she’d received on her last birthday. Transparent and shaped like a dome, it made her feel like one of those stuffed birds you saw in old houses and museums.
She’d been rehearsing how to approach Matt since she’d woken, hadn’t found an easy way or the appropriate words. Every hasty decision she’d ever made had brought remorse. Though doubtful, proximity might lead to him remembering their meeting on the balcony. Their lives were different. They were different.
She shook out her light raincoat in the building’s entrance and folded it over her arm. Sensible, coherent excuses ran through her head as she entered his office, and scrambled in her brain with one look at his striking features, his toned chest muscles moulded to his light blue shirt, and one long leg crossed over at the ankle as he leant against the bench.
‘I’ve changed my mind.’ She blurted it out without a greeting, not allowing him to charm her with his gravelly voice or expressive eyes. Not giving him the chance to captivate her with his smile.
HE TURNED HIS head towards her and his body stiffened. His jaw tightened, eyebrows arched and eyes widened, darkened. His lips curled as he did a slow, oh-so-slow scan from her flustered face to her feet. When he finally looked her in the eyes he wore a wide grin and his raspy voice dropped an octave.
‘Is this for my benefit?’
‘What? Oh.’ So focused on her speech, which she’d stuffed up anyway, she’d forgotten she was wearing the new green dress. At the time of purchase she’d hoped the scooped neckline, fitted waist then flared skirt to just above her knees would impress him. Seemed as if she’d succeeded big time.
‘You look too exquisite to be spoiling for a fight, Lauren Taylor. I like the dress. Colour suits you.’
‘I thought it...you’re trying to confuse me.’
He didn’t need to try. A look, a smile, a touch and her brain addled.
‘I truly don’t think I should be your partner at the dinner.’
The mug in his hand clanked as it hit the bench. In two strides he stood in front of her, a determined gleam in his eye. Close. As close as he’d been on the balcony. If he leant forward...
Blushing at her thoughts, she stepped back, out of range. Maybe not. He had long arms. The long, muscular arms she’d last night dreamt of encircling her as they danced to a Viennese waltz.
His lips firmed as her cheeks warmed.
‘Okay. We are going to talk this out now and then forget it.’
With surprising tenderness he took her arm and guided her to the chairs, settling her into one then placing her bag and raincoat on the floor. He sat opposite and didn’t say a word until she looked up at him.
‘I confirmed you’ll be my date when I called in to see my sister last night.’
There was an implacable edge in his tone. His eyes, now alert and locked with hers, were corporate mode. She tamped down her longing to surrender and mustered logical arguments.
‘You can phone her. I should never have agreed. I’ll get tongue-tied and embarrass you.’
‘No, I won’t. You’re beautiful, intelligent, and the Fords want you there. In fact it was Clair who subtly put the idea into my head.’
He thought she was beautiful? Clair had really liked her? Her heartbeat kicked up.
‘It’s a woman’s privilege to renege, of course, but then you’ll be the one who has to break the news to my sister and nephews.’
She lifted her chin and glared at him. He was teasing. The gleam in his eyes was back, more compelling than before, and his lips seemed tantalisingly fuller. It was a complete change from her interview meeting. Did he really believe she’d relent on that flimsy statement?
‘Why? You can stay with them another night so their parents can go out.’
‘No problem there. The camping trip they decided to have seeing they now had no commitments for the weekend might be. The boys were writing a packing list when I left and I’m not going to be the one to disappoint them.’
‘Oh.’ Her bubble burst. She broke eye contact, fighting not to hug her stomach to quell its churning as she squeezed her legs together to hide their trembling. She gulped when he leaned towards her, fingers linked between his knees.
‘You meet and deal with new people every day, Lauren. Your boss receives glowing reports about your interaction with others. How is this different?’
Because it’s not work, not technical. Not transient. She realised she’d linked her fingers and was grinding her palms against each other. Stopping the action, she drew in a deep breath.
‘Those are usually people who want my help. I fix the glitches and leave. And, yes, there are a few regular clients, and our rapport has built up over a number of visits. Not the same and mostly workers on my level.’
Matt held back the chuckle that threatened to erupt. She sounded so earnest, so desperate to have him believe she’d be a hindrance. So scared of putting herself in an unfamiliar environment.
‘Lauren, it’s just a roomful of couples wanting to have a good night out and raise money for charity. There’ll be set tables for dinner, then people tend to mix once the dancing starts.’
‘That’s another thing, the dancing. I’m not sure I can in company like that.’
‘Ah. Which worries you, traditional or modern? In the first I promise you won’t be pressured to join in. And my experience with modern is there are no rules, and the men with the least coordination seem to have the most fun. Especially after a few good wines.’
Her brow cleared, her stiff posture loosened. He was making headway. She knew about his father’s condition and financial deception. If either leaked out saving the company could become almost impossible. And he needed her to understand the evening wouldn’t be a prelude to a personal relationship.
‘You’re smart. You must know Dalton Corporation is in trouble. As things stand, your findings could tip us either way. I’ve been upfront with Duncan Ford and promised he’ll be kept informed of all proceedings. Thankfully he has faith in me.’
He reached out and unclasped her hands, covering them with his.
‘Please, Lauren. If it will make it easier to accept, treat the evening as an extension of your assignment.’
The gold specks in her darkening eyes were becoming more pronounced. They brightened and softened with her unconcealed changing emotions. He willed her to agree, his own responses heightened by the softness of her skin under his fingers, and the gentle blush on her cheeks. His pulse quickened, and every muscle felt taut as he willed her to agree.
She raised her chin, and her lips curled into a sweet smile.
‘You’ll come.’ If she still wavered, he’d go down on his knees. And pray no one came in while he was there.
‘Only
