Temporary Intrigue by Judy Huston Page A

“Nice photo.”
    “Not one of my best.” A little embarrassed that he had discovered her deception, and mortified to know he had seen the cheesy picture, Dimity was nevertheless beginning to feel more at ease in his company. Perhaps she should offer to make coffee. He seemed to have all morning to chat.
    He proved her wrong by glancing at his watch.
    “I’m going to be fairly busy here, unfortunately,” he said. “There’ll be my usual work, and I’ll also be helping Gail with some of the convention organising. We’re heading off to meetings in a few minutes, then I’ll have a teleconference this afternoon, so I’ll be tied up most of the day.”
    Darn. He might as well be in Canada for all she would see of him. He seemed to have everything under control without needing any secretarial input.
    “But there’ll be plenty for you to do after today,” he went on, as if reading her mind. “Follow-up stuff from convention meetings and general things. Meanwhile – ” he nodded at a dictaphone on the desk– “Melissa left some non-urgent typing work. It could be a good way to ease back into things – and to look occupied.”
    The gleam in his eye was now positively wicked.
    Dimity brightened. She liked transcription work, especially the non-urgent variety. With the prospect of a relaxed but occupied day, and the promise of spending more time with Josh, the work scene was definitely looking up.
    “Gail seemed a bit hot under the collar about the VIP reception,” Josh went on, handing her the dictaphone. “Is there a problem with it?”
    The need to find a venue for that wretched reception was destined to haunt her. Groaning inwardly, Dimity explained.
    “I’ll get right on to it,” she assured him, trying to hide her despair and sound like a PA par excellence.
    Josh looked dubious.
    “I don’t like your chances at this late stage. How many are likely to be there?”
    Dimity did a quick mental check of the information she had been able to pick up.
    “Probably about twenty.”
    She could see Josh thinking and coming to a decision.
    “I’m staying in a suite here,” he said. “Overlooking the harbour, plenty of room. Why don’t we have it there? It’s more personal than a function room and gives them the chance to see the type of accommodation we provide. Can you organise some food and drinks?”
    Dimity was seriously tempted to hurl herself at him and hug him.
    “You’ve saved my life,” she told him fervently.
    He chuckled.
    “Why don’t we work out the finer details over lunch? I’d like to check out those restaurants by the harbour while I’m here. I’m tied up today as I said, but if you’re free tomorrow we could make it then. I owe you a meal anyway.”
    He spoke casually, but once again there was a slightly guarded look about him, as if her reply mattered.
    While they were talking business, Dimity had started to feel more settled. Now her breathing was playing tricks with her again.
    Was he asking her for a date? Was he just being friendly? Did he really feel he owed her?
    Whatever. She could wonder about it later.
    How long was it, after all, since a stunning man had asked her to lunch?
    “Thanks, I’d like that.” Her casual manner, matching his, earned her an instant place among the finalists for the understatement of the year award.
    She could almost see him relax again.
    “Here’s my room number so you can send out details about the reception to everyone.” He wrote swiftly on a piece of paper and handed it to her, his fingers brushing hers. Dimity jumped. The electricity was still alive and extremely well.
    Thinking he had finished she stood up, clutching the dictaphone, but he still seemed in no hurry to launch himself into the working day.
    “Did you get your car back?”
    Ridiculously pleased that he’d remembered, she nodded.
    “Leigh said she could take me after all. And Shane went with us so he could drive home with me, because I was still feeling a bit wobbly,”