Читать книгу Brides, Babies And Billionaires - Мишель Смарт, Rebecca Winters - Страница 58

CHAPTER TWELVE

THERE WERE FEW vehicles on the roads as Matt drove home after leaving Lauren at her hotel room in the early hours of the morning. Gently nudging her through her door and not following tested his resolve. Pulling it shut to enable him to walk away from her sweet smile, flushed cheeks and slumberous hazel eyes was the hardest action he’d ever taken.

He could still feel her soft lips responding to his in the longest, sweetest goodnight kiss he’d ever had. No holding back. No expectations.

He’d asked her to stay all night but understood her need for distance after their shared confessions and lengthy conversation after. It had been soul-searing for them both. They’d have distance all right, three days, two nights and who knew how many kilometres.

He parked in his garage, switched off the engine and clicked the remote to wind down the roller door. Didn’t move. Didn’t want to go into that empty unit where her tantalising perfume lingered and her presence was now indelibly implanted into the atmosphere.

Reclining the seat and pushing it back, he lay staring at the roof. New, clean, unmarked, like everything else he owned in Australia. Limbo land. Between the old and the unknown.

He closed his eyes—body weary, mind wide awake. His impulsive kiss so long ago had caused repercussions he’d never have believed, and distress for Lauren. He’d allowed his perception of his parents’ relationship to affect his attitude. Love might not be blind but maybe it blurred faults in those you cared for.

Lena and Mark, Duncan and Clair. There were other happy couples he knew too. Did his mother’s love override the pain of his father’s affairs?

He yawned, ought to go in, get a few hours’ sleep to cope with the long day ahead. He’d miss her in his bed—probably lie awake remembering the passion they’d shared. Had those harsh, ecstatic groans of release mingling with her joyful cries come from him? His lips curled, his body shifted as he remembered her kittenish mews. He slept.

* * *

Lauren woke early, a faint ray of daylight competing with the street lamps to dispel the night. She quivered as memories teased her from sleep, and grew stronger, more vibrant. More intimate.

She blushed as she recalled how forward she’d been, so unlike the compliant participant in her other relationships. Matt had gently encouraged her, kissed her until she was molten lava in his arms then taken her to the stars and beyond.

It was because of those new and tumultuous sensations, followed by the sharing of their innermost secrets, that she’d asked him to take her back to the hotel. Part of her had longed to stay, to sleep cradled to his body and make love in the morning as the sun rose. The other half had felt vulnerable, shocked by her ardent responses, and needing solitude to decipher why now? Why him?

A similar duel had her torn between knowing how much she’d miss him and feeling an inexplicable inclination to re-erect the defence shield round her heart. She had three days to...who was she kidding? Her surrender had been complete.

* * *

Thirteen hours later she pushed her dinner plate to the far corner of the table and opened the green patterned spiral notebook she’d bought in the quirky gift shop a few hours ago. Along with presents for friends’ future birthdays.

She’d never been one for writing copious holiday descriptions, relying on photos, brief notes and her memory. She’d kept Matt’s image at bay as she drove, forcing her mind into work mode where nothing was allowed to intrude on the task at hand. New vehicle, new roads, though there were fewer freeways than in New South Wales.

As she wrote and sipped delicious rose tea she noticed the small ceramic vases on the dining-room tables, each one unique and holding two fresh flowers and a sprig of greenery. Her vase with orchids was swathed in bubble wrap and secured behind the passenger seat of the car.

Laying her new special green pen down, she cradled her cup, recalling his tenderness and sensitivity, and the way his passion, matching hers, had overridden both. No one had ever made her feel so feminine, so aroused. She relived the evening from the initial eye contact across the road to his reluctant expression as he’d closed her hotel-room door.

Lost in reminiscence, she jumped when her mobile rang, rummaged for her phone with unsteady fingers.

‘Matt.’

‘Hi, having a good day?’

His now oh-so-familiar raspy voice triggered a rush of heat through her veins. She leant her elbow on the table, and pressed her mobile tighter to her ear as if the action would bring them together.

