Читать книгу Brides, Babies And Billionaires - Мишель Смарт, Rebecca Winters - Страница 60

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

MATT STRUGGLED FOR the same effect. His body still buzzed from the exhilaration of waking from deep satisfying sleep with Lauren curled into him, warm and irresistible. He had no idea what he’d eaten, drunk or said since they’d joined Duncan and Clair for the meal.

She was radiant. Her skin glowed and her expressive hazel eyes shone as brightly as any stars in a country sky. He’d heard and understood what she’d said. She had friends and support. She’d be all right when she went home.

Home. His half-empty barren unit. She’d taken three days of her leave. Allowing for the day or two he’d need her at work, she’d only be here for two more weeks. Forget the hotel. He’d ask her to stay with him.

The prospect of spending long evenings with her was intoxicating. The image of her sharing breakfast and dinner across the new table he’d bought because of her upped his pulse to uncountable. And as for the nights...

‘Matt?’

He crashed to earth with a thud. Clair’s eyes twinkled as she held up the coffee jug.

‘More coffee?’

‘Um... Please.’ He pushed his cup and saucer over to her, hoping his face wasn’t as red as it felt. She’d caught him out again.

‘As you two will be in Duncan’s study for most of the morning, Lauren and I will walk the dogs then I’ll show her over the house,’ Clair said, topping up her husband’s drink.

‘Just don’t let her get you in the small room off the lounge, Lauren,’ Duncan quipped. ‘That’s where her troublesome computer lurks and you’ll be trapped in there until dinner.’

‘Brute.’ Clair gave him a playful flick of her hand and they smiled blissfully at each other.

The painful gut wrench took Matt by surprise. Their affection was obvious after nearly thirty-five years of marriage. Duncan had mentioned their anniversary was in June and he intended to make it an extra special occasion.

He’d assumed it would be for show like his parents’ celebrations. Not any more. Like Lena and Mark, the interaction between them proved their feelings ran deep and true.

* * *

The dogs bounded down the back steps as soon as Lauren and Clair came out of the door, raced halfway across the lawn then stopped to ensure they were following.

‘They’re better than any exercise programme I’ve ever tried,’ Clair remarked. As the two women caught up with them, they shot off again.

‘Walking anywhere around here would never seem like training to me. This trip has got me rethinking my priorities and future,’ Lauren replied.

‘The trip or the man?’

Lauren wasn’t sure how to answer as they went through a gate and onto a bushland path.

‘It’s complicated.’

‘It needn’t be, Lauren. The way you look at one another, whenever you touch, the attraction’s obvious but there’s also constraint. My children tell me not to interfere...’

‘Advice is always welcome.’ Lauren would gladly accept guidance. ‘It’s whether it can be acted upon that counts.’

‘Don’t give up on him, Lauren. Matt’s mother and I belong to the same organisations, and she’s hinted at Marcus’s medical problems. Apart from that and the company situation, I sense Matt has personal demons to conquer.’

‘You may be right.’

He’s certainly determined to have me exorcise mine.

‘He also has a reputation for tough, ethical dealing. If he didn’t Duncan wouldn’t be considering a partnership. Let him find his own way and be there when he does.’

As things stood she’d be on the east coast fixing glitches, living on memories and dreaming of midnight-blue eyes.

‘Cyber. Cyan.’ The dogs had darted to the left at a fork, and obediently returned to Clair’s side.

‘There’s a magnificent view this way. Luckily the koalas don’t seem at all perturbed by our noisy pets so keep an eye out for them in the gum trees.’

‘I envy you all this beauty and peace. Matt told me the property was quite run-down when you moved in.’

‘I inherited the estate from two wonderful stubborn-as-mules grandparents who refused help and died within weeks of each other. Life wasn’t easy, especially in those early years, but it’s always worth fighting for what you love.’

But what if the one you are fighting for doesn’t want to be won?

* * *

The talks with Duncan couldn’t have gone better; now all Matt wanted to do was find Lauren, and see her smile. Had she had a good morning? Was she happy she’d come?

He found her in the kitchen helping Clair prepare a salad lunch, and restrained the desire to kiss her in company. Until her face brightened at the sight of him and the invitation in her bright eyes was too hard to resist. He slipped his arm around her waist and softly covered her enticing lips with his.

She laid her hand on his arm, and welcomed the kiss, recreating the heat sensations from last night. His pulse tripled and his heart pounded. All overridden by an unfamiliar longing to hold on for ever and cherish.

Shaken by this new emotion, he broke the kiss, fighting for control. He wanted to find solitude to assess what was happening, and perversely ached to scoop her up and carry her to a quiet place and be with her.

‘How’d the walk go?’ Reality slammed home at Duncan’s remark from the doorway.

Matt set Lauren free, nearly pulled her back in at the sight of her sweetly bemused expression.

