“Let’s hope you’re right.” She rubs her hands together. “I’ve been tracking the foot traffic in this area for thelast year, and this warehouse is ideally placed near Tower Bridge, Borough Market, and the Shard.”
Miller chats with us for a few more minutes, then lets us know she’s about to lock up. Sam and I thank her for a lovely evening. We gather our belongings and exit to the street.
“The car I ordered should be about five minutes away,” Sam says, pocketing his mobile.
I unzip his coat and slip it off my shoulders. “You’d better take this, then.”
“Keep it. It gives me an excuse to come over and pick it up from you or have you bring it over to the barracks sometime.” He licks his lips. “Or on our next date.” Sliding his hands into his pockets, he stares out onto the inky-black water. In the distance, Tower Bridge is illuminated in a golden glow. “I enjoyed spending time with you, Min. I’m just sorry it has to come to an end.”
“Me too.” I pull at one of the stray threads on the sleeve. “I had a lot of fun. Thanks for a great night.”
I want him to kiss me, but I know it isn’t something people normally do on their second date—no, make that our third. Or is it? Sam moves in closer to me. He brushes a lock of hair from my face. My body is humming with a zing of electricity. I lick my lips.
Just as it looks like he’s about to make his move, a white sedan approaches. So much for the almost-kiss. We step apart. As it pulls to a stop, Sam confirms the driver is there for us.
His eyes dance under the golden lighting. “Are you comfortable riding back by yourself, or would you like me to go with you?”
“I’m OK,” I confirm.
Opening the door, he assists me inside. “Text me when you get home?”
“I will.” I nod.
He takes hold of the car’s door handle. “Good night, Min,” he whispers.
“Good night.”
As the door closes and we drive away, I watch as his form slowly disappears. Resting my head against the supple leather of the car’s back seat, I let out a content sigh.Trooper Baker, I hope I can trust you, because at the rate we’re going, you’re well on your way to capturing my heart.
Min
I’m home. *Smiley-face emoji*
Sam
*Thumbs-up emoji*
Min
Good night, trooper. Hope you get some sleep soon.
Sam
I have some kit to polish first, but don’t worry, I will. Good night.
The remainderof the weekend passes in a blur. I sleep in late the next morning and spend my Sunday afternoon with Liz. We treat ourselves to a spa day and visit a few High Street shops on the way home. I wanted to look for some silk thermals for Sam.
Plus, now that spring is almost here, it’s important for me to see what’s trending in the world of fashion for this season. Spoiler alert, it’s pastel blue, pink, and green clothing with puffy sleeves, polka dots, and ruffled skirts.
When my alarm goes off on Monday morning, I rush to get myself dressed and hurry to see if I can catch the changeover at Horse Guards Parade. The Life Guards were on duty this weekend, which means that the Blues will be due back at eleven.
Min
Hi, Sam! Hope you’re having a good morning so far. Just for my own curiosity, are you back at HG today?
It’s ten, probably too late for him to respond. I set my phone down and wonder what Sam is doing right at this very moment. Is he out cleaning a horse stall? Washing a horse? My mind wanders and I’m curious how one bathes a horse. Does it go in a bathtub like a dog?
Curiosity getting the better of me, I type “How to Wash a Horse” into SearchTube and click on the first video that pops up. The presenter of the video clips the horse’s halter to a post, then brushes, lathers, and hoses the animal down, a little like a car. Go figure.
