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? Or was it for the kiss she planted on

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

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

the cash. “Met

kiss Tarquin? And how

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. Wouldn’t want to upset Tarquin. Bad

excused himself from

Ignoring his own discomfort, he whipped out his phone

we’ve got a situation! A big one!

ber 28

lounge, the atmosphere

rose to greet him. “Hey, Tarquin!”

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

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

of Elysia’s kiss. He dodged

nephew, was still

today and ran into traffic in a fit. Lucky for us, a knowledgeable young lady was there. Otherwise… Well, how’s Elijah

from his cigarette. “Same old.”