by Judy Jarvie
Lyle smiled, raised an eyebrow – provoking with ease. ‘You can try but don’t plan to win. I don’t mess around in playtime.’ He flicked her a wink as he pressed his remote, then zoomed ahead for her to chase him.
Maddie nursed her hands. In all her efforts to beat Lyle, she’d pressed the remote so hard her fingers ached. Yet they’d laughed and passed hours in childish time-wasting companionship.
Wasn’t laughter the best medicine of all?
At least the fraught atmosphere had cleared, and a sense of budding friendship and relief had taken its place. Along with a resonating empathy for this man. Just thinking of the way Lyle smiled, and the way he admonished her gently, made her glow. The danger vibes and taut tension had transformed into shared understanding.
It was only after she’d bid him goodnight and reached her room that Maddie realised she’d forgotten the launch. They’d discussed everything from the trivial to the mundane, yet she’d omitted getting clearance on his café event. She’d missed her mission by a mile.
But then Lyle had revealed enough sore spots tonight. She sensed he didn’t need further testing. Not yet.
Chapter Eleven
Next morning Maddie rectified the situation on clearing the launch plans. She found Lyle flicking through the newspaper in the kitchen, car keys in hand, ready to head out to the café for another day’s work.
‘Lyle, sit down for a minute. Can we talk about launch arrangements?’
She fixed some coffee and placed a mug in front of him; just how he liked it, strong and black. Like his temperament sometimes. Would this be such an instance?
Maddie sat down and opened her file, then carefully ran through confirmed details. She passed him the press release she intended to circulate, plus the newly printed silver embossed tickets. Then she filled him in on everything from the dating, to the VIP guest and altered fashion show plans.
No more impulsive Maverick Maddie.
Lyle mulled it all over with a poker face and eyes that were ultra-hard to read. Maddie tried not to notice those shoulders, that suit, the freshly showered hint of cologne that teased her interest yet again.
‘It’s a little more extreme than we originally discussed, but by tweaking we’ve got higher stakes and media interest confirmed. It’ll pull in a crowd and get coverage for certain now.’
Lyle watched her and pursed his lips. ‘You’ve worked your socks off,’ he concluded. ‘And it’s totally inspired. Just a shame you still doubt my reactions, because it’s fabulous, Maddie. Don’t doubt me. Maybe I should be giving you a management role in Ice Cafes Inc. in future?’ His approval caused an angel chorus inside her.
Maddie grinned. ‘I’m so relieved to hear you say that. Heather thought you’d disapprove. I’m just aware that the business is your baby. But you’re right, it rocks. I’m excited and proud of what we’ve all achieved.’
Lyle sipped his coffee and sat back in his chair. ‘You especially, you’ve turned it around on a tight timescale. You might do things differently – but the feather in the cap’s wholly yours. Just like Brewster, you’ve made a good call. I was right to trust you.’
With relief and elation buzzing, Maddie screeched her chair back leaving her drink untouched. ‘Great, then I’ll go make more calls now.’
Lyle reached out his hand to stop her. ‘Relax for five minutes, won’t you? Enjoy the coffee, I only want to talk.’
She quirked a smile. ‘Now I know how Josh feels when you enforce calm.’
A grin tugged at the side of his lips. Full lips, that lent gentleness to sharp, masculine features. ‘Since he’s not around, perhaps we should celebrate tonight with dinner?
Despite its attractions, the suggestion still caused hesitation.
Were those tricky waters given their agreement?
Maddie batted the doubts away. They’d deepened their friendship. Plus, as an employee she’d made a mark.
It was only dinner, right? Where was the harm?
After Lyle’s spa pampering coup, Maddie was half-expecting some elite, posh table at an exquisite Edinburgh cordon bleu restaurant. With oodles of cutlery choices and high table rituals.
The truth was very far removed from her expectations. Yet their destination had her smiling from ear to ear. ‘Marco’s! You’ve booked us a table to eat at Bonafonte’s?’
‘Where better?’
