“I chose you for a reason, Kara. You’re just the kind of woman I’m after.”

“And what kind of woman is that?”

Matt placed his fingertips together, leaned his elbows on the table and stared directly into her eyes. “Smart, independent, with no romantic illusions. You’re the perfect choice for me.”

Confusion whirled through her mind. “I don’t get it.”

“I’m looking for a business arrangement. Nothing more. You will appear as my steady girlfriend for the next six months, till I secure a partnership in Dad’s firm. That’s it.”

Nicola Marsh says, “As a girl, I dreamed of being a journalist and traveling the world in search of the next big story. Luckily, I have had the opportunity to travel the world, but my dream to write has never been far from my mind. When I met my own tall, dark and handsome hero, and learned that romance is everything it’s cracked up to be, I finally took the plunge and put pen to paper. I live in the southeastern suburbs of Melbourne with my husband and a baby. When I’m not writing, I work as a physiotherapist for a vocational rehabilitation company, helping people with disabilities return to the workforce. I also love sharing fine food and wine with friends and family, going to the movies and, my favorite, curling up in front of the fire with a good book.”

This is Nicola’s first book!

The Tycoon’s Dating Deal
Nicola Marsh

www.millsandboon.co.uk

To Mum and Dad, for a lifetime of love, and to Martin, for believing in me and our dream

CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

EPILOGUE

CHAPTER ONE

‘YOU want me to do what?’

Kara Roberts stared at her best friend in disbelief. As much as she loved Sally, this time she had gone too far.

‘Please, Kara. Pretty please. You know my butt’s on the line, not to mention my business,’ Sally cajoled, a hint of fear in her eyes.

Kara knew she was beaten. She had never seen Sally so desperate. The agency must be in more trouble than the older woman had let on.

Flopping into a nearby chair, Kara folded her arms and leaned back. ‘OK, I’ll do it. Though just this once. You owe me big time, Sal. Real big.’

Sally flew across the room, her greying curls bouncing around her chubby face, and enveloped her in a bear hug.

‘Thanks, sweetie. You’re one in a million.’

Tears glittered in Sally’s brown eyes as she pulled away. Kara’s heart swelled with love for the amazing woman who had taken her in, without question, following her parents’ death. She’d been twelve years old when the two most important people in her life had died in a car accident. Sally, her mum’s best friend, had stepped in and offered her a home. Not just a home. She had supported, encouraged and loved her throughout the difficult teenage years and beyond.

This one favour for Sally, tricky as it may be, would be small repayment for years of love and friendship.

‘OK, now that my neck is on the line, what do I do?’

Sally shuffled through the mountain of paperwork on her desk. ‘Here. Fill these out for a start. This has to be legit, so complete every form and sign on the dotted line.’

Kara took the stack of forms and leafed through them, seeing but not quite believing what she was reading. ‘You’ve got to be kidding, Sal. Eye colour of desired partner? Most romantic dinner? Most erotic place to be kissed? Where do you get this stuff?’

Sally crossed her arms, puffed out her cheeks and slowly exhaled. ‘I need that info to process your data into the computer. You know that. You’ve laughed about it for years, not to mention seen how it works. Why the cold feet now?’

Kara chuckled. ‘I’ve laughed about it when these ridiculous questions are applied to other people. Now that I’m under the microscope, it’s not so funny. Besides, can’t I just skip this part and get the dating over and done with?’

Sally shook her head. ‘If I’m to win the award for Sydney’s Dating Agency of the Year, I need you to complete everything. Your application will be processed with the rest of the applicants. Kara, I wouldn’t ask you to do this if I weren’t desperate. When Maggie pulled out this morning, I was floundering. All you need to do is attend the speed-dating dinner tonight.’

‘Hah! Easy for you to say. What if someone I know sees me? They’ll think I’m some kind of desperado.’

Hurt flickered in Sally’s eyes. Matchmaker meant the world to her. Her own business was precious, so why should Sally’s be any different?

‘Like the rest of my clients, you mean?’ Sally asked.

‘Sorry, Sal. I’m just not used to all this. I prefer to get my dates the usual way.’

Sally’s eyebrows shot heavenward. ‘Which way is that? You haven’t had a date in over a year!’

How the truth hurt. She’d steered clear of men over the last twelve months, tired of their game-playing. Most of her dates were only after one thing and she was sick of the whole scene.

‘That’s a bit harsh. I’ve had plenty of dates in the last few years.’ She ignored the empty feeling that arose whenever the subject of men entered a conversation. Only one man had ever made her feel special and he was gone. Long gone.

‘Sure you have, sweetie, which is why you spend most of your free time with an old chook like me.’

‘You, old? Sure, there may be a few greys sprinkled in your hair and a couple of laughter-lines around your eyes, but old? Is that why you prefer to screen the male candidates personally? You forget, I’ve seen the way you glow after a session with some of your hunky applicants.’

