Falling for Flynn by Nicola Marsh

break you know where to find us.”
    “Sure thing.” His curious gaze locked with Jane’s for another few seconds before he half-saluted and walked away.
    Jane leaned back in her chair, her eyes fixed on Michael’s butt as he wound his way between tables. “I retract the dorky geek comment,” she said, fanning her face again. “That’s one hot guy.”
    “You really haven’t had a date in a while.”
    Lori should know. They often lamented the lack of men in their lives while chatting over a glass of wine on a Saturday night while their boys played computer games or pirates or whatever the battle of the day was. She never really minded, but from Jane’s stories, she’d led a wild life as roadie for a rock band before accidentally falling pregnant with Chris and by all accounts, missed the fun of life on the road.
    To her surprise, seriousness replaced Jane’s trademark cheek. “I’m over the dating thing. I want somebody special.”
    “Not like you to need a guy. What’s up?”
    Jane’s lower lip wobbled before she quickly hid it behind her coffee cup. “I’m lonely. All the guys I’ve ever been with have been wrong for me. I want someone different now, someone steady, reliable … ”
    Her wistful gaze lingered on the door where Michael had left a few minutes ago. “Who would’ve thought I’d ever find an accountant attractive?”
    “Michael’s a good guy.”
    “And cute … ” She sat up straight, suddenly business-like. “Enough about me. Let’s get back to more important matters like your love life — ”
    “Lack of one, don’t you mean?”
    “You definitely have one. It’s just a matter of pointing it out to the other person involved.”
    Lori sighed, tracing square outlines of the red and white checkered tablecloth.
    “I’m beginning to wonder if it’s worth it.”
    “You love him, don’t you?”
    “Yeah, I’m just tired of letting him know and getting it thrown back in my face.”
    “Have you actually told him? Used the exact words?”
    Lori shook her head. “It’s too soon. He’d run a million miles in the opposite direction.”
    “Like he already has?”
    “Touché. What do you think I should do? And I want some credible advice this time, not some stupid scheme.”
    Jane poked her tongue out though her eyes retained their sparkle.
    “If you’ve tried telling him in so many words, why don’t you show him?”
    “Wasn’t that what your last little scheme was about?”
    “I mean, really show him.”
    Jane reached for the salt and pepper shakers on the table, pushed them against one another and made strange puckering noises.
    “By using seasoning?”
    Lori tried to act puzzled and failed dismally as she laughed at her friend’s antics.
    “S.E.X.” Jane spelled it out as if it were the easiest thing in the world. “Actions louder than words?”
    “I’ve tried that,” she said, recalling the few times they’d kissed and wondering how much further they could’ve taken it if he hadn’t pulled back each and every time.
    Jane shook her head. “No, you haven’t. He’s had an out each time you’ve tried. It’s time to confront him without giving him that option.”
    “But how? He’s not even here anymore.”
    “Simple. Go to Sydney for the weekend. I assume he’s left his contact details if you want to get in touch regarding Adam?”
    Lori stared at Jane as if she’d lost her mind. “You’re nuts. I have responsibilities.”
    Jane waved her hands around as if shooing away her protests. “I’ll look after your darling son for the weekend. Go. Do this. Make it happen.”
    And just like that, the tiny seed of an idea Jane planted took root and sprouted.
    “I still think you’re nuts,” Lori said, already mentally sorting her wardrobe and coming up with nothing remotely suggesting seduction.
    “You can thank me later.” Jane folded her arms, her mission complete. “Like after your wedding.”

CHAPTER ELEVEN
    Flynn reclined in his chair, hands clasped