he’d have done it. He didn’t care about her motive, which he suspected she’d grasped at rather than admit she wanted to come.
‘Thank you, Lauren. I promise to give you a night you’ll never forget.’
She pulled her hands free and leaned away from him as if needing space and distance.
‘So what would you like me to do today?’
‘I know it’s not your field but Joanne says the day-to-day data is behind. I’ve got meetings this morning and later this afternoon, which should give me some idea of what repercussions I might be facing. Midday’s free so I’ve booked our table for one o’clock’
Shame flooded Lauren. He was fighting for the future of the company and its employees and she’d dumped her insecurities on him. He’d even allowed time to take her for lunch.
‘I’m sorry, Matt. I’ve been selfish, worrying about myself when you’ve got much bigger problems.’
He stood and held out his hand, his eyes sending a message that weakened every resolve she’d made, and every muscle in her body. Her legs threatened to buckle as she accepted his assistance to stand.
‘I’ll forgive you almost anything as long as you keep saying my name, Lauren.’
That would be breaking down another barrier between them, and she wasn’t sure how many were left. She smiled and stepped away.
‘I’d better go and find Joanne.’ Her head had demanded poise and self-control. Her voice had proved breathless and aroused.
* * *
Wind had blown the dark rain clouds away, bringing in their place white fluffy banks that drifted slowly across the now bright blue sky. The sun had dispelled the morning chill and raincoats could be left behind. The taxi dropped them off at the gates to the botanical gardens and they walked to the restaurant inside.
There were so many shades of green, so many different plants and flowers, all fresh and glistening from the showers. Ducks waddled over the lawns and birds swooped from tree to tree, their different calls mingling in the air. For Lauren it had become a magical spring day. Made doubly so by the sight of the shimmering white pavilion at the edge of a pond.
‘This is where we are eating?’ She drew them to a stop to drink in the image, and fumbled in her bag for her mobile to take a photo, though she knew she’d never forget.
‘Here, let me.’ Matt took it from her. ‘Turn around.’
She faced him, the building behind her, the breeze teasing her hair and her heart twisting while she smiled on his command. Twice for her camera then, to her surprise, twice more for his.
The interior was as pristine. White linen covered the tables and chairs, even extended to the serviettes. Silver cutlery, crystal glasses and a delicate floral centrepiece completed an impressive décor.
They were seated by one of the open arches overlooking the waterfall and pond featuring a reed-covered island and a family of colourful ducks. Matt declined wine, opting to share the water she’d asked for. As the waiter left with their orders she gazed round full circle in awe.
‘It’s so incredible. I can’t believe I never came here in all the years I lived in Adelaide. I have a vague recollection of the zoo so that must have been when I was young.’
‘You never came to the city on weekends or in the holidays with friends?’ As if that made her unique but not in a good way. ‘How old were you when you moved?’
‘No and thirteen. My family life revolved around my brothers’ sporting events. And before you judge, it wasn’t so bad.’
Why was she defending what she’d always decried? Unless she was beginning to understand her own personality’s part in it all? She sipped water from the delicate glass and smiled. If she had visited the gardens, it would have been in a plastic bottle on the benches outside.
Matt stretched across the table, stroking her hand with his long fingers.
‘Believe me, Lauren, I never make judgements on anyone’s family. The reason you’re here is proof you can never tell what happens behind closed doors.’
Nausea gripped his stomach as he recalled the moment she’d shown him evidence of his father’s duplicity. The secret deals and bank accounts, even the location of a large amount of cash. Preparation for what, a new life with another woman? A suspicion he’d keep to himself as long as he lived.
He gazed into hazel eyes, and found warmth and understanding. Something tight around his heart shifted and softened unexpectedly.
‘How do you explain nearly five years of lies and deceit, Lauren? What the hell was he planning?’
‘Will he even remember?’
‘I have no idea how much is real or how much he’s been faking, and I’m praying I can keep the truth from my mother. She’s defended his behaviour all my life, and I can’t bear to disillusion her.’
He found the simple act of caressing her small, delicate hand comforting. The kitchen could take all the time they wanted; he was in no hurry.
‘Does she have to know anything?’
‘If there are legal proceedings against him or I fail to revive the business, yes. In either case I won’t be able to protect her from the consequences. I’ve accepted my father is guilty and I’ll handle whatever happens as it occurs.’
He noticed the waiter approaching with their meals, grudgingly removing his hand.
‘No more work talk. This was intended as a get-to-know-you meal before the dinner.’
Get to know you? Lauren already responded to him in ways she hadn’t believed were real, much less that she’d be capable of. He could turn her inside out without any visible effort. He was going to haunt her for ever.
She picked up her knife and fork, and made the mistake of looking into his contemplative midnight-blue eyes. It was as if he were seeking a path out of the quandary he’d been coerced into handling, and she might be his beacon.
He ran his finger over his mouth—oh, heck, the mouth that had covered hers so gently, so masterfully. So long ago.
‘So, do you follow the footy at all?’
About to begin eating, she almost bit her tongue. Had he remembered?
‘Only as a talking point with clients. Sport’s never interested me.’
‘What does?’ He bit into his bread roll, showing neat white teeth.
‘Why the sudden interest?’ She heard the words, hadn’t meant to say them out loud.
‘Indulge me. Saturday night I’ll be your escort. It would help if we knew something about each other.’
But we are strangers and I have to keep it that way so I can relegate you to ‘memories never to be intentionally accessed’. Ever.
He started on his meal, chewing slowly, and studying