The great cooking smells that welcomed them underlined Lyle’s words. He grinned as they walked through her uncle’s Stockbridge trattoria and were ushered to a candlelit table in the new conservatory extension. A bottle of some expensive-looking wine in a silver ice bucket was awaiting their arrival. Marco similarly greeted them in dramatic fashion and hugged Maddie as if she’d been away for years, not mere weeks.
‘I’ve missed you, Uncle M.’
‘Likewise,’ her uncle said pulling out her chair and flourishing her damask napkin before placing it onto her lap.
‘Marco,’ said Lyle, shaking her uncle’s hand. ‘I thought I said a table for three. You are joining us, aren’t you? Maddie needs a catch up and I’d love you to share our evening.’
Her uncle shook his head. ‘It’s not for me to intrude. Two young people … a working dinner … ’
‘Go get another seat,’ said Lyle, pulling a ‘no quibbling acceptable’ face. ‘You’re joining us. We came here because it’s Maddie’s favourite place in the world and I figured she might have been neglecting you on my account. I wanted to shift that balance.’
Maddie buzzed with the inner boost tonight gave her. Lyle was such a great guy, attentive, intuitive. Sexy. Yes, definitely sexy. So kind and thoughtful too, it made her heart glow.
‘Order for me?’ Lyle said shoving the menu into her hand. ‘I trust you to know what I’ll like and you know the menu better than anyone.’
‘So well,’ Maddie confided, ‘I don’t even have to read the menu. I’m a waitress. I can probably guess what’s on the Specials board. So let’s say two Specials. In fact, why don’t we have all the Specials as a lucky dip? Whatever the chef’s top picks are.’ Maddie grinned. Until she looked around and Marco and the waiter, Alessandro, were both grinning at her, clearly enjoying a joke at her expense. Her triumph proved short-lived.
‘So,’ Alessandro said, tapping his pad. ‘That’s pine nut and avocado salad, oysters nirvana, honeyed asparagus with game and drizzled figs. Then there’s Pure Passion chocolate torte to follow.’
‘Stefano is experimenting with an aphrodisiac menu. Still game to try it?’ Marco asked.
‘Stefano would,’ she answered tightly. Wondering for some moments if he’d done it simply to rile her.
Lyle grinned. ‘Sounds great to me. I’ll embrace my employee’s recommendations.’
Her uncle laughed so much she wondered if her embarrassment might silence her right through the meal.
‘Cara mia! Life is for living, yes?’
Lyle squeezed her hand. ‘It’s okay, I know you chose them by mistake. Don’t sweat it. They’ll be great!’
Fortunately the rest of the meal went blush-free.
Lyle Sutherland couldn’t have picked a better place, even if he’d scoured the whole of Scotland’s finest restaurants. For that, she was very, very grateful.
The launch night arrived at rapid pace and soon Maddie was standing in Lyle’s second glittering, city centre Ice Café, awaiting a night that would hopefully contribute to its future success.
Would tonight fly or bomb? Was she crazy turning it into such an extravaganza? Had she taken a leap of faith too far?
It was too late for doubts. The media were coming, avid daters had booked to crammed point and soon the event would be well underway. People from all across Scotland were coming for a much-hyped night of flirting, fun and spectacle. No less than ten influential members of the media including two regional TV crews were coming plus a clutch of magazine and newspaper reporters.
Enough to make her relax?
No way. It only added pressure.
Maddie realised she knew that antsy feeling. Like being a kid again. Looking for her dad at a school recital. Excitement, longing and then … disappointment.
She bit her lip, catching her reflection in the café’s full length etched glass panel. No more the little girl. She wore a strapless icy, silver grey chiffon gown that Heather had persuaded her to visa violate for. It was slit thigh high on one side, revealing curves and dipping low down her back. A glittery sheer stole wrap and crystal jewellery completed the theme, a smile hid her nerves. Too much? Too late to change.
Even Maddie’s hair had been transformed into a sleek, shiny ebony cut thanks to Heather’s hair salon director friend. But still butterflies swooped in her tummy; this was so out of her comfort zone. Glam, chic and overtly sexy.
Tonight the café had been transformed too – more like a cutting edge club for the party hungry than a coffee joint. Some of the dancer models were already rehearsing poses on the temporary stage and the light effects promised a great interlude.
