Free The Candidate by Juliet Francis Page A

familiar tug. ‘That’s it. But I can teach you, if you like.’ He winked over his beer as he took another long drink.
    She looked at him, pondering how odd the offer sounded, but also how kind of hot. It really has been a long time, she thought. Maybe she should take Stephen to bed after all.
    ‘Need another beer?’
    Mac tried to hide a burp. ‘I probably shouldn’t, although I think I’ve pretty much drunk myself sober.’
    On cue, the woman who had relieved him of his money came sauntering back. Shooting Ginny a look, she squeezed between the two of them, and handed Mac a fresh beer. Just his type, Ginny thought. All that blonde hair and tight clothes. Far too much make-up as far as she was concerned, but then it wasn’t really anything to do with her.
    ‘Here you go, sweetie,’ the woman said to Mac and Ginny cringed. ‘Your change is in my pocket. Wanna get it?’
    Oh, for God’s sake.
    Mac looked down at her, a lazy smile crossing his face. ‘Sure, why not.’ He reached behind and, bending down, slipped his hand into her pocket. Obviously sensing an opportunity worth exploiting, the blonde grabbed hold and locked on for a kiss.
    Flustered, Ginny tried to move away, but was hemmed in. It was far too close for comfort, especially as Mac seemed to be enjoying himself so much. Didn’t he have to breathe at some stage? Lip-locked, he fumbled with his bottle, eventually finding the table. His freed hand clamped onto the woman’s bottom, pulling her to him.
    Recognising the move, remembering it, Ginny felt nauseous. She quickly looked away, and saw Nick watching her.
    ‘Stephen, come on, let’s go.’ She pushed against him, suddenly wanting to put as much distance as possible between her and Mac.
    ‘But Ginny,’ Stephen replied messily, ‘we’ve only just got here.’
    ‘Fine,’ she snapped. ‘Stay. I’ve had enough, I’m going.’
    She squeezed past him and made for the door when she felt a hand on her arm. Spinning around, ready for a fight, she saw it was Nick, hands up in mock surrender.
    ‘Whoa,’ he smiled. ‘I come in peace. Just checking you’re alright? You went a bit pale back there. Feeling okay?’
    Ginny pinched the bridge of her nose, startled by the hot prick of tears. ‘Yes, I’m fine. Just tired.’ She smiled. ‘I’ll leave you lads to it. Great to meet you. Enjoy your trip, and congratulations again.’
    She turned to go.
    ‘He’s a free agent, you know.’
    She faced him again. ‘Who, Mac? I know that.’
    Nick nodded. ‘Sure — just checking.’ He raised a hand in farewell. ‘Great to meet you at last.’
    She watched him walk back to the noisy end of the bar. The bloody cheek, she thought angrily. Not wanting to think too hard about what that sick feeling might mean, or why she suddenly felt like crying, she stepped out into the hard, cold winter night.
     
    Back at her flat after her evening with Madeleine and the kids, Ginny frowned at the memory as she changed into her PJs. She collected her cup of tea and settled herself on the couch with the pile of CVs. The night at Ohakune had been very odd. She’d received a call from Mac the following day, sheepish and apologetic for ruining such a chance to catch up by scoring.
    She had been halfway back to Auckland by then, and had laughed it off. The funny feeling had passed. Good luck to you, she had said.
    And that had been it. She hadn’t seen hide nor hair of him since. Random night, random friend. Shaking her head to clear the memory she took a sip of tea, and went to work.

 
    Chapter 6
     
     
    Ginny had just stepped out of the shower, revved-up and ready for a busy end to the week touting for new business when her phone rang.
    ‘Ginny, it’s Robert Kendrick. I hope this is not too early?’
    Ginny struggled with her towel. ‘Not at all. How can I help?’
    ‘I was very impressed with what you had to say yesterday. I think you have a good handle on what we’re after, and how to go about getting it.