French Kissing by Lynne Shelby Read Free Book Online Page B

when he wasn’t at the coach when it was time for us to go home that the alarm was raised. A couple of teachers stayed in town in case he turned up, and the rest of us were taken back to the school, where our parents were waiting to collect us. We’d just got off the coach, when the school secretary got a call from the police –’
    Izzy put her hand over her mouth.
    â€˜I was terrified that something dreadful had happened to Alex and it was all my fault, but he arrived back at the school in a police car, terribly apologetic, claiming that he’d got lost in the park, and couldn’t find the coach. Eventually, after wandering the nearby streets, he’d gone up to a policeman. Everyone was so glad he was safe, that the question of how he’d come to be on his own got overlooked.’
    â€˜He didn’t grass you up for abandoning him on the underground?’
    â€˜Of course not. Don’t you remember what it’s like being thirteen?’
    â€˜Not really,’ Izzy said. ‘So, after Alexandre lied to the police, that was when you and he became friends?’
    â€˜No. We were friends after the underage drinking incident.’
    â€˜Your schooldays were certainly a lot more interesting than mine. But then I did go to an all-girls private school.’
    â€˜You poor deprived child.’
    â€˜And did Gérard kiss you before he went back to France?’
    â€˜No. But I didn’t care. I decided I didn’t really like him that much.’
    â€˜Did Alex kiss you?’
    â€˜ No. Back then, he was much too shy.’
    â€˜You missed out, meeting him so young. Now, he’s a really great kisser.’
    â€˜Who’s a great kisser?’ Alfie, having tired of the discussion by the water cooler, came and sat on my desk next to Izzy.
    â€˜Alexandre,’ Izzy said, ‘It’s not just the way he kisses. He really knows how to –’
    I said, ‘Too much information.’ I was well aware that Alex must be pretty good in bed – no guy could sleep with as many women as he had and not pick up a few ideas along the way – but I had no desire to discuss his sexual expertise with my co-workers.
    Izzy grinned, completely unabashed. ‘Have you seen much of Alexandre since Saturday?’
    â€˜I saw him yesterday morning. And for about two minutes this morning before I left for work.’ Although I did see quite a lot of him in that short time.
    â€˜Did he say anything about me?’
    I hesitated. What should I tell her?
    Before I could frame a tactful answer, Alfie said. ‘Are you going to see him again?’
    â€˜Yes I am,’ Izzy said. ‘Even if he hasn’t realised it yet.’
    â€˜Listen, Izzy,’ I said. ‘Alex is a very attractive guy, but you need to know that he just broke up with his long-term girlfriend, and he isn’t looking to get into a relationship right now.’
    â€˜Oh, he told me about Cécile. I reckon I’m exactly what he needs to make him forget her. So if he asks you for my mobile number, Anna, you have my full permission to give it to him. Actually, would you just text him my number now? Make it clear it was my idea that he should have it.’
    â€˜I hate to break it to you, Izzy,’ Alfie said, ‘but if he didn’t ask you for your number, he’s not interested.’
    â€˜Oh, he’s interested,’ Izzy said. ‘He just needs a bit of encouragement.’
    â€˜So you’re planning on having a casual fling with this French guy?’ Alfie said.
    â€˜I don’t do flings ,’ Izzy said. ‘Alexandre may not think he wants a girlfriend, but I’m sure I can change his mind.’
    â€˜Just be careful you don’t get hurt,’ Alfie said.
    â€˜Alfie! I didn’t know you cared,’ Izzy said.
    Oliver put his head around the partition which separated his and Natalie’s office from the rest of us.
    â€˜Morning