Her teasing fell on deaf ears as Sally rustled the papers in front of her, suddenly businesslike.

‘Thanks for the confidence boost. You forgot to mention the extra forty pounds I’m carrying at the moment. Anyway, enough small talk. Complete these forms, missy, as I need to process them immediately. Then I think you’d better head home and get ready. I’ve got one last male to meet today and then tonight is all set. Once I’ve matched my thousandth couple, the DATY award has to be mine.’

Kara barely glanced at the forms, her stomach churning at the worried look on Sally’s face.

‘Is the agency in that much trouble, Sal?’

Though her own funds were limited since Inner Sanctum, her interior-design business, had drained most of her money, she would take a loan if needed to help Sally.

‘If I don’t win the DATY, Matchmaker will have to shut up shop. The prize money would go a long way to updating the computer system and the prestige will put this agency on the map.’ Sally sighed. ‘So yeah, you could say I’m in trouble.’

‘But how?’ Kara probed, knowing she wouldn’t like the answer. Guilt consumed her, increasing the tumultuous turning of her gut. In fact, she had a fair idea of what Sally was about to say.

‘I’ve never been a rich woman, darling, you know that. I put everything into making a home for us, with my investments providing the money to start up this.’ She threw her arms wide, indicating the office that served as Matchmaker’s headquarters. ‘I guess I didn’t do my sums right.’

Kara knew there was more to it than that. What Sally hadn’t mentioned was the amount of money she had loaned her to start Inner Sanctum.

Unable to ignore the overwhelming guilt any longer, she picked up the pen lying on Sally’s desk and started filling out forms.

‘If I can do anything else apart from this, Sal, you let me know.’

‘Just keep writing, love, and I’ll take care of the rest.’

Within minutes, Kara had completed the forms. In several hours she would be having drinks with a bunch of strangers with the aim of finding a ‘suitable’ partner. If it weren’t for the fact that Sally was desperate, she would tear up her application on the spot.

She’d been looking forward to going home, slipping into a hot bath and listening to the soothing sounds of her favourite soul singer. Today hadn’t been one of her better days. The Smithsons, who owned half of exclusive Double Bay, had been pestering her to redesign their conservatory. Unfortunately, she’d had to endure the wailing violin practice from their prodigy granddaughter for the entire two hours that it took to discuss the plans.

Sally’s call on her mobile phone had been welcome. Momentarily. In fact, in choosing between an evening of speed dating and spending another few hours with the screeching violin, Kara was wavering towards the violin.

‘So I’ll see you tonight?’

Kara sighed. ‘Yeah, I suppose.’

Sally laughed. ‘You’ve got that look. You know, the one you always had when I dragged you off to the dentist.’

‘You’re not far off the mark, Sal. The way I’m feeling at the moment, I think I’d rather have a tooth pulled.’

Sally patted her cheek, love radiating from her brown eyes. ‘Why don’t you head home and relax? The evening will be over before you know it.’

‘Mmm,’ she mumbled, already preoccupied with thoughts of making idle chit-chat with a bunch of strange men.

Shutting the door to Sally’s inner office, she glanced around the reception area with pride. Not bad for a novice, she thought, considering the office had been one of her early projects. She loved her job, particularly the artistic licence of combining colours, shapes and dimensions in an imaginative free-for-all. A pity her customers didn’t think the same; after a busy few months when she first opened, business had slowed to a crawl. Sal wasn’t the only one who desperately needed money. Kara needed a cash injection—and fast.

As she reached for the outer door, it was flung open, almost knocking her sideways.

‘Sorry. Are you OK?’

No, I’m not. She stared into the face of the last man she’d expected to see. Entering a dating agency, no less!

‘Kara? What a surprise.’

Matthew Byrne’s strong arms enveloped her in a vice-like hug. All the old feelings rushed back: longing and desire for the man, inadequacy at being the woman he didn’t want. She hadn’t mastered her emotions one iota. He still had the power to reduce her to a blathering idiot. Not that she would let him know.

‘Hi, Matt. Good to see you.’ She almost choked on the words as she eased from his embrace. Her head was spinning, her pulse racing. He’d probably restricted her oxygen supply, he’d hugged her so tight.

‘Look at you, all grown up.’

As his gaze raked over her body, goosebumps peppered her skin. His stare lingered on her breasts a second too long before returning to her face.

She crossed her arms over her chest, trying to look casual yet knowing she failed miserably.

To her chagrin, he grinned, the same devilish smile that had haunted her dreams for years. He had seen her reaction and was probably loving every minute of it.

Lifting her chin, she glared at him.

‘Yeah, that tends to happen to little girls.’

She wondered if he remembered those painful words he’d uttered on the night of her eighteenth birthday. The night he’d broken her heart.

A flicker of awareness leaped in the azure depths of his eyes before he masked it.

