Clearing the table was accomplished in a few minutes with everyone helping then Matt went with Lauren to fetch her coat and shoulder bag. And to kiss her, longer and deeper than he’d be able to do in front of their hosts.
It left them both hot and gasping for air. And bedtime was a lifetime away.
‘Glad you decided to come, Lauren?’ He watched her face for any sign of regret.
‘Got coerced you mean. Yes, I’m very glad.’ Her eyes darkened, highlighting the gold flecks. His body responded to the thought she might be remembering last night.
‘Clair says she’ll take me round the house tomorrow.’
He’d been in umpteen old renovated homes. A few days ago he’d have politely declined joining them. Today the chance of seeing what the Fords had achieved through Lauren’s eyes was appealing.
‘Tell her I’d like to be included.’
His wanting to join them delighted Lauren. When the offer of two weeks’ leave had been made it had sounded like ample time for a break. Now, with three days taken, it was a pitiful amount to store memories to last a lifetime.
* * *
Lauren flicked at the insect biting her earlobe, sighed and snuggled into her pillow. It returned, pulling her a little further from sleep.
‘Wanna go for a walk and watch the sun rise?’
Whispered throaty seduction.
In an instant she was wide awake, catching at the hand whose fingernails were tickling her lobe. Matt lay beside her, fully dressed in jeans and warm jumper, eyes gleaming with mischief. The only light came from the open ensuite door.
How come he wanted to go hiking and her main desire was to drag him close for a repeat of last night? And later. And some time in the early hours of today. It would take only his touch to turn her languid muscles molten and rekindle the passion he’d ignited again and again.
‘What time is it?’ She stretched, and shivered as the cold morning air hit her arms, glared at him when he pulled the quilt off her. He sucked air between his teeth as she tried to drag them back.
‘Early. I’ve got snacks, drinks and directions to the best lookout.’ He was excited, eager like a puppy ready for his daily walk. ‘You’ve got five minutes.’
‘You asked for ten on Friday,’ she muttered, pretending to be annoyed. Secretly she was thrilled he wanted to share this outing with her. His laughter followed her to the shower.
He took her hand as they left, guiding her down the back steps and over the lawn, his torch lighting their way. They followed the path through the trees, accompanied by only the sound of the breeze rustling the vegetation, the scuffling of animals in the undergrowth, and dried leaves crunching under their sneakers.
Lauren relished the chill on her face, the night hiding the factual mundane world and the warmth of his fingers linked with hers. This was more than special, this was super memorable. A never-to-be-forgotten occasion to be taken out and savoured in the future whenever she felt sad.
Matt stopped suddenly in the centre of a small clearing, and bent to place his backpack on the ground. She heard a click and the beam disappeared, leaving them in complete darkness, surrounded by black velvet. Magical. Ethereal.
He drew her into his arms, and she wrapped hers around his neck. His lips were soft, his kiss firm yet holding a tenderness that touched her heart. No bells or fireworks. This was a moment of profound contentment. The moment she acknowledged the truth. She was in love with Matt Dalton.
With their lips a whisper apart Matt breathed out Lauren’s name, too stunned to form any other words. He’d switched off the torch for effect, to heighten the ambiance when he’d kissed her in the dark. Hadn’t expected to be so unsettled by his own emotions.
Only she could access his soul and revitalise the beliefs he’d long discarded, make him yearn for a better time when he’d had faith in for ever. She fitted him perfectly, her soft form to his hard muscle. He didn’t want to—couldn’t—let her leave until he...he wasn’t sure what.
Keeping one arm around her as much for his comfort as hers, he bent to retrieve the torch, waved it round and led her to the gap in the trees. In the light’s limited sphere there was a valley below and hills beyond, vague mysterious shapes. The wind was stronger here in the open, blowing up and over the edge, causing him to strengthen his stance.
His intention had been to give Lauren a weekend of pleasurable memories. Now he was storing them up for himself.
