“What do you think would happen if I snuck back to the barracks with you?”
He snorts. “The guys would give me a hard time if they saw you, but they’d keep their mouths shut. A couple of them have snuck friends in before. Why? Do you want to watch me make grime and fingerprints disappear?”
“Yes,” I answer honestly. “A little birdie taught me howa brush with extra-firm bristles can be a secret weapon to bulling boots.”
“I’m impressed, Fashion Guru. I didn’t think you’d know what bulling is.” He squeezes my arm and kisses the top of my head. “Where did you learn that?”
I send a silent thanks to Mr. G for explaining that bulling is the term used for building up layers of wax on shoes for that elusive mirror shine.
“I have my ways.”
He lets out a throaty chuckle. “Your boss?”
“Maybe?” I play coy.
“The blush on your cheeks is all the confirmation I need.”
My cheeks burn even hotter.
“You’re so cute when you blush.” He pulls me in closer to his body. We’re nearly at the entrance. “As much as I would love your company and have the world’s best magic assistant, I need to do this on my own. I’ve had a lot of time to reflect onwhyI’m being challenged to maintain my kit to the standard Captain Yates wants.”
“And?”
“It took a while to sink into my dense brain, but it's because a riding master’s job is to lead by example. I’ll be teaching new recruits if I get the position. If I have a soddy uniform, so will they. I need to be certain I can set them up for future success. From now on, everything I do needs to be done in a manner that shows my superiors I can handle the weight of their expectations.”
Sam’s words are deep. He knows exactly what’s at stake. “If you can handle two sisters, you can handle this.Ibelieve in you.”
We stop walking. He cups my cheeks. “Hearing you say that is all the fuel I need to push through tonight.”
We share a kiss. It’s tender and satisfying, like a baker who’s just stepped back to admire a dessert they’ve just spent hours upon hours cooking and decorating.
When we finally break apart, a goofy smile tugs at our lips. We wait in silence together, holding hands, until the car arrives to take me home. When I climb in, we bid one another good night, and I know I’ll be spending yet another night dreaming about my Soldier Boy.
Seventeen
Min
I’m home!
Sam
Excellent!
Min
What are you working on now?
Sam
Munching on crisps and stripping all the old polish off my jackboots.
Min
Why? Aren’t you supposed to build on the old layers?
Sam
We are, except I’ve done such a shoddy job in the past that it’ll make my life easier if I start with a blank canvas.
