Min
I’m in Knightsbridge.
UnknownNumber
Is that the store on Brompton Road?
Min
Yup, I’m getting a new phone. The one you saved the other day is hanging on by a thread.
I shake my hands out. The device is hot and definitely on the verge of overheating.
Unknown Number
Are you going to be there for at least the next ten minutes?
Min
Looks like it. The sales associate isn’t back yet.
Unknown Number
Brilliant, I’ll be there in six minutes.
Min
OK.
I save his number, click the screen off, place my phone down on the table in front of me, and fan myself. I just agreed to meet Sam. Tonight. Am I ready for this? I hope so. It’s too late to change my mind.
“Are you OK? You’re a little pink.” The tech has returned with the latest iPhone in his hands.
“I’m fine, my old phone is just hot,” I fib.
He holds up the box with the new model. “Then we shouldn’t waste any time in setting this up.”
“Uh-huh.”
I turnover two different phone cases in my hand. They’re both clear, but one contains water and rose-gold glitter, and the other blue glitter. I shake them both and watch the glitter float from the top of the case to the bottom as I try and decide which one excites me more.
I hear a man clear his throat. “Get the gold. It’s more neutral.”
I appreciate that Sam has given me warning he’s hereand that he didn’t just start talking. I would’ve jumped out of my skin for about the fourth or fifth time in two days. I’ve had all the surprises I can handle. Taking a moment to compose myself, I shake the cases again. “You’re right, this one will look better with the purple.”
“Did you already get a screen protector too?”
“Yeah, the sales associate has it.” I return the blue glitter case to the shelf. “He’s putting it on the phone now. I didn’t want to walk out of here without it protected seeing as it’s about a thousand pounds.”
“Smart.”
Getting my first look at Sam, I do a double take. “You’re in normal clothes!”
I thought he was handsome before, but he’s added a new layer of attractiveness. The white collar of a dress shirt pokes out from underneath a navy-blue cable-knit sweater. It’s worn in places, but the thick wool looks ultra-soft and warm. I appreciate that on a chilly evening like tonight, Sam’s chosen comfort over looks.
As my gaze travels down, I note that he’s paired the top with dark-wash jeans, a black belt, and dark brown Chelsea boots. My throat goes dry. Those jeans leave little to the imagination. They hug his legs and butt in all the right places. Riding horses for a living has developed his muscles. His thighs are massive. Who knew that underneath that boxy coat was a man who could pass for a male model. I’m a sucker for a man in well-fitting clothes.
He chuckles. “What did you think I’d wear when I’m not on duty?”
