Australian Bachelors: Masterful Magnates: Purchased: His Perfect Wife

‘Let’s go.’

He caught hold of her hand and threaded his fingers through her own. Something which elevated her nervous tension, and she waited until they reached the kerb before attempting to wrench her hand free.

‘Isn’t the hand-holding thing a bit over the top?’

Wolfe disarmed the locking mechanism and opened the passenger door. ‘It bothers you?’

Yes. The word became locked in her throat as a silent scream. ‘Of course not,’ she managed evenly as she slid into the seat.

In the confines of the car she was supremely conscious of him, the aura of power and masculine strength he exuded mingling with the unobtrusive drift of expensive cologne.

His hands on the wheel were sure, his control of the Lexus total, as he handled the traffic with ease through the city streets, soon connecting with the New South Head Road leading towards Point Piper.

It was a lovely spring day with a tinge of warmth in the sun as it bathed the harbour and encroaching suburbs.

Mansions, some gracious others modern, stood behind high walls with steel-gated frontages.

Most were worth a veritable fortune, and owned by the rich and famous who coveted their privacy.

There was a sense of curiosity as Wolfe eased the car to a halt behind a late-model Mercedes, the owner of which moved forward to provide an expansive greeting as soon as Wolfe emerged from the Lexus.

‘My fiancée, Lara Sommers,’ Wolfe introduced smoothly as he crossed to the agent’s side, and she felt the light pressure of Wolfe’s hand at the back of her waist as they entered the house.

An action which suddenly made her conscious of a need to regulate her breathing.

Which was crazy.

The house … concentrate on the house, she bade silently as they passed through the large entrance with its marble-tiled floors, the beautiful neutral colours enhanced by individual features and exquisite lighting.

Built on three levels, the interior provided a guest suite, master suite, plus five bedrooms, each with an en suite, a formal and informal lounge and dining room, media room, office and library, together with utilities. There was garaging for three vehicles and a self-contained flat for live-in staff.

It was the kitchen which held her interest, for she’d worked in several over the years, and design layout and appliance placement were essential for maximum ease of use.

When it came to stove tops she preferred gas. For aesthetic purposes, the long, sweeping marble bench-tops provided a clean, simple look.

Outside, the grounds were landscaped to perfection, with beautifully clipped topiary, decorative flower beds and, situated at the rear, a gorgeous infinity-pool.

Panoramic views over the harbour were stunning by day, and undoubtedly a fairyland of light by night.

‘What do you think?’ Wolfe queried as they descended the curved stairway to the main entrance lobby.

‘It’s a beautiful home,’ Lara acknowledged. ‘Situated in a good location.’

‘I should have a general overview from the interior decorators within a few days.’

No doubt the fee he was paying ensured the work would be accorded priority.

‘What do you plan on having done?’ she ventured as he eased the Lexus towards the New South Head Road.

‘Upgrade the security system. Installation of a home gym. The interior re-painted throughout.’ He spared her a quick glance. ‘The kitchen is your territory. You’ll have carte blanche to remodel it to your specifications.’

‘It’s a home, not a restaurant. There is a difference.’

‘But you’d prefer to make some changes.’

‘And you know this because …?’

‘You have an expressive face.’

And here she was thinking she’d been particularly circumspect. ‘The kitchen is perfectly adequate.’

‘Adequate isn’t enough.’

‘You want perfection? It’ll cost.’

‘Work out a ballpark figure.’

‘Just like that?’

‘Yes. Just like that.’

His lazy drawl held amusement, and she drew in a deep breath. ‘You could regret it.’

‘Surprise me.’

Go for broke? She could do that, easily.

Wolfe deposited her outside the restaurant a few minutes before four.

‘I’ll take a cab to the hotel when I finish for the night,’ Lara indicated as she reached for the door clasp.

‘And deny me the opportunity to—’

‘Play the part?’

‘Of caring fiancé?’ His eyes gleamed with musing humour. ‘Indulge me.’

She threw him a cynical look. ‘I’d prefer to think you enjoy the food.’

In one fluid movement she stepped from the car and closed the door with a refined click. Then she offered a mock salute and crossed the pavement.

Sassy, Wolfe accorded as he watched her walk away from him.

Petite, with a smart mouth, no artifice, and no longer an innocent.

Yet he made her nervous, apparent in the accelerated pulse-beat at the base of her throat. The soft tinge of pink that crept into her cheeks.

The knowledge intrigued him.