Page 193 of Lovers' Dance

Adam chuckled, then broke off with a chesty cough. Matt frowned for a second.

“Have you been to the doctor, Adam? You sound terrible.”

Adam cleared his throat—it sounded painful to Matt—then said, “I’m on antibiotics, don’t worry. Listen, the reason I called earlier—”

“To check up on the deal, yes, I know, I’ve sent you an email with where things currently stand.”

“No, that’s not why.” Adam paused and cleared his throat again, this time it sounded different, like he was unsure of what next to say.

“Well?” Matt prompted.

“How are things with you and Madi?” he asked.

Matt couldn’t help the smile that graced his face. “Fine. I have a newfound appreciation for walking into my home. Nothing quite like seeing her curled up in bed waiting for me. You know, you should start thinking about your own love life. You can’t be the perpetual playboy forever.”

Adam let out a sharp bark of derisive laughter. “As if I’m going to take advice on relationships from my younger brother but, back on point, are you sure everything is fine?”

Matt didn’t like the tone Adam was taking with him, not one bit. “Of course I am,” he snapped. “I just said so.”

“Don’t get snarky, Matt. I wanted confirmation—”

“Why?” Matt cut him off curtly.

“Well, remember Diana Rocheford? Second wife of Frank Rocheford?”

Matt searched his memory, trying to put a face to the name. “The blonde?”

“No, that’s his new wife, Penny. Diana is the one who—

“Gossips like it’s going out of style. Yes, I remember now. The redhead with ample assets. What about her?”

“It’s gotten back to me that she has it on reputable source that your lovely Madison was having a cosy lunch with that Scottish lad at The Dorchester today. What’s his name? The one whose family owns those distilleries…Dougal—”

“Bloody McGregor?” Matt hissed down the line. “Not a chance, Adam.”

“Don’t kill the messenger. I’m just telling you what I heard.”

“You know I don’t put stock in their idle chit-chat,” Matt grumbled uneasily. “Especially if it’s from that woman. Didn’t she start that rumour about Louisa’s cousin that turned out to be completely untrue a few years back?”

Adam sighed. “I didn’t want to say this, but it’s not just Diana. Oliver Johnston saw too. He called me directly to ask if you two were finished. I, of course, told him to mind his bloody business, but I had to ask you, Matt. Are you sure everything is okay between you and Madi?”

“Yes, dammit, I am bloody sure,” Matt said angrily.

“Right then…it’s just that she’s a beautiful young woman and you work long hours and travel a lot. She could possibly be feeling neglected. Have you bought her anything nice recently? Why don’t you take her away when you get back to London? Spend some quality—”

“Adam,” Matt growled down the line. “Madi and I are fine. I have to go. Room service is at the door. I’ll talk to you tomorrow. Good night.” He hung up before his brother could say another word and stalked over to yank open the door and allow the hotel’s staff to wheel his gourmet meal in and lay it out on the dining table. With his mobile in hand, Matt walked over to the table to get cash for the man as a customary tip.

Matt slammed the door shut and immediately dialled her number.

“Hey, hon.” She greeted him warmly. “How are things over there?”

“Are you home, poppet?” he asked, trying to keep his voice even. “I mean home as in Kensington, not your place?”

“No, I’m home in Greenwich.” she replied.

“I want to see you. Go get your iPad so we can Skype. I’ll call you in ten minutes.” Matt ended the call before she could say another word, fully away of how abrupt he was being. What in God’s name was she doing with McGregor? It couldn’t be true.

Ten minutes later Matt sat at the table, logged on to his Skype account and called her. The sight of her smiling face soothed some of the anger inside him. But, beautiful as she was, Matt was a man who rarely beat around the bush.

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