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“Well, it looks like you’re not the only rising star in attendance.” Harry pointed to three blushing young women squeezing past, clutching autographed theatre flyers.

“Come.” Alex gripped his elbow. “Say hi to Mark.”

Hugs, air kisses, and words of congratulation greeted Alex through the busy bar. As they reached the end of the counter, Mark was saying “thanks for stopping by” to four more fans of his new TV series, the BBC’s latest hit.

“There you are. Hello, stranger.” Mark gave Alex a lingering kiss on the lips. “I saw Naomi and Tom getting busy on the landing. I didn’t want you feeling left out.”

She beamed at her boyfriend. “I don’t. Not with you.”

“Oh, get a room!” Harry laughed. “Who am I kidding? You two don’t need any encouragement. Great to see you, Mark.” He slapped the actor on the back, and the two men shook hands warmly. “So, do you always bring your own fan club with you?”

“Feels like it lately.” Mark widened his eyes. “The morning after the first episode aired, I started getting recognized. It’s been fun—so far. No creepy autograph requests in the men’s loos or people following me—nothing like that, thank God.” He laughed. “Never underestimate the power of a role in a BBC drama.”

“I almost never watch TV and even I’m hooked, so that’s saying something,” said Harry. “When’s the second series being filmed?”

“We’ve already started. I had to beg for two days off so I could be here for Alex.” He squeezed her waist and drew her closer. “This time tomorrow, I’ll be back in Aberdeen. Work’s been mental. Since May, we’ve been apart more than we’ve been together.”

Alex agreed with a small nod.

“Nice to be in demand, though.” Harry smiled. “I hate to be the first one to leave, but I must whip back to Bespoke before last call. I’ll say a quick hello to Michael and Helen, and be off.” He gave his friend a hug. “Congrats, Lex. You did it!”

“Thanks, Harry.” She smiled and adjusted his bent lapel.

“Mark, look after our girl. She’s a keeper.”

“Will do, Harry. Cheers.”

Alex nuzzled into Mark’s neck and gently pulled on his black tie. Her left hand continued its journey down his purple shirt, resting just above his belt. “So, tell me, Mr. Keegan, how does it feel to be back here, where we first set eyes on each other?”

He dropped his left shoulder and pivoted, wrapping both arms tightly around her waist. Face to face, their bodies leaned together, not even a whisper could float between them. “Actually, I’m kicking myself I didn’t snog you right there on the spot. Baggy Captain America t-shirt and all.”

Alex winced. “Ergh, don’t remind me. I’m lucky you gave me a second look.”

“Well, it wasn’t just about looks, Mouse.” His finger lingered softly over her mouth. “Although there’s a lot to be said for those pouty lips of yours…and how great your arse looks in yoga pants.” He playfully grabbed a handful and winked. “But at the pub, when you spoke in your cute American accent about writing—TOTAL turn on! I said I only liked you for your accent, remember? I told you that on our first date…”

“Our first date? On the Vespa? You consider that our first date?”

“Why wouldn’t I? I asked if you fancied a little London adventure—you accepted. I think the best dates feature new experiences, easy conversation, and the girl you fancy rotten holding onto you for dear life. As beginnings go, yeah—I’d say it was pretty epic!”

“I thought you were lovely, but as for getting it together, we were hopeless.”

“I know.” He pressed his lips against her forehead. “Blame the workaholic in both of us…and certain…extenuating circumstances…”

“To think, I almost ruined our chances. Stupid baggage, getting in the way. Things could’ve turned out so differently. I’m glad you never gave up on me.”

“The course of true love never did run smooth, and all that. But cheer up, Mouse—we made it…and so did your play! Just look at tonight—London is yours. I’m not surprised, not at all. It may have taken you a while to realize it, but you can do anything you put your beautiful mind to.”

He kissed her on the nose. “And if a little corrupting takes place along the way, well, so be it.”

“You’re a bad influence, Mark Keegan.”

“So I’ve been told. But you do realize, don’t you? You’re everything to me, Alex Sinclair. I won’t risk losing you again.”

A twinkle of mischief lit up his eyes. “You and me, we’ve only just begun our adventures together. Vespa Rules from now on: hop on, hold tight, and remember to enjoy the ride.”

Alex laughed and kissed Mark tenderly. She slipped her arm tightly around his waist, leading him towards her family and friends. A discreet new tattoo, a Doctor Who quote in Cocktail Script, peeked out from the inside of her forearm—

‘We’re all stories in the end. Just make it a good one.’