Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem

Chapter 28

She hastily released Tarquin’s arm with a sheepish grin, her cheeks flushed with

embarrassment. “Thanks,” she muttered, digging into her pocket to shove a wad of bills into his hand before bolting away.

The click–clack of her high heels echoed, fading into the distance until swallowed by the pulsing beats of the bar’s jukebox.

Tarquin watched her disappear, his brow furrowed in confusion and a hint of something else. It had been six years since he’d been this close to a woman.

The rush of familiar warmth came flooding back, unbidden, reminding him of that night so long ago. Her lips had been just as soft…

That was why he hadn’t pushed her away immediately.

Noticing Tarquin’s distress, Gage broke free from Lowell’s grip and circled back.

“Tarquin, that was… You know her?” he inquired, a note of surprise in his voice.

Tarquin glanced down at the cash in his hand–two crisp hundred–dollar bills and a fifty–and scowled.

Without a word, he shoved the money at Lowell and stalked off to the private booth, ignoring Gage’s query.

the $250 in his hands. Was this Elysia’s way of sealing his boss‘ lips? Or was it for the kiss she planted on his boss?

for $250–wasn’t that too

dare follow. Instead, he grabbed Lowell’s arm and asked, “Tarquin knows

Lowell pocketed the cash. “Met her

dare to kiss Tarquin? And how could he let her? Tarquin’s supposed to be Nola’s

real score between Tarquin and Ms. Slater. Some things are better left unsaid. Wouldn’t want to upset Tarquin.

hat, Lowell excused himself from Gage’s grasp and strode off.

discomfort, he whipped out his phone and dialed Nola.

A big one! Tarquin kissed

ber 28

atmosphere

the crowd rose to greet him. “Hey,

on. He made a beeline for the central seat, sat down, crossed his legs, and lit a cigarette.

got you down? You finally decide

memory of Elysia’s kiss. He dodged

was still

visited this afternoon. My sister said he had an episode today and ran into traffic in a fit. Lucky for us, a knowledgeable young lady was

ash from his cigarette.