‘Well, you’re far from little any more. You look gorgeous. It’s a shame we haven’t stayed in touch over the years.’

Kara could drown in the endless blue of his eyes. She’d never seen a colour like them, that potent mix of violet and sapphire, with the barest hint of emerald. A corny way to describe them, yet nothing but flowery language could come close to describing their brilliance. Purple, blue and green would be far too ordinary for the likes of Matt Byrne’s eyes.

Her skin warmed as a slow blush crept into her cheeks. She could guess what it would have been like to ‘keep in touch’, Matt-style. His hands lightly caressing every inch of her skin, his lips trailing over her body, exploring her most intimate secrets.

As if sensing her thoughts, he reached towards her and cupped her cheek.

‘You look adorable, blushing like that. Still the same old Kara, huh?’

His low, husky voice rasped across her nerve endings. She yearned to lean into his hand, to feel the comfort that only he could give.

Instead, she remembered the crushing kiss, frantic hands and then the powerful rejection that had lasted a lifetime. Matt Byrne had pushed her away in the cruellest way possible, belittling her to the point where she couldn’t speak to him again.

Now here he was, sauntering into her life like a superhero and acting the part: flexed muscles, broad chest, chiselled face, killer smile. All he needed was the cape and his underwear on the outside of his designer suit and the picture would be complete.

She laughed. The underwear image did it. Once lodged in her brain, she couldn’t stop thinking about it.

‘What’s so funny?’ Matt’s hundred-watt smile faltered.

‘Sorry. Just old memories. You know how it is.’ She wiped the tears from her eyes, hoping that her mascara hadn’t smudged.

‘I didn’t think our memories were that funny.’ He rubbed her upper arms, running his hands under the sleeves of her T-shirt. It was an intimate caress, one that frightened her with its power to arouse.

She pulled back before she did something really stupid, like stand there helpless and let him kiss her. Which was what he looked like doing, though she couldn’t fathom why.

‘All ancient history. I hear you’ve moved on to bigger and better things. Your life as the corporate-lawyer-cum-playboy must be filled with more excitement than old memories.’

His eyes narrowed, some of the light vanishing. ‘Don’t believe everything you read. The media thrive on gossip to sell their print.’

‘Well, you must have shares, because your reported behaviour could sell a million copies alone.’

She sounded catty but couldn’t help the annoyance at some of his antics, if the newspapers were correct.

Matt featured in the gossip columns on a weekly basis, an endless supply of beautiful, silicone-enhanced women draped over his arm. And other parts, no doubt. His reputation as a playboy was plastered all over the Sydney papers. She’d had a lucky escape. So why did she always screw up the newspaper in a tight ball and fling it across the room every time Matt Byrne and his latest acquisition were mentioned?

‘Speaking of reputations, what are you doing here? You’re the last man I’d expect to see waltzing into a dating agency. Problem with your charm?’

Though her teasing was light-hearted, she noticed his smile waned. Matt wasn’t as cool as he pretended. She had struck a nerve.

His laugh sounded forced. ‘Nothing wrong with my charm, Kara. You should know that.’

She could hardly disagree when he was standing right in front of her, resurrecting provocative memories that she’d successfully suppressed. Until now. ‘So, why are you here?’

His reply was short, sharp and ominous. ‘Business.’ Damn, Sally must be in more trouble than she thought if lawyers were already on her tail.

‘Go easy on her, won’t you?’ she said, wishing once again there was something else she could do for Sally.

She didn’t understand the look that flashed across his face momentarily. His face was an intriguing combination of angles: smooth yet hard, straight yet curved. A faint stubble darkened his jaw, typical of his end-of-day growth. Lord, she’d give anything to feel that stubble rubbed along any part of her body. Or all of it for that matter!

‘Kara? Are you OK? You look kind of flushed.’

Wrenching her attention back to the present, Kara knew she had to escape. Now. He still held a strange, hypnotic power over her. She’d always been prone to fantasies around him and it looked as though nothing had changed. In nine long years she hadn’t mastered her feelings where he was concerned. The knowledge was scary.

The years and countless dates since had done little to erase the image of this man from her mind. He was imprinted on her mind and soul, seemingly forever.

Definitely scary.

Given the fight or flight option, she chose the latter.

‘Yes, I’m fine, Matt. Great seeing you again. Hope whatever you’re here for works out.’

She hesitated, memorising every detail of his face.

Old habits die hard.

‘Thanks; nice seeing you too. Perhaps we’ll catch up for a drink one day soon?’

She ignored her thudding heart. ‘I don’t think so. Thanks anyway. Bye.’

She rushed out the door before he could respond.

Don’t look back. He’ll think you’re still hung up on him.

She’d never been any good at listening to reason and risked a quick glance over her shoulder. He stared at her through the window. Funnily enough, he stood directly under the sign ‘Matchmaker’, which was emblazoned on the glass in red lettering. No chance of that ever happening. Matt Byrne, playboy extraordinaire, finding his perfect match and settling down? Not a hope in hell.

