Page 126 of Lovers' Dance

I scowled at him and stroked my steering wheel, whispering sweetly, “Come on, baby. Start for mama.”

My baby didn’t start. Damn it.

Matt sprinted over. “What’s the problem?”

My scowl went up a notch as he leaned over the open window. “I don’t know, Matt. Can you check under the hood?”

Matt burst out in incredulous laughter, glancing down his impeccable suit in a pointed manner. “Do I look like a mechanic, poppet? Call the Automobile Association.”

I stroked my steering wheel and tried to start the engine. Nothing happened. I turned my head up at Matt. “Do you know what this is, Matt? This is intimidation. That Cayenne intimidated my baby. Parked over there in her spot, all shiny and new. Mocking her, messing with her head. And I’m not a member of the AA.”

Matt laughed and opened my door. “It’s probably the way you drive like a maniac. I’m surprised your car has lasted this long. Get your bag, we’re taking the Porsche.”

Muttering under my breath, I wound the window up, grabbed my bag and got out my car.

“Why are you looking at me like that, poppet?” Matt asked as he watched me lock my car.

“Did you do something to my car?” I asked.

Matt gave me a look. Maybe he was innocent and I was being stupid, but my damned car was working fine yesterday morning. We crossed the street and Matt held the keys out to me.

“You’re driving,” he ordered.

“Why?” I hesitated as he dangled the keys in front my face. My suspicions were back.

“Because I want to check my emails on my phone. I can’t drive while doing that, poppet.”

I took the keys, peering at him warily. Matt’s eyes gleamed and I could see him fighting a smile. We got in the SUV and Matt pointed out the fact the seats were electronically adjustable, as was the steering wheel.

“The seats are heated too.” he said, buckling up.

I buckled up and started the engine. It purred to life.

“Custom interior too,” Matt quipped.

I checked my mirrors and pulled away from the curb. Smooth, it handled smoothly. “Aren’t you supposed to be checking your emails?” I asked dryly.

“In a moment,” he said. “You do know it has front and rear park assist, don’t you? I made sure, and got the reverse camera, also.”

I shook my head. “Do you own shares in Porsche, hon?”

Matt bit his lower lip, then pulled out his phone to supposedly check his emails as I drove. I was sure he was playing a game on his phone. The thought of Matt playing Candy Crush made me smile. That would never happen in real life. About twenty minutes later he raised his head. In those twenty minutes I had been completely entranced by the stupid SUV. It was a sweet ride.

“So this lunch meeting of yours.” Matt tugged on his seatbelt when I put my foot down to catch the lights. “Who’s going to be there?”

I wriggled in the seat. Damn. It was comfy and the dashboard was fully equipped with all sorts of gadgets. “Just Dante, myself and Geoffrey,” I murmured. The lights were on a fast sequence this morning, I hadn’t made the amber.

“Geoffrey?” Matt queried. “He was your dad’s lawyer friend?”

“Mhmm,” I replied, distracted by the way my hand felt clutching the gear stick. “Are these Porsches good off-road, Matt? I mean, I not that interested, but it feels as if it would handle well.”

“They’re great on most terrains, poppet. How well do you know him?”

“Know who?” The lights changed and the vehicle responded immediately as I gave it gas. The gas consumption though…this turbo model was a definite guzzler.

“Geoffrey,” Matt said impatiently. “How well do you know him?”

I risked a glance in his direction before turning my gaze back to the road. The roads weren’t too busy at this time in the morning. I could get to work in twenty minutes if I gunned it.

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