Page 4 of Kane

Chapter Three

Erin

I knew Mae was going to ditch me as soon as she even got the slightest hint that Anton might be interested. And when she put on the full charm offensive, usually no man was safe. That guy at the bar gave her a run for her money though. I almost laughed out loud when he hadn’t succumbed to her power pout. Sitting chatting at the bar now felt cosy, he was easy to talk to and I could have got lost in his ebony eyes. I’d never seen eyes so dark before.

Kane seemed to be a pretty cool guy, he told me he’d served in the Army for a few years before being honourably discharged and now taught Politics at a university. He didn’t look old enough for the life he talked about, but the way he held himself definitely screamed Army, perhaps some kind of special forces?

I didn’t realise how late it was until Ray came over to leave my coat with me and say that they were leaving to go for pizza. Whilst I was tempted, I didn’t want to leave Kane just yet. His complements were giving me a lovely confidence boost. That he dismissed Mae in the way he did and then was obviously trying to charm me gave me a warm feeling inside… Women like Mae don’t generally get turned down, especially for a guy to focus his attention to someone curvier like me. Mae will not be happy about this.

“So, would you like to grab something to eat?” He smiled, “I’m not entirely sure I can get us to it, but there’s a great all night café not far from here. Last time I visited I went with my kid brother, Robbie.”

“Was it Finlay’s All Night Café?” I asked. I knew exactly where it was since I went there at least twice a week; it had been my favourite spot since I moved here a couple of years ago. I always had an appetite after drinking and my mouth watered at the thought of eating.

His face lit up, “Yes, that’s it! D’you know, the last time I was here I had their fried chicken. It came with-”

“Chilli dip, sour cream and salted chilli chips?” I laughed as he nodded in surprise, my focus diverted from the idea of food to the thought of being with this guy for a while longer. I licked my lips. “Yeah, I love their food too. It’s only about a five minute walk.”

“So, do you want to go now?” he asked, finishing his beer. “Or will we see if we can get some drinks somewhere else?” As I stood I realised that I was leaving with a complete stranger. “Let’s get some food, I really am starving!”

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