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 boss‘ lips? Or was it for

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

dare follow. Instead, he grabbed Lowell’s arm

pocketed the cash.

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

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

of his hat, Lowell excused himself

darkened. Ignoring his own discomfort, he whipped out his phone and

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

ber 28

atmosphere buzzed with chatter

crowd rose

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

his friend’s grim expression, asked, “What’s got you down?

troubled by the memory of Elysia’s kiss. He

still in the hospital.

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

ash from his cigarette. “Same old.”