THE DEAL by Marsh, Nicola (electronic reader txt) 📕

then? Would Matt dump her in search of the next woman he could buy? For that’s all she was, really. An acquisition he’d purchased. He must think she was cheap.

Then again, who cared what he thought? She owed Sal and winning that award was all important. She could this this. If Matt thought of her as a purchase, that’s exactly what she would give him. An attractive package, something he could show off to his shallow business colleagues. And if he expected anything else from her, he could whistle for it.

* * *

Matt rang the bell and waited. He glanced around, noting the attractive blend of cream and heritage red paint adorning the two storey terrace house. Neat rows of box hedging surrounded a small patch of lawn, the lush green broken by strategically planted petunias. Large terracotta pots flanked the path, blending perfectly with the overall colour scheme. His eye for detail annoyed him at times; it helped in his line of work, but he couldn’t turn it off. Kara was talented, he’d give her that much. If the outside looked this good, the inside would be amazing.

He admired her success. She’d always wanted to be an interior designer, ever since she’d rearranged Sally’s house at the age of fourteen. She’d transformed the drab interior into a work of art with seemingly little effort. He hadn’t been so impressed when she’d turned her attentions to coordinating his wardrobe.

He wrenched his thoughts back to the present as the door opened.

“Hi Matt. Right on time.”

He struggled not to gape. Green silk hugged every curve and fell in soft folds to her knees. He had a difficult time tearing his gaze away from a tantalising glimpse of cleavage, hinting at the lushness beneath. She’d piled her hair high on her head, a few loose curls framing her face. He disliked makeup, yet she’d used a smidgeon to highlight her wide eyes and full mouth. Stunning.

“You look gorgeous,” he said, noting the slight blush that stained her cheeks. That was one habit she definitely hadn’t grown out of and he loved it.

“Thanks. Ready to go?”

He nodded, not trusting himself to speak as she turned to close the door. Her legs were encased in the sheerest stockings, a light sheen drawing further attention to their length.

“So, where are we going tonight?”

She stared at him, waiting for an answer. The problem was, he couldn’t remember the question. He’d been too busy indulging in the delightful fantasy of peeling those stockings from her long legs and kissing his way from her ankles, upwards.

“Sorry, what did you say?”

Thankfully, she laughed, the same laugh that had taunted him all those years ago and his response was almost visceral. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, just distracted. The dinner tonight is important. One of the firm’s competitors is honing in on our staff and I need to put a stop to it.”

He didn’t add the part about his father taking him more seriously if he could achieve this.

“Isn’t that unethical?”

He shrugged. “Yeah, though nothing surprises me any more in the corporate world. It’s like being surrounded by a school of piranhas. One false step and you’re a goner.”

“Sounds like some of my clientele,” she chuckled. “I can empathise one hundred percent.”

Matt joined in her laughter as he opened the car door for her. This was more like it. He’d missed their rapport, the easy-going camaraderie. If they could sustain this level of friendship for the next six months, the task ahead would be easier.

“Nice car. It’s very you.”

Kara glanced around the modern interior, inhaling the rich scent of new leather.

“What does that mean?”

The engine idled as he stared at her. She couldn’t think when he looked at her like that: intense, probing, with a hint of scepticism.

“Don’t be so defensive. I just meant that a silver sports car screams status and that’s what you’ve wanted your whole life. That’s why I’m here isn’t it, so you can convince Jeff you’re partner material?”

Whenever she spoke to him, her words sounded judgmental. So much for her plan to appear cool.

For a moment, his eyes glittered and his jaw clenched.

“Yes, that’s why you’re here, so let’s go.”

An uncomfortable silence yawned between them. Kara snuck several peeks at his profile while pretending to look at the passing scenery. He was magnificent. Not just handsome but drop-dead gorgeous, the type of guy who made women believe in male harems. Yet another designer suit encased his impressive body, black this time, with a crisp white shirt underneath. The guy had style...and then some. She dragged in a breath, immediately wishing she hadn’t when a hint of intoxicating woody aftershave made her want to bury her nose in the nook of his neck and inhale.

“See anything you like?”

His question startled her. So much for subtlety. He’d been fully aware of her sneaky glances the entire time. Tired of the tension, she made a quick decision. For the rest of the night, she’ d keep the conversation light. No barbs. No judgements.

“Maybe, though I think a closer look is in order.”

His low laughter rumbled like thunder. She loved storms: fierce, impressive, spectacular. Just like Matt.

“I think that can be arranged. How close do you need to get?” His lowered voice rasped across her nerve endings, firing her imagination with thoughts of getting up close and personal with the man of her dreams.

“Real close,” she murmured, her pulse quickening in anticipation.

“Do you mean that or are you getting into character?”

“Pardon?”

“We’re here. I thought you were practicing the girlfriend role.”

She glanced around in surprise. She’d been so wrapped up in the intimate cocoon of the car and their flirtation she’d failed