Read Online The Candidate by Juliet Francis - Free Book Online Page B

a big, hard hug. He grinned, picked up the empty vessels at his feet, and motioned her out of the main thoroughfare.
    ‘What are you doing here?’ He repeated her question.
    ‘Just getting a bit of snow. You?’
    He gestured over his shoulder. ‘Mate’s stag weekend.’
    ‘Oh, fabulous!’
    ‘Yeah, it is. But the groom thinks the snow is a bit crap. He wouldn’t stop complaining so we came in here instead.’ Mac peered at his watch. ‘Shit — bloody ages ago. I’m a wee bit ploughed. Out of practice. You in town for long?’
    ‘No — I head back tomorrow, first thing. We’ve been here for a couple of nights already.’
    ‘Ah, bugger. It would be nice to see you when I’m not seeing two of you. This is our first night.’
    ‘Riiiight.’ She stopped herself from reminding him that he knew where she was, if he ever wanted to catch up. ‘Look, I’d better get going and let you get back to your mates.’
    ‘Nah, don’t do that. Come over and have a drink, meet the guys. You’ll love them.’
    ‘I can’t, Mac. I’m having dinner with someone.’
    He stepped back, and gave her a closer look. ‘Of course you are, of course.’ Nodding, he looked away again, and was about to speak when another man joined them.
    ‘Mac, mate. Going to introduce me?’
    ‘Yeah, sure.’ Mac righted himself. ‘Ginny, Nick; Nick, Ginny.’
    ‘Ahhhh.’ Nick extended his hand. ‘The lovely Ginny. I’ve heard a lot about you. Pleasure to meet you.’
    ‘You too. I mean — to meet you. I haven’t heard a thing about you.’ She laughed slightly at her gaffe, and looked Nick over. A good head shorter than Mac, he was nevertheless powerfully built, with tight red-gold curls and, as far as she could tell, covered in freckles. He was looking at her mischievously and she couldn’t help smiling in return. He seemed like a decent bloke and it was obvious he and Mac were close.
    Mac gave Nick a look. ‘No need to listen to a thing he says, Ginny. He’s the groom and even drunker than I am.’
    ‘Oh, congratulations! When’s the big day?’
    ‘Couple of weeks. Can’t wait.’ He nudged Mac. ‘I keep telling this one he needs the love of a good woman. Wouldn’t you agree?’
    ‘Sure,’ Ginny laughed. ‘Why not?’
    Mac gave Nick another look. ‘I’ll be right over with the round. Just give me a couple of minutes. Ginny has to get moving.’
    Ignoring him, Nick said to Ginny, ‘Where are you off to? Come and join the party.’
    ‘Thanks, Nick, but I’m having dinner with a friend, I’m meant to be getting drinks. He’ll be wondering where I am.’ She gestured and turned to see Stephen push his way through the crowd. ‘Oh, here he is.’
    Wearing pressed trousers, an open-necked shirt, and a sleeveless jacket to complete the gentleman-at-snow look, Stephen’s get-up contrasted with the jeans and T-shirts of the other two. As did Stephen’s soft office form alongside Mac’s well-constructed body, Ginny found herself thinking. She’d forgotten how tall he was. Looking at him, she realised she was having trouble taking all of him in.
    Mac leaned over to grip Stephen’s hand and gave it a hefty shake. ‘Good to meet you, mate.’
    ‘Likewise.’ Stephen winced slightly.
    ‘You’re not a shithead are you, mate?’ Mac pointed a finger at him.
    ‘Wha—’ Stephen blinked, and Ginny whacked Mac on the arm.
    ‘Mac! Stop it!’
    ‘It’s just that she has a thing for shitheads.’
    ‘Um, well, no — I don’t think so.’ Stephen turned to Ginny with a question on his face: was he a shithead?
    ‘Good, mate, good. What are you then?’ Mac peered down at him.
    ‘Um, I’m an actuary, actually.’
    ‘Ahhhh.’ Mac reared back, and took a hasty step to steady himself. Then said quietly, ‘Thought it might be something like that.’
    He really is very drunk, Ginny thought.
    ‘And um … you?’ Stephen queried.
    Mac and Nick exchanged looks. ‘Arborists, mate,’ Nick said. ‘We deal with trees.’
    Ginny