If Kelly could take anything positive from that fateful night, it was that such a wonderful couple had benefited from her blunder.

While sex wasn’t the be all and end all of a relationship, in Kelly’s mind, it separated friends from lovers.

If there was no intimacy between her and her lover, they might as well just be friends. Perhaps her attitude would change with age. Or if she met someone who wooed her so much with her intelligence, and good company, that sex didn’t matter.

The only action Kelly had seen in the past two months was with her own hand. Her vibrator provided her with a swift release but would never replace what she missed the most about being in a relationship; physical intimacy.

A toy could never replicate an emotional connection or the heavenly feel of skin on skin.

Even when she got off with her vibrator, an overwhelming sense of wanting to snuggle up to a lover, and bask in the afterglow, often left Kelly feeling bereft.

Kelly gave herself a mental kick up the backside. If she didn’t stop moping around the flat, she’d never meet a potential lover. Although she’d met Paula at the café, when Paula used to frequent the place to impress business associates, chances of meeting another customer Kelly might consider dating were slim to none.

“Don’t jump.” The warning came from behind.

Startled, Kelly did just that. The cup she’d been holding fell from her grip and shattered on the floor. Thankfully, it was empty.

With her heart pounding against her ribcage, Kelly spun around.

Her boss, Jennifer, quirked an eyebrow and glanced at the mess on the otherwise pristine linoleum floor.

“Shit, you scared the crap out of me.”

“Language,” Jennifer chided, handing Kelly a dustpan.

Normally more professional at work, Kelly apologized. “Sorry, you took me by surprise. I was miles away.”

The signature scent of Jennifer’s perfume tickled Kelly’s nostrils. “I noticed.”

Her boss leaned a hip against the counter, her expression all business. “I have an important assignment and need someone I can rely on. You’re top of the list. The pride you take in your work, going the extra mile to ensure a customer is happy, hasn’t escaped my notice.”

The observation shocked and delighted Kelly. Jennifer wasn’t one to sing praises. She was of the mind her employees were paid to do a job and to adhere to high standards.

“The Inland Revenue Department has selected the café to be audited. They are expected to arrive on Tuesday and, all going well, will be done by Friday.”

“What does that mean?” Kelly asked. “I mean what does it entail?” she added, not wanting to sound totally clueless.

“Not only will they make sure every dollar has been accounted for, and all taxes paid. Which, by the way, they have.”