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His lips snaked into a confident smile, turning on those dimples. “Meet me at the theatre for half six?”

Alex nodded.

“Smashing.” He stood up. “Must be off. My chariot awaits.”

Harry laughed. “Get out of here.”

“See you Friday, Sincy.” He snatched his cigarettes and walked away.

She exhaled heavily.

“I know what that means.” Harry dropped his napkin on the table. “Look, you really are doing me a massive favour. Tarq’s been away for too long. He used to be the life of every party, but now it’s like everyone has moved on, you know?”

“I know he’s your best friend, but he just seems all flash and no substance.”

“I’m not blind. I know he can be full on and inappropriate at times, but there is a good heart buried under all that testosterone. He just hasn’t had many opportunities to show it, especially around women.”

“Please! It sounds like he slept with all of Kensington!”

“No, I mean, in terms of real relationships. He’s only had one. Final year at Eton.”

“Rosamund?”

“Nope. Some girl from a nearby village, none of us ever met her. They lasted maybe five months, and when they split, he snapped back to his old ways—flings without strings.”

“I was half expecting you to say he fell for a buxom gym teacher.”

“Oh, she was hot. I wouldn’t put it past him.”

Alex pursed her lips. “Honestly, if you weren’t such a good friend, I wouldn’t go anywhere near him.”

“Lex, you need to get out, have a laugh. You never know, you might thank me.”