Page 125 of Lovers' Dance

I grinned at him, it was a smug grin. “Back to this dating crap, huh?”

Matt had the grace to look embarrassed. I didn’t blame him. He was the one who had wanted to do things properly, and he was the same one who hadn’t lasted the weekend before getting into my panties.

I pondered Grumps’s words. Was the old tyrant right about Matt and me?

“Can we do it another time?” I hedged. “This week is going to be manic, and I’m sure you’re going to be busy, too.”

“I’m always busy, poppet.” He sipped his tea, then levelled me with a serious stare. It was unnerving and my guard went up immediately as he said, “Listen, about last night, I want to reiterate Louisa won’t be a problem. I’m going to speak to her and settle this for once and for all.”

“Don’t, Matt,” I replied. “Forget about it.”

Matt put his cup down and his eyebrows lowered to an unhappy level. “No, I won’t forget about it. Why would you want me to? Is there something you’re not telling me?”

Damned man and his mind reading ability.

“No, I just don’t want any drama. Look, I’ve got to go. It’s six-ten already.”

Matt peered at me as I pushed back my chair and stood up. I tried to avoid his gaze, to hide my inner thoughts, but he was good at reading me.

“What is it?” he asked quietly. “You’re hiding something from me. Don’t do that.”

“I’m not.” I countered with a bright smile, then changed the topic. “Hey, instead of calling your driver to pick you up, you can drive the Porsche to work.”

Matt scrutinized my features for a few loaded seconds before saying, “Iwillfind out, poppet. Whatever it is you’re keeping secret—”

“I’m not keeping secrets, Matt.” I lied with a straight face. The mistrustful look swimming through Matt’s eyes indicated my poker face wasn’t up to scratch.

“Mmm,” he murmured, standing up and fixing his tie. He looked amazing in suits, giving the outward appearance of a serious-minded businessman until you paid close attention to him. Then you could see it. The leashed-animal magnetism that couldn’t hide behind thousands of pounds of perfect tailoring. Matt vibrated with power—dangerous, wild power. Consuming power. He had consumed me, sucked me into his world, and I knew deep down I had to escape before it was too late. It was already too late.

“What is it?” he asked sternly as his calculating gaze roved my face.

“I’m going to be late, Matt.” I went over to grab my keys and bag from the counter, then plucked the crystal ballet key chain off the hook close to the fridge. “Catch,” I said, tossing them at Matt. He caught it easily, I knew he would.

Still under his watchful gaze, we headed out of the kitchen and out of the house. I locked up, trying my best to keep a bland face. Matt caught my hand in his as we walked down the front path.

“This is almost normal,” he mused.

“Hmm?”

“Us, leaving here together like a normal couple on their way to work.” He flashed me that gorgeous smile of his, and I melted inside. I squeezed his hand, then let go to walk to my car parked across the road.

“Poppet,” Matt called. He was frowning at me. “Where in the bloody hell is my kiss goodbye? My ‘I love you, Matt. Have a nice day?’”

I grinned at him, adjusting the bag over my shoulder and walking back to where he stood with folded arms.

“I love you, Matt,” I whispered, reaching up to press my lips against his. “Have a nice day.”

Matt snaked his arms around me and deepened the kiss until I was breathless and weak in the knees. “Much better, poppet. I love you, too.”

“I need to go,” I murmured, reluctantly pulling away.

“Mhmm.” Matt smiled at the look on my face. “I’ll call you later. Make sure and answer.”

I rolled my eyes and walked over to my car. Matt leaned against the Porsche watching me get in, before making a gesture across his chest to remind me to buckle up. I did and he nodded in satisfaction before opening the door to the SUV.

With a wave after I wound down the window, I turned my key in the ignition to start my car. Nothing happened. I tried again, and all I got was a low spluttering of the engine and a jerking of my car.The hell?

Matt paused, halfway in the Porsche, and called from across the street, “Car troubles?”

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