Read Online Five-star Seduction by Louise Make - Free Book Online Page A

made each other no promises, and that’s fine by me. We’re both adults. We work well together and that’s all that matters. Let’s not jeopardise a good thing by overanalysing our status quo.”
    Something dark flitted across his handsome face, but he cleared his expression before Langa could define it.
    â€œVery well. Let’s just enjoy ourselves, shall we?”
    He released her as the lift doors opened onto the ground floor and led her out to his car.
    An hour later Langa’s eyes widened in surprise. “This is where we’re having lunch?”
    Lazola grinned. “You’re surprised. I thought you’d enjoy it, but if you’d prefer to go somewhere else I’d be happy to. Name the place.”
    â€œNo,” she quickly replied. “This is perfect.”
    Lazola got out and opened the door for her. The sun warmed her instantly and all around was the sound of small children playing.
    â€œLet’s get a move on. I’ve reserved the best spot in the whole park.”
    Lazola took a picnic basket from the back seat and grabbed her hand before leading her to the shade of some large trees near the lake. He spread out the blanket and started unpacking the food. They sat and ate together, chatting and laughing comfortably. It was the first time Langa had seen him so relaxed.
    She also couldn’t help but notice how easily he drew attention. He, on the other hand, seemed unaware of the women sitting on benches, flitting glances his way while reading or eating lunches of their own.
    â€œ. . . Of course, the obvious answer is that you’re in love.”
    Langa nearly choked on an olive. “What?”
    Lazola was watching her from beneath hooded eyes. “I’m talking about your behaviour lately. I’ve been wondering why you’ve been keeping me at arm’s length.”
    Langa felt the panic clutching at her heart. “I’m not – I haven’t been avoiding you. We’ve both just been busy, you know that.”
    â€œThat still doesn’t explain how agitated you get around me. Don’t worry about it. I respect your feelings.”
    â€œYou do?”
    â€œNaturally. I don’t know what you see in Nkosi, though; you two don’t quite match.”
    Langa wondered how the conversation had gone downhill so fast. “Ben?”
    Lazola put his hands up. “Don’t snap, I’m not being critical. Okay, I am a little. I’m just surprised.”
    â€œWhy would you think . . .?”
    â€œIf you’re hiding behind Nkosi so you won’t have to deal with how well you and I suit each other, you’re not the woman I thought you were.”
    â€œI’m not hiding,” she said.
    â€œYou know, you were right about challenges exciting me. You challenge me, and you’ve shown me a different side to myself. Could it be that I’ve done the same for you? Is that why you’re looking for someone safe? Because, somehow, I just don’t see someone as soft as Nkosi satisfying you – all of you.”
    Langa felt the heat in her cheeks. He thought she wanted Ben? How absurd. She considered confirming his suspicions, then realised she’d have to keep the act up whenever Ben was around. The last thing she wanted was to drag innocent bystanders into the wreck that was her love life.
    â€œI’m not in love with Ben; I never have been. You and I have spoken about this. If my behaviour’s been erratic lately, I apologise. But work is the only thing in my life right now.”
    Lazola’s expression didn’t change. “Then today was long overdue. Let’s enjoy it.”
    * * *
    After lunch he took her to an art studio. There was an open exhibition on and Langa noted that the oil paintings were a similar style to the one she’d admired in his penthouse suite.
    When they arrived at the Sandton ROCH late that afternoon, Lazola grabbed her overnight bag and led her