Temporary Intrigue by Judy Huston

office.”
    Josh nodded.
    “Thanks, she showed me where everything is. I’ll need to borrow one of your support staff too, if possible.”
    “Unfortunately we’re in a state of flux with staff, but I’ll see if I can find someone – competent – to help you.” Gail shot a toxic look at Dimity who was trying to edge past unnoticed. “I noticed you called in sick on Friday. That must be a record, after only four days work.”
    “For someone who was involved in a serious accident only three days ago,” said Josh, stretching the truth without a blush, “I think she’s doing pretty well to front up for work at all.” His tone was mild, but there was a hint of frost around the edges.
    Yes! Dimity gave the air a gleeful mental punch. Gail bridled.
    “Fortunately her absence didn’t seem to make much difference,” she snapped.
    “Really?” Josh’s eyes were alert. “Then if you don’t have much for Dimity to do, I’m sure you won’t mind making her available to help me out for the three weeks.”
    Clearly irritated, Gail glared at Dimity, who was rather enjoying this battle over her services.
    “I’d like to see that booking confirmation for the reception,” she said curtly.
    Whoops.
    Dimity felt her jaw drop for the second time that morning.
    “I’m sure it’s organised,” Josh interposed. He gave Dimity a barely perceptible wink. “Let me get some things sorted out with Gail, then we’ll have a talk.”
    His eyes held hers for a second longer than necessary before he took off towards Melissa’s office, with Gail flapping behind him. Dimity followed at a more leisurely pace, glad of the chance to try to get her pulse rate back to normal.
    But who was she kidding? ‘Normal’ wasn’t a word her emotions seemed to understand when Josh Williams was within radar range.
    She greeted Amanda automatically and sank into the chair at her work station, trying to comprehend the fact that not only was he well and truly within radar range, he was literally on the other side of the wall. Gail had closed the office door when she followed him in, probably to read him a long list of Dimity’s misdoings, but he was there.
    Had been in Newcastle since Friday.
    He had seemed totally unsurprised to see her, she mused, starting up her computer. Running into females he knew was probably an everyday event for him.
    It was a deflating thought but a timely one. If they were going to be working together for the next three weeks, she would have to pull herself together and stop hyperventilating every time he looked at her.
    It had to be possible to look beyond the fact that he was six foot something with gorgeous olive skin, eyes to die for and a mouth that really made you wonder what it would be like to . . .
    Gail emerged from Josh’s office looking somewhat mollified and bustled off towards the lift. Josh glanced out.”
    “Like to come in?” His manner was politely professional but his eyes were warm.
    Remembering to grab a notebook, Dimity joined him. He sat on the edge of the desk, waving her into the spare chair.
    “What was that about a car nearly running you down?” His eyes lingered with concern on her bruising.
    Having half expected him to launch into dictation, Dimity was disconcerted. “It was all so quick. I’m not really sure what happened. I was walking Bert and we were about to cross the road when a car came flying round the corner. Bert tripped me up and I fell – sideways, luckily.”
    “Did the car stop?”
    She shook her head.
    “It was going so fast it was almost travelling on two wheels. Probably kids practising stunts.”
    He grinned wryly.
    “You’re having a bad run. I wondered why you weren’t here on Friday.”
    While she’d been lying around feeling sore and sorry for herself, he’d actually been looking for her! Dimity savoured the thought, then eyed him curiously.
    “I didn’t tell you where I was working.”
    “I saw you on the intranet.” Amusement gleamed in his eyes.