Matt stared at Kara’s back and tried to ignore the erotic images that filtered through his brain. She’d grown up. And then some. The statuesque strawberry blonde was all hot curves and big green eyes now. Not to mention everything else. Wow!

He was used to beautiful women. His world was inundated with them. Intelligent, gorgeous women who were more than eager to spend some time with him: lawyers, accountants, stockbrokers. The list was endless. However, none had captured his attention in a long time. Until Kara. She was a stunner, from her cat-like eyes to her shiny, reddish-blonde hair that hung in a sleek curtain down her back.

She’d been a nice-looking kid who had blossomed around the age of sixteen. He still remembered their endless talks, the sharing of confidences, the easy friendship…then Kara had grown up. Almost overnight his hormones had shifted into overdrive and all he could think of every waking moment, and most dreaming ones too, was Kara.

He’d wanted her with a fierceness that had scared him. He should have known better, being older, wiser, like a big brother to her. Even now, years later, he couldn’t forget the innocent passion of her kiss as she had flung herself at him on her eighteenth birthday. For one brief moment Matt had lost himself, all his fantasies come true, until he realised who he was kissing. He’d overreacted, pushing her away with an icy, verbal barrage that would have doused the hottest flames.

After all, he hadn’t wanted history repeating itself. One cradle-snatching Byrne in the family was enough and look how that had turned out. He could kill his dad sometimes, he really could.

He’d done the only decent thing possible and avoided Kara like the plague. Until today. Damn, he still had it bad. She was hotter than hot. He thought she’d shown some interest in return, then she’d bolted.

No harm in catching up over drinks, surely?

Yeah, right. She probably remembered the way he’d treated her all those years ago. No wonder she wouldn’t have a drink with him.

And why the hell had she been in a dating agency? A woman like her wouldn’t be single for long. What he wouldn’t give to spend some time alone with her now.

Thrusting away his wayward thoughts, he rang the bell on the front counter.

‘Be with you in a minute,’ a voice shouted from the back office.

Matt glanced around, the ever-observant lawyer in him coming to the fore. The office was perfectly coordinated in black and chrome with the occasional splash of red to brighten it. No tacky hearts plastering the walls of this dating agency, just trendy stencilled prints by some artist he hadn’t heard of. Not that he was an expert on dating agencies. This was the first he had been to and he hoped to God it would be the last.

‘Sorry to keep you waiting.’

He turned, thinking the woman’s voice sounded strangely familiar.

‘Sally? Damn, this day just gets stranger and stranger. First Kara and now you.’

The older woman hugged him. ‘Great to see you, Matt. You’re as handsome as ever.’

She picked at imaginary loose threads on his suit jacket, bringing back treasured memories of his first ball, when Sally had stood proudly on his parent’s doorstep and waved him off as if he were her child. In fact, she’d been more of a parent to him than his own father.

‘You’re looking great too, Sally.’ He smiled, watching her already ruddy cheeks blush.

‘Get away with you!’ She slapped his arm playfully. ‘So what brings you to Matchmaker? I wouldn’t think you’d need much help in that department.’

‘You run this agency?’

Relief washed over him. If Sally ran the agency, Kara had been visiting her surrogate mum rather than organising a date.

She nodded. ‘Sure do. Opened it a few years ago, once Kara moved out and started her own business. I’d always had a smidgeon of an idea that I’d like to bring joy to lonely people, so after watching too much Oprah and reading too many romance novels, I decided to take the plunge.’

‘That’s great.’ He thought about asking Sally about Kara’s business but knew it was too obvious. Besides, he had plenty of time to do that. ‘I need your help.’

‘Come in, take a seat and tell old Sal all about it.’

He followed her into a small but equally appealing office. The tones were similar to the outer office, but lighter, giving the room an appearance of more space.

‘So, handsome? Spill the beans.’

He leaned back in the comfortable chair and crossed his legs at the ankles.

‘I need a change of image. My father thinks that my reputation is detrimental to the company.’

‘Yeah, I see your antics plastered over the newspapers on a regular basis. You’re quite the ladies’ man.’

He shook his head. ‘Don’t believe everything you read. My life isn’t half as exciting as the journalists make out. Anyway, Dad says I won’t get a look-in at a partnership till my behaviour improves.’

He ran his hand through his hair, a habit he’d tried to conquer but failed, except in the courtroom.

‘You know Dad. Byrne and Associates is his baby. I haven’t a hope in Hades of making partner until I show “a more responsible attitude in my personal life”, end of quote.’

Sally sighed. ‘I was your dad’s neighbour for a long time. He’s very proud of you. Aren’t you putting undue pressure on yourself here? He loves you, regardless of whether you make partner or not.’

