A Bride for the Brooding Boss

by Bella Bucannon

  Turning to the right, she walked a few steps and opened a door to reveal a wide corridor with a high ceiling. Entering first, she placed the suitcase by the wall.

  Lauren’s eyes widened at the incredible décor, presumably historically accurate with the appearance of being freshly painted in shades of blue. She’d always enjoyed colonial movies, now she felt she was on the set of one. The carved wooden mirror on the wall with a narrow matching table fascinated her. She moved closer. Clair came to stand behind her.

  ‘We inherited these and a lot more furniture with the house. Tomorrow I’ll take you on a tour if you like.’

  ‘I’ll look forward to it.’

  ‘You’ll find we’ve mixed and matched different time periods. If we like it, we fit it in. Use any rooms you want and join us in the main lounge when you’re ready. Shall I take the wine?’

  ‘It’s heavy so I’ll bring it. We won’t keep you waiting.’ Matt had already put it on the floor.

  ‘I just need a quick freshen up,’ Lauren said.

  ‘Take all the time you want, then come through here.’ Clair left through a door midway along the hall.

  ‘Well, Lauren, would you like to choose where you sleep?’

  At odds with its rough timbre, his voice glided as smooth as silk over her skin and the only answer in her head was, With you.

  The first room was a cosy corner lounge with windows on two sides. Matt opened the next door to reveal a king-sized bed with a padded green headboard and quilt. The light green wall complemented white woodwork and built-in wardrobes.

  Shuttered windows overlooked the veranda, and the Queen Anne dressing table and stool between two closed doors matched the bedside drawers. One door led into a very modern ensuite, the other to an almost identical bedroom with a floral theme.

  Lauren gazed from one to the other then to Matt’s inscrutable expression. His taut jaw and the slight curl of his fingers showed the depth of his tension.

  She bent her head to hide a smile. If she said separate rooms, he’d accept her decision without censure though she’d bet he’d use his charm and every seduction technique he could think of to change her mind.

  Her stomach quivered and she trembled as she imagined a few of them. In an instant, he was holding her arms, sombre eyes scanning her face.

  ‘Whatever feels right for you, Lauren. This is for happy memories, no regrets.’

  She reached up to caress his cheek, and felt his tremor through her fingers. Felt a surge of elation at the power her touch had on him. She tilted her head, and curled her lips in what she hoped was a beguiling smile.

  ‘I’ve never been a flowery décor girl, and I can’t imagine you sleeping under a floral quilt.’

  His smile lit up her world, his bear hug squeezed her ribcage, and his deep, passionate kiss had her craving to be in the bed behind them right now.

  * * *

  Lauren expected dinner to be in a formal room. Instead the round dining setting overlooked a native garden scattered with inconspicuous bollard lights, illuminating colourful flowers and leafage of all shades of green. Picture perfect scenery.

  Duncan opened a red wine she’d purchased in the Barossa Valley and one of his own chilled whites.

  ‘Lauren, which would you like? We are firm advocates for indulging in your own preference.’

  She chose white, the others elected to try the red. They toasted good friends and she was complimented on her choice, making her relax and laugh.

  ‘I can hardly claim responsibility. Matt recommended two of the wineries and I merely asked the people in those, and a third near Angaston, for a selection of their bestsellers. It’s a gift from both of us.’

  ‘Very much appreciated. Shall we take our seats?’

  Clair went to fetch the starters, declining Lauren’s offer to assist.

  ‘They’re all ready to be served. You can help clear and bring in the other courses.’

  Any apprehension Matt had felt regarding this visit faded away as conversation flowed. Lauren was curious about the plant varieties in the garden, admitting she’d had a successful vegetable plot in Melbourne and missed the straight-from-the-ground taste. When laughingly challenged by Clair to name the home-grown on the table, she amazed them all by being correct.

  ‘I thought I’d get you on the peas from the market. We’ll pick some fruit for you to take home on Sunday.’

