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

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

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

pocketed the cash. “Met her a couple of times.”

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 things are better left unsaid. Wouldn’t want to upset Tarquin. Bad for you, Ms. Slater, and the whole Slater family.”

hat, Lowell excused himself from Gage’s grasp and strode

own discomfort, he

A big one! Tarquin kissed

ber 28

VIP lounge, the atmosphere buzzed

entered, the crowd rose to greet him. “Hey,

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

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

of Elysia’s kiss. He dodged the question, instead asking,

was still in

today and ran into traffic in a fit. Lucky for us, a knowledgeable young lady was

flicked ash from his cigarette. “Same old.”