Love? His father didn’t know the meaning of the word. He straightened the knife-edge crease on his trousers. ‘I need to prove to everyone at the firm that I’m a damn good lawyer who isn’t just hanging onto Daddy’s coat-tails. I want that partnership, the sooner the better.’

His blood pressure soared whenever he thought about the endless innuendos at the firm about his rising status in the company. He was a first-rate lawyer without the help of his father. Not that his dad had offered any.

‘So, how can I help?’

This was the tricky part. Matt was embarrassed at having to admit that he’d already dated most of the women in his circle and beyond, and had found them lacking.

‘Like I said, I need a change of image. I need to meet a woman, quickly, who is attuned to my way of thinking. I had a business arrangement in mind, where she would appear as my steady girlfriend for corporate events and the like. In return, she could name her price.’

Sally winced. ‘Ouch! You make it sound so cold and calculating. I’m in the romance business, not in dating contracts. Besides, aren’t you deceiving your father into offering you a partnership? Isn’t there another way?’

He shook his head. ‘I’ve done my research. Speed dating is the quickest and easiest way to meet a woman who matches my needs. I know the service is confidential so Dad won’t find out. Besides, who is he to judge? Look at his personal life.’

‘I still think it isn’t right, you not telling your dad.’

Sally had always stuck up for his dad, though he couldn’t for the life of him work out why. Jeff Byrne had been a cold-hearted father at times but Sally defended him, saying it was hard being a parent. Problem was, his dad wouldn’t know the first thing about being a parent, full stop.

‘I want to do this, Sally. ASAP.’

There, he’d laid his cards on the table and she hadn’t laughed at him.

A mischievous gleam shone from Sally’s dark eyes. ‘OK, enough of my lectures. Just fill out these forms and I’ll lodge your data into the computer in a jiffy. After that, it’s all systems go. You just turn up at the Blue Lounge tonight at eight and I’ll be there to explain how everything works. Any questions?’

He wondered what the funny look on Sal’s face was about. However, he’d come this far and decided to push his luck.

‘Yeah, I have one. How can I contact Kara?’

Sally laughed and waggled a plump finger at him.

‘That’s all taken care of, my boy, and it’s going to be sooner than you think.’

CHAPTER TWO

KARA strode into the Blue Lounge just before eight. A stickler for punctuality, she had deliberately driven a few laps around the block to kill time, not wanting to appear too eager. Thank goodness she was only doing this to help Sal and was not emotionally involved, unlike the rest of the patrons who were here to find their one true love. As far as she was concerned, she would do her duty, head home and leave the romance stuff to the lovelorn.

She scanned the dimly lit room, noting the intimate tables for two scattered around the perimeter. Her pulse quickened in apprehension at the thought of spending seven minutes with seven different men tonight. The tables were small enough to create a cosy ambience for their occupants. Rather than feigning indifference, she would be forced to make polite small talk before making a quick exit. Damn, she was anxious and hoped it didn’t show.

She’d dressed to kill tonight: little black dress, silky stockings, strappy sequinned sandals and matching handbag. With just a hint of make-up to emphasise her eyes and lips and her hair twisted in a stylish chignon, Kara knew she could pass any test. Pity the image hid a quivering mess of nerves inside.

She spotted Sally as soon as she sat down and smiled as Sally squeezed through the tables, beaming and waving at everyone like the Queen. Sally was a regular here, using this venue for her weekly gatherings.

‘Hi, sweetie. You look sensational!’

Kara shrugged. ‘What? This old thing?’

‘I know you, my dear. Glam outfit and make-up, too? Your nerves must be working overtime!’

‘Whatever gave you that idea?’

They laughed in unison. Sally knew Kara preferred understated elegance rather than knock ’em dead outfits, so it was obvious she was nervous as hell.

‘Never mind. You won’t have time to be worried once the action starts. Now, you remember the rules?’

‘Sal, don’t fuss. I’ve known the rules for years. Who else listened to your ramblings about the agency, huh?’

Sally tweaked her nose, a toothy grin on her face. ‘You encouraged me into this venture and don’t you forget it.’

‘Ow!’ Kara rubbed her nose in mock pain. ‘That was before I knew you’d turn your matchmaking skills on to me. Who knows what losers I’ll end up wasting my time with tonight?’

Sally’s grin widened. ‘Oh, I wouldn’t be too concerned if I were you. My computer has a happy knack of delivering just what a woman wants. It has a great track record, eight marriages in two years. Who knows, you might meet the man of your dreams? Then you’ll be thanking old Sal rather than berating her.’

‘Come off it. I don’t need a man. I’ve got my business to run. I don’t have time for anything or anyone else right now. And as for finding the man of my dreams, I’d have a better chance of winning the lottery.’

Sally’s dark eyes twinkled. ‘Oh, well, don’t say I didn’t warn you. Regardless of what happens tonight, thanks for helping me out, dear.’

