Undertaking Love Page 0,29

and Emily exaggerated head shake.

‘Hey, I was only kidding. You know that, right?’ He slid an arm around Marla’s shoulders and pulled her against his side, any trace of humour wiped from his face.

She forgave him instantly, leaning into his hug, grateful for his warmth and affection after the afternoon from hell. His smell was becoming familiar and she breathed deeply, looking for comfort.

‘Yeah, I know. Sorry. It’s just a bit raw, that’s all.’

‘Well, let me tell you something that might cheer you up again then.’

He released her from the hug to pick up the pint Bill put down in front of him and he savoured the creamy top on his beer slowly, keeping them in suspense.

Emily cracked first.

‘Come on then. Spill.’

‘Okay,’ he grinned. ‘I’ve arranged for a big wedding pull-out next week in the paper, and guess what’s going to be our star feature?’

Marla smiled, easily able to see where this was headed. At least Rupert was trying to help in a conventional way, unlike Jonny. All she wanted was a good clean fight.

‘The chapel?’ Emily supplied.

‘The chapel.’ Rupert repeated with a flourish. ‘We’ll photograph whichever wedding you’ve got on this weekend and do a nice big double page splash.’

Marla mentally rolodexed through the bookings to the wedding they had that Saturday. If her memory served her well it was a gothic affair, which should make for eye-catching pictures, if nothing else.

‘Where would I be without you?’ She smiled gratefully. Rupert slid his arm around her waist and planted a warm kiss on the side of her mouth.

‘Heading for bankruptcy, I reckon. Good job you’ve got me then, eh?’

Marla laughed for the first time since lunch.

‘I guess it is, yeah.’

The pub was filling up nicely, but a western-movie style hush fell over it a second or two later when Gabe and Dan came in, a study of perfection in biker’s leather and oily denim.

Marla sucked in a sharp breath and Rupert stiffened next to her, his fingers digging into her waist. Emily looked equally stricken by Gabe’s appearance, and Tom, the only one who hadn’t yet had the pleasure of meeting Gabe, glanced quizzically around the table.

Behind the bar, Bill slid his glasses off and put down his newspaper. He pulled two pints of Guinness and placed them on the bar.

‘On the house, lads.’

Gabe studied the glasses for a long moment and the pub held its collective breath.

‘Thank you, Bill. I appreciate it.’

The noise level returned to normal as if someone had turned the volume dial, and Marla released the breath she didn’t realise she’d been holding.

‘I take it that’s yer man then,’ Tom said. He nodded towards the newcomers as he took a swig of beer.

Emily followed his gaze and saw only Dan, even though there was a throng of people at the bar. She felt as if someone had dropped a concrete block on her chest and she couldn’t get her breath. The rational part of her brain knew that Tom was referring to Gabe, but his words still sliced through like an axe. She knocked her almost full glass of wine back in one go.

‘Can we go now, Tom?’ She was already on her feet and had her arms halfway into her jacket. ‘Please?’

Tom laughed.

‘Hang about, Em. I haven’t finished my beer …’ but Emily was already away across the pub. He pushed his chair back and stood up with a resigned grin.

‘Can’t wait to get me home.’ He shrugged. ‘Sex maniac. She’s killing me, man.’

He drained his glass and picked up his car keys.

‘Have fun, kids.’

He winked at Marla and Rupert. As he picked his way through the busy tables, Tom couldn’t help noticing the way Gabe’s friend turned to look at Emily as she passed. He felt a fierce stab of pride that she was his wife. He couldn’t blame other men for looking at her. Then Emily turned and held the guy’s gaze for a few seconds and, even in profile, he knew her well enough to recognize the look of ill-concealed panic on her face. Each second felt like a lifetime, until she whipped her head around and ran out of the door.

Two thoughts swam around in his head.

What was that all about? And Not a chance pal. She’s mine.

‘What was that all about?’ Gabe asked as the door swung shut behind Tom.

‘Not a clue. Probably fancied me.’ Dan shrugged. ‘Most women do, my friend.’

‘Did you not notice her husband was three steps behind her, man?’

‘Yeah, I noticed. But did she?’ Dan