Brides, Babies And Billionaires. Rebecca Winters
he understood the guarded look and apprehension the day he’d interviewed her. She’d recognised him, must have remembered their meeting as well.
Tomorrow he’d begin to make amends for tonight’s ending. Monday morning was going to be very interesting.
* * *
Matt’s jacket hanging on the back of his chair was the only indication he was in the building. Lauren wasn’t sure if she was upset or relieved.
Tucked into her purse was the florist’s card that had accompanied the arrangement of orchids delivered to her hotel room yesterday morning. Another memento, personally inscribed, Forgive me, Matt.
For the kiss or for running?
She’d imagined a number of scenarios for when they met again, none of which eased her apprehension. She couldn’t shake the re-emerged doubts. Their lives, their interests, their personalities, all were polarised. If it weren’t for the undeniable attraction, they’d have nothing in common. She sighed and gazed out of her window lost in a daydream of music, lights and feeling cherished as they’d danced.
‘Why were you hiding?’
She jumped, spun round to find him standing halfway across the room. Her heart stuttered. She covered it with her hand, and fought to steady her erratic breathing. How come he looked so cool and calm? So unruffled?
‘I wasn’t.’ She cursed her wobbly voice. ‘I’m just doing my normal preparation.’
Three rapid paces brought him an arm’s length from her side, leaning on the glass nonchalantly. The firm set of his jaw belied his calm demeanour, giving her composure a tiny boost. He gestured in the general direction of the river.
‘On the balcony, a good cricketer’s throw away from where we had lunch with the Fords.’
He knew—had to see the blush heating her neck and face, the embarrassment in her eyes. Her teeth as they bit on her lip, something she hadn’t done since she was a child.
As she struggled for breath and an answer, his lips—lips that had filled her waking hours since he’d strode away—curled into an apologetic smile.
‘I have no idea why I followed you. I saw a mass of dark curls and a hint of blue dress going through the door alone and wondered why. Couldn’t find you at first.’
He inched a little closer.
‘You running away shook me. I swear I looked for you to apologise, and I’ve always regretted frightening you but never the kiss, never the sweet taste of your lips.’
‘I hated being there,’ she blurted out without thinking. ‘Hated the way I was forced to be part of a world I had no interest in. Places like the balcony were sanctuaries. I didn’t belong inside with those people.’
Fleetingly stunned by her outburst, he recovered to run his fingers in a light path down her cheek and under her jaw, sending fissions of delight skimming across her skin. If he let go, her legs would give way and she’d end up a trembling mess on the floor.
‘And I invaded your peace. Did you know who I was before the interview or recognise me then?’
She felt her skin heat again and dropped her gaze, only to have him tilt her head until she looked him in the eyes. His eyebrows quirked.
‘Lauren?’
‘There were lights behind you that night. I didn’t see your face but as I pushed away your eyes became visible. They’re very distinctive.’
His low chuckle zinged through her. Laughter shone in his eyes and they crinkled at the corners.
‘My eyes, huh. We’ll have to talk more but not here.’
He grated the last word and then his tone softened.
‘The next few days are going to be gruelling. I’ll be juggling appointments regarding Dad’s actions with meetings, on and off site, about new projects. They’ll all take time away from where I want to be.’
His affectionate expression said he meant her. The gap between them diminished. His movement or hers?
‘Come to dinner with me tomorrow night.’
There was an edge to his voice that she didn’t understand. Her first inclination was to refuse but then she’d always wonder.
He claimed he’d tried to find her. If she agreed—and her heart and logic warred about the sensibility of that—she’d have personal time to learn more about him, be able to return to Sydney with no what-ifs. His persuasive voice, his hypnotic gaze, and his touch on her skin were an irresistible combination.
She meant to nod, swayed forward instead. As if in answer to her silent plea, he bent his head. Suddenly jerked away.
‘Not here.’
Growled in anger. Why?
His fingertips tracked lightly across her neck, triggering a goose-bumps rush from cell to cell, from her scalp to the soles of her feet. Awareness flared in his eyes, his chest heaved, and suddenly there was a wide space between them.
‘I have to make a couple of calls, and talk to Joanne before I leave.’
‘What am I supposed to do after I’ve finished the data entries?’
He spread his arms, fingers splayed.
‘Whatever Joanna needs help with. I know it may be below your expertise but...’
He struggled for words. ‘I don’t want a stranger coming in when we transfer those accounts into the mainstream. I want you.’
The inflection in the last three words was personal, nothing to do with accounts or computers. Leaving wasn’t an option.
‘I’ll stay.’ Data entry. Filing. Basic office work. Tasks that would allow her mind to wander to midnight-blue eyes and smiles that lit up her day.
‘You’re an angel. I’ll be here for half an hour then out for the morning. My mobile will be off most of the time so leave a message if you want me.’
His hand lifted towards her. Dropped. He walked out, picking up his jacket on the way.
If she wanted him?
Her body hummed with a need more disturbing than anything she’d ever felt. So much stronger than the mild desire she’d felt during her two previous relationships. She now recognised them as more mind melding and merely physical rather than zealous ardour.
There’d be no ‘let’s be friends’ when the passion died for Matt. He’d walk away and she...she’d survive. Somehow.
* * *
Matt strode to the boardroom, praying it would be empty. He was pleased he’d been able to persuade Lauren to stay. Having her at his home for dinner was risky, considering the way they both responded to the proximity of the other. But how else were they going to talk without interruptions? How else could he find out why she hadn’t trusted him before she knew him?
He’d almost kissed her again this morning. Never, ever going to happen here. He would never follow in his father’s footsteps. Would never use that bedroom, no matter how late he worked or how tired he became.
Footsteps sounded in the corridor. He refocused on the project he and the team were working on, the one he was determined would revitalise the company.
Everything hung on a precipice. His father could be facing fraud charges. He and, in his doing, Dalton Corporation had probably committed tax evasion. Duncan Ford might decide to suspend their talks of investing until Matt could prove he and the company were clean.
He should be broken, anxious of the future. Instead, now he knew the truth he found the challenges stimulating. If it all collapsed around him, he’d start again. Staying down wasn’t an option.
* * *
Lauren collected information