Kara felt a twinge of guilt. The least she could do was act enthused. After all, the agency was Sal’s pride and joy. If anyone could understand, she should. Her own business was floundering and she would do anything to save it.

She hugged the older woman. ‘Everything will be fine, Sal. You’ll match your thousandth couple tonight and the agency will kick on for the next ten years. Just mark my words. I’m glad I could help. What else are daughters for?’

Sally touched her cheek and sashayed away, her ample bottom draped in gold crêpe.

Kara missed her parents, though the agonising pain of loss had dulled with time. Sally had seen to that, smothering her with love and attention, enveloping her in warmth and security. However, she would never forget those endless, empty nights, when she’d cried herself to sleep.

Matt had been supportive too. He’d listened to her tales of woe, teasing her, helping her with her homework. She’d been devastated when he’d left for university, only seeing him during the holidays.

However, when he returned home on holiday that first year, something had changed. Their open relationship became fraught with a tangible tension. She knew it had been her fault, as she’d developed a huge crush on Matt around this time. She’d tried to hide it but he obviously knew, because he’d treated her with kid gloves that summer and beyond. No more playful tickles or impulsive hugs. The object of her affection had kept his distance, driving her insane in the process.

Kara had followed suit until her eighteenth birthday. The memory of his rejection still turned her stomach. Yet today, when he’d appeared out of the blue, she’d almost swooned. No accounting for hormones.

‘Excuse me. Is this seat taken?’ A deep voice intruded on her memories.

‘Actually, I’m waiting for…’ Kara stared, momentarily speechless.

‘This must be my lucky day. Seeing you twice in the space of a few hours…What are the odds of that happening?’

She looked at Matt’s striking face, drinking in every detail: the laughter-lines at the outer corners of his eyes, the creases around his mouth, the dark shadow of stubble along his jaw line. Lord, he looked good. Her heart galloped, desire snaking through her body.

She clenched her hands under the table, willing her mind and mouth to work in synchronisation. ‘I don’t know, Matt. You tell me—you’re the gambling man…if your reported jaunts to Randwick Racecourse are anything to go by.’

He smiled, appearing undaunted by her jibe. ‘Odds of a million to one, I’d say, but then we were always drawn together. By the way, nice to know you’ve kept such a close eye on me via the newspapers. Miss me?’

She didn’t have a chance to answer. To her amazement, he sat down, folding his long legs under the poky table. In doing so, their knees brushed, sending shock waves shooting up her legs.

‘Why don’t we have that drink I mentioned this afternoon?’ He leaned towards her, creating an intimacy that drew her like a magnet.

‘As I recall, I said no to your offer.’

His hypnotic stare bored right through to her soul.

‘I know you didn’t mean it. Anyway, let’s just call this fate. We were destined to meet again and, now that we’re both here, what’s the harm in two old friends sharing a drink?’

Kara was lost in the liquid blue pools of his eyes, helpless to resist. She’d always been like this around him. Floundering. Lost. Yearning.

‘Um, I’m actually meeting some people here shortly. Why don’t we have that drink some other time?’

She had to fob him off before he discovered the real reason she was here and agreeing to a drink with him was a small price to pay.

‘Actually, I’m one of those people you’re waiting for.’ He grinned, his confident smile revealing a row of even teeth that gleamed unnaturally white in the fluorescent lighting of the bar.

His answer floored her as realisation dawned. Matt, entering the agency this afternoon, Sal saying she had one more male applicant to screen, the coincidental meeting at the bar tonight. No way! He’d been at Sal’s on other business, surely?

‘You’re kidding? The great Matt Byrne, all-round party guy, can’t get a date? Tell me the real reason you’re here. Did Sal put you up to this?’ She tried to keep the sarcasm out of her voice and failed.

He crossed his arms and leaned back, looking every inch the cool lawyer under interrogation. ‘Don’t be ridiculous. I found Sal’s agency by chance. As for my being here tonight, I signed up this afternoon. I don’t owe you any explanations, Kara. My life isn’t an open book, so don’t jump to conclusions.’

She persisted. ‘But a dating agency? Why would a guy like you need help in getting a date?’

The words were out before she could think. Damn, now she would have to justify what she meant.

‘A guy like me?’ His voice dropped low, as tingles of excitement skittered down her spine.

‘You know. Successful. Rich.’ She glanced away, unable to match his stare.

‘You forgot good-looking,’ he teased.

Her cheeks warmed as she was forced to admit to the understatement of the year. ‘Yeah, that too. So, what’s your story?’ She kept her tone flippant, hoping he was fooled. By the smug expression on his face, he wasn’t.

‘Not so fast. How about we enjoy our seven minutes together and if you want to know more, you’ll have to choose me as your prospective date?’

She laughed. ‘You’re some piece of work! Blackmail will get you nowhere.’