‘The air was fresh and crisp at the south lookout and the hills were shrouded in mist—very bracing,’ Clair replied. ‘You two can carry the salad bowls and meat plates. Lauren and I will bring the rest.’

The dogs padded round the veranda to join them, squatting close in anticipation of being fed as well.

‘We also had a session on my computer,’ Clair announced with pride as they helped themselves to food.

‘And?’

Duncan wasn’t merely playing lip service to his wife. Matt heard the genuine interest in his tone, saw it in his eyes. She was his number one priority as he was hers. So different from his parents. A cold fist crushed his heart, and his chest tightened.

‘I’m not so bad after all. Lauren gave me a beautifully covered notebook and bright green pen and I wrote down everything step by step as she told or showed me.’

Lauren’s knee bumped against his and stayed. A simple nod of her head plus a look that said ‘you were right’ sent heat surging throughout his body. He echoed her action then concentrated on Clair.

‘No one’s ever explained the things I have trouble with in simple English I can understand. Lauren did, and I have her email address and phone number so I can contact her any time I need help.’

Matt couldn’t prevent the swell of pride even though all he’d done was persuade Lauren to come. With a start, he realised it was pride in her, something he had no justification for. She was her own person. An enchanting, self-sufficient woman.

‘So I’m going to take her into Hahndorf this afternoon. What do you have planned?’

The men exchanged glances.

‘Another couple of hours and we’ll break for the day. You’ll find us on the side veranda with a bottle of wine and a selection of cheese and crackers.’ Duncan grinned at Matt. ‘They’ll have to come get us to carry all the shopping from the car.’

Clearing the table was accomplished in a few minutes with everyone helping then Matt went with Lauren to fetch her coat and shoulder bag. And to kiss her, longer and deeper than he’d be able to do in front of their hosts.

It left them both hot and gasping for air. And bedtime was a lifetime away.

‘Glad you decided to come, Lauren?’ He watched her face for any sign of regret.

‘Got coerced you mean. Yes, I’m very glad.’ Her eyes darkened, highlighting the gold flecks. His body responded to the thought she might be remembering last night.

‘Clair says she’ll take me round the house tomorrow.’

He’d been in umpteen old renovated homes. A few days ago he’d have politely declined joining them. Today the chance of seeing what the Fords had achieved through Lauren’s eyes was appealing.

‘Tell her I’d like to be included.’

His wanting to join them delighted Lauren. When the offer of two weeks’ leave had been made it had sounded like ample time for a break. Now, with three days taken, it was a pitiful amount to store memories to last a lifetime.

* * *

Lauren flicked at the insect biting her earlobe, sighed and snuggled into her pillow. It returned, pulling her a little further from sleep.

‘Wanna go for a walk and watch the sun rise?’

Whispered throaty seduction.

In an instant she was wide awake, catching at the hand whose fingernails were tickling her lobe. Matt lay beside her, fully dressed in jeans and warm jumper, eyes gleaming with mischief. The only light came from the open ensuite door.

How come he wanted to go hiking and her main desire was to drag him close for a repeat of last night? And later. And some time in the early hours of today. It would take only his touch to turn her languid muscles molten and rekindle the passion he’d ignited again and again.

‘What time is it?’ She stretched, and shivered as the cold morning air hit her arms, glared at him when he pulled the quilt off her. He sucked air between his teeth as she tried to drag them back.

‘Early. I’ve got snacks, drinks and directions to the best lookout.’ He was excited, eager like a puppy ready for his daily walk. ‘You’ve got five minutes.’

‘You asked for ten on Friday,’ she muttered, pretending to be annoyed. Secretly she was thrilled he wanted to share this outing with her. His laughter followed her to the shower.

He took her hand as they left, guiding her down the back steps and over the lawn, his torch lighting their way. They followed the path through the trees, accompanied by only the sound of the breeze rustling the vegetation, the scuffling of animals in the undergrowth, and dried leaves crunching under their sneakers.

Lauren relished the chill on her face, the night hiding the factual mundane world and the warmth of his fingers linked with hers. This was more than special, this was super memorable. A never-to-be-forgotten occasion to be taken out and savoured in the future whenever she felt sad.

Matt stopped suddenly in the centre of a small clearing, and bent to place his backpack on the ground. She heard a click and the beam disappeared, leaving them in complete darkness, surrounded by black velvet. Magical. Ethereal.

He drew her into his arms, and she wrapped hers around his neck. His lips were soft, his kiss firm yet holding a tenderness that touched her heart. No bells or fireworks. This was a moment of profound contentment. The moment she acknowledged the truth. She was in love with Matt Dalton.

With their lips a whisper apart Matt breathed out Lauren’s name, too stunned to form any other words. He’d switched off the torch for effect, to heighten the ambiance when he’d kissed her in the dark. Hadn’t expected to be so unsettled by his own emotions.

