Thanks as ever to everyone who's taken the time to read and review. The end is nigh …
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Epilogue: One Year Later
Lorraine led the way down the stairs into 'Jase's Place', David and Faye lagging behind while sharing some private joke. She heard Faye's throaty chuckle and shook her head, a smile playing around her lips. She supposed she and Jason had been just the same when they were newly engaged.
Pausing in the doorway, she felt the now familiar sense of pride swell in her chest: the bar might be Jason's baby, but she'd been there every step of the way with support and advice. Gleaming chrome fixtures and a multitude of mirrors were offset by polished wood and luxurious leather booths, a happy mingling of the traditional and the modern. Jacks wound her way expertly between tables with a tray of drinks, flashing Lorraine a genuine smile of greeting and Lorraine returned the smile, her eyes roaming the room until she spotted the object of her affections at the bar, deep in conversation with Simon the bartender.
As he leant forwards, his pristine white shirt tightened over those broad shoulders and she sucked in a breath, her gaze drifting lower to his denim-clad rear. Buns you could bounce a pound coin off, she thought, a shiver of arousal trickling down her spine. How did he still manage to have that effect on her after all this time? Licking her lips and straightening her little black dress, she sashayed in his general direction. Alerted to her presence by Simon he turned, flashing her that knicker-melting smile that made her want to drag him into the office and lock the door behind them.
Jason pulled her into a one-armed embrace, raising the other hand to greet David and Faye before kissing her slowly, sensually on the mouth.
"Evening, Mrs Grant. I missed you today."
"I missed you too but I can't leave Faye to run the business entirely on her own any more, especially now she's got a wedding to organise."
Pressing herself closer, she whispered next to his ear.
"We could make up for lost time now though, if you like."
His low growl sent a surge of lust coursing through her body.
"Don't think I'm not tempted, but I suspect our good friends over there might feel the need to send out a search party if we mysteriously disappear."
Lorraine cast an eye in the direction of David and Faye, who had made themselves comfortable in a booth and were deeply engrossed in conversation.
"They're so wrapped up in each other I doubt they'd even notice. Oh and by the way - I'm going commando tonight."
"Dirty girl." His eyes glinted dangerously as he lifted her left hand to his mouth and pressed a kiss to her knuckles. "I'm glad I had the good sense to put a ring on it, seeing as I officially wear the trousers in this relationship now. I'm tempted to put you over my knee later for distracting me during working hours."
"Mmmm, yes please …"
She fluttered her lashes and he chuckled, his hands slipping down to her shapely behind and kneading gently.
"Go and be sociable and I'll order up some champagne to toast the engagement."
Reluctantly she made to move out of his embrace but he tugged her hard against him again, catching her off-guard.
"And don't forget, you owe me some serious conjugal rights later. By the time I'm done, you'll be begging me for mercy …"
His warm breath caressed her skin and the hint of menace in his voice set her pulse racing with anticipation. Her legs were shaking but she met his intense gaze, tilting her chin up defiantly.
"One of us will be begging, but it sure as hell won't be me."
She smirked at him before spinning on her heel and he watched her weave between tables, making sure to exaggerate the natural sway of her hips entirely for his benefit. He rolled his eyes, chuckling to himself. After the hours he'd been putting in he was definitely owed an early finish, if only to teach his wife a lesson she wouldn't forget in a hurry.
He turned to Simon, placing the order for chilled champagne and nibbles before leaning back, arms crossed, surveying his empire. He had to admit he was proud of what they'd achieved in the last six months and it felt good to have finally turned his life around. Jacks materialised at the bar next to him, passing a drinks order over before moving in closer and nudging his shoulder.
"This place is the biz, Jase, really classy. I love working here, and so do all the others. Thanks for giving us this chance."
He nudged back.
"Least I could do, love. If it wasn't for you and the girls O'Malley's henchmen wouldn't currently be doing time at Her Majesty's pleasure and the bastard himself probably wouldn't be six feet under. Besides which, you make a great team. I couldn't ask for better."
She raised herself on tiptoes to kiss him on the cheek.
"Cheers, that means a lot. Now you better get over there before your wife gives me the old heave-ho!"
He snorted, winking at her before heading off to join the other three, and Jacks allowed herself the luxury of watching him as he pecked Faye on the cheek before sliding in next to Lorraine. He reached over to clap David on the shoulder while shaking him by the hand enthusiastically, clearly delighted at their news. Jeez, the two of them looked so alike so she almost thought of them as brothers now. She grinned to herself and sighed, wishing they actually were. And that there might just be another one out there somewhere for her …
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Well, who knows? Shame we can't clone Jason really. I suspect there'd be a long queue! Anyway, hope you enjoyed. If so, last chance to let me know. :)
A/N: I suspect that will be it from me, fanfic-wise, at least for the time being anyway. I'm busy attempting to earn some sort of a living from this writing lark and will update my homepage accordingly for anyone who may be interested.
At present there are two more short sexy historical novels due for publication very soon, but after some thought (and an idea that won't leave me alone!) I'm moving on to contemporary romance where I feel more at home. Strangely, I seem compelled to write tall, blond, blue-eyed heroes. I have no idea why … ahem ...