He leaned forward. ‘How about flattery? Will that get me anywhere?’

Suddenly eager to match wits with this intoxicating man, she batted her mascaraed eyelashes. ‘You’ll just have to try it and find out.’

His lips curved in a slow, seductive smile that melted any lingering resistance. ‘You’ve got a deal.’

She leaned back and crossed her legs, giving Matt a tantalising glimpse of sheer stockings. He yearned to stroke every inch of her smooth flesh, caressing till she begged for more. Ever since he’d walked into the room, he could barely keep his eyes off her. Now he just had to convince his hands to do the same.

‘So, do you know how tonight works?’

Even her rich voice seemed laden with sexy promise. He would have a hard time concentrating on anything she said over the next seven minutes if his thoughts persisted down this track. With an effort, he wrenched them back to the present.

‘Yeah, Sally explained the routine to me. I spend seven minutes with seven gorgeous women, then choose my perfect match at the end. No laborious blind dates, no wasted small talk, no mindless chatter over dinners that seem to last an eternity. Just the way I wanted it.’

Kara glared at him. ‘There’s something you’re not telling me. From all reports, you love dating. The more the merrier seems to be your motto. So why resort to this? I thought you were the type of guy who loves the thrill of the chase.’

‘Sure, I love the chase as much as the next guy, but my priorities are changing.’

He hoped the answer would satisfy her. He wasn’t ready to tell her the truth. He could barely face it himself.

She held her hands up in apparent surrender. He watched the long, elegant tapering of her fingers, imagining them stroking his body. Sitting here trying to look cool was becoming more difficult by the minute.

‘Fine, whatever you say, Matt, though I still think you’re up to something.’ She laughed, a sweet, tinkling sound that revived memories of hot summer afternoons when they’d shared confidences and dreams. ‘I’m looking forward to dragging your secrets from you, whether you like it or not.’

He reached across the table and captured her hand in his, sliding his thumb around her palm. ‘I’m much more open to cajoling. Care to try?’

Kara swallowed, desperate to ease the sudden dryness in her throat. Matt’s thumb created havoc with her senses, its swirling, concentric circles sending waves of pleasure through her body. She savoured his caress, all logic driven from her mind.

As she stared into his eyes, her stomach somersaulted. She wanted him. More than she had ever wanted anything in her life. Thank goodness tonight was a one-off. Matt Byrne was dangerous. In one day, he’d managed to revive feelings that she’d buried for years. He was far too much man for her to handle. Unfortunately, the thought of handling him conjured up more vivid images, flashing across her mind in an erotic kaleidoscope.

She pulled her hand away, needing to re-establish boundaries between them.

‘I’m not here to cajole anything out of you. You’ll tell me what’s bugging you eventually. If not, I don’t give a damn. Our friendship ended a long time ago, so why don’t we get on with tonight’s business and go our separate ways?’

He leaned back, crossed his arms and fixed her with a glare, leaving her feeling like a bug under a microscope. ‘What makes you think that tonight will be the end of it?’

He smiled. Damn, she’d always had a hard time resisting that grin. She schooled her face into what she hoped was a mask of indifference. ‘I’m not the one who quit our friendship, Matt. As I recall, it was all your decision when you pushed me away.’

The memory of his rejection still rankled. Pain like that lasted a lifetime. He’d been her first love. Her only love, if she was completely honest. And here he was after all this time, pretending that nothing had happened. She wouldn’t make it easy for him.

‘Can’t we let bygones be bygones and move forward? Besides, you were just a kid back then. What did you expect me to do?’

To her annoyance, tears welled in her eyes. Tears of anger, shame and unmistakable regret.

‘A kid? I was eighteen. Old enough to know what I wanted. Not that you cared. Apparently I was a pain in the ass, a little girl clinging to you, playing at being a vamp, with a hell of a lot of growing up to do. Do those words ring any bells?’ She blinked furiously, wishing the tears away.

He ran his hand through his hair, a tell-tale sign he was rattled.

‘I’m sorry, Kara. I’d just finished law school and was doing my articles. I had a lot on my mind and didn’t need the attentions of a schoolgirl, hell-bent on experimentation…’ He trailed off as she leaped to her feet.

‘Who the hell do you think you are? I wasn’t experimenting, I was in—’

‘Hey, you two. We’re about to start. What’s with the fireworks?’ Sally materialised at their table, hands on hips, a frown marring her forehead.

‘Sal, I need to talk to you.’ Kara grabbed her arm and dragged Sally away from the table.

‘I can’t do this,’ she hissed. ‘Matt is driving me insane. You can’t expect me to spend another second with him, let alone the next seven minutes.’

Sally smiled, her calmness doing little to soothe Kara’s frazzled nerves. ‘Calm down, dear. I know tonight is an ordeal for you. Just do it for me. Please?’

Kara took a deep breath and exhaled. There was no way she could resist the beseeching look in Sal’s eyes.

