I’m currently working at Targa, a computer company which specialises in data recovery – whatever that might be. All I know is that I work here more frequently than anywhere else in my role as a temporary secretary, thoroughly wasting the 2:2 in Media Studies that I struggled so hard to get – despite the fact that everyone views it as a ‘nonsense’ degree. Targa has endemic levels of stress, sickness and the deployment of duvet days. I think some of my colleagues would benefit from going to my yoga class more than I do. Whenever anyone falls pregnant they seem to find a reason to sack the poor, unfortunate woman – which can take some time and creativity. So I’ve done more than my fair share of extended maternity cover over the last few years. Employment legislation means nothing here.
One of the few reasons that I like working at Targa is that it’s perilously close to Chocolate Heaven and, if I’m brisk, I can nip there in my lunch-hour. My current job is to cater for the wide and varying whims of six assorted salesmen, under the eagle eye of Sales Manager, Mr Aiden Holby.
‘Hi there, Gorgeous,’ Aiden Holby says as he passes my desk. ‘Off to put your legs behind your neck tonight?’
Targa is a very politically incorrect company, too. Sexual harassment and general abuse of the staff is encouraged – mainly because it’s the only form of relief from the constant stress. An ability to flirt outrageously and a wide vocabulary of offensive language are both necessary requirements of recruitment.
‘Yes. Yoga beckons.’
‘What I wouldn’t give to see you bending over in one of those tight little Lycra leotards.’
‘Yeah?’
He holds up his hand. ‘Don’t interrupt me. I’m having a male moment.’
‘Dream on,’ I tell him as I head for the door.
‘I’m having a drink later with the guys at the Space Bar,’ he says, turning up his 100-kilowatt smile. ‘Join us.’
‘Can’t. But thanks.’
‘I’ll buy you some of that chocolate vodka you’re so fond of.’
It’s tempting. There’s only one thing that can count as better than chocolate and that’s a chocolate/alcohol combo. ‘I’d better give it a miss,’ I say, trying to be virtuous.
‘I was hoping to get you drunk so that you’d seduce me.’
‘You couldn’t afford that much vodka.’
He laughs softly. ‘Goodnight, Gorgeous. See you tomorrow.’
Aiden always addresses me as ‘Gorgeous’, but I’m not sure whether it’s because he does, in fact, think I’m gorgeous, or because they’ve had so many temps through the office that one generic name fits us all. Saves all that pesky remembering. I don’t, however, call him Gorgeous – even though he is.
Aiden Holby is possessed of a rare charm. All the female members of staff, particularly those of a certain age and of an impressionable disposition, think he’s fab. He’s tall, dark and ridiculously handsome. The fact that he’s got an irrepressibly cheeky smile and naughty twinkling eyes hasn’t exactly escaped my attention either. I do occasionally find myself talking in glowing terms about Mr Aiden Holby at The Chocolate Lovers’ Club and the girls have duly nick- named him ‘Crush’. Not that I do have a crush on my boss - not really. Besides, while Mr Aiden ‘Crush’ Holby is a resolutely single man, I am a woman in a committed, long- term relationship. I’m loyal to Marcus to the nth degree – even though my friends at The Chocolate Lovers’ Club quite often point out that my loyalty is entirely misguided.
You can buy The Chocolate Lovers’ Club now on Amazon to find out what happens next.
About the author
Carole Matthews is a USA Today and Sunday Times Top Ten bestselling author whose unique sense of humour has won her legions of fans and critical acclaim internationally. Her book For Better. For Worse was a Reading with Ripa book club choice on Live with Regis and Kelly. She’s published in over 30 countries and received an award for her Outstanding Contribution to Romantic Fiction from the Festival of Romance. Welcome to the Real World and Wrapped Up in You were both short-listed for the Romantic Novel of the Year Award by the Romantic Novelists’ Association.
Previously very unlucky in love, she now lives happily ever after with her partner, Lovely Kev, in Milton Keynes, England. She likes to drink champagne, eat chocolate and spends too much time on Facebook and Twitter.
Getting in touch
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Praise for Carole’s novels from authors and the media
‘My favourite book.’ Kelly Ripa
‘Carole Matthews writes of the travails of romance, relationships and motherhood with hilarity, tenderness and despair. It’s a story loaded with laughter, tears and hope.’ Adriana Trigiani
‘A wonderful story of friendship, intrigue and romance.’ Katie Fforde
‘Full of joy and laughter.’ Trisha Ashley
‘Fabulously enjoyable… full of heart and fun.’ Milly Johnson
‘Think Marian Keyes with a splash of Jane Green. If you’ve never read any of Carole’s books, you are definitely missing out.’ Vito Magazine
‘A treat that’s sure to entertain.’ Romantic Reviews Today
‘Lots of fun.’ Closer Magazine
‘Hilarious . . . Saucy, but nice.’ Daily Express
‘This novel has all the warmth and wit we expect from Carole Matthews. Perfect.’ Bella
‘Funny, pacy and heart-warming.’ U Magazine
‘Will have you giggling from the start.’ OK! Magazine
Also by Carole Matthews
Let’s Meet on Platform 8
A Whiff of Scandal
More to Life than This
For Better, For Worse
A Minor Indiscretion
A Compromising Position
The Sweetest Taboo
With or Without You
You Drive Me Crazy
Welcome to the Real World
The Chocolate Lovers’ Club
The Chocolate Lovers’ Diet
It’s a Kind of Magic
All You Need is Love
The Difference a Day Makes
That Loving Feeling
It’s Now or Never
The Only Way is Up
Wrapped up in You
Summer Daydreams
With Love at Christmas
A Cottage by the Sea
Calling Mrs Christmas
A Place to Call Home
The Christmas Party
The Cake Shop in the Garden
The Silver Collection
The Chocolate Lovers' Christmas Page 40
