Free A Case For Trust by Gracie MacGregor

unfathomable as that hot, impulsive kiss he knew had taken him by surprise as much as it had her. He wouldn’t deny, he’d felt something, something perplexing, something stirring, when he kissed her. Perhaps it was because of that kiss he was hanging around. If it were any other woman, he’d have no hesitation in wooing Philippa Lloyd until she once more quivered under his hands. But Philippa was off limits. Justin wasn’t having her, and neither was he.
    Don’t be too hasty, Mason. Justin wasn’t having her, Justin was marrying Lucy. But surely the easiest way to ensure Justin lost interest in Philippa was for Philippa to be off the market. Involved elsewhere. Matt’s mouth creased as he acknowledged where his thoughts were leading. His threats hadn’t worked in dissuading Philippa from chasing his brother. Maybe it was time to try a little honey in place of vinegar. Appraising her delicate features, her lissom figure, it would be no hardship. He was sure he could turn her head. It had been years since he’d been seriously interested in a woman, since he’d actively set about pursuing one, but he wasn’t unaware of his charm. Women reminded him of it all the time. Perhaps not as often as Justin, but still … The fact Philippa hadn’t fallen at his feet already simply meant he hadn’t applied it to her.
    And it would be no hardship to relax those limits he’d so strictly imposed upon himself. It had been so long since he’d allowed himself to be involved with anyone, it was little wonder he responded like tinder to a match when he got close to Philippa.
    What if she’s really in love with Justin? And he with her?
    If she was really in love with Justin, she’d never fall for Matt. Simple. But the way she’d kissed him back that morning, even if only for the briefest of moments, told him he could make her desire him. And then he could expose her for the fickle, greedy wannabe he was still convinced she was.
    And if she actually falls for you? What then?
    The thought gave him pause. While he’d cut himself off from serious relationships long ago, had mostly indulged in short affairs with women who knew the score, he’d never wilfully set out to hurt any of them. He wasn’t setting out to hurt Philippa either, just separate her from his brother.
    She’s not a sophisticate, not really. She doesn’t know the score. She might be greedy, but she’s not cynical. You could really hurt her.
    It was a qualm destined to go unattended. Philippa had seen him skulking in the corner, and judging from the narrowed glare that quite transformed her serene, unflappable mask for just the space of a heartbeat, she wasn’t happy.
    ***
    â€˜You didn’t have to wait for me. I can assure you, I’m not slinking off to some secret assignation with your brother.’
    His raised brow was an exercise in mocking urbanity. ‘I never imagined you were. Justin was due in Sydney this evening for a client dinner. He’ll already be in the air.’
    â€˜And what makes you think I’m not joining him there?’
    Why, why did she say something so ridiculous? What demon had possessed her tongue to bait him like that? But his face remained calm. ‘Because you just told me you weren’t.’
    â€˜And suddenly you’re believing what I tell you?’
    He wouldn’t be drawn into the fight she was imprudently picking. Instead, he merely took her briefcase from her resisting fingers and turned towards the door. ‘Don’t be argumentative, Philippa, it’s too nice a day for it. Besides, your groom wants to speak with you.’
    Mr Jackson was indeed making his slow but purposeful way towards them. Philippa switched on her most professional and winning smile, aware of the smirk it elicited from Matt beside her.
    â€˜Is this your young man, Philippa? I’m delighted you brought him along. Lily will be so