“I’ll have to remember those tricks for when I move into my own flat.”
“Is that allowed? I mean, don’t you have to live in the barracks?”
“No, not unless you’re deployed or on operations. We just have to be within reasonable commuting distance of our base. I’ve always chosen Knightsbridge because I’ve never had a reason to live anywhere else. But seeing your place now is making me rethink things.” He rests his elbows on the counter. “I think my entire room at the barracks could fit inside your living room. I miss having my own bathroom and kitchen. Everything is communal. There isn’t much privacy.”
I remember the days of sharing a dressing room with ten other corps girls. Talk about not having any privacy—we were always crammed in one another’s space. We had a tiny table and mirror where we could do makeup, but thatwas about it. It was fine on most days, but when we were in a rush or had quick changes, things could turn ugly. I definitely don’t miss fighting for a place to stow my food, costume, shoes, or other belongings.
“So what kept you up all night? Were you thinking about me?” Sam winks.
I picture my tablet with the sketches I did last night of him. My face burns hot. “Um... let me get that coffee.” My voice comes out an octave higher than I intended.
As I turn my back to him, I close my eyes and take a moment to catch my breath. Sam’s presence is doing things to me I never expected to feel in a million years. I just hope I can manage to maintain my composure around him. A kitchen, after all, is a dangerous place to lose track of one’s mind.
Eight
Thankfully, I manage to turn the conversation around and safely make it through the remainder of breakfast unfazed. I’m even a little early to work. Sam is brilliant at keeping track of time. It’s not until my lunch break that I finally am able to find the time to text Liz and bring her up to speed.
Liz
You met your soldier again this morning?
Min
Guilty as charged.
Liz
Wow, I’m speechless. That’s two dates without me needing to bribe you.
Min
I know.
Liz
What made you decide to be so impulsive?
Min
Instinct? I don’t know. I really want to get to know him better.
Liz
Please don’t tell me you’re madly in love with him already.
Min
NO! Everybody knows instalove isn’t a thing. At least not in the real world. But I do like him. He’s like a refreshing glass of lemonade on a hot day.
Liz
I’ll need photo evidence.
Min
No promises, but I’ll see what I can do.
Liz
