Читать книгу Brides, Babies And Billionaires - Мишель Смарт, Rebecca Winters - Страница 52

CHAPTER SIX

HIS WORLD HAD imploded at the sight of the icon. This was confirmation of the suspicion that had grown as he’d checked the records, hoping his father’s worsening dementia had been responsible for the unaccountable swings. Saying the words out loud enforced the actuality.

He moved closer and typed in the heading on the plaque in his father’s home study, his fingers surprisingly steady in contrast to the agitation in his gut. Two screen changes and he had the answers he needed. And a whole new bunch of complications.

Elbow on the desk, hand clenching his jaw and mouth, he gaped at the folder titles, anger building at the subterfuge of the man he’d admired. What the hell had he been planning?

‘Would you like me to leave while you examine the files?’

He didn’t turn, couldn’t face her. Needing air and time to come to terms with the harsh reality in front of him, he pushed away from the desk, shot to his feet and swung away from her.

‘No. Close it down.’

He strode out of both offices, his mind churning with distasteful words: fraud, embezzlement, jail. Ignoring the lift, he went to the stairwell and headed down. There was no more doubt, no more hope of technical glitches, or outside scamming.

If he reported what they’d found his father would be investigated. If he didn’t...not an option. He’d fight like hell to save the company and his new enterprise with Duncan but the appropriate authorities had to be informed. Whatever the cost to his own personal reputation, everything had to be open and above board.

He wasn’t sure how many floors he pounded down and up again. As his head and his options became clearer, he realised he’d left Lauren in the lurch. She’d succeeded in the task he’d given her, and he’d growled and walked out. Had she left? Would she equate him with his father?

His angst eased a little when he found her sitting by the window in her office writing in a small notebook. She raised her head and he gazed into sweet hazel eyes, full of compassion and offered with complete sincerity. A haven from the tempest.

* * *

Lauren sat stunned after he’d barked out the order to shut down and stormed out. He hadn’t even glanced at her, just bolted.

After closing down and writing out instructions to access the files, she went for a drink of water, pondering her future, which might be closer than she’d expected. She’d done the job, found what the anomalies hid. Not knowing what the folders contained, she assumed they’d need to be audited, and that wasn’t her expertise.

Did this change his invitation for Saturday night? Would she be starting her exploration of rural South Australia earlier than anticipated? She was no longer required so why didn’t she feel the usual elation of success? The bubble of enthusiasm for the next assignment?

She took a notebook from her bag and tried to makes notes and failed. Her mind was on the distraught man who was trying to come to terms with his father’s deceit. This was a major blow for him. He deserved privacy to come to terms with tangible proof of his father’s duplicity and the fallout effects to his family.

His entrance was as abrupt as his departure. He paused for a second in the doorway then walked slowly towards her, midnight-blue eyes dark and unsure of his reception. Her skin tingled, and her heart somersaulted. She trembled as she met his gaze, stood and dropped the book and pen onto the chair.

He took her hands and squeezed them, his Adam’s apple convulsing, and his mouth opening and shutting without sound. Slowly, gently he caressed up her arms to hold her shoulders, and inched closer. He stroked her cheek, caught a strand of her hair and twined it round his finger. When she placed a hand on his chest, he shuddered.

If Lauren’s heart swelled an atom larger, it would burst from her body. Heat spiralled from deep in her belly, drying her throat, searing her from within. He evoked feelings she’d never have believed herself capable of, made her aware of a physical wanting she’d only read of in books. He coloured her dreams in brilliant shades and sunshine.

His eyes were searching for her soul and she couldn’t look away. Mesmerised by their power, she leant forward in a mirror image to his movement. Stilled when he straightened up, a guttural sound coming from deep in his throat. His hands dropped to his sides, leaving her cold where his fingers had been.

‘I... This... Hell.’ Forceful. Passionate. ‘I’d planned for a special lunch with you so we could talk.’

He rubbed the back of his neck and his face contorted as he stared at the computer.

‘I have to deal with this now and find out what he’s done.’

She understood the battle he was fighting—his family’s good name was in jeopardy—but it hurt. She felt as if she’d been dismissed. Gathering up her pen and book, she moved to the desk for her bag and took a sheet of paper from the top drawer.

‘These are the access instructions.’ She put it on the desk top, Had to get out before she broke down and cried.

‘Lauren?’ The anguish in his voice tore at her heart. She turned and saw a different battle in his eyes, one that clogged her throat and tripped her heartbeat.

‘Thank you. I may not seem grateful at the moment but I do appreciate all you’ve done.’ He gestured at the computer. ‘If possible we’ll have lunch tomorrow or Friday.’

‘I’d like that.’ Much, much more than like.

‘There can’t be much you don’t know or haven’t guessed so you must know the ramifications could send us under.’

The potency had gone from his voice, giving him an endearing vulnerability, making her care for him even more. With his strong will, it would only be a temporary effect of the devastating blow.

‘If there’s anything I can do.’ She moved forward until she inhaled his cologne. She was so going to miss the fragrance. The walks she always enjoyed along windswept beaches, especially prior to an impending storm, were going to be a mixture of pleasure and pain for ever.

