Falling for a British bloke

Chapter 3 - meeting the boys

A/N: Sorry, this chapter is a bit shorter but I think it suffices and I wanted to get it uploaded. Also, I recommend going on youtube and listen to John Cale singing Hallelujah! ;)

Next chapter is already WIP!

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The morning after the night out with Sarah, Richard almost slept through his alarm. Stumbling out of bed and heading for the shower he muttered to himself. "Man, I'm getting old." After thirty minutes in the bathroom he felt quite restored and up to face his colleagues at breakfast. When he entered the dining area and headed for the table the others were already sitting, he couldn't help grinning at the questioning looks his fellow dwarves shot him.

"I would ask where you have been last night, as you didn't join us at the hotel bar, but that won't be fair as Martin is not yet here to hear your answer" Aidan stated, and Dean added "You were the core of some wild speculations yesterday..."

Richard took the coffeepot, poured himself a cup, sat down, and leaning back in his chair he simply shot Graham a scolding look and decided to ignore the questions as long as he could. That bastard had told the others about my encounter last afternoon. He's such a walking tabloid. I will at least sit that out until Martin arrives, with him questioning I won't stand a chance, anyway.

He didn't have to wait long for Martin though. He was just entering the room, heading towards the table and with a salacious grin he slapped Richard's back and said "So, you had a nice fuck last night, had you?" The fellow dwarves burst out with laughter as Richard nearly choked on his coffee. When he finally managed to get some fresh air in his lungs, he joined the laughter half-heartedly and shaking his head he exclaimed "Twats, all of you! We just went out for a drink!"

Still chuckling, Dean managed to ask "Just a drink? And afterwards?"

"A drink - some drinks. A little food. Lots of talking. We lost track of time again, it was really late, I walked her to her hotel, we parted with a hug, I took a cab back here. End of the story."

"Nothing else?" Jimmy enquired. "You know, a single man like you could easily take advantage out of such a situation..."

Richard got very serious. "She's too good for a fling."

Six pairs of eyes turned to him. "You only know her for a day! Is she that special?" Martin was the first to find his voice after the fierce statement of his friend.

"I guess she is. It's like we've known each other for years. She really feels like a good friend already. I don't know if there is anything more at the moment, though she is kind of cute, and not as young as I thought. But as today is the last day of this fair, we most likely won't ever meet again afterwards."

"Never say never." Graham solemnly stated.

Jed turned to Richard with a slight mischievous look on his face. "Why don't you invite her to our little party tonight. I reckon we are all quite keen to get to know that source of distraction of yours."

Richard smiled, a little mollified again. "Only if you guys promise to behave!"

The interviews that were set up this morning went quite smoothly and after that, Richard headed towards the book area again. There were very few people around their stall and all seemed very laid-back. He had to smile when she caught his eye, sitting with her back towards him on the counter, her feet dangling in the air. She looks like a schoolgirl with her braided hair and her purple shirt. He slowly approached her and watched her flipping through pictures on her mobile. When she reached a picture of him and her from the book signing he leaned towards her ear on impulse and whispered.