Page 158 of Lovers' Dance

“I need to run through some contracts with you. The Egypt situation is almost sorted, and I need either yours or Adam’s signature on the dotted line. William has left. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be bothering you,” Nathan replied as he caught up to him.

“Send the contracts to Rachel. I’ll get to it by the end of today,” Matt said as he resumed his journey to his office. Nathan fell into step with him.

“Last night was a riot, mate. I still can’t believe Thomas is having to sell off his latest company. Poor chap. We did warn him last year though that that venture was risky as hell.”

Matt shrugged disinterestedly. Now the meeting was over, his thoughts wandered to his dark beauty. Would she be awake? Should he call to wish her happy birthday? He missed her, desperately missed her.

“Did you hear what I said, Matt?” Nathan groused.

Matt stopped and cast a weary glance at his friend. “What is it, Nathan? I’ve got a busy day, as do you. The meeting with the energy minister is later today, and I need to go over some reports.”

Nathan scowled at him, blonde eyebrows pulled tight. “I said, Bella’s meeting me for lunch and I need you to come along.”

Matt leaned back, an expression of confusion on his face. “What for? Being gooseberry is not a game I like playing.”

Nathan rubbed a hand over his jaw. “Mate, I need you there. She wants to talk about the wedding and I’ve reached my limit. It’s all she’s been talking about the past few weeks. I’m having dreams about floral and seating arrangements. Cold sweats about bridesmaids’ dresses…dresses, Matt, I’m dreaming about dresses. You’re coming with me.”

Matt had to chuckle. “And how is my presence going to stop wedding talk? You know what Bella’s like, Nathan.”

Nathan shook his head, a resigned look on his face. “I know, that’s why you’re coming to lunch. A true friend would give moral support, plus you owe me for keeping that fiasco in Dubai five years ago out of the papers.”

Matt’s mouth hung open for a few seconds. “Bastard. I knew you would call in the marker. Right. You must be desperate to bring that up.”

“I am,” Nathan said with a pitiful expression. “She wants me to invite her father to the bachelor’s party. We haven’t had an engagement party yet, and she’s already organizing my bachelor’s party.”

Matt chuckled again. Nathan did look like a man facing the gallows. “All right then. I’ll join you, but you’re paying for my meal.”

“Agreed,” Nathan said quickly, as if fearing Matt might change his mind. “We leave in half an hour.”

Matt shook his head and walked away. He normally worked through his lunches. This unexpected break in his day would mean leaving later tonight. In the seclusion of his office, he tried to get as much work done before Nathan strode in, waving away Rachel’s tart reprimands about respecting her boss’s privacy.

“Car’s downstairs, Matt. Let’s go,” Nathan said impatiently.

Matt scoffed at his friend as he stood up and pulled on the jacket he’d discarded upon entering his office. “I’d advise you to be a touch more humble, mate. I’m doing you a favour.”

Nathan grinned as he tried to affect a submissive demeanour. “But of course, Mr Bradley. You’re right, Mr Bradley. So sorry, Mr Bradley.”

Matt shook his head and muttered “twat” under his breath. They walked out of his office and, soon enough, were ensconced in Nathan’s car on their way to Galvin at Windows.

“So,” Nathan drawled out, eyeing Matt as he hit midday traffic. “How is the ever lovely Ms DuMont?”

Matt had his mobile in hand, deliberating whether to call her. “Fine.”

“It’s her birthday today, isn’t it?” Nathan asked.

“Yes,” Matt replied.

“I’m surprised you haven’t taken the day off. Going off your current behaviour, I thought you’d want to spend it with her.”

“Mmm.”

Nathan hid a grimace. “Shame she couldn’t make the party last night.”

“Yes.”

“Matt, if you’ve lost the ability to converse properly, you’re not going to be of any help to me over lunch.”

Matt sent him a distracted smile. “Don’t worry, Nathan. I take my responsibilities as third wheel seriously.”

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