Chapter two

Their usual pub was packed with football fans as there was an Arsenal versus United game on. So Sandra democratically decided that they were going someplace else. In the end, they found a cozy little pub with a beer garden. They settled in a corner of the outdoor area with a pint of bitter and a glass of chablis.

Small talk and friendly banter made time pass by quickly as the two detectives were enjoying the sunshine. They were on their second drinks and remembering screw-ups during past cases, when a stunningly goodlooking woman in her thirties walked past their table.

"Oh, she's a tenner, she is." Gerry muttered to himself, eying the woman from top to toe.

The woman joined a group of girls on the opposite side of the yard.

Sandra glared at him. "Do you always have to ogle any woman that come within fifty yards ... Sorry, scratch that. That is a very good arse." Sandra said, watching the woman bend over at her table.

Gerry turned back to Sandra and stared at her. For once, he was speechless.

She rolled her impossibly blue eyes when she caught his look. "What? Am I not allowed to enjoy it as much as you are?" she challenged.

He chuckled heartily. "Your points just went through the roof, d'you know that!" he kept looking intently at her, leaning slightly over the table separating them.

She rolled her eyes again, but with a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Oh, come on!" she exclaimed, partly frustrated and partly amused.

"Seriously. You don't realise how hot that comment was, do ya?"

Oh, she knew alright. But she wasn't going to let him know that. She took another sip of her drink.

The mood of the conversation had suddenly changed. Both felt it instinctively, but neither wanted to think too much about it. The attraction had always been there. But they had never acted on it. Maybe the time to do so was approaching. Sandra gave him a provocative smile.

It was all the encouragement he needed. Gerry leaned back, still watching her attentively. "Would I, you know, stand any chance in your books?" He asked tentatively. He wasn't sure he wanted to hear the answer but at the same time he needed to know. He winced when her initial response was a burst of laughter.

She had a twinkle in her eyes when she answered. "I'd have to be very drunk." she said and necked the rest of her wine in one go.

Gerry was a little surprised that she hadn't refused right out. He'd always imagined her needing just a bit of persuasion. He wasn't sure what exactly to make of her answer, but found himself quickly. "Guv, would you like another drink?" he offered, looking right into her eyes. This was the moment of truth and he felt like his whole life depended on her next answer.

She just smirked and handed him her empty glass.

tbc