Page 33 of Forever Mr Black

“He’s taking over Dark Desires.”

She knows that’s not what I’m referring to. I decide to go with it—for now.

“And how do you feel about that?”

She casts me a sideways glance and smiles. “Fine. I’m not a prude, like you.”

“That’s great and all, but I wasn’t referring to Big Steve taking over the running of the club, and you know it.”

Lucy puts her cup down. “Steve’s lovely. He’s kind and caring, and he makes me laugh. We have a great time together. In fact, I feel like I’ve known him for years. It feels right. And I don’t remember feeling this way about Mark when he and I first got together.”

“But that’s good, isn’t it?”

“Yes, that’s good.”

“Why are you being such hard work? Just spit it out.”

She blushes and fiddles with the teaspoon on the saucer. “You’re right … about what you said. Of course I’m not jealous. It’s just that things aren’t moving as quickly as I’d like … in the bedroom.”

“Oh, so you haven’t …”

“No, and I’m getting really frustrated,” she snaps. “I know he’s doing the right thing. He’s taking things slowly for my benefit, because of the whole wedding thing, but the longer it goes on, the harder it’s getting. We see one another every night, apartfrom the nights he works. I’m a bit old for PG-13 kissing. I’m running out of batteries for my vibrator.”

I nearly choke on a mouthful of tea.

“If he doesn’t do something soon, I think I’m going to explode.”

“Talk to him.”

“And how do I start that conversation, Soph? Can we stop pussyfooting around and get down to business?”

“Well, yeah.”

“I know I need to say something. It’s just … difficult.”

“When Art and I have our ups and downs, you always tell me to talk to him, and it works. In fact, if we hadn’t talked, we might not be together now.”

Lucy shoots me an envious look. “Yeah, you would. You two are meant to be. You just go together … like strawberries and cream.”

“Here you are.” Art heads across the terrace towards us.

He’s dressed all in black, the sleeves of his shirt rolled back to the elbows, revealing glorious, tanned forearms. My heart squeezes, and I can’t help wondering if there’ll ever be a time when I don’t want him.

He gives me an easy smile. “I wondered where you’d gone. What are you two gossiping about?”

Lucy shoots me a warning look. I take the hint.

“We’re just having a catch-up.”

He brushes his fingertips over the back of my hand and crouches down beside my chair, bringing his face level with mine. “I hope you don’t mind, but I gave Mum your number.”

“Yes, I know. She called.”

His eyes slide to my phone on the table. “Ah … well, she was asking questions about the engagement party, and to be honest, I’m not bothered. If you’re happy, then I’m happy. I don’t care what they drink or who’s there, to be honest.” He glances at Lucy. “No offence.”

She shrugs. “None taken.”

He gazes at me. “As long as you’re there, that’s all that matters.”

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