‘Yes, I turned off at any interesting sign, and stopped at almost every town I went through. The autumn colours are incredible. I took lots of photos and bought a few presents.’ She was babbling, couldn’t seem to slow down.

‘Did you miss me?’ Deeper, hopeful tone.

‘If I say yes, you’ll claim an advantage. How did your meetings go?

‘Chicken. I missed you. Only had one. Where are you now?’

She clutched her stomach to quell the fluttering his confession created, steadied her breathing, and fought for her normal placid tone when she replied.

‘Nuriootpa for the night. Tomorrow, who knows?’

‘You will be back on Friday?’ The teasing note disappeared. He sounded serious, surprisingly uncertain.

‘That’s the plan. Is there a problem?’

‘Not from my end. You’ll be getting a call from Clair in the next hour or so. We’ve been invited to their home in the Hills for the weekend.’

‘We?’

‘As in you and me, Lauren. Duncan wants to discuss the company’s current position, and the business proposal I pitched to him a couple of weeks ago in a relaxed atmosphere. They want you to come with me.’

‘Why? I’m not part of your deal at all.’

‘They like you.’

Not exactly the answer she wanted to hear.

‘Lauren, I want you to come. You know them, said you liked them. If it’s our relationship worrying you, I promise nothing will happen between us unless you want it to.’

Of course she wanted it to; the location was irrelevant. Last night had been the most wonderful experience of her life. The dilemma was the when and where.

‘A whole weekend in someone’s home is a giant leap from having dinner with them.’ With added pressure if they believed she and Matt were involved.

He made an exasperated noise in his throat.

‘I wish I could see you, reassure you. Will you please consider it? Talk it out with Clair?’

She shared the same desire to be with him but she was also aware of how much he was counting on making a deal with Duncan Ford. Would it make a difference if she could see his expression? Moot point so far apart.

‘Okay. I’ll decide when I talk to Clair.’

‘Let me know. Now tell me where you went and what you did.’

* * *

Matt almost rolled off the lounge as he lunged for his mobile an hour or so later, failing to stifle a harsh groan as his elbow hit the side of the coffee table, and his mug fell off.

‘Lauren.’

‘What was that?’

Simultaneous voices, then silence.

‘Matt, are you there?’ He liked, more than liked, the concern in her tone.

‘I knocked my elbow on the table. You can kiss it better on Friday.’ He sat on the sofa’s edge, ramrod straight, stomach taut.

‘Try pawpaw ointment, it works quicker.’

‘Not as much fun. Clair phoned?’ He held his breath.

‘The two of you are very persuasive. She reminded me I offered to have a look at her computer some time, so I could hardly refuse. And she promised it’ll be a weekend to remember.’

His commitment as well. He rose to his feet, adrenaline surging, his free hand fisting and pumping the air. Couldn’t, didn’t want to stop the grin from forming but managed to keep his voice steady.

‘It will be. Are you tired?’

‘A little. I’m in the motel room ready for bed.’

A vivid image from his bedroom filled his head, he barely managed to stifle the zealous groan.

‘Too sleepy to talk? You’re a long way away, and I don’t want to say goodnight.’

‘What about?’

‘You and your family. Why you took the job in Sydney.’

He waited as she pondered his question, a habit he’d learnt to expect, professionally and personally.

‘What I went through might have been because I was so different, too shy and inhibited to join in boisterous games. My parents and brothers were all extroverts, loved any kind of physical sport and had no problems interacting with strangers.’

A decidedly male growl resonated in Lauren’s ear.

‘They didn’t allow for you being quiet and gentle, didn’t make time to understand who you were?’

She sensed Matt’s anger, found his defending their lack of sensitivity towards her exhilarating.

‘I’m beginning to see how I contributed to the problems. I wasn’t interested so I didn’t make any effort. I never complained or told them how I felt except to refuse to attend any more sporting events once I turned thirteen. To them I seemed happy to bury myself in books and homework. At least I always got good grades at school.’

