Perfect Match. Dara Girard

door instead. He was here. The man she’d been dreaming about for many nights was here and was quickly becoming her worst nightmare. He wasn’t the caring, generous and wonderful man she’d imagined him to be. Instead, he was a conniving playboy who went through women as he did his shirts. He’d likely used one of his lines to get her attention that day in the park. She wondered how often he used that line. Obviously it was effective; she’d fallen for it—and him—completely. From Bonnie’s research she knew he never settled with one woman for too long, especially after breaking up with Jade Walker. She felt like a fool. She banged her head against the door, welcoming the pain in her head. It was better than the one seeping into her heart.

      He’d probably laughed about how easy it had been to manipulate her. But she wouldn’t think about that. She needed the job. She didn’t need to like him. And he didn’t need to know how she’d felt about him. What he thought about her didn’t matter as long as she got paid. He’d probably forgotten all about it anyway. She’d be professional and distant.

      She heard a knock on the door and then Bonnie’s worried tone. “Hannah? Are you all right?”

      Hannah wiped her eyes and came out. “I’m fine.”

      “Did he say something? Do you want me to be in on the meeting?”

      “No, I can handle Mr. Harper.”

      Hannah returned to her office and stared at Amal—seeing the steely jaw and cunning gaze. She hadn’t seen that before, but she wouldn’t forget it now.

      “Okay, let’s get to work.”

      They discussed the case and then finished for the day.

      “Will you excuse us?” Amal said to Hector as they prepared to leave.

      “Are you sure?” Hector said.

      Amal sent him a cutting look. Hector hesitated and then left.

      Once he’d closed the door, Amal leaned forward and softened his voice. “It’s nice to see you again, Hannah.”

      “Is it?” she said, sounding bored.

      “I think so.”

      “So now you remember my name?”

      “It suits you.”

      “Stop playing games with me.”

      “I’m not playing games.”

      “You lied to me. In the park you said we’d met before, but when I just saw you, you were just as surprised to see me as I was to see you. Why is that? You knew my name and what I did, yet you were just as shocked when you saw me. That means you’ve never heard of or seen me before.”

      He shrugged. “Okay, so I lied.”

      Hannah blinked, amazed by how comfortable he was admitting it. “Why? You wanted to get my number or something? Or perhaps you were just bored that day and wanted to see if you could toy with me. I know all about you. I know how you think getting women in bed should be an Olympic sport.”

      “I’ve never said that.”

      “There’s no need to. Your actions speak loud enough.”

      “You shouldn’t believe everything you read.”

      “Or everything you hear.” She folded her arms, wanting to look unmoved, although she was feeling so many emotions she could hardly keep still. “Why did you lie?”

      “I wanted to make you stop crying.”

      Hannah paused, hating how he was a constant surprise to her. “I don’t believe you.”

      He shrugged. “It’s the truth. Did the contractor give you a good estimate?”

      “No.”

      “Oh. Look, a friend owes me a favor. I can get your parents’ house fixed so they’ll get insured.”

      Hannah held up her hand and shook her head. “I don’t need your help. You’re the one who needs mine.”

      Amal shrugged and leaned against her desk. “I don’t see why you’re so upset. It was a harmless diversion.” He continued before she could reply, “Did I try to get your number or address?”

      “No.”

      He folded his arms. “You’re lucky I didn’t have to resort to plan B.”

      “Plan B?”

      “Yes.” He came around the desk and lifted her to her feet. “I was going to kiss you.” And then he did just that. She expected to be repelled, alarmed, violated, but instead the touch of his lips on hers was like coming home. Like the sweet smell of cinnamon pancakes on a Sunday morning, or the sound of a crackling fire on a still winter’s night. He felt safe, secure, right. Although her body wanted to believe that, her mind refused to. He was all wrong for her—too many smooth lines and charming smiles.

      Hannah shoved him away and wiped his kiss from her mouth. “If you ever do that again—” She stopped at the sight of the stunned expression on his face—wonder, amazement, confusion and a slight hint of fear. All that she’d felt. But she brushed the thought aside. They were nothing alike. She snapped her fingers in his face. “Did you hear me?”

      He blinked as though waking from a trance. “I’m sorry. I was out of line.” He rubbed the back of his neck and sighed. “I don’t know what has gotten into me.”

      “Your ego is the size of a continent.”

      “Relax.” He sat on the corner of her desk. “I’m not hitting on you. You’re not even my type.”

      “Lucky me,” she said in a dry tone.

      He cringed, looking uneasy, which seemed like an uncharacteristic trait for him. “I didn’t mean it like that. All I’m saying was that I was trying to help you and I would have done whatever it took to make you smile.”

      “Fine,” Hannah said in clipped tones. “Let’s forget it.”

      “Do you trust me?”

      “What?”

      “I need to know whether you trust me or not. I need you to believe in my case and fight for me.”

      “I will.”

      “That’s not what I asked you.”

      Hannah sat behind her desk and met his stare. “But that’s what I’m telling you.”

      He sat and glared at her with an intensity that made a tinge of fear slither down her spine. He kept his voice measured and controlled. “The Walkers are good and they are going to paint a portrait of me that’s—” he hesitated “—less than savory. If you already believe them, there’s no point in you representing me. No, I’m not a saint. But I built my company with Jade and I did love her and I tried to be everything she wanted me to be, but it wasn’t enough. I didn’t callously abandon her, and I was not the reason she committed suicide. If you think that’s the kind of man I am then let’s end this partnership now.”

      “I’ll take the case.”

      “Wrong answer.” He stood.

      “You need me.”

      “Not that bad.”

      Hannah jumped to her feet, seeing the answer to her parents’ problem walking out the door. “I can take your case without having to like you.”

      “No, you can’t.” Amal grabbed the door handle.

      She rushed over to him and stopped him from opening the door. “Okay, wait. I believe you.”

      Amal gazed down at her with a blank expression, making it hard for her to read him. “About everything?” he challenged in the same measured tone. “And be careful how you answer.”

      “Yes.”

      “And