Beautifully Irresistible(116)
“Scrap the fog horn job. You should go into counselling, Rosie!”
“Here, I got you a large vodka tonic. Cheers! Holly is joining us. I hope you don’t mind.”
“No, not at all. The more the merrier. Let’s get wasted!”
We sat chatting about nothing much and thoughts of Zack started to ebb away. Holly joined us and after a few rounds, we decided to carry on to The George and Dragon just up the road. We clattered noisily towards the pub, talking ten to the dozen.
“Do you remember when they pinned those pants up on the notice board? The ones found in the unmarked car?” Rosie asked laughing.
“Oh yes, I do. No one claimed them strangely!” I replied and started giggling.
“You know who they belonged to, don’t you, Jennifer?” Holly said, smirking.
“Yes! Me!”
“You dirty bitch. Was it when you were with James?”
“Yes, we got a bit carried away one night when we were on surveillance. We were just getting down to business when a call came through the radio. We quickly shoved our jeans back on and my pants must have dropped onto the floor!” I told her as her mouth gaped open.
“That is priceless!” Rosie shouted as we erupted in hysterical laughter.
A couple of men from the station wandered over and sat with us.
“Brian, Chris, how are you doing?” I asked them.
“Good, thanks, Jennifer. Great result on the Phoebe Cole case!” Brian told me, shaking my hand and kissing my cheek.
Brian was about the only bit of talent to grace the station. His mousy thick hair always looked just so. He had lovely green eyes and a great sense of style for a copper. Something nearly happened between us once and Rosie had a huge crush on him.
“Thanks guys, that means a lot to me.”
“So it’s back to the real world now, Jennifer. No more lady of the manor for you!”
“Looks that way, Brian,” I told him sadly.
Tears welled up in my eyes.
“Sorry, babe. I didn’t mean to upset you.”
He gave my hand a friendly squeeze.
“Just ignore me. Do you fancy a game of pool?”
“That sounds great. I will get another round in.”
We spent the rest of the evening getting beaten by the boys at pool. It took my mind off my situation a bit and the alcohol certainly helped.
“Do you want me to walk you home, Jennifer? It’s on my way,” Brian asked, helping me into my jacket.
“That would be great, thanks.”
We all bid each other good night. Holly and Rosie gave me warm hugs and assured me that things would get better.
“Will you ask him if he likes me, Jen?” Rosie whispered.
“Leave it to me, babe!”
Brian and I headed back to my flat. We stopped outside the entrance doors.
“Can I come in for a coffee?”
“Err, not tonight Brian. I just want to be on my own and I haven’t forgotten that snog we shared last Christmas!”
“Neither had I, beautiful. I wish it had been more,” he told me as his green eyes sparkled at me.
He gently cupped my cheek. I stiffened up as he touched me.
“No, Brian. Please don’t,” I whispered.
He pulled his hand back and shoved it in his jeans pocket.
“I’m sorry, Jen.”
“Well, good night, Brian, and thanks for seeing me home.”
“I would really love to take you out some time, Jen.”
“I’m sorry, Brian, but I don’t know where I stand with Zack at the minute. Obviously he is well pissed off with me being undercover. I am hoping for reconciliation with him.”
“I see. I didn’t realise you were that into him.”
“I am mad about him. I met him years ago before I was in the police. I fell for him then and I never stopped thinking about him. I love him. He is the one. Anyway, you should ask Rosie out, you know. She has a serious case of the hots for you!”
“Does she? I might do that. I usually go for brunettes but she is pretty cute for a blonde!”
“Good night, Brian.”
“Good night, Jennifer, and if you change your mind, I will come running to you, babe! You are so beautiful.”
“I know she is and she’s mine! All mine!” Zack’s deep voice vibrated from behind where we were standing.
We both turned around to look at him. He stepped out of the shadows. Zack towered over Brian’s average build.
The dirty look Zack gave him was priceless. I had to stifle a giggle.
“Sorry, mate, I will get going. Good night.”
Brian jogged quickly down the road without looking back.
I stared at Zack. “How long have you been standing there?”
“About five minutes. So you kissed him once? I should have knocked him out. He was coming on to you pretty strong!”