on the uncountable number of tables.
The dimmed lights gave everything a magical feel, coloured spotlights played across the room, randomly picking out guests for a second or two then moving on. Classical music was supplied by a string quartet on stage, and along the backdrop hung brightly coloured banners bearing the names of sponsors and the charities that would benefit.
Matt guided her to her seat at a table near the front and sat alongside. Duncan and Clair were on her left. She swung her head, determined to memorise every detail, and shared a menu with Matt as bread rolls and wine were being served.
‘Main course is served alternately, chicken or steak. If you’d prefer what I’m given, we can swap. The other courses are set.’
‘Thank you. I’m not keen on steak unless it’s well done.’
‘Good evening everyone.’ A deep voice boomed through the sound system urging latecomers to take their seats so the caterers could begin serving entrees. The welcoming thank-you speech was short and amusing, and the quiet music during the meal allowed over-the-table conversation.
Matt and Duncan made sure Lauren was included and she felt at ease enough to join in. Not often and not unless she was sure of the subject but it felt good. Except when Duncan asked if she had siblings. Giving a quick glance to check Matt wasn’t listening, she admitted to three brothers, found herself telling him they were all professionals, two footballers and one cricketer. He seemed impressed, wanted more detail. To her their jobs were no different from hers, his, or any other person’s.
As the waiters cleared the dinner plates, people began to move around the room, stopping in small groups to talk or wander out into the foyer. Band gear was set up on the stage and the group began to play a slow ballad.
There was a trickle of couples at first then more and more until the floor was crowded. No room for any more, she thought with relief.
‘Dance with me, Lauren.’ Matt’s eyes gleamed, his breath tickled her ear, and his hand on her bare shoulder evoked a quivering in her stomach that had nothing to do with nerves.
‘You promised no pressure.’
‘True. If you refuse I won’t push. But I’ll be disappointed, and regret not having even one dance with you.’
Oh, so smooth. No wonder he’d won the Fords over and, according to Joanne, been very successful in England. She’d regret it too; the difference was she’d always remember.
She stood, and accepted the hand he offered. ‘Do you always win?’
‘The important battles, yes.’ The victorious sparkle in midnight-blue eyes proved he believed this counted with those.
He led her onto the dance floor, and slipped his arm around her waist, enclosing her hand in his over his heart. Her legs trembled and her head clamoured for her to cut and run. Her heart leant into him, taking her body along.
Matt had planned his move. The packed floor gave him the excuse to hold her nearer, move slower. Her body aligned with his perfectly, she followed his steps with ease, and her perfume—or her—stirred feelings he’d been denying all week.
Somehow in the last two days the anger he’d carried for weeks had begun to dissipate. Tonight the pain of betrayal had been replaced by an unfamiliar emotion. It took him a few minutes to recognise the alien feeling as contentment, and a little longer to realise that his thumb was caressing her fingers.
The music stopped, and as other couples split to applaud the band they stayed together, his eyes on her face as she looked towards the stage. She was happier and more relaxed than he’d ever seen her. Suddenly however long she’d be here was too short.
‘Lauren.’
Bright hazel eyes met his, her lips parted, and only the first few notes of a classic seventies heartbreaker stopped him from kissing her there and then. The couple behind nudged her and he automatically pressed her closer for protection. Her head nestled on his shoulder, his cheek brushed her hair. And he wanted the music to last for ever.
It didn’t of course. The singer announced desserts and coffee were being served, and the band was taking a break. He escorted her back to the table, pleased she seemed as reluctant as he was.
‘Duncan’s gone walkabout,’ Clair said, moving along next to Lauren, beckoning her female companion to join them. ‘Are you planning to network too, Matt?’
He ought to, it was the sensible thing to do, the best action for the company. Their desserts arrived, and he grinned and took his seat.
‘And miss double chocolate gateau with strawberries and cream. Maybe after.’
‘Have Duncan’s too, if you like. I’m watching his weight,’ Clair offered.
‘You want double delight, Lauren?’ he teased and was rewarded with a rosy blush.
‘I’m not sure I can handle what’s in front of me,’ she countered without breaking eye contact and his heart leapt into his mouth. Heat flared in the pit of his stomach, and his fingers itched to reach for her and...
‘Coffee for anyone?’ A waiter held up cups and saucers on the other side of the table.
Yeah, black and strong for me to drown in. And is that a tiny smirk on her face?
If they were alone he’d be kissing it off in an instant.
‘I’ll take one, thanks.’ Duncan loomed up behind Matt and sat down. ‘After that, and the dessert I’m going to be scalded for eating all weekend, I want you to meet a trusted friend of mine, Matt. If we decide to proceed with the bigger project an extra investor might be welcome.’
Matt glanced at Lauren.
‘You go. I’ll be fine.’
She was. Too much so. Catching up with business acquaintances and meeting new contacts should have been a pleasure but his mind was on Lauren, and how long he’d been away. He’d left her talking to Clair and her friend. When he returned she was in deep conversation with a blond-headed man who, in his opinion, was leaning too close.
His gut hardened, his jaw clenched and he strode over to where the two of them sat alone.
‘Sorry I’ve been so long, Lauren.’ Not much regret in his tone.
They turned, and the man rose to his feet, extending his hand.
‘Matt Dalton, isn’t it? I’m sure I played high-school footy against you a few times. I’m John Collins, a friend of Lauren’s brother. Haven’t seen her for five or six years so this was a pleasant surprise.’
Matt’s irritation abated and he accepted the greeting.
‘Your face is familiar though I can’t remember the name. Too many over the years.’
‘Yeah, I know.’ John glanced at his watch. ‘I’d better go find my wife and say our goodbyes. My mother-in-law’s babysitting. Great catching up with you both.’
‘Where is everyone?’ Matt asked as soon as he’d gone, shaking off his discomfort. An old friend of the brother’s. Married and bending