Taking the picnic rug from the rucksack, he laid it out between the trees near the edge of the cliff. Lying down on one elbow, he held out his hand. His already racing heartbeat hit rocket speed as, without hesitation, she joined him, eyes sparkling, lips parted. She stroked his cheek, and ran her fingers across his jaw, triggering reactions that blew his control.
Shy, exquisite Lauren was teasing him, playing havoc with his libido. She tempted him with her inviting smile, her tongue-tip tracing her lips, and her feather-light finger touch. He bent over her, lowered his head and clicked off the torch.
* * *
The first small pink and orange rays shimmered on the horizon. Matt leant against a tree trunk, nestled Lauren’s back onto his chest, and rested his chin on her shoulder as they stared across the valley. He breathed in her delicate scent, tinged with his cologne and their personal aromas.
This was an extraordinary moment, life changing. For those few incredible minutes, they’d been one entity, bound by a force he didn’t understand. Knew he wanted to relive it again and again.
For ever? She wriggled, reigniting the desire. His body would willingly comply for as long as he lived. His resolute mind clung to the hard lessons he’d learnt. He refused to make false declarations to gain any advantage or to give false hope of any kind.
No deception. No lies. What they had was good, much better than good. There was no reason they couldn’t continue to be together until she flew home. His arms tightened, reinforcing his hold, and she gave a cute gasp. He nuzzled her neck and she sighed. He nibbled her earlobe.
‘Oh-h-h...’ Her breath whooshed out as vibrant colours tinted the edges of emerging clouds and gradually spread across the sky. Dark shadowy shapes began to appear on the landscape, slowly taking recognisable form. Unforgettable. Unbelievably spectacular.
His own breath caught in his throat. His body stilled, his pulse raced. This was supposed to be a unique experience for Lauren to treasure, along with the other special occasions they’d shared. He hadn’t expected to feel anything more than he did at fireworks displays or the like.
Instead nature at her finest tugged at his heartstrings, and raised the hairs on the back of his neck. The adrenaline rush was greater than when he’d skied the Swiss Alps and white-water rafted in Wales, heightened by sharing it with Lauren.
The sun’s softer morning rays revealed the delicacy of her skin, rapture in her wide-open eyes, and ecstasy on her beautiful face. He burned it into his memory, to be recalled at will.
‘Matt.’ Husky with emotion. Crumbling what little composure he had left.
‘Darling Lauren.’ Rough, dragged over the constricting lump in his throat.
‘It’s wonderful. Unbelievable. Thank you.’
He cradled her cheek, leant forward and kissed her, wishing the earth would stop spinning and the magic would never end. He laid his head next to hers and pretended it hadn’t.
Lauren wished she could reverse time, have the sun set then rise again. In slow motion. With her senses already heightened by his gentle loving only minutes before, she’d been enthralled by the fluid change of colours. The panorama in front of her, the solid wall of his chest behind her, and his muscular arms enfolding her intensified the sensation of being snugly cosseted in a vast open universe.
She loved the mystical atmosphere of night becoming day, of small pockets of mist among the trees. Of feeling they were alo
ne in the cosmos. Even the nocturnal creatures were silent in mutual reverence.
His kiss was magical, soft with an underlying hint of yearning. A longing echoed in her heart. A craving for this never to end.
Lights flickered in the distance, and the wind picked up, bringing with it faint sounds of traffic. They ate the chocolate bars and drank the hot coffee he’d brought. Cuddled close in their padded winter jackets, neither ready to leave and return to the real world.
Only when they heard the dogs barking did they stand and pack up.
* * *
‘I think I need a bigger car,’ Matt joked as he juggled the luggage into the boot for the late-afternoon return to the city.
‘Don’t whinge. I’m the one who’ll be paying for excess weight on the plane.’ Lauren’s light retort masked the pain of knowing every moment brought her departure closer.
They’d have a few evenings, maybe part of the weekends together, and distant phone calls while she was driving around being a tourist. All too soon she’d have used up her ten days and they’d say goodbye.
