James: "You got a thing for Andy or something?"

Mary hadn't heard him approaching, and immediately turned her scowl onto him.

Mary: "What's that supposed to mean?"

James glanced sideways at Tristan, who was leaning against the wall opposite Mary, mirroring her glare as he watched Emily and Andy.

James: "Nothing, never mind."

He returned his gaze to Mary. She looked like hell. Either she was wearing far too much blush, or she was running a fever. James wondered why she'd even bothered coming.

James: "Can I get you anything?"

He regretted the words as soon as they left his lips.

Mary: "What, like a quick shag in the back of your car? No thanks, I don't need anything you have to offer."

The last word came out on the beginnings of a hacking cough. James took a step backwards.

James: "I once had a dog with a cough like that. We had to put her down."

He walked away before Mary could respond, feeling her glare hot on his back.