“You can put money on it.”
Hannah sighed at the prospect. “And you thinkI’mmad.”
CHAPTER6
Gabe had hoped to walk off the pain but even as he got to the pub, he could still feel the impact of the car door slamming against his leg. As for the woman responsible, he couldn’t believe her cheek. The more she’d refused to take responsibility, the more frustrating their exchange had felt. Thinking about it, he supposed it was hilarious too. The way the woman had batted off his complaints without even pausing for breath was inspirational. Talk about quick minded.
Gabe ordered a pint and looking around trying to locate his mate, Slim, he instead spotted a group of women who were clearly weighing him up. He noticed a couple of them nudged each other as if preparing to approach and he immediately turned his back on them hoping they’d stay put. Gabe had already had one awkward exchange with a member of the opposite sex that evening, he didn’t want another.
The barmaid placed Gabe’s drink in front of him and digging into his pocket for the money to pay for it, Gabe handed it over. “Thank you,” he said. “Keep the change.”
“Great,” a voice said. “You’re still here.”
Gabe spun round again, pleased to find Slim had finally arrived. He gave him a bear hug that included a couple of back slaps. “What took you?” Gabe asked.
“The girlfriend’s keeping me busy.”
Gabe grimaced. He didn’t want to know.
“Not in that way,” Slim said, laughing. “I’m talking in general.” Slim nodded to the barmaid. “Usual, please.” He turned his attention back to Gabe. “It’s about time you got yourself a woman, mate.”
Gabe let out a laugh. Having been there and done that, if there was one thing Gabe had learned, it was when it came to relationships, he was better off on his own.
“You’ve forgotten what you’re missing.”
“That’s the problem; I haven’t.”
As Slim continued to grin, Gabe didn’t think he’d seen his friend so happy. Yes, Slim had had other women in his life over the years, but Gabe could tell his latest connection was different. Usually he was work, work, work, stressed out at trying to fix the world one step at a time. The Slim stood next to him was more relaxed. He was enjoying life again. Having fun. If he didn’t know any better, Gabe would have said Slim was in love.
Slim indicated a free table and happy to head over, Gabe winced thanks to his leg. He could already see the huge bruise he was going to wake up with.
“What’s up with you?” Slim asked.
“A woman flung her car door into me.”
“Ouch!” Slim grimaced as they took their seats. “You should be a bit quicker on your feet.”
Taking a drink of his pint, Gabe smiled to himself. The woman who’d done it had a feistiness he found impressive. She was obviously as mad as a box of frogs though, some of what she said made no sense. “Do you know anything about a beauty premium?” he asked his friend.
Slim thought for a moment then shook his head. “Never. Why?”
“The woman who hit me asked if I’d heard of it.” Gabe couldn’t help but smirk as he pictured her telling him off for not watching where he was going and then storming off. Surprised she hadn’t strained a neck muscle or bumped into something trying, he wondered how anyone could hold their head that highandsee where they were going. It was a skill he certainly didn’t possess.
“Looks like she made an impact in more ways than one,” Slim said, knowingly.
Gabe fast shook away his train of thought. “Wishful thinking on your part, mate.” As he sat enjoying his pint, the pub door swung open, and Gabe automatically looked over. Wondering if his assailant was amongst them, he scanned the faces of the group that entered. Seeing she wasn’t, he frowned.
Slim shook his head. “Man, you’ve got it bad.”
“What do you mean?” Gabe asked. “Gotwhatbad?”
Slim let out a laugh, as if having none of it. “Admit it, you were looking for her, weren’t you?”
Gabe felt himself blush. “Damn right I was.” He picked up his drink again. “If she does come in, I want to know I can avoid her.”
CHAPTER7
“So, tell me, how’re things with you?” Hannah asked, as she and Mel waited for Liv to come back from the bar.