  The conversation ranged from orchards to the history of the house and the restorations the Fords had undertaken over a number of years. Matt admired the gentle banter between them, the friendly teasing solidly based on an enduring love and evident companionship.

  He’d been convinced he’d never feel such a bonding, yet lately that belief had become blurred. Was it possible he might be wrong?

  His eyes met Lauren’s as she stood to help with the dinner plates, and her smile tripped his heart. His mind flashed to the night ahead with the enchanting woman who’d agreed to share it with him.

  Pavlova, coffee and liqueurs rounded off a delightful meal, his senses heightened by the promise of a perfect ending to the day.

  * * *

  All Lauren’s senses were acute, tuned like a maestro’s violin, as they approached the door that would shut them off from the rest of the house. Matt’s fingers were laced with hers. She could hear the long breaths he took. His aroma surrounded her, tempting her lungs to breathe deeper.

  Tonight there’d be no drive back to her hotel. She’d nestle into his warmth and fall asleep. And wake in his arms to be kissed and loved some more as the sun’s rays lit up the room.

  No expectations. No recriminations. She’d accept what he freely gave and not regret what he was not able to give. Every moment spent with Matt inched her further along the path of surrendering her heart. There was no going back and in front she could see no happy ending.

  As soon as the door closed behind them, he twisted her round, and stepped closer, trapping her against the wall. He stroked her cheek with his knuckles, and she could feel his heart pounding under her palm. His free hand slid around her neck and he bent his head to claim her lips.

  The fire that had smouldered since he’d arrived home roared into flame, and she returned his kiss with an ardour that shook her to her core. He quivered then his arms enfolded her, tightening until there was no space between them.

  Time stood still, stretched endlessly to infinity. Too short an eon later, he raised his head to take a shuddering breath. Her own came in gasps, and she let her forehead rest on his chest.

  ‘Wow.’ Placing one hand on the wall above her head, he blew air out and inhaled new in. Stared at her for a long time as if trying to see inside her head, trying to puzzle something out.

  ‘I’ve missed you, Lauren. Ached for you for three long days and two endless nights and I can’t wait any longer.’

  He lifted her into his arms, carried her into the bedroom, and laid her on the bed. Without relinquishing hold, he settled beside her, rolling onto his side to lean over her. His fingertips skimmed across her shoulders and arms then over her hips, making her squirm with anticipation. His lips kissed a path from the pulse by her ear to the corner of her mouth, driving her crazy with need.

  ‘Matt?’ She hardly recognised the breathless, needy plea as coming from her. Her hand pressed on the back of his neck, dragging his head down to hers, and her fingernails scraped his skin.

  ‘You’re mine.’ His voice was harsh, deep with passion. Macho. Triumphant.

  ‘Yours.’ Hers was breathless. Elated. Proud.

  For as long as he needed and wanted her.

  * * *

  Lauren leant on the veranda rail waiting while Matt showered so they could join their hosts for breakfast. The universe was different, sharper, brighter. She was different.

  She huffed and watche
d her breath evaporate in the cool air. She’d been changing since Matt had glanced up at her with his mesmerising midnight-blue eyes. A little every time they were together, stronger from the kisses outside her hotel room and a giant leap when they first made love.

  Last night the metamorphosis had become complete. There’d been no sign of the shy, vulnerable caterpillar. She’d given herself to him completely, no hesitation, no restraint. And been shown a realm of soaring passions and sensations far beyond her imagination.

  She’d fallen into contented sleep wrapped in his arms, his lips on her forehead, her hand on his thundering heart.

  She felt a nudge at her side, and hunkered down to pat Cyan, almost fell over as Cyber also claimed attention.

  ‘Save some for me.’ Matt stood in the doorway, hair damp, eyes gleaming.

  He could have all of her for as long as he wanted.

