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

“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’d be happy he chose her. Not out of ego but from some warped sense she’d be just as eager to rekindle their friendship. Apparently not. So much for his sure-fire lawyer’s instinct to read people. This time his judgment had been way off and the thought rattled him.

“Here you are. Riesling, as ordered.”

He stared at her butt as she slid into her seat. Man, she was a stunner. The black dress clung to every curve of her body, hugging in all the right places and 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 whiskey.

“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 like 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 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 romantic illusions. From our conversation earlier, you have no interest in me whatsoever. In fact, you 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 frigid, 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 until 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 the price that varies.”

“When did you become so cynical?”

“Not cynical, merely realistic. I see the purchasing power of money everyday, not to mention first-hand with my Dad.”

“How?”

“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-grubbing as they come. Sad, isn’t it?” His lip curled, as if he’d 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 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 percent business.

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

He flinched, then quickly recovered, but the disappointment in his gaze made her second-guess the wisdom of her demand. “Deal. I’ll draw up a contract in the morning. Can you come past my office around ten?”

Kara nodded. “I’ve got an appointment at Bondi around eleven. Will it take long?”

“My office is in town so no, it should be quick and painless.”

She wondered if he meant the contract signing, the trip or the deal. He downed his drink in three short gulps and stood up.

“Do you need a lift home?”

She shook her head. “No thanks, I have my car here.”

He opened his wallet and handed her a business card. “In that case, here are my details. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

As she reached for the card, their fingers brushed. Matt pulled back as if scalded, an unreadable expression in his eyes.

“See you then.”

She watched him stride towards the door without looking back. Sipping at her wine, Kara relished the icy liquid sliding down her parched throat. The evening hadn’t gone to plan and there wasn’t one damn thing she could’ve done about it. Apart from say no to his deal.

And leave Sal in the lurch? No way. She would pay her dues.

Then why did she feel like she’d just made a deal with the devil himself?

* * *

Matt slept poorly, tossing and turning, punching his pillow repeatedly, to no avail. He gave up some time around six-thirty and rolled out of bed. Drawing back the blinds and seeing the dawn break over Sydney Harbour helped