Page 32 of Promise Me Ever After
“Yeah, and thanks to you he now knows I’m going to be thirty next week. Really appreciate that, Darcy.”
“Come on, I’m sure he wasn’t bothered by it. Now he knows it’s your birthday, he’ll probably want to get you a present.” She wiggled her eyebrows. “Unless he gave you one last night.”
I straightened up, still reluctant to share all the juicy details. Turning my back on my sister, I went back to the boxes. “We did kiss.”
Darcy squealed. “I knew it! What else? When are you seeing him again?”
“Tonight. We have to work together. Which is exactly why I can’t take things any further.” Saying the words aloud made me realise that was the right thing to do. I didn’t want to jeopardise my job—or his—over one night of kissing.
“What? You can’t mean that?”
Picking up one of the new bone china mugs, I held it up to Darcy. “Where do you want this?”
“Come on, you’re not getting out of it that easily. Why aren’t you going to go out with him again?”
“I can’t. It’s too complicated.”
She jumped off the stool and crossed the shop floor to take the mug out of my hands. “It doesn’t have to be complicated. You’re not going to get engaged to the guy in the next month, are you? Have some fun.”
Her words made me wince.
“I’m serious, Georgie. Russ is a distant memory, you need something—or rather someone—to take your mind off that shit show. I think Alex Kane could fulfil your needs. Why not give him a chance?”
Darcy may have been the younger Cavanagh sister, but sometimes she was wise beyond her years.
Thankfully,that night’s shift at Anna’s Kitchen flew by. There was a constant turnover on tables; there was a foodie event over the weekend and there were a lot of people in Ealynn Sands for it. It meant there wasn’t much time for anything other than order-related communication between Alex and me. I dashed in and out of the kitchen, trying to make sure I spoke to Sid rather than Alex for anything I needed.
When it came to nine thirty, and there was a lull in service, I took the opportunity for a quick rest and headed up to the break room. Alex was there, stretched out across the chairs, stuffing a burger into his mouth.
“Sorry.” I hesitated at the door. “I’ll come back later.”
His gaze met mine, sapphire eyes blinking. “No need.” He patted the seat next to him. “Come sit down.”
I bit my lip. “I don’t want things to be awkward between us at work.”
“Why would they be? You’ve done a pretty good job of avoiding me this evening.” He placed a hand on his chest. “I’m hurt, Georgie. After I cook you thebestmeal you’ve ever eaten and followed it up with thebestdry humping session you’ve ever had…” He gave me a lopsided grin.
“Who says those things are true?”So the truth…
“The contented expression on your face when you fell asleep in my arms last night. I had to leave you there so I could clean up.”
I didn’t remember any of that.
“Oh.”
He put his plate to one side and eased himself to a standing position, crossing the tiny room in a couple of strides. He stopped inches away from me, placing a finger under my chin and tilting my head to him. “When are we having a repeat performance?”
“We can’t.” I may have said the words, but my body couldn’t help but leap to attention at his touch.
“Come on, Georgie. I can tell you’re attracted to me.” He glanced down at my chest where my nipples hardened and stood to attention through my white t-shirt.
Fuck.
“Give me a chance. I promise I’m nothing like your douchebag of an ex. We could have some fun together.Youshould have some fun.”
Fun.The one word which kept cropping up whenever I spoke to Darcy or Ems.
Have some fun. It doesn’t have to turn into anything serious.
