Page 70 of Short Stack 3

Henry laughs. “Fuck no. I wanted to see what sort of disaster you’d made of teaching painting. Gabe had a tenner on someone crying before they got their crayons out.”

“And as you see, it is more likeDead Poet’s Society.”

“Let’s hope not. The tables are very old here and don’t look up to anyone’s weight.” Henry spots Joe and waves enthusiastically. “Did Joe bring Lachlan?” he asks, unaware I’m sitting nearby.

Ivo grins. “Ah, sothat’swhy you’re here.”

“I don’t know what you mean.” When Ivo raises his eyebrow, Henry slumps. “Oh, okay. He’s like the Scarlet Pimpernel, only in pinstripe with fewer tumbrils.”

“He’s just there,” Ivo says, pointing.

I wave at them.

“Ivo,” Henry exclaims. “Why didn’t youtellme?”

Ivo blinks. “Because you didn’t ask me, and you’d still have talked in a tone designed for even the dead to hear and obey. You posh people,” he says with great affection, and Henry rolls his eyes.

He wanders over. He’s even prettier close up. “Lachlan,” he says, holding out his hand. “It’s so nice to meet you.”

“Likewise.” I smile as I shake his hand, liking him already. He has a very charming air about him and seems almost mischievous.

“We’re doing dinner next week, and luckily, Dylan is cooking. He wants to know if you’ll be coming?”

“Of course,” I say, meaning it, and he studies me for a long second. Then he nods as if satisfied and gives me an unguarded smile, the power of which makes me blink. I have the sense that I’ve passed some sort of test.

“Good.”

“Henry,” Georgie shouts. “Why do Inevermeet you when I’ve got my clothes on?”

Henry laughs and walks over to hug the model. “That sounds so much more interesting than it actually is.”

Warmth hits my side, and I turn and throw my arm over Joe’s shoulders as he studies my drawing.

“That’s good,” he says.

“No need to sound so surprised.”

“You made it sound like you couldn’t even draw a stick figure.”

“I’ve actually enjoyed it.” I smile at him, pushing his dark hair back. “Sorry you can’t say the same.”

“But I have,” he says in blatant astonishment.

“Really?”

He nods. “Of course. Haven’t we been together?”

I stay still for a second, fighting the urge to kiss him, and then giving in, I drop a quick kiss on his mouth. “I love you.”

“I love you too. And you need to do more of this.” He eyes the sassy Georgie, who is now painting his nails and having a conversation with Henry aboutEastEnders. It appears that Ivo has lost control. Joe moves nearer. “But I think I’ll be your model next time.”

“I’m not sure I want my husband sitting spreadeagled for the world to see.”

“I could never get into that position. I think Georgie does a lot of yoga,” Joe says, watching him. He looks at me and winks. “No, we’ll do it at home.”

Mischief and sexual allure are a heady mix in his eyes, and I swallow hard. “That’s the best idea you’ve ever had.”

He leans closer. “I bet it isn’t. I know a shop that sells edible body paint.”

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