anywhere around here would never seem like training to me. This trip has got me rethinking my priorities and future,’ Lauren replied.
‘The trip or the man?’
Lauren wasn’t sure how to answer as they went through a gate and onto a bushland path.
‘It’s complicated.’
‘It needn’t be, Lauren. The way you look at one another, whenever you touch, the attraction’s obvious but there’s also constraint. My children tell me not to interfere...’
‘Advice is always welcome.’ Lauren would gladly accept guidance. ‘It’s whether it can be acted upon that counts.’
‘Don’t give up on him, Lauren. Matt’s mother and I belong to the same organisations, and she’s hinted at Marcus’s medical problems. Apart from that and the company situation, I sense Matt has personal demons to conquer.’
‘You may be right.’
He’s certainly determined to have me exorcise mine.
‘He also has a reputation for tough, ethical dealing. If he didn’t Duncan wouldn’t be considering a partnership. Let him find his own way and be there when he does.’
As things stood she’d be on the east coast fixing glitches, living on memories and dreaming of midnight-blue eyes.
‘Cyber. Cyan.’ The dogs had darted to the left at a fork, and obediently returned to Clair’s side.
‘There’s a magnificent view this way. Luckily the koalas don’t seem at all perturbed by our noisy pets so keep an eye out for them in the gum trees.’
‘I envy you all this beauty and peace. Matt told me the property was quite run-down when you moved in.’
‘I inherited the estate from two wonderful stubborn-as-mules grandparents who refused help and died within weeks of each other. Life wasn’t easy, especially in those early years, but it’s always worth fighting for what you love.’
But what if the one you are fighting for doesn’t want to be won?
* * *
The talks with Duncan couldn’t have gone better; now all Matt wanted to do was find Lauren, and see her smile. Had she had a good morning? Was she happy she’d come?
He found her in the kitchen helping Clair prepare a salad lunch, and restrained the desire to kiss her in company. Until her face brightened at the sight of him and the invitation in her bright eyes was too hard to resist. He slipped his arm around her waist and softly covered her enticing lips with his.
She laid her hand on his arm, and welcomed the kiss, recreating the heat sensations from last night. His pulse tripled and his heart pounded. All overridden by an unfamiliar longing to hold on for ever and cherish.
Shaken by this new emotion, he broke the kiss, fighting for control. He wanted to find solitude to assess what was happening, and perversely ached to scoop her up and carry her to a quiet place and be with her.
‘How’d the walk go?’ Reality slammed home at Duncan’s remark from the doorway.
Matt set Lauren free, nearly pulled her back in at the sight of her sweetly bemused expression.
‘The air was fresh and crisp at the south lookout and the hills were shrouded in mist—very bracing,’ Clair replied. ‘You two can carry the salad bowls and meat plates. Lauren and I will bring the rest.’
The dogs padded round the veranda to join them, squatting close in anticipation of being fed as well.
‘We also had a session on my computer,’ Clair announced with pride as they helped themselves to food.
‘And?’
Duncan wasn’t merely playing lip service to his wife. Matt heard the genuine interest in his tone, saw it in his eyes. She was his number one priority as he was hers. So different from his parents. A cold fist crushed his heart, and his chest tightened.
‘I’m not so bad after all. Lauren gave me a beautifully covered notebook and bright green pen and I wrote down everything step by step as she told or showed me.’
Lauren’s knee bumped against his and stayed. A simple nod of her head plus a look that said ‘you were right’ sent heat surging throughout his body. He echoed her action then concentrated on Clair.
‘No one’s ever explained the things I have trouble with in simple English I can understand. Lauren did, and I have her email address and phone number so I can contact her any time I need help.’
Matt couldn’t prevent the swell of pride even though all he’d done was persuade Lauren to come. With a start, he realised it was pride in her, something he had no justification for. She was her own person. An enchanting, self-sufficient woman.
‘So I’m going to take her into Hahndorf this afternoon. What do you have planned?’
The men exchanged glances.
‘Another couple of hours and we’ll break for the day. You’ll find us on the side veranda with a bottle of wine and a selection of cheese and crackers.’ Duncan grinned at Matt. ‘They’ll have to come get us to carry all the shopping from the car.’
Clearing the table was accomplished in a few minutes with everyone helping then Matt went with Lauren to fetch her coat and shoulder bag. And to kiss her, longer and deeper than he’d be able to do in front of their hosts.
It left them both hot and gasping for air. And bedtime was a lifetime away.
‘Glad you decided to come, Lauren?’ He watched her face for any sign of regret.
‘Got coerced you mean. Yes, I’m very glad.’ Her eyes darkened, highlighting the gold flecks. His body responded to the thought she might be remembering last night.
‘Clair says she’ll take me round the house tomorrow.’
He’d been in umpteen old renovated homes. A few days ago he’d have politely declined joining them. Today the chance of seeing what the Fords had achieved through Lauren’s eyes was appealing.
‘Tell her I’d like to be included.’
His wanting to join them delighted Lauren. When the offer of two weeks’ leave had been made it had sounded like ample time for a break. Now, with three days taken, it was a pitiful amount to store memories to last a lifetime.
* * *
Lauren flicked at the insect biting her earlobe, sighed and snuggled into her pillow. It returned, pulling her a little further from sleep.
‘Wanna go for a walk and watch the sun rise?’
Whispered throaty seduction.
In an instant she was wide awake, catching at the hand whose fingernails were tickling her lobe. Matt lay beside her, fully dressed in jeans and warm jumper, eyes gleaming with mischief. The only light came from the open ensuite door.
How come
