Read Online Her Man with Iceberg Eyes by Kris Pearson - Free Book Online Page B

The soft lamplight
brought out dark red highlights in hair that otherwise looked
black. She’d pulled it away from her face and fastened it with the
big spring-clip so a luxuriant mane of waves tumbled down the
centre of her back. Her emerald green shirt emphasised the colour
of her eyes. And in the unbuttoned opening at her throat, his chain
sparkled and glimmered like a line of golden fire. Under the table,
his groin stirred. He parted his thighs, making no effort to
suppress the pleasurable sensation.
    What was she really here for? So far, she’d
shown no real signs of interest in his work. Had sent his office
only the briefest of glances from the doorway when he’d given her
the house tour. And seemed more interested in the vineyard than
anything else. Rob Pleasance wasn’t associated with the wine
industry, so there was no danger of industrial espionage in that
direction. Undoubtedly, Rob might have shares in some of the
leading brands, but Matthew knew enough about him to be certain
wine wasn’t the focus of her sneaky investigations. He eased his
thighs further apart, leaning back in his chair to savour the
sensation, and thinking back to her frank appraisal as they sat
together in the sitting room. Thank God for big white paper
napkins, or he would have given his interest away entirely. And in
front of his brother and Diana, too...
    It had been bad enough driving her around the
town. Worse sitting at the cafe, watching her across the table,
seeing the breeze flirting with her hair where his fingertips
itched to wander. Worse again every time her serious big green eyes
flicked up to his as they talked. He’d been half-hard for most of
the day.
    She was cool and classy; no femme fatale.
There was nothing he could interpret as flirty encouragement or
sexy suggestion. Even when he’d teased her about the panties she’d
responded with annoyance rather than mirth. She was a total enigma.
A challenge and a temptation. And his to keep watch over until
Sunday.
     
    Kate turned to Diana as she laid down her
knife and fork. “Can I be any help with the party?
    “Another nice salad like this one? Everyone’s
bringing something, rather than getting caterers in. I’m hoping
that’ll get around the birthday present problem.”
    “I’ll be lucky to get off scot-free there,”
Hamish muttered.
    Diana touched his arm and sent him a fond
smile. “You must let them have their little jokes if they want to.
I happen to know Joanie and Len have been working away at something
on your behalf.”
    Hamish rolled his eyes, and Kate laughed. It
felt good to be part of easy family banter like this. She’d missed
it since her parents had divorced. Being in the company of just one
of them hadn’t been the same. And trying to relax with any of her
father’s new ‘friends’ was excruciating.
    “Time for dessert?” Diana asked, stacking
Hamish’s plate and cutlery onto hers, and rising. Kate sprang up
too, and reached for Matthew’s. The two women walked out to the
kitchen together, leaving the brothers alone. Kate made one more
trip to the dining room to gather the curry casserole, the rice
dish and the smaller bowls onto a tray while Diana retrieved her
Banoffie Pie from the refrigerator.
    “This is so full of calories,” Diana
said with a guilty smile. “I don’t make it often, but for his
birthday...?” She attempted to stand a candle in the centre of it.
“Mmm—might have to do that at the table,” she decided as it leaned
drunkenly over.
    “Shall we light it out here and I’ll carry
it?” Kate offered. Together they managed to get pie and candle to
the table. As soon as they appeared, Matthew began to whistle
‘happy birthday to you’ with surprising sweetness.
    Wedges of pie and dark smoky coffee completed
the meal. Diana stacked the dishwasher. Conversation became
desultory, and finally Matthew rose. “Port in the spa, everyone?”
he asked, threading his long fingers around the stems of four
glasses set