At that moment, Jeff Byrne cleared his throat. “Ladies and gentleman, can I have your attention?”
Voices petered out as all eyes turned to him.
“As you all know, Byrne and Associates have had a vacancy for a partner over the last few months and tonight, I’m happy to announce the position has now been filled.”
An excited twittering filled the room.
“The man in question has brought many new clients to the firm and has showed me he has what it takes to make it in this business.”
She glanced at Matt, who had moved away and was standing next to the floor-to-ceiling window that overlooked the stunning Harbour Bridge, lit like a giant sparkling coat hanger. She sensed rather than saw his excitement as he sipped from a whisky tumbler, his lips compressed into a thin line.
“So, without further ado, I’d like to present the new partner. Please welcome Steve Rockwell to the firm.”
Scattered applause and gasps of surprise filled the room. She watched in horror as her ex sauntered out of the kitchen and walked up to shake Jeff’s hand, flashing that all-too-familiar crocodile smile. As if in slow motion, she saw Matt almost stagger backwards and lean against the window, his mouth gaping.
Willing her legs to move, she walked towards him as the first strains of “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow” filtered through the room. Grabbing the glass from Matt’s hand and placing it on a nearby table, she stood on tiptoe and whispered in his ear. “Let’s get out of here.”
He looked down at her as if seeing her for the first time. At least he’d finally closed his jaw.
“Come on.” She tugged on his arm. “Whatever you’re thinking of doing, it’s not worth it.”
The expression in his eyes tore at her soul, a mixture of hurt, anger and gut-wrenching betrayal. “Easy for you to say. You’re not the one whose father just kicked you in the guts without having the bloody decency to tell you first.”
She kept her voice deliberately low and soothing. “I know it’s hard but think for a second. You have to face these people at work tomorrow and no matter how much you want to slug Steve, forget it. How you handle yourself now will make a lasting impression, particularly on your father.”
He took several breaths, inhaling and exhaling as his clenched facial muscles slowly relaxed. “Who gives a damn what he thinks?”
“You do, otherwise you wouldn’t have come up with such an elaborate plan to secure a partnership. Handling me for six months is no picnic, you know.”
He looked at her with a glimmer of a smile. “I don’t know about that. Handling you has been a lot more fun than expected.”
Her heart leaped as a flicker of warmth returned to his eyes. “You must be feeling better.” She squeezed his hand, returning his smile. “Why don’t you head over there, congratulate Steve and show your dad that Matthew Byrne is definitely partner material next time round?”
“Don’t push it. I’d rather shake hands with a crocodile than Rockwell.”
The imagery did it. She cracked up.
“What’s so funny?”
Wiping her eyes, she let him in on the secret. “I was thinking along similar lines myself. Don’t you think he grins like a croc?”
He glanced in Steve’s direction. “Sure does. You’re the one who went out with him for years though. Does he have scaly skin to match?”
She raised her eyebrows.
“On second thoughts, don’t answer that.”
She marvelled at the way his anger had diffused. He hadn’t just lost a dream, he’d lost it to a man he didn’t like. She felt him stiffen and looked up. Steve was walking towards them.
Matt held out his hand. “Congratulations, Rockwell.”
“No hard feelings, Byrne?”
The men shook on it, yet she had the distinct impression the games were only just beginning.
“Well done, Steve.” If Matt could do it, so could she.
“Thanks.” Steve puffed up, looking a million dollars in his tuxedo and knowing it. “We’ll have to get together some time.” Before she could move, he dropped a quick peck on her cheek and strode away.
“Over my dead body,” she heard Matt mutter. “He still has a thing for you.”
“Do you think?” She batted her eyelashes, keen to make him laugh again.
He rolled his eyes. “Let me have a quick word with Dad and I’ll meet you by the elevator, okay?”
She watched with pride as he walked up to a group of men including his father and joined in their conversation. It took a big man to do what he’d just done and she loved him all the more for it. Seeing Lorna join the group, she vowed to tell him the truth. He hated deception so she would lay it on the line. What was the worst that could happen? He’d never speak to her and she’d lose him all over again?
Fighting back tears, she turned away. She’d do it tomorrow. Surely it wouldn’t be selfish to have one more night?
* * *
Kara took a steadying breath and knocked on the door.
“Come in.”
She pushed open the door to Matt’s office and walked in.
“Hey, just the lady I was thinking about.” He stood and walked around the desk to envelop her in a hug. “You smell good,” he whispered against her hair. “Good enough to eat.”
She blushed, heat flooding her cheeks. “I think you already did that last night.”
“Mmm, so I did.”
She pulled away, trying to put some distance between them. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be able to go through with this. “Do