  * * *

  Breakfast was served on the balcony facing the large vegetable patch. Lauren loved the crispness in the air, and the light breeze stirring the foliage, making the garden appear to be alive. She could imagine sitting here all day and into the evening enjoying the changes of light and sound.

  ‘This is all so idealistic. I can’t imagine a more soothing place. Working in the city must be so much more tolerable if you know you have a haven to go home to.’

  ‘And work’s better now I can do a lot electronically,’ Duncan chipped in. ‘You can keep your high-rise views. Nothing beats what we have here.’

  ‘Do you get out of the city much, Lauren?’ Clair asked as she buttered her toast.

  ‘Occasionally. We drive up to the Blue Mountains or along the coast to go hiking. Beach walking is fun any season and easily accessible in Sydney.’

  ‘And who’s we?’

  Lauren noted she gave no apologies for being inquisitive, didn’t need to. It was part of her caring nature.

  ‘A group of friends I’ve met since moving there. We now live in the same apartment block so we’re like family.’

  As she spoke she looked across the table at Matt’s thoughtful expression, remembered earlier conversations and wondered if he’d come to the same sudden realisation. She had a second family, of her own ilk, and who she gelled with comfortably.

  He quirked an eyebrow and his lips curled, causing fluttering in her belly and heat waves in her veins. She lifted her glass, drank the remainder of her freshly squeezed orange juice, and tried for a nonchalant demeanour.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  MATT STRUGGLED FOR the same effect. His body still buzzed from the exhilaration of waking from deep satisfying sleep with Lauren curled into him, warm and irresistible. He had no idea what he’d eaten, drunk or said since they’d joined Duncan and Clair for the meal.

  She was radiant. Her skin glowed and her expressive hazel eyes shone as brightly as any stars in a country sky. He’d heard and understood what she’d said. She had friends and support. She’d be all right when she went home.

  Home. His half-empty barren unit. She’d taken three days of her leave. Allowing for the day or two he’d need her at work, she’d only be here for two more weeks. Forget the hotel. He’d ask her to stay with him.

  The prospect of spending long evenings with her was intoxicating. The image of her sharing breakfast and dinner across the new table he’d bought because of her upped his pulse to uncountable. And as for the nights...

  ‘Matt?’

  He crashed to earth with a thud. Clair’s eyes twinkled as she held up the coffee jug.

  ‘More coffee?’

  ‘Um... Please.’ He pushed his cup and saucer over to her, hoping his face wasn’t as red as it felt. She’d caught him out again.

  ‘As you two will be in Duncan’s study for most of the morning, Lauren and I will walk the dogs then I’ll show her over the house,’ Clair said, topping up her husband’s drink.

  ‘Just don’t let her get you in the small room off the lounge, Lauren,’ Duncan quipped. ‘That’s where her troublesome computer lurks and you’ll be trapped in there until dinner.’

  ‘Brute.’ Clair gave him a playful flick of her hand and they smiled blissfully at each other.

  The painful gut wrench took Matt by surprise. Their affection was obvious after nearly thirty-five years of marriage. Duncan had mentioned their anniversary was in June and he intended to make it an extra special occasion.

  He’d assumed it would be for show like his parents’ celebrations. Not any more. Like Lena and Mark, the interaction between them proved their feelings ran deep and true.

  * * *

  The dogs bounded down the back steps as soon as Lauren and Clair came out of the door, raced halfway across the lawn then stopped to ensure they were following.

  ‘They’re better than any exercise programme I’ve ever tried,’ Clair remarked. As the two women caught up with them, they shot off again.

  ‘Walking anywhere around here would never seem like training to me. This trip has got me rethinking my priorities and future,’ Lauren replied.

  ‘The trip or the man?’

  Lauren wasn’t sure how to answer as they went through a gate and onto a bushland path.

  ‘It’s complicated.’

  ‘It needn’t be, Lauren. The way you look at one another, whenever you touch, the attraction’s obvious but there’s also constraint. My children tell me not to interfere...’

