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,
