MasterStroke Read Free

doesn’t have the stamina to make it as an athlete. Anyway, I worry about a man who shaves his legs more often than I do.”
    A laugh exploded out of Sandrine, almost bringing her to tears; Mariel had that effect on her.
    “What do you know about Mr Hunky?” Mariel was eager for gossip.
    “Aside from the fact he has a credit card and an eclectic taste in reading, I don’t know anything about him.”
    “Then the perfect opportunity will present itself when he comes back.”
    Sandrine waved a hand derisively.
    “Not going to happen. Look at him. He’s way out of my league. Probably has a supermodel girlfriend. Or he’s gay. Anyway, I’m not like you. I don’t pick up complete strangers.”
    “About time you did. When was the last time you got laid?”
    Sandrine batted the question deftly to one side where it lay abandoned and unexplored. Their conversation wandered off into other areas and, after a time, Mariel gathered up her parcels and headed for the door.
    “Take care. I’ll call you later,” she turned back, remembering something important. “Oh, yes, and please, please, please, if Mr Hunky asks you out, do go. Heathcliff can do without you for one evening.”
    Sandrine simply arched an eyebrow which Mariel took as acquiescence.
    The remainder of the afternoon slid by without incident. With the exception of Jack Lucas, nobody came in and, five minutes before closing, Sandrine was packed up, the stereo and heating turned off, and she was debating what to have for dinner. As she checked her watch and wondered whether Mr Lucas would be back in time, the door opened and, with another blast of frigid air, he came in.
    “Sorry if I’ve kept you waiting,” he said. “My meeting took a little longer than anticipated.”
    The books were already packed up in branded Buckingham’s carrier bags on the counter, where they’d been sitting most of the afternoon. Her bag, coat and scarf were on the counter next to them.
    “It’s been a difficult afternoon and I was planning on a drink,” he continued. “If you have nothing else planned, perhaps you’d like to join me.”
    Sandrine was just about to thank him but decline when she drew herself up short. It was true she didn’t have any plans. She was going back to her apartment where Heathcliff awaited his dinner and a well-received cuddle while she reheated the previous evening’s leftovers. There were a number of new books but she had difficulty making up her mind which to start next. There was nothing urgent she needed to do that couldn’t be put off for an hour or so. And Mariel’s probing insistence that she get to know Mr Lucas better, while it hadn’t been pressing on her all afternoon, was nonetheless echoing through her mind.
    Why not? He doesn’t seem dangerous or weird or socially inept. He’s attractive, smart, well-dressed. And, yes, she had to admit, he certainly was sexy in a way she’d never found attractive in a man before. Don’t think about it, don’t over-intellectualise , she heard Mariel saying. The unknown awaits. What do you have to lose?
    “Thanks,” she said, smiling shyly. “I’d love to.”

Chapter Two
    The bar was downstairs about a block from the bookshop; she had passed it many times without knowing it was there. It was a little too masculine for her tastes, with its dark wood panelling and diamond-button leather sofas and buttery indirect lighting, much as she imagined an exclusive old world gentleman’s club would be, but its ambience was beyond doubt. It was warm and welcoming and she immediately felt at home.
    It was busy with a professional after-work crowd, carefully-groomed men and women in conservative suits. The mood was chatty rather than raucous; the deep carpeting, heavy furniture, paintings and curtains absorbed the sound, reducing it to a low murmur.
    Jack led her through the bar to an unoccupied banquette at the back. While she settled in, he said he’d go to the bar and get drinks rather than waiting