Only she could access his soul and revitalise the beliefs he’d long discarded, make him yearn for a better time when he’d had faith in for ever. She fitted him perfectly, her soft form to his hard muscle. He didn’t want to—couldn’t—let her leave until he...he wasn’t sure what.

Keeping one arm around her as much for his comfort as hers, he bent to retrieve the torch, waved it round and led her to the gap in the trees. In the light’s limited sphere there was a valley below and hills beyond, vague mysterious shapes. The wind was stronger here in the open, blowing up and over the edge, causing him to strengthen his stance.

His intention had been to give Lauren a weekend of pleasurable memories. Now he was storing them up for himself.

Taking the picnic rug from the rucksack, he laid it out between the trees near the edge of the cliff. Lying down on one elbow, he held out his hand. His already racing heartbeat hit rocket speed as, without hesitation, she joined him, eyes sparkling, lips parted. She stroked his cheek, and ran her fingers across his jaw, triggering reactions that blew his control.

Shy, exquisite Lauren was teasing him, playing havoc with his libido. She tempted him with her inviting smile, her tongue-tip tracing her lips, and her feather-light finger touch. He bent over her, lowered his head and clicked off the torch.

* * *

The first small pink and orange rays shimmered on the horizon. Matt leant against a tree trunk, nestled Lauren’s back onto his chest, and rested his chin on her shoulder as they stared across the valley. He breathed in her delicate scent, tinged with his cologne and their personal aromas.

This was an extraordinary moment, life changing. For those few incredible minutes, they’d been one entity, bound by a force he didn’t understand. Knew he wanted to relive it again and again.

For ever? She wriggled, reigniting the desire. His body would willingly comply for as long as he lived. His resolute mind clung to the hard lessons he’d learnt. He refused to make false declarations to gain any advantage or to give false hope of any kind.

No deception. No lies. What they had was good, much better than good. There was no reason they couldn’t continue to be together until she flew home. His arms tightened, reinforcing his hold, and she gave a cute gasp. He nuzzled her neck and she sighed. He nibbled her earlobe.

‘Oh-h-h...’ Her breath whooshed out as vibrant colours tinted the edges of emerging clouds and gradually spread across the sky. Dark shadowy shapes began to appear on the landscape, slowly taking recognisable form. Unforgettable. Unbelievably spectacular.

His own breath caught in his throat. His body stilled, his pulse raced. This was supposed to be a unique experience for Lauren to treasure, along with the other special occasions they’d shared. He hadn’t expected to feel anything more than he did at fireworks displays or the like.

Instead nature at her finest tugged at his heartstrings, and raised the hairs on the back of his neck. The adrenaline rush was greater than when he’d skied the Swiss Alps and white-water rafted in Wales, heightened by sharing it with Lauren.

The sun’s softer morning rays revealed the delicacy of her skin, rapture in her wide-open eyes, and ecstasy on her beautiful face. He burned it into his memory, to be recalled at will.

‘Matt.’ Husky with emotion. Crumbling what little composure he had left.

‘Darling Lauren.’ Rough, dragged over the constricting lump in his throat.

‘It’s wonderful. Unbelievable. Thank you.’

He cradled her cheek, leant forward and kissed her, wishing the earth would stop spinning and the magic would never end. He laid his head next to hers and pretended it hadn’t.

Lauren wished she could reverse time, have the sun set then rise again. In slow motion. With her senses already heightened by his gentle loving only minutes before, she’d been enthralled by the fluid change of colours. The panorama in front of her, the solid wall of his chest behind her, and his muscular arms enfolding her intensified the sensation of being snugly cosseted in a vast open universe.

She loved the mystical atmosphere of night becoming day, of small pockets of mist among the trees. Of feeling they were alone in the cosmos. Even the nocturnal creatures were silent in mutual reverence.

His kiss was magical, soft with an underlying hint of yearning. A longing echoed in her heart. A craving for this never to end.

Lights flickered in the distance, and the wind picked up, bringing with it faint sounds of traffic. They ate the chocolate bars and drank the hot coffee he’d brought. Cuddled close in their padded winter jackets, neither ready to leave and return to the real world.

Only when they heard the dogs barking did they stand and pack up.

* * *

‘I think I need a bigger car,’ Matt joked as he juggled the luggage into the boot for the late-afternoon return to the city.

‘Don’t whinge. I’m the one who’ll be paying for excess weight on the plane.’ Lauren’s light retort masked the pain of knowing every moment brought her departure closer.

They’d have a few evenings, maybe part of the weekends together, and distant phone calls while she was driving around being a tourist. All too soon she’d have used up her ten days and they’d say goodbye.

There hadn’t been, nor would there be, any promises or declarations of keeping in touch. And she’d never ask for them.

‘It might be cheaper for me to drive you home.’