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.

Elysia’s way of sealing his

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

didn’t dare follow. Instead, he

pocketed the cash.

kiss Tarquin? And how could he let her?

one to gossip about 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.

hat, Lowell excused himself

his own discomfort, he

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

ber 28

VIP lounge, the atmosphere buzzed with

crowd rose to greet him. “Hey,

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

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

Elysia’s kiss. He dodged the question,

Keaton’s nephew, was still in the hospital.

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

flicked ash from his