‘Ms Taylor, I need a favour.’
No preamble. No ‘how are things going?’ And the rasping tone was rougher. Why did she sympathise with his stress when he obviously intended to unload some of it onto her?
‘Yes, Mr Dalton.’
‘This is taking longer than I anticipated. If a Duncan Ford arrives at the office while I’m out, can you entertain him until I arrive?’
‘Me?’
Meet and socialise with an unknown corporate executive?
Dealing with them when they needed her skills and the conversation centred on their technical problems was a world away from casual chit-chat. Knowing she was capable gave her confidence.
‘You. Will it be a problem? Joanne’s compiling figures for our meeting later.’ He sounded irritated at her reluctance.
‘That’s not what I do. The few businessmen I’ve met have only been interested in how quickly I can fix their problems. A comment about the weather is as personal as we’d get.’
‘It won’t be for long. I’ll be there in an hour or so, depending on traffic.’
She heard another voice in the background, followed by his muttered reply.
‘Please, Ms Taylor. He’s just a man.’
Yeah, like you’re just a man.
His coaxing tone teased goose bumps to rise on her skin, and the butterflies in her stomach to take flight. She’d do it for him, and he knew it. She could hardly tell him fear of messing it up for him contributed to her reticence.
‘Give him coffee. Ask him about the weekend football or his grandkids. Pretend he’s an android.’
She pictured him grinning as he said that, and sighed.
‘Okay, I’ll try.’
After an abrupt ‘thanks’ he hung up, leaving her with a sinking stomach and a strong craving for chocolate, her standby for stress. Grabbing her bag, she raced for the lift and the café in the next building, mentally plotting dire consequences for all the too-good-looking, excessively privileged, overly confident males who’d ever tried to manipulate her. Including her three brothers.
* * *
‘Mr Ford has arrived, Lauren. I’ll bring him along.’ Joanne phoned to give her warning.
Shoot. Only ten minutes since Matt called to say he was finally on his way. She swallowed a mouthful of water, pulled her shoulders back and prayed she didn’t look as apprehensive as she felt. On her way through his office she added an extra plea he had a clear traffic run.
Mr Ford was average height, slightly overweight, and wore an apologetic smile. So much for Matt’s word picture. He also held a small boy by the hand.
‘Ms Taylor? Thank you for offering to look after us until Matt gets here.’
Offering? Us? Someone tall and desperate had bent the truth a tad.
‘You’re welcome. Come on in.’ She indicated towards the armchairs. ‘Please take a seat. Would—?’
Squealing with excitement, the child had broken free and was running to the window.
‘Look, Granddad. Look how high we are. Look at the tiny cars way down there.’
Granddad smiled at Lauren and shrugged. ‘The world’s a wondrous place at that age.’
He walked over and hunkered down, his arm around the boy’s shoulders, and let the child point out the amazing things he could see.
Pain clamped round Lauren’s heart and she couldn’t bear to watch them. She clasped her hands together over her stomach and stared at the floor. She’d never shared a special moment like this with either of her parents. They’d been happy to supply her with books, computers and assorted accessories, hoping they would keep her occupied. Never seemed to have time to spend exclusively with her.
There’d never been other relatives either. Her father’s family lived in Canada, her mother had left home in her teens, and contact was limited on both sides. No wonder she felt inept in any new social situation.
‘I believe you were about to offer coffee, Ms Taylor.’
She looked up to meet a quizzical gaze. Knew she was being appraised and managed a shaky smile. Matt had requested her to hostess and he was paying her wage, so a hostess she’d try to be.
‘Of course. We have water or soft drinks if the child is thirsty.’
And then what do I talk to you about?
Take out the economy, sport, politics and local events, none of which she was up with, and she was left with the weather.
Matt Dalton, I hate you for putting me in this position.
He’d hired her to sit and scan his computer files, not make small talk, which she’d never ever been able to comprehend.
‘Flat white for me and lemonade for Ken, thank you. I came in to take care of him while my wife and daughter saw a specialist, took a punt that Matt might be free. Ken has a game pad, and I have a magazine to read so we won’t be a bother.’
He reached for the satchel he’d placed on the floor and opened it.
It’s no trouble,’ she lied.
His expression said he didn’t believe her, and knew exactly how she was feeling. He’d be a formidable opponent in a boardroom. She turned away, heart hurting, stomach churning. Still the same tongue-tied girl she’d always been. Always would be.
Mr Ford was settled into a chair and Ken sitting cross-legged on the floor when she brought the drinks over. The boy was frowning as she put his on the low table.
