Australian Bachelors: Masterful Magnates

‘And you’re OK to settle with sensible?’ Sally queried with concern. ‘If he gives you grief, he’ll pay—big time,’ Sally promised.

Shontelle added fiercely, ‘When do we get to meet him?’

‘For the visual once-over and a verbal third degree?’ Lara teased.

***

A few phone calls resulted in two interviews arranged for mid-afternoon, each applicant presenting an impressive CV … although proof involved follow-up calls to their current or previous employers, which if satisfactory then relied heavily upon a hands-on trial. Something she organized to occur over the next two consecutive days.

Evening reservations ensured efficient handling in the kitchen. Not an easy task when operating on minimum staff.

However, they managed—just—and shortly after nine the orders for mains lessened and progressed towards desserts and coffee.

‘Party of five, and a gorgeous hunk—solo,’ Sally imparted with an appreciative rolling of her eyes as she presented their order. ‘On a score of one to ten, he’s an eleven.’

Lara merely lifted speculative eyebrows, checked the order and set to filling it.

Sally made a humorous game of according scores to the attractive men frequenting the restaurant.

‘Going to spread some charm.’ Sally grinned as she filched a bottle of still water from the display refrigerator then exited the kitchen.

Good luck, Lara offered silently as she seared a medallion of eye-fillet steak, selected the appropriate sauce and arranged the accompanying salad.

‘Think I’m in love,’ Sally enthused when she returned, and Lara shot her a telling look. ‘Yeah, I know. Like he’s going to even look at me. But a girl can fantasize.’ A telling sigh emerged, accompanied by a feigned dreamy expression.

‘You’re a riot.’

Sally offered an infectious grin as she collected the order. ‘Helps pass the time, darling.’

So it did. Lightening the load when stress threatened to reach the stratosphere, as it did, for one reason or another, on a reasonably regular basis.

Lara had worked the evening with efficient speed, clearing her mind of everything except the essential need to pay attention to detail, and the individual touches that made each dish on the menu special.

Events of the past few days were beginning to take their toll, and she rolled her shoulders in an attempt to ease the muscles in her upper body. Battling a tension headache didn’t help, and she looked forward to closing down for the night and sinking into bed.

Last night a medically prescribed sedative had ensured a good night’s sleep. What would the coming night bring?

Oh, for heaven’s sake! Take a reality check!

Sex with Wolfe was a given. It was just a matter of when. So get over it!

He was a man … like any other.

Sure he is.

A mental, mischievous little imp laughed uproariously until she silently chastised and banished him.

Lara stifled a faintly audible groan, and her hands flew as she gathered a dessert plate, cut a perfect portion of cheesecake, drizzled tangy strawberry sauce in a decorative pattern, added fresh flute-cut strawberries and placed the plate on the serving shelf.

Soon Sally would be able to handle the orders for tea and coffee, and Gina could move into the kitchen to help clean up.

Lara glanced towards the door as Shontelle entered the kitchen and moved close. ‘Compliments to the chef from gentleman at table seven.’

OK, so she’d swing by, smile, exchange a few words with their regular clientele and acknowledge the compliment.

It took a few minutes as she paused at one table, then another—until she saw just who was seated at table seven.

Wolfe, here? What game was he playing?

‘Don’t tell me,’ she managed equably as she reached his side. ‘You were at a loose end, and decided to observe my restaurant first-hand?’

‘No. I finished late, hadn’t eaten and decided to dine here instead of ordering room service.’

She tilted her head to one side. ‘I guess that’ll fly.’

‘Join me for coffee.’

She offered a slight mock-curtsy. ‘The kitchen awaits.’ A faint smile teased the edge of his mouth. ‘I’ll take a rain check.’

He did, until the last patron left, then Lara had no option but to effect an introduction to the remaining staff—which, she suspected, had been his intention—and at his request Shontelle retrieved two bottles of champagne.

The celebratory toast was almost surreal. So too were the voiced congratulations.

‘Wow,’ Sally accorded in a quiet aside. ‘His score exceeds ten, twice over. I hereby withdraw almost all reservations.’

