Читать книгу Brides, Babies And Billionaires - Мишель Смарт, Rebecca Winters - Страница 57

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CHAPTER ELEVEN

STUPIDLY BECAME INVOLVED with a scheming adulteress. Confused physical idolisation with love and almost got sucked into a nightmare.

‘I’m a partner in a consultancy firm. We tailor business strategies, give advice and bring investors and companies together. Unlike my father, we don’t invest in them though I do have my own portfolio. And I’m very good at what I do.’

She looked away, tightened the hold on her glass, and seemed to shrink in front of his eyes. He thought through his statement, trying to pinpoint what might have upset her.

It hit him like a hammer to his gut, almost overridden by the elation that flooded him. The present tense, still committed. Planning to return.

His heart flipped and his pulse raced. Had she already thought about making love with him and now believed she’d end up hurt if they became involved? It didn’t have to be that way if they were completely open and honest. If they didn’t let emotion rule their heads, they’d have no regrets when it was over.

He fought the urge to reach for her, draw her into his arms, and tell her that was how it would be. She wasn’t ready for such a declaration yet.

‘I haven’t changed my status as a partner because of the uncertainty. The best scenario would be to get everything legal at Dalton Corporation, and any due taxes paid. I’ll get the new project running then I can decide on my future.’

Her sceptical gaze met his. Somehow he had to convince her he was telling the truth, that his main objective was to make the company strong and viable. He hadn’t allowed himself to think beyond that.

‘Legal proceedings allowing, I’ll try to use the same procedure we have in London with Dad’s clients, making them independent. The project with Duncan is different, a change of direction for me, but it will stabilise Dalton Corporation.’

Her body had inched forward as if drawn by a magnet. Now the only movement was the slow rise and fall of her chest. Her eyes didn’t waver from his.

‘It sounds long term.’ Husky with a hint of hope. Dared he wish too?

‘Anyone’s guess. There are too many factors involved.’

Lauren’s anticipation deflated. She stared at the glass in her hand, wondering when she’d drunk the remaining wine. From the moment they’d met tonight her emotions had taken her on a loop-the-loop ride, twisting her in knots, ending with a crash landing.

The agenda he’d described would take time and effort. He’d shrugged it off as no big deal, easily done. Then Europe and his partnership would beckon and he’d go with no looking back. And while he might caress and cajole, he’d never pressure her against her will.

She just wished she could decide what she wanted most.

‘Your glass is empty.’

His fingers brushed hers as he took it and she trembled. Something fiery flared in his eyes.

‘Would you like a hot drink?’

‘No, thank you.’ She snuck a glance at her watch as he turned away, torn between wanting to stay and having space to fortify her defences against his charm.

‘Hinting it’s time to go home?’ The laughter in his husky voice teased, and she dipped her head to hide the inevitable blush.

He shuffled closer, avoiding contact, the glasses clinking in his hand, and waited silently for her to raise her head. And the funfair ride took off again at his tender expression. Her stomach flipped, her heartbeat pounded and, she wasn’t exactly sure but...had her toes curled? Without even a touch.

‘Your choice, Lauren. I’ll call a taxi if you want to.’

‘Taxi?’ Sending her home alone. Shortest funfair ride ever.

‘I haven’t long finished the second wine. We’ll take a taxi now or have coffee and wait a little longer. I don’t take chances when I drive.’

A cosy trip in the back seat or more disclosures here?

‘Make mine weak white. Do you need help?’

He only had big mugs so hers wasn’t full. It was rich and sweet, complementing the meal. She sipped and enjoyed, noticed he took fewer, bigger swallows.

‘Sydney’s an expensive city to live in too. Do you live alone or share?’

His polite words were belied by the set of his shoulders, the slight tilt of his head and the heat in his midnight-blue eyes. There’d been no necessity to say he wanted her. Every look, every touch proved he did.

Did she give out the same signals? Her curiosity about him was all consuming yet he’d managed to avoid revealing much personal information.

‘Three friends and I put in a bid for one floor of an unbuilt apartment block. One of them is in banking and arranged the mortgages. We got a special price and an input into the layouts and décor.’

‘And?’

And what? The other half of his question. He was fishing about her private life.

‘I live alone. The other three have partners so it’s rare there’s not someone around. What about you?’

He ran his hand up her arm creating electrical zings on her skin. All over her skin. He faced her full on, his shoulder pressing into the leather back of the lounge, his arm flat along the top. His fingertips played with her hair.

‘Occasionally I have guests.’ His face darkened for a second as if remembering an unpleasant experience. ‘Not for a while.’

Matt brushed away the past, trying to concentrate on the now. She lived alone, she was single. There was no one who’d have cause to feel offended if he kissed her again.

A companionable silence settled. He gazed into his empty mug, multiple questions racing through his mind, each one too personal to ask unless he intended to make a move tonight. Common sense said it was too soon, they knew little about each other, needed time to build trust. However, would he ever fully trust a woman again?

