The Tycoon's Dating Deal. Nicola Marsh

moved, the stiffness in her facial muscles easing into the semblance of a smile. She could do this. She had to.

      ‘That’s my girl,’ he whispered as he squeezed her hand and guided her towards the stage.

      She moved mechanically, placing one foot in front of the other, oblivious to the hoots and congratulations coming from all directions.

      Sally patted her arm as she reached the stage and whispered in her ear. ‘Sorry, love. You and Matt were the only two that matched. I couldn’t fudge the results. The agency board checks into details like that, not to mention the fact that several of the award judges are here. Forgive me?’

      With the blood pounding in her head, Kara stared at Sally. Strangely, she didn’t look at all remorseful. In fact, she looked downright happy! However, there was little time to argue the point now. There were more important things to worry about, like how she could end this farce without jeopardising Sal’s business in the process. And how she could deflect Matt’s attentions when he’d just chosen her as his most desirable partner.

      As if reading her mind, Matt murmured, ‘Just go with the flow for now.’

      Kara stared, the intensity of his gaze doing little to calm her.

      Easier said than done.