Another growl so she quickly added, ‘If I hadn’t I might not be working with computers. Might not be here.’

‘Eighty odd kilometres away. Much too far.’

She snuggled into the pillow, striving to keep grounded. He made her feel warm and light-headed even along a phone line. With each word, her pulse had quickened, electric tingles danced over her skin, and the overwhelming desire to touch him, feel his strength surrounding her was almost frightening. He could make her feel strong, empowered. He could also hurt her more than anyone else in the world.

* * *

Lauren returned the hire car early Friday afternoon, and was given a sealed package Matt had left for her containing a key to his unit. Finding a round dining setting in the appropriate place and three large bright blue cushions on the settee left her speechless.

She texted him to say she’d arrived, found a tea towel in a kitchen drawer, and set it on the new table. It was the perfect place for the orchid arrangement he’d sent her. They were as fresh as when she’d received them, having suffered no ill effects from their journey to the Barossa.

A cup of tea, an open packet of chocolate biscuits, and she was ready to sort out her belongings in the lounge room. The items she chose for the Hills visit were packed into the new suitcase she’d purchased, everything else was wrapped and stored in her original one ready for the trip home.

Home. Her own apartment. Her sanctuary. It was never going to feel quite the same. The memories she’d be taking with her would change the way she viewed her life, her work. Her future. She chomped into another biscuit and vowed, no matter what, there’d be no regrets. Her friends would be there for her though she’d never be able to tell them the full truth. Matt would be her special good secret, hers alone.

She heard his car pull into the garage, his footsteps in the passage, his delighted raspy tone. ‘You’re here.’ She saw his captivating smile, was swept into his embrace, and held as if she was fragile and precious. She slid her arms around his waist, revelling in his strength and the satisfying sense of security.

His lips feather-brushed her forehead. She cuddled up, wanting this serenity to last, and he seemed in no hurry to end it either. Quiet harmony. An idyllic memory to cherish.

‘You kept the orchids?’

She arched her neck to meet questioning eyebrows and curved lips. ‘Of course. They’re beautiful, Matt.’

His eyes shone as he gathered her in. ‘So are you, Lauren. Beautiful and intoxicating.’

His kiss was light, gentle, spreading a warm glow from head to toes. Her lips instinctively moved with his. Her heart soared, and she wanted to freeze-frame this precious moment for ever.

With evident reluctance he eased away.

‘If I don’t let you go now, we’ll arrive in the dark. I know which I’d prefer...’

‘But the Fords are expecting us for dinner. I’m packed and ready.’

‘Give me ten minutes to shower and change.’ He dipped his head for a brief hard kiss and walked out of the room.

* * *

When they left Lauren kept silent at first allowing Matt to concentrate on the driving through peak traffic. She stared out of the window, trying to identify the suburbs and buildings, surprised by the number of new houses and renovations on main roads.

Once they hit the freeway to the hills, he turned on the radio, keeping it muted in the background.

‘Any listening preference, Lauren?’

‘Whatever you usually have on is fine.’

‘Which would mainly be news and sport. Not for you. How are you on county and western?’

He had to be teasing. One look at his profile said he wasn’t.

‘As long as it’s ballads and not yippee-ki-yay stuff.’

‘Whatever pleases you.’ He glanced over and her mouth dried up at the fire in his eyes. She quivered inside at the thought of the two nights and two days ahead.

‘I’ve been meaning to ask you for days, kept forgetting because you have a habit of distracting my mind and scrambling my brain. What’s the name of your perfume?’

She couldn’t answer, her own brain turning to mush at his compliment. He was claiming to be as affected as she was when they were together. Did he have the same heat rushes, the tingles? The heart flips?

She’d been wearing the same brand for years, had one of the fragrances in her suitcase. So why couldn’t she remember either name?

‘It’s from a small rural company who produce different aromas from Australian native flowers. I keep three and wear whichever suits my mood at the time.’

‘It’s been the same one every day since you arrived. Are the others as enticing?’

