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

Kara had wanted to tear her eyes out. The brunette was just his type, all silicon and pouty lips. She’d seen enough similar women draped over him in the newspapers, annoyed at her irrational jealousy over each and every one.

She stared at the form lying on the table. Even though it was a formality, her hand shook as she ticked the ‘yes’ box next to Matt’s name. After their earlier verbal sparring, there was no way he’d choose her so she was safe in marking his name. It would be just her luck to mark some other random guy and end up matched with him. No way, no how. Sal’s computer could work its magic on some other sucker. There was only so far she would go to help Sal out.

The brunette would select Matt and vice versa. The sooner the 1000th couple matched was announced, the sooner she could escape. Matt and the brunette. Her gut clenched at the thought.

Sally whisked her form away, adding it to the pile in her hand. She winked. “Not long now, possum and you can head home. Thanks a million. Love you.”

“Love you too,” Kara murmured, scanning the room for Matt. He was deep in conversation with the brunette. Still. Hadn’t anyone told them their seven minutes were up?

She turned away, wishing the evening would end. In a way, seeing Matt had been a nice surprise. Seeing him all over other women was not so nice.

“Can I have your attention, ladies and gentlemen? Matchmaker has successfully matched 999 couples over the last few years. Speed dating is the exciting, quick, non-pressured way to meet singles with similar interests, adding a personal touch dating apps can’t provide. So if you haven’t met your match tonight, please come back again.”

Sally paused, nodding and smiling at the applauding crowd. “Now, without further ado, Matchmaker is proud to announce its 1000th couple matched.”

A strange churning started deep in Kara’s gut. She couldn’t watch the elation on the lucky woman’s face, for she had no doubt Matt would be the man chosen tonight.

“Would Matt Byrne and Kara Roberts please come up here?”

Stunned, Kara sat riveted to her seat. She could have sworn Sal had announced her name. There had to be a mistake. The churning increased tenfold as she watched Matt stalk towards her.

“Kara, I think they want us.”

She stared at his outstretched hand as if it was a cobra. If she placed her hand in his, she’d be lost. Her lips moved, the stiffness in her facial muscles easing into the semblance of a smile. She could do this. She had to.

“That’s my girl,” he whispered, as he squeezed her hand and guided her towards the stage.

She moved mechanically, placing one foot in front of the other, oblivious to the hoots and congratulations coming from all directions.

Sally patted her arm as she reached the stage and whispered in her ear. “Sorry, love. You and Matt were the only two that matched. I couldn’t fudge the results. The Agency Board checks into details like that, not to mention the fact several award judges are here. Forgive me?”

With the blood pounding in her head, Kara stared at Sally. Strangely, she didn’t look at all remorseful. In fact, she looked downright happy. However, there was little time to argue the point now. There were more important things to worry about, like how she could end this farce without jeopardising Sal’s business in the process? And how could she deflect Matt’s attentions when he’d chosen her as his most desirable partner?

As if reading her mind, Matt murmured, “Just go with the flow for now.”

The intensity of his gaze did little to calm her.

Easier said than done.

Three

The bar cleared once the formalities finished. Kara smiled and accepted the congratulations of the other participants with Matt hanging onto her hand the entire time. By the time the last person left, her face ached with the effort of fake smiling. 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.”

“A riesling, 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.” He turned towards the waiting barman. “A riesling for the lady and a scotch for me, please. On second thoughts, make mine a double.”

Rather than heading to the table, Kara waited. She watched Matt run his hand through his hair, glance at his wristwatch and tap his foot against the polished floor. It looked like 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 six-pack too. No doubt Matt would look just as impressive without his clothes.

“Planned your line of