Molly Matthews Meddles in Marriage Read Online Free Page A

more gorgeous than ever in chinos and blue chambray shirt that offset the dark hue of his eyes perfectly, she was struggling with all of those things and more.
    “I hope you’re hungry.” Rory surveyed the menu. “The rack of lamb is excellent, as is the steak Marsala. But everything is reliably good, so go for whatever you fancy.”
    Molly tried hard to ignore the sensation that this was feeling more like a date with each passing moment.
    Rory leaned forward in his chair. His commanding physical presence gave him an authority that made him seem completely in control, as though this was his natural home, just as he had done when he’d sat in her office. Self-confidence and assurance oozed from his every pore.
    Her gaze settled on his long fingers as they caressed the menus. Now he mentioned it, there was a definite stirring of hunger in her stomach.
    “In that case, I’ll go for the rack of lamb.” She snapped the menu shut firmly, eager to reclaim an element of control. “So, I wondered if you had anything you needed to ask me following our first meeting? Anything you weren’t sure about.”
    A flicker of humor washed over his features.
    “Oh, there’s plenty I’d like to ask. I mean, you know everything about me, Molly, but what do I know about you? Nothing. Maybe you should fill in the same forms for me to have a look at?”
    “Well, to be honest with you, that’s not why we’re here.” She ignored the flush of heat spreading through her bones. “We’re here to find you a partner. I’m assuming you do still want that, don’t you?”
    “Of course.” He had a way of looking at her, gently appraising her, that made her squirm in her seat. Every inch of her body tingled in a heightened anticipation that was both disturbing and delightful.
    “Good. Well, there were a couple of things I wanted to ask about that came up when I reviewed your forms, if that’s all right?” She bent down, taking a steadying breath before rifling through her handbag and pulling out a sheaf of papers. She turned the pages over until she reached the relevant one. “In particular, the section here about previous relationships, I noticed you’ve scored through all the boxes?”
    “Yes.” A smile flirted on his lips.
    “Obviously if you prefer not to share that sort of information, then I respect that decision, but I do find it helpful to know a little about people’s past relationships as it gives me some idea of any particular character traits I might need to avoid in any future matches.” She lifted her voice, trying to keep the atmosphere light. “If someone’s been with a workaholic and that relationship failed because of the problems around that issue, then I’d try not to recreate that situation in any potential match.”
    “Yes, I can see how that might be a problem.”
    Was he being deliberately obtuse? Or was he purposefully hiding something beneath that smooth and charming exterior? The waiter arrived with the main courses and Molly was able to deflect her attention from Rory. Their every exchange was filled with an intensity that ruffled her composure, leaving her feeling as though she were playing an elaborate game of cat and mouse, with her as the poor hunted victim about to run into a waiting trap.
    She took another sip of champagne, its immediate effect rippling along the length of her skin. Was it the sophisticated surroundings or the company she found so distracting? Focus, she reprimanded herself. Mind on job.
    “So, about your previous relationships, is there anything I should bear in mind when organizing potential matches for you?”
    His mouth twisted in concentration then he gave a resigned shrug.
    “Nope. There’s nothing much to report, I’m afraid.”
    She snorted, surprising herself and Rory even more judging by his bemused look. But honestly, did she really look that stupid?
    “It’s true. Most of my relationships have been casual affairs.”
    “I see.” She ran a finger along a