Heather was confidently issuing commands to swarthy Ewan McQueen, as handsome in real life as his numerous press cuttings would suggest. ‘Aim for laid back charm in your compère duties,’ Heather instructed.
‘Isn’t that my trademark?’ He grinned, clearly teasing Lyle’s sister. ‘It’s you who chooses to ignore it.’
Heather narrowed her eyes at him. ‘Light commentary between dating slots. Remind guests to refill their drinks at the free bar – encourage and energise. Flatter the ladies, motivate the guys.’
‘And when do I get the chance to sweet talk you?’ Ewan asked, his voice lowered, as he surveyed Lyle’s dressed-to-the-nines sister.
Heather shrugged in disdain. ‘I never participate when I’m in charge. No matter how much you pretend you want me to.’
‘Who’s pretending? Maybe you should delegate and live for the moment for a change?’ Ewan challenged.
But Maddie had no time to think about Heather’s flirtation rallies with Edinburgh’s hottest tennis export. She gave Stefano – now doing a last soundcheck with his DJ equipment – a brief nod, then fussed over the table settings and bar for the hundredth time.
‘Ready gorgeous?’ Heather enquired linking an arm through hers. ‘Maddie, you’re going to knock ‘em dead tonight. It’ll go like clockwork – it’s all scripted and timed. Want to take the edge off and participate, might help you chill out?’
‘Thanks but I’ll pass,’ Maddie replied quickly.
Shame the only date she wanted was to be sitting at Lyle’s kitchen table, with his amiable chat and a mellow bottle of wine. Watching his body in that killer track gear, seeing the glint in velvet-grey eyes as he laughed.
As if on cue, Lyle appeared in the doorway and her heart sped as his eyes scanned the room. Suddenly all the thrills and spills of a high speed dating scenario applied. The best-looking, most wonderful man had walked into the room and was heading her way.
Her heart skipped as her pulse soared. Lyle was the only one she’d ever consider speed dating. Or slow dating. He’d trusted her to run with this; showed he could give her space. That faith was a stellar confidence boost and he’d lifted the barricades. Now she felt ready to trust back.
The only man I want to impress is Lyle. He’s what matters now.
And he won’t disappoint me; he’s different.
Maddie held out a hand and smiled widely in greeting.
‘What fairy godmother do I thank for this vision before me?’ Lyle exclaimed staring at her hair in open appreciation. ‘You look sensational.’
‘Hey, boss. I like to surprise you. Ready for a launch night to remember?’
Lyle looked at Maddie and his heart did a ski jump that flew and soared. She outshone every other woman in the room and immediately he knew she was his. No refuting or denying or backing away from fact. She smiled at him as he gawped openly.
‘You scrub up well yourself, Sutherland.’
‘See the lengths I go to for you.’ He pretended to fix his tie.
Maddie raised a brow. ‘Now you’re adding charm and modesty to the trolley cart. You don’t have to. I’m on the team, remember?’
‘But are you persuaded enough to buy?’ He stared at her with solemn intent. No more mixed messages and evasion. Tonight he needed her to wake up to their spark and acknowledge its potential.
Maddie moved away and picked up a glass of bubbly, then a second for Lyle. ‘Dressed up like that, I figure there are women in here who’d queue down the street for such flattery. Want me to book you a dating place? Tonight’s all about meeting that special woman, you’re in the right place.’
‘Maddie Adams, always darting out of reach. I don’t want to speed date. I’d prefer to hope tonight you’ll wake up to what you’re missing.’
She leaned in to squeeze his arm, then sipped the bubbly that was fizzing like the elation in her veins. ‘Let’s concentrate on making tonight the success you deserve first, huh?’
‘What I deserve is the woman I want to wake up to how much I want her.’ Lyle watched her intently – so beautiful he struggled to take his eyes off her. Then he reached for her hand and kissed it. ‘This conversation isn’t finished. Just delayed. That’s a promise.’
He saw Maddie gulp and her eyes held his in shared wordless acknowledgement. ‘We’ll talk. Later, okay?’
Lyle reached out for her fingers and took her glass away. ‘Maddie,’ he said forcefully. ‘I’m only here for one woman. I’m here because I want to date you. I’m not going to pretend about it any longer.’