  ‘Advice is always welcome.’ Lauren would gladly accept guidance. ‘It’s whether it can be acted upon that counts.’

  ‘Don’t give up on him, Lauren. Matt’s mother and I belong to the same organisations, and she’s hinted at Marcus’s medical problems. Apart from that and the company situation, I sense Matt has personal demons to conquer.’

  ‘You may be right.’

  He’s certainly determined to have me exorcise mine.

  ‘He also has a reputation for tough, ethical dealing. If he didn’t Duncan wouldn’t be considering a partnership. Let him find his own way and be there when he does.’

  As things stood she’d be on the east coast fixing glitches, living on memories and dreaming of midnight-blue eyes.

  ‘Cyber. Cyan.’ The dogs had darted to the left at a fork, and obediently returned to Clair’s side.

  ‘There’s a magnificent view this way. Luckily the koalas don’t seem at all perturbed by our noisy pets so keep an eye out for them in the gum trees.’

  ‘I envy you all this beauty and peace. Matt told me the property was quite run-down when you moved in.’

  ‘I inherited the estate from two wonderful stubborn-as-mules grandparents who refused help and died within weeks of each other. Life wasn’t easy, especially in those early years, but it’s always worth fighting for what you love.’

  But what if the one you are fighting for doesn’t want to be won?

  * * *

  The talks with Duncan couldn’t have gone better; now all Matt wanted to do was find Lauren, and see her smile. Had she had a good morning? Was she happy she’d come?

  He found her in the kitchen helping Clair prepare a salad lunch, and restrained the desire to kiss her in company. Until her face brightened at the sight of him and the invitation in her bright eyes was too hard to resist. He slipped his arm around her waist and softly covered her enticing lips with his.

  She laid her hand on his arm, and welcomed the kiss, recreating the heat sensations from last night. His pulse tripled and his heart pounded. All overridden by an unfamiliar longing to hold on for ever and cherish.

  Shaken by this new emotion, he broke the kiss, fighting for control. He wanted to find solitude to assess what was happening, and perversely ached to scoop her up and carry her to a quiet place and be with her.

  ‘How’d the walk go?’ Reality slammed home at Duncan’s remark from the doorway.r />
  Matt set Lauren free, nearly pulled her back in at the sight of her sweetly bemused expression.

  ‘The air was fresh and crisp at the south lookout and the hills were shrouded in mist—very bracing,’ Clair replied. ‘You two can carry the salad bowls and meat plates. Lauren and I will bring the rest.’

  The dogs padded round the veranda to join them, squatting close in anticipation of being fed as well.

  ‘We also had a session on my computer,’ Clair announced with pride as they helped themselves to food.

  ‘And?’

  Duncan wasn’t merely playing lip service to his wife. Matt heard the genuine interest in his tone, saw it in his eyes. She was his number one priority as he was hers. So different from his parents. A cold fist crushed his heart, and his chest tightened.

  ‘I’m not so bad after all. Lauren gave me a beautifully covered notebook and bright green pen and I wrote down everything step by step as she told or showed me.’

  Lauren’s knee bumped against his and stayed. A simple nod of her head plus a look that said ‘you were right’ sent heat surging throughout his body. He echoed her action then concentrated on Clair.

  ‘No one’s ever explained the things I have trouble with in simple English I can understand. Lauren did, and I have her email address and phone number so I can contact her any time I need help.’

  Matt couldn’t prevent the swell of pride even though all he’d done was persuade Lauren to come. With a start, he realised it was pride in her, something he had no justification for. She was her own person. An enchanting, self-sufficient woman.

  ‘So I’m going to take her into Hahndorf this afternoon. What do you have planned?’

  The men exchanged glances.

  ‘Another couple of hours and we’ll break for the day. You’ll find us on the side veranda with a bottle of wine and a selection of cheese and crackers.’ Duncan grinned at Matt. ‘They’ll have to come get us to carry all the shopping from the car.’