‘OK. I’ll do this for you. But I swear, as soon as I’ve spoken to the last moronic man, I’m out of here!’

‘That’s my girl. Now, take a seat, smile at Matt, make small talk and the torture will be over before you know it.’

Kara turned to face Matt. He hadn’t moved an inch, and by the amused look on his face he’d heard every word of their conversation.

‘All sorted out?’ he enquired softly.

‘Mmm,’ she mumbled. ‘We’re about to get started. Good luck, Matt. I hope you find what, or should I say who, you’re looking for tonight.’

‘What if I’ve already found her?’

‘I’d say good luck to her. She’s going to need it. Thank goodness we’ve established I’m not your type.’

A hint of uncertainty flickered in his eyes. ‘Lucky, huh? Who knows what would’ve happened if I hadn’t pushed you away all those years ago?’

Kara had a fair idea and she didn’t feel lucky at all.

About an hour later, the ordeal was over. She could hardly remember speaking to the various men as only one man’s words echoed in her mind. Matt had held her enthralled for their seven minutes together, flirting with the practice of a man seasoned to the art.

Sure, she’d resisted. However, it had been like holding back a flood with a few sandbags. No chance. Despite their earlier confrontation, all accusations had been put aside as he’d focused his attention solely and squarely on her.

No woman could resist Matt Byrne at his best: flashing smile, mesmerising eyes, animated conversation. He’d drawn her in like a spider coaxed a fly into its web. Trapping her, whether she liked it or not. Seven minutes had passed in an instant. That was his power. He could make time seem insignificant, his voice wrapping its seductive tones around her, holding her spellbound.

The rest of the men had paled in comparison. She couldn’t recall one word of the other conversations, though each man had been polite and a good conversationalist. Kara knew that her poor recollection had everything to do with her wandering attention as she’d watched Matt ensnare the other women with his charm.

A tight coil of tension had wound deep in her belly as she watched each and every woman fall under his spell. Who could blame them? She’d done the same thing, despite her vow of playing it cool. Who would be the lucky lady? she wondered. Her bets were on the busty brunette who had hung on his every word, patting him on the arm at regular intervals.

Kara had wanted to tear her eyes out. The brunette was just his type, all silicone 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. Men were so predictable.

Kara 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 would 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 thousandth 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 signs of Matt. He was deep in conversation with the brunette. Still. Hadn’t anyone told them that 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. Seeing him matched with a dark version of Pamela Anderson would be too much.

‘Can I have your attention, ladies and gentlemen? Matchmaker has successfully matched nine hundred and ninety-nine couples over the last few years. Speed dating is the exciting, quick, non-pressured way to meet singles with similar interests, 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 thousandth 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 that Matt would be the man chosen tonight.

‘Would Matt Byrne and Kara Roberts please come up here?’

Kara sat riveted to her seat, stunned. She could have sworn that Sal had just 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 were 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 that several of the 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 she could deflect Matt’s attentions when he’d just chosen her as his most desirable partner.

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

Kara stared, the intensity of his gaze doing little to calm her.

Easier said than done.

CHAPTER THREE

THE bar cleared once the formalities were over. Kara smiled and accepted the congratulations of the other participants with Matt hanging on to her hand the entire time. By the time the last person had left, her face ached with the effort of maintaining a look of happiness. Happiness? Nothing could be further from the truth. It was 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.’

She didn’t like the hardened edge in his voice, though she could cope with it more easily than his friendliness. This was going to be difficult enough.

‘A small white wine, 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. Going to make me pay for what happened nine years ago, aren’t you?’ He turned towards the waiting barman. ‘A white wine and an orange juice for me, please. On second thoughts, make mine a scotch.’

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

Her imagination took full flight as she fantasised what he would look like without them.

‘Planning your line of attack?’

His interruption brought her back to the present but didn’t calm her galloping pulse. She had to get her body under control if she was to do this.

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

‘Here you are. White wine, as ordered.’

He stared at her butt as she slid into her seat. Man, she was a stunner. The black dress she wore clung to every curve of her body, hugging in all the right places. Her large breasts gave the impression of a tiny waist, leading to those endless, long legs. Once again, 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 whisky.

‘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 as if 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 just 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 illusions. From our conversation earlier, you have no romantic interest in me whatsoever. In fact, you even 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 cold, 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, till 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 just the price that varies.’

Kara cringed. ‘When did you become so cynical?’

‘Not cynical, merely realistic. I see the purchasing power of money every day, not to mention first-hand with my dad.’ He spat the words out as if they were poison.

‘Your dad?’

‘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-grabbing as they come. Sad, isn’t it?’ His lip curled, as if he’d just 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 award 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 per cent business.

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

He flinched, then quickly recovered. ‘Deal. I’ll draw up a contract in the morning. Can you come past my office around ten?’

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