Page 90 of The Gin Lover's Guide to Dating

I replace my phone in my handbag, slam my locker shut and head back to join Josh, feeling tremendously guilty that I just referred to him as a colleague. I’m now getting in the habit of lying to both of them. This really is getting out of hand, and I badly need to sort it.

As Josh and I wander along the staff corridor in the direction of the bar, he’s even more affectionate than usual, and I find myself falling in sync with him once again. We’re just yards away from the door to the main hotel, enjoying a particularly gooey, intimate moment, when Aaron strides through it.

Just about expiring through fright for the second time in as many minutes, I pull away from Josh guiltily, my face flaming.

‘Aaron… err… hi,’ I say, flustered. ‘How are you?’

I glance at Josh, who looks mildly put out that I’ve leapt about five feet away from him.

‘Good evening to you both,’ Aaron addresses us in his usual clipped tone and continues to walk past us without even hesitating, his footsteps echoing down the corridor as he goes. ‘No need to stop on my account. Just remember the rules – don’t take it past that door.’

Mortified, all I can muster is a squawk-like ‘sure’ in response.

‘Oh, man, that was so embarrassing,’ I moan to Josh, once Aaron has disappeared out of sight. ‘I can’t believe he caught us snogging.’

‘Why?’ Josh gives me a hurt look. ‘Are you ashamed of me or something? I thought you were OK with the age thing.’

‘No. No, of course I’m not.’

‘You’re not ashamed of me? Or you’re not OK with the age thing?’ Josh is scrutinising me.

I feel a sudden swell of empathy for him as I realise how I’m coming across. I step towards him and take his hand.

‘I’m not ashamed of you. Far from it – you’re amazing. And IamOK with the age thing. I’m totally over that. It’s just… well, I’ve never had an ‘at work’ relationship, and I’m just a bit uncomfortable with it. I’m actually surprised that you’re so cool about it.’

‘Maybe it’s a generational difference,’ Josh huffs.

I search his face, trying to think of a way to make this better, but then I realise he’s putting it on to tease me.

‘Oh, see you.’ I give him a playful push. ‘You had my heartstrings to breaking point there.’

‘Should have played on it a bit longer then, eh?’ He grins and scoops me up into his arms. ‘Don’t worry. Think I’m just more laid-back about it. That kind of thing doesn’t bother me.’

‘Maybe I need to learn from you then.’ I lean in for a last delicious smooch. ‘Right, I’d better get back to the bar. I’m late. See you tomorrow?’

‘Can’t wait.’ He keeps hold of my hand, gripping it affectionately, stopping me from leaving until I finally tug it away and disappear through the door to the main hotel, blowing him kisses as I go.

Chapter 25

I finish my shift just after 1 a.m., and after saying goodnight to Reyes and Amir, retrieve my things from my locker. I pull my phone out of my handbag and, as expected, see that Graham replied not long after I sent my last message.

GrahamLeeton:No problem. That’s the annoying thing about workplaces. They have other people in them. And very little privacy. I’ll be up late so feel free to message when you finish.

Pleased to see that I’ll have virtual company for my bus journey home, I let him know that I’m finished, and we immediately resume our earlier conversation.

GrahamLeeton:So, your favourite movie?

MissGinFizz:I can only give you a shortlist. Couldn’t whittle it down to just one. I love a good thriller that keeps you guessing.Gone Girlis right up there, as isRear Window– it’s old but a real classic…

MissGinFizz:And, much as I hate to admit it, I’m afraid I’m also a sucker for a romcom.Love Actuallyand theBridget Jonesmovies are some of my faves.

MissGinFizz:Oh, and I still loveGrease, even though I’ve seen it about forty times.

GrahamLeeton:Decision-making not a key strength of yours then. ;)

‘Cheeky,’ I mutter under my breath, then realise that, given my current predicament, he may have a point.

MissGinFizz:I’m going to be kind and let that one slide. Next question. What was your favourite childhood sweet treat?

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