Page 28 of The Gin Lover's Guide to Dating

Her naivety is adorable, making me laugh even more.

‘What’s so funny?’ A voice comes out of nowhere, causing the two of us to snap to attention, immediately silenced.

Thankfully, it’s not Clara. It’s a man wearing a similar outfit to her. And he’s absolutely gorgeous: broad and muscular, with mid-brown hair and the most amazing smouldering eyes and chiselled jawline.

‘Oh… err… sorry. It’s nothing. Nothing at all.’ I let out a loud involuntary snigger.

Mortified at my own behaviour, I turn away briefly to compose myself.

‘Didn’t sound like nothing. Come on, share the joke.’ He gives us a dazzling smile, displaying a row of perfect sparkling white teeth.

Although I realise his manner is nothing like Clara’s, I don’t know him. Since I can’t trust my unwanted hysteria not to return, I stay quiet and gaze around me, silent.

‘It is a chica thing, Josh. You do not understand.’ Reyes jumps in to save me. ‘This is Liv. She just started today.’

‘Hi, Liv.’ Josh shakes my hand firmly, but in a friendly manner. ‘Good to meet you. Welcome to the team.’

‘Thanks.’ I blush a little, feeling like an exhibition piece as his eyes linger on me just a little too long. ‘What department do you work in?’

‘I’m the Operations Manager. So, basically, all over.’ He sweeps his arm out to illustrate his point, giving me just the slightest teasing taste of the bulging bicep underneath his shirtsleeve.

‘Right. Great.’ I offer him my best supermodel pout to ensure that’s what he remembers, rather than the inelegant guffaw he witnessed when he first walked in. ‘I guess we’ll be seeing quite a lot of each other then.’

‘I certainly hope so.’ He raises an eyebrow at me then turns to Reyes. ‘Everything all right for this evening?’

‘Yes, all ready.’ Reyes nods confirmation. ‘We are about to start the basic training. Liv will do the easy drinks tonight and I train her on cocktails tomorrow afternoon.’

‘Sounds good. Thanks, Reyes.’ Josh gives her a wink and starts to walk out the bar. ‘Have a good evening, ladies.’

As soon as the door closes behind him, Reyes turns to me excitedly.

‘You like him! I can feel this.’

‘Who wouldn’t?’ I give her an incredulous look. ‘He’s incredible. I can’t remember the last time I came across a man that smoking hot. Don’t tell me you don’t see it – even if you are married.’

My eyes land on the huge diamond ring on her finger, which sparkles alluringly.

‘Wow, that’s some ring!’ I grab her hand. ‘That must be a carat, at least.’

‘You are correct.’ Reyes examines her ring adoringly. ‘What about you, Liv? You are not married?’

‘No way.’ I shake my head deliberately. ‘I don’t have time for men in my life.’

‘Not even a man like Josh?’ She gives me a wicked look. ‘With all his charming and his muscles.’

‘Definitely not. My rule is to enjoy looking, but not to touch. They never turn out to be as good as the fantasy anyway.’

‘Aww, Chica.’ Reyes offers me a sympathetic look. ‘I am thinking you have been hurt, yes?’

‘Who hasn’t?’ I screw up my nose, then properly consider her question. ‘It’s complicated. They just don’t seem to be able to understand or accept my level of ambition. I want to be a top communications and PR executive, to be running my own business.’

‘This will be good, I can see that.’ Reyes shrugs. ‘A big achieving. Lots of money…’

I’m relieved that she doesn’t question how I’m going to fulfil that particular life goal by working in a bar.

‘But there is more to life than work and money,’ she continues. ‘Travel, love, family and experiencing happiness – that is what I think important.’

‘I guess that must be where we differ then.’ I smile at her.

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