‘Would you excuse me a moment?’ I said to no one in particular. ‘I’m just going to get another drink.’
‘I can get that for you,’ Charlie said.
‘Oh, no, it’s fine.’ I touched his arm. ‘Thanks, though. You stay here and catch up. I’ll be back in a minute. Does anyone else want anything?’
They all answered in the negative. Apart from Alex. ‘Actually, I’m getting a bit low. I’ll come with you.’
Before I had a chance to think up an excuse, Alex had moved and was waiting for me to step ahead of him.’
‘Oh. Erm, right. Thank you.’
Amy caught my eye and raised her eyebrows, a wide smile on her face. I sent her a blank look, which made her grin even more. She knew it was killing me not to be able to respond.
I walked back up the garden, aware that Alex was right behind me and not entirely sure how I felt about that. I stepped through the patio doors and made my way to the table where drinks had been laid out in the Richmonds’ kitchen diner.
‘What are you having?’ Alex asked me.
‘Oh, probably just an orange juice this time.’
‘You’re driving?’
‘No. Well, yes. I drove here, but I’m getting a taxi home later.’
‘Marcus and Amy seem like they’re getting on pretty well.’
I smiled, happy for my friend. ‘Yes. They do.’
‘You seem pleased about that. I take it you approve of him, then?’
I looked up at Alex. He was grinning down at me. ‘Are you teasing me?’
‘Just a little. I know how women are about approving their friends’ choice of bloke.’
‘That’s because so many of you are a pain in the bum!’
He laughed and I smiled, before focusing my attention back to the drinks table.
‘You should really try the punch,’ Alex said, coming to stand beside me. ‘It’s legendary.’
I turned to him, laughing. ‘Legendary? Oh, dear, I’m not quite sure if that is good or bad.’
‘It’s definitely good,’ he replied, expertly serving me a cup. ‘So long as you’re not driving.’
‘No, I’m not,’ I said, taking it from him. Suddenly I remembered what he did for a living. ‘I’m really, definitely not! I promise!’
I could hear the earnest tone in my voice and saw that Alex hadn’t missed it either. His brows shot up.
‘I believe you,’ he replied, laughing, something I was beginning to see that he did easily, and comfortably.
I shook my head and rolled my eyes at him. ‘Sorry. I always get nervous around police. I feel guilty even though I know I haven’t done anything!’
He grinned. ‘Well, how about if I make a promise not to arrest you all afternoon? Would that make you feel better?’ He hadn’t moved since handing me the drink, and I could smell the tang of shower gel and see the outline of hard muscles under his semi-fitted T-shirt.
‘Umm, if you extend that promise to include the evening too, then we might have a deal.’
He shifted his weight, apparently considering the option, his eyes not leaving my face. ‘I may be persuaded to include the evening as part of the deal.’
‘Oh, yes?’
