Page 22 of Just a Number

Shaking my head, I can’t help but chuckle. “You think this is gonna earn me some tips?”

“I know it will. Especially if you’re on shift on Friday. We’ve got a live singer in and he’ll be drawing the ladies in. Let’s get you trained up so you can make all their cocktail desires come true.”

Chapter nine

Mel

Ican’t believe he kissed me and that I kissed him back. I’ve pretty much been in full-blown panic ever since. My work has been non-existent. I need to get this contract reviewed, but there’s no way I can focus on it now. It was a relief when I heard the rumble of his bike as he rode away.

What the hell was I thinking?

He’s just too tempting; the way he looked at me, desire dripping from his gaze. It had stoked a fire in me that I hadn’t realised was there. And apparently, a man getting on his knees and telling me that he wants to worship me is a huge turn-on.Who fucking knew?I’m going to still be fantasising about that when I’m old and in the retirement home.

Not for the first time, I raise my fingers to my lips and brush over them. I’d been more turned on by that kiss and him on his knees than I think I had the whole time I was married to John.

It would be so easy to give in, to take it further. When my mind was foggy with arousal, it was hard to remember why I shouldn’tdo it. Why I shouldn’t give in to this fantasy that keeps running like a movie or one of my favourite books through my head.

I realise I’m not getting anywhere sitting here going over it again and again in my mind. I grab up my phone and send a quick text to Cassidy.

Me:

Mayday

I stare at the screen, willing her to reply. I could just call her, but I don’t want to disturb her if she’s writing or busy with Tom. I drum my fingers on the desk, trying to decide what to do.

I pull up my earlier call log and stare at Alex’s number. It’s not yet saved with his name, but I do that, so if he calls me again, I’ll know it’s him.And hopefully, do myself a favour and ignore it.I click on his name and type out a quick text:

Me:

That shouldn’t have happened. We can’t do that again.

I hover over the send button, but something pulls me back from clicking it. I heave a sigh and delete the drafted message, throwing my phone on the desk in frustration.

I’ll check on Zack. That should bring me to my senses.

I find him in the lounge, shouting orders into his headset at whoever he’s gaming with. He doesn’t even notice me loitering in the door and I don’t want to disturb him, so head through to the kitchen. I busy myself with dinner prep, pulling ingredients out of the fridge to start a curry.

A while later, Zack saunters through, nose in the air. “Smells amazing, Mum. What are you making?”

“Just a curry, love. There should be some leftovers for tomorrow, too.”

He’s rummaging around in the fridge and backs out with a can of beer in his hand. “Hey, I had a thought earlier.”

“Oh, yeah?” I glance over at him, wondering what’s on his mind.

“We’ve got that space above the garage, and when Dad first left, you were talking about getting a lodger.”

“Oh yeah, that’s right. I haven’t really thought about it since then.” I tread carefully.

“Perhaps we could clear it out for Alex if he needs somewhere to stay longer term? I don’t think he'll give you any bother.”

It’s with an immense sense of relief that I’m able to say, “I think he’s got somewhere, love. When I gave him the key earlier, he was talking to his sister and I think she’s found him somewhere to stay from the weekend.”

“Oh, sweet. Never mind then.” He shrugs it off as though it’s no big deal and I thank my lucky stars that I don’t have to come up with a reason why Alex can’t live here with us on a more permanent basis.Even in the bedsit above the garage is too damn close.

Once we’ve had dinner, Zack shoos me out of the kitchen to leave him to tidy.Thank you, Alex, for influencing him to help out more often.I head upstairs to grab my phone that I left on the desk earlier, spotting multiple messages and three missed calls from Cassidy. I read through the messages.

Cassidy:

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