It was midnight when Lara closed and locked the restaurant. Wolfe’s black Lexus was stationary at the kerb, and Lara evinced concern as Sally bade them goodnight.

‘Are you sure you’ll be OK?’

‘I’ve been taking the late train since for ever,’ Sally assured. ‘Long before you moved into the same street.’

Wolfe indicated the Lexus. ‘We’ll give you a ride.’

The city never slept, it merely quieted down some, traffic lessened. The distance to Darlinghurst was achieved in minimum time, during which Sally, bless her, never let the conversation lull.

‘Thanks. See you tomorrow.’

Wolfe waited to engage the transmission until Sally disappeared indoors, and Lara leaned back against the head-rest as he turned the car towards the inner city.

She was conscious of Wolfe’s appraisal later as the hotel lift sped quickly to their high floor.

‘You didn’t need to wait until the restaurant closed. I could have caught a train.’

‘DO you particularly want to argue?’ Wolfe queried as he slid the keycard into place and opened the door.

Right at that minute all she wanted to do was shed her clothes, take a long, hot shower, then tumble into bed.

‘No.’

‘Wise.’ Wolfe tossed keys onto the bedside pedestal, then shrugged out of his jacket.

Lara toed off her shoes, then she collected her nightwear and moved into the en suite.

It was bliss to stand beneath the spray of steaming water and let it ease out the kinks, and it was several long minutes before she picked up the soap, lathered and rinsed it off.

Wolfe was standing at the desk, scrolling through data on his laptop, when she emerged into the room, and he pressed ‘save’ then closed down.

He noted her pale features, the dark circles beneath her eyes. ‘Take something for that headache.’

‘I don’t need you to play nurse.’ Or my keeper, she added silently. Except that was precisely what he’d become. Rescuing her from certain personal and financial disaster.

His eyes darkened a little, and her pulse kicked into a faster beat as he moved close.

‘I trust you’ve organized your replacement?’

Lara closed her eyes against the sight of him, then slowly opened them again. ‘You want to exchange a recap of each other’s day?’

‘A simple yes or no will do.’

His silky-voiced drawl shivered the length of her spine, and her chin tilted a little in silent defiance. ‘Two interviews, with two trials over the next two consecutive nights.

Satisfied?’

‘Not entirely.’

Fleeting indecision shadowed her eyes, then it was gone. ‘Tough.’

He covered the few steps necessary to reach her, and she viewed him warily as he lifted a hand to tuck a wayward lock of hair behind her ear, then she swallowed compulsively as he trailed gentle fingers down one cheek.

‘What are you doing?’

The edges of his mouth curved a little as he lowered his mouth to hover a mere inch from her own. ‘You need to ask?’

His lips brushed hers, teased a little, and her heartbeat leapt as he traced the lower curve with the tip of his tongue, then ventured in to begin an erotic tasting that attacked her resistance and tore it to shreds.

She felt his hands slip beneath her tee-shirt and cup the slight curve of her buttocks, squeeze a little, then one hand slid up over her ribcage to capture her breast.

A faint groan emerged from her throat as he brushed one tender peak, then rolled it gently between thumb and forefinger.

Wolfe felt his senses quicken, and he deepened the kiss as he sought her response, caught the hitch in her breath and her capitulation. And he wanted more … so much more.

His arousal was a potent force, and he sought the soft curls at the apex of her thighs, the moist heat there … and felt her body go rigid.

He stilled as she wrenched his mouth from his own, and when she pushed against him he released her to arm’s length. ‘Please—don’t.’

His eyes narrowed and became impossibly dark. ‘That wasn’t the message you were giving me mere seconds ago.’

Because she’d craved his touch and didn’t think! Damn it, she’d never been able to think when he was anywhere close.

Something he’d always known, and she was willing to swear he’d taken pleasure in taunting her vulnerable emotions with a look, the touch of his hand, the light teasing brush of his lips to her cheek in welcome whenever he’d flown in from the States. The occasional kiss that came close to getting out of hand …

The times she’d taken his actions as deliberate … and hated him afresh for it.

‘A few days, Wolfe,’ Lara reminded him. ‘Will it be such a hardship to wait until I have your ring on my finger?’

