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 father’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
