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“How ’bout we sit the next one out?” asked Mark, dabbing perspiration from his forehead. “I think you could use some fresh air.”

The first notes of Robyn’s Hang with Me flooded the dance floor. “Ooh, not yet. You’ve got to stick around for this one, Mark. Sing it with me!” Alex brushed against his chest, inhaling him in and swaying her hips provocatively to the beat.

Mark leaned in closer so she could hear him over the pounding sub-bass, his lips grazing her cheek. “Just this one, then. Let’s see what you’ve got.”

“I thought you’d never ask.” Alex stopped mid-beat and pressed her lips against Mark’s soft pout. He raised his hands in protest before dropping them slowly to rest firmly on her waist. Alex pushed her damp body into Mark’s, her grip tightening behind his neck as she parted his lips with her tongue. If only she was wearing heels—his hair wouldn’t stand a chance.

An over-enthusiastic dancer slammed into Mark’s back, breaking their kiss.

Mark caught his breath. “You okay?”

Alex giggled and playfully slapped her hand over her mouth. Warmth crept across her cheeks, her whole body tingled. “I feel dizzzzzy.”

“How many have you had?”

“Not enough,” said Alex, biting her lip. “C’mon, Mark. Play with me.” She grabbed hold of his t-shirt with both hands and started to peel it upwards from his low-rise jeans, exposing a trail of dark hair climbing towards his belly. “You like me, right?”

Mark swallowed. He nodded and clasped onto her hands, lowering their progress. “Yes, Lex. I like you. But I think you’ve probably had one too many.”

“You taste like candy…licorice…” Alex slurred into his chest. “You’re my weakness…”

He gently pulled her into his arms, guiding her off the dance floor while making sure she didn’t stumble over dancing feet or discarded beer cans. “I think this is the booze talking, lady.”

Her knees buckling, she waved a stern finger. “No. Freddie said getting Legolas would help.”

Mark cracked up. “You mean getting legless…”

He picked her up and carried her the final steps towards the booth where Lucy and Freddie chatted. She clung on to Mark’s shoulder like a rescued kitten, tucking her head into the nook of his neck. Once seated, the room flung itself into a stuttering spin. Alex wouldn’t release her grip. Her short skirt lay rumpled, exposing her panties and sheer tights. Mark smoothed the skirt down with a single sweep of his hand.

“Ah, so funny…mmmm, kiss…finally…” mumbled Alex.

Lucy jumped up. “Is she all right?”

“Well, someone is,” laughed Freddie. “Nice lipstick there, Keegs.” He motioned to his friend to remove the burgundy smudge that overwhelmed his lips and part of his stubbly chin.

Mark flashed a cheeky grin and wiped his face with his free hand. Alex remained glued to his shoulder, rendering his right hand useless. “She’s fine. Drunk, but fine.”

“Mark, really…how could you?”

“C’mon, Lucy. I’d never take advantage.” He pointed at his lips. “She pounced on me. I’m the perfect gentleman.”

Freddie leaned across the table. “Don’t tell me you didn’t enjoy that just a little bit.”

Mark grabbed his pint and raised a roguish eyebrow at his friend.

Lucy collected Alex’s bag and coat, and her own satchel and trench from the booth.

“That’s enough excitement for tonight. Time to get this little one home to bed—alone.”

• • •

“I mean it. I’m never drinking again. Even my hair hurts.” Alex shoved her greasy bangs out of her bloodshot eyes. A chalky tablet fizzed in a glass of water on the table.

“Famous last words. Until your next ex shows up unannounced.” Lucy yanked on a chair, causing it to squeal across the lounge’s hardwood floor. Alex winced and snapped her eyes shut.

“I can’t believe you made a move on Mark last night. Well done, you.”

“God, how will I face him? He’ll think I’m a slag.”