There wasn’t anything interesting going on at the bar so she swivelled her stool and looked around. The interior of the club was dark, the combination of blue strobe lights and artificial fog creating a cerulean haze. Adele squinted as she gazed towards the dancefloor. If she was honest with herself, she was secretly hoping she’d catch sight of Glynn, and it wasn’t long before she spotted his chiselled features and honed physique as he strutted across the room.

On his way to the bar Glynn stopped to chat to a couple of people. The first conversation seemed amicable and there was a lot of laughter and back-patting as they parted. But the second time he stopped to talk to someone, the conversation didn’t seem so friendly. Glynn’s handsome features had formed hard lines and the way he nodded his head towards the man as he spoke told her that he was having a go at him about something.

The man seemed to shrivel as Glynn chastised him, then he skulked away. Glynn looked up as the man walked away, then drew his shoulders back and changed his facial expression as he mixed with the punters again.

As she watched, Adele also noticed the girls. She was amused by their reactions as Glynn walked past them. Some were more subtle than others, simply raising their eyebrows or sharpening their gaze as they admired him. Others were blatant: either staring openly, then whispering and giggling with their friends, or shouting flirtatious greetings to him.

Adele also noticed Glynn’s reaction. He was all too aware of his appeal and was lapping it up as he strode cockily towards the bar. She smiled to herself as she thought, Peter was right. This one is definitely to be avoided. He’s got nearly every woman in the club swooning over him and he knows it.

This time when Glynn approached her, she didn’t turn into a gibbering wreck. While she’d watched him, she’d prepared herself, and the wine had given her some courage.

‘Hiya, sweetheart!’ he greeted. ‘What’s a gorgeous girl like you doing sitting here all on her own?’

Jesus, she thought. He might have the body and looks of an Adonis but his lines are yesterday’s clichés.

She smiled, amused. ‘Peter’s busy,’ she said casually. ‘Besides, I’m fine on my own.’

He smiled broadly and lowered his head towards hers while he whispered in her ear, ‘You sure you don’t want a bit of company, love? Male company. Only, your eyes are telling a different story than that gorgeous mouth of yours.’

She laughed at his audacity. ‘Oh, yes. I’m sure,’ she said. ‘I’m perfectly alright on my own.’

He turned towards the barmaid. ‘Can you give me a bottle of Pils, Cindy, love, and whatever this lovely young lady is having?’ he asked, flashing a beaming smile at Adele when he referred to her.