His rueful smile made her long to wrap her arms around him for comfort.

‘I’m sure there will be at some stage. There’s nothing now so take a few hours off.’

When she left he was talking on his mobile, an open file on her screen in front of him.

* * *

The size of the hidden program astounded Matt. There were accumulated folders and files dating back six years, money transferred in, none out. He studied names and figures, made calls to his accountant, lawyer and Alan. No amount of trying could curb the resentment at his father’s deception beginning long before the onset of his dementia.

Cheating was unjustified, in any form. Marcus, acquaintances, even friends deemed nothing wrong with bending rules or breaking promises. A few months ago he’d let himself be fooled by a scheming woman, and had been on the verge of pledging his life and honour to her. She’d claimed to love him, a blatant lie.

Now he was more cynical, and had no faith in romantic declarations. He’d make that clear before entering into any relationship. No emotions, no lies, and nobody got hurt.

Which meant no involvement with Lauren. She was a for-ever kind of girl who’d weave romantic dreams around kisses and...hell, again he’d come so close to kissing her today.

It might be for the best that she’d be leaving soon. It wouldn’t be until he was sure there was nothing else hidden, and not until he’d treated her to a night she’d always remember.

He clicked the mouse, and rechecked the folder list. He’d need hard-drive copies of everything plus paper copies of the folder list, maybe others. Lauren’s help would be invaluable as he dealt with any authorities who’d have an interest in any aspect of the clandestine accounts.

Bracing himself, he accessed another file, and resumed his onerous task.

* * *

Lauren rarely shopped for social events. Her new ‘uniforms’ of trouser suits and blouses were purchased in the January and June sales. Outside work she wore casual clothes, unless on special occasions. What she did have was in Sydney but nothing in her wardrobe came close to being suitable for a corporate dinner.

She fluctuated between longing to go and fearing she’d embarrass him as she wandered from shop to shop, sifting through racks of dresses and tops. Standing in the change rooms of an international brand store, she almost gave up.

Why this alien urge to buy something bold and extravagant? So not her, sleek and clinging, showing off every curve and a seemingly long expanse of leg? Like the low-cut sapphire-blue on the wide-eyed image staring at her from the mirror.

‘Do you require any assistance?’ the salesgirl called through the door.

No. Though, if she were ever to wear anything like this out in public, a huge hike in self-confidence would definitely help.

‘I’m fine, thanks.’

She found what she was searching for in a small off-the-mall boutique. A dress that fitted perfectly and boosted her self-esteem, one she hoped would make Matt proud to escort her. Shoes and a matching clutch bag were bought in a nearby shop, and by mentioning Joanne’s name she managed to book an appointment for Saturday at her recommended hairdresser.

Stepping towards the kerb to hail a taxi, she remembered he’d spoken of lunch, a special lunch for two. She dropped her arm and headed back into the mall.

The driver who took her and her parcels to the hotel waited and drove her to the office. She’d rather be there helping him than on her own in her impersonal rented room.

* * *

Lauren watched the file names speed through as they were copied to the second hard drive, so many more than she’d expected. Surely this would have a huge effect on the company. Had any of it been declared to the tax office?

She’d be long gone before anything official happened. Matt might remember her as part of his father’s downfall, not much more.

He’d been making and taking calls since she’d returned to the office, a pleasant background to her thoughts. She was going to miss his gravel tone when she left. Rougher under stress; she doubted it would ever be smooth. Not even in moments of passion. Which she so should not be thinking about. Ever.

He was absent when she’d finished so she made herself a cup of tea. The man who walked in as she deposited the used tea bag in the bin was tall, handsome and had to be related. His resemblance to Matt was striking, and his instant smile in a familiar face reminded her of Matt’s when he’d invited her to the corporate dinner.

Hi, is Matt here?’

‘Right behind you, mate.’

She watched enviously as the two men hugged and slapped shoulders, indicating a very strong bond.

‘I’ve made a couple of calls, thought I’d come round to talk. It’s quieter here than my office. Then I’ll shout dinner. Shall we make it for three?’

Whoever he was, he spoke to Matt but looked at her, with unashamed interest in eyes that were a much lighter blue than Matt’s.

Matt noticed the direction of his gaze, his brow furrowed and his eyes narrowed. For the first time since they’d been in high school, he was loath to introduce his charming cousin to a girl. They walked over to her.

‘Lauren Taylor, our computer expert from Sydney. Lauren, my cousin Alan Dalton.’

Her quick glance at him told him she’d heard the edge to his voice that surprised him as well.

‘Hello, Lauren.’ Alan held out his hand, and she accepted it.

‘He said he’d hired an expert from Sydney, didn’t say she was young and beautiful.’

Matt tensed, his breath lodged in his throat. She’d never acknowledged the few times he’d touched her, though he’d sensed her reactions. He’d barely been able to hide heat rushes from contact with her.

She certainly didn’t seem to mind Alan holding on longer than protocol required while he continued his smooth talk. Bile surged in his stomach. He knew how persuasive his cousin could be and felt an indefinable impulse to move between them, break them apart.