His libido said he knew all he needed. He wanted her and he’d bet whatever part of the London flat he owned that she wanted him too.

A movement in the corner of his vision broke his reverie in time to see Lauren try to smother a yawn behind her hand. Guess it wasn’t going to be tonight.

‘You’re tired. What do you have planned for tomorrow?

‘I’m picking up a hire car and heading to the Barossa Valley for a couple of days. No schedule, just drive and stop whenever something takes my fancy. I’ll book into a local hotel each night.’

Two nights.

Plus almost three days without seeing her.

He straightened, tried to swallow past the lump in his throat, tried to ignore the tight band constricting his lungs.

‘You’ll be back in Adelaide on Friday?’ He had to know. Didn’t understand why.

‘Will you need me then?’

He choked back his instinctive reply.

‘I’ll keep in touch. Now I’d better get you home.’

He took her hand, led her to the laundry and reached for the door knob to the garage. His brain urged caution. Every muscle tensed with craving. Every cell in his body clamoured, ‘Ask her to stay.’

Lauren wasn’t his ex, she was as wary as he was. He saw his knuckles whiten and he let go, slamming his hand onto the wall beside her head.

Her eyes widened, her lips parted and her breasts lifted as she sucked in air. He drew her into his arms, his forehead resting on hers. He heard her bag hit the floor and felt one arm encircle his waist. The other hit his chest between them.

It felt good, so good. But not enough. He ached for something unattainable, something that didn’t exist. He’d have to settle for whatever she was prepared to give. For being close and building up memories that wouldn’t turn sour in acrimony.

She leant into him, and had to be aware of his harsh breathing, how hard his heart was thumping. How aroused he was.

He bent his head. She lifted hers to meet him. He kissed her gently, using every ounce of restraint he could muster, shuddered as her fingertips pushed up his chest to trace a fiery path over his already heated skin. Her unique aroma stirred him with every breath.

He teased her lips into opening, and tasted sweet coffee, mellow wine and Lauren. Encouraged by her muted sighs, he strengthened his hold, stroking and caressing, binding her to him. Only when his lungs screamed for air did he break the kiss, trailing his lips across her neck.

Her eyes moved under closed lids. Her trembling vibrated through him, or were his tremors affecting her? He willed her to look at him and his heart slammed into his ribcage when she did. Gold specks glittering, her hazel eyes smouldered with desire. She wanted him. Primal macho pride surged through him.

But before he allowed himself to accept what her eyes were offering, that same pride decreed he be totally honest, even if it meant she didn’t stay. He pressed her head to his shoulder, not wanting to see her expression change, fighting for a softer way to tell her.

There wasn’t one. He watched his breath stir her hair as he forced out the words.

‘One thing life’s taught me is there’s no rose-covered cottage with two dogs and a cat and a happy-ever-after waiting for you to find it. Flowers don’t last and having a one true love is as rare as a priceless diamond.’

She made a strangled gasp into his shirt. He cupped her chin, raising her head until their eyes met, and felt a strong urge to take it all back just to see the pain vanish. He couldn’t. He wouldn’t deceive her.

‘I want you, Lauren. I want to make love to you so badly it’s driving me crazy. But I won’t lie. I don’t believe in soulmates and endless romance, I’ve seen too much anguish caused when others have. However, I do believe in and expect complete fidelity.’

Lauren’s heart twisted. Someone had hurt him, broken him, making him doubt every other woman he met. She fought for composure. If she gave in to desire, she’d be the one counting the cost.

Her heart didn’t care, deeming every moment spent with him worth any pain. There was no yesterday, no tomorrow, only now. There was only Matt Dalton, his skin hot under her hand, his body trembling in sync with hers and his heartbeat pounding against her breast.

She inhaled, drew in ocean spray and aroused male. Wanted, ached for more. All-consuming heat coils spiralled from her core. Her fingers itched to unbutton his shirt and caress the muscles it defined.

‘Matt?’ A dry whisper, pathetically weak for the powerful emotions controlling her.

Passionate blue eyes darkened, his nostrils flared, his lips parted. Something akin to euphoria swept through her. He was no longer the aloof, self-contained executive of fourteen days ago. This was primal man. And tonight she would be his.

‘Lauren. I...’ Rough. Grating. Emotional.

She touched one finger to his mouth. ‘No promises. No tomorrow. Only us tonight.’

With a triumphant growl, he scooped her up, claiming a conqueror’s kiss as he strode towards his room. To that massive bed with its rumpled sheets and pillows sure to smell of ocean waves.

* * *

The sudden shudder from head to feet took Matt by surprise. His body resonated with the aftermath of the most intense, satisfying sex of his life. As if they’d been transported to a new dimension where only they existed. Lauren had been his, totally, utterly his from the moment he’d lain beside her, kissing and caressing her, moulding her body to his form.

Tightening his arms around her, he held on, riding out the incredible feeling, wishing he could see her beautiful face and her lovely expressive eyes. There was only the faintest light seeping round the edges of the window blinds, only enough to see shadowy outlines.