‘Thank you. Granddad, the frog won’t jump.’
Without hesitation she dropped down alongside him.
‘Show 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.
CHAPTER FIVE
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 crazy. He says I rush too much. How do you do it all day?’
‘Different people, different skills. Put me in a kitchen with any more than four or five ingredients, and I’m in trouble. Or rather, whoever wants to eat is.’
Their meals arrived, and the conversation became general until Clair suddenly announced, ‘I’m thinking of asking Lauren to give me a lesson or two on my computer.’
Lauren saw a delighted smile replace the initial surprise on Matt’s face. Duncan’s exaggerated groan and loving expression towards his wife filled her with a longing she couldn’t explain.
‘I’m sure she’s dealt with more incompetent people than me, Duncan Ford.’ Clair’s put-on piqued expression caused laughter round the table. Three pairs of eyes turned to Lauren for a reply.
‘I’m sure I have. The trickiest ones are usually when they’ve tried to rectify the error but can’t remember what they did. Or when they deny knowing.’
She shared a story of an ongoing promotion feud where two women had been sabotaging the other’s computer, costing both of them their jobs. With encouragement she continued.
‘A friend was asked to retrieve permanently deleted emails from the client’s wife’s laptop. He’d found romantic messages between her and another man, lost his temper and deleted them. Became angrier when he realised he now had nothing to confront her with.’
‘Teach him to be destructive even with provocation. Did he get them back?’ Clair asked.
‘My friend refused to get involved so I have no idea.’
‘Duncan, remember when...’
Clair’s voice faded and Duncan’s took over but Lauren barely heard his words. As she’d told the story, she’d become aware of Matt tensing beside her, hadn’t dared look that way. She forced herself to focus on their host.
They were all laughing at the anecdote of his son-in-law wrongly directing an email about a surprise party when she glanced sideways. Matt was looking at her, a speculative expression on his face.
The world around them blurred until she could see only him. Her heart blipped then began to race. Warmth spread up her throat and cheeks. He arched his neck and his eyes darkened to almost black. She didn’t dare guess at the thoughts behind them as he reached for his glass.
In fact Matt was wondering what the heck had happened. The quiet woman, who was so guarded with him, was captivating their hosts. There was only a hint of the hesitancy he’d perceived in the office. She listened to Clair with a genuine smile on her lips, and gave the same consideration to Duncan as he spoke.
So why the barrier with him? Instinct told him Lauren had a history with someone, painful enough to make her wary of men, or a particular breed of men. He was torn between letting it alone or finding out more and proving to her
he couldn’t be categorised.
It would be treading dangerous ground trying to discover the woman behind the technical façade. But, oh, it would feel good to see her smile focused on him, feel those sweet lips yield under his, trail a path of kisses down her slender neck as he held her in his arms.
‘Have you finished, sir?’
He flinched as the waiter’s arm appeared at his side.
Finished? Unless he lost his mind, he had no intention of starting.
‘Oh. Um... Yes, thank you. The steak was perfect.’
He met Clair’s knowing look across the table, and knew by the heat his cheeks were flushed. She was as astute as her husband; he’d bet she wasn’t easily fooled. He had to try.
‘Great restaurant. I’ll keep it in mind for entertaining.’
Thankfully the wine waiter distracted her as he topped up her glass. Matt noted Lauren declined.
As they left the restaurant Clair caught his arm.
‘I like her, Matt. She’s very natural, down to earth. Pity she’ll be returning to Sydney.’
‘It’s her home.’
‘Adelaide used to be.’
He didn’t answer. He hadn’t known.
Duncan hailed a cab, telling Matt they’d drop him and Lauren at the office on their way. As they said goodbye Clair tapped Matt’s arm through the window.
‘We’ll see you Saturday night. I do so love dressing up for corporate dos.’
‘I’ll be wearing my best tuxedo.’
He took Lauren’s arm to guide her into the building, and sensed her guard was back up. Which made his burgeoning idea even more incongruous.
* * *
Lauren strove to keep her emotions under control in the lift, fought to keep her fingers from fisting. She didn’t have proof yet, only assumptions. Saying anything would detract from the positives of the day.
Matt unlocked his office door, moved aside to let her enter then suddenly stiffened and caught her arm.
‘You’re trembling. Why?’
She looked into concerned blue eyes, and was swamped by the desire to caress the shadows away from underneath, to ease his burden. To say it was all okay.
A Bride for the Brooding Boss Page 5