Page 27 of Lovers' Dance: Vol. 2

“You pay their wages, they’re your employees, poppet. Concerning Grumps, bar the required polite greetings, no, I have not spoken to him.” Matt was serious and I felt even worse for the old man.

“Wait, my flowers,” I turned and grabbed the bouquet. Shit. Dougie. I had completely forgotten about him the moment I spotted Matt. He was right where I had left him, the only difference was the bemused look now plastered on his face. Matt and I continued walking, but I drew us to a stop next to Dougie. It would be rude to do anything else.

“McGregor,” Matt held a hand out.

“Bradley,” Dougie shook his hand.

An uncomfortable silence ensued as each man took his hand back. Or I should say,Ifelt uncomfortable. The two men exchanged cool glances.

“Dougie was just telling me which part of the performance he enjoyed the most, Matt.” I volunteered into the silence.

“Really?” Matt asked politely. “And which part was it?”

“The part where the queen bought it.” I answered for Dougie.

He had a mischievous gleam in his eyes, it looked sly and the little that I knew about the Scotsman had my warning flags going up.

“Mmm, I see,” Matt said dismissively.

“How’s the oil business treating ye, Bradley?” Dougie queried pleasantly and I relaxed. This was what these men talked about, business and money.

“The usual. How about yourself?” Matt’s hand slipped around my waist, then he slowly ran his hand down my hip.

Dougie’s gaze followed the movement. I was too busy trying to fight a mini-orgasm to pay attention to the cold expression now seeping into Matt’s face. Damn. I missed his hands, almost as much as his lips. The things he did with them…

“I cannae complain.” Dougie replied a touch sharply.

I focused on him then and immediately noticed the small frown forming between his eyebrows. A quick sidelong peek at Matt revealed nothing. What was up with Dougie? Crazy ass.

Dougie suddenly beamed at me. “Well, my wee lassie, I’ll take my leave now. Ye were brilliant on stage.” He made a move, leaned in closer then stopped mid-motion. His eyes jerked to Matt before ruefully coming back to me as he straightened up without completing the intended kiss goodbye. “I’ll be seeing ye, aye? No more ignoring my calls.”

“Thanks for the flowers, Dougie.” I said quickly. Shit. Why did he have to bring up the calls? I wondered how much time I had before Matt asked about it.

Dougie stuck out his hand to Matt. “Nice to see ye, Bradley, oh and congratulations on the engagement.”

“Thank you.” Matt gave him a quick shake then regarded me intently while propelling me forward. “You must be starving. Shall we get something to eat before heading home?”

Dougie had been dismissed. I risked a glance over my shoulders to see him standing there, watching us walk away. Oh my God. Matt was cold! If he ever dismissed me like that someone would be getting a smack. And that someone was six feet plus and devastatingly handsome.

“Did you have to be so rude, Matt?” I asked in a low tone while waving at Gloria’s mom. Nice lady.

Matt’s hand slipped onto my ass, squeezing lightly. “I was far from rude, poppet. Mmm, your jeans are tight, I like that.”

I weighed up making a smart-assed retort but wisely refrainedfrom it. If he was distracted by my butt then he might not ask about the missed calls. A murmur of agreement came from me as we approached Dante and some of the others. Before the distance could be closed a man literally jumped out in front of us. Matt turned sideways, partially shielding me with his body.

“Mr Bradley, I’m Tom from Entertainment Live. What were your thoughts on tonight’s performance?”

“Perfectly executed.” Matt replied with a tight smile.

“This is the first time you’ve made an appearance. Was there any particular reason you hadn’t attended before?”

“None at all,” Matt said. “Business matters kept me away.”

“Have you set a date for your wedding?” Freaking Tom from Entertainment Live asked. Salivating at the mouth like the dog he was! I could see the wheels turning behind his eyes, see him hoping for a news worthy scoop.

Matt smiled at him, it was his slick, warning smile. “That is a private matter, Tom.” Matt’s jaw line looked tense. Tom better watch it.

“Ms DuMont, how does it feel knowing you’ve nab one of the most eligible bachelors in the world?”

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