them.
‘It might be cheaper for me to drive you home.’
HER HEARTBEAT SPIKED. His tone was light but his eyes were grave, his lips firm and unsmiling. She couldn’t have replied to save her life, and ached to have him add he meant it.
‘Got room for more?’ Clair came down the steps carrying a huge bunch of flowers. ‘Duncan’s bringing the fruit we promised.’
Lauren pressed her hands together, her index fingertips on her lips. How had she ever been daunted by this considerate, generous couple?
‘They’re beautiful, Clair. Thank you for a wonderful weekend. It’s been unforgettable.’
She recognised roses and tiger lilies, others were unknown. When she reached up to kiss Clair’s cheek as she accepted the stunning gift, she was drawn into an unexpected motherly hug.
‘You’ll always be welcome, Lauren,’ Clair said, and gave her an extra squeeze.
‘Even when she hasn’t stuffed up on her computer.’ Duncan laughed as he appeared behind her with a big cardboard box. ‘Should last you a few days,’ he added, handing it to Matt.
Lauren buried her face into the blooms and inhaled their perfume before placing them on the back seat alongside her overnight bag. Gently touched the petals, blinking back tears at the Fords’ kindness.
She noticed Matt and Clair in close conversation, serious expressions on their faces. Was he also being given friendly advice? She walked over to Duncan to thank him and was pulled into a friendly embrace.
‘I’ll be eternally grateful to you for helping Clair and boosting her esteem. Other technicians made her feel inadequate though she hid it well.’
‘It wasn’t much compared to your company and hospitality. I’ve loved every moment.’
‘Then come again—plan for a holiday in the spring or in December. Despite the heat, we always have a festive season, including long evening walks followed by hot or cold drinks on the veranda.’
‘It sounds inviting.’
‘Then be here.’ He smiled down at her. ‘Pity you’re based in Sydney. It’s such a long way away.’
The farewells lasted another ten minutes and included more hugs for Lauren as if they feared they wouldn’t see her for a long time. Finally they were on the road, and she let her head fall back and closed her eyes.
‘Tired, darling?’
Every cell in her body sprang to high alert at his endearment, the second time he’d used it. Was it an automatic name for the women he made love to?
‘A little. It’s been a full weekend.’
‘Any regrets, Lauren?’ Low, and slightly hesitant. Not like him at all.
‘None, Matt.’ She paused and grinned. ‘Well, maybe the purchase of a T-shirt depicting a joey in its mother’s pouch, waving an Australian flag. I’ll give it to a friend with quirky taste.’
Matt chuckled. His mood lifted. The idea he’d been contemplating was the best option for both of them. All he had to do was find the words to convince her. In his usual competent way, he rehearsed the phrasing, while negotiating the bends and merging onto the freeway. Lauren was lost in her own thoughts.
Satisfied he was ready, he glanced across and forgot it all in a rush of affection when he saw her lovely features relaxed in peaceful sleep. He faced the road again, tightening his grip on the wheel to conquer the urge to caress her cheek.
He had the rest of the day for gentle persuasion. If she agreed they’d spend all their free time together for the two weeks she had left. Fourteen days, and he’d count down every one.
Moving into the left lane, he slowed down. There was no urgency, Lauren was peaceful and the hectic uncertainty had eased from his life. He didn’t know exactly what he faced legally but he’d been totally honest and had good representation. He had no idea how bad the backlash might be if, more like when, his father’s duplicity became public but was assured of Duncan’s full support.
He had faith in his own ability to reform the company and keep it viable. And—he shot an affectionate look at his sleeping passenger—he had Lauren. Sweet, adorable Lauren, who hijacked his thoughts at inopportune moments and flipped his heart with a wisp of a smile. She even had him questioning his steadfast beliefs.
A semi-trailer whooshed past in the next lane, too close, causing him to veer to the left. Lauren stirred and stretched her back, blinked and gave him an apologetic smile.
‘I fell asleep.’
‘I noticed. Sweet dreams?’
‘I can’t remember. Why?’
‘You sighed a couple of times, low and contented. Cancel the hotel booking, Lauren. Stay with me.’ Blunt and rushed—not as he’d practised. ‘Sorry, I had a persuasive speech planned. Logical reasons to...’
He stopped midsentence as she silently bent, took her mobile from her bag and scrolled for the number. He shook his head to clear his muddled brain and closed his open mouth. Elation zapped along his veins. She’d be there to welcome him in the evenings. They’d have quiet hours to talk and long nights to hold each other.
‘Done. I can do one-day trips to the southern area or the hills.’ She dropped her phone into the drinks holder.
They were approaching the turn-off sign and he checked his rear-vision mirror in preparation for switching lanes. Pulling up at the lights, he covered her hand and revelled in the heat surge that simple act generated.
‘And be home for dinner?’
‘Oh, if you’re expecting meals like Clair served us, you’ll be disappointed. I’m very basic, usually cook for one or have cold meat and salad.’
‘You’ve seen my fridge. It’s been takeaway or dine out since I arrived home. We’ll improvise as we go. I have dinner with my parents on Mondays and call in after work whenever I can.’
‘They need your support so that mustn’t change. And you can’t neglect your sister’s family either.’
‘I won’t. They and Alan are the ones who’ve kept me grounded and sustained me through it all.’
‘You’re lucky to have them.’
He flicked her a quick glance. It was a genuine remark with no undertone of acrimony.
‘We never tried that pub near the unit. Wanna give it a go tonight?’
* * *
Wednesday’s dinner was crumbed lamb chops and salad, followed by bakery fruit pie and carton custard. As basic as you could get. Lauren thanked the stars for the local butcher whose selection of ready-to-cook meals was superb and included helpful advice.
She’d
