Free Fireside Romance Book 1: First Flames by Drew Hunt

asked.
    “As ever!” I sighed dramatically.
    Ron laughed.
    Ron put the drinks on a tray, I paid and we went to sit at a table in the far corner. I sat facing the door so I could spot the latecomer when she arrived.
    “It’s nice in here,” Mark said.
    I nodded after taking a pull on my pint. “Mary and I used to drink here. Mind you, that was in the pre-Jerry days.”
    We made small talk until madam Mary showed up. When I spotted her, I winked at Mark. “I wonder what excuse she’ll have this time.”
    “Is she often late?”
    I grinned. “Almost always.”
     
    “Hello, boys.”
    “I got you one in,” I said, pointing at her glass.
    “Thanks, I need it.”
    “Oh?”
    “Yeah, just come off the phone to Jerry. He seems to be having a whale of a time out there. Says he misses me, though.”
    “Aw, ain’t love grand,” I put in.
    “Yes it is. Speaking of which, how are you two love birds getting on?” Fortunately no one was sat close by, and Mary spoke softly.
    I was expecting such a comment, but Mark wasn’t. He reddened, but quickly recovered.
    Mark put his arm around me and said, “We’re getting along great, thanks.”
    This caused me to go red, and Mary to laugh.
    “You’ve got a keeper there, Simon. ” She smiled.
    I looked at Mark and said, “Yes, I think so too.”
    Mark just smiled. I began to wonder if he really did think something of me. I’d have to tread very carefully, but his smile certainly lifted my spirits.
    “Tell me, Mark,” Mary asked, “Have you picked up any good recipes for Yorkshire Pudding?”
    Mark looked confused, and I kicked Mary under the table.
    “Ouch!”
    “I’m not with you,” Mark said.
    I glared at Mary then turned to Mark. “Never mind, I’ll tell you later.”
    The three of us spent a very enjoyable evening in the pub. Although I was very much a homebody, I occasionally did enjoy a change of scene, especially when out with such convivial company.
    “Well, boys, Dad will be picking me up out front in a couple of minutes, so I better not keep him waiting. I hope you’ll be thinking of me sleeping all on my ownsome tonight.”
    Keeping my expression as neutral as I could, I asked, “You could always join us if you fancied a threesome.”
    Mary blushed. This was a rare occurrence, so I felt as though I’d scored a minor victory. It was usually me who would end up embarrassed.
    “No thanks, I bet at least one of you snores.”
    “Who said anything about going to sleep?” Mark put in.
    I put a hand over my mouth to stifle a laugh. My man was learning how to handle Mary. Good on him.
    “I think I better go while my virtue is still intact.” She smiled. “Look after yourselves, you hear!”
    “We will!” we both said together.
    This caused all three of us to chuckle.
    We escorted Mary to the door, and waited till her dad came to pick her up. Then we made our own way home.
    * * * *
    “Did you enjoy yourself this evening?” I asked Mark as we lay in bed that night, me spooning behind him as usual.
    “Yeah, Mary’s a lot of fun.”
    “She certainly is. Feeling tired?”
    Mark yawned his answer. “I’ve had a really fun day. Thanks for everything.”
    “You’re welcome.” I kissed the back of his neck. “I’ve had fun, too.”
    The room fell silent.
    I was just drifting off when Mark said, “Simon?”
    “Yeah?”
    “What was all that about Yorkshire Pudding?”
    I chuckled, then told Mark about the silly game Mary and I sometimes played.
    He laughed.
     
     
    Chapter 6
     
    We were sitting at the kitchen table on Sunday morning. I had just cleaned away the breakfast things, pleased Mark’s appetite was still good.
    “Do you want to get a start on those benefit forms we picked up yesterday?” I asked. “I doubt if they’ll be processed before Christmas, but the sooner we get it done, the sooner they can start paying you.”
    “Yeah, okay. Might as well get it over with.”
    I got out the forms. It was amazing what the government