He inclined his head. ‘If you insist.’

It hurt that he acquiesced so easily.

Sex, she reflected a trifle bitterly. That’s all it is to him. So get over it.

Without a further word she crossed to the large bed she’d nominated as her own, lifted the covers and slid beneath them.

Habit ensured she activated the alarm on her watch, and her eyes widened as he began shedding his clothes.

For a moment she was transfixed by the sight of him, the smooth flex of rippling muscle and sinew with each movement, as he pulled his shirt free from his trousers and discarded it.

Next he loosened his belt, undid the clasp at his waist and slid down the zip fastening.

Oh hell, she was no voyeur, and her lashes swept down, remaining closed until she heard the faint rustle of bedclothes as he occupied his bed.

‘You’re quite safe.’

His faintly inflected drawl held a tinge of amusement, and she turned to look at him as he crossed his arms above his head.

She was aware of the faint drift of exclusive cologne, the faint, male muskiness … The pulse at the base of her throat leapt to a faster beat.

Safe?

Did he have any idea how her body reacted to him? All her skin cells seemed alive and begging his touch. Something she found difficult to control, and totally at variance with the dictates of her brain.

‘The loan shark has been paid off.’

‘Thank you.’

She should feel relieved, and she did.

Really.

Except, with every step she took, it felt as if she was merely exchanging one form of debt for another.

CHAPTER FIVE

THE alarm and wake-up call sounded simultaneously, and Lara deactivated her watch as Wolfe reached for the phone.

His upper body was bare to the waist. Gleaming tanned skin pulled taut over superb musculature that rippled fluidly with every move. She caught a brief glimpse of exposed buttock, and momentarily froze.

Her gaze met his, and for an unguarded moment she resembled a startled doe.

Wolfe’s eyes darkened and became thoughtful as he replaced the receiver and swung back to his side of the bed.

It was a long time since he’d shared a room with a woman where sex hadn’t featured throughout the night. A sophisticated, willing partner who knew the score … and, when the relationship concluded, accepted the appropriate gift with no hard feelings.

Yet this was different, without precedent.

Until now, marriage hadn’t formed part of his agenda.

Risk taking, following his instincts and acting on them, was part of who he was. In the cut and thrust of tough business deals, he’d surprised his competitors … and at times, himself … by winning against incredible odds. It had also made him a very wealthy man, with enviable share-and-property portfolios, and was something of a legend for his business nous.

On Monday he’d entered Darius’ lawyer’s sanctum with no intention other than learning the contents of his late father’s will. Yet within the space of a few hours he’d made a series of life-changing decisions.

Based on what?

A young woman’s air of fragility that meshed with strength, pride and resolve. The memory of a teenaged girl whose lips had melted against his own … warm, giving and innocent. His sudden and totally unexpected reaction.

Impossible.

It was a decision based on loyalty to his father. An attempt to make amends for following his own path, instead of agreeing to the one Darius had set for him.

The marriage clause was contestable and unlikely to stand up in a court of law … yet he’d chosen to concede to the written dictum.

With Lara … the daughter of Darius’ second wife, a young woman far removed from his usual intimate companions. Someone who’d won Darius’ affection and had returned it in kind, refusing, as had Suzanne, financial help in achieving her goals. Evidenced by legal proof … a fact which had surprised him and soon destroyed his previous misconceptions.

Even now, with every passing day, Lara continually battled for independence.

Unless she was a skilled actress, which he seriously doubted, she hated relying on him for anything.

Lara gathered up fresh underwear, jeans, tee-shirt and disappeared into the en suite, to emerge soon after to discover Wolfe dressed and in the process of pouring coffee into two cups.

‘There’s no need—’ for you to come with me … Except one hard look in her direction ensured she didn’t finish the sentence.

‘We did this yesterday,’ Wolfe drawled. ‘Let’s not do it again.’ He held out a cup and saucer. ‘Coffee. Black, two sugars. Drink it, then we’ll hit the road.’

There was the temptation to tell him what to do with the coffee, and only the need for a caffeine fix prevented a verbal comeback.

The fact he knew irked her, and she opted for silence during the short drive to the fish market, where she made her selections, haggled a little, smiled when she beat down the price and executed a high-five gesture with a competitor.