Thankfully Lauren appeared to be impervious to his charms, deftly stepping away as she freed her hand. In fact she wore a similar guarded expression to the one he’d first encountered on the day she’d walked into his office. So perhaps it was all eligible men she had a problem with...not just him.

‘Thank you. I have plans for tonight.’

Matt knew she didn’t and her words inexplicably pleased him.

‘Maybe the three of us could have lunch another day.’ Not if Matt could prevent it. Alan was a persistent devil.

‘I’ll be leaving soon so probably not. Matt, the hard drives are in your top drawer. Excuse me.’ She took her drink and went to her office.

‘Wait here, Alan.’ Matt followed her to the chairs by the window, and dropped onto the vacant one. Her sombre hazel eyes caught at his heart.

‘You’ve finished the copying?’

‘Yes, is there anything else you want me to do?’

A hundred things flashed through his mind, none of which he could voice out loud. All of which he’d be happy to participate in with her, however inappropriate. A complete reversal of his earlier decision.

‘I have no idea until I’ve seen the accountant and solicitor. I do know I don’t want you to leave yet.’

She smiled, her eyes lit up and he fervently wished his cousin were back in his own office two city blocks away.

‘It’s heading for five. Go home, and if you want time off tomorrow to shop for the dinner that’s fine.’

‘About that...’

His finger covered her mouth, preventing her from changing her promise and creating a zing along his arm.

‘Alan’s waiting. We’ll discuss details tomorrow. The function’s black tie so it’s long dresses, or pants and glittery tops. The women usually scrub up good too.’

‘Idiot.’ Her stuttered laughter raised the hairs on his nape, made his fingers itch to reach out and pull her from her chair onto his lap. He liked that his teasing had rekindled the sparkle in her eyes.

Feeling happier, he stood up, inhaled her enchanting perfume and fought the impulse to stroke her hair.

‘I’d better get back to Alan and pick his brains.’

She looked puzzled.

‘He studied both law and commerce at university. They make a useful combination and I need all the good advice I can get.’

Alan was perched on his desk checking his mobile when Matt walked in.

‘Too busy to make the coffee, huh?’ He set the machine for two cappuccinos as his cousin came over to join him.

‘I’ve never been able to work that machine. Too elaborate for me.’ Alan leant on the bench, picked up a teaspoon, and twirled it through his fingers.

‘How long will Lauren be in town?’

‘As long as I need her, and I’d rather she wasn’t distracted.’

‘You’ve got to admit she’s cute.’

‘She’s also quiet and dedicated to her job. Not your type at all, cuz.’

The spoon stilled in Matt’s peripheral vision. He looked up to find a wide grin and knowing eyes.

‘Getting territorial, are we, Matt?’ The smile faded as Alan’s gaze intensified. ‘You are!’

‘She’s here to work—an employee. I have no idea if she’s free. I’m strictly solo for a long time. Take your pick of reasons.’

He heard the curtness in his tone, regretted being terse with the one person he trusted unconditionally. The only person he’d confided in when he broke off his relationship. The one secret between them was his father’s infidelity and he hadn’t been able to admit to his father failings, or his mother’s acceptance of them, to anyone.

‘Alan, I’m sorry. You’ve been my rock throughout this mess. Put it down to fatigue and frustration.’ And, he admitted to himself, maybe jealousy.

‘No problem. I’d have buckled weeks ago.’

They were seated by the window when Lauren came through and said goodbye. Alan replied in kind.

Matt held her gaze for an instant, wishing they were alone. ‘Enjoy the rest of the afternoon. I’ll see you tomorrow.’

‘Definitely territorial,’ Alan stated after she’d gone. ‘Don’t give me the guff you spouted earlier. I know you, Matt Dalton. What’s the problem?’

‘Trust.’

‘Hers or yours? I thought you were over the woman in London.’

‘There was really nothing to get over. I was angry as hell that she’d cheated on me but my pride took more damage than my heart. So how do you tell if it won’t happen again?’

‘I reckon Lauren’s worth taking a chance on.’

Matt silently agreed.

* * *

Thursday morning was muggy with depressing grey clouds and intermittent showers. It was a perfect day for Lauren’s mood as she kept close to the city buildings, avoiding raindrops and dodging umbrellas. Which she’d always hated, even the one she’d received on her last birthday. Transparent and shaped like a dome, it made her feel like one of those stuffed birds you saw in old houses and museums.

She’d been rehearsing how to approach Matt since she’d woken, hadn’t found an easy way or the appropriate words. Every hasty decision she’d ever made had brought remorse. Though doubtful, proximity might lead to him remembering their meeting on the balcony. Their lives were different. They were different.

She shook out her light raincoat in the building’s entrance and folded it over her arm. Sensible, coherent excuses ran through her head as she entered his office, and scrambled in her brain with one look at his striking features, his toned chest muscles moulded to his light blue shirt, and one long leg crossed over at the ankle as he leant against the bench.

‘I’ve changed my mind.’ She blurted it out without a greeting, not allowing him to charm her with his gravelly voice or expressive eyes. Not giving him the chance to captivate her with his smile.