There hadn’t been, nor would there be, any promises or declarations of keeping in touch. And she’d never ask for them.
‘It might be cheaper for me to drive you home.’
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
HER HEARTBEAT SPIKED. His tone was light but his eyes were grave, his lips firm and unsmiling. She couldn’t have replied to save her life, and ached to have him add he meant it.
‘Got room for more?’ Clair came down the steps carrying a huge bunch of flowers. ‘Duncan’s bringing the fruit we promised.’
Lauren pressed her hands together, her index fingertips on her lips. How had she ever been daunted by this considerate, generous couple?
‘They’re beautiful, Clair. Thank you for a wonderful weekend. It’s been unforgettable.’
She recognised roses and tiger lilies, others were unknown. When she reached up to kiss Clair’s cheek as she accepted the stunning gift, she was drawn into an unexpected motherly hug.
‘You’ll always be welcome, Lauren,’ Clair said, and gave her an extra squeeze.
‘Even when she hasn’t stuffed up on her computer.’ Duncan laughed as he appeared behind her with a big cardboard box. ‘Should last you a few days,’ he added, handing it to Matt.
Lauren buried her face into the blooms and inhaled their perfume before placing them on the back seat alongside her overnight bag. Gently touched the petals, blinking back tears at the Fords’ kindness.
She noticed Matt and Clair in close conversation, serious expressions on their faces. Was he also being given friendly advice? She walked over to Duncan to thank him and was pulled into a friendly embrace.
‘I’ll be eternally grateful to you for helping Clair and boosting her esteem. Other technicians made her feel inadequate though she hid it well.’
‘It wasn’t much compared to your company and hospitality. I’ve loved every moment.’
‘Then come again—plan for a holiday in the spring or in December. Despite the heat, we always have a festive season, including long evening walks followed by hot or cold drinks on the veranda.’
‘It sounds inviting.’
‘Then be here.’ He smiled down at her. ‘Pity you’re based in Sydney. It’s such a long way away.’
The farewells lasted another ten minutes and included more hugs for Lauren as if they feared they wouldn’t see her for a long time. Finally they were on the road, and she let her head fall back and closed her eyes.
‘Tired, darling?’
Every cell in her body sprang to high alert at his endearment, the second time he’d used it. Was it an automatic name for the women he made love to?
‘A little. It’s been a full weekend.’
‘Any regrets, Lauren?’ Low, and slightly hesitant. Not like him at all.
‘None, Matt.’ She paused and grinned. ‘Well, maybe the purchase of a T-shirt depicting a joey in its mother’s pouch, waving an Australian flag. I’ll give it to a friend with quirky taste.’
Matt chuckled. His mood lifted. The idea he’d been contemplating was the best option for both of them. All he had to do was find the words to convince her. In his usual competent way, he rehearsed the phrasing, while negotiating the bends and merging onto the freeway. Lauren was lost in her own thoughts.
Satisfied he was ready, he glanced across and forgot it all in a rush of affection when he saw her lovely features relaxed in peaceful sleep. He faced the road again, tightening his grip on the wheel to conquer the urge to caress her cheek.
He had the rest of the day for gentle persuasion. If she agreed they’d spend all their free time together for the two weeks she had left. Fourteen days, and he’d count down every one.
Moving into the left lane, he slowed down. There was no urgency, Lauren was peaceful and the hectic uncertainty had eased from his life. He didn’t know exactly what he faced legally but he’d been totally honest and had good representation. He had no idea how bad the backlash might be if, more like when, his father’s duplicity became public but was assured of Duncan’s full support.
He had faith in his own ability to reform the company and keep it viable. And—he shot an affectionate look at his sleeping passenger—he had Lauren. Sweet, adorable Lauren, who hijacked his thoughts at inopportune moments and flipped his heart with a wisp of a smile. She even had him questioning his steadfast beliefs.
A semi-trailer whooshed past in the next lane, too close, causing him to veer to the left. Lauren stirred and stretched her back, blinked and gave him an apologetic smile.