‘I’ve no idea. Why do you always wear the same sea-spray cologne?’

‘The truth?’

‘Yes.’ Please don’t let it be because it was a gift from a girlfriend.

‘I forgot to pack mine for when I changed after a game and borrowed Alan’s. Apart from when I’ve been given others, it’s the one I use.’

‘You wore it that night.’

‘For the first time.’ He flicked her an incredulous look. ‘You remembered how I smelt?’

‘You did get pretty close, Matt.’

‘Yeah, and then I lost you.’

They drove in silence for a while, both lost in thoughts of their meeting on the balcony, Matt’s focus on the road and Lauren’s out of the window.

Because of the long hot summer, the vegetation wasn’t as green as she’d hoped. Sneak views of houses between the trees, horses and sheep grazing, and colourful native plants drew her avid attention. Seeing a herd of alpacas in a small fenced area of a paddock thrilled her.

After exiting the freeway, they followed the signs through the small typical hills town and onto a winding, tree-lined road. High overhanging branches covered with autumn leaves of brilliant orange and brown shaded them from the setting sun. The verges were covered with more, tempting walkers to romp through them.

‘This is so peaceful. So Australiana. When we lived in the suburbs I used to dream of moving to a hills town. Any one of them.’ She shrugged. ‘Didn’t happen of course.’

Matt pulled over, switched off the engine and unbuckled his seat belt. He stretched his arm and unclipped hers, unfazed by the sudden apprehension in her eyes. Twisting to face her and taking her hands in his, he yearned for the glowing satisfaction he’d seen after they’d made love.

‘You had a few unfulfilled childhood wishes, didn’t you?’

She shrugged. ‘Doesn’t everyone?’

‘No.’ He ignored his ambition to work as a partner with his father. ‘Most of mine came true. I played Aussie Rules for the school, graduated from uni and travelled overseas. Considering my lack of vocal ability, becoming an international singing sensation was never going to happen.’

His heart swelled at the sight of her hesitant smile. Give him time and he’d make her radiant and happy.

‘I dreamt of being a dancer for a year or so.’ She gave a self-conscious laugh. ‘Of course, in my imagination I had no fear of appearing on stage in front of hundreds of people. The one time I was selected to read a poem I’d written at parents’ night, I took one look at all those faces, froze and bolted.’

‘So you wrote?’

‘I have a stack of notebooks full of poems and short stories, only ever shown to my best friend. Childish and not very good but fun. I haven’t written anything for years except reports or emails.’

Her fingers gripped his. His pulse accelerated. The temperature in the car rose rapidly.

‘I’ve been reflecting on my life lately and I’m beginning to realise my family and I just didn’t gel. Maybe they weren’t as much insensitive as bemused by the alien in their midst. And there were no other relatives around who might have made a difference.’

‘Will you discuss it with them when you see them?’

‘No.’ Short and sharp. ‘There’s no way it wouldn’t sound accusing and the past can’t be changed.’

He silently agreed with fervour.

‘I’m an adult with a good career and great friends. It’ll achieve nothing, and only cause pain.’

A car drove past, the driver beeping in customary rural friendship. Matt checked the time, then cradled her face in his hands.

‘Most assuredly an adult, Lauren Taylor. Beautiful and desirable.’

He intended the kiss to be gentle, reassuring, but almost lost control when she returned it with enthusiasm. Her hands slid up his chest to tease his neck, heating his blood to near boiling. Her body pressed to his fuelled the urge to have her alone somewhere quiet and private.

He broke away, expelling the air from his lungs, gasping in more as he feasted on her blushed cheeks and brilliant eyes. His hand shook as he redid his seat belt and started the engine.

As he struggled to find his voice again he mulled over her confessions of the last few days. He needed to know everything if he was to help her completely overcome her insecurities before she left.

Before she left. The very idea depressed him. Having her near lifted his spirits.

‘In five hundred metres turn right.’

The GPS interrupted his thinking and he slowed down.