Chapter 59

Paddles. There are some spectacular ones.”

Bryan’s

throat felt horribly dry. “I thought you didn’t want to do it again.”

Phiz

looked at him as if he were mad. “Of course I want to do it again! I’ve just

been waiting until you felt good about it.”

“Me?”

Bryan had been ready since the morning after the first time.

They

both stared at each other, and then burst into laughter.

“Did

I say that aloud?” Bryan said, but for once his elation outweighed his

embarrassment. “I told you I’m crap at this.”

“So

you keep saying.” Phiz winked at him again. “My arse doesn’t agree. It was

tender for days, I had trouble sitting on the bus, thought I ought to be

offered one of those seats for the disabled.”

“Oh

God, Phiz—”

“Joke,

Bryan. Joke.” Phiz slid his hand over the table top and grasped Bryan’s.

“Oh.

Pity.” Dizzy with sudden thrill, Bryan reckoned he could play the mischief game

as well. “I’ll have to try harder this time.”