She was stroking his chest, threatening to reignite the fire that had consumed them both. His willingness to be engulfed by the flame warred with the suspicion that she didn’t realise the fervent effect her gentle action evoked.

He placed his hand over hers, sought and found her lips. Keeping the kiss soft and light, he tried to let her know how he felt, elated yet humble, primal yet emotionally moved.

Her soft sigh motivated action.

‘Don’t go away.’ He went to the ensuite, turned on the light, then left the door ajar, allowing subdued light to spill into the room. Bunching up the pillows, he slid into bed and nestled her tight against his side, her head on his shoulder. Her breath blew across his chest, tickling his skin in the nicest sensation imaginable. Her hand lay over his rapid-beating heart.

He’d never initiated after-sex talks, curtailed them as quickly as possible if his partner did. This new desire to learn all he could about Lauren was unnerving and compulsive, so not him. Confidences led to familiarity, which equated with vulnerability. And that he’d determined never to risk.

He stroked her hair for a moment, pressed a kiss on her forehead.

‘Why are you so wary of guys like me? Maybe not me so much any more, but it’s there. With Alan too.’

Lauren didn’t answer. Her body stiffened, she stared at his chest, and her fingers curled. Idiot, he’d pushed too soon. If he could see her face...hell, he knew what he’d see. Fear. Reluctance.

He’d had no choice but to tell her about his father, had given her no reason to believe she could confide in him.

‘There was a woman in London I’d known and dated for quite a while. I liked her a lot, though after I wondered if she’d shown her true self to me at all. We shared mutual interests and friends, got on well and I believed we could have a mutually advantageous marriage. It’s surprising how many people settle for that. Love wasn’t a factor at all.’

He had no idea why he’d confessed his humiliating experience unless it was to show her she could trust him, that she was different from other women he’d known. His calm, rational approach to the relationship with Christine was worlds away from the mind-blowing emotions Lauren aroused simply by being in the same room.

She stirred as if preparing to pull away. He held on, needing contact, and rushed the end of his embarrassing story.

‘Luckily for me I discovered she was also involved with a married man before I proposed. I ended the relationship immediately.’

She raised her head and he was stunned by the honest sympathy in her eyes, not a hint of disapproval for his cold approach to a lifetime commitment. He kissed her, holding back the passion that flared. Having her confide in him was paramount even if he wasn’t sure why at the moment.

‘We’ve all done things we regret or had them done to us. I have no right to judge anyone, Lauren. Will you tell me? Whose actions did you brand me, Alan and umpteen other guys with?’

Her eyes clouded a second before she dropped her gaze.to his throat. She quivered, and sucked in a long breath. Feeling like a louse, he was about to tell her it didn’t matter.

Lauren blurted the first words out in a breathy rush then steadied as Matt soothed her back with rhythmic caresses.

‘Just after Christmas, the same year you and I...you know... There were often weekend barbecues in our place, crowded, noisy, lots of drinking. My brothers’ friends got a kick out of teasing me, and calling me little sister to make me blush and get tongue-tied. To them it was harmless fun. I hated it.’

The almost forgotten feeling of helplessness crashed back, clogging her throat, rendering her speechless. Followed just as suddenly by an empowering sensation. She was no longer a victim. She’d grown and moved on. Hadn’t she talked to them at Easter without any childish awkwardness?

‘I can see now it was thoughtless but never ill intentioned. If I’d been closer to any of my family I’d have been able to tell them how I felt. Instead I used to spend most of my free time with friends. That night the house was quiet inside when I was dropped off. I didn’t see my brother’s best friend leaning on the dining room door jamb until he lurched out and grabbed me in a bear hug.’

Matt pushed up against the bedhead, taking her with him. ‘Lauren, if you—’

‘He mumbled, “You’re pretty, li’l sister,” and kissed me. He stank of beer and sweat and to me it was gross. I remember kicking his shins, breaking free and looking over the top of the stair rail with revulsion. He was slumped against the wall, finishing off his can of beer.’

‘And you lumped our kiss on the balcony with that?’ His incredibility was tinged with anger.

‘No! You were...’ In her eagerness to appease him she almost divulged how special his kiss had been, how she’d created fantasies of him over the years.

‘Matt, I’m sorry, truly sorry. I let one drunken incident influence my judgement of certain types of good-looking men. From his attitude on the few occasions we’ve met since, I’m convinced he doesn’t remember it at all.’

‘Lauren Taylor.’

She recognised the corporate tone from their earliest meetings and squeezed her eyes shut as if that would prevent the coming declaration. He tilted her chin up, coaxing her to look into determined midnight-blue eyes.

‘You are very special and I intend to banish every skerrick of that image from your memory. In the best, most personal way possible. And I promise you won’t want to run from me.’

His kiss was sweet and tender, and, for her, much too short. Humour glistened in his eyes as he raised his head.

‘So you think I’m good-looking? Tell me more.’

Brides, Babies And Billionaires

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