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.

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

and silence for $250–wasn’t that too cheap for Tarquin’s

Gage didn’t dare follow. Instead, he grabbed Lowell’s arm and asked,

pocketed the cash. “Met her a couple of

How could she dare to kiss Tarquin? And how could he let

Tarquin and Elysia’s business but unable to help himself with Nola’s, retorted, “Gage, you should know the real score between Tarquin and Ms. Slater. Some things are better left unsaid. Wouldn’t want to upset Tarquin. Bad for you, Ms. Slater, and the

a cordial tip of his hat, Lowell excused himself from Gage’s grasp and strode off.

own discomfort, he whipped out his phone and dialed

we’ve got a situation! A big one! Tarquin

ber 28

the atmosphere buzzed with chatter and laughter.

entered, the crowd rose to greet him. “Hey, Tarquin!”

made a beeline for the central seat, sat

expression, asked, “What’s got you down? You finally decide to

mind was elsewhere, troubled by the memory of Elysia’s kiss. He dodged the question, instead asking,

Keaton’s nephew, was still in

asleep when I visited this afternoon. My sister said he had an episode today and ran into traffic in a fit. Lucky

his cigarette. “Same old.”