“You can come home with us - the waiter wants to clean up.”
He glances over at the waiter and back at me. He sighs and reaches in his back pocket, pulling out his wallet and handing it to me. “Fine, settle up with him and take out money for a cab.”
Apparently, I am now his PA.
The waiter leans into me. “He’s already settled up with me. We’re all straight.”
I nod and get a note out of his wallet to cover his taxi ride. His driving licence is right there, along with another ID. Firefighter ID. Wow, he’s a fireman. I wouldn't have him putting out many fires right now. Still, that makes him even hotter - he saves people for a living. How has Jack never mentioned that? Now I come to think about it, Jack has hardly talked about his brother at all. I know they’re close, but he’s never dropped any info about him.
I look at the address on his driving licence. It’s not too far from my flat. We can drop Mia off, then him and me last.
“Fine. Come on, Mr Happy, let’s get you home.”
He scoffs and sways as he tries to stand. Wow. This guy is bloody tall. He must be 6.5 or something. Mia is right - how could I not have remembered this guy? His shoulders are so broad - if this guy leans on me, he’s gonna push me right over.
“Mia! Get over here and give me a hand.” I slide my hand around his waist, and he throws his arm around me. His back feels good, all sinew and muscle. Mia scuttles around to the other side and does the same. I try not to be turned on by his body, but I'm only human—no beer goggles required with this guy.
“Thank you.” The waiter mouths.
“You owe us a drink next time we’re here.”
He nods. “Absolutely.”
The three of us shuffle towards the door. He is holding his own weight, thankfully. Mia can hardly stand up herself, never mind keep him upright too.
“Come on, Big Guy - we need to get you outside.” I manage to manoeuvre us outside while using brute force to keep him steady. I'm going to ache tomorrow.
He mutters something in that deep voice of his that’s too low and incoherent to understand. As we hit the night air, our taxi pulls up at the curb. The driver looks at us dubiously as we bustle the big guy into the back seat. Mia climbs in the front.
“He’s not going to be sick, is he?” The taxi driver asks.
God, I hope not. He will puke all over me if he does.
“I don't think so.” I mustn't sound sure.
“There is a fifty quid fine if he does.” he eyes me, dubiously.
I remember seeing lots of notes in his wallet, so stuff it, he can pay if he throws up.
I shrug. “That's fine, he won't be sick, but if he is, he’ll pay your fine.”
The driver sighs. “Fine. Where to?”
“Badger’s Mount, please.”
The driver sighs even deeper as he drives off - Mia gives him her address.
I look over at the big bundle of mess at the side of me. What has happened to this guy to get him in such a state? He is so handsome. He’s like the guys that come up on your Facebook feed...well...if you like those kinds of pages, whichmaybeI do. I never thought I would go for a guy with long hair, it’s only chin length-ish, but what I wouldn't do to see it all down. That man bun looks sexy, but Jesus, I bet he looks good without it. His broad shoulders are hunched at the moment, but he could be an intimidating man with their width and height. Nothing intimidating about him right now, though. He is a big bunch of sad. The taxi driver doesn't need to worry about him throwing up; as the journey progresses, he falls deeper and deeper into slumber. So much so that I fear that I'm not going to be able to wake him up when we get to his house.
I lean my head back on the seat and relax for a second.
It takes about ten minutes to get to Mia's house. She hops out of the front seat and hands me some money.
I hand it to her back. “This taxi ride is on him. He owes us.” I say, smiling.
“What are you going to do with him? You could always take advantage of him - he wouldn't have a clue.” I know she's joking - at least - I hope she is!
“Haha. Night, Mia. Thanks for a great night as usual. Love you, babe.”
