Bracing himself, he accessed another file, and resumed his onerous task.
* * *
Lauren rarely shopped for social events. Her new ‘uniforms’ of trouser suits and 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 free. I’m strictly solo for a long time. Take your pick of reasons.’
He heard the curtness in his tone, regretted being terse with the one person he trusted unconditionally. The only person he’d confided in when he broke off his relationship. The one secret between them was his fa
ther’s infidelity and he hadn’t been able to admit to his father failings, or his mother’s acceptance of them, to anyone.
‘Alan, I’m sorry. You’ve been my rock throughout this mess. Put it down to fatigue and frustration.’ And, he admitted to himself, maybe jealousy.
‘No problem. I’d have buckled weeks ago.’
They were seated by the window when Lauren came through and said goodbye. Alan replied in kind.
Matt held her gaze for an instant, wishing they were alone. ‘Enjoy the rest of the afternoon. I’ll see you tomorrow.’
‘Definitely territorial,’ Alan stated after she’d gone. ‘Don’t give me the guff you spouted earlier. I know you, Matt Dalton. What’s the problem?’
‘Trust.’
‘Hers or yours? I thought you were over the woman in London.’
‘There was really nothing to get over. I was angry as hell that she’d cheated on me but my pride took more damage than my heart. So how do you tell if it won’t happen again?’
‘I reckon Lauren’s worth taking a chance on.’
Matt silently agreed.
* * *
Thursday morning was muggy with depressing grey clouds and intermittent showers. It was a perfect day for Lauren’s mood as she kept close to the city buildings, avoiding raindrops and dodging umbrellas. Which she’d always hated, even the one she’d received on her last birthday. Transparent and shaped like a dome, it made her feel like one of those stuffed birds you saw in old houses and museums.
She’d been rehearsing how to approach Matt since she’d woken, hadn’t found an easy way or the appropriate words. Every hasty decision she’d ever made had brought remorse. Though doubtful, proximity might lead to him remembering their meeting on the balcony. Their lives were different. They were different.
She shook out her light raincoat in the building’s entrance and folded it over her arm. Sensible, coherent excuses ran through her head as she entered his office, and scrambled in her brain with one look at his striking features, his toned chest muscles moulded to his light blue shirt, and one long leg crossed over at the ankle as he leant against the bench.
‘I’ve changed my mind.’ She blurted it out without a greeting, not allowing him to charm her with his gravelly voice or expressive eyes. Not giving him the chance to captivate her with his smile.
CHAPTER SEVEN
HE TURNED HIS head towards her and his body stiffened. His jaw tightened, eyebrows arched and eyes widened, darkened. His lips curled as he did a slow, oh-so-slow scan from her flustered face to her feet. When he finally looked her in the eyes he wore a wide grin and his raspy voice dropped an octave.
‘Is this for my benefit?’
‘What? Oh.’ So focused on her speech, which she’d stuffed up anyway, she’d forgotten she was wearing the new green dress. At the time of purchase she’d hoped the scooped neckline, fitted waist then flared skirt to just above her knees would impress him. Seemed as if she’d succeeded big time.
‘You look too exquisite to be spoiling for a fight, Lauren Taylor. I like the dress. Colour suits you.’
‘I thought it...you’re trying to confuse me.’
He didn’t need to try. A look, a smile, a touch and her brain addled.
‘I truly don’t think I should be your partner at the dinner.’
The mug in his hand clanked as it hit the bench. In two strides he stood in front of her, a determined gleam in his eye. Close. As close as he’d been on the balcony. If he leant forward...
Blushing at her thoughts, she stepped back, out of range. Maybe not. He had long arms. The long, muscular arms she’d last night dreamt of encircling her as they danced to a Viennese waltz.
His lips firmed as her cheeks warmed.
‘Okay. We are going to talk this out now and then forget it.’
With surprising tenderness he took her arm and guided her to the chairs, settling her into one then placing her bag and raincoat on the floor. He sat opposite and didn’t say a word until she looked up at him.
‘I confirmed you’ll be my date when I called in to see my sister last night.’
There was an implacable edge in his tone. His eyes, now alert and locked with hers, were corporate mode. She tamped down her longing to surrender and mustered logical arguments.
‘You can phone her. I should never have agreed. I’ll get tongue-tied and embarrass you.’
‘No, I won’t. You’re beautiful, intelligent, and the Fords want you there. In fact it was Clair who subtly put the idea into my head.’
He thought she was beautiful? Clair had really liked her? Her heartbeat kicked up.
