Page 62 of The Gin Lover's Guide to Dating

I stop talking and look at Aaron, who’s grinning at me in his almost unsettling way.

‘What?’ I ask, bemused.

‘I assumed you’d be good at this stuff, but I’ve never seen you in action. Very impressive. Exactly the angle I need. Now, if you could repeat all that, a bit more slowly, I’ll take some notes.’

He puts his glasses back on, sits forward and pulls the screen back round to face him. Then he starts to type as a try my best to relay back what I’ve just said. Once I’m done, Aaron thanks me, almost absently, still totally immersed in the notes he’s just created, and it’s clear my job is done. It’s almost as if he’s forgotten I’m there.

‘Right, well, I’ll get back to work then.’ I get to my feet uncertainly. ‘Err… if you want me to read it through once you’ve written it, I’d be more than happy to.’

Aaron finally tears himself away from his computer screen. ‘This is excellent. I know exactly what to do with it now. It won’t need a read-through; I just wanted to get the content right. Thanks for your help on this, Liv.’

‘No problem at all.’ I smile warmly at him, but he’s already retreated behind the computer screen again, now typing furiously. ‘OK, see you then.’

There’s no response from Aaron as I leave his office, closing the door behind me, and I can’t help chuckling to myself as I return to the bar. He’s the ultimate paradox, Aaron. To the untrained eye, he comes across as cold, abrupt and almost socially inept. But under the surface is a man who cares; seeing others succeed is what makes him tick. I just hope he does himself justice in this article.

It’s after one in the morning by the time the last gaggle of customers leave, and we’re completing the shutdown of the bar. It’s been a fairly busy evening, and with it being Amir’s day off, we’ve had little time to chat since I filled a riveted Reyes in on my date with Josh.

‘I do not see Josh tonight,’ Reyes comments, as she starts to cash up the till. ‘Is he here?’

‘He’s on a day off today.’ I look up briefly from the table I’m wiping down. ‘Cheeky sod only shared that information once we were several hours in, and the idea of no hangover was a distant memory.’

‘He has cheek.’ Reyes laughs, nodding agreement. ‘But also charm. His charming is what is…’

‘Irresistible?’ I offer.

‘Exactly this,’ Reyes confirms. ‘This makes me think why you stay with this story that you wake up alone in your own apartment this morning.’

‘It’s because I did!’ I lob the cloth at her playfully and she ducks behind the till. ‘It happened just as I said. We had a brilliant night. Great chat, far too much alcohol, a lot of drunken kissing. But I went home alone. As did Josh. He was a perfect gentleman.’

‘This is even better than I think.’ Reyes’s eyes twinkle excitedly. ‘Josh is respectful charmer.’

‘He is,’ I agree. ‘If he had tried anything more, I think it would have spoiled things between us. That us done?’

‘Nearly.’ Reyes nods. ‘But first I must finish the cashing up.’

‘Want me to get your stuff from the locker room?’ I ask.

‘Please, Chica.’ She hands me her locker key. ‘I see you back here in five minutes.’

I wander out of the bar, into the main hotel, then through the staff corridor to the changing rooms. I remove our coats and bags from our lockers, and then I rummage in my bag and pull out my phone. My stomach does a full-on break dance as I see I have a text from Josh.

Hey beautiful. How’s your shift been? I’ve been thinking about you all day. x

He’s been thinking about me all day? Is that for real? Or just a charming line I’m supposed to naively fall for? As I’ve just perfectly demonstrated. Surely not. I let out a little peep of excitement.

Embarrassed, I look around me, expecting the mortifying presence of someone who has just witnessed my ridiculous teenage behaviour. I tentatively check the toilet cubicles and the showers, but I’m definitely alone. I sink onto the wooden changing bench, and for a few moments, just allow my senses to go into overdrive.

I think about Josh’s tender touch; the way he took control, but also made me feel completely at ease. His soft lips gently caressing my face, then planting firm, but sensual kisses on my mouth. His breath tickling my neck as he pulled my body close to him, locking me into the most exquisite embrace. He is so damn hot. And really sweet and caring. I felt so safe in his arms. Oh, I am a goner. There’s no point in fighting it.

Suddenly, the door to the locker room flies open, startling me, as a member of the night team enters. Like a teenage boy caught poring over the women’s underwear pages of an online store, I jump to my feet guiltily, grab Reyes’s and my things, and scurry out into the corridor.

As I hurry back to the bar, I tap out a reply to Josh, making absolutely sure I don’t share an ounce of my adolescent excitement.

Hi you. Shift was all right. Could have done without the hangover. Lucky you having time to think about something other than work. ;) xx

Pleased with my flirty and slightly provocative response, I shove my phone back in my bag just as I enter the bar.

‘Were you getting lost?’ Reyes looks as me quizzically as I join her in the storeroom behind the bar.

---