Free Heroes Live Forever (Knights in Time) by Chris Karlsen

Stoneleigh."
    Jeremy's brows lifted a tad. "The posh girl's school, I'm impressed." Between them they blocked most of the small aisle. "Perhaps we should walk before someone mows us down." He grasped her elbow, his fingers brushing her ribs as he led her towards the front.
    "Why don't we have dinner at the Falcon's Nest?" The pleasant smell of soap wafted over her as he bent close. Such a refreshing change from the heavy scent of most aftershaves many men drown themselves in.
    "I'd like that very much," she said, pleased for once the school meeting ran late.

    ****

    She’d hesitated and almost changed her mind about dinner as they stood in the pub’s doorway. It was well past the time she usually came home. Basil might worry. She resisted the sudden urge to leave and reminded herself not to let her feelings for him to get out of control. Especially when she had an attractive man in arms reach. A living, breathing one.

    A hazy cloud of stale smoke that irritated her allergies and eyes hung like fog inside the pub. Elinor waved her hand in front of her face while they worked their way through the crowd and found a small table.
    Jeremy didn’t wait for the serving girl and placed their order with the bartender. He returned with the drinks and set Elinor’s on the table. He sucked down a swallow from his filled to the top pint of beer and managed not to spill any as he squeezed onto the tight corner stool.
    He licked away a thin layer of foam from his upper lip and smiled across the table at her. Such a sexy smile, Elinor thought as her cynical mind questioned her luck. Why would a man who looks this good and has his own business, not have a girlfriend? She sipped her whiskey and soda, while she contemplated the possible reasons.
    “Penny for your thoughts,” Jeremy asked, as she sorted through the mental list.
    "I was wondering why you don't have a girlfriend."
    He didn't flinch at the question, which she thought was a good sign. "Well, the shop is the main reason. It belongs to my father and he'd like to retire soon. Taking over the business hasn't left me with a lot of time to dedicate to my social life, let alone a girlfriend."
    Elinor was instantly suspicious. Experience had taught her the next statement would involve some sad tale of being too busy to go anywhere. She could almost hear the "Why don't you make us a little dinner and we can watch television at your place," suggestion. Translation-- you can make me dinner and we can have sex, then I'll go home.
    "It’s taken a few months to get all the details worked out, and my schedule manageable. But, even with more time available to me, I haven't found anyone who really interests me, until now." Jeremy placed both elbows on the table and leaned forward. "That question goes both ways you know? Why don't you have a boyfriend?"
    "I haven't found anyone who interests me either, until now."
    For a long moment neither said anything letting the innuendos hang between them.
    Jeremy was the first to break the silence, "I like your hair better down."
    The barmaid walked by with a plate of roast beef and potatoes, the aroma of onions and mushrooms trailed behind her. Elinor's stomach growled loudly. "Sorry, I'm a bit hungry."
    "I'm starved too." Jeremy signaled the waitress.
    The next two hours flew by. "It's almost 10:00, I should go. I open early on Saturdays," Jeremy said.
    Elinor nodded and tried to hide her disappointment. He hadn't indicated any desire to see her again.
    All the way to the car he didn't say a word. Elinor retrieved her keys and started to thank him when he put his arm around her. "Would you like to go to dinner tomorrow night?"
    "Yes, I'd love to, what time?"
    Jeremy pulled her close. "I’ll pick you up at 7:30."
    Her mumbled "Okay” was lost in a sloppy wet kiss. His soft, fleshy mouth covered hers as the kiss reached beyond the outside of her lips. She broke it off and subtly moved her purse between them. "Let me give you my number. Call before you