your suitcase.’
She led the way to the steps, wheeling Matt’s case, accompanied by Lauren with hers and an overnight bag. Matt locked the car and followed carrying the wine, his satchel and parka.
‘I’ve put you in the guest wing, three bedrooms all with an ensuite, a sitting room and small kitchen. Completely self-contained if needed.’
As they stepped onto the veranda two black and white dogs raised themselves from their snug positions in the corner and came over to sniff and be introduced. The larger one, a mixture of collie and a few unknowns, nuzzled at Lauren’s hands and she dropped her bags and stroked him. The other sat by Clair and studied the two newcomers.
‘Cyber’s an addict for attention. He’ll stalk you the whole time you’re here if we let him. Cyan is pure collie, and quieter. Both are very protective and great guard dogs. Go settle, you two.’
Turning to the right, she walked a few steps and opened a door to reveal a wide corridor with a high ceiling. Entering first, she placed the suitcase by the wall.
Lauren’s eyes widened at the incredible décor, presumably historically accurate with the appearance of being freshly painted in shades of blue. She’d always enjoyed colonial movies, now she felt she was on the set of one. The carved wooden mirror on the wall with a narrow matching table fascinated her. She moved closer. Clair came to stand behind her.
‘We inherited these and a lot more furniture with the house. Tomorrow I’ll take you on a tour if you like.’
‘I’ll look forward to it.’
‘You’ll find we’ve mixed and matched different time periods. If we like it, we fit it in. Use any rooms you want and join us in the main lounge when you’re ready. Shall I take the wine?’
‘It’s heavy so I’ll bring it. We won’t keep you waiting.’ Matt had already put it on the floor.
‘I just need a quick freshen up,’ Lauren said.
‘Take all the time you want, then come through here.’ Clair left through a door midway along the hall.
‘Well, Lauren, would you like to choose where you sleep?’
At odds with its rough timbre, his voice glided as smooth as silk over her skin and the only answer in her head was, With you.
The first room was a cosy corner lounge with windows on two sides. Matt opened the next door to reveal a king-sized bed with a padded green headboard and quilt. The light green wall complemented white woodwork and built-in wardrobes.
Shuttered windows overlooked the veranda, and the Queen Anne dressing table and stool between two closed doors matched the bedside drawers. One door led into a very modern ensuite, the other to an almost identical bedroom with a floral theme.
Lauren gazed from one to the other then to Matt’s inscrutable expression. His taut jaw and the slight curl of his fingers showed the depth of his tension.
She bent her head to hide a smile. If she said separate rooms, he’d accept her decision without censure though she’d bet he’d use his charm and every seduction technique he could think of to change her mind.
Her stomach quivered and she trembled as she imagined a few of them. In an instant, he was holding her arms, sombre eyes scanning her face.
‘Whatever feels right for you, Lauren. This is for happy memories, no regrets.’
She reached up to caress his cheek, and felt his tremor through her fingers. Felt a surge of elation at the power her touch had on him. She tilted her head, and curled her lips in what she hoped was a beguiling smile.
‘I’ve never been a flowery décor girl, and I can’t imagine you sleeping under a floral quilt.’
His smile lit up her world, his bear hug squeezed her ribcage, and his deep, passionate kiss had her craving to be in the bed behind them right now.
* * *
Lauren expected dinner to be in a formal room. Instead the round dining setting overlooked a native garden scattered with inconspicuous bollard lights, illuminating colourful flowers and leafage of all shades of green. Picture perfect scenery.
Duncan opened a red wine she’d purchased in the Barossa Valley and one of his own chilled whites.
‘Lauren, which would you like? We are firm advocates for indulging in your own preference.’
She chose white, the others elected to try the red. They toasted good friends and she was complimented on her choice, making her relax and laugh.
‘I can hardly claim responsibility. Matt recommended two of the wineries and I merely asked the people in those, and a third near Angaston, for a selection of their bestsellers. It’s a gift from both of us.’
‘Very much appreciated. Shall we take our seats?’
Clair went to fetch the starters, declining Lauren’s offer to assist.
‘They’re all ready to be served. You can help clear and bring in the other courses.’
Any apprehension Matt had felt regarding this visit faded away as conversation flowed. Lauren was curious about the plant varieties in the garden, admitting she’d had a successful vegetable plot in Melbourne and missed the straight-from-the-ground taste. When laughingly challenged by Clair to name the home-grown on the table, she amazed them all by being correct.
‘I thought I’d get you on the peas from the market. We’ll pick some fruit for you to take home on Sunday.’
The conversation ranged from orchards to the history of the house and the restorations the Fords had undertaken over a number of years. Matt admired the gentle banter between them, the friendly teasing solidly based on an enduring love and evident companionship.
He’d been convinced he’d never feel such a bonding, yet lately that belief had become blurred. Was it possible he might be wrong?
His eyes met Lauren’s as she stood to help with the dinner plates, and her smile tripped his heart. His mind flashed to the night ahead with the enchanting woman who’d agreed to share it with him.
Pavlova, coffee and liqueurs rounded off a delightful meal, his senses heightened by the promise of a perfect ending to the day.
* * *
All Lauren’s senses were acute, tuned like a maestro’s violin, as they approached the door that would shut them off from the rest of the house. Matt’s fingers were laced with hers. She could hear the long breaths he took. His aroma surrounded her, tempting her lungs to breathe deeper.
Tonight there’d be no drive back to her hotel. She’d nestle into his warmth and fall asleep. And wake in his arms to be kissed and loved some more as the sun’s rays lit up the room.
No expectations. No recriminations. She’d accept what he freely gave and not regret what he was not able to give. Every moment spent with Matt inched her further along the path of surrendering her heart. There was no going back and in front she could see no happy ending.
As soon as the door closed behind them, he twisted