‘It’s a woman’s privilege to renege, of course, but then you’ll be the one who has to break the news to my sister and nephews.’
She lifted her chin and glared at him. He was teasing. The gleam in his eyes was back, more compelling than before, and his lips seemed tantalisingly fuller. It was a complete change from her interview meeting. Did he really believe she’d relent on that flimsy statement?
‘Why? You can stay with them another night so their parents can go out.’
‘No problem there. The camping trip they decided to have seeing they now had no commitments for the weekend might be. The boys were writing a packing list when I left and I’m not going to be the one to disappoint them.’
‘Oh.’ Her bubble burst. She broke eye contact, fighting not to hug her stomach to quell its churning as she squeezed her legs together to hide their trembling. She gulped when he leaned towards her, fingers linked between his knees.
‘You meet and deal with new people every day, Lauren. Your boss receives glowing reports about your interaction with others. How is this different?’
Because it’s not work, not technical. Not transient. She realised she’d linked her fingers and was grinding her palms against each other. Stopping the action, she drew in a deep breath.
‘Those are usually people who want my help. I fix the glitches and leave. And, yes, there are a few regular clients, and our rapport has built up over a number of visits. Not the same and mostly workers on my level.’
Matt held back the chuckle that threatened to erupt. She sounded so earnest, so desperate to have him believe she’d be a hindrance. So scared of putting herself in an unfamiliar environment.
‘Lauren, it’s just a roomful of couples wanting to have a good night out and raise money for charity. There’ll be set tables for dinner, then people tend to mix once the dancing starts.’
‘That’s another thing, the dancing. I’m not sure I can in company like that.’
‘Ah. Which worries you, traditional or modern? In the first I promise you won’t be pressured to join in. And my experience with modern is there are no rules, and the men with the least coordination seem to have the most fun. Especially after a few good wines.’
Her brow cleared, her stiff posture loosened. He was making headway. She knew about his father’s condition and financial deception. If either leaked out saving the company could become almost impossible. And he needed her to understand the evening wouldn’t be a prelude to a personal relationship.
‘You’re smart. You must know Dalton Corporation is in trouble. As things stand, your findings could tip us either way. I’ve been upfront with Duncan Ford and promised he’ll be kept informed of all proceedings. Thankfully he has faith in me.’
He reached out and unclasped her hands, covering them with his.
‘Please, Lauren. If it will make it easier to accept, treat the evening as an extension of your assignment.’
The gold specks in her darkening eyes were becoming more pronounced. They brightened and softened with her unconcealed changing emotions. He willed her to agree, his own responses heightened by the softness of her skin under his fingers, and the gentle blush on her cheeks. His pulse q
uickened, and every muscle felt taut as he willed her to agree.
She raised her chin, and her lips curled into a sweet smile.
‘You’ll come.’ If she still wavered, he’d go down on his knees. And pray no one came in while he was there.
‘Only so your sister can have her romantic evening.’
If punching the air wouldn’t have seemed patronising he’d have done it. He didn’t care about her motive, which he suspected she’d grasped at rather than admit she wanted to come.
‘Thank you, Lauren. I promise to give you a night you’ll never forget.’
She pulled her hands free and leaned away from him as if needing space and distance.
‘So what would you like me to do today?’
‘I know it’s not your field but Joanne says the day-to-day data is behind. I’ve got meetings this morning and later this afternoon, which should give me some idea of what repercussions I might be facing. Midday’s free so I’ve booked our table for one o’clock’
Shame flooded Lauren. He was fighting for the future of the company and its employees and she’d dumped her insecurities on him. He’d even allowed time to take her for lunch.
‘I’m sorry, Matt. I’ve been selfish, worrying about myself when you’ve got much bigger problems.’
He stood and held out his hand, his eyes sending a message that weakened every resolve she’d made, and every muscle in her body. Her legs threatened to buckle as she accepted his assistance to stand.
‘I’ll forgive you almost anything as long as you keep saying my name, Lauren.’
That would be breaking down another barrier between them, and she wasn’t sure how many were left. She smiled and stepped away.
‘I’d better go and find Joanne.’ Her head had demanded poise and self-control. Her voice had proved breathless and aroused.
* * *
Wind had blown the dark rain clouds away, bringing in their place white fluffy banks that drifted slowly across the now bright blue sky. The sun had dispelled the morning chill and raincoats could be left behind. The taxi dropped them off at the gates to the botanical gardens and they walked to the restaurant inside.
A Bride for the Brooding Boss Page 7