‘I fell asleep.’
‘I noticed. Sweet dreams?’
‘I can’t remember. Why?’
‘You sighed a couple of times, low and contented. Cancel the hotel booking, Lauren. Stay with me.’ Blunt and rushed—not as he’d practised. ‘Sorry, I had a persuasive speech planned. Logical reasons to...’
He stopped midsentence as she silently bent, took her mobile from her bag and scrolled for the number. He shook his head to clear his muddled brain and closed his open mouth. Elation zapped along his veins. She’d be there to welcome him in the evenings. They’d have quiet hours to talk and long nights to hold each other.
‘Done. I can do one-day trips to the southern area or the hills.’ She dropped her phone into the drinks holder.
They were approaching the turn-off sign and he checked his rear-vision mirror in preparation for switching lanes. Pulling up at the lights, he covered her hand and revelled in the heat surge that simple act generated.
‘And be home for dinner?’
‘Oh, if you’re expecting meals like Clair served us, you’ll be disappointed. I’m very basic, usually cook for one or have cold meat and salad.’
‘You’ve seen my fridge. It’s been takeaway or dine out since I arrived home. We’ll improvise as we go. I have dinner with my parents on Mondays and call in after work whenever I can.’
‘They need your support so that mustn’t change. And you can’t neglect your sister’s family either.’
‘I won’t. They and Alan are the ones who’ve kept me grounded and sustained me through it all.’
‘You’re lucky to have them.’
He flicked her a quick glance. It was a genuine remark with no undertone of acrimony.
‘We never tried that pub near the unit. Wanna give it a go tonight?’
* * *
Wednesday’s dinner was crumbed lamb chops and salad, followed by bakery fruit pie and carton custard. As basic as you could get. Lauren thanked the stars for the local butcher whose selection of ready-to-cook meals was superb and included helpful advice.
She’d revised her plans, exploring Adelaide suburbs and southern coastal areas on alternate days to limit the long drives. Today she’d been to the mus
eum and art gallery in the city, tomorrow’s choice was the Fleurieu Peninsula’s historic towns.
Their evenings were casual yet special to her. They’d have a quick run of the taped news followed by lively discussions as they watched a favourite programme or two. The nights held mutually shared passion and deep, peaceful sleep.
They lived in the moment. The future was never discussed but she wondered if he thought about it as much as she did.
Anticipation thrummed through her at the sound of his car. Soon she’d have to learn to live without the tingles over her skin, the breathlessness and the tom-tom racing of her pulse.
‘Lauren.’ She loved his homecoming routine: the same raspy greeting, the same admiration in his midnight-blue eyes, and the deep loving kiss, lasting until the need for air broke them apart. Plus for her the same intense pang to her heart.
‘Mmm...’ He nuzzled her neck, then sniffed appreciatively. ‘Dinner smells almost as good as you. Let’s talk ’til it’s ready.’
What had happened? Bad news about his father’s actions or the company? Serious talking was for as they ate, then forgotten in the pleasures of the evening. The way he grasped her fingers as they sat on the sofa was different, and disturbed her. He was nervous.
‘What do you have planned for Friday?’
‘A tram ride and walk on the beach.’
‘Without me?’ His eyebrow quirk and sudden grin confused her even more.
‘Drive in with me, process the work I need done then go for your walk.’
‘And?’
He seemed loath to continue, his eyes dark and intense, trying to predict her reaction to his announcement.
‘I’ve got tickets for the Crows’ game in the evening.’
Relief had her sagging into the cushions. That was all? He didn’t want to upset her by leaving her alone for a few hours?
‘That fine, Matt. It’ll do you good to let off steam and I can amuse myself.’
Matt knew damn well she could, how self-reliant she was. While relishing the times she’d depended on him, he also loved her independent spirit. She’d admitted to rethinking her relationship with her family. Now he was hoping Friday’s outing would help her move on.
A Bride for the Brooding Boss Page 15