprise party when she glanced sideways. Matt was looking at her, a speculative expression on his face.

The world around them blurred until she could see only him. Her heart blipped then began to race. Warmth spread up her throat and cheeks. He arched his neck and his eyes darkened to almost black. She didn’t dare guess at the thoughts behind them as he reached for his glass.

In fact Matt was wondering what the heck had happened. The quiet woman, who was so guarded with him, was captivating their hosts. There was only a hint of the hesitancy he’d perceived in the office. She listened to Clair with a genuine smile on her lips, and gave the same consideration to Duncan as he spoke.

So why the barrier with him? Instinct told him Lauren had a history with someone, painful enough to make her wary of men, or a particular breed of men. He was torn between letting it alone or finding out more and proving to her he couldn’t be categorised.

It would be treading dangerous ground trying to discover the woman behind the technical façade. But, oh, it would feel good to see her smile focused on him, feel those sweet lips yield under his, trail a path of kisses down her slender neck as he held her in his arms.

‘Have you finished, sir?’

He flinched as the waiter’s arm appeared at his side.

Finished? Unless he lost his mind, he had no intention of starting.

‘Oh. Um... Yes, thank you. The steak was perfect.’

He met Clair’s knowing look across the table, and knew by the heat his cheeks were flushed. She was as astute as her husband; he’d bet she wasn’t easily fooled. He had to try.

‘Great restaurant. I’ll keep it in mind for entertaining.’

Thankfully the wine waiter distracted her as he topped up her glass. Matt noted Lauren declined.

As they left the restaurant Clair caught his arm.

‘I like her, Matt. She’s very natural, down to earth. Pity she’ll be returning to Sydney.’

‘It’s her home.’

‘Adelaide used to be.’

He didn’t answer. He hadn’t known.

Duncan hailed a cab, telling Matt they’d drop him and Lauren at the office on their way. As they said goodbye Clair tapped Matt’s arm through the window.

‘We’ll see you Saturday night. I do so love dressing up for corporate dos.’

‘I’ll be wearing my best tuxedo.’

He took Lauren’s arm to guide her into the building, and sensed her guard was back up. Which made his burgeoning idea even more incongruous.

* * *

Lauren strove to keep her emotions under control in the lift, fought to keep her fingers from fisting. She didn’t have proof yet, only assumptions. Saying anything would detract from the positives of the day.

Matt unlocked his office door, moved aside to let her enter then suddenly stiffened and caught her arm.

‘You’re trembling. Why?’

She looked into concerned blue eyes, and was swamped by the desire to caress the shadows away from underneath, to ease his burden. To say it was all okay.

‘It’s been an eventful day. I’d better get back to work.’

‘Hmm, and I have to check in with Joanne and the others.’ He let go, shrugged off his jacket, and hung it on his chair. Halfway back to the door, he swivelled round and gave her an ironic smile.

‘I know I haven’t been the easiest of people to work with or approach since taking charge. You’re a courageous lady, Lauren Taylor, and I will find a way to repay you for stepping in for me.’

His unexpected compliment threw her. Her first opinion of him eroded a little more as new aspects of his enforced position emerged.

Opening up to her on Thursday wouldn’t have been easy. He’d been forced by circumstances to take her into a confidence he’d rather have kept private. Something he only shared with those close to the family.

She went to her desk, determined to crack this puzzler and alleviate the pressure he was under. Her life in Sydney was on hold, her friends were there. When she returned everything would revert to normal. Except her vague fantasy was now a handsome, magnificently built real live male whose aroma, and every look, every touch weakened her knees and sent her pulse skyrocketing.

Her professionalism partially blocked him out at the office, and she managed to focus when dealing with hotel staff and other people. During those hours he was like an undercurrent in her head, surging to full force as soon as she was alone. With his muscled torso—clearly defined under his shirt—his trim waist and flat stomach, his image flicked through her mind like pages of a fireman calendar.

She’d succeed and then she’d have to leave him behind.

* * *

Matt returned to his office an hour later. Talking plans and strategies hadn’t kept his thoughts from straying to Lauren. The way her chin lifted when she became defensive. The way her hair swung across her shoulders when she turned her head. Her soft hazel eyes betraying every emotion.

They’d crossed a threshold today, and he wasn’t sure where it might lead. Surely they could become friends and stay platonic? Yeah, tell that to whatever part of his body was revving up his pulse and stimulating his libido. Initiating a closer relationship while she worked for him was fraught with danger.

She leant forward over her desk as if being closer would make something happen, her eyes riveted to the screen. Delightfully intense. She hadn’t noticed his arrival, and started when she did, falling back with her hand covering her heart.

‘Sorry, I didn’t mean to disturb you.’

She’d gone a delicate pink again, a shade fast becoming a favourite of his. Leaning on the door jamb, he wondered how far it spread, immediately banishing the enticing image.

‘I’ve got a call to make then we’ll talk.’

Why? Lauren blinked, stretched, and changed her mind about going for a cold drink. She did a few leg raises, wriggled her fingers, and resumed work.

She tried to ignore the steady drone of his husky voice, interspersed with laughter and long pauses. The gentle tone she’d never heard him use before implied it had to be a woman he cared for. Her stomach knotted and her fingers curled. If she’d dared, she’d have closed the communicating door so she wouldn’t have to hear.

His call ended, and she sighed with relief, entered a date for checking, and scrolled down peering at the screen. Neck tingles alerted her as he walked in and sat on the edge of her desk.

Letting her hands fall into her lap, she looked up. Her throat dried, and she wished she’d gone for that drink. Her chest tightened under the intensity of his gaze. It was as if he were searching for her innermost secrets.