All the oxygen on the planet became instantly vacuum-sucked as Lyle stood staring into her eyes. He’d admitted he wanted her, nothing had changed. Her lungs struggled to function, her heart started to tango for kicks. In a good way, but a manner that also made her nerves jangle.
Lyle stood before her: tall and handsome, his sculpted, aquiline features making him stand apart from every other man in the room, his hair slick and dark as jet, eyes sparkling agate. Especially jaw-dropping in a gorgeous sleek pale grey suit and ice-white tie. Tonight he looked a worthy Ice King.
She smiled tentatively as his lips slid into a sexy smile.
It sent a frisson of thrill from the base of her spine to the tips of her fingers. Her nipples peaked and hardened at the hot look in his eyes. Maddie tried her best not to gape at Lyle. Just seeing him, standing beside him, caused an undeniable yearning to swell.
‘You okay with all this?’ Maddie asked, motioning to her surroundings.
‘Do I look disappointed? You’ve worked miracles on this place.’ He scanned the room in genuine appreciation. ‘It’s so much more than I imagined.’
‘You’re satisfied?’
‘Absolutely. You’ve nailed an awesome night.’
‘And your sister,’ Maddie added. ‘Heather’s a trooper.’
He nodded. ‘Plus you kept her in line. It’s exactly what I anticipated.’
‘Heather and I are a great team. She’s creative, I’m the can-do pragmatist.’
Lyle’s eyes glittered and her heart throbbed and sped. ‘We’re a better team. Do you admit that now?’
That knowing stare meant everything. He’d trusted her all along. Had put she and Heather together on purpose – like a test. But somehow she didn’t mind because he’d had faith.
The compère, Ewan, interrupted further conversation when he took the mic and welcomed the milling guests. The next twenty minutes sped by as the the launch began in earnest with welcome speeches, camera flashes, and the fashion show’s dazzling choreography taking to the stage accompanied by a wild, throbbing beat. A brief break for more drinks and the dating claxon horn crowed – Ewan grinned as the event unfolded, while Lyle looked calm and in control.
Maddie saw Rob Brewster’s face appear in the doorway. Sh
e alerted Lyle to his presence. ‘Action stations, Brewster’s late but here at last,’ she whispered.
‘Let me handle him this time.’ Lyle’s hand brushed then lingered against her fabric sheathed waist. ‘Most important question, are you interested?’
Maddie stared up at him. ‘Definitely.’
‘You’ve made tonight unforgettable in every way.’ His gaze clamped hers as his fingers pulled her closer.
He nodded towards the critic heading their way. ‘I’ll speed schmooze Brewster, hold my place. I’ll be counting the seconds.’
Maddie grinned. ‘So will I.’
Lyle turned and smiled to the critic who’d brought them hurtling together. Perhaps Brewster had his good points after all?
‘You cannot go and speak to Maddie,’ Heather glowered and kept a restraining arm on her brother’s bicep. ‘She’s dating. Two women sick so we were girls down. Odd numbers don’t work in speed dating, so back off, Lyle.’
‘But I only want to talk.’
It was like persuading a robot. Programmed to disobey and decline.
‘If you jump the queue it’ll mess up my numbers.’
Like he cared. Or would have touched this charade with an extra long reinforced bargepole. It was happening for a purpose – media attention and that was fine. But now it was getting between him and what he wanted most: Maddie Adams alone.
The annoying claxon sounded again and Lyle went to storm towards the assembled participants. ‘If I snatch a quick word between daters – ’
‘If you go interrupting things, Lyle, I’ll be seriously furious.’ Heather shoved a hand through her long hair, frustration swirling. She wagged a warning finger in Lyle’s face. ‘My reputation’s on the line here.’
‘So you mean Maddie could end up having to date one of these creeps? For dinner or more?’ The rusty spear of anger was both debilitating and unexpected.
Lyle sipped on his iced mineral water and hoped for patience and a cool off. It failed. He’d tried to keep calm when he saw her tonight; failed again. Tried to keep his head and not notice the angel’s body in the knockout dress, the pulse-hitcher slit that showcased her legs.
