Page 153 of Lovers' Dance: Vol. 2
It was goodbeing home. Matt smiled, mobile pressed to his ear as he listened to his wife’s exuberant chatter. He’d returned from Egypt three days ago after a two week stint, almost gagging for the sight of her. Quite embarrassing really, the way his heart fluttered at the prospect of holding her in his arms.
“So I told him to calm down and do it again,” Madi continued. “He executed it perfectly. Honestly, he’s a superb dancer and I’ve told him so numerous times. He’s going to ace his RDA exams.”
The door to his office opened and Rachel strode in with an impatient look on her face. She tapped her watch twice and pointed to the paperwork on his desk. Matt nodded before waving her away. When he was alone again he took the reins of his poppet’s conversation. As much as he enjoyed the sound of her voice, there was work to be done.
“Sweetheart,” he interjected warmly. “Can we continue this discussion when I get home?”
“Of course,” she replied, then quickly added, “Love you. Oh, and I might be late home tonight. Bye.”
Matt shook his head, thoroughly amused as he hung up and put away his phone. She could always bring a smile to his face. Sighing softly he put all amorous thoughts aside and focused on the tasks at hand. Hours later with a blossoming headache, he answered the ringing handset on his desk.
“Mr Bradley,” Rachel’s no-nonsense tone did nothing to help the ache in his head. What did she want now?
“What is it, Rachel?” Matt queried curtly as he signed some documents.
“Ms Gilliford is here to see you.”
Matt put the pen down, frowning at this unexpected announcement. “I see. Give me five minutes then send her in.”
He hung up the call and reached for the discarded jacket of his suit. A number of things ran through his mind. The main one being: why was Louisa here?
As instructed, Rachel ushered the ever beautiful Louisa into his office after the required time. Matt stood up and walked around his desk to greet her. A polite smile graced his face, one that masked theannoyance he felt over this interruption.
“Matthew, it’s been ages,” she said, offering up her cheek for the customary kiss hello.
“Louisa,” Matt pecked her cheek lightly and stepped away from the cloying perfume that surrounded her. “To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?”
She adjusted the strap of her bag and moved towards the ceiling to floor windows of his office. Matt scowled at her back, definitely annoyed and remaining where he stood.
“Louisa,” he pressed.
“How have you been?” she asked, turning around to face him.
The knee length navy blue dress she wore complimented her statuesque frame. Matt allowed himself a cursory glance before folding his arms. He had neither the time nor the urge to engage in idle chit-chat with her. And his one word answer reflected that. “Busy.”
Louisa nodded, politely choosing to ignore the curtness of his tone. “Always busy, darling. I remember when we would make time for each other.”
Matt cocked his head at her, a sardonic twist on his mouth. “Why are you here, Louisa?”
“Don’t be that way, Matt,” she retorted, flicking her hair over one shoulder. “Despite our failed relationship, I am still your friend.”
Matt raised one eyebrow at her tense remark and slowly unfolded his arms. “Can ex-lovers ever truly be friends?”
Louisa frowned for a moment before chuckling softly. “Perhaps not, darling, but I have the highest hope for us.”
Matt smiled over her very dry tone before gesturing towards the far side of his office. “Would you care for a drink?”
“Please,” Louisa murmured, slipping off her bag and placing it on one of the seats in front his large desk.
“The usual?” Matt asked as he sauntered away.
“Yes,” Louisa called out.
Matt went to fix some drinks for them both and returned to where she stood. The polite expression on his features hid the growing curiosity he felt. Taking a sip of the drink in his hand he gestured for her to take a seat. Louisa gave a slight shake of head before flashing him a decidedly nervous smile. Matt’s curiosity increased.
“Well?” he drawled. “Are you planning on telling me why you’rehere, or am I expected to guess?”
“So direct,” Louisa mused as she took a dainty sip of her drink. “I’ve missed that about you.”
