Dirty Movies by Cate Andrews Read Free Book Online Page B

Bedouin tents. This unexpected lightness lent an exotic charm to the glorious dark wood reception desk and the brightly coloured mosaic floor. In the centre of the room stood a large marble fountain. Soft candlelight from the dozens of tiny lanterns suspended from the rafters reflected in the steady trickles of water below like miniature diamonds.
    This really is a desert oasis, she marveled, as the pungent aroma of delicious-smelling spices drifted past on the late evening breeze.
    ‘I take it all back, this place is amazing ,’ she whispered to Joe as a hotel porter emerged from the gloom to take her bag and lead her over to the reception desk.
    For some reason her re action filled him with relief. ‘Make sure you come and find me once you’re done,’ he said quickly. ‘I’ll introduce the gang.’
    ‘I will. And thanks again for coming to pick me up.’
    ‘My pleasure, I think. Despite the dig s about my age I rather enjoyed the 80s film revival. If you can keep the insults in check, I might even let you borrow my Top Gun CD sometime.’
    Polly laughed. ‘How can I resist such a treat? Fine, from now on no more insults.’
    ‘Good ,’ smiled Joe. ‘Me and my fragile ego will be very relieved to hear it.’
     
    Flustered by the unfamiliar currency, which gifted her porter a tip as large as her suitcase, Polly splashed water across her face and beetled back downstairs, hoping she didn’t reek too much of dried yoghurt and gravy.
    Low ly lit and dominated by a vast wide-screen, fixed on MTV Morocco, the bar was heaving with endless groups of hot, sweaty, self-confident bodies. Brash Brit and American accents and the fug of cigarette smoke hung thickly above each table, and Kenny Loggins was turned up so loudly, he might have been Footloosing right out of the stereo.
    I wonder if that’s Joe’s CD , thought Polly idly, peering through the gloom for a glimpse of the 1st AD. Intrigued by the splashes and squeals that kept puncturing the conversations around her, she glanced through a set of open patio doors as a bikini-clad babe dived headfirst into a gleaming blue swimming pool. A huge cheer erupted as a pink top floated to the surface, sans babe.
    ‘Hey Polly over here!’
    Heads swiveled as Joe jumped up from a table in the corner and made his way over to her.
    ‘Couldn’t resist another crack at my age, could you?’ he teased, kissing her lightly on the cheek, ‘or am I in for that evening of blackmail after all?’
    ‘I’m still deciding ,’ she laughed, ‘what’s my silence worth?’
    ‘The first two rounds at least.’ Joe grasped her arm and led her over to the counter. He must be at least six feet , she marveled, as he leant over to attract the barman’s attention. Six whole feet of gorgeousness.
    ‘Casablanca ok?’ he asked her over his shoulder.
    Polly nodded, hoping it wasn’t too alcoholic. Her lack of sleep was liable to fast track the effects of booze, especially after her over-indulgence last night. Picking up her drink, she followed him back to his table.
    ‘This is Polly ,’ he announced, plonking four beers down. ‘Pull up a chair, sweetheart,’ he added, patting the spare seat next to him. Straight away a young man with short wiry black hair lent over to shake her hand. 
    ‘Hi , I’m Danny.’
    Polly took his hand , shyly. His soft, coffee-coloured eyes were perilously hypnotic, and, when he grinned at her, she couldn’t help smiling back. Seeing this, the table’s occupants roared with knowing laughter.
    ‘Don’t be fooled by his Irish rogue routine ,’ Joe warned her, slapping Danny’s hand away. ‘Give him half a chance and he’ll have you naked and performing his version of Riverdance, within the hour.’
    ‘And could you blame me for trying?’ exclaimed Danny, leaning over to plan t soft wet kisses on her cheeks, ‘look at her, she’s gorgeous! Ignore them all, darling, I’ll be suing for libel, first thing Monday.’
    ‘At least let her have a beer