Free The Lawson Boys: Alex by Angela Verdenius

watched, several of Mark’s
friends appeared and fell into step beside him.
    Inside the
café, she put her bag in the staff room and took down a clean
apron, tying it around her waist. Bill went into the kitchen while
Harly walked into the dining area. Going to the espresso machine,
which Maryanne had already going, she poured herself a cup, added
two sugars, then stood and sipped it with a sigh.
    “Espresso?”
Maryanne appeared by her side. “Already? That means you’re upset
about something.”
    “Just a few
things I need to sort out.” Harly smiled reassuringly at her
friend. “Nothing major.”
    Maryanne looked
pointedly at the cup of hot coffee.
    “I didn’t sleep
well. This is to help clear my thoughts.”
    “Want to talk
about it?”
    “Seriously?”
    “Yes.”
    “Bill wasn’t
serious when he offered.”
    “Bill isn’t a
heart-to-heart man.”
    “That he
isn’t.” Harly took another sip, the warmth of the hot coffee
slipping through her, and she could swear she felt every tense
muscle in her body ease. “Ah man, that hits the spot.”
    “So?” Maryanne
waited, her eyebrows raised.
    “So nothing.
It’s just a few personal things I need to sort out. I’m fine,
honestly.”
    “I worry about
you.”
    Surprised,
Harly glanced up. “What for?”
    “Alone in that
house outside town with nothing but your dog and cats. You need a
man.”
    Harly nearly
choked on the mouthful of coffee she’d just taken. Spluttering, she
managed to gasp out, “What?”
    “A man. You
need a man.”
    “A man?”
    Maryanne
nodded. “A male of the species. A bloke. A human with a donger
between his legs.”
    Harly’s mouth
fell open. “What brought this on?”
    Picking up the
to-go cups, Maryanne started to fill them from the espresso
machine. “Bernice was talking about Alex Lawson being back in
town.”
    “Well, for a
visit.”
    “She said he’s
one hot hunk. You ought to nab him before she tries to match him up
with her niece.”
    “Nab him?”
    “Yeah. You
know, a woman has needs, Harly. You have needs.”
    “I can’t
believe I’m hearing this.”
    “It’s nothing
to be ashamed of.” Maryanne filled another to-go cup. “I have
needs.”
    “So you go
after Alex.”
    “You know my
husband would have something to say about that and besides, he
takes care of all my needs.” Maryanne winked. “Really well, if you
get my meaning.”
    “I really
wanted to know that.” Harly shook her head, grinning.
    “So, it’s about
time you get a man.”
    “Honey, the
eligible men in town aren’t into me.”
    “Have you given
them a try?”
    “Offered myself
around as a motorbike, be the local ride? No, I can’t say that I
have.”
    “I don’t mean
whore yourself. Geez.” Maryanne rolled her eyes. “What about Jack
or Will?”
    “What about
them?”
    “I know they’d
be happy to take you out.”
    “Together? I’m
not really into ménages.”
    “No, you idiot.
Separately.”
    “Not my style,
not my type. And I’m not their type.”
    “Says who?”
    “Maryanne, Jack
is dating a slim bird from the dress shop, and Will hangs out at
the local bar where he’s lusting after the delicate barmaid,
Tiffany.”
    “Tiffany?”
Maryanne laughed. “Seriously? A barmaid called Tiffany?”
    “A slim
barmaid,” Harly stated. “Dainty, pretty, and wears short
shorts.”
    “Fine. What
about-”
    “No.”
    “Geez, Harly,
what are you gonna do if you get an itch you can’t scratch?”
    “I take it
you’re meaning if I get all hot and bothered?”
    “Yeah. What,
you have a vibrator in your bedside drawer?”
    “No. I tell you
what…”
    “Yes?” Maryanne
asked eagerly, capping the last cup and pulling out a small
cardboard box.
    “If I need sex,
I’ll phone a man.”
    “Phone?”
    “Yeah. From the
personal section of the papers. Someone called Steve promises hot
delights and my fantasy dreams answered, all with one dial.”
    Her friend got
a funny look on her face. “Is he expensive?”
    “I