Page 44 of His to Keep
She leapt forward, pulling him into her chest. “Thanks, Freddy. I‘m so freakin’ excited! When do we leave?”
He clanked their glasses together and took a sip of the chilled wine, slapping his lips together after he swallowed.
“That’s a crisp white. Marcus sends me bottles from all over the world to pair up with my dishes. This one is French,” he rambled, blissfully unaware that the mention of Marcus pumped a barrel full of pain into her heart, until it was full to the brim and ready to explode like an incendiary device.
“We would need to leave soon. Jamie is entertaining business associates in two days. Oh, Lana, he has a gorgeous villa on the southern coast of Italy. The views are breath taking. People like us could only dream of owning a property like it. But on the plus side, we get to stay in the villa free of charge.”
“Won't we be in the way?” she asked.
Freddy chuckled. “You need to see this place to understand. Don’t worry, we definitelywon’tget in the way, and the Amalfi coast is the perfect place to take photos.”
Lana set down her glass and slapped her hands together. “You’re amazing. Let’s do this.” She grinned.
This was the best news she’d had in days. Italy had always been top of her list for holiday destinations. It felt a little odd going to Jamie McGrath’s villa though.
She met him briefly, when she was drugged up to the eyeballs and half naked.Great first impression that was. She winced. As long as Marcus was on the other side of the world then the awkwardness would settle.
“How about we hit the town tonight to celebrate. Go on a pub crawl in the Cathedral Quarter?” Freddy chirped, locking his fingers in prayer position.
Her shoulders sagged. “I’m not really in the mood to go out tonight.”
“You have to step into the world at some point, honey.” He pointed out, shaking his head as she grunted loudly.
“Fine.” She scowled. “You can be my date.” A smile tugged at her lips as she staved a laugh.
19
Lana and Freddy stumbled along the uneven cobbled street towards the third pub on Freddy’s list.
They had already shared a bottle of white wine, a bottle of Prosecco and slammed a few shots.
Before leaving Amanda’s flat, she threw on a pair of skinny jeans and a fine knit jumper, keeping her heel height low, pre-empting aching feet from standing all night.
Freddy grabbed her bicep. “This one here. The Krooked Krow. They have live music.”
He threw his arm around her shoulder with a comforting squeeze and together they staggered into the open-air pub. To the right was a long wooden bar with fairy lights strewn across the top like a Christmas cabin, and to the left were benches and tables filled with raucous party goers.
The alcohol gave her a merry buzz. Freedom from the gloomy cloud that followed her every step like an insensitive ghost. A musical duo played acoustic guitars and the bearded guy belted out husky vocals.
“Think I’ll go for another shot,” she shouted, pushing her way through the crowd towards the bar.
Freddy nodded. “Me too. I’ll get these ones,” he shouted.
“No way, I’ll get them.” She grappled with the money in her jeans pocket, nudging her elbow into a fleshy waist.
A tall man in a light blue denim shirt swung around. “Hey!”
His eyes were like ice and his expression stern, but his features were chiselled and perfectly proportioned on his attractive face.
Lana looked up, taking a pregnant pause to study his face. As she stared, his brow softened, and his lip curled.
“Sorry. I was trying to get cash out of my pocket.” She leant in, standing on tip toes so he could hear her.
The crowd moved as more people tried to reach the bar, shunting Lana face first into the stranger’s chest. She tried to step back. “Oh, I’m so sorry!”
His firm grip locked her in place, holding her waist, pressing her body firmly into his hard chest.
“No worries. If you were a guy I’d punch you in the face, but as you’re a hot chick, I’ll just stand here and enjoy the view,” he said with a rakish grin.
