Anne Mather - Such Sweet Poison (Harlequin Presents)

SUCH SWEET

POISON

Anne Mather

'I'm not asking you to go to bed with him. Just to make up a four for a meal.'

But Catherine was wary. After the failure of her marriage she had pulled the pieces together and somehow carried on, despite her sense of guilt.

Now she was content with her spinster life and not interested in finding a new man, whatever well-meaning friends thought. Yet there was something in Morgan Lynch which struck a responsive chord. Attractive, articulate, but clearly haunted by his unhappy past, Morgan was a man who challenged and intrigued her. But was Catherine wise to get involved?

I want to go to bed with you. Id be a fool if I didnt. But not to satisfy some belief I have that Im irresistible to women! Im just a. regular guy, who finds you very attractive. Whats so unusual about that, for Gods sake?

Catherine bent her head. Why?

Why what?

Why me? She took an uneven breath. Did-did Denzil put you up to it?

Morgan swore softly, and then, as if unable to prevent himself, he bent towards her, his mouth covering hers with uncontrolled intent. , CHAPTER ONE

LIVE a little, Cat. Hes a friend of Denzils and hes gorgeous! A little-shy, perhaps, but what the hell? What have you got to lose?

Catherine Lambert stared at the computer screen in front of her with impatient eyes. Since when have Denzils friends been gorgeous? she enquired, scowling at the display. Damn, thats not right.

In this case, he is, Kay Sawyer assured her swiftly. Hes an old army buddy of Denzils. At least, they met while they were both in uniform.

Denzil didnt actually see any active service.

No. Catherine allowed a small smile to tilt her lips.

Well. Kay was defensive now. Denzils in US Army intelligence, as you know. Someone has to do the boring jobs. We cant all be war heroes, can we?

Catherine made no comment. Her opinion of Denzil Sawyer was not particularly flattering, but he was Kays husband, and because of that she was prepared to be tolerant.

Anyway, Kay persisted, what do you say? Youd be doing me a real favour.

Catherine looked at the other woman. Kay, how many times do I have to tell you? I dont need you to organise my social life.

lf I dont, youll spend the next I dont know how many years going home to that empty house, with only that damn moggy for company,' retorted Kay shortly. Youre a young woman, Cat. Just because-well, just because you made one mistake, you dont have to spend the rest of your life brooding over it.

Im not brooding over anything, Catherine protested, pushing her spectacles up her nose. But it was not precisely true. She always felt a sense of depression whenever she thought about Neil, but she had no intention of admitting that to her friend. And Hectors not a moggy, she added. Hes a black Persian.'

All right. Kay abandoned that tack. But how many men have you been out with in the last six months?

Does it matter? A faint trace of colour invaded Catherines cheeks.

It matters to me. Kay sighed. Cat

Look, I know you mean well. Catherine shook her head. But honestly, Id just as soon. not get involved.

Whats involved? Kay cast her eyes towards the ceiling. Cat, this is a dinner invitation, thats all. Nothing more; nothing less.

Catherine moistened her lips. It was obvious Kay was not going to be put off by prevarication, so she had to think of' something else. Well, who is he? she asked. Whats he doing in England? Is he married?

Kay glanced quickly round the large office, assuring herself that her conversation was not being observed by a higher authority, and then said confidingly, His names Morgan Lynch, and hes not married. She shrugged. He was-once-but, like you, hes divorced now, and, at present, hes working in Denzils section at the Embassy.

l see. Catherine bit down on her lower lip. Well, Im sure if you want to ask him to dinner hes quite capable of finding his own date.

He doesnt know anybody, exclaimed Kay frustratedly. Hes only been in London three weeks! Oh, why cant you just do this one small thing for me?

Catherine pressed her lips together. Does-he--know youre trying to arrange a partner for him?

Who? Denzil? Kay pretended to be obtuse, but when that only aroused a look of resignation she straightened away from Catherines desk. Its only a dinner party, she said, looking down at her friend with sulky eyes. Im not asking you to go to bed with him. Just to make up a four for a meal.'

Catherine expelled her breath wearily. Id like to help you, Kay, but

But what?

Well-as you say-its been months since I went out-with anyone. Dont you think you ought to ask someone more-sociable?

Kay shook her head. Itll do you good.

Will it? Catherine was not convinced. Im not exactly anyones idea of a blind date, am I?

What do you mean?

Catherine lifted her shoulders. Im too tall, Im too fat, and I wear glasses.'

Youre not fat!

Kay latched on to the only one of the three that was remotely arguable.

Catherine was too tall. At five feet ten, she looked down on most of the men she met. Which was one of the reasons Neil had dumped her, Catherine reflected obliquely. He had never liked feeling at a disadvantage, physically or otherwise. `

Anyway, I think you should come, Kay persisted. The trouble with you is, youve had no confidence in yourself since Neil... She broke off then, as if aware she was invading forbidden territory, and then continued heedlessly, Well, its true. And its only because I care about you that I say these things. For heavens sake, its been almost two years! Dont you think its about time you made a new start?

Catherine looped one silky strand of night-dark hair behind her ear. By attending your dinner party? she enquired wryly, and Kay nodded.

Why not?

Catherine hesitated. Whose idea was it to ask me? She couldnt believe Denzil Sawyer was in favour. Not after the way she had put him down.

Denzils, declared Kay, astonishingly. He said-well, he said you were exactly what-who... She gave a nervous smile. Exactly who we needed.

Catherine sighed. She suspected there must be something seriously lacking in Morgan Lynch, if Denzil considered her a suitable companion. But she could hardly tell Kay that. Not without getting into a whole nest of sleeping vipers.

The appearance of Kays boss, Andrew Hollingsworth, one of the senior actuaries, in the office doorway evidently looking for his secretary, made a decision critical. And, although Catherine was sure she was going to regret it later, she decided to accept. After all, Kay was right. Since Neil had walked out on their marriage, she had become virtually a recluse, going from house to office and back again with never a diversion in between.

All right, she said, in a low voice, flashing Andrew Hollingsworth a bright smile, and Kay, ever vigilant of any warning signal, gathered up a handful of papers from Catherines desk, as if that had been her intention all along.

Do you mean it? she hissed, as Catherine determinedly rescued the results of the analysis she had been working on, and stared at the now muddled sheets with some frustration.

Yes. Yes, she answered, aware that Kays boss was getting more impatient by the minute. Go! Ill talk to you later.

Great! Kay made a circle of her thumb and forefinger, and then, after pulling a face at Catherine, she turned disarmingly towards the door. Oh, Mr Hollingsworth! Were you looking for me?