LITMIR.BIZ

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sudden grin confused her even more.

      ‘Drive in with me, process the work I need done then go for your walk.’

      ‘And?’

      He seemed loath to continue, his eyes dark and intense, trying to predict her reaction to his announcement.

      ‘I’ve got tickets for the Crows’ game in the evening.’

      Relief had her sagging into the cushions. That was all? He didn’t want to upset her by leaving her alone for a few hours?

      ‘That fine, Matt. It’ll do you good to let off steam and I can amuse myself.’

      Matt knew damn well she could, how self-reliant she was. While relishing the times she’d depended on him, he also loved her independent spirit. She’d admitted to rethinking her relationship with her family. Now he was hoping Friday’s outing would help her move on.

      ‘Two for Alan and his date and one for me.’ He paused, eyes on her face. ‘The fourth is for you.’

      Her reaction was everything he’d hoped for. Wide eyes, gold specks sparkling. Red lips parted and inviting. Index finger pointing at his chest.

      ‘I told you I don’t attend matches, only watch bits when I’m visiting friends who have the television on. Take someone else.’

      She was magnificent, head high, chin jutted and eyes that flashed defiance. He stored the memory and prepared to counter.

      He caught her finger in one hand, and cupped her chin with the other, stroking the silken underside of her stubborn jaw. Inhaled deeply as her eyes softened in response to his action. He so wanted to let her off the hook but it was more important to have her exorcise this demon.

      ‘Lauren, you bound the whole concept of your perceived lack of parental attention with the sports your brothers played. Come and put it to the test. One game. Share a Crows win with me. Supper’s on Alan.’

      She looked down, bit her lip, and made a flimsy attempt to free her hand. It took little effort for him to hold on. She finally peered up at him and tilted her head.

      ‘Do they still sell hot dogs?’

      His heart swelled to bursting point. She was adorable.

      ‘As many as you want, darling.’ He pulled her into his arms and if the oven’s timer hadn’t rung, dinner would have been served a lot later.

      * * *

      Lauren liked Kaye at first sight when she arrived in the office with Alan and pizza. She was a trim, toned extrovert and an avid Crows fan, wearing all the club regalia and waving a beanie at a protesting Matt.

      She also had a photo on her mobile screen showing a litter of squirming newborn puppies. A wriggling mixture of brown, white and black.

      ‘You promised to wear it for the rest of the year if I found a suitable puppy for your nephews. These are a cross breed of black Labrador and German shepherd. They’ll be gentle and protective, perfect for active children. You get first pick and they’ll be ready to take home in five or six weeks.’

      ‘They’re adorable. Are you going to let the boys choose?’ Lauren enthused, wishing she could have one too. Not practical with her profession or in an apartment.

      ‘Under supervision, otherwise we’ll end up with a car full,’ Matt insisted, jamming on the hat. He’d cleared his desk for the meal and, when the others went to fetch chairs from Lauren’s office, he muttered in her ear.

      ‘She cheated, made the deal when our forward was lining up for a winning goal, sixty metres out and less than a minute on the clock.’

      ‘If you agreed, it’s binding.’ She grinned at the usually stylishly dressed man—even in casual clothes on the weekend—now in well-worn jeans, football jumper and that distinctive beanie. And loved him even more.

      ‘You siding with Kaye?’ He gave her a hard, lip-smacking kiss. ‘I can think of a few bets I’d willingly lose to you.’

      She recalled hours of sitting rugged up on cold benches, being bumped and bruised by excited supporters. She thought of days wasted setting up stalls, being bored and trying to persuade people to buy merchandise or raffle tickets. Now she looked into hungry blue eyes and knew she’d go through all of that in a thunderstorm if he were beside her.

      * * *

      Matt kept a tight hold on her hand as they walked to the stadium, joining an ever-growing throng that bottlenecked at the bridge over the river. He kept telling himself this was for her but that excuse was wearing thin. It was he who wanted to share his enthusiasm for their national game, who wanted to see her lose her inhibitions and cheer with the mob. It was he who wanted her with him when they played in the finals.

      It was a full house by the time they bounced the ball for the start and the noise was deafening. For the first time ever his concentration wasn’t out there with the players. He watched Lauren, quite prepared to take her out if she became stressed. Instead he saw interest grow as her eyes darted from the field to the big screens and back.

      His heart usually pounded at the fierce interaction between players, now it was because she leant forward as they ran, held her breath as they shot for goal and flopped back when they missed. By the fourth quarter, she was on her feet with Kaye every time the lead changed, face flushed and eyes shining. And he didn’t care an iota that he missed most of the action on the field.

      ‘A twenty-eight-point win. Our best this year.’ Kaye danced up the steps, arms swaying with her scarf held high. ‘You must be our lucky charm, Lauren.’

      Matt hugged her close ‘You are definitely mine.’

      Lauren clung to him, treasuring his words. The excitement had been contagious. Her head spun, whether from the buzz of the crowd or the shock of discovering the thrill of the game overrode her inhibitions, she wasn’t sure. As if tied to Kaye with invisible bonds, she’d found herself leaping to her feet and calling out phrases she’d never spoken, hadn’t known she’d memorised.

      Matt was grinning as if he’d been the star forward. Not a smug, I-told-you-so smile; he was genuinely happy for her. Had she been wrong all her life or was she seeing everything through new eyes? And if she had changed because she loved him, why couldn’t he love her for the person he was helping her to become?

      * * *

      Monday afternoon Matt decided to grab a chicken wrap on the way back from the bank. Funny how easily he’d adapted to healthier meals and salads. Not funny that in a week he’d be eating alone again.

      Lauren. His pulse hiked up, and he quickened his pace as he saw her opening the door of a café across the street. He halted when she spoke to the dark-haired woman entering behind her. She hadn’t mentioned meeting anyone.

      By the time he’d crossed at the lights and walked along, they were seated at a table studying menus. An old friend she’d caught up with? He wouldn’t disturb them; she’d tell him over dinner tonight.

      She didn’t. She was quiet and withdrawn, claiming fatigue and a headache. Concerned, he persuaded her to take a tablet and go to bed. In the morning he left her sleeping.

      Tuesday was no different. She blamed it on the current autumn virus and he had to admit she looked unwell, though she didn’t cough or sneeze. Was she depressed thinking of the shrinking time they had left? That he understood.

      He’d never considered a cross-country romance. There’d never been a reason to. The idea of seeing Lauren only on weekends was gut-wrenching but better than not being with her at all. Would she be prepared to try?

      * * *

      Alan’s text came through as he was driving to work Wednesday morning, and he read the short, concise message in the lift. Apprehensive, and with fingers tapping his desk, he accessed the online morning papers. The small article tucked away in one of the business sections sent his world crashing in flames.

      Names

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