Strictly My Husband: It's funny, it's romantic and it's got dancing - what's not to love! Read Online Free Page B

the things that you do
    I ain't lyin', no, I ain't lyin'
    I just can't stand it, babe
    The way you're always runnin’ ’round
    I just can't stand it, the way you always put me down
    I put a spell on you because you're mine . . .’
    Tom was mesmerised and still didn’t breathe. Her singing was strong, clear, full of expression and so haunting he felt chills running up and down his spine. They had never had anyone of this calibre audition before. Halfway through she shrugged off her cloak to reveal a racy sparkling red gown that showed off her figure to the max, causing him to take a sharp breath and Amy to dig him in the ribs. Carly moved out from behind the microphone and performed a mini dance routine with grace, elegance and style before returning to finish the song.
    She came to the end of her performance and there was a stunned silence in the auditorium. Even Amy sat there speechless at what she had just seen in their humble little theatre in Back of Beyond World. She was the first to come back to her senses, however, and without thinking stood up and clapped her hands enthusiastically.
    ‘Brilliant,’ she roared. ‘Eh, boss?’ She glanced at Tom over her shoulder. ‘That’s more like it.’
    Tom couldn’t move. She was holding his gaze, not a shred of acknowledgement of their previous interaction on her face. She looked poised, professional and expectant.
    ‘It’s yours,’ was all he could manage to blurt out. ‘It’s yours. Please say you’ll take it. Please.’
    ‘Aw,’ interrupted Amy. ‘Do you mean we won’t be doing the dead transvestite Whitney Houston slash Cher tribute band after all?’
    ‘On hold until next year,’ said Tom. ‘That is if Carly wants the job.’ It was his turn to look expectant.
    ‘Really?’ she said into the microphone.
    Tom nodded. ‘Really.’
    ‘Yes!’ She leapt off the stage and ran straight at Tom to wrap him in a bear hug. ‘Oh my God, what would I have done without you today?’ she cried. ‘When I saw it was you I nearly pissed my pants, seriously. I’m so sorry about earlier. I can’t believe what I said to you.’
    ‘Whoa there,’ said Amy, looking confused. ‘You two have met before?’
    ‘No, not really.’ Tom shook his head vigorously. ‘I just helped with her suitcase this morning.’
    ‘Suitcase?’ asked Amy.
    ‘My boyfriend’s chucked me out,’ babbled Carly. ‘Today of all days, can you believe it? So I arrived with a suitcase and no job and now I have a job and just need somewhere for me and my suitcase. Actually, if you could direct me to the nearest Travelodge then the day will have turned out much better than expected.’
    Neither Tom nor Amy responded. Tom was very conscious of Carly’s arm still draped around him and of the evil glares that Amy was giving their new leading lady.
    ‘The Cow will have a room,’ muttered Amy eventually.
    ‘She means the Red Cow,’ added Tom. ‘A pub nearby.’
    ‘Perfect! I could do with a drink after the day I’ve had. Couldn’t give me the number of a taxi firm, could you?’ Carly asked, giving Tom the Fondle Fondue look again. ‘You must think I’m such a pain expecting you to sort out all my problems. I’m not normally like this, I promise.’
    ‘No problem, honestly,’ replied Tom. ‘Look, I can drop you off there if you like. I only live down the road.’
    ‘Seriously?’ cried Carly. ‘I think you are the kindest man I have ever met.’
    ‘No, I’ll take her,’ said Amy firmly, taking a step forward and putting her hand on Tom’s free arm. Her face was grim and set and Tom had seen that look before. Normally it meant he had to let her have her own way even though he was the boss.
    ‘Well, that’s very kind of you,’ he said, taking a step back so that neither lady was in possession of one of his limbs, ‘but how exactly are you going to get Carly and her suitcase on the back of your moped, Amy?’
    ‘I’ll do it in relay. Suitcase first then her.’ Amy stabbed