Brides, Babies And Billionaires. Rebecca Winters
blouses were purchased in the January and June sales. Outside work she wore casual clothes, unless on special occasions. What she did have was in Sydney but nothing in her wardrobe came close to being suitable for a corporate dinner.
She fluctuated between longing to go and fearing she’d embarrass him as she wandered from shop to shop, sifting through racks of dresses and tops. Standing in the change rooms of an international brand store, she almost gave up.
Why this alien urge to buy something bold and extravagant? So not her, sleek and clinging, showing off every curve and a seemingly long expanse of leg? Like the low-cut sapphire-blue on the wide-eyed image staring at her from the mirror.
‘Do you require any assistance?’ the salesgirl called through the door.
No. Though, if she were ever to wear anything like this out in public, a huge hike in self-confidence would definitely help.
‘I’m fine, thanks.’
She found what she was searching for in a small off-the-mall boutique. A dress that fitted perfectly and boosted her self-esteem, one she hoped would make Matt proud to escort her. Shoes and a matching clutch bag were bought in a nearby shop, and by mentioning Joanne’s name she managed to book an appointment for Saturday at her recommended hairdresser.
Stepping towards the kerb to hail a taxi, she remembered he’d spoken of lunch, a special lunch for two. She dropped her arm and headed back into the mall.
The driver who took her and her parcels to the hotel waited and drove her to the office. She’d rather be there helping him than on her own in her impersonal rented room.
* * *
Lauren watched the file names speed through as they were copied to the second hard drive, so many more than she’d expected. Surely this would have a huge effect on the company. Had any of it been declared to the tax office?
She’d be long gone before anything official happened. Matt might remember her as part of his father’s downfall, not much more.
He’d been making and taking calls since she’d returned to the office, a pleasant background to her thoughts. She was going to miss his gravel tone when she left. Rougher under stress; she doubted it would ever be smooth. Not even in moments of passion. Which she so should not be thinking about. Ever.
He was absent when she’d finished so she made herself a cup of tea. The man who walked in as she deposited the used tea bag in the bin was tall, handsome and had to be related. His resemblance to Matt was striking, and his instant smile in a familiar face reminded her of Matt’s when he’d invited her to the corporate dinner.
Hi, is Matt here?’
‘Right behind you, mate.’
She watched enviously as the two men hugged and slapped shoulders, indicating a very strong bond.
‘I’ve made a couple of calls, thought I’d come round to talk. It’s quieter here than my office. Then I’ll shout dinner. Shall we make it for three?’
Whoever he was, he spoke to Matt but looked at her, with unashamed interest in eyes that were a much lighter blue than Matt’s.
Matt noticed the direction of his gaze, his brow furrowed and his eyes narrowed. For the first time since they’d been in high school, he was loath to introduce his charming cousin to a girl. They walked over to her.
‘Lauren Taylor, our computer expert from Sydney. Lauren, my cousin Alan Dalton.’
Her quick glance at him told him she’d heard the edge to his voice that surprised him as well.
‘Hello, Lauren.’ Alan held out his hand, and she accepted it.
‘He said he’d hired an expert from Sydney, didn’t say she was young and beautiful.’
Matt tensed, his breath lodged in his throat. She’d never acknowledged the few times he’d touched her, though he’d sensed her reactions. He’d barely been able to hide heat rushes from contact with her.
She certainly didn’t seem to mind Alan holding on longer than protocol required while he continued his smooth talk. Bile surged in his stomach. He knew how persuasive his cousin could be and felt an indefinable impulse to move between them, break them apart.
Thankfully Lauren appeared to be impervious to his charms, deftly stepping away as she freed her hand. In fact she wore a similar guarded expression to the one he’d first encountered on the day she’d walked into his office. So perhaps it was all eligible men she had a problem with...not just him.
‘Thank you. I have plans for tonight.’
Matt knew she didn’t and her words inexplicably pleased him.
‘Maybe the three of us could have lunch another day.’ Not if Matt could prevent it. Alan was a persistent devil.
‘I’ll be leaving soon so probably not. Matt, the hard drives are in your top drawer. Excuse me.’ She took her drink and went to her office.
‘Wait here, Alan.’ Matt followed her to the chairs by the window, and dropped onto the vacant one. Her sombre hazel eyes caught at his heart.
‘You’ve finished the copying?’
‘Yes, is there anything else you want me to do?’
A hundred things flashed through his mind, none of which he could voice out loud. All of which he’d be happy to participate in with her, however inappropriate. A complete reversal of his earlier decision.
‘I have no idea until I’ve seen the accountant and solicitor. I do know I don’t want you to leave yet.’
She smiled, her eyes lit up and he fervently wished his cousin were back in his own office two city blocks away.
‘It’s heading for five. Go home, and if you want time off tomorrow to shop for the dinner that’s fine.’
‘About that...’
His finger covered her mouth, preventing her from changing her promise and creating a zing along his arm.
‘Alan’s waiting. We’ll discuss details tomorrow. The function’s black tie so it’s long dresses, or pants and glittery tops. The women usually scrub up good too.’
‘Idiot.’ Her stuttered laughter raised the hairs on his nape, made his fingers itch to reach out and pull her from her chair onto his lap. He liked that his teasing had rekindled the sparkle in her eyes.
Feeling happier, he stood up, inhaled her enchanting perfume and fought the impulse to stroke her hair.
‘I’d better get back to Alan and pick his brains.’
She looked puzzled.
‘He studied both law and commerce at university. They make a useful combination and I need all the good advice I can get.’
Alan was perched on his desk checking his mobile when Matt walked in.
‘Too busy to make the coffee, huh?’ He set the machine for two cappuccinos as his cousin came over to join him.
‘I’ve never been able to work that machine. Too elaborate for me.’ Alan leant on the bench, picked up a teaspoon, and twirled it through his fingers.
‘How long will Lauren be in town?’
‘As long as I need her, and I’d rather she wasn’t distracted.’
‘You’ve got to admit she’s cute.’
‘She’s also quiet and dedicated to her job. Not your type at all, cuz.’
The spoon stilled in Matt’s peripheral vision. He looked up to find a wide grin and knowing eyes.
‘Getting territorial, are we, Matt?’ The smile faded as Alan’s gaze intensified. ‘You are!’
‘She’s here to work—an employee. I have no idea if she’s