He took her hands and squeezed them, his Adam’s apple convulsing, and his mouth opening and shutting without sound. Slowly, gently he caressed up her arms to hold her shoulders, and inched closer. He stroked her cheek, caught a strand of her hair and twined it round his finger. When she placed a hand on his chest, he shuddered.
If Lauren’s heart swelled an atom larger, it would burst from her body. Heat spiralled from deep in her belly, drying her throat, searing her from within. He evoked feelings she’d never have believed herself capable of, made her aware of a physical wanting she’d only read of in books. He coloured her dreams in brilliant shades and sunshine.
His eyes were searching for her soul and she couldn’t look away. Mesmerised by their power, she leant forward in a mirror image to his movement. Stilled when he straightened up, a guttural sound coming from deep in his throat. His hands dropped to his sides, leaving her cold where his fingers had been.
‘I... This... Hell.’ Forceful. Passionate. ‘I’d planned for a special lunch with you so we could talk.’
He rubbed the back of his neck and his face contorted as he stared at the computer.
‘I have to deal with this now and find out what he’s done.’
She understood the battle he was fighting—his family’s good name was in jeopardy—but it hurt. She felt as if she’d been dismissed. Gathering up her pen and book, she moved to the desk for her bag and took a sheet of paper from the top drawer.
‘These are the access instructions.’ She put it on the desk top, Had to get out before she broke down and cried.
‘Lauren?’ The anguish in his voice tore at her heart. She turned and saw a different battle in his eyes, one that clogged her throat and tripped her heartbeat.
‘Thank you. I may not seem grateful at the moment but I do appreciate all you’ve done.’ He gestured at the computer. ‘If possible we’ll have lunch tomorrow or Friday.’
‘I’d like that.’ Much, much more than like.
‘There can’t be much you don’t know or haven’t guessed so you must know the ramifications could send us under.’
The potency had gone from his voice, giving him an endearing vulnerability, making her care for him even more. With his strong will, it would only be a temporary effect of the devastating blow.
‘If there’s anything I can do.’ She moved forward until she inhaled his cologne. She was so going to miss the fragrance. The walks she always enjoyed along windswept beaches, especially prior to an impending storm, were going to be a mixture of pleasure and pain for ever.
His rueful smile made her long to wrap her arms around him for comfort.
‘I’m sure there will be at some stage. There’s nothing now so take a few hours off.’
When she left he was talking on his mobile, an open file on her screen in front of him.
* * *
The size of the hidden program astounded Matt. There were accumulated folders and files dating back six years, money transferred in, none out. He studied names and figures, made calls to his accountant, lawyer and Alan. No amount of trying could curb the resentment at his father’s deception beginning long before the onset of his dementia.
Cheating was unjustified, in any form. Marcus, acquaintances, even friends deemed nothing wrong with bending rules or breaking promises. A few months ago he’d let himself be fooled by a scheming woman, and had been on the verge of pledging his life and honour to her. She’d claimed to love him, a blatant lie.
Now he was more cynical, and had no faith in romantic declarations. He’d make that clear before entering into any relationship. No emotions, no lies, and nobody got hurt.
Which meant no involvement with Lauren. She was a for-ever kind of girl who’d weave romantic dreams around kisses and...hell, again he’d come so close to kissing her today.
It might be for the best that she’d be leaving soon. It wouldn’t be until he was sure there was nothing else hidden, and not until he’d treated her to a night she’d always remember.
He clicked the mouse, and rechecked the folder list. He’d need hard-drive copies of everything plus paper copies of the folder list, maybe others. Lauren’s help would be invaluable as he dealt with any authorities who’d have an interest in any aspect of the clandestine accounts.
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
