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.

his hands. Was this Elysia’s way of sealing his boss‘ lips?

silence for $250–wasn’t that too cheap

he grabbed Lowell’s arm and asked, “Tarquin knows

Lowell pocketed the cash. “Met her a couple of

kiss Tarquin? And how could he let her? Tarquin’s supposed

himself with Nola’s, retorted, “Gage, you should know the real score between Tarquin and

cordial tip of his hat, Lowell excused himself from

his own discomfort, he whipped

situation! A big one! Tarquin kissed another woman!”

ber 28

lounge, the atmosphere buzzed with

entered, the crowd rose to greet him.

nodded, signaling them to carry on. He made a beeline for the central seat, sat

friend’s grim expression, asked, “What’s got you down? You finally decide to come out

of Elysia’s kiss. He dodged the

Keaton’s nephew, was still in the

was asleep when I visited this afternoon. My sister said he had an episode today and ran

flicked ash from his cigarette. “Same old.”