Brides, Babies And Billionaires. Rebecca Winters
me.’
He studied her with narrowed eyes, assessing if she could be trusted with his new favourite toy. He gingerly handed it over, shuffled closer and didn’t take his eyes off the screen as she read the game rules and started tapping.
* * *
Matt couldn’t remember breaking a mirror or running over a black cat but he sure as hell was raking in bad luck. At least there’d been some positives in his inspection of a new recommended site today.
Duncan Ford was a man reputed to be fair and honest in business, a trustworthy partner and an admirable opponent. A man he’d met on a number of occasions over the years, usually with his father. Lately through a business acquaintance and his own initiative.
If Lauren had managed to keep him happy, he’d have a chance to pitch his proposition in the near future. If he secured a deal with Duncan Ford on the development of a vacant factory, it would go a long way to solving the company’s present dilemma. Unfortunately ifs weren’t solid happenings.
He strode towards his office, his heart sinking. No sound, no voices. Until, as he reached the open door, he heard a triumphant ‘yes’ in a child’s tone.
The man he’d hoped to impress was sitting in one of the armchairs reading a magazine. Lauren and a young boy were kneeling by the coffee table, heads bent over a bright yellow pad.
‘Matt.’ Duncan stood, and came forward to shake hands. After putting the cardboard tube containing site plans on his desk and his satchel on the floor, Matt willingly complied.
‘I apologise for not being here, Duncan.’
‘Hey, it was an off chance. Lauren’s been the perfect hostess.’
Matt flashed a grateful smile in her direction. He’d thank her properly later. The daggers she sent back warned him he’d have to grovel, big time. To his surprise he found the prospect stimulating rather than daunting.
‘I got a call late yesterday to say this particular site goes on the market next month. I couldn’t refuse the chance to inspect it.’
‘We’ll schedule a meeting when you’ve finalised your proposal. My coming into town was unexpected and I should be hearing from my daughter any minute. Once she and young Ken are on their way home, I’d like you and Lauren to join my wife and me for lunch.’
‘Me?’
Matt’s head swung at the panic in Lauren’s voice. Exactly the same as earlier, yet, whatever her fears, she’d obviously impressed Duncan, which didn’t surprise him. She certainly fascinated him.
‘My treat for keeping Ken amused.’
‘Thank you but no. I have work to do and I’ve brought my lunch.’
Her agitation was clear in her voice, and, though she managed to keep her features calm, Matt saw the plea in her wide-open eyes. And that intangible niggle flicked in his memory, and was gone just as fast.
The gentleman in him leaned towards letting her off the hook. The desperate male striving to secure a solid future for the company and its employees won.
‘It’ll keep ’til tomorrow, Ms Taylor. Never refuse a chance to eat out in Adelaide.’
If she was about to protest, Ken forestalled her, patting her arm and holding up his pad.
‘Your turn, Lauren.’
She knelt to attend to the child. The chagrined look she gave Matt ought to have annoyed him, as she’d be wined and dined in style. Instead he was already planning ways to help her relax with the Fords.
CLAIR FORD AND her daughter were Lauren’s idea of true corporate wives, dressed in the latest fashion and groomed to perfection. If their greetings and appreciation hadn’t been so sincere and friendly, she might have cut and run.
With young mother and son safely on their way home, the remaining four walked to the Fords’ chosen restaurant. They led the way, allowing for private discussion.
‘I owe you big time for today.’ Matt’s voice was low and subdued, proving the tension he was under.
‘I’ll keep tally, Mr Dalton. This counts too. What do I have in common with Mr Ford and his wife? The nearest I come to their world is walking past executive offices.’
‘Under the current circumstances, Lauren, I think you should call me Matt.’
Lauren. Matt.
This made it personal, more familiar.
She’d liked the way he’d remembered the pronunciation of her name from her first phone call. She wasn’t so sure about the butterfly flutter in her belly as he said it or the pleasurable shivers over her skin every time he guided her past oncoming pedestrians.
‘I don’t understand. You meet and deal with new people all the time. Why the reluctance?’
How could he understand how she felt? He oozed confidence and charm, would have no qualms on walking into a room full of notable people he’d never met. He’d been brought up to meet and greet strangers with ease.
‘I can’t do small talk. My family are all outgoing, garrulous, and at ease with anyone. I was shy. I’d freeze up and hide in my room. I...’
Duncan turned to check where they were as he and Clair turned off towards a waterside restaurant. The warm glow to her belly from Matt’s gentle squeeze at her waist eased her misgivings. The tingles from his hot breath as he bent to her ear generated entirely different reservations.
‘She’s a down-to-earth mother and grandmother who enjoys serving on charity committees. He’s into football and car racing. Trust me, Lauren, I’ll be right beside you.’
They were escorted to a round table by the window. Matt held her chair, leaning over to whisper, ‘Just be yourself, Lauren. I like you as you are.’
His fingers gently brushed a strand of hair from her shoulder, making her quiver, making her heart expand ’til her chest felt full and tight. So much for her internal lectures on the return flight to Adelaide, reinforcing how vital it was to keep distance between them.
Clair insisted on sitting next to her rather than opposite. ‘The men will talk shop,’ she said without rancour, smiling as she accepted a menu. ‘Always say they won’t. Always do. Nature of the beast.’
At the moment the two of them were discussing wine with one waiter while another poured iced water into their glasses. Lauren drank some, and felt cooler, more in control.
‘What do you fancy, Lauren? The veal scaloppini is always delicious, and the perfect size to leave room for dessert.’ Clair put down her menu, her decision made.
After ordering the same, Lauren almost refused wine until she caught Matt watching her, and decided why not? It was a light refreshing Sauvignon Blanc and one glass might give her courage. It would also fortify her for later if she told him the most likely outcome.
‘Duncan’s a stickler for supporting local wineries and we’re rarely disappointed,’ Clair said, leaning closer. ‘Ken really enjoyed himself today, told me you taught him how to win games faster.’
‘He’s very bright, picked up what I showed him easily.’
‘Maybe I ought to get him to teach me. I’m hopeless. My worst fault is somehow sending files into folders they’re not supposed to be in. Then I can’t find them. I’ve also seized everything up a few times.’
‘Have you taken any courses?’ Chatting came naturally when someone took a genuine interest in you. Knowing they were all grateful to her, albeit for different reasons, helped too.
‘A couple. I read the notes, and try to remember. Drives Duncan