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I shook my head, my hair blowing in the breeze of the flapping menu. “No, it’ll pass.”
“Okay, and you’re sure he didn’t hurt you?” he asked, nodding toward the door that Mr. Hugger had disappeared through.
I nodded and then turned to the bar as a glass of water and four glasses of wine were placed next to me. The barman told me how much I owed him, but before I could even reach into my bag for my card, Dex had handed over some cash.
“Dex!” I admonished. “You’re not paying.”
“Too late Katie Cat, I already did. Now, drink this water first.”
He passed me the half pint of water, watching carefully as I took a long drink of it, while still fanning myself. Finally, when there was only about a half inch left in the bottom, the heat was beginning to recede from my body. Grateful the flush had been a quick one, I placed the glass back on the bar along with the menu.
“Okay now?”
I nodded. “Much, although I’m guessing I’m a real sweaty mess.” I felt the back of my neck under my hair and wasn’t surprised to find it wet.
“No you’re not. You look just as beautiful as ever.”
My heart did a little fist pump as Dex leaned in and kissed me softly.
“Thank you,” I said with a sigh. “It’s horrible having them in public, but in front of your new boyfriend makes it worse. Actually, do you think we’re too old to be boyfriend and girlfriend?”
Dex gave a low laugh and shook his head. “Where the hell did that come from?”
“I don’t know.” I shrugged. “It just occurred to me.”
“And the alternative is what?” he asked, in an amused tone.
“You could be my man friend and I’ll be your lady friend.” I considered it for a second and grimaced. “Nope that makes it sound like we only meet up in hotel rooms every second Tuesday of the month to have sex, which I might add, you keep your socks and vest on for.”
Dex blinked rapidly a few times and opened his mouth. He didn’t say anything, but after a few seconds blew out a breath. “Nope, sorry. I have no fucking words.”
I grinned at him and was pleased to see him giving me one right back.
“You want to come and meet the girls?” I asked, reaching out to link my fingers with his.
He looked over to the table where Mandy, Trisha, and Samantha were sitting. All waiting patiently for their large glasses of wine.
“I don’t want to impose. Plus, I’m here with Jethro.” He indicated with a thumb over his shoulder to a table where I could see a guy concentrating on his mobile phone. I guessed it might be Jethro, because his arms were covered in tattoos, not dissimilar to the style of Dex’s.
“He can join us too,” I suggested.
Dex shook his head. “Shit, no. You’re girls are all married, right?” I nodded my head. “Well, he’d see it as a challenge to get one of them into bed. Now, I’m sure he wouldn’t succeed, but he’d make a real twat of himself trying to do it and I do not want to be embarrassed the first time I meet them.”
He sounded totally sincere and I couldn’t help but laugh. “Just come and say hello. Help me take the wine over.”
“Okay, but it’s your girl’s night, so I’m only going to do that – say hi.”
I almost squeaked with excitement at being able to show off Dex to my friends. They’d all been through the divorce with me and knew how much Carl marrying Sophie had affected my confidence, so I knew they were all thrilled for me. Mandy had even given the other two a description of Dex, and when she’d said he was a tattooed hottie with plenty in the crotch department – I might have told her about our sofa sessions – I couldn’t help but feel a little bit proud that I’d managed to pull him.
“One thing, though,” Dex said, leaning in to whisper in my ear. “How you getting home tonight?”
His breath against my skin immediately woke up my fanny, which had been locked in my knickers for so long I’d decided to rename it Rapunzel. Goosebumps broke out over my skin and I definitely felt a tightness in my bra.
“Taxi,” I replied.
“You get one with me then,” Dex stated. “Call me when you’re ready to go, I’ll come to you, we get a taxi and go back to your place. The kids are with Carl, aren’t they?”
I nodded, staring at him unblinking. “Isaac‘s gone to a festival.”
