Thanks as ever for all the kind reviews, its always nice to know people are enjoying your humble efforts! Without further ado, here's the next instalment …
.
xxxxxxxxxx
Chapter 2
As Gene pulled open the top drawer of a filing cabinet and removed a bottle and two glasses, she noticed the other officers heading out of the door in dribs and drabs.
"It's beer o'clock, luv. Fancy a whiskey?"
She nodded, and he poured them both a decent measure before sitting back in his chair to study her.
"Although yer probably more used ter a nice drop of champers, a posh bird like you."
He smirked, crossing his arms as she took a sip.
"Bottoms up, Bollinger knickers."
"Whatever."
She shrugged as Phyllis returned with a tray of tea and biscuits and a frown.
"Alcohol, Guv? She might 'ave a concussion, remember?"
She left, tutting under her breath, and Gene furrowed his brows.
"She's got a point. Mind if I just check yer over?"
"In your dreams, 'Guv'."
She waggled her fingers at the mention of his title and he flashed her a wicked grin that went straight to her underwear.
"I'm a perfect gentleman as well as an officer of the law, I'll 'ave yer know."
More's the pity, she thought, shocked at herself.
"Fine. But above the neck only, OK?"
"Scout's honour."
His fingers were surprisingly gentle as he examined her scalp and the clean masculine scent of him was intoxicating, making her head spin again. Bad idea to let him this close, Alex.
"Alex! That's my name."
He stepped back and she dared to breathe again.
"Well there's no obvious sign of any damage. 'Ave a biscuit, we don't want yer faintin' again, Bols."
"I told you, it's Alex."
He pouted attractively, and she resisted the urge to crawl over the desk and nibble his lower lip.
"I like Bols, it suits yer. Now, what are we goin' ter do with yer tonight? A nice warm cell, maybe?"
Her eyes widened in panic, and he smirked.
"Only jokin', luv. Yer more than welcome to come back and stay at mine."
She blinked at him in surprise.
"Won't your wife mind?"
"Don't see as it's any of her business, seein' as she ran off with an insurance salesman a while back."
"What a fool."
His lips twitched in amusement, and she realised what she'd said.
"I … um … just meant trading in a DCI for a salesman."
She felt the colour rising in her face, but he just shrugged resignedly.
"She said I was married ter the force, and she had a point. Anyway, I 'aven't exactly been lonely since she left, if yer catch my unsavoury drift."
He winked at her and her stomach turned to liquid.
"Hmmm. You have got a spare room, I presume?"
"No, but I've got a nice big bed and I'm happy ter share."
She opened her mouth to protest and then caught the glint in his eye.
"Very funny, Guv. "
"Seein' as we're goin' ter be spendin' the night together, yer can probably call me Gene."
"Gene, what's today's date?"
He looked puzzled.
"Sixth of June."
"I know it sounds mad, but which year?"
"Blimey, seems yer must've taken a bit of a knock. 1974, last time I checked. "
It was probably a good job she wasn't standing up.
xxxxxxxxxx
She watched him surreptitiously as he drove, admiring his handsome profile while hanging on for dear life as he took yet another corner on the wrong side of the road. The strong jaw line, the sexy pout and those amazingly long lashes were a devastating combination and she was drawn to him despite herself, wondering idly what he'd do if she kissed him. Would he be put off by a woman taking the initiative, or turned on by it? She got the feeling she'd find herself flat on her back before she could say 'bit of rough' and the idea excited her beyond belief. Maybe she should just go for it, if she ever made it out of the car in one piece. After all, if her subconscious had decided to be kind and conjure up this fine specimen of an Alpha male, who was she to refuse?
The trouble was it all felt far too real. What if it wasn't a dream and she was genuinely suffering from amnesia? She might have to live with the consequences of her actions so she couldn't afford to let her guard drop, not until she knew what she was dealing with. Nothing seemed remotely familiar, not Manchester and definitely not Gene, and yet there was something oddly reassuring about his presence. She was strangely relieved he'd invited her to stay and confident she could manage one night without leaping on him, however much she might be tempted.
He pulled up in front of a row of shops and she glanced over at him, puzzled.
"Need ter pick up a few bits and pieces if you're goin' ter cook me some dinner tonight. Won't be long."
He stepped out of the car, smirking at her outraged expression, and she felt her lips twitch. He'd better be joking.
xxxxxxxxxxx
"Pull up a chair while I open the wine, Bols."
She raised a quizzical eyebrow.
"You don't strike me as a wine drinker, Gene. What is it?"
"Red."
"No, I meant … oh, never mind."
He uncorked the bottle and poured her a glass before reaching into the bag to rescue a can.
"Aren't you joining me?"
"More of a beer man, meself. The wine's all yours, luv."
She took a sip and nodded her approval before checking the label.
"Cote de Rhone, eh? Very nice it is too. Thanks, Guv."
His eyes glowed with genuine pleasure for a moment before he turned away and started to unpack the shopping.
"How does bangers an' mash with proper onion gravy grab yer? I know it's probably not what yer used to …"
She touched his hand briefly and felt a spark of electricity flare between them.
"Sounds wonderful. Suddenly I'm starving."
"In that case yer can make yerself useful and peel me a few spuds."
xxxxxxxxxxx
She sat back with a sigh of contentment, patting her stomach.
"Gene, that was wonderful. I'm so full I'm not sure I'll make it upstairs later, though."
"Looks like yer on the sofa with me then."
He flashed her a lecherous grin and a bolt of desire shot through her, almost making her forget all her good intentions. She blinked at him in confusion.
"But … I thought you had a spare room?"
"I do, but it's full of boxes. Yer can 'ave my room tonight."
She shook her head vehemently.
"You've been so kind already, there's no way I'm letting you spend the night on the sofa. You're a big man, you'll never get any sleep."
"You been lookin' then, Bols?"
He waggled his eyebrows suggestively at her and she took another sip of wine to cover her confusion. God, she'd almost finished the bottle, she was going to have to watch herself.
"You know what I mean, Gene. That sofa's only a two seater, and you must be at least six foot."
"Spent many a Friday and Saturday night on there, as it happens. Either I was too drunk ter make it upstairs or she'd locked me out of the bedroom."
She smirked.
"Why, do you snore?"
His piercing gaze met hers and there was a hint of a challenge in his eyes.
"It wasn't that so much that, luv. More that a night on the beer tends to make me a bit … frisky …"
She was the first to look away, the colour rising in her face as the vision of a randy Gene sliding into bed next to her made her heart thump erratically in her chest. Change the subject, Alex. She cleared her throat.
"I'll clear away while you put your feet up. It's the least I can do."
His lips twitched and she cursed herself, knowing he had a fairly good idea what was going through her head.
"Fine. I'll change the bed and then see if there's anythin' worth watchin' on the telly."
He rescued another can to take with him and she breathed a sigh of relief, even though the room seemed strangely empty without him.
.
xxxxxxxxxxx
So. Along with his more obvious attributes, the man can cook? And she's still planning to let him spend the night on the sofa? All the common sense of a grain weevil, that one! ;)
Hope you're still enjoying, feel free to let me know.