‘Negotiations are in place on a property at Point Piper,’ Wolfe informed her as they shared breakfast.

One of Sydney’s luxury harbour-front suburbs, she acknowledged. Expensive—make that very expensive—real estate.

‘I’ve arranged for a firm of interior decorators to quote on refurbishment. Ideally, it’ll completed by the time we return from New York.’

Why should she be surprised? Money, enough of it, could achieve almost anything.

‘I’ll collect you at two-thirty this afternoon.’

Lara opened her mouth to argue, only to close it again as Wolfe continued, ‘And have you back at the restaurant by four. Your staff assured me they’ll manage.’

‘You arranged this without first checking with me?’

‘I merely circumvented your objection.’

So he had, with sufficient finesse that left her no quarter but to concede … or sound like a petulant child.

‘DO all women of your acquaintance fall at your feet, eager to fulfil your every wish?’

The corners of his mouth curved with humour. ‘What an interesting concept.’

‘You didn’t answer the question.’

He inclined his head. ‘More often than not.’

Lara offered him a sweet smile. ‘Count me among the not.’ ‘Indeed?’

He was amused, damn him!

‘It’ll be a refreshing change,’ she assured him.

Wolfe’s husky chuckle curled round her nerve-ends and tugged a little. ‘I foresee we’ll share an … interesting marriage.’

The mere thought sent her emotions into sensual overdrive, and she consciously tamped them down. If she allowed him to see the degree of her emotional vulnerability, she’d be lost.

And that would never do.

Lara refrained from offering any comment as she drained her coffee, then she stood to her feet and gathered up her shoulderbag.

‘I have to leave.’

Wolfe reached the door as she did, and she opened her mouth to protest, only to incur his dark look. ‘Give it up, Lara.’

‘Two-thirty,’ Wolfe reminded as he drew the Lexus to a halt outside the restaurant.

OK, so she’d go look at the house.

How difficult could it be?

It was the usual morning rush, with the need to check deliveries, make any last-minute menu changes, ensure outstanding bills were paid, and elevate Shontelle to the position of manager.

Lunch orders involved coordination, deft speed and, with luck, no hiccups.

Mercifully, there was only one picky customer who insisted she’d ordered a caesar salad with anchovies, not smoked salmon. Freshly assembled, it was sent back again only to meet a complaint she’d requested dressing on the side.

Sally merely executed an expressive eye-roll. ‘I’ll ask for a precise count of cos leaves, the number of croutons, anchovy fillets, with bacon bits or without, parmesan on the side or sprinkled … or perhaps the customer would like all the ingredients brought to the table separately so she can assemble the salad to her satisfaction?’ She offered a feline smile. ‘Offered with the utmost politeness, of course.’

Lara sent her an exasperated look. ‘Must you?’

‘Watch me.’

Within minutes Sally was back, a grin widening her generous mouth. ‘We have a winner.’

At two-twenty-five Lara removed her apron, tidied her hair and secured it with a large clip, applied lipgloss, collected her shoulderbag and moved through the swing-door separating the kitchen from the restaurant.

Wolfe stood at the front desk, engaged in conversation with Shontelle.

Attired in tailored black trousers and a white collarless shirt over which he wore a black butter-soft leather jacket, he stood with the ease of a man comfortable in his own skin, assured and able to deal with anything that came his way.

Steadily he was taking over her life, presenting options and choices which held validity, but in reality provided her with no choice at all.

Lara wove her way past tables and paused as she reached his side. Only to have the breath catch in her throat beneath the warmth of his smile as he lowered his head and brushed his lips to her cheek.

‘Ready?’

Oh my. The show of affection had to have been for Shontelle’s benefit … and anyone who happened to be watching.

She could do bright, friendly, even warm. However, anything resembling flirting was out.

‘Let’s go.’

He caught hold of her hand and threaded his fingers through her own. Something which elevated her nervous tension, and she waited until they reached the kerb before attempting to wrench her hand free.

‘Isn’t the hand-holding thing a bit over the top?’

Wolfe disarmed the locking mechanism and opened the passenger door. ‘It bothers you?’

Yes. The word became locked in her throat as a silent scream. ‘Of course not,’ she managed evenly as she slid into the seat.

In the confines of the car she was supremely conscious of him, the aura of power and masculine strength he exuded mingling with the unobtrusive drift of expensive cologne.

His hands on the wheel were sure, his control of the Lexus total, as he handled the traffic with ease through the city streets, soon connecting with the New South Head Road leading towards Point Piper.

It was a lovely spring day with a tinge of warmth in the sun as it bathed the harbour and encroaching suburbs.

Mansions, some gracious others modern, stood behind high walls with steel-gated frontages.

Most were worth a veritable fortune, and owned by the rich and famous who coveted their privacy.

There was a sense of curiosity as Wolfe eased the car to a halt behind a late-model Mercedes, the owner of which moved forward to provide an expansive greeting as soon as Wolfe emerged from the Lexus.

‘My fiancée, Lara Sommers,’ Wolfe introduced smoothly as he crossed to the agent’s side, and she felt the light pressure of Wolfe’s hand at the back of her waist as they entered the house.

An action which suddenly made her conscious of a need to regulate her breathing.

Which was crazy.

The house … concentrate on the house, she bade silently as they passed through the large entrance with its marble-tiled floors, the beautiful neutral colours enhanced by individual features and exquisite lighting.

Built on three levels, the interior provided a guest suite, master suite, plus five bedrooms, each with an en suite, a formal and informal lounge and dining room, media room, office and library, together with utilities. There was garaging for three vehicles and a self-contained flat for live-in staff.

It was the kitchen which held her interest, for she’d worked in several over the years, and design layout and appliance placement were essential for maximum ease of use.

When it came to stove tops she preferred gas. For aesthetic purposes, the long, sweeping marble bench-tops provided a clean, simple look.

Outside, the grounds were landscaped to perfection, with beautifully clipped topiary, decorative flower beds and, situated at the rear, a gorgeous infinity-pool.

Panoramic views over the harbour were stunning by day, and undoubtedly a fairyland of light by night.

‘What do you think?’ Wolfe queried as they descended the curved stairway to the main entrance lobby.

‘It’s a beautiful home,’ Lara acknowledged. ‘Situated in a good location.’

‘I should have a general overview from the interior decorators within a few days.’

No doubt the fee he was paying ensured the work would be accorded priority.

‘What do you plan on having done?’ she ventured as he eased the Lexus towards the New South Head Road.

‘Upgrade the security system. Installation of a home gym. The interior re-painted throughout.’ He spared her a quick glance. ‘The kitchen is your territory. You’ll have carte blanche to remodel it to your specifications.’

‘It’s a home, not a restaurant. There is a difference.’

‘But you’d prefer to make some changes.’

‘And you know this because …?’

‘You have an expressive face.’

And here she was thinking she’d been particularly circumspect. ‘The kitchen is perfectly adequate.’

‘Adequate isn’t enough.’

‘You want perfection? It’ll cost.’

‘Work out a ballpark figure.’

‘Just like that?’

‘Yes. Just like that.’

His lazy drawl held amusement, and she drew in a deep breath. ‘You could regret it.’

‘Surprise me.’

Go for broke? She could do that, easily.

Wolfe deposited her outside the restaurant a few minutes before four.

‘I’ll take a cab to the hotel when I finish for the night,’ Lara indicated as she reached for the door clasp.

‘And deny me the opportunity to—’

‘Play the part?’

‘Of caring fiancé?’ His eyes gleamed with musing humour. ‘Indulge me.’

She threw him a cynical look. ‘I’d prefer to think you enjoy the food.’

In one fluid movement she stepped from the car and closed the door with a refined click. Then she offered a mock salute and crossed the pavement.

Sassy, Wolfe accorded as he watched her walk away from him.

Petite, with a smart mouth, no artifice, and no longer an innocent.

Yet he made her nervous, apparent in the accelerated pulse-beat at the base of her throat. The soft tinge of pink that crept into her cheeks.

The knowledge intrigued him.

He moved the transmission into drive and checked the rear-vision mirror before moving out into the flow of traffic.