Page 13 of Rhythm Of Redemption

Mary eased herself down onto the swing seat, fanning her rosy cheeks with her plump hand. “A cup of tea would be lovely.” It didn’t matter how hot the weather was or how big the disaster, a good old cup of tea was the magic cure-all for Brits. “Reg?”

“A beer, please love.”

Lou returned a few minutes later. “Looks like you’ve got a visitor.” Reg inclined his head in the direction of the sporty looking convertible parked across the courtyard. “Thanks.” He took the can and snapped back the ring-pull before downing a hefty swig and sighing contentedly.

Oh my god, he came. He’d said he would, but she’d never actually believed him.

Mary blew on her tea before taking a sip. “Boyfriend?”

“No, of course not.” Boyfriend? What was she? Fifteen?

“One of those thingamies, then?” Mary nudged her husband. “What do they call it, Reg? You know, when people just meet up for sex?”

Please don’t say fuck-buddy. Please don’t.

“Fringe benefits, that’s it.” Mary nodded sagely and continued sipping her tear.

At least she didn’t say fuck-buddy. “Something like that.”

They all watched as the car door swung open. Her breath hitched in her chest as Logan stepped out into the bright afternoon sunshine with effortless ease. Wearing aviator shades, a crisp blue shirt unbuttoned at the neck, and his long legs clad in a pair of midnight blue tailored trousers, he looked like a movie star.

“Is he your fringe benefits, then?”

“What? Him? No!” Was it her—she played with the silver pendant hanging around her neck, running it back and forth along its chain—or had the temperature suddenly cranked up a few hundred degrees?

“But you’d like to?”

What kind of question was that? Her heart raced as he reached up and trailed his fingers through his hair, a hypnotic moment that seemed to pause time. Have you seen him? Of course, I would. “No, I barely know him.”

An audible tsk escaped Mary’s lips when he disappeared behind the tailgate, reappearing moments later with a turquoise bag.

“But you would, if you knew him better?”

“Hell, yeah.” The words came rushing out before she could stop them. “No … I meant, no.”

Logan strode towards them with long, confident strides. She knew she was staring, and she wanted to look away, but no matter how hard she tried, her stupid eyes just wouldn’t cooperate.

“You know, Reg.” Mary put down her cup and shuffled towards the edge of the seat. “Maybe we should go and have ourselves a little siesta.”

Oh, my god. Talk about TMI.

Reg sprung to his feet like a man half his age, placing a steadying hand under his wife’s elbow as she struggled to her feet.

“Hi, sorry I’m a little late, I had a work thing.” He flicked his hand dismissively. “Anyway, how are you feeling after the other day?”

Mary’s eyes bored into the side of her head. “Fine … thanks to you.”

“Aren’t you going to introduce us to your friend?”

Lou squirmed, her cheeks burning at Mary’s emphasis on the word friend. “Yes, of course.” She shot her a pleading look. “Logan, this is Mary and her husband, Reg. They’re guests here.”

Logan extended his hand. “Pleased to meet you both.”

Mary’s cheeks flushed girlishly. “That’s quite a grip you have there. Do you work out?”

“I like to take care of myself.”

“I can see that.” Oh my god, is she flirting with Logan? “So, how do you two know each other?” Mary turned her mischievous grin on Lou.

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