‘Do you have plans for Saturday night?’

‘What?’ She jolted upright, gripping the armrests for support. Stared, mouth open, too shocked to think.

His sudden wide smile confused her more, sending her body temperature soaring. Heart-stoppingly handsome before, even with the ravages of fatigue, he was elevated to drop-dead gorgeous.

‘It’s a simple question. Are you free on Saturday night?’

‘I may not be here by then.’ Breathless and throaty, not sounding like herself at all.

‘No.’ Sharp. Irascible. ‘No.’ Gentler, more controlled. ‘Even if you find the cause of the anomalies, there’ll be tidying up to do.’

‘Why are you asking?’

What could he possibly want from her?

His light chuckle skimmed across her skin.

‘I’d like you to be my partner at a corporate dinner.’

‘Dinner? Why me?’ Her common sense brain patterns seemed to have deserted her.

He leaned forward, and what little breath she managed to inhale was pure ocean breeze.

‘A thank you for having my back today. Duncan and Clair like you, and we’ll be at their table.’

‘Surely there’s someone else you could take.’

‘After seven years away and working up to eighty hours a week? Anyone I knew is long spoken for. My sister only consented to accompany me out of pity.’

His sister. She flopped. She’d been jealous of his sister.

No! Not jealous.

‘Well?’ His eyes were like laser beams searching for the answer he wanted.

‘Won’t she be disappointed?’

‘Ah, that’s where my negotiating skills came in. I’ve offered to babysit my two nephews, and shout her and her husband dinner at the restaurant of her choice. She’ll have a romantic evening for two instead of set menu, speeches and dancing with her brother.’

Dancing. In his arms.

Too close. Too dangerous. You’re already in too deep. Say no, thank you.

The phone on his desk rang. He muttered a low hoarse sound, and appeared reluctant to move.

‘Will you come with me, Lauren?’

‘Yes.’

Wrong. Idiot. Wrong.

He stroked a feather-touch path down her cheek, immobilising her senses, then smiled again, sending them all haywire.

‘Thank you. I promise you won’t regret accepting. Do you want to take an early leave? You’ve had an eventful day.’

‘I’m fine. I’ll keep going, and you need to reply to that call.’

Fine didn’t come near to describing how she felt. Adrenaline coursed through her veins, her lungs were having trouble pumping air and her heart was pounding. And she couldn’t tell if it was joy or fear driving them.

Matt had avidly watched the ever-changing emotions in her eyes. Confusion, surprise, shock when he mentioned his sister, and then pleasure as she blurted out her answer. It was as if she were afraid her brain would rebel and refuse his request if she dithered any longer.

He’d gripped the desk to prevent his arms reaching for her, the urge to hold her stronger than he’d ever felt. And then what? He had no idea; with her he was in uncharted waters.

He was, however, determined that before he let her go he’d persuade her to reveal her inner torments, and help her overcome them. He knew with an innate certainty the inner woman was as beautiful as her outward appearance.

* * *

Lauren arrived early the next morning even though she’d taken extra time on her hair and make-up. She’d fallen asleep thinking of ball gowns—she’d have to buy one, plus matching accessories—romantic music and dancing with a stunning male in tailor-made formal wear.

It had been dark when she’d woken, her mind buzzing with an idea generated by her discussion over the phone with Pete in Sydney. Eagerness to try it had warred with the desire to look extra good for Matt, so she’d skipped breakfast and bought a sandwich on the way.

The disappointment at his absence was countered with optimism that she’d be able to give him the answers he’d requested. Her fingers hesitated over the keyboard. If she was correct, today might be her last day in this room, so close to him. Even when he was elsewhere in the building, she felt his presence, and his unique aroma lingered in the air.

She’d spend the rest of her working life breathing in expectantly and being disenchanted. Not even the same brand would suit because it wouldn’t have his essence.

She booted up. She’d promised to do her best for him, and would, even if it meant she lost out.

* * *

Matt arrived mid-morning, eager to see her. He was perplexed by her reticence on the phone when he’d called to say he’d been delayed. If she was having second thoughts about Saturday, he’d have to talk her round.

In his hurry to see her he left his jacket in the car. Not caring, he barrelled through his office to her door where her grave expression pulled him up short. Even as the truth hit home his subliminal mind noted she wore extra make-up. Subtle and captivating.

‘You’ve solved it.’ It was what he wanted, had hired her for. So why the heaviness in his chest, and the sudden nausea attack?

She nodded and he swung away to fetch his chair, wheeling it over to her desk. His gut told him it wasn’t good and he braced for the worst. Her delicate fragrance taunted him with every intake of air.

Her blue screen was blank except for a familiar symbol.

‘And this is...?’ He already knew—wanted confirmation yet dreaded receiving it.

Lauren hesitated, hating that what she was about to reveal would hurt him, She had no choice, pressed enter, and a box with a request for a password appeared.

‘It’s deliberate and there are limited people who had access. Joanne said—’

‘You’ve discussed this with her?’ His body surged forward. Anger flashed in his eyes, giving them more animation than she’d seen since they met.

‘No! We shared a coffee break yesterday, and she said they’d lost good employees. You referred to the staff turnover last Thursday.’

‘I did. I apologise.’ It was terser than he’d been lately, with no relenting of his indignant stance.

‘It wasn’t gossip. Joanne admires your father very much. I got the impression his health had worried her for ages. She said how well he and the staff got on, what a great boss he was, and that he’d installed a number of the programs himself.’

‘I didn’t know. I wasn’t here.’ He ground one fist into the other palm.

‘It has to be my father.’