LITMIR.BIZ

      CHAPTER THREE

      THE bar cleared once the formalities were over. Kara smiled and accepted the congratulations of the other participants with Matt hanging on to her hand the entire time. By the time the last person had left, her face ached with the effort of maintaining a look of happiness. Happiness? Nothing could be further from the truth. It was time to sort this mess out, once and for all.

      ‘Matt, could we talk? By the way, you can let go of my hand now. The charade’s over.’

      She watched the warmth in his eyes fade as he dropped her hand. ‘Would you like a drink? By the look on your face, I think I’m going to need one.’

      She didn’t like the hardened edge in his voice, though she could cope with it more easily than his friendliness. This was going to be difficult enough.

      ‘A small white wine, please. I’ll meet you at the corner table.’

      ‘Choosing the most secluded table in the place? Either you’re going to tell me how thrilled you are to be my chosen date or you’re planning to ditch me. Which one is it?’

      She stiffened, once again startled at his apparent ability to read her mind.

      ‘Yeah, I thought as much. Going to make me pay for what happened nine years ago, aren’t you?’ He turned towards the waiting barman. ‘A white wine and an orange juice for me, please. On second thoughts, make mine a scotch.’

      Rather than heading to the table, Kara waited. She watched Matt run his hand through his hair, glance at his wrist-watch and tap his foot against the polished floor. It looked as if he couldn’t wait to get out of here and she knew the feeling. Why on earth had he chosen her?

      Sure, she was flattered. What woman wouldn’t be? Matt’s imposing persona drew women in droves and she was no exception. Even now, when he looked impatient, there was no hiding his potent aura behind an expensive navy suit and an ivory silk shirt. The stylish clothes did little to detract from his broad chest, tapering to a lean waist and long legs. She guessed the shirt hid a washboard stomach too. No doubt Matt would look just as impressive without his clothes.

      Her imagination took full flight as she fantasised what he would look like without them.

      ‘Planning your line of attack?’

      His interruption brought her back to the present but didn’t calm her galloping pulse. She had to get her body under control if she was to do this.

      ‘I’m not a client, Matt. No line of attack. I just want to talk,’ she snapped, striding towards the table, more annoyed at her body’s irrational response than at him.

      Matt watched her flounce ahead, head held high. Whatever happened to the quiet, shy Kara he’d known? He’d thought she would be happy that he chose her. Not out of ego but from some warped sense that she’d been just as eager as he to restart their friendship. Apparently not. So much for his sure-fire lawyer’s instinct to read people. This time his judgement had been way off and the thought rattled him.

      ‘Here you are. White wine, as ordered.’

      He stared at her butt as she slid into her seat. Man, she was a stunner. The black dress she wore clung to every curve of her body, hugging in all the right places. Her large breasts gave the impression of a tiny waist, leading to those endless, long legs. Once again, his mind raced with sexy images. He had it bad.

      Remember, this is a business arrangement.

      ‘Tell that to my libido,’ he muttered as he took a sip of whisky.

      ‘Pardon?’

      Now she was staring at him with those luminous green eyes. Convincing his libido was going to be harder than he thought.

      ‘Nothing. Now, what did you want to discuss?’

      Kara took a steadying breath. With Matt staring at her as if she was his next meal, it was difficult to concentrate on the task at hand.

      ‘We need to sort out this situation. I’m not interested in dating anybody at the moment. The only reason I was here tonight was to help Sal make up the numbers.’ She smoothed the folds of her skirt to stop her hands fidgeting. ‘Anyway, perhaps we can chat to Sal and you can pair up with one of the other ladies?’

      ‘No.’

      She squirmed under the scrutiny of his disconcerting stare.

      ‘I chose you for a reason, Kara. You’re just the kind of woman I’m after.’

      ‘And what kind of woman is that?’

      He placed his fingertips together, leaned his elbows on the table and stared directly into her eyes. ‘Smart, independent, with no illusions. From our conversation earlier, you have no romantic interest in me whatsoever. In fact, you even knocked back the opportunity to catch up for a drink this afternoon. So, you’re the perfect choice for me.’

      Confusion whirled through her mind. ‘I don’t get it.’

      He smiled, though it didn’t reach his eyes. In fact, they had darkened to a cold, icy blue. ‘Your apparent dislike of me is exactly what I’m looking for. There will be no misconceptions on your part, no chance of you falling for me and wrecking the deal. For that’s all this dating business will be. A deal. A business arrangement. Nothing more. You will appear as my steady girlfriend for the next six months, till I secure a partnership in Dad’s firm. That’s it.’

      His cold stare reinforced the bleakness in his voice. He had the tone down pat. She knew exactly how his opposition would feel in the courtroom. Coerced. Beaten. Devastated. And she’d been foolish enough to think he might still harbour unresolved feelings for her. What a joke!

      ‘So what do I get out of this so-called deal? Do you think I can be bought?’ She steadied her voice, reluctant to give him any advantage.

      ‘Everyone can be bought. It’s just the price that varies.’

      Kara cringed. ‘When did you become so cynical?’

      ‘Not cynical, merely realistic. I see the purchasing power of money every day, not to mention first-hand with my dad.’ He spat the words out as if they were poison.

      ‘Your dad?’

      ‘He’s the perfect example of what money can buy. Just ask his latest wife. Wife number three, twenty years younger than him and as money-grabbing as they come. Sad, isn’t it?’ His lip curled, as if he’d just seen something repulsive. ‘Anyway, enough about my family. What’s it to be?’

      Thoughts raced through her mind. If she accepted Matt’s bizarre offer in exchange for money, her problems would be solved. She could save Matchmaker by securing the DATY award for Sally and then concentrate on boosting her own business. For money was the only thing she could think of to keep this deal concrete, unemotional and one hundred per cent business.

      ‘Fine. I accept, Matt. I’ll appear as your girlfriend for six months, for thirty thousand dollars.’

      He flinched, then quickly recovered. ‘Deal. I’ll draw up a